Nephroprotective effects of propolis and caffeic acid phenethyl ester against radiation-induced oxidative stress

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Propolis and its active component, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), have been shown to have immunomodulatory, anti-tumoral, cytotoxic, anti-metastatic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Ionizing radiation induces radiolysis of water and generates free radicals that result in oxidative stress. In this study, we aimed to investigate protective effects of propolis and CAPE on the kidney tissue of rats against ionizing radiation-induced oxidative stress. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight rats were divided into six groups; sham group, irradiation (IR), CAPE plus IR, propolis plus IR groups, and control groups of propolis and CAPE. Lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) levels, total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) were assayed to determine oxidative status. Total antioxidant status (TAS), total sulfhydryl (–SH) levels, paraoxonase, ceruloplasmin, and arylesterase activities were determined as antioxidant parameters. RESULTS: Kidney TOS, OSI, and LOOH levels were significantly higher in the IR group (P<0.001). TAS and –SH levels were significantly lower in the IR group compared to propolis plus IR, CAPE plus IR, and sham groups (P<0.001). Total –SH levels in the CAPE plus IR group were significantly higher than sham group, but were significantly decreased compared to propolis plus IR group (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Ionizing radiation exposure results in oxidative stress in rat kidneys, and propolis and CAPE enhance antioxidant capacity and prevent kidney tissue from radiation-induced oxidative damage by improving antioxidant status.