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Oxidative stress of alternariol in Caco-2 cells

Celia Fernández-Blanco1, Guillermina Font1, Maria-Jose Ruiz1

  • 1Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés s/n, 46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.

Toxicology Letters
|July 30, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Alternariol (AOH), a mycotoxin from Alternaria, causes oxidative stress in human colon cells (Caco-2). While not reaching lethal doses, AOH increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation, posing health risks.

Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Cell Biology
  • Mycotoxicology

Background:

  • Alternariol (AOH) is a mycotoxin produced by Alternaria fungi, commonly found in food products.
  • AOH exposure poses potential risks to human health due to its toxic properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the cytotoxic effects of AOH on human colon adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cells.
  • To evaluate AOH-induced oxidative stress markers, including reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation (LPO), and antioxidant enzyme activity (catalase and superoxide dismutase).

Main Methods:

  • Caco-2 cells were exposed to varying concentrations of AOH (3.125–100 μM) for 24, 48, and 72 hours.
  • Cytotoxicity was assessed using MTT, NR, and PC assays.
  • Oxidative stress was measured by quantifying ROS production, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (for LPO), and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT).

Main Results:

  • AOH reduced cell viability in Caco-2 cells, though no IC50 values were determined.
  • Significant oxidative stress was induced by AOH, evidenced by increased ROS production (1.2-fold) and elevated MDA levels (130%–250% increase).
  • Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased at all tested concentrations of AOH.

Conclusions:

  • AOH exhibits cytotoxic effects on Caco-2 cells, particularly at higher concentrations.
  • AOH induces significant oxidative stress, characterized by ROS generation and lipid peroxidation, even at lower concentrations.
  • The observed oxidative stress and cytotoxicity suggest potential health hazards associated with AOH exposure.
Keywords:
AlternariolAntioxidant defenseCaco-2 cellsOxidative stress

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