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Radioprotective properties of apple polyphenols: an in vitro study
Pankaj Chaudhary1, Sandeep Kumar Shukla, I Prem Kumar
1Department of Radiation Biology, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, Brig SK Mazumdar Marg, Delhi, 110054, India.
Abstract:
Present study was undertaken to evaluate the radioprotective ability of total polyphenols extracted from edible portion (epicarp and mesocarp) of apple. Prior administration of apple polyphenols to murine thymocytes significantly countered radiation induced DNA damage (evaluated by alkaline halo assay) and cell death (trypan blue exclusion method) in a dose dependent manner maximally at a concentration of 2 and 0.2 mg/ml respectively. Apple polyphenols in a dose dependent fashion inhibited both radiation or Fenton reaction mediated 2-deoxyribose (2-DR) degradation indicating its ability to scavenge hydroxyl radicals and this activity was found to be unaltered in presence of simulated gastric juice. Similarly apple polyphenols in a dose dependent fashion scavenged DPPH radicals (maximum 69% at 1 mg/ml), superoxide anions (maximum 88% at 2 mg/ml), reduced Fe(3 +) to Fe(2 +) (maximum at 1 mg/ml) and inhibited Fenton reaction mediated lipid peroxidation (maximum 66% at 1.5 mg/ml) further establishing its antioxidative properties. Studies carried out with plasmid DNA revealed the ability of apple polyphenols to inhibit radiation induced single as well as double strand breaks. The results clearly indicate that apple polyphenols have significant potential to protect cellular system from radiation induced damage and ability to scavenge free radicals might be playing an important role in its radioprotective manifestation.
Insights
Apple polyphenols protect cells from radiation damage by scavenging harmful free radicals. These compounds demonstrate significant radioprotective effects, offering potential for cellular protection against radiation-induced harm.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Radiation exposure can cause significant cellular damage, including DNA breaks and cell death.
- Antioxidants are being investigated for their potential to mitigate radiation-induced injuries.
- Polyphenols, abundant in fruits like apples, are known for their antioxidant properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the radioprotective potential of total polyphenols extracted from the edible parts of apples.
- To investigate the mechanisms underlying the radioprotective effects of apple polyphenols, focusing on free radical scavenging.
- To assess the stability and efficacy of apple polyphenols under simulated physiological conditions.
Main Methods:
- Extraction of total polyphenols from apple epicarp and mesocarp.
- Assessment of radioprotective effects on murine thymocytes using alkaline halo assay and trypan blue exclusion.
- Evaluation of free radical scavenging activity (hydroxyl, DPPH, superoxide) and antioxidant capacity (Fe3+ reduction, lipid peroxidation inhibition).
- Analysis of protection against radiation-induced DNA strand breaks using plasmid DNA assays.
Main Results:
- Apple polyphenols significantly protected thymocytes from radiation-induced DNA damage and cell death in a dose-dependent manner.
- The compounds effectively scavenged hydroxyl radicals, DPPH radicals, and superoxide anions, and inhibited lipid peroxidation.
- Radioprotective activity was maintained in the presence of simulated gastric juice.
- Apple polyphenols inhibited both single and double-strand breaks in plasmid DNA induced by radiation.
Conclusions:
- Total polyphenols from apples exhibit significant radioprotective properties against cellular damage.
- The free radical scavenging and antioxidant activities of apple polyphenols are key mechanisms contributing to their radioprotective effects.
- Apple polyphenols represent a promising natural agent for protecting biological systems from radiation-induced damage.
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