Radioprotective effect of nanoniosome loaded by Mentha Pulegium essential oil on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells exposed to ionizing radiation

Abstract Introduction : Despite the applications and advantages of ionizing radiation; there are many radiation risks to biological systems that are necessary to be reduced as much as possible. The present study aimed to assess the radioprotective effect of nanoniosomes loaded by Mentha Pulegium essential oil (MPEO-N) as a natural antioxidant on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Materials and methods MPEO-N nanoparticles were prepared by the lipid thin-film hydration method, and its physicochemical characteristics were analyzed. PBMCs were then irradiated with X-ray using a 6 MV linear accelerator at radiation doses of 25 and 200 cGy in the presence of non-toxic concentrations of MPEO-N nanoparticles (IC10). After 48 and 72 h of incubation, the radioprotective effect was investigated by measuring survival, apoptosis, and necrosis of PBMCs, using MTT assay and flow cytometry analysis. Results The hydrodynamic diameter and zeta potential of nanoniosomes were 106.0 nm and − 15.2 mV, respectively. The mean survival percentage of PBMCs showed a significant increase only at a radiation dose of 200 cGy compared with the control group. The percentages of apoptosis and necrosis of cells in the presence of MPEO-N nanoparticles at both radiation doses and incubation periods (48 and 72 hours) demonstrated a significant reduction compared with the control. Conclusion MPEO-N nanoparticles as a natural antioxidant, exhibited a favorable radioprotective effect by a significant reduction in the percentage of apoptosis and necrosis of irradiated PBMCs.