Beneficial effect of low dose gamma irradiation or quercetin on Cerastes cerastes snake venom induced toxicity in male rats

This study aimed to evaluate the role of low dose gamma irradiation (IRR) on snake venom induced toxicity in male rats using quercetin as a reference antioxidant. Sixty rats were divided equally into six groups. Control, Venom, IRR, Quercetin, Venom + IRR, and Venom + Quercetin. Serum liver and kidney functions were ameliorated after treatments, as well as, Paroxonase and superoxide dismutase activities, nitric oxide, malondialdehyde, and tumor necrosis factor α levels in liver and kidney tissues also NF-kB gene expression in tissues. Moreover, histopathological study confirmed these improvements. Thus, low dose IRR as well as quercetin was found to be a reliable tool in the treatment of snakebites.