Actions of redox-active compound resveratrol under hydrogen peroxide insult in C6 astroglial cells

The mechanisms by which resveratrol (3,5,4′-trihydroxy-stilbene) imparts neural effects is not well understood. We previously demonstrated that, depending upon the concentration of resveratrol and the cell type, this compound exerts anti-or pro-oxidant effects. In the present study, we investigated the effects of resveratrol on H2O2-mediated genotoxicity in C6 astroglial cells (I – 1 mM H2O2/30 min or II – 0.1 mM H2O2/6 h), evaluated by micronucleus assay, lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and membrane integrity. H2O2 increased micronuclei to 1.5 (I) and 1.7-fold (II), compared to control cells. This DNA damage was prevented (I) or partially prevented (II) by resveratrol. Oxidative insult also increased TBARS, 52% in I and 38% in II, P < 0.05. These effects were prevented by resveratrol in I and increased in II (70% of increase). Present data contribute to the understanding of resveratrol effects under oxidative stress damage.