The effects of oxaloacetate on hydrogen peroxide generation from ascorbate and epigallocatechin gallate in cell culture media: Potential for altering cell metabolism

Several phenolic compounds as well as ascorbate can oxidise in certain cell culture media (especially Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium (DMEM)) to generate hydrogen peroxide. Addition of oxaloacetate decreased the levels of H2O2 detected and the oxaloacetate was depleted. Oxaloacetate was approximately as effective as pyruvate in decreasing H2O2 levels and more effective than α-ketoglutarate. Our data raise important issues to consider when interpreting the behaviour and metabolism of cells in culture (which are both altered by the oxidative stress of cell culture) and their apparent response to addition of autooxidisable compounds such as ascorbate and epigallocatechin gallate.

► Oxaloacetate can scavenge H2O2 generated in cell culture media.
► The oxaloacetate is degraded, probably to a compound that inhibits mitochondrial function.
► Such reactions could seriously perturb the metabolism of cells in culture.