Post-irradiation effect of Broncho-Vaxom, OM-85 BV, and its relationship to anti-oxidant activities.

This study was conducted to test the efficacy of Broncho-Vaxom (OM-85 BV) in rats after exposure to radiation-induced oxidative stress. Daily administration of Broncho-Vaxom (2.5 mg/kg/day) to rats for a period of 28 days produced a progressive significant increase in the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase in lungs and erythrocytes. No changes were recorded in reduced glutathione (GSH) content in lungs, while an increase was recorded in erythrocytes. Significant increase was also observed in serum gamma-globulin content. Intraperitoneal administration of Broncho-Vaxom to rats for 11 days before gamma-irradiation and daily during the period of irradiation, delivered as 1 Gy every other day to reach 9 Gy, significantly reduced radiation-induced lipid peroxidation (LPO) measured as thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) in the lungs and erythrocytes. Treatment with Broncho-Vaxom modified the radiation-induced decrease of serum gamma-globulins contents. It is postulated that Broncho-Vaxom, by enhancing the antioxidant system and increasing serum gamma-globulin content, could play an important role in modifying radiation-induced oxidative stress.