Protective effect of ginseng against gamma-irradiation-induced oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction in rats

Authors

  • Heba Hosny Mansour Health Radiation Research Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology, Cairo, Egypt

Keywords:

ginseng, gamma-radiation, asymmetric dimethylarginine, nitric oxide, oxidative stress, rats

Abstract

This study investigated the potential protective effects of ginseng on gamma-irradiation-induced oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction in rats. Twenty four male albino rats were divided into four groups. In the control group, rats were administered vehicle by tube for 7 consecutive days. The second group was administered ginseng extract (100 mg/kg, by gavage) for 7 consecutive days. Animals in the third group were administered vehicle by tube for 7 consecutive days, then exposed to single dose gamma-irradiation (6 Gy). The Fourth group received ginseng extract for 7 consecutive days, one hour later rats were exposed to gamma-irradiation. Oral administration of ginseng extract prior to irradiation produced a significant protection which was evidenced by a significant reduction in serum creatine kinase (CPK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), urea and creatinine levels with significant increase in serum total nitrate/nitrite (NO(x)) level. Moreover, ginseng significantly increased cardiac and renal superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) activities, and reduced glutathione (GSH) content, associated with a significant depletion in malondialdehyde (MDA) and NO(x) levels compared to irradiated group. This study suggests that ginseng may serve as a potential protective agent against gamma-irradiation-induced cardio-nephrotoxicity via enhancing the antioxidant activity and inhibition of endothelial dysfunction.

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Published

2013-08-30

How to Cite

Mansour, H. H. (2013). Protective effect of ginseng against gamma-irradiation-induced oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction in rats. EXCLI Journal, 12, 766–777. Retrieved from https://www.excli.de/index.php/excli/article/view/1191

Issue

Vol. 12 (2013)

Section

Original articles

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