Radioprotective Effect of Apigenin on the Submandibular Gland of Irradiated Rats
Turkish Journal of Ear Nose and Throat, vol.35, no.1, pp.17-28, 2025 (Scopus, TRDizin)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 35 Issue: 1
- Publication Date: 2025
- Doi Number: 10.26650/tr-ent.2025.1588521
- Journal Name: Turkish Journal of Ear Nose and Throat
- Journal Indexes: Scopus, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
- Page Numbers: pp.17-28
- Keywords: Apigenin, Radioprotective Effect, Radiotherapy, Submandibular Gland, Xerostomia
- Süleyman Demirel University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Objective: We aimed to investigate the radioprotective effects of apigenin on the submandibular gland of rats in this study. Material and Methods: Four experimental groups were composed of 10 rats in each group. Rats in Group 1 were administered radiotherapy solely and administered no drug. Apigenin dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) at a dose of 25 mg/kg 48 h before radiotherapy administration to Group 2. In Group 3, only 1.66 ml/kg of DMSO was given intraperitoneally. Group 4 did not receive radiotherapy, and apigenin dissolved in DMSO was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 25 mg/kg. Intraperitoneal drug administrations were performed simultaneously in all groups, and all rats were sacrificed 48 h after radiotherapy administration. Existence of necrosis, acinar damage, ductal damage, vacuolisation, and TNF-α expression were scored as 0,1,2,3. Results: As a result of the statistical analyses, it was observed that Group 2 was significantly protected compared to Group 1 in terms of necrosis, acinar damage and vacuolisation (p values: 0.004, 0.003, 0.001, respectively). Similarly, TNF-α expression was also significantly decreased (p<0.001). In comparisons between Groups 1 and 3, there was no significant difference in terms of necrosis and acinar damage (p values: 0.328, 0.325, respectively), while the difference between the two groups was significant in terms of vacuolisation and TNF-α expression (p values: 0.005, 0.02, respectively). Conclusion: Apigenin was found to be an effective radioprotectant agent in terms of preventing necrosis, acinar damage and vacuolisation, histopathologically. It has been shown that apigenin-DMSO solution decreases TNF-α levels, immunohistochemically.