Mushroom beta glucan: potential candidate for post irradiation protection

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Radiology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Radiation exposure can cause significant cellular damage.
• Radioprotective agents are crucial for mitigating radiation-induced harm.
• Ganoderma lucidum beta-glucan (BG) is a natural compound with potential therapeutic properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the in vivo radioprotective efficacy of Ganoderma lucidum beta-glucan (BG).
• To assess BG's effects on radiation-induced mortality, hematology, oxidative stress markers, and chromosomal aberrations.
• To compare BG's radioprotective potential with amifostine, a clinically used drug.

Main Methods:

• Swiss albino mice were exposed to gamma radiation (4 Gy or 8 Gy).
• BG was administered orally at 250 μg/kg or 500 μg/kg, before or after irradiation.
• Survival rates, liver glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and bone marrow chromosomal aberrations were analyzed.

Main Results:

• BG (500 μg/kg) administered post-irradiation resulted in 66% mouse survival at 30 days, compared to 100% mortality with radiation alone.
• BG significantly reduced chromosomal aberrations in bone marrow cells.
• BG demonstrated no toxicity at radioprotective doses and reduced liver MDA levels.

Conclusions:

• Ganoderma lucidum beta-glucan exhibits significant in vivo radioprotective properties.
• BG offers protection against radiation-induced damage, comparable to amifostine in some aspects.
• BG shows promise for protecting against unplanned radiation exposures.