Radio-protective role of interferon and fenugreek on γ- radiation induced DNA instability

Abstract

The radio-protective role of fenugreek (fen) and IFN was studied against the damage effects induced by gamma irradiation in liver of albino rats. Male and female albino rats were paired. The produced generations were separated into 3 classes PC, PT& P-ir, representing untreated, fed with standard food mixed with 5% Fen seed powder (FSP) and exposed to whole body irradiation (WBI) respectively. Animals were allowed for mating to give F 1. F 1 was separated into 3 subgroups (ir-ir), (ir+FSP) and (ir-IFN), subjected to another dose of irradiation, fed with standard food mixed with FSP, injected with IFN respectively. All individuals were arranged for pairing until the production of F 2. DNA assay was carried out using RAPD-PCR fingerprinting technique. Six arbitrary primers were used. They produced various numbers of fractions ranging between zero to 8 within each of the studied groups. Some specific fractions were picked out indicating polymorphic alleles. Quantitative mutations were observed within the percentage area of the generated bands. Highest and / or lowest similarity indices were observed between the studied groups indicating complementary to the used primer or pointing to some degree or to complete disturbance in the DNA sequencing as a result of the different treatments. In conclusion the remarked changes in DNA fingerprinting confirmed the potential transmission of radiation damage of genome to the progeny while each of fen and IFN ameliorated the harmful effects of irradiation.