Protective role of chrysin against oxidative stress in d-galactose-induced aging in an experimental rat model

Aim: To evaluate the putative protective role of chrysin, an isoflavone, on d-galactose-induced aging in an experimental rat model. Methods: Rats were divided into five groups of five each. Group I received 0.9% saline only. Groups II, III and IV received d-galactose (50 mg/kg bodyweight) intraperitoneally, additionally group III and group IV received chrysin (20 mg/kg bodyweight) and a-tocopherol acetate (200 mg/kg bodyweight), respectively. Group V received chrysin alone. The experiment period was for a period of 8 weeks. After the rats were killed, the tissue samples were analyzed for mean activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione reductase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, reduced glutathione, vitamin C, vitamin E, malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl. Histopathological studies were also carried out for morphological conformation. Results: Tissue samples from d-galactose-exposed untreated rats showed significantly (P < 0.05) lower levels of enzymatic and non-enzymatic anti-oxidants, and significantly (P < 0.05) higher levels of malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl when compared with group I and group III rats. Oral administration of chrysin for a period of 8 weeks, concomitant with the exposure to d-galactose, appeared to protect against oxidative damage and maintained all parameters at near normal levels. Histopathological studies confirmed the oxidative damage caused by d-galactose alone in tissues and also showed the tissue protective role of chrysin in rats receiving d-galactose and chrysin. Conclusion: These results suggest that chrysin protects against oxidative stress-induced tissue damage in d-galactose-induced aging in an experimental rat model. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; 12: 741-750.