Effects of lutein and chlorophyll b on GSH depletion and DNA damage induced by cisplatin in vivo

Abstract

Recent studies have proposed the use of low concentrations of phytochemicals and combinations of phytochemicals in chemoprevention to reduce cytotoxicity and simulate normal ingestion through diet. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate whether the DNA damage, chromosome instability, and oxidative stress induced by cisplatin (cDDP) are modulated by a combination of the natural pigments lutein (LT) and chlorophyll b (CLb). The protective effects observed for synergism between phytochemicals have not been completely investigated. The comet assay and micronucleus test were performed and the catalase activities and glutathione (GSH) concentrations were measured in the peripheral blood, bone marrow, liver, and kidney cells of mice. The comet assay and micronucleus test results revealed that the pigments LT and CLb were not genotoxic or mutagenic and that the pigments presented antigenotoxic and antimutagenic effects in the different cell types evaluated. This protective effect is likely related to antioxidant properties in peripheral blood cells through the prevention of cDDP-induced GSH depletion. Altogether our results show that the combination of LT and CLb, which are both usually present in the same foods, such as leafy green vegetables, can be used safely.