Radioprotective Effect of Resveratrol, Crocin, and Their Combination on Cytogenetic Alterations in Human Lymphocytes

Background: High-dose radiation altering the genetic material in patients' bone marrow cells can lead to hematopoietic radiation syndrome. Accordingly, the presence of radiation protections agents is critical to preventing these adverse effects.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the radioprotection of the exclusive or combination effect of resveratrol and crocin extracts at various concentrations on irradiated human lymphocytes.

Material and methods: In this experimental study, the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method was used to evaluate the cell viability in pre-treatment with resveratrol, crocin, or a combination of both, using a concentration range of 5 to 4800 μM / ml in 24 h. The chromosomal aberration test was employed to determine the aberration frequency in 48 h. This study was performed on human peripheral blood lymphocytes treated with 2 Gy radiation and reliability of measurements performed by the triplicate repeat.

Results: MTT results showed that the groups treated with either resveratrol or crocin at concentrations of 5 to 4800 µM had no significant reduction in cell viability. The cytogenetic analysis of irradiated lymphocytes with 2 Gy X-rays revealed a reduction in the frequency of dicentric chromosomes in all treated groups in contrast with the control group. The most significant reduction occurred in those treated with a single agent at the concentration of 100 µM and a combined drug at the concentration of 50 µM.

Conclusion: The combination of resveratrol and crocin is considered a potential radioprotector and prophylactic for patients before radiation therapy.