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Related Experiment Video

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Real-Time Measurement of the Mitochondrial Bioenergetic Profile of Neutrophils

Published on: June 2, 2023

Nerolidol effects on mitochondrial and cellular energetics.

Fernanda M Ferreira¹, Carlos M Palmeira, Maria M Oliveira

¹CERNAS, Department of Environment, Agricultural College of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.

Toxicology in Vitro : an International Journal Published in Association with BIBRA

|December 6, 2011

Summary

Nerolidol, a plant compound, disrupts cellular energy production by affecting ATP synthase in mitochondria. This leads to decreased energy levels, cell death, and growth arrest in liver cancer cells.

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Area of Science:

Biochemistry
Cell Biology
Toxicology

Background:

Nerolidol is a sesquiterpenoid found in various plant essential oils.
Its effects on cellular and mitochondrial energetics are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the toxic effects of nerolidol on mitochondrial and cellular energy metabolism.
To explore the impact of nerolidol on cell viability and growth in a liver cancer cell line.

Main Methods:

Experiments were conducted using rat liver mitochondria and the human hepatocellular liver carcinoma cell line (HepG2).
Assays measured mitochondrial phosphorylative system activity, respiratory chain activity, ATP/ADP levels, and mitochondrial transmembrane electric potential.
Cell death and growth arrest were assessed in HepG2 cells exposed to nerolidol.

Main Results:

Nerolidol decreased the phosphorylative system activity of rat liver mitochondria, indicating a direct effect on F1-ATPase, and reduced the respiratory control ratio.
Cellular ATP/ADP levels decreased in a concentration-dependent manner, suggesting an impact on F(0)F(1)-ATP synthase.
Nerolidol delayed mitochondrial permeability transition, potentially due to antioxidant activity, and decreased mitochondrial transmembrane electric potential.
In HepG2 cells, nerolidol induced cell death and growth arrest, correlating with reduced bioenergetic efficiency.

Conclusions:

Nerolidol directly affects mitochondrial ATP synthase, leading to impaired cellular energy production.
The observed decrease in bioenergetic efficiency contributes to nerolidol-induced cytotoxicity and growth inhibition in liver cancer cells.