Neuroprotective Effect Of<i> Myrtus</I><i> Communis</I> Against Ionizing Radiation-Induced Brain Injury: Insights From Histopathological and Biochemical Analysis in Rats

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the potential radioprotective effects of Myrtus communis on brain tissue. Methods: Thirty female rats were divided into four groups. The control group (C) was applied with oral saline solution (SF) for four days. Myrtus communis (MC) groups started to receive MC (100 mg/kg, oral) either four days before (R + preMC) or immediately after (R + MC) irradiation for four days. Irradiation was applied 10 Gy in a single fraction. All rats were sacrificed on the fourth day of irradiation. Malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and glutathione (GSH) levels, myeloperoxidase (MPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and tissue factor activities (TFa) were determined for biochemical analysis. Hematoxylin&Eosin &Eosin staining was done for histopathological analyses, and electrophoretic analyses were performed. Results: NO, MDA, and MPO levels were higher in all irradiated groups compared with the C group. MC administration decreased NO, MDA, and MPO levels in R + preMC and R + MC groups. MC administration increased GSH levels. TFa activity decreased in R groups but did not change with MC administration compared to the C group. Radiation-induced brain tissue injury decreased, and morphologically normal neurons were observed in both MC-added groups. Conclusion: Myrtus communis has a potential neuroprotective effect on brain tissue, attributed to its antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-lipid peroxidative properties.