The protective efficacy of Quercetin and Naringenin against radiation-related submandibular gland injury in female rats: A histopathological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical study

Objective: In this study, we aimed to reveal the effectiveness of Quercetin and Naringenin in preventing radiotherapy-associated submandibular gland injury. Design: The study was conducted using 48 adult female Sprague Dawley rats. The rats were randomly assigned into six groups of eight animals each. Group 1 represented the control group. The rats received only Naringenin was regarded as Group 2, received only Quercetine was regarded as Group 3. The rats exposed to radiotheraphy at a dose of 15 Gy was regarded as Group 4. Rats in group 5 were received Naringenin at a dose of 50 mg/kg daily for one week prior to radiotheraphy exposition while rats in group 6 was received Quercetine at a dose of 50 mg/ kg daily for one week prior to radiotheraphy. Rats were sacrificed after radiotheraphy and submandibular glands were dissected for biochemical and immunohistochemical evaluations. Results: Quercetin and Naringenin were found to have protective effect against radiation-induced damage. Naringenin and Quercetin increased the levels of Superoxide dismutase, Catalase, Glutathione Peroxidase, Glutathione and Total antioxidant status while decreasing the levels of Myeloperoxidase and Total oxidant status. Also, these agents inhibited the expression of Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha and 8-hydroxy 2-deoxyguanosine immunohistochemically. Conclusions: With their powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, Naringenin and Quercetin exhibit histopathological, immunochemical, and biochemical protection against radiation-related submandibular gland injury. In addition, Quercetin was found to be superior to Naringenin in terms of this efficacy.