Extracts of Dunaliella salina, a microalga, protect against radiation-induced intestinal mucositis

Introduction The dried biomass of Dunaliella salina (D. salina) is a unicellular microalga isolated from the salty lakes in Egypt.

Method A suspension was prepared from organisms cultured in our lab. The biomass contained 3.3 mg/g total carotenoids and 10 mg/g chlorophyll. Suspensions were given orally in doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg to male Wistar rats for 5 days before exposure to 6 Gray (Gy) gamma radiation and continued for a further two days. Rats were sacrificed 24 h later and intestinal segments were dissected out. One segment was examined histologically and another was used to prepare homogenates to assess relevant biochemical parameters reflecting intestinal injury.

Results Radiation exposure led to a rise in the histological damage score, an increase in tissue tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin (IL-1β) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), but a decrease in tissue reduced glutathione (GSH) and in serum citrulline. Pretreatment with D. salina effectively reduced the severity of intestinal mucositis induced by gamma radiation.

Conclusion These findings could pave the way to investigate further the potential usefulness of such natural resources to prevent intestinal damage caused by radiation exposure.

Publication History

Article published online:
13 June 2022