Protective effects of hominis placenta hydrolysates on radiation enteropathy in mice

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the hominis placenta hydrolysates (HPhs) have a protective effect against radiation-induced enteropathies. HPh (1-10 mg kg⁻¹, i.p.) was treated to C57BL/6 mice, once daily for 5 days. Mice were irradiated (10 Gy) 1 h after the last injection. Cell damage was investigated at 24 and 72 h by haematoxylin-eosin staining, and the apoptotic index was determined at 24 h by deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labelling staining. The results showed that the HPh alleviated radiation-induced damage of crypts and suppressed apoptosis dose dependently. In conclusion, hominis placenta might be a beneficial agent against radiation-induced intestinal complications.