Cannabidiol protects keratinocyte cell membranes following exposure to UVB and hydrogen peroxide.

Keratinocytes, the major cell type of the epidermis, are particularly sensitive to environmental factors including exposure to sunlight and chemical agents. Since oxidative stress may arise as a result of these factors, compounds are actively sought that can act as protective agents. Recently, cannabidiol (CBD), a phytocannabinoid found in Cannabis Sativa L., has gained increased interest due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and absence of psychoactive effects. This prompted us to analyze the protective effects of CBD on keratinocytes exposed to UVB irradiation and hydrogen peroxide. Here we show, using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, that CBD was able to penetrate keratinocytes, and accumulated within the cellular membrane. CBD reduced redox balance shift, towards oxidative stress, caused by exposure UVB/hydrogen peroxide, estimated by superoxide anion radical generation and total antioxidant status and consequently lipid peroxidation level. CBD was found to protect keratinocytes by preventing changes in the composition of the cellular membrane, associated with UVB/hydrogen peroxide damages which included reduced polyunsaturated fatty acid levels, increased sialic acid and lipid peroxidation products (malondialdehyde and 8-isoprostanes) levels. This maintains cell membranes integrity and prevents the release of lactate dehydrogenase. In addition, CBD prevented UVB/hydrogen peroxide-induced reduction of keratinocyte size and zeta potential, and also decreased activity of ATP-binding cassette membrane transporters. Together, these findings suggest that CBD could be a potential protective agent for keratinocytes against the harmful effects of irradiation and chemical environmental factors that cause oxidative stress.

The redox status of human breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB231) treated with novel dinuclear berenil-platinum(II) complexes.

This study compared the effects of cisplatinum and novel berenil-platinum(ll) complexes on the redox status of breast cancer cells that were estrogen receptor-positive (MCF-7) or estrogen receptor-negative (MDA-MB231). Both cell lines were treated with cisplatinum or the following berenil-platinum(ll) complexes: Pt2(isopropylamine)4(berenil)2, Pt2(piperidine)4(berenil)2, Pt2(2-picoline)4(berenil)2, Pt2(3-picoline)4(berenil)2, and Pt2(4-picoline)4(berenil)2. Changes in levels of reactive oxygen species, levels and activities of antioxidants, and lipid peroxidation products levels were measured. All investigated compounds enhanced ROS generation, reduced the activity of antioxidant enzymes (e.g., glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase), and decreased levels of small-molecule antioxidants (GSH, vitamins E and A). Such conditions are conducive to generating oxidative stress and phospholipids peroxidation. Cellular phospholipids in MCF-7 cells were most sensitive to the Pt2(isopropylamine)4(berenil)2 complex, whereas MDA-MB231 cells were not particularly sensitive to any berenil-platinum(ll) complex. These findings will facilitate future anticancer drug design strategy for breast cancer pharmacotherapy.

Effects of dinuclear berenil-platinum(II) complexes on fibroblasts redox status.

PURPOSE: Platinum(II) complex anticarcinogenic mechanisms are associated with changes in the cellular redox status of cancer as well as healthy cells. Therefore, the goal of the present study was to investigate oxidative modifications in cellular components following fibroblast exposure to novel dinuclear berenil-platinum(II) complexes. MATERIAL AND METHOD: ROS levels, antioxidant parameters level/activity, and damage to DNA, lipids, and proteins, including pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic factors in human skin fibroblasts following berenil-platinum(II) complex treatments i.e. Pt2(isopropylamine)4(berenil)2, Pt2(piperazine)4(berenil)4, Pt2(2-picoline)4(berenil)2, Pt2(3-picoline)4(berenil)2, and Pt2(4- picoline)4(berenil)2 were examined. RESULTS: Treatment of fibroblasts with platinum(II) complexes has shown that all compounds enhance total ROS and superoxide anion generation as well as change the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase and decrease in the level of non-enzymatic antioxidants (GSH, vitamin C, E and A). Such a situation is conducive to oxidative stress formation and oxidative modifications of cellular macromolecules and to increase in the expression of proapoptotic proteins. Pt2(isopropylamine)4(berenil)2 elicited the most damage, which resulted in oxidative modification of cellular components. The therapeutic use of this complex would cause considerable side effects in patients, therefore the agent lacks drug potential; however Pt2(piperazine)4(berenil)2 and Pt2(2-picoline)4(berenil)2 exhibited reduced redox and increased apoptotic profiles compared to cisplatin. CONCLUSION: Results of this paper and preliminary data show that Pt2(2-picoline)4(berenil)2 is less dangers than cisplatin to fibroblasts and more disruptive than cisplatin to breast cancer cell metabolism, and therefore it is a promising candidate for use in future anticancer drug strategies.