title: Induction of oxidative DNA damage by flavonoids of propolis: its mechanism and implication about antioxidant capacity.
abstract: Propolis from beehives is commonly used as a home remedy for various purposes including as a topical antiseptic. Despite its antioxidant capacity, propolis induces oxidative DNA damage. In exploring the underlying mechanism, we found that the induction of oxidative DNA damage is attributed to the hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) produced by propolis. The formation of H(2)O(2) can take place without the participation of cells but requires the presence of transition metal ions such as iron. Flavonoids such as galangin, chrysin, and pinocembrin that are commonly detected in propolis have the capacity to induce oxidative DNA damage, and that capacity correlates with the production of H(2)O(2), suggesting the involvement of flavonoids in propolis in this process. On the basis of these results, we propose that the flavonoids of propolis serve as temporary carriers of electrons received from transition metal ions that are relayed to oxygen molecules to subsequently generate superoxide and H(2)O(2). In addition, propolis induces oxidative DNA damage that is subject to repair, and propolis-treated cells show a lower level of DNA damage level when challenged with another oxidative agent such as amoxicillin. This is reminiscent of an adaptive response that might contribute to the beneficial effects of propolis.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Tsing-Hua University, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan 30013.
authors.forename: Yi-Chih
authors.initials: YC
authors.lastname: Tsai
authors.forename: Yi-Hsiang
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Chih-Chiang
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Liou
authors.forename: Yu-Cun
authors.initials: YC
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Haimei
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: Yin-Chang
authors.initials: YC
authors.lastname: Liu
mesh_terms: D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D020552:Comet Assay; D004249:DNA Damage; D005419:Flavonoids / Q000633:toxicity*; D006801:Humans; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide / Q000378:metabolism; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects*; D011429:Propolis / Q000633:toxicity*
chemical_list: D005419:Flavonoids; D011429:Propolis; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide