The biliprotein C-phycocyanin modulates the early radiation response: a pilot study.

This study analyzed the effects of biliprotein C-phycocyanin (C-PC) on the enzymatic antioxidant defence system in lymphocytes of nuclear power-plant workers and non-exposed controls. Changes in the protein levels of manganese super oxide dismutase (MnSOD), catalase and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) were used as markers for early biological effects of a single in vitro exposure of cells to: (i) 2Gy gamma rays; (ii) 5muM C-PC; and (iii) a combination of C-PC plus irradiation with 2Gy. The results showed that C-PC selectively stimulated the lymphocyte antioxidant defence system of occupationally exposed subjects.