Protective effect of asiaticoside on radiation-induced proliferation inhibition and DNA damage of fibroblasts and mice death

Background Radiation-induced injuries (RII) mainly result from reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are harmful compounds that can damage DNA. Asiaticoside (AC), one of the main functional components extracted from Centella asiatica, has potent pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activity. However, its role in RII remains unclear. Purpose The purpose of the current study is to investigate whether AC can mitigate RII in vitro and in vivo. Material and Methods Cell model of RII was successfully established by 5J/m2 radiation in vitro. For the in vivo RII model, mice were irradiated with 5 Gy to the thorax. The degree of damage to cells or mouse tissue was determined by measuring the numbers of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), oxidative stress, and mouse survival rates. Results In the in vitro assay, AC administration significantly reduced radiation-induced growth inhibition of Escherichia coli and fibroblasts, DSBs and apoptosis of fibroblasts; in the in vivo study, AC could decrease antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) of plasma and protect mice from RII, thereby improving the survival rates of mice after radiation. Conclusions These novel data indicate that AC is able to prevent radiation-initiated genotoxicity by mitigating DNA damage, and might serve as a safe and effective radio-protective agent.