PROTECTION OF LOW LET RADIATION-INDUCED DNA DAMAGE IN RAT BONE MARROW CELLS BY FREE RADICAL SCAVENGER CURCUMIN

摘要

Antioxidant potentials and radioprotective properties of curcumin were studied. Free radical scavenging activity of curcumin was measured spectrophotometrically using ferric ion reducing power assay, DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl) free radical test, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity assay, nitric oxide scavenging assay and superoxide scavenging capacity. The antioxidant properties depended upon concentration of curcumin in the reaction mixture. Curcumin exhibited good protection against low LET radiation-induced DNA damage. Treatment of ethanolic solutions of curcumin before irradiation significantly reduced comet tail DNA and length (P in vitro condition protect the DNA damage as indicated by significant reduction of the gamma radiation-induced conversion of CCC (covalently closed circular) to OC (open circular) form. The findings indicate that curcumin possesses promising antioxidant and radioprotective properties, and hence, has an important role in radiation countermeasures.