Comparison of the effects of melatonin and genistein on radiation-induced nephrotoxicity: Results of an experimental study

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of melatonin and genistein on radiation-induced nephrotoxicity (RIN). A total of 70 Swiss Albino mice were divided into 7 groups. Five control groups were defined, which were sham irradiation (C, G1), radiation therapy only (RT, G2), melatonin (M, G3), genistein (G, G4) and polyethylene glycol-400 (G5), respectively. The co-treatment groups were the RT plus melatonin (RT+M, G6) and RT plus genistein (RT+G, G7) groups. Irradiation was applied using a cobalt-60 teletherapy machine (80-cm fixed source-to-surface distance, 2.5-cm depth). Melatonin was administered (100 mg/kg, intraperitoneal injection) 30 min before the single dose of irradiation, whereas genistein was administered (200 mg/kg, subcutaneous injection) 1 day before the single dose of irradiation. All the mice were sacrificed 6 months after irradiation. As an end point, the extent of renal tubular atrophy for each mouse was quantified with image analysis of histological sections of the kidney. Tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were also measured in each animal. In the histopathological examination of the mouse kidneys, there was a statistically significant reduction (P<0.05) in the presence of tubular atrophy between the RT+M and RT+G groups and the RT group. There was a statistically significant increase in MDA levels in the irradiated versus sham groups (RT vs. C; P<0.05); however, MDA levels were significantly decreased by co-treatment with melatonin or genistein vs. RT alone (RT+M and RT+G vs. RT; P<0.05). In conclusion, the present experimental study showed that melatonin and genistein supplementation prior to irradiation-protected mice against RIN, which may have therapeutic implications for radiation-induced injuries.

Natural Product Interventions for Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy-Induced Side Effects

“…Melatonin is a potent free radical scavenger with anti-inflammation. The supplementation of genistein and melatonin prior to irradiation protects against nephrotoxicity in mice (Canyilmaz et al, 2016 ).…”

Radiation Protection and Mitigation by Natural Antioxidants and Flavonoids: Implications to Radiotherapy and Radiation Disasters

“…Several in vitro and in vivo studies have investigated the radioprotective effects of melatonin. Animal studies were conducted for various organs such as lung, heart, kidney, liver, gastrointestinal system, skin, testes, lenses, spinal cord and others [183][184][185][186][187][188][189][190][191]. Although the clinical applications for possible radioprotection of melatonin have suffered limitations, some have shown promising results.…”

Genistein Ameliorates Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Renal Injury in a SIRT1-Dependent Manner

“…Genistein has been reported to protect against I/R-induced cerebral injury in the rat [ 20 ], and it has a protective role on I/R-induced small intestine injury [ 21 ]. Additionally, Canyilmaz, E. et al demonstrated that the administration of genistein protects mice against radiation-induced nephrotoxicity [ 22 ]. It is of particular relevance that the physiological activity of genistein as a phytoestrogen is closely related to SIRT1 activity [ 23 ].…”