Antigenotoxic and antioxidant effect of grapefruit juice in mice treated with daunorubicin

Grapefruit juice (GJ) is widely consumed in many countries. Several of its constituents possess nutritive value, as well as antigenotoxic and antioxidant effects. Therefore, the aim of this investigation was to evaluate the capacity of GJ to inhibit the micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPE) produced by daunorubicin (Dau) in an acute assay in mice, as well as to determine its antioxidant potential in mouse hepatic microsomes, and its capacity to trap free radicals in vitro. In regard to the first point, GJ produced no toxic or genotoxic damage; on the contrary, it generated a significant reduction of the MNPE formed by Dau. The effect was found throughout the examined schedule (from 24 to 96h). The two high doses produced inhibition of about 60% at 48 h, 86% at 72 h and 100% at 96 h after the treatment. With respect to the GJ antioxidant potential, a 50% decrease in liver microsomal lipid peroxidation produced by Dau was found by quantifying malondialdehyde formation. Finally, a strong GJ scavenging activity evaluated with the 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) was observed, giving rise to a concentration-dependent curve with a correlation coefficient of 0.98. Overall, our results established an efficient anticlastogenic potential of GJ, probably related to its antioxidant capacity, or to alterations of Dan metabolism, suggesting the pertinence of extending research on the matter using other mutagens and biological models. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.