In vivo protective efficacy of astaxanthin against ionizing radiation‐induced DNA damage

CHEMICAL BIOLOGY AND DRUG DESIGN, vol.102, pp.1-7, 2023 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

Publication Type: Article / Article
Volume: 102
Publication Date: 2023
Doi Number: 10.1111/cbdd.14321
Journal Name: CHEMICAL BIOLOGY AND DRUG DESIGN
Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, BIOSIS, Biotechnology Research Abstracts, CAB Abstracts, Chemical Abstracts Core, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Veterinary Science Database
Page Numbers: pp.1-7
Süleyman Demirel University Affiliated: Yes

Astaxanthin, a carotenoid pigment, is believed to be effective in the repair of

DNA damage. Our study evaluates the effect of astaxanthin on DNA damage in

rats exposed to whole-body

radiotherapy using the comet assay. Thirty-two

male

rats were randomly divided into four groups (control, ionizing radiation, astaxanthin,

and radiation+astaxanthin). The radiation and radiation+astaxanthin

groups were exposed to X-rays

at a dose of 8 gray (0.62 gray/min). Astaxanthin

was administered at 4 mg/kg by gavage for 7 days starting from irradiation. The

%TailDNA parameter was chosen as an indicator of DNA damage and the results

were compared using one-way

ANOVA. %TailDNA was 3.24 ± 3.12 in the control

group, 2.85 ± 2.73 in the astaxanthin group, 4.11 ± 7.90 in the radiation group, and

3.59 ± 4.05 in the radiation+astaxanthin group. There was a significant increase

in DNA damage in the radiation group, compared with the control and astaxanthin

groups (p < .001). DNA damage was reduced in the radiation+astaxanthin

group compared with the radiation group (p < .05). Although this decrease did

not reduce damage to the level of the control group, it was significant. The decrease

in radiation-induced

DNA damage by astaxanthin administration in our

study supports the hypothesis that astaxanthin is a promising agent for against/

reducing DNA damage.