Possible effect of wheat germ oil or beta-carotene to enhance kidney recovery processes in irradiated rats

Radiation nephropathy has appeared as a substantial complication of radionuclide radiotherapy. Thus, the requirement for a protective agent against radiation injury is evident. The present study explored the potential effects of beta-carotene (βC) as well as, wheat germ oil (WGO) on gamma-irradiation resulted in oxidative stress and renal nephropathy in rats. Rats were divided into six groups: normal control group, βC group, WGO group, irradiated (IRR) group, βC+IRR group, WGO +IRR group. Oral administration of βC (10 mg /kg) or WGO (80 mg/kg) for 7 days after γ-irradiation (7.5 Gy) have significantly minimized the severity of biochemical changes, which was evidenced by a significant diminution in the level of malondaldhyde (MDA) in kidney, urea, creatinine as well as C-reactive protein (CRP) along with an increase in Glutathione (GSH) level, superoxide dismutase activity (SOD), urea and creatinine clearance comparing to the corresponding values of irradiated rats (P < 0.05). Histopathological examination of kidney tissues further confirms the biochemical records. Therefore, it is concluded that, βC as well as, WGO may reduce radiation nephropathy and enhance recovery processes after radiation exposure.