Unveiling the mitigating effect of matcha-silver nanoparticles on radiation-induced ovarian injury in rats

Radiotherapy, an essential cancer treatment, poses significant risks to ovarian tissue, especially during whole-body irradiation treatments. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of silver nanoparticles derived from matcha green tea (M-AgNPs) inmitigating oxidative stress and apoptosis caused by gamma radiation in rat ovaries. The thirty-six rats were partitioned into six groups. Group 1: control; Group 2: 3; normal rats received matcha and M-AgNPs (10 mL/kg) orally for 14 days respectively; Group 4: rats subjected to 6 Gy whole-body gamma radiation. Groups 5 and 6 of irradiated rats received daily oral administrations of matcha and M-AgNPs (10 mL/kg) for a duration of 14 days, respectively. Biochemical and histological investigations were conducted to evaluate oxidative stress, apoptosis, and ovarian tissue architecture. Radiation significantly (P< 0.05) decreased total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and elevated 8-OHdG levels, indicating oxidative damage. The treatment with M-AgNPs mitigated these effects by reducing the concentration of 8-OHdG and enhancing TAC, thereby restoring antioxidant balance. Furthermore, radiation markedly (P< 0.05) elevated p53 and ERK1 expression levels, whereas M-AgNPs treatment significantly (P< 0.05) diminished p53 and ERK1 expression levels in ovarian tissue. Radiation causes several forms of DNA damage, while the treatment with M-AgNPs mitigated this damage. Histopathological evaluations exhibited considerable improvements in the histological characteristics of ovarian tissue following the administration of M-AgNPs in comparison to irradiated rats. According to these findings, M-AgNPs represent one of the most promising methods for mitigating radiation-induced ovarian damage. Additional work is necessary to clarify particular molecular pathways and their long-term effects.