A chimeric recombinant protein with peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities: Physico-chemical characterization and applicability to neutralize oxidative stress caused by ionizing radiation

•A chimeric recombinant protein PSH was composed of two enzymes, Prx6 and SOD.•Analysis of properties of PSH protein confirmed its high antioxidant activity.•The chimeric recombinant PSH can be considered as an effective radioprotector. A chimeric recombinant protein PSH was composed of two antioxidant enzymes, human peroxiredoxin 6 (Prx6) and superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) from Escherichia coli. Analysis of physico-chemical properties of PSH protein confirmed its high antioxidant activity. PSH was shown to protect animals from lethal and sub-lethal doses of ionizing radiation. PSH was most effective after intravenous administration short time before ionizing irradiation. Dose reduction factor for PSH comprised 1.33. PSH was effectively alleviating the degree of radiation-induced leucopenia and thrombocytopenia in animals. Beside that, PSH administration decreased DNA damage in red bone marrow cells. The chimeric recombinant PSH can be considered as an effective radioprotector for minimizing the risks of damage of animal’s body by ionizing radiation, and it could be a promising therapeutic molecule for prevention/suppression of pathological conditions accompanied or caused by oxidative stress.