Radioprotective Effects of Allium jesdianum Extract on Reduction of Pancrease Damages Following γ-Radiation through Down-regulation of Apoptotic Genes, Antioxidants Regulation, and Suppression of Inflammatory Markers

Background: Allium jesdianum (AJ), as a plant in onion category, has antioxidant features. Moreover, γ-ray potentially generates oxidative stress in living organisms. Objectives: In this study, the probable therapeutic effects of AJ on destruction of pancreas tissue following γ-ray were evaluated. Methods: Sixty-four mature NMRI mice (8 animals in each group) were assigned to eight groups as follows: (1) Control; (2) γ-ray (dose rate of 1 Gy/min); (3-5) AJ extract (500, 1,000, and 2,000 mg/kg); and (6-8) AJ + γ-ray. AJ extract was prepared, and all administrations were applied orally for 70 consecutive days. Antioxidant parameters (nitrite oxide, peroxidation, and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP)), the expression of apoptotic genes (p53 and Bax, by quantitative real-time PCR), and blood concentrations of glucose and insulin were determined biochemically and genetically. Inflammatory cytokines were evaluated by ELISA technique. The number and diameter of Langerhan islets were also studied histologically. Results: In this study, γ-ray increased the levels of all parameters significantly (except for FRAP, insulin, and morphometric parameters, which were reduced) in the γ-ray group compared to the control group (P 0.05). In the γ-ray and AJ + γ-ray groups, all factors were reduced significantly (except for FRAP, insulin, and morphometric parameters, which were increased) compared to the γ-ray group (P 0.05). Conclusions: Administration of AJ extract can decrease the damage and radiosensitization in pancreatic cells induced by γ-ray.