Abstract

Background: Neuronal cell apoptosis is associated with radiation exposure. It is urgent to study the radiation protection of hippocampal neurons.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effect of anthocyanins on radiation and its potential mechanism.

Materials and Methods: The irradiation was carried out at room temperature with 4-Gy dose. Anthocyanins were intraperitoneally administered to rats prior to radiation exposure. The immunohistology and survival of neurons within the hippocampi, neuroprotective effects of anthocyanin, mean ROS accumulation and SIRT3 expression by Western Blot and qRTPCR were performed.

Results: Anthocyanins inhibit radiation-induced apoptosis by activating SIRT3. SIRT3 mRNA increased 24 hours after anthocyanin performed, accompanied by an increase in SIRT3 protein and activity.

Conclusion: Anthocyanin can effectively resist radiation-induced oxidation and support its role in scavenging cellular reactive oxygen species. The results showed that anthocyanin protected hippocampal neurons from apoptosis through the activity of SIRT3 after irradiation.

Keywords: Anthocyanins, hippocampus, sirtuin 3, radiation, reactive oxygen species, apoptosis, oxidative stress.