Induction of Oxidative DNA Damage by Flavonoids of Propolis: Its Mechanism and Implication about Antioxidant Capacity

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• 作者：Yi-Chih Tsai ; Yi-Hsiang Wang ; Chih-Chiang Liou ; Yu-Cun Lin ; Haimei Huang ; Yin-Chang Liu
• 刊名：Chemical Research in Toxicology
• 出版年：2012
• 出版时间：January 13, 2012
• 年：2012
• 卷：25
• 期：1
• 页码：191-196
• 全文大小：326K
• 年卷期：v.25,no.1(January 13, 2012)
• ISSN：1520-5010

文摘

Propolis from beehives is commonly used as a home remedy for various purposes including as a topical antiseptic. Despite its antioxidant capacity, propolis induces oxidative DNA damage. In exploring the underlying mechanism, we found that the induction of oxidative DNA damage is attributed to the hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) produced by propolis. The formation of H₂O₂ can take place without the participation of cells but requires the presence of transition metal ions such as iron. Flavonoids such as galangin, chrysin, and pinocembrin that are commonly detected in propolis have the capacity to induce oxidative DNA damage, and that capacity correlates with the production of H₂O₂, suggesting the involvement of flavonoids in propolis in this process. On the basis of these results, we propose that the flavonoids of propolis serve as temporary carriers of electrons received from transition metal ions that are relayed to oxygen molecules to subsequently generate superoxide and H₂O₂. In addition, propolis induces oxidative DNA damage that is subject to repair, and propolis-treated cells show a lower level of DNA damage level when challenged with another oxidative agent such as amoxicillin. This is reminiscent of an adaptive response that might contribute to the beneficial effects of propolis.