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Apple Flavonoids Suppress Carcinogen-Induced DNA Damage in Normal Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells

Vazhappilly Cijo George1, H P Vasantha Rupasinghe1,2

  • 1Department of Plant, Food, and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, NS, Canada.

Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity
|July 13, 2017
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Apple flavonoids (AF4) protect against carcinogen-induced DNA damage in human cells. This study shows AF4 reduces toxicity and promotes DNA repair mechanisms, highlighting its potential for genomic integrity maintenance.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Genomic integrity is vital for preventing cancer initiation and progression.
  • DNA damage from carcinogens poses a significant global health risk.
  • Investigating natural compounds for chemoprotective effects is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of apple flavonoid fraction (AF4) against carcinogen-induced DNA damage.
  • To elucidate the mechanism of AF4 in DNA damage response and repair pathways.
  • To assess AF4's protective effects on normal human bronchial epithelial cells.

Main Methods:

  • Human bronchial epithelial cells were pretreated with AF4 and exposed to carcinogens (NNK, MTX, cisplatin).
  • Cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and DNA damage markers (DNA fragmentation, γ-H2AX) were assessed.
  • Expression of DNA damage (ATM/ATR, Chk1/2, p53) and repair (DNA-PKcs, Ku80) proteins was analyzed via immunofluorescence and western blotting.

Main Results:

  • AF4 pretreatment significantly reduced cell cytotoxicity, ROS generation, and DNA fragmentation.
  • AF4 inhibited the carcinogen-induced increase in γ-H2AX and DNA damage proteins in an ATR-dependent manner.
  • AF4 facilitated the phosphorylation of DNA-PKcs, indicating enhanced DNA repair initiation.

Conclusions:

  • Apple flavonoids (AF4) demonstrate in vitro protective effects against oxidative DNA damage.
  • AF4 enhances cellular DNA repair mechanisms, supporting genomic stability.
  • AF4 shows potential as a chemopreventive agent against DNA-damaging carcinogens.

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