Moderate radioprotective role of zeolite in rats

Background/Aim. The goal of the study was to test if subacute administration of micronized zeolite (MZC) accomplishes radioprotective role based on the evaluation of the status of oxidative stress (OS) in the brain and 8-hydroxyguanosine (8-OH-dG) in plasma of rats exposed to the single γ-ray irradiation of 2 and/or 10 Gray (Gy). Methods. Wistar rats were on a four-week normal or 5% MZC supplemented diet and afterward exposed to the single γ-ray irradiation of 2 and 10Gy. Groups of rats: a) on a normal diet: the control group and 2Gy and 10Gy groups; b) on 5% MZC supplemented diet: the control group - MZC, MZC+2Gy, and MZC+10Gy groups. We measured malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) total, and activity of total and manganese superoxide dismutase (tSOD and MnSOD) in vulnerable brain regions (cerebellum, hippocampus, and cerebral cortex) and 8-OH-dG in plasma. Results. Lower MDA was lower in MZC+2Gy and MZC+10Gy compared to 2Gy and 10Gy groups. Total SOD was higher in MZC+10Gy than in 10Gy. GSH was the highest in the 10Gy group. Compering to the control group, 8-OH-dG was extremely higher in groups radiated with 10 Gy regardless of diet, but slightly lower in MZC+2Gy and 2Gy groups. Conclusion. Subacute MZC pretreatment accomplished partial radioprotective effect in rats based on suppressed SOD activity compared to non-irradiated rats at 2 Gy, and reduced brain MDA at 2 and 10 Gy.