Abstract
In this study, the alkaline version of the comet assay has been used to determine the effect of beta-carotene supplementation (10 microM) on peroxide-initiated free radical-mediated DNA damage in human HepG2 hepatoma cells. In supplemented cells, beta-carotene failed to afford any protection against hydrogen peroxide-induced DNA strand breaks. Indeed, levels of strand breaks in supplemented cells were significantly higher than in cells exposed to hydrogen peroxide alone, especially after a long incubation period. In contrast, beta-carotene afforded significant levels of protection against DNA strand breaks when cells were treated with tert-butyl hydroperoxide. In this case, the level of protection increased as supplementation continued.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 255-258 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | FEBS Letters |
Volume | 449 |
Issue number | 2-3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 23 Apr 1999 |
Keywords
- β-Carotene
- HepG2
- Peroxide
- Comet assay