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Shark cartilage-containing preparation: protection against reactive oxygen species
I Felzenszwalb1, J C Pelielo de Mattos, M Bernardo-Filho
1Universidade do Estado do, Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Biologia, Departamento de Biofísica e Biometria, Brazil.
Abstract:
There is overwhelming evidence to indicate that free radicals cause oxidative damage to lipids, proteins and nucleic acids and are involved in the pathogenesis of several degenerative diseases. Therefore, antioxidants, which can neutralize free radicals, may be of central importance in the prevention of these disease states. The protection that fruits and vegetables provide against disease has been attributed to the various antioxidants contained in them. Recently, an anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of a water-soluble fraction from shark cartilage has been described. Using electrophoretical assays, bacteria survival and transformation and the Salmonella/mammalian-microsome assay, we investigated the putative role of shark cartilage-containing preparation in protecting cells against reactive oxygen species induced DNA damage and mutagenesis. If antimutagens are to have any impact on human disease, it is essential that they are specifically directed against the most common mutagens in daily life. Our data suggest that shark cartilage-containing preparation can play a scavenger role for reactive oxygen species and protects cells against inactivation and mutagenesis.
Insights
Shark cartilage extract neutralizes harmful reactive oxygen species, protecting cells from DNA damage and mutations. This finding highlights its potential as a natural antioxidant and antimutagen for disease prevention.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Free radicals cause oxidative damage, contributing to degenerative diseases.
- Antioxidants from fruits and vegetables offer protection against such diseases.
- Shark cartilage exhibits anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective role of shark cartilage against reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced DNA damage and mutagenesis.
- To assess the antimutagenic potential of a water-soluble shark cartilage fraction.
Main Methods:
- Electrophoretical assays
- Bacterial survival and transformation assays
- Salmonella/mammalian-microsome assay (Ames test)
Main Results:
- Shark cartilage preparation demonstrated a scavenger role for reactive oxygen species.
- The preparation protected cells against ROS-induced inactivation and mutagenesis.
- Data suggest antimutagenic activity of the shark cartilage fraction.
Conclusions:
- Shark cartilage-containing preparations can protect cells against reactive oxygen species-induced DNA damage.
- These findings support the potential of shark cartilage as a source of antimutagens.
- Further research may elucidate its role in preventing diseases linked to oxidative stress.