Abstract
BACKGROUND: X-ray exposure can result in acute or chronic damage to lung tissue, leading to pneumonitis and fibrosis. Given the potent antioxidant properties of sumac, this study investigates the impact of hydroalcoholic sumac extract on X-ray-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats. METHODS: In this experimental study, 36 rats were randomly divided into six groups of six rats each. The treatment and sham groups received intraperitoneal administration of the extract daily for one week before exposure to X-ray radiation. On the seventh day, all rats except those in group 3 were exposed to 2 Gy of 6 MV X-rays using an electro-linear accelerator. Lung tissue was subsequently removed to assess the subacute effects of the extract. Data analysis involved independent sample t-tests and one-way ANOVA using SPSS 26. RESULTS: A single dose of X-rays significantly increased oxidative stress and lung tissue damage in rats. However, rats receiving vitamin C and hydroalcoholic sumac extract at two different doses (100 and 400 mg/kg intraperitoneally) positively improved lung damage and decreased antioxidant parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The findings demonstrate that hydroalcoholic sumac extract can mitigate oxidative stress and enhance lung repair following X-ray radiation exposure.