Inhibition of oxidative stress in HeLa cells by chemopreventive agents

R S Bhimani1, W Troll, D Grunberger

  • 1Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Medical Center, New York 10016-6451.

Cancer Research
|October 1, 1993
PubMed

Insights

This study shows that tamoxifen (TAM) and natural compounds like CAPE, EGCG, PGG, and Sarp A can inhibit oxidative stress and DNA damage caused by TPA in HeLa cells. TAM was the most effective inhibitor of TPA-induced oxidative stress and DNA damage.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) is a known inducer of oxidative stress in cells.
  • Oxidative stress can lead to DNA damage, specifically the formation of 8-hydroxyl-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and 5-hydroxymethyl-2'-deoxyuridine (HMdU).
  • Identifying agents that can inhibit TPA-mediated oxidative stress is crucial for chemoprevention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the inhibitory effects of naturally occurring compounds and tamoxifen on TPA-induced oxidative stress in HeLa cells.
  • To quantify the reduction in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and oxidized DNA bases (8-OHdG, HMdU) by these agents.
  • To determine the relative efficacy of different chemopreventive agents against TPA-mediated cellular damage.

Main Methods:

  • HeLa cells were treated with TPA to induce oxidative stress.
  • Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels were measured using fluorometric assays.
  • DNA damage was assessed by quantifying 8-OHdG and HMdU using 3H-postlabeling.
  • The inhibitory effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), penta-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucose (PGG), sarcophytol A (Sarp A), and tamoxifen (TAM) were evaluated dose-dependently.

Main Results:

  • TPA treatment significantly increased H2O2, 8-OHdG, and HMdU levels in HeLa cells.
  • All tested agents (TAM, CAPE, EGCG, PGG, Sarp A) dose-dependently inhibited TPA-induced H2O2, 8-OHdG, and HMdU.
  • Tamoxifen (TAM) demonstrated the most potent inhibition, reducing TPA-mediated oxidative stress and DNA damage by up to 95% at 20 microM.
  • CAPE, EGCG, and PGG also showed significant inhibitory effects, with varying optimal doses.
  • Sarcophytol A (Sarp A) was the least effective among the tested compounds.

Conclusions:

  • Naturally occurring compounds (CAPE, EGCG, PGG, Sarp A) and tamoxifen (TAM) are effective chemopreventive agents against TPA-induced oxidative stress.
  • These agents significantly reduce TPA-mediated increases in H2O2 and oxidized DNA bases.
  • Tamoxifen shows the highest efficacy in inhibiting TPA-induced oxidative damage, suggesting its potential in chemoprevention strategies.

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