Impairment of placental angiogenesis in rats treated with saffron: The role of low dose gamma irradiation

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Radiation Biology Department., Radiation Research Division, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority

2 Radiation Biology Department, Radiation Research Division, National Center For Radiation Research and Technology, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority.

Abstract

The current study is an endeavor to estimate how much the teratogenic effect of saffron (Crocus sativus L) on pregnant rats upon exposure to low doses of gamma radiation. Pregnant rats were received 50 mg saffron extract/kg body weight (every 2 days over 18 days) and exposed to 3Gy of gamma radiation delivered as 0.5Gy every 3 days over 18 days. Transcription factor HIF-1, sFLT-1, a soluble like tyrosine kinase with antiangiogenic properties, significantly increased in placental and fetus tissues of rats who received saffron treatment compared to control rats. Plasma VEGF and placenta VEGF receptors (FLT-1) endure significant decreases in pregnant rats treated with saffron and significant alteration in the NO concentrations in both of placenta and fetus tissues. Deranged antioxidant GSH concentration and GSHPx activities, and pro-oxidant MDA, were markedly observed. Besides, we observed increases in LDH levels in the placenta, fetus tissues, and maternal blood plasma Unexpectedly, the severity of changes in biochemical parameters are less pronounced in rats treated with saffron and exposed to low dose gamma radiation. It could be concluded that saffron at a certain stage and certain doses could exert considerable toxicity symbolized serious life threats during pregnancy and low dose gamma irradiation could oppose this harmful action.

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