Abstract
Watermelon is a natural product that contains high level of antioxidants and may prevent oxidative damage in tissues due to free radical generation following an exposure to ionizing radiation. The present study aimed to investigate the radioprotective effects of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. and Nakai) juice against oxidative damage induced by low dose X-ray exposure in mice. Twelve adult male ICR mice were randomly divided into two groups consisting of radiation (Rx) and supplementation (Tx) groups. Rx received filtered tap water, while Tx was supplemented with 50% (v/v) watermelon juice for 28 days ad libitum prior to total body irradiation by 100 μGy X-ray on day 29. Brain, lung, and liver tissues were assessed for the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) sites, glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) inhibition activities. Results showed significant reduction of MDA levels and AP sites formation of Tx compared to Rx (P < 0.05). Mice supplemented with 50% watermelon juice restore the intracellular antioxidant activities by significantly increased SOD inhibition activities and GSH levels compared to Rx. These findings may postulate that supplementation of 50% watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. and Nakai) juice could modulate oxidative damage induced by low dose X-ray exposure.
Highlights
A variety of highly reactive chemical entities known as reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced by respiring cells as a small amount of the consumed oxygen is reduced [1]
Mice supplemented with 50% watermelon juice restore the intracellular antioxidant activities by significantly increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) inhibition activities and GSH levels compared to Rx
These findings may postulate that supplementation of 50% watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. and Nakai) juice could modulate oxidative damage induced by low dose X-ray exposure
Summary
A variety of highly reactive chemical entities known as reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced by respiring cells as a small amount of the consumed oxygen is reduced [1]. ROS has dual roles, in which it can be beneficial and/or deleterious [2]. X-ray has a high penetrating power due to its low linear energy transfer (LET) and exposure to X-ray could result in generation of free radicals through radiolysis process [8]. When these free radicals interact with biological molecules, it may cause cellular lipid peroxidation and DNA damage [9]
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