Evaluation of the radio-protective role of PEG-Fe3O4 NPs on γ-irradiated male Wistar rats

•PEG-Fe3O4 NPs at a dose of 1.5 mg/kg was injected intraperitoneal (IP) for 21 days in male Wistar rats.•Injection of PEG-Fe3O4 NPs pre-irradiation (5.5 Gy) vividly reduces the impact of γ-rays on biological disorders.•Administration of the PEG-Fe3O4 NPs post-irradiation couldn't overcome the damaging effect of γ-rays.•PEG-Fe3O4 NPs had no harmful effect on blood picture, protein fractions, lipid profile, liver enzymes, and kidney function.•P EG-Fe3O4 NPs administration as a radioprotective agent before γ-irradiation keeping different body system balance against γ-irradiation hazards without side effects.