Comparative radioprotective effects of ascorbic acid and telmisartan, alone and in combination, on gamma-irradiated mandibular bone: an experimental rat study

This study was purposed to assess the radioprotective influences of ascorbic acid and Telmisartan, solitary and in combination, on rats exposed to gamma radiation. After different treatment regimens, the study assessed radiographic and histopathological outcomes in bone tissue. Four groups of forty male albino rats were created casually (n = 10). All groups were subjected to fractionated gamma radiation (6 Gy), 2 Gy day after day, three times per week. Group 1 (R) was subjected to fractionated gamma radiation only. Group 2 (MR) received Telmisartan 12 mg/kg orally once/day for 7 days before radiation. Group 3 (CR) received 200 mg/kg orally once/day for 7 days, Ascorbic Acid before radiation. Group 4 (MCR) received Telmisartan 12 mg/kg orally once/day for 7 days, and Ascorbic Acid 200 mg/kg orally once/day for 7 days before radiation. All groups were divided into two subgroups based on two-time intervals (3 days and 10 days). The efficacy of the treatments was evaluated through histological analysis and CBCT, or cone beam computed tomography, for bone density examination. Radiographically, the highest values of bone density measured after 3 days were for the MCR group, while the lowest values of bone density measured after 3 days were for the R group. The histological examination revealed a notable distinction between the 4 groups, with enhanced early matrix deposition in the MCR group at 3 days. The Haversian canals appeared wide and filled with RBCs; also, many reversal lines can be easily noticed and showing that the bone is highly compact with stenosis of Haversian canals at 10 days. A Combination of ascorbic acid with telmisartan demonstrated superiority over ascorbic acid and telmisartan monotherapy.