Redox characterization of usnic acid and its cytotoxic effect on human neuron-like cells (SH-SY5Y).
Toxicol In Vitro
; 26(2): 304-14, 2012 Mar.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-22186154
Usnic acid (UA) is the most common and abundant lichenic secondary metabolite with potential therapeutic application. Anti-inflammatory and antitumour properties have already been reported and UA-enriched extracts are widely used to treat several diseases in the folk medicine. First, we performed in silico evaluation of UA interactions with genes/proteins and important compounds for cellular redox balance and NO pathway. Then, we assessed UA redox properties against different reactive species (RS) generated in vitro, and evaluated its action on SH-SY5Y neuronal like cells upon hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), since no in vitro neurotoxicological data has been reported so far. Total reactive antioxidant potential index (TRAP) showed a significant antioxidant capacity of UA at the highest tested concentration; UA was also effective against hydroxyl radicals and reduced the formation of nitric oxide. In vitro, lipoperoxidation was enhanced by UA and changed the cellular viability at highest concentration of 20µg/mL for 1 and 4h, as well as 2 and 20µg/mL for 24h of treatment, according to MTT reduction assay. Moreover, UA did not display protective effects against H(2)O(2)-induced cell death in any case. Evaluation of intracellular RS production by the DCFH-based assay indicated that UA was able to induce changes in basal RS production at concentration of 20µg/mL for 1h and from 2ng/mL to 20µg/mL for 4 and 24h. In conclusion, UA could display variable redox-active properties, according to different system conditions and/or cellular environment. Moreover, our results suggest that potential neurotoxicological effects of UA should be further studied by additional approaches; for instance, in vivo and clinical studies.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Benzofuranos
Limite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Toxicol In Vitro
Assunto da revista:
TOXICOLOGIA
Ano de publicação:
2012
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Brasil
País de publicação:
Reino Unido