ABSTRACT
Uric acid (UA) has been proposed to be the dominant antioxidant in birds. The objective of this study was to investigate the quenching effect of varying concentrations of UA, including those found in avian plasma, on specific reactive oxygen species (ROS) and to determine the ability of UA to protect DNA and cellular membranes from ROS-mediated damage. Hydroxyl (OH) and superoxide (O2-) radicals were detected by electron spin resonance (ESR) and their presence was reduced following addition of UA (p <0.05) in a concentration-dependent manner. UA inhibited hydroxyl-mediated DNA damage, indicated by the presence of more precise, dense bands of lambda Hind III DNA after agarose gel electrophoresis and ethidium bromide staining (p <0.05). Lipid peroxidation of silica-exposed RAW 264.7 cell membranes was diminished (p <0.02) after addition of UA to the cell incubation mixture. These studies demonstrate that UA scavenges hydroxyl and superoxide radicals and protects against DNA damage and lipid peroxidation. These results indicate specific antioxidant protection that UA may afford birds against ROS-mediated damage.
Subject(s)
DNA Damage/drug effects , Free Radical Scavengers/pharmacology , Lipid Peroxidation/drug effects , Uric Acid/pharmacology , Animals , Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy , Hydroxyl Radical/analysis , Macrophages, Peritoneal/drug effects , Macrophages, Peritoneal/physiology , Mice , Restriction Mapping , Superoxides/analysisABSTRACT
Scavenging or quenching of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) involved in oxidative stress has been the subject of many recent studies. Resveratrol, found in various natural food products, has been linked to decreased coronary artery disease and preventing cancer development. The present study measured the effect of resveratrol on several different systems involving the hydroxyl, superoxide, metal/enzymatic-induced, and cellular generated radicals. The rate constant for reaction of resveratrol with the hydroxyl radical was determined, and resveratrol was found to be an effective scavenger of hydroxyl, superoxide, and metal-induced radicals as well as showing antioxidant abilities in cells producing ROS. Resveratrol exhibits a protective effect against lipid peroxidation in cell membranes and DNA damage caused by ROS. Resveratrol was also found to have a significant inhibitory effect on the NF-kappaB signaling pathway after cellular exposure to metal-induced radicals. It was concluded that resveratrol in foods plays an important antioxidant role.
