The Effect of a Grape Seed Extract onRadiation-Induced DNA Damage in HumanLymphocytes

摘要

Plant-derived antioxidants due to their phenolic compounds content are reported aspotential candidates for reducing the levels of oxidative stress in living organisms. Grape seedextracts are very potent antioxidants and exhibit numerous interesting pharmacologic activities.Hydroethanolic (50/50, v/v) standardized extract was obtained from red grape seed (Vitisvinifera, variety Burgund Mare - BM). The total polyphenols content was evaluated by Folin-Ciocalteu procedure and expressed as μEq Gallic Acid/ml.The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential antioxidant effects of different concentrationsof BM extract against ~(60)Coγ-rays induced DNA damage in human lymphocytes. Samples ofhuman lymphocytes were incubated with BM extract (12.5, 25.0 and 37.5μEq GA/ml,respectively) administered at 30 minutes before in vitro irradiation with γ-rays (2Gy). The DNAdamage and repair in lymphocytes were evaluated using alkaline comet assay. Using the lesionscore, the radiation-induced DNA damage was found to be significantly different (p < 0.05) fromcontrol, both in the absence and presence of BM extract (except the lymphocytes treated with37.5μEq GA/ml BM extract). DNA repair analyzed by incubating the irradiated cells at 37°Cand 5% CO_2atmosphere for 2h, indicated a significant difference (p<0.05) in the lymphocytesgroup treated with 25.0μEq GA/ml BM extract, immediately and two hours after irradiation.These results suggest radioprotective effects after treatment with BM extract in humanlymphocytes.