Radio-Protective Effects of Selenium Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Aqueous Extract of Rhodiola on Mice Irradiated...

Area of Science:

• Nanobiotechnology
• Radiation Biology
• Hematology

Background:

• Nanobiotechnology is crucial for disease diagnosis and treatment.
• Ionizing radiation (IR) poses risks to the hematopoietic system.
• Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are being explored for therapeutic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize Rhodiola-derived selenium nanoparticles (RHO-SeNPs).
• To evaluate the radioprotective effects of RHO-SeNPs against IR-induced hematopoietic injury.
• To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of RHO-SeNPs' radioprotection.

Main Methods:

• RHO-SeNPs were synthesized and characterized using UV-Vis spectrophotometry and TEM.
• Biological assessments included antioxidant and cytotoxicity tests.
• In vivo studies used IR-exposed BALB/c mice and HSCs, employing techniques like immunohistochemistry, ELISA, JC-1 staining, CCK-8, TUNEL, flow cytometry, and Western blot.

Main Results:

• RHO-SeNPs exhibited potent antioxidant activity and no significant toxicity at doses up to 20 mg/kg.
• RHO-SeNPs dose-dependently improved survival rates and hematopoietic function in IR-exposed mice.
• RHO-SeNPs suppressed oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis by modulating the KEAP1-NRF2 pathway, which was crucial for their radioprotective effect.

Conclusions:

• RHO-SeNPs demonstrate significant radioprotective capabilities against ionizing radiation.
• The protective mechanism involves the KEAP1-NRF2 pathway, reducing oxidative stress and apoptosis in hematopoietic stem cells.
• RHO-SeNPs hold promise as a medical countermeasure for radiation exposure.