Cytoprotective effects of the aqueous extract of the Ziziphus jujuba fruit on TBHP-induced damage on human fibroblast cells

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundOxidative stress plays a major role in the development of various human diseases. However, many antioxidant compounds can neutralize the excess of free radicals, protect the cells against their toxic effects and help prevent or treat a disease. This study investigated the cytoprotective effects of the aqueous extract of theZiziphus jujubafruit on the tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP)-induced damage on human fibroblast cells.MethodsHuman fibroblast cells were pretreated with different concentrations (1, 2, 4, 8 mg/mL) ofZ. jujubafor 24 h and exposed to 75 μM TBHP for another 24 h. Cell viability was determined by the MTT assay. The antioxidant activity was determined using the 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods, and the intracellular antioxidant activity was evaluated with the Cellular antioxidant activity assay.ResultsOur data showed that treatment with TBHP reduced cell viability of human fibroblast cells, while pretreatment withZ. jujubaincreased cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. This indicated the cytoprotective effects ofZ. jujuba. Pretreatment withZ. jujubaincreased the antioxidant capacity and scavenged the TBHP-produced peroxyl radicals in the human fibroblast cell medium. Moreover,Z. jujubaincreased the intracellular antioxidant activity of human fibroblast cells.ConclusionsThese results demonstrated that the aqueous extract of theZ. jujubafruit can prevent TBHP-induced cellular toxicity by enhancing the antioxidant activity in cells and their medium. So,Z. jujubahas a therapeutic potential to attenuate oxidative stress-induced diseases.