Validation of coffee silverskin extract as a food ingredient by the analysis of cytotoxicity and genotoxicity

•CSE did not induce either cytotoxicity or genotoxicity•CSE inhibited B(a)P - induced genotoxicity in HepG2 cells and this effect may be associated to its antioxidant capacity•CGA may be a contributor to the chemopreventive effect of CSE against B(a)P induced DNA damage in HepG2 cells

The aim of the present study was to validate the food safety of CSE, by studying its effect on cytotoxicity (100-20000 μg/ml) and genotoxicity (10, 100 and 1000 μg/ml) and also to investigate its preventive potential (1, 10 and 100 μg/ml) against B(a)P induced DNA damage. Prior to analyses, the antioxidant capacity and the microbiological quality of CSE were tested. DNA damage (strand breaks and oxidized purines/pyrimidines) was evaluated by the alkaline single-cell gel electrophoresis or comet assay. HepG2 cells were pre-treated with CSE (1, 10 and 100 μg/ml) for 24 h followed by the addition of 100 μM B(a)P in presence of CSE for other 24 h. Detection of oxidized purines and pyrimidines was carried out using Formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase or Endonuclease III enzymes, respectively. Chlorogenic acid (CGA), the major antioxidant present in coffee, was used as a control. Treatment with 100 μM B(a)P significantly increased (p < 0.05) levels of DNA strand breaks and oxidized purine and pyrimidine bases. Treatment of HepG2 cells with CSE did not induce either cytotoxicity or genotoxicity. CSE significantly inhibited (p < 0.05) genotoxicity induced by B(a)P and the observed effect may be associated to its antioxidant capacity. CGA alone at the concentration present in CSE was effective against B(a)P. Thus, CGA seems to be a contributor to the preventive effect of CSE against B(a)P induced DNA damage in HepG2 cells. In conclusion, CSE presents potential as a natural sustainable chemoprotective agent against the chemical carcinogen B(a)P.

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