Author(s): Farshad H. Shirazi | Hassan Yazdanpanah | Felor Khoshjoo | Laila Hosseinzadeh
Journal: International Journal of Pharmacology
ISSN 1811-7775
Volume: 2;
Issue: 2;
Start page: 233;
Date: 2006;
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Keywords: Pistachio extract | AFB1 | cytotoxicity | HepG2 cells
ABSTRACT
Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is one of the most common mycotoxins found in human foodstuffs such as corn, peanuts, pistachio and cottonseeds. It is a potent hepatocarcinogen in experimental animals and probably in humans. Pistachio contains elements that have been claimed for cancer prevention. Based on these evidences and also the nutrient value of pistachio, we have investigated on the possible protective effects of pistachio extract on the cytotoxic effects of AFB1, using different assays. Human hepatocarcinoma HepG2 cells were exposed to AFB1 (0-60 μM) and pistachio extract concurrently and in different sequences. As analyzed by the MTT viability assay and caspase activation assay, pistachio extract increased the cytotoxicity of AFB1, when HepG2 cells were exposed to it before AFB1. It did, however, not change the rate of cell death measured by LDH release or the P53-expression in any sequences of exposure with AFB1. As a conclusion, pistachio extract was not only able to protect HepG2 cells from AFB1 toxicity, but also increased AFB1-induced cytotoxicity in some conditions. As a matter of fact, our results showed that pistachio extract facilitates AFB1 cytotoxicity at a level after P53-expression.
Journal: International Journal of Pharmacology
ISSN 1811-7775
Volume: 2;
Issue: 2;
Start page: 233;
Date: 2006;
VIEW PDF
DOWNLOAD PDF Original pageKeywords: Pistachio extract | AFB1 | cytotoxicity | HepG2 cells
ABSTRACT
Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is one of the most common mycotoxins found in human foodstuffs such as corn, peanuts, pistachio and cottonseeds. It is a potent hepatocarcinogen in experimental animals and probably in humans. Pistachio contains elements that have been claimed for cancer prevention. Based on these evidences and also the nutrient value of pistachio, we have investigated on the possible protective effects of pistachio extract on the cytotoxic effects of AFB1, using different assays. Human hepatocarcinoma HepG2 cells were exposed to AFB1 (0-60 μM) and pistachio extract concurrently and in different sequences. As analyzed by the MTT viability assay and caspase activation assay, pistachio extract increased the cytotoxicity of AFB1, when HepG2 cells were exposed to it before AFB1. It did, however, not change the rate of cell death measured by LDH release or the P53-expression in any sequences of exposure with AFB1. As a conclusion, pistachio extract was not only able to protect HepG2 cells from AFB1 toxicity, but also increased AFB1-induced cytotoxicity in some conditions. As a matter of fact, our results showed that pistachio extract facilitates AFB1 cytotoxicity at a level after P53-expression.
