title: Protection of DNA from gamma-radiation induced strand breaks by Epicatechin.
abstract: Epicatechin (EC), a polyphenolic antioxidant compound found in tea, apples and chocolate offered protection to DNA against ionizing radiation induced damages. Under in vitro conditions of radiation exposure, plasmid pBR322 DNA was protected by EC in a concentration dependent manner. The dose modifying factor for 0.2 mM EC for 50% protection of the plasmid DNA was found to be 6.0. EC when administered to mice 1 h prior to exposure to 4 Gy gamma-radiation protected cellular DNA against radiation-induced strand breaks in peripheral blood leukocytes, as revealed in alkaline comet assay studies. Thus, EC was found to protect DNA from gamma-radiation indiced strand breaks under in vitro as well as in vivo conditions of radiation exposure.
authors.affiliation: Radiation Biology and Health Sciences Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400085, India. ckknair@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Cherupally Krishnan Krishnan
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Nair
authors.forename: Veena Prakash
authors.initials: VP
authors.lastname: Salvi
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002392:Catechin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004247:DNA / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects*; D005720:Gamma Rays; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents; D002392:Catechin; D004247:DNA