Protective Action Of Different Natural Flavan-3-Ols Against Aflatoxin B-1-Related Cytotoxicity

The aim of this study is to investigate the ability of flavan-3-ols: catechin, epigallocatechin, epigallocatechin gallate, and epicatechin gallate to prevent aflatoxin B-1 (AB(1))-induced cytotoxicity in A2780 cell line. The treatment with AB(1) (0.35 mu M) gives an increased level of cytotoxicity versus control (30-50%). Flavan-3-ols are more efficient against AB(1) cytotoxicity at 24 h after treatment than after 48 h. AB(1)-induced dichlorofluorescin diacetate fluorescence intensity was significantly reduced even after 1 h incubation with flavan-3-ols. Concerning the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) release, comparing with the control, AB(1) induces a down-expression of this factor. All the flavan-3-ols induced a higher level of TNF-alpha release in the cellular supernatant comparing with the AB(1) group, but much lower than the control group. The present study demonstrates the potent protective effect of flavan-3-ols against AB(1) cytotoxicity in A2780 epithelial cell line. This protective effect may be due to the inhibitory effect of flavan-3-ols on AB(1)-induced reactive oxygen species formation and oxidative damage.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThere is a delicate balance between antioxidants and pro-oxidants, generally and specifically, in the cell. They are responsible for regulation of various metabolic pathways, immunosuppression, growth and development and protection against stress. Mycotoxins have negative impact on this antioxidant/pro-oxidant balance. This balance can be regulated by dietary antioxidants like flavan-3-ols.There are various approaches to control or combat mycotoxin problems; one is by developing new oxidant strategies by improving the natural defense mechanism against mycotoxins at cellular level.Considering the role of reactive oxygen species in chemically induced carcinogenesis, the ability of aflatoxins to induce cytotoxicity to cells may play an important role in aflatoxin-induced carcinogenicity. Chemopreventive strategies designed to limit the several toxic effects, caused by these mycotoxins, are important public health goals for reducing the incidence of aflatoxin-induced diseases. Flavan-3-ols, a class of phenolic compounds ubiquitous in plants and widely found in a number of fruits, vegetables and beverages, can be a choice of preventing the mycotoxin-related toxicity as we reported in this study.