Chlorophyllin protects HEp-2 cells from nuclear fragmentation induced by poliovirus.
OBJECTIVE
Chlorophyllin (CHLN) is a synthetic derivative of chlorophyll that possesses antimutagenic activity against several environmental contaminants. In the present study, CHLN was assayed for its capacity to prevent nuclear fragmentation (NF) in HEp-2 cells infected with poliovirus.


RESULTS
CHLN was assayed at concentrations of 0.5 and 2.5 microg ml(-1), and NF was monitored using the comet assay and acridine orange staining. We demonstrated that CHLN reduced the percentage of NF in poliovirus-infected HEp-2 cells, when cells were treated with drug before infection or exposed continuously to drug. However, the highest degree of protection was achieved when the virus was exposed to CHLN before infection followed by protocol where infected cultures were continuously exposed to the drug after infection.


CONCLUSIONS
It is suggested that CHLN primarily binds to the virus which inhibits cell penetration, thereby maintaining nuclear integrity.


CONCLUSIONS
Considering that CHLN has several beneficial properties and no significant toxic effects in humans and animals, it would be an ideal candidate drug to test for antiviral activity.
Botelho
M V J
MV
Departamento de Microbiologia, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Parana, Brazil.
Orlandi
J M
JM
de Melo
F L
FL
Mantovani
M S
MS
Linhares
R E C
RE
Nozawa
C
C
D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000633:toxicity*; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000187:drug effects; D002735:Chlorophyllides / Q000633:toxicity*; D020552:Comet Assay; D053938:DNA Fragmentation / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D017955:Poliovirus / Q000187:drug effects*
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D002735:Chlorophyllides; C007020:chlorophyllin