Rashmi Sisodia

Evaluation of the free radical scavenging activity and radioprotective efficacy of Grewia asiatica fruit

The radioprotective effect of Grewia asiatica fruit (GAE) which contains anthocyanin-type cyanidin 3-glucoside, vitamins C and A, minerals, carotenes and dietary fibre was studied. For the study Swiss albino mice were divided into five groups: (1) control (vehicle treated); (2) GAE treated (700 mg kg(-1) day(-1) for 15 days); (3) irradiated (5 Gy); (4) GAE+irradiated and (5) irradiated+GAE treated. The irradiation of animals resulted in a significant elevation of lipid peroxidation in terms of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) content and depletion in glutathione (GSH) and protein levels at all intervals studied, namely 1-30 days, in comparison to the control group. Treatment of mice with GAE before and after irradiation caused a significant depletion in TBARS content followed by a significant elevation in GSH and protein concentration in the intestine and testis of mice at all post-irradiation autopsy intervals in comparison to irradiated mice. Significant protection of DNA and RNA in testis was also noticed. GAE was found to have strong radical scavenging activity in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH(*)) and O(2)(-) assays and also showed in vitro radioprotective activity in protein carbonyl assay in a dose-dependent manner. The above results prove the radioprotective efficacy of GAE.

Influence of electromagnetic fields on reproductive system of male rats

Abstract Purpose: Reports of declining male fertility have renewed interest in the role of environmental and occupational exposures in the etiology of human infertility. The aim of the present work was to investigate the effect of 10 GHz exposure on the male Wistar rats reproductive system and to find out the possible causative factors. Materials and methods: The study was divided into sham-exposed and exposed groups. Seventy day-old rats were exposed to 10 GHz microwave radiation for 2 h per day for 45 days at power density 0.21 mW/cm2 and specific absorption rate (SAR) of 0.014 W/kg. After the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected for the estimation of in vivo chromosomal aberration damage and micronucleus test. Spermatozoa were taken out for estimation of Caspase-3, comet assay, testosterone and electron microscopy and compared with sham-exposed. Results: The study of scanning electron microscopic revealed shrinkage of the lumen of the seminiferous tubules. Apoptotic bodies were found in exposed group. A flow cytometry examination showed formation of micronuclei body in lymphocytes of exposed group. Comet assay confirmed DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) strand break. Testosterone level was found significantly decreased with the shrinkage of testicular size. Conclusions: 10 GHz field has an injurious effect on fertility potential of male-exposed animals.

Spinacia oleracea Modulates Radiation-Induced Biochemical Changes in Mice Testis

The present study is an attempt to investigate the radioprotective efficacy of spinach against radiation induced oxidative stress, since its leaves are rich in antioxidants like carotenoids (β-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin) and high content of proteins, minerals, vitamin C. For the experimental study, healthy Swiss mice were selected from an inbred colony and divided into four groups. Group I (normal) it did not receive any treatment. Group II (drug treated) was orally supplemented with extract of spinach extract once daily at the dose of 1100 mg/kg for fifteen consecutive days. Group III (control) received distilled water orally equivalent to spinach extract for fifteen days than exposed to 5 Gy of gamma radiation. Group IV (experimental) was also administered orally with spinach extract for 15 consecutive days once daily. Thereafter, exposed to single dose of 5Gy of gamma radiation. After the exposure mice were than sacrificed at different autopsy intervals viz. 1, 3, 7, 15 and 30 days. Testis was removed for various biochemical estimations viz. LPO, protein, cholesterol and glycogen. Radiation induced augmentation in lipid peroxidation, glycogen and cholesterol values were significantly ameliorated by supplementation of SE extract, whereas radiation induced deficit in protein content could be elevated. This indicates that spinach extract pre - treatment renders protection against various biochemical changes in the mice testis to some extent if taken continuously which might be due to synergistic effect of antioxidant constituents present in the spinach.

Microwave radiation (2.45 GHz)-induced oxidative stress: Whole-body exposure effect on histopathology of Wistar rats

ABSTRACT Man-made microwave and radiofrequency (RF) radiation technologies have been steadily increasing with the growing demand of electronic appliances such as microwave oven and cell phones. These appliances affect biological systems by increasing free radicals, thus leading to oxidative damage. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of 2.45 GHz microwave radiation on histology and the level of lipid peroxide (LPO) in Wistar rats. Sixty-day-old male Wistar rats with 180 ± 10 g body weight were used for this study. Animals were divided into two groups: sham exposed (control) and microwave exposed. These animals were exposed for 2 h a day for 35 d to 2.45 GHz microwave radiation (power density, 0.2 mW/cm2). The whole-body specific absorption rate (SAR) was estimated to be 0.14 W/kg. After completion of the exposure period, rats were sacrificed, and brain, liver, kidney, testis and spleen were stored/preserved for determination of LPO and histological parameters. Significantly high level of LPO was observed in the liver (p < 0.001), brain (p < 0.004) and spleen (p < 0.006) in samples from rats exposed to microwave radiation. Also histological changes were observed in the brain, liver, testis, kidney and spleen after whole-body microwave exposure, compared to the control group. Based on the results obtained in this study, we conclude that exposure to microwave radiation 2 h a day for 35 d can potentially cause histopathology and oxidative changes in Wistar rats. These results indicate possible implications of such exposure on human health.

Prophylactic role of melatonin against radiation induced damage in mouse cerebellum with special reference to Purkinje cells

Melatonin, a hormone with a proven antioxidative efficacy, crosses all morphophysiological barriers, including the blood-brain barrier, and distributes throughout the cell. The present study is an attempt to investigate the prophylactic influence of a chronic low level of melatonin against an acute radiation induced oxidative stress in the cerebellum of Swiss albino mice, with special reference to Purkinje cells. After 15 days of treatment the mice were sacrificed at various intervals from 1 to 30 days. Biochemical parameters included lipid peroxidation (LPO) and glutathione (GSH) levels as the endpoints. The quantitative study included alterations in number and volume of Purkinje cells. Swiss albino mice were orally administered a very low dose of melatonin (0.25 mg/mouse/day) for 15 consecutive days before single exposure to 4 Gy gamma radiation. Melatonin checked the augmented levels of LPO, by approximately 55%, by day 30 day post-exposure. Radiation induced depleted levels of GSH could be raised by 68.9% by day 30 post-exposure. Radiation exposure resulted in a reduction of the volume of Purkinje cells and their total number. The administration of melatonin significantly protected against the radiation induced decreases in Purkinje cell volume and number. Results indicate the antioxidative properties of melatonin resulting in its prophylactic property against radiation induced biochemical and cellular alterations in the cerebellum. The findings support the idea that melatonin may be used as an anti-irradiation drug due to its potent free radical scavenging and antioxidative efficacy.

Radioprotective Role of Amaranthus gangeticus Linn.: A Biochemical Study on Mouse Brain

Brain tissue is highly susceptible to oxidative damage due to its high utilization of oxygen and its poorly developed antioxidative defense mechanisms. Radiation or pro-oxidants interact with cells and tissues through secondary ionization mechanisms such as lipid peroxidation (LPO). LPO can be inhibited by antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E and the carotenoid beta-carotene. beta-Carotene, the provitamin A, plays an important radioprotective role due to its properties as a potent free radical scavenger, singlet oxygen quencher, and lipid antioxidant. Amaranthus gangeticus Linn., widely considered as a weed, has a high content of carotene, ascorbic acid, and folate and may prove an efficient antioxidant. To evaluate the antioxidative efficacy of Amaranthus, healthy Swiss albino mice from an inbred colony were treated with alcoholic extract of A. gangeticus leaves (AE) for 2 weeks, at 800 mg/kg body weight, before radiation exposure. Irradiated mice were examined and autopsied at intervals of 1, 3, 7, 15, and 30 days after exposure. Brain was removed by skull dissection, and various biochemical changes were sought. Radiation caused a maximum increase of 27% in LPO and a maximum decrease of 27.96% in protein content at day 7 in controls. However, in the experimental group the increase in LPO was 9.98% and the increase in protein content was 18.78% at day 7. By day 30 after irradiation, AE brought these values to near-normal levels. AE protected brain biochemical activity in this murine study and may prove beneficial for clinical use as a radioprotector.

Spatial memory and learning performance and its relationship to protein synthesis of Swiss albino mice exposed to 10 GHz microwaves.

Abstract Purpose: To study the possible role of microwave (MW) exposure on spatial memory of Swiss albino mice and its relationship to protein concentration in whole brain. Materials and methods: Mice were exposed to 10 GHz (Giga Hertz) microwaves with the power density of 0.25 mW/cm2 (milliwatt per centimeter square) with average whole body specific absorption rate (SAR) 0.1790 W/kg daily for 2 hours per day (h/day) for 30 days. After exposure mice were tested for spatial memory performance using Morris water maze test (MWT). For this purpose mice (6–8 weeks old) were divided into two groups: (i) Sham exposed, and (ii) microwaves exposed. After initial training for two days, MWT was performed for another 6 days. Protein was estimated 48 h after exposure and immediately after completion of MWT. Results: Both sham-exposed and microwaves-exposed animals showed a significant decrease in escape time with training. Microwaves-exposed animals had statistically significant higher mean latency to reach the target quadrant compared to sham exposed. A concurrent decrease in protein levels was estimated in whole brain of the exposed mice compared to sham-exposed mice. Conclusions: It can be concluded from the current study that exposure to microwave radiation caused decrements in the ability of mice to learn the special memory task, this may be due to simultaneous decrease in protein levels in the brain of mice.

Impact of Microwave at X-Band in the aetiology of male infertility

Reports of declining male fertility have renewed interest in assessing the role of environmental and occupational exposures to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in the aetiology of human infertility. Testicular functions are particularly susceptible to electromagnetic fields. The aim of the present work was to investigate the effect of 10-GHz EMF on male albino rats reproductive system and to investigate the possible causative factor for such effect of exposure. The study was carried out in two groups of 70-day old adult male albino rats: a sham-exposed and a 10-GHz-exposed group (2 h a day for 45 days). Immediately after completion of the exposure, animals were sacrificed and sperms were extracted from the cauda and caput part of testis for the analysis of MDA, melatonin, and creatine kinase. Creatine kinase results revealed an increased level of phosphorylation that converts creatine to creatine phosphate in sperms after EMF exposure. EMF exposure also reduced the level of melatonin and MDA. It is concluded that microwave exposure could adversely affect male fertility by reducing availability of the above parameters. These results are indications of deleterious effects of these radiations on reproductive pattern of male rats.

Biochemical, behavioural and quantitative alterations in cerebellum of Swiss albino mice following irradiation and its modulation by Grewia asiatica.

Purpose: To study the biochemical, quantitative histopathological and behavioural changes after 5 Gy whole body irradiation and its modulation by supplementation of Grewia asiatica extract (GAE) on male Swiss albino mice up to 30 days. Materials and methods: For this, healthy mice from an inbred colony were divided into five groups: (i) Control (vehicle treated); (ii) GAE treated – mice in this group were orally supplemented with GAE (700 mg/kg body weight (bw)/day) once daily for 15 consecutive days; (iii) Irradiated mice; (iv) GAE + irradiated – mice in this group were orally supplemented GAE for 15 days (once a day) prior to irradiation; and (v) Irradiated + GAE – mice in this group were administered GAE orally for 15 days (once a day) consequently after irradiation. Results: Marked radiation induced changes in the amount of cerebellar lipid peroxidation (LPO), Glutathione (GSH), protein, nucleic acids and histopathological changes could be significantly (p < 0.001) ameliorated specially at later intervals by supplementation of GAE prior to and post irradiation. Radiation induced deficits in learning and memory were also significantly (p < 0.001) ameliorated. Conclusion: The result of present study showed that prior/post-supplementation of G. asiatica has radioprotective potential as well as neuroprotective properties against the radiation.

The influence of prenatal 10 GHz microwave radiation exposure on a developing mice brain.

Our objective was to investigate alterations in the developing mice brain after intrauterine microwave exposure from different gestation days (0.25 and 11.25) till term. Pregnant mice from 0.25 and 11.25 days of gestation were isolated from an inbred colony and divided into sham-exposed (control) and microwave-exposed (10 GHz) groups. The follow-up study of mice at 3 weeks of age showed significant reduction in the brain and body weight of microwave-exposed group. Results showed an increased level of lipid peroxidation, decreased level of glutathione and protein after microwave exposure on both 0.25 and 11.25 day of gestation. Moreover, changes in cytoarchitechure of hippocampus and cerebellum of the brain and reduction in Purkinje cell number were observed statistically significant after microwave exposure from both 0.25 and 11.25 days of gestation. In conclusion, the degree of severity of damage in neonatal mice brain was much higher, when exposure started from 0.25 day of gestation compared to 11.25 days of gestation.