title: Flavonoid Fraction of Orange and Bergamot Juices Protect Human Lung Epithelial Cells from Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Oxidative Stress.
abstract: It has been reported that oxidant/antioxidant imbalance triggers cell damage that in turn causes a number of lung diseases. Flavonoids are known for their health benefits, and Citrus fruits juices are one of the main food sources of these secondary plant metabolites. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of the flavonoid fraction of bergamot and orange juices, on H2O2-induced oxidative stress in human lung epithelial A549 cells. First we tested the antioxidant properties of both extracts in cell-free experimental models and then we assayed their capability to prevent the cytotoxic effects induced by H2O2. Our results demonstrated that both Citrus juice extracts reduce the generation of reactive oxygen species and membrane lipid peroxidation, improve mitochondrial functionality, and prevent DNA-oxidative damage in A549 cells incubated with H2O2. Our data indicate that the mix of flavonoids present in both bergamot and orange juices may be of use in preventing oxidative cell injury and pave the way for further research into a novel healthy approach to avoid lung disorders.
authors.affiliation: Department of Drug Sciences and Products for Health, University of Messina, Viale Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Nadia
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ferlazzo
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98100 Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Giuseppa
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Visalli
authors.affiliation: Department of Drug Sciences and Products for Health, University of Messina, Viale Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Antonella
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Smeriglio
authors.affiliation: Department of Drug Sciences and Products for Health, University of Messina, Viale Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Santa
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cirmi
authors.affiliation: Department of Drug Sciences and Products for Health, University of Messina, Viale Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Giovanni Enrico
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Lombardo
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Salerno, Via Ponte don Melillo, Fisciano, 84084 Salerno, Italy.
authors.forename: Pietro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Campiglia
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98100 Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Di Pietro
authors.affiliation: Department of Drug Sciences and Products for Health, University of Messina, Viale Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Navarra