Radioprotective efficacy of Ginkgo biloba and Angelica archangelica extract against technetium-99m-sestamibi induced oxidative stress and lens injury in rats.

PURPOSE: Technetium-99m is a radioactive tracer that emits gamma rays. Its half-life time is 6 h. Similar to other ionizing radiations, the main mechanism of radiation-induced effects is initiated through the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study was designed to determine the possible protective effects of Ginkgo biloba and Angelica archangelica against oxidative organ damage that was induced by 99m Tc-sestamibi.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The experiments were performed on thirty-six Wistar-rats which were subdivided into control groups and groups exposed to 99m Tc-sestamibi. The irradiated groups were either untreated or pre-treated with G. biloba or A. archangelica. For all groups, the levels and/or activities of Catalase (CAT), Glutathione (GSH), Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Superoxide-dismutase (SOD) were measured in blood and lenses. The soluble/insoluble protein ratio was determined and lens-protein profiles were obtained via Sodium-Dodecyl-Sulfate Polyacrylamide Gel-Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE).

RESULTS: There were no significant difference between the pre-treated and irradiated G. biloba group and control group, while both groups were significantly different (p < .05) from the untreated irradiated group. On the other hand, treatment with A. archangelica did not confer any significant protection against 99m Tc-sestamibi induced toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that G. biloba, through its free radical scavenging and antioxidant properties, successfully attenuated 99m Tc-sestamibi radiation-induced oxidative organ injury. The latter is a crucial factor of cataractogenesis in rats, suggesting that G. biloba may have a potential benefit in the protection against radiopharmaceuticals.