The Cytokines-Directed Roles of Spirulina for Radioprotection of Lacrimal Gland

ABSTRACT

Purpose

To evaluate the radioprotective effect of spirulina (SP) on the lacrimal glands after RAI treatment.

Methods

A total of 30 rats were separated into control, RAI and SP group. The radioprotective effect of SP on lacrimal glands was evaluated with histopathological and cytopathological analysis. Lacrimal glands were analyzed for tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels.

Results

RAI increased TNF-α (p = .001), IL-6 (p = .018), and NF-κB levels (p < .0005). Following the administration of SP, TNF-α (p < .0005), IL-4 (p = .026), and IL-6 (p = .006) levels decreased. RAI decreased the TAC levels (p = .001), and co-administration of SP increased the TAC level, but was not statistically significant. SP decreased the TOS level after RAI (p = .022)                .

Conclusions

SP protects lacrimal glands from RAI-induced damage.

KEYWORDS:

• Radioiodine (RAI)
• spirulina
• radiation
• radioprotection
• cytokines

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported that there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.