This study compares the efficacy of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and low-dose gamma radiation (LDR) on rats' liver, kidney, and brain when exposed to bee venom toxicity.
Rats received two doses of CoQ10 (10 mg/kg i.p.) for two days in a row or 0.5 Gy whole-body gamma irradiation after receiving a bee venom injection (5 mg/kg i.p.).
The collected data revealed that serum hepato-renal indices and pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), were significantly elevated by crude bee venom in the liver, kidney, and brain tissues. Conversely, brain mediators, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, were suppressed. Furthermore, there is a notable deviation in MDA, AOPP and GSH levels from the control values, indicating oxidative stress incidence. Remarkably, LDR or CoQ10 mitigated rats' negative reactions to bee venom and restored the measured parameters to their baseline levels.
In conclusion: By virtue of their abilities to improve the aforementioned biochemical parameters—which were corroborated by histological analysis—LDR or CoQ10 provided renal, hepatic, and brain rehabilitation against bee venom toxicity.