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Melissa officinalis Extract Attenuates Gamma Radiation-Induced Cardiac Injury in Rats: An Integrated Bioinformatics
Ahmed Hammad1, Safaa Ae Abd El Wahab2, Salwa Ahmed Lotfi3
1Radiation Biology Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, 11787, Egypt.
Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology
|June 12, 2026
Summary
Melissa officinalis extract protects cardiac tissue from gamma radiation damage. It reduces oxidative stress and improves cardiac function by activating the NRF2 pathway and modulating the MAPK pathway.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Medicine
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Gamma radiation poses significant risks to cardiac tissue, a critical concern in nuclear medicine.
- Understanding the protective mechanisms against radiation-induced cardiac toxicity is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of Melissa officinalis (MO) against gamma radiation-induced cardiac toxicity.
- To integrate phytochemical analysis, network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vivo studies.
Main Methods:
- Phytochemical profiling (HPLC, GC-MS) identified ellagic acid in MO.
- Network pharmacology and molecular docking predicted NRF2 and MAPK pathways as key targets.
- In vivo studies in rats assessed cardiac enzymes, oxidative stress markers, lipid profiles, and gene expression.
Main Results:
- MO extract significantly reduced radiation-induced cardiac enzyme elevations (LDH, ALT) and lipid peroxidation.
- MO restored antioxidant defenses and improved cardiac metabolism markers.
- Effects were linked to NRF2 pathway upregulation and MAPK/JNK pathway downregulation.
Conclusions:
- Melissa officinalis demonstrates potential in mitigating radiation-induced cardiac toxicity.
- Its protective effects are attributed to antioxidant activity and modulation of NRF2 and MAPK signaling pathways.
- MO may be a promising therapeutic candidate for radiation-related cardiac complications.
