Modulation of apoptosis against P. falciparum by low dose radiation in human PBMCs

Abstract

Background: Implications of low dose radiation (LDR) have been well reported in cancer therapy but data is scanty on the therapeutic application of LDR in infectious diseases. Methodology: Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were cultured and exposed to 0.07 Gy. P. falciparum infected RBCs were mixed with the PBMCs after five hours of irradiation. Thereafter, PBMCs were monitored for micronuclei and apoptosis. Results: The low dose pre-irradiated PBMCs which were subsequently challenged with parasite, showed a reduction in micronuclei frequency and apoptosis as compared to controls. Conclusion: LDR inhibited apoptosis against P. falciparum in human PBMCs.