Effect of Chitosan on Oxidative Stress and Metabolic Disorders Induced In Rats Exposed to Radiation

Radiation is one of the most widespread sources of environmental stress in living environment which cause oxidative stress and metabolic changes. Chitosan is widely distributed in nature as a component of bacterial cell walls and exoskeletons of crustaceans and insects. The present study aims to evaluate the antioxidant effect of chitosan against gamma rays induced oxidative stress and metabolic disorders in rats. The study was conducted on forty eight (48) female rats which were classified into four equal groups. Group1: Control group, rats administrated orally 1.0 ml vehicle solution for forty days Group. 2: Chitosan group, rats administrated orally ( intragastric intubation) 1.0 ml of chitosan solution (100mg/kg b.wt. / day for 40 days).Group3: Irradiated rats, rats were subjected to whole body γ–irradiation to dose 4 Gy delivered as single exposure dose. Group 4: Combined treatment: rats administrated orally 1.0 ml of chitosan solution (100mg/kg b.wt. / day) for 40 days. At day 35 of chitosan treatment the rats were irradiated at dose level of 4Gy. Rats inspected after 1 and 5 days post irradiation and liver, spleen, lung and blood samples were collected. The animals exposed to gamma radiation had significant increase in TBARS, LDH, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, copper, iron, urea, creatinine, AFP and non significant increase in Mg. Also, significant decrease in GSH, CAT, HDL-C and estradiol was recorded. Administration of chitosan to rats prior and post gamma radiation improved the tested parameters so it is a therapeutic alternative for oxidative stress, hyperlipidaemia and hormonal changes. In this way, chitosan may be contributed to the prevention of atherogenic processes and contribute as safe functional fiber food. [N. E. Mohamed. Effect of Chitosan on Oxidative Stress and Metabolic Disorders Induced In Rats Exposed to Radiation. Journal of American Science 2011;7(6):406-417]. (ISSN: 1545-1003). http://www.americanscience.org.