Effect of naringin on the DNA damage induced by daunorubicin in mouse hepatocytes and cardiocytes

Naringin (Nar) is a flavonoid that has shown antigenotoxic effect against the chromosome damage induced by various compounds. The aims of the present investigation on Nar were threefold: a) to determine its DNA breaking potential in mouse hepatocytes and cardiocytes, b) to evaluate its capacity to inhibit the DNA damage induced by daunorubicin (Dau) in the same tissues, and c) to determine its capacity to trap free radicals in vitro using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) method. For the two first purposes we applied the comet assay to three groups of animals administered with Nar by the oral route (50, 250, 500mg/kg), and made the observations before the chemical administration and at 3, 12, and 21h postadministration. Other three groups of mice were given equal doses of Nar, and 1h later they were intraperitoneally injected with 1mg/kg of Dau. The results showed that Nar did not induce DNA breakage in both types of studied cells, in contrast with the significant damage induced by Dau in hepatocytes and cardiocytes. Moreover, the administration of Nar protected the DNA damage produced by Dau, showing a maximum reduction of 71.3% and 51.1% in hepatocytes and cardiocytes, respectively. With respect to the antioxidant potential, 20mM of Nar produced a free radical scavenging activity as high as 95%. Our study established a high DNA breaking potential of Dau, and a protective effect by Nar, probably related with its capacity to trap free radicals.