The Cytokines-Directed Roles of Spirulina for Radioprotection of Lacrimal Gland

Ocul Immunol Inflamm. 2023 Feb;31(2):271-276. doi: 10.1080/09273948.2022.2026409. Epub 2022 Jan 20.

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the radioprotective effect of spirulina (SP) on the lacrimal glands after RAI treatment.

Methods: A total of 30 rats were separated into control, RAI and SP group. The radioprotective effect of SP on lacrimal glands was evaluated with histopathological and cytopathological analysis. Lacrimal glands were analyzed for tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels.

Results: RAI increased TNF-α (p = .001), IL-6 (p = .018), and NF-κB levels (p < .0005). Following the administration of SP, TNF-α (p < .0005), IL-4 (p = .026), and IL-6 (p = .006) levels decreased. RAI decreased the TAC levels (p = .001), and co-administration of SP increased the TAC level, but was not statistically significant. SP decreased the TOS level after RAI (p = .022) .

Conclusions: SP protects lacrimal glands from RAI-induced damage.

Keywords: Radioiodine (RAI); cytokines; radiation; radioprotection; spirulina.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology
  • Cytokines / pharmacology
  • Interleukin-4 / pharmacology
  • Interleukin-6
  • Lacrimal Apparatus* / pathology
  • NF-kappa B
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Spirulina*
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / pharmacology

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Interleukin-6
  • NF-kappa B
  • Interleukin-4
  • Antioxidants