Antiatherogenic and radioprotective role of folic acid in whole body gamma-irradiated mice.

Free radical mediated oxidative damage is one of the prime factors for atherogenic changes in humans. We have shown that the folic acid administration reduced the risk of the atherogenic factors induced by gamma-radiation. Folic acid administration prevented the radiation induced increase in the plasma lipoprotein lipase activity and also prevented the radiation-induced increase in the hepatic cholesterol and triglycerides levels. These results indicate the role of folic acid as an antiatherogenic agent. Further, we also report the radioprotective property of folic acid as demonstrated by reduction in the radiation induced membrane damage as measured by lipid peroxidation products and DNA damage, which was measured by alkaline comet assay.