Antioxidant and Anti Infertility Potency of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) in γ Irradiated Rats

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Radiation Biology Department, National Centre for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, P. O. Box; 29 Nasr City, Egypt

Abstract

THIS study aims at examining the radiation protection activity of pomegranate extract against oxidative stress, lipid profile escalation (T. cholesterol and Triglycerides) and infertility (sex hormone profile and sperm abnormalities) progressed in male rats after ionizing irradiation. Rats were divided into four groups, six adult male rats each as follows: 1) control group, 2) pomegranate group treated with a concentration of 22mg pome extract/kg of animal body weight (day after day for two weeks), 3) irradiated group exposed to 5 Gy single dose, and 4) pomegranate and irradiated group treated with the same previous concentration of pomegranate extract before being exposed to a 5 Gy single dose of gamma rays. Measurements in irradiated group recorded disturbances in oxidative stress markers manifested by significant increases in the content of the lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA) accompanied by decreases in both glutathione (GSH) contents and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. Lipids were also affected by irradiation where significant elevations for both cholesterol and triglycerides were observed. The data obtained for sex hormones levels recorded a significant decline in testosterone level. This decline was associated with abnormalities in sperms (abnormalities of the head, tail and both head & tail). However, the level of FSH and LH recorded significant elevations. Furthermore, in the group of rats that received pome extract before exposure to radiation, the results revealed that pomegranate appear to have a strong ability to cause a significant guard for sex hormones, preventing sperm abnormalities and adjustment of oxidative stress markers & lipid profile.

Keywords