The alleviating effect of herniarin against ionizing radiation-induced genotoxicity and cytotoxicity in human peripheral blood lymphocytes

Abstract

Background and Objective: Herniarin is a simple coumarin that is found naturally in some plant species. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the protective effect of herniarin against ionizing radiation-induced genotoxicity and cytotoxicity in human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Methods: Herniarin was added to human lymphocytes before irradiation with a dose of 2 Gy of X-rays. The antagonistic potential of herniarin against radiation was measured by MTT [3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H tetrazolium bromide] assay, micronucleus assay, flow cytometry, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level analysis. Results: The maximum survival of lymphocytes against radiation was observed at a concentration of 50 µM of herniarin and a treatment time of 1 h. Pretreatment with 50 µM herniarin significantly decreased the micronuclei frequency, the percentage of apoptotic lymphocytes, and the ROS level in irradiated human lymphocytes. Moreover, 50 µM herniarin significantly increased the cytokinesis blocked proliferation index in irradiated lymphocytes. Conclusion: Herniarin could reduce radiation-induced cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in human lymphocytes. To complete the results of this study, it is suggested that in the future, more preclinical studies with larger samples or in animal models be performed on herniarin.