The Modifying Effect of Beta 1,3-D Glucan on Gamma Radiation Induced Oxidative Stress and Genotoxicity in Male Mice

Beta 1,3-D glucan is a natural polysacharide dericed from the cell walls of baker's yeast Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, with immunoenhancing capabilities. This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of beta 1,3-D glucan on antioxidant status (superoxide dismutase, SOD and catalase activities and the contents of reduced glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxides (TBARS) in liver and blood of male mice. In addition, cytogenetic end points (sister chromatid exchanges) were identified in bone marrow. Mice were exposed to whole body gamma radiation, delivered as 2 Gy every other day up to dose 8 Gy. Beta 1,3-D glucan was supplemented daily (65 mg/kg b wt/day) by gavage for 15 days before and during exposure to gamma irradiation. Experimental investigations were carried out 1, 7 and 14 days after exposure to the last radiation dose. The results obtained showed that beta 1,3-D glucan significantly minimized the radiation induced increase in the amount of TBARS in liver and blood of irradiated mice. Furthermore, significant amelioration in SOD and catalase activities was observed 7 and 14 days from the last irradiation fraction in liver and blood. The results obtained showed that the amelioration in the decrease of reduced glutatgione in liver was obvious 7 and 14 days after irradiation Supplementation of beta 1,3-D glucan was also effective in minimizing the radiation induced increase in sister chromatid exchanges throughout the experimental period. It could be concluded that intensifying antioxidant capability of irradiated mice by beta 1,3-D glucan administration, could ameliorate the genotoxicity signs that appears after radiation exposure