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DNA-protective effects of quercetin or naringenin in alloxan-induced diabetic mice
Nada Oršolić1, Goran Gajski, Vera Garaj-Vrhovac
1Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Rooseveltov trg 6, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia. norsolic@yahoo.com
Abstract:
Diabetes mellitus is associated with a high production of reactive oxygen species, which may cause oxidative DNA damage. High levels of genomic damage have been associated with liver and renal failure as well as immune-system decline. Flavonoids are effective antioxidants and may protect against several chronic diseases including diabetes. This study used the comet assay to assess the levels of DNA damage in the blood, liver and kidney cells in untreated and quercetin (QU) or naringenin treated diabetic mice. In addition, the study was designed to establish whether QU or naringenin might have a biological effect in protecting diabetic mice against oxidative stress by using survival studies to observe total body injury at the level of the organism. QU or naringenin were injected to mice intraperitoneally (i.p.) at a dose of 50mg/kg for 7days starting 2days after a single dose (75mg/kg, i.v.) alloxan injection. These findings suggest that QU or naringenin treatment resulted in a significant increase in the body weight, the haematological and immunological parameters of blood, as well as leading to 100% survival of diabetic mice. The tested flavonoids have protective effects against alloxan-induced DNA-damage in peripheral lymphocytes but not in the liver and kidney cells of diabetic mice. It might be hypothesised that diabetic mice with a high intake of flavonoid-rich foods, and specifically foods rich in quercetin or naringenin, might be relatively protected against long-term complications of diabetes due to decreased oxidative stress. Various co-operative and synergistic action mechanisms of the tested flavonoids may lead to the protection of the whole organism against diabetes.
Insights
Quercetin and naringenin flavonoids improved survival and health in diabetic mice by reducing oxidative stress and DNA damage in lymphocytes. These natural compounds show promise for managing diabetes complications.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus is linked to increased reactive oxygen species and oxidative DNA damage.
- Oxidative damage contributes to severe health issues like liver/renal failure and immune decline.
- Flavonoids, potent antioxidants, may offer protection against chronic diseases, including diabetes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the protective effects of quercetin (QU) and naringenin against oxidative stress in diabetic mice.
- To assess DNA damage levels in blood, liver, and kidney cells of diabetic mice treated with QU or naringenin.
- To determine the impact of QU and naringenin on the survival and overall health of diabetic mice.
Main Methods:
- Diabetic mice were induced using alloxan and subsequently treated with quercetin or naringenin.
- The comet assay was employed to measure DNA damage in lymphocytes, liver, and kidney cells.
- Survival studies monitored the overall health and mortality of the treated diabetic mice.
Main Results:
- Quercetin and naringenin treatments significantly improved body weight and blood parameters (hematological and immunological).
- All treated diabetic mice exhibited 100% survival, indicating a protective effect against mortality.
- Flavonoids protected peripheral lymphocytes from alloxan-induced DNA damage, but not liver or kidney cells.
Conclusions:
- Quercetin and naringenin demonstrate significant protective effects in diabetic mice, enhancing survival and overall health.
- These flavonoids mitigate oxidative DNA damage in lymphocytes, suggesting a mechanism for protecting against certain diabetes complications.
- Dietary intake of flavonoid-rich foods, particularly those high in quercetin or naringenin, may help protect against long-term diabetes complications.
