Apigenin prevents gamma radiation-induced gastrointestinal damages by modulating inflammatory and apoptotic signalling mediators

Nat Prod Res. 2022 Mar;36(6):1631-1635. doi: 10.1080/14786419.2021.1893316. Epub 2021 Mar 5.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of apigenin against radiation-induced gastrointestinal (GI) damages in whole-body irradiated (WBI) Swiss albino mice. Swiss albino mice were pre-treated with apigenin (15 mg/kg body wt.) intraperitoneally for six consecutive days, and on the seventh day, the mice were exposed to 7 Gy WBI. Histological findings revealed a deterioration of the crypt-villus architecture in the 7 Gy irradiated mice intestine. Conversely, apigenin pre-treatment ameliorated radiation-induced intestinal damages and restored intestinal crypt-villus architecture. Besides, apigenin modulates 7 Gy radiation-induced apoptotic markers (p53, p21, Bax, caspase-3, -9) expression in the GI tissue of WBI mice. Furthermore, apigenin prevented radiation-induced activation of NF-kB expression in the GI tissue. Therefore, the present results indicate apigenin's radioprotective effect through modulating NF-kB mediated apoptotic signalling in the WBI intestinal tissue.

Keywords: Apigenin; apoptosis; gamma radiation; gastrointestinal toxicity.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apigenin* / pharmacology
  • Apoptosis
  • Gamma Rays / adverse effects
  • Mice
  • Radiation-Protective Agents* / pharmacology
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Radiation-Protective Agents
  • Apigenin