Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Oxidative stress is known to be a key factor in several diseases and was reported as a result of radiation exposure in human and experimental animals. Borage (Borago officinal L.) oil contains a high percentage of -linolenic acid, which reported as a preventive treatment of a wide range of disorders. Aim: The present study was designed to determine the possible protective effects of borage seeds oil against gamma (γ-) radiation induced oxidative stress in male rats.Materials and Methods: Thirty rats were divided into five groups (6 rats each): Control, irradiated; rats were exposed to (6.5 Gy) of whole body γ-radiation, borage seeds (50 mg/kg b.wt), irradiated borage treated pre-irradiated and borage treated post-irradiated. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels, as well as serum and hepatic reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and lipid peroxide (malondialdehyde) (MDA) levels were assessed. Results: The results showed that, activities of GSH were highly significant decrease, while marked highly significant increase in MDA due to irradiation. Supplementation with BO before or treated after irradiation, exerted marked amelioration of irradiation induced disturbances in all the investigated parameters. Therefore, borage could have a beneficial role in modulating oxidative stress by improving the natural antioxidant mechanism. Conclusion: borage has a beneficial role in reducing hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by radiation exposure.

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