Catechin, Epicatechin and Quercetin against Gamma-irradiation- induced Nrf-2, Nf-kB and Antioxidant Enzymes alterations in Cellular System of Rats

Abstract Background: Cell are prone to oxidative insults that are mediated by Rats exposure to gamma (γ) irradiation. These insult are nuclear factor kappa-B (Nf-kB) mediated, but the activation of nuclear related factor-2 (Nrf-2) renders cells resistant to oxidative insult and inflammatory challenges, mediated by Nf-kB. Plant materials have been used successfully to restore cellular alterations mediated by Nf-kB. Contain in these plants are catechin, epicatechin, astragalin and quercetin. Hence this study investigated the effects of catechin, epicatechin and quercetin against γ-irradiation-induced Nrf-2, Nf-kB and antioxidant enzymes alterations in Rats. Materials and Method: A total of thirty (30) rats (200 ± 5g) were distributed into 5 groups of 6 each. Except group 1, all other groups were exposed to 6 grey γ-irradiation. Group 2 were fed with rat chow and water only such that groups 3, 4 and 5 were administered catechin (CAT), epicatechin (EPC) and quercetin (QCT) at 40 mg/kg body weight respectively. The rats were sacrificed and biochemical parameters were assayed. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Results:Irradiation significantly (p<0.05) increased Nf-kB, reduced antioxidant enzymes activities, with a significant (p<0.05) decreased in Nrf-2 concentration of irradiated rats. Administration of CAT, EPC and QCT significantly (p<0.05) decreased Nf-kB and a corresponding significant (p<0.05) increased in Nrf-2 concentration and antioxidant enzymes activities of administered groups when compared with control. Conclusion: CAT, EPC and QCT have restored cellular alterations caused by γ-irradiation, hence can be used as protection against irradiation-induced alterations.