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Effects of tannins on Chinese hamster cell line B14
Magdalena Labieniec1, Teresa Gabryelak
1Department of General Biophysics, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, Lodz 90-237, Poland.
Abstract:
Tannins, naturally occurring plant phenols, have been recognized as antioxidants, but toxic effects have also been observed. In the current investigation, the interaction of this type of compounds with Chinese hamster cells (cell line B14) has been examined. This study reports on the results of experiments in which B14 cells were exposed to tannins: tannic, ellagic and gallic acids in the concentration range 15-240 microM. The cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of these compounds were studied. The colorimetric MTT assay to assess cytotoxicity and the Comet assay for detection of DNA damage were used. In this paper, we also demonstrated the influence of tannins on the fluidity of the plasma membrane. This experiment was carried out by a spectrofluorometric method using two fluorescent probes: 1-[4-(trimethylamino)phenyl]-6-phenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (TMA-DPH) and 12-(9-anthroyloxy)stearic acid (12-AS). The tannins increased the fluidity in the internal region of the lipid bilayer, but no changes at the surface of the plasma membrane were observed. The results of the MTT assay showed that tannins could decrease the viability of cells and that their cytotoxicity was highest at the concentration of 60 microM. The degree of toxicity of these compounds was not correlated with the concentration used. The data obtained from the Comet assay showed that the tannins could also contribute to formation of DNA single-strand breaks.
Insights
Tannins can harm Chinese hamster cells by decreasing viability and causing DNA damage. These plant phenols alter plasma membrane fluidity, with toxicity not directly correlating to concentration.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Tannins are plant phenols with known antioxidant properties.
- However, toxic effects of tannins have also been documented.
- Their interaction with cellular components requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of tannins on Chinese hamster cells (B14).
- To examine the influence of tannins on plasma membrane fluidity.
- To determine the dose-response relationship of tannin toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Cytotoxicity assessed using the colorimetric MTT assay.
- Genotoxicity evaluated via the Comet assay for DNA single-strand breaks.
- Plasma membrane fluidity measured using spectrofluorometry with fluorescent probes (TMA-DPH and 12-AS).
Main Results:
- Tannins (tannic, ellagic, gallic acids) decreased cell viability.
- Cytotoxicity was most pronounced at 60 microM, but toxicity did not consistently correlate with concentration.
- Tannins increased the fluidity of the internal lipid bilayer but not the plasma membrane surface.
- DNA single-strand breaks were observed.
Conclusions:
- Tannins exhibit cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on Chinese hamster cells.
- Tannins alter the biophysical properties of the plasma membrane.
- The findings highlight the complex biological activity of tannins, with implications for their use and safety.