Abstract
The radioprotective effects of naturally occurring compounds have been investigated in vitro and in vivo considering their pharmacological role in prevention and treatment of cancer. Chitosan (CS) is a naturally occurring polymer that has been increasing attention in pharmaceutical and biomedical applications because of its biocompatibility, biodegradability, nontoxicity, cationic properties and bio adhesive characters. Lymphocytes were treated with different concentrations of chitosan for 2, 4, 6 and 24 hr periods. Cell viability was determined by tryphan blue dye exclusion assay, single strand DNA damage by alkaline comet assay and in vitro cytogenetic damages were evaluated by micronucleus assays. Treatment of lymphocytes with chitosan before and after the exposure to 4Gy of electron beam radiation (EBR) resulted in the reduction of percentage of tail DNA in comet from 24.06±3.92 to 6.94±1.34 and olive tail moment (OTM) was reduced from 25.34±3.09 to 10.66±0.23 at 10µg/mL concentration. The micronucleus formation in radiation control group (13.75±0.37) was significantly reduced in chitosan pretreated groups 7.63±1.02. Cells treated with chitosan at 10µg/mL showed maximum viability after exposure to EBR. Present investigation data proves the protective effect of CS against EBR induced damage in lymphocyte. However, increase in concentration above 100 µg/mL though resulted in higher protection, an increased cell toxicity was also noticed.
Highlights
The recent radiation biology research is mainly focused on the identification and development of non toxic and effective radioprotective compounds that can reduce the effect of radiation
The present study evaluated the lethal dose of chitosan and its protective effect on irradiated lymphocytes
It is well known that the modifications in DNA by ionizing radiation are due to the formation of free radicals which leads to cell killing, mutagenesis, transformation and carcinogenesis
Summary
The recent radiation biology research is mainly focused on the identification and development of non toxic and effective radioprotective compounds that can reduce the effect of radiation. These compounds may perhaps potentially protect the biological system against the chromosomal damage, mutation, variation in the immune system which acts through the generation of free radicals (Jagetia et al, 2002). To overcome the side effects of radiation there is a need to develop potent radioprotector which possess non-toxicity, higher radioprotection at lower concentration and most efficient.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
