Modification of gamma-radiation response in mice by green tea polyphenols

June Lee Hae, Sun Kim Joong, Changjong Moon, Choon Kim Jong, Sil Lee Yun, Sik Jang Jong, Kee Jo Sung, Ho Kim Sung

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24 Scopus citations

Abstract

In this study we evaluated the effect of water extracts of green tea (GT) and mixtures of green tea polyphenols (GTPs), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epicatechin gallate (ECG), epigallocatechin (EGC) and epicatechin (EC) on jejunal crypt survival, endogenous spleen colony formation, and apoptosis in jejunal crypt cells of mice irradiated with gamma-ray. The radioprotective effect of green tea was compared with the effect of diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC). Jejunal crypts were protected by pretreatment of GT and ECG. Administration of GT, GTPs and EC prior to irradiation resulted in an increase in the formation of endogenous spleen colonies. The frequency of apoptosis in crypt cells was also reduced by pretreatment of GT, GTPs, EGCG, ECG and EGC. In the experiment on the effect of catechins, the effects were partly contradicted in irradiated mice. The rank order of activity was ECG > EGC > EGCG > EC on intestinal crypt survival assay, EC > EGC > ECG > EGCG on the spleen colony formation assay, EGCG > EGC > EC > ECG on inhibiting the death of cells caused by apoptosis. The results indicate that GT and GTPs may have a major radioprotective effect. Each one of the catechins was a much less effective radioprotector, suggesting that total extract or a mixture of GTPs may be more effective than individual catechins.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1380-1383
Number of pages4
JournalPhytotherapy Research
Volume22
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2008

Keywords

  • Apoptosis
  • Crypt survival
  • Endogenous spleen colony
  • Gamma-radiation
  • Green tea
  • Polyphenols

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