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Fucoxanthin alters the apelin-13/APJ pathway in certain organs of γ-irradiated mice
Nermeen M El Bakary1, Noura Magdy Thabet1, Neama M El Fatih1
1Radiation Biology Department, National Centre for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt.
Abstract:
Apelin-13 and APJ are implicated in different key physiological processes. This work aims at exploring the radioprotective effect of fucoxanthin (FX) on γ-radiation (RAD)-induced changes in the apelin-13/APJ pathway, which causes damage in the liver, kidney, lung and spleen of mice. Mice were administered FX (10 mg kg-1 day-1, i.p) and exposed to γ-radiation (2.5 Gy week-1) for four consecutive weeks. The treatment of irradiated mice by FX resulted in a significant amendment in protein expression of the apelin-13/APJ/NF-κB signalling pathway concurrently with reduced hypoxia (hypoxia-inducible factor-1α), suppressed oxidative stress marker (malondialdehyde), enhanced antioxidant defence mechanisms (reduced glutathione and glutathione peroxidase), a modulated inflammatory response [interleukin-6 (IL-6), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, IL-10 and α-7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor) and ameliorated angiogenic regulators [matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-2), MMP-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1), as well as the tissue damage indicator (lactate dehydrogenase) in organ tissues. In addition, there were significant improvement in serum inflammatory markers tumour necrosis factor-α, IL-10, IL-1β and C-reactive protein compared with irradiated mice. The histopathological investigation of the FX + RAD organ tissues support the biochemical findings where the improvements in the tissues' architecture were obvious when compared with those of RAD. FX was thus shown to have a noticeable radioprotective action mediated through its regulatory effect on the apelin-13/APJ/NF-κB signalling pathway attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity that was reflected in different physiological processes. It could be recommended to use FX in cases of radiation exposure to protect normal tissues.
Insights
Fucoxanthin (FX) protects against gamma radiation damage by regulating the apelin-13/APJ/NF-κB pathway. This antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action preserves organ tissues and normal physiological processes following radiation exposure.
Area of Science:
- * Pharmacology and Toxicology
- * Radiation Biology
- * Cellular and Molecular Biology
Background:
- * The apelin-13/APJ pathway plays a role in key physiological processes.
- * Gamma radiation (γ-radiation) induces significant damage to organs like the liver, kidney, lung, and spleen.
- * Understanding protective mechanisms against radiation-induced organ damage is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To investigate the radioprotective effect of fucoxanthin (FX) on γ-radiation-induced changes in the apelin-13/APJ pathway.
- * To evaluate FX's impact on oxidative stress, inflammation, and angiogenesis in irradiated mice.
- * To determine the underlying mechanisms of FX's radioprotective action.
Main Methods:
- * Mice were administered FX (10 mg kg-1 day-1, i.p.) and exposed to γ-radiation (2.5 Gy week-1) for four weeks.
- * Protein expression of the apelin-13/APJ/NF-κB pathway was analyzed.
- * Biochemical markers for hypoxia, oxidative stress, inflammation, angiogenesis, and tissue damage were assessed.
- * Histopathological examination of organ tissues was performed.
Main Results:
- * FX treatment significantly amended apelin-13/APJ/NF-κB pathway protein expression in irradiated mice.
- * FX reduced hypoxia, oxidative stress (malondialdehyde), and inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, CRP).
- * FX enhanced antioxidant defenses (glutathione, glutathione peroxidase) and modulated angiogenic regulators (MMP-2, MMP-9).
- * Histopathology confirmed improved tissue architecture in FX-treated irradiated organs.
Conclusions:
- * Fucoxanthin exhibits significant radioprotective effects against γ-radiation-induced organ damage.
- * FX's protective action is mediated by regulating the apelin-13/APJ/NF-κB pathway.
- * The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of FX contribute to its radioprotective efficacy.
- * FX can be recommended for protecting normal tissues from radiation exposure.
