Evaluating the radioprotective effect of green barley juice on male rats

DNA damage accounts for most biological effects of ionizing radiation. Antioxidants are known for their protective effect by preventing DNA damage. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the potential radioprotective effect of Natural SOD^®, a green barley juice rich in antioxidants, on DNA damage in the testes and lymphocytes of Wistar rats exposed to ionizing radiation.

Male Wistar rats (n = 15) were selected and equally divided into three groups. Rats in one of the groups were pretreated orally with Natural SOD^® for 14 days, while rats in another group were sham-pretreated with saline solution. Rats in both these groups were afterwards subjected to a single dose of 6 Gy X-ray whole-body irradiation. The control group did not receive any treatment and was not irradiated. Shortly after X-ray exposure, all rats were sacrificed and testes and blood were collected. Gamma-H2AX and histopathological assessment in the testes, along with comet assay of lymphocytes were performed.

Histopathological examination of the testes showed no significant architectural alterations. Immunofluorescent staining of γ-H2AX revealed more DNA double-strand break sites in testicular cells from sham animals compared to Natural SOD^® pretreated rats. Alkaline comet assay results showed increased DNA damage in lymphocytes of irradiated rats compared to the control group with little differences between the pretreated groups. Animals pretreated with Natural SOD showed slightly reduced DNA damage compared to sham-pretreated rats. These findings suggest a potential protective effect of Natural SOD^® against radiation-induced DNA damage.

Natural SOD^® exhibited a potential prophylactic radioprotective effect in rats, particularly in testes. Further investigations to determine medium and long-term effects of X-ray in animals administered Natural SOD^® are needed to better estimate the radioprotective effect.