Radioprotective activity and cytogenetic effect of resveratrol in human lymphocytes: An in vitro evaluation

Trans-resveratrol is a natural occurring polyphenol, obtained from grapes and other berries. This compound has shown antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunostimulant or anti-carcinogenic properties. Our aim was to evaluate the radioprotective efficacy, in vitro, of trans-resveratrol against radiation-induced chromosomal damage and to study the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of this polyphenol in cell cultures without irradiation. The study was carried out by the pre-treatment of human lymphocytes at concentrations from 0 to 219 μM of trans-resveratrol. The results showed that all concentrations tested reduced radiation-induced chromosomal damage compared with cells with any treatment. Maximum damage protection was observed at the concentration of 2.19 μM. Concerning genotoxic results, all tested trans-resveratrol concentrations increased the sister chromatid exchange (SCE) index compared with no trans-resveratrol treatment. Cytotoxic indexes (Mitotic and Proliferation Index) showed that the lowest concentrations could enhance the cell proliferation rates and the highest ones could negatively affect to human peripheral lymphocytes growth.

► The maximum level of radioprotection of resveratrol observed was around of 52%. ► Resveratrol induced chromosomal aberration due to activity topoisomerase poisoning. ► Resveratrol displays a hormetic dose response.