Investigation of the effect of aronia (Aronia melanocarpa) on rats exposed to radiation

In modern life, it is almost impossible to completely avoid radiation. Radiation from both natural and man-made sources consistently creates adverse effects on humans and other organisms. After oxidative damage in the organism, the negative effects of free radicals can be prevented by means of antioxidants taken with food. It has been proven by various studies that aronia has the highest antioxidant capacity and amount of anthocyanins compared to other berry fruits. For this reason, it is important to consider aronia as a natural antioxidant as a supportive treatment option in the prevention of radiation-induced toxicity both in daily life and in treatment processes. Reduction of symptoms related to liver damage occurring in acute or chronic phase after radiotherapy is very important for the patient's quality of life. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the protective effect of aronia plant, which has an antioxidant effect, against liver damage caused by radiation. For this purpose, 24 male Wistar Albino rats were used. Rats were divided into 4 groups. Tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 1 beta, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine, malondialdehyde levels, superoxide dismutase and catalase enzyme activities were measured to determine oxidative stress parameters and antioxidant levels in the groups treated with aronia and radiation. As a result, when the findings were examined, it was determined that aronia reduced oxidative stress parameters, increased antioxidant enzyme levels, reduced inflammation markers and reduced oxidative damage of DNA. For this reason, it is thought that aronia can be used as a protector against the side effects of radiotherapy.