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The effect of flavonoids on ofloxacin-induced mutagenicity in Euglena gracilis
L Krizková1, M Nagy, J Polónyi
1Institute of Molecular and Subcellular Biology, Faculty of Science, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.
Abstract:
The antimutagenicity of 14 naturally occurring flavonoids (20 mumol/l) on ofloxacin (43 mumol/l and 86 mumol/l)-induced bleaching (mutagenicity) was studied in Euglena gracilis. The flavonoids chrysin, techtochrysin, chrysin-5-methylether galangin, galangin-5-methylether, pinocembrin and pinobanksin possess considerable antimutagenic properties against ofloxacin-induced bleaching of E. gracilis. Apigenin and isalpinin had only weak antimutagenic potency. Pinobanksin-5-methylether and pinobanksin-3-acetate showed very weak or no antimutagenic effect. However, kempferol, quercetin-3-methylether and quercetin-3,3'-dimethylether showed co-mutagenic or no antimutagenic effect depending on the concentration of ofloxacin. Two possible modes of action of the flavonoids on ofloxacin-induced bleaching of E. gracilis are discussed.
Insights
Certain flavonoids show significant antimutagenic effects against ofloxacin-induced bleaching in Euglena gracilis. These natural compounds offer potential protective properties against mutagenicity.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Environmental Toxicology
- Natural Product Chemistry
Background:
- Ofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic with known mutagenic potential.
- Natural flavonoids are plant-derived compounds with diverse biological activities, including antioxidant and antimutagenic properties.
- Euglena gracilis is a single-celled photosynthetic organism used as a model for mutagenicity testing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antimutagenic potential of 14 naturally occurring flavonoids against ofloxacin-induced mutagenicity.
- To identify specific flavonoids that exhibit significant protective effects.
- To explore potential mechanisms of action for flavonoid-mediated antimutagenesis.
Main Methods:
- The study utilized Euglena gracilis as a model organism.
- Mutagenicity was induced using ofloxacin at concentrations of 43 mumol/l and 86 mumol/l.
- The antimutagenic activity of 14 flavonoids (at 20 mumol/l) was assessed by measuring the reduction in ofloxacin-induced bleaching.
Main Results:
- Chrysin, techtochrysin, chrysin-5-methylether, galangin, galangin-5-methylether, pinocembrin, and pinobanksin demonstrated considerable antimutagenic properties.
- Apigenin and isalpinin exhibited weak antimutagenic effects.
- Pinobanksin-5-methylether and pinobanksin-3-acetate showed minimal to no antimutagenic activity.
- Kempferol, quercetin-3-methylether, and quercetin-3,3'-dimethylether displayed co-mutagenic effects or no antimutagenic activity, depending on ofloxacin concentration.
Conclusions:
- Several flavonoids, including chrysin and pinocembrin, possess significant antimutagenic potential against ofloxacin-induced damage in Euglena gracilis.
- The efficacy of flavonoids varies, with some showing strong protective effects while others are ineffective or even co-mutagenic.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms underlying the observed antimutagenic and co-mutagenic activities of these natural compounds.