Natural Iron Chelators: Protective Role In A549 Cells Of Flavonoids Fraction From Citrus Juices in Fe3+-Induced Oxidative Stress

Publication date: Available online 7 March 2016 Source:Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology Author(s): Nadia Ferlazzo, Giuseppa Visalli, Santa Cirmi, Giovanni Enrico Lombardo, Pasqualina Laganà, Angela Di Pietro, Michele Navarra Exogenous iron in particulate matter and imbalanced iron homeostasis cause deleterious effects on health. Natural and synthetic iron chelators may be of therapeutic benefit, therefore we evaluated the protective effect of two Citrus flavonoids-rich extracts from bergamot and orange juices in iron overloaded human lung epithelial cells. Cytofluorimetric, biochemical and genotoxic analyses were performed in Fe2(SO4)3 exposed A549, pretreated with each extract whose chemical composition was previously detected. Chelating activity was assessed in cells by a calcein ester. Both extracts reduced the generation of reactive oxygen species and membrane lipid peroxidation, improved mitochondrial functionality, and prevented DNA-oxidative damage in iron-exposed cells. Antioxidant effects were attributed to the chelating property, blocking upstream the redox activity of iron. Flavonoid-rich extracts also induced antioxidant catalase. The bergamot and orange juice extracts had a broad-spectrum protective effect. Their use prevents iron oxidative injury and these natural iron chelators could be used as therapeutic agents. Graphical abstract
Source: Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology - Category: Environmental Health Source Type: research