Radioprotective effect of nanoniosome loaded by Mentha Pulegium essential oil on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells exposed to ionizing radiation

Abstract

Materials and methodsMPEO-N nanoparticles were prepared by the lipid thin-lm hydration method, and its physicochemical characteristics were analyzed. PBMCs were then irradiated with X-ray using a 6 MV linear accelerator at radiation doses of 25 and 200 cGy in the presence of non-toxic concentrations of MPEO-N nanoparticles (IC10). After 48 and 72 h of incubation, the radioprotective effect was investigated by measuring survival, apoptosis, and necrosis of PBMCs, using MTT assay and ow cytometry analysis. ResultsThe hydrodynamic diameter and zeta potential of nanoniosomes were 106.0 nm and − 15.2 mV, respectively. The mean survival percentage of PBMCs showed a signi cant increase only at a radiation dose of 200 cGy compared with the control group. The percentages of apoptosis and necrosis of cells in the presence of MPEO-N nanoparticles at both radiation doses and incubation periods (48 and 72 hours) demonstrated a signi cant reduction compared with the control. ConclusionMPEO-N nanoparticles as a natural antioxidant, exhibited a favorable radioprotective effect by a signi cant reduction in the percentage of apoptosis and necrosis of irradiated PBMCs.