Hesperidin, a citrus bioflavonoid, ameliorates genotoxicity-induced by diazinon in human blood lymphocytes

Hesperidin (Hes), a natural bioflavonoid, is abundant in citrus fruit and has been reported to exert a wide range of pharmacological effects. Diazinon (DZN) can be mutagenic, or capable of inducing genetic damage, in human blood cells. The protective effect of Hes against DZN-induced micronucleus formation, an index of DNA damage, was investigated in human blood lymphocytes. Whole blood samples were collected from 5 volunteers and were incubated with different Hes concentrations for 3 h. The samples were then incubated with 750 µM DZN for 24 h. Subsequently, the blood samples were cultured with a mitogenic stimulant to evaluate micronucleus formation in cytokinesis-blocked binucleated lymphocytes. The incubation of blood samples with DZN induced additional genotoxicity in lymphocytes, and Hes pretreatment significantly reduced the micronucleus frequency (p<0.01-p<0.001). Hes revealed a potent antigenotoxic effect against DZN-induced DNA damage, which may be due to free radical scavenging property. Since hesperidin is a natural compound and is considered safe, it can be used as a supplement to protect people exposed to chemical or environmental hazards.