Natural iron chelators: Protective role in A549 cells of flavonoids-rich extracts of Citrus juices in Fe3+-induced oxidative stress

•BJe and OJe showed cytoprotective properties against Fe3+-induced oxidative damages.•BJe and OJe chelating property prevented upstream the redox imbalance Fe3+-induced.•BJe and OJe induced antioxidant enzyme catalase modulating gene expression in A549.•BJe and OJe may prevent pathologies due to Fe exposure and impaired homeostasis.

Exogenous iron in particulate matter and imbalanced iron homeostasis cause deleterious effects on health. Natural and synthetic iron chelators may be of therapeutic benefit, therefore we evaluated the protective effect of Citrus flavonoids-rich extracts from bergamot and orange juices in iron overloaded human lung epithelial cells.Cytofluorimetric, biochemical and genotoxic analyses were performed in Fe2(SO4)3 exposed A549, pretreated with each extract whose chemical composition was previously detected. Chelating activity was assessed in cells by a calcein ester.Both extracts reduced the generation of reactive oxygen species and membrane lipid peroxidation, improved mitochondrial functionality, and prevented DNA-oxidative damage in iron-exposed cells. Antioxidant effects were attributed to the chelating property, blocking upstream the redox activity of iron. Flavonoid-rich extracts also induced antioxidant catalase.The bergamot and orange juice extracts had a broad-spectrum protective effect. Their use prevents iron oxidative injury and these natural iron chelators could be used as therapeutic agents.

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