Radioprotective effect of green tea and grape seed extracts mixture on gamma irradiation induced immune suppression in male albino rats

Abstract

Purpose: Green tea extract (GTE) and grape seed extract (GSE) have antioxidant and radioprotective effects. The current study aimed to investigate the radioprotective effect of GTE and GSE mixture on radiation-induced immune suppression in rats.

Method: A total of 35 male albino rats were divided into five groups: group 1 (control rats). The 2nd and 3rd groups rats were exposed to a single dose of gamma radiation (5 and 10 Gy), respectively. The 4th and 5th groups of rats were gamma-irradiated with 5 and 10 Gy, respectively, then administrated by gavage with GTE and GSE mixture (100 mg: 200 mg/kg BW), respectively, for 14 consecutive days.

Results: Gamma irradiation induced hematological, immunological and biochemical effects in rats. Treated rats with GTE and GSE mixture (1:2) showed an increase in concentrations of immune cells including CD4 and CD8. The level of pro-inflammatory cytokines Tumor necrosis factor-α and C-reactive protein elevated after γ-irradiation and significantly decreased by mixture administration. Moreover, groups treated with antioxidant mixture showed a significant increase in all hematological parameters and a significant decrease in cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Conclusion: GTE and GSE mixture is a good radioprotector and immune modulator compound, indicating its possible use as an adjuvant during radiotherapy.

Keywords:

• Gamma irradiation
• grape seed extracts
• green tea
• immunological markers
• polyphenolic
• pro-inflammatory cytokines
• rats

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the management of Hot Laboratories Center and Nuclear Research Centre (NRC), Atomic Energy Authority for ongoing cooperation to support research and providing funds from the total budget and facilities necessary to achieve the desired goals of research.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.