Effects of silymarin and mesenchymal stem cells on hematological and some biochemical changes induced by gamma radiation in albino rats

Abstract

Purpose: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the protective and therapeutic effects of silymarin and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to ameliorate the damage caused by gamma radiation.

Materials and methods: MSCs were given by intravenous injection to male rats (1.4 × 10⁷ cells), 1 day next to gamma radiation (4Gy). While, silymarin was administered orally at a dose of 70 mg/kg b. wt., 3 days before irradiation and continued for 21 days post irradiation.

Results: After 1 and 3 weeks post-irradiation, the results revealed a significant decline in red blood corpuscles (RBCs), white blood corpuscles (WBCs) and platelets count with rising in serum lipid profile [total lipids (TL), total glycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and very low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL-C) levels] and total bilirubin; while significant decreases in serum total protein and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were observed. In irradiated animals receiving double treatment with MSCs and silymarin; amelioration of the changes observed in hematological and biochemical parameters when comparing with the irradiated group.

Conclusions: Treatment with a radio-protector (such as silymarin) in addition to MSCs transplantation was recommended to protect against gamma radiation injury.

Keywords:

• Gamma radiation
• silymarin
• mesenchymal stem cells transplantation
• lipid profile

Acknowledgements

Sincerely, extended to all of the zoology department stuff and technicians; faculty of science, Mansoura University, Egypt.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript but it is a personal competing interest.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

A. Z. Mahmoud

A. Z. Mahmoud is a Associate Professor of Molecular Cell Biology and Associate Consultant of Medical Analysis, Urology and Nephrology center, Mansoura University, Egypt. The interested research area is the molecular biology studies of different types of cancers. Author and co-author in many of published local and international journals since 1998 till now.

H. A. Ebrahim is a Professor of Animal Physiology & Ecology at Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Egypt. The main specialization is radiology. Head of zoology department since 1980 to 1982 and for a second period1986 to 1989. Author and co-author in many of published local and international journals since 1982 till now.

M. R. El-Sawi

M. R. El-Sawi is a Professor of Animal Physiology & Ecology, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Egypt. The main specialization is radiology. Participated in many scientific workshops in endnote program, stem cells and radiology. Author and co-author in many of published local and international journals since 1986 till now.

M. N. Habza

M. N. Habza is Graduated from Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Zoology and Chemistry Department, Egypt with grade very good. Trained in DNA extraction, PCR& stem cells transplantation in PhD& Master degree. Presented in workshops of endnote program and stem cells extraction. Currently, working in central laboratories, Ministry of health, Egypt.