Cytoprotective activity, determination

The cytoprotective effects of various solvent extracts of Artocarpus altilis (Parkinson) Fosberg were evaluated. These effects were determined in human U937 cells incubated with oxidized LDL (OxLDL) using the 4-[3-(4-iodophenyl)-2-(4-nitrophenyl)-2H-5-tetrazolio]-l, 3-benzene disulfonate (WST-1) assay. Results demonstrated that the EtOAc extract showed cytoprotective activities. To identify the main cytoprotective components, a bioassay guided isolation of the ethyl acetate extract afforded P-sitosterol and six flavonoids. Their chemical structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic evidence and comparison with literature data. One of these compounds was obtained from A. altilis for the first time. The cytoprotective effect offers good prospects for the medicinal applications of. Altilis [34]. 

Over the past years it has become apparent that the cell type is an important determinant of the extent of oxidative stress that may occur. Both the latent activities of cytoprotective enzymes in specific cell types, as well as the ability of the cell to respond rapidly to an oxidative insult by the upregulation of such enzymes, will be important predeterminants of the fate of the cell. Table 10.1 shows the concentrations of both antioxidants and cytoprotective enzymes in a variety of tissues. While the liver is well provided with antioxidant protection, the brain has very low levels, so the ability to respond rapidly to an oxidative insult by upregulation of gene transcription and translation will be an important determinant of survival or death. Cells such as hepatocytes have high levels of expression and... 

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