Background: Exposure to radiation alters the equilibrium of the protection mechanism by producing of free radicals, resulting in an imbalance in prooxidant, antioxidant status inside the cells. Oxidative stress has been shown to affect our nervous system. Natural dietary supplements have been shown to have antioxidant properties which can protect our bodies against free radicals. For example, Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) is a specific dietary supplement that has clinically proven health-promoting effects especially on the nervous system.
Objectives: to study the radio-protective impact of AFA as a natural antioxidant on the cerebellar neuronal cells of adult albino rats against the gamma radiation damaging effects.
Material and Methods: The research was performed on 24 adult male albino rats weighed 120±3 g and equally divided into Group 1, Group 2: rats were exposed to daily oral intake of AFA extract for one month. Group 3: rats were exposed to irradiation via exposing them to 6 Gy. Group 4: rats were exposed to a combination of irradiation (in the same way like group 3) plus oral intake of AFA extract for one month. For histologic, histochemical, immunohistochemical and morphometric tests, paraffin sections were prepared from the cerebellum.
Results: Sections studied demonstrated significant cellular damage in group 3 relative to the control groups. Group 4 demonstrated obvious reduction in pathological changes occurring in comparison with group 2.
Conclusion: These findings indicate that AFA has a radio-protective function as it decreases pathological cellular injuries in the cerebellar neuronal cells caused by chronic radiation exposure doses.