Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study was to study the effect of ionizing radiation on apoptosis-related protein concentrations as well as the radio-protective role of Ginkgo biloba and Angelica archangelica. The experiments were performed on 68 adult Wistar rats weighing 175 g (+/- 10 g). Animals were subdivided into control group in which the animals received neither the protector nor the isotopes. The second group represents the animals that received I mCi of Tc-99m only. The third group represents the animals that received A. archangelica for 7 days. The fourth group represents the animals that received G. biloba for 7 days. The fifth group represents the animals that received I mCi of Tc-99m once after receiving A. archangelica for 7 days. The sixth group represents the animals that received mCi of Tc-99m once after receiving G. biloba for 7 days. Radiation was administered as intravenous injection by I mCi of Tc-99m with the legend methoxyisobutylisonitrile for 24 h. The concentration of p53, Bcl2 and malondialdehyde in liver as well as histopathological examination of liver cells were carried out. Results showed that apoptotic to anti-apoptotic protein ratio significantly (p < 0.05) returned to its normal ratio when radioisotopic injection was administered after the protection period for a week by both A. archangelica and G. biloba in a dose based on the animal body weight. Electron microscope photographing supported this finding. Conclusion: It was concluded that both antioxidants can be used as radio-protective agents in cases of ionizing radiation exposure.