Detection of drug-drug interaction by ESR spectroscopy

Abstract

Vitamin C (sodium ascorbate), gallic acid and dopamine induced apoptosis (characterized by internucleosomal DNA cleavage, nuclear fragmentation, chromatin condensation near nuclear membrane and loss of cell surface microvilli) in human promyelocytic leukemic HL-60 cells. ESR spectroscopy demonstrated the connection between the radical intensity and apoptosis-inducing activity of derivatives of these compounds. When vitamin C and gallic acid were mixed together, the radical intensity and cytotoxic activity of gallic acid was completely scavenged by one or two orders lower concentrations of vitamin C, suggesting the predominant action of vitamin C over gallic acid. When vitamin C and dopamine were mixed together, their radical intensity and apoptosis-inducing activity counteracted with each other. On the other hand, lignins significantly enhanced both the radical intensity and apoptosis-inducing activity of vitamin C. ESR spectroscopy might be applicable for the detection of drug-drug interaction.