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Inhibition of bacterial mutagenesis by Citrus flavonoids
M Calomme1, L Pieters, A Vlietinck
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Belgium.
Abstract:
The antimutagenicity of the Citrus flavonoids naringin, hesperidin, nobiletin, and tangeretin against the mutagens benzo[a]pyrene, 2-aminofluorene, quercetin, and nitroquinoline N-oxide was investigated in the Salmonella/microsome assay. Naringin and hesperidin showed a weak antimutagenic activity against benzo[a]pyrene. Tangeretin was antimutagenic against all indirectly-acting mutagens tested, but in general a large molar excess was necessary. Liquid preincubation increased the antimutagenicity of tangeretin against 2-aminofluorene. Nobiletin acted as an antimutagen against benzo[a]pyrene, but it enhanced the mutagenicity of 2-aminofluorene. However, in a liquid preincubation assay nobiletin also exhibited antimutagenicity against 2-aminofluorene. Both tangeretin and nobiletin inhibited the mutagenicity of quercetin. Quercetin itself acted as an antimutagen against 2-aminofluorene in a Salmonella strain (TA1538) where its mutagenicity was not expressed. Quercetin should not merely be regarded as a genotoxic risk factor in the human diet, since its mutagenicity may be inhibited by accompanying compounds including other flavonoids, and since quercetin itself also exhibits an antimutagenic action. Because of the antimutagenic properties the Citrus flavonoids tested, especially tangeretin and nobiletin, might play a role in the chemoprevention of cancer.
Insights
Citrus flavonoids like tangeretin and nobiletin demonstrate antimutagenic properties, potentially aiding in cancer chemoprevention. These compounds, particularly tangeretin, show effectiveness against various mutagens in the Salmonella/microsome assay.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Toxicology
- Nutraceuticals
Background:
- Dietary flavonoids are extensively studied for their health benefits.
- Citrus flavonoids possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Their role in modulating mutagenicity and genotoxicity requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antimutagenic potential of specific Citrus flavonoids: naringin, hesperidin, nobiletin, and tangeretin.
- To assess their efficacy against a range of mutagens, including benzo[a]pyrene, 2-aminofluorene, quercetin, and nitroquinoline N-oxide.
- To explore the influence of preincubation conditions on flavonoid-induced antimutagenicity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Salmonella/microsome assay (Ames test) to assess mutagenicity and antimutagenicity.
- Tested four Citrus flavonoids (naringin, hesperidin, nobiletin, tangeretin) against four mutagens.
- Investigated the effect of liquid preincubation on the antimutagenic activity of flavonoids.
Main Results:
- Naringin and hesperidin exhibited weak antimutagenicity against benzo[a]pyrene.
- Tangeretin showed broad antimutagenic activity against indirectly-acting mutagens, often requiring high concentrations.
- Nobiletin demonstrated antimutagenicity against benzo[a]pyrene and quercetin, but enhanced 2-aminofluorene mutagenicity, which was reversed by preincubation. Quercetin itself displayed antimutagenic effects.
Conclusions:
- Citrus flavonoids, particularly tangeretin and nobiletin, possess significant antimutagenic properties.
- Quercetin's role as a genotoxic risk is complex, as it can also act as an antimutagen and its effects are modulated by other flavonoids.
- These findings suggest a potential role for Citrus flavonoids in cancer chemoprevention strategies.