Redox-modulation, Suppression of “Oncogenic” Superoxide and Induction of Apoptosis in Burkitt’s Lymphoma Cells Using Geum urbanum L. Extracts

Abstract

Burkitt's lymphoma is a highly aggressive type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, linked to the Epstein-Barr virus, which induces oxidative stress and DNA damage in the infected cells. We investigated the cytotoxicity and redox-modulating ability of ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and n-butanol (n-BuOH) extracts from Geum urbanum L. roots and aerial parts on Burkitt's lymphoma cells (BLC), to elucidate their impact on oxidative stress and cell survival. BLC Raji was treated with EtOAc and n-BuOH extracts to analyze: cell viability; induction of apoptosis; hydroperoxides and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) by 2’,7’-dichlorodihydrofluorescein assay; superoxide by dihydroethidium assay; total antioxidant capacity by TAC assay. All extracts suppressed cell growth and induce apoptosis. n-BuOH extracts possessed higher cytotoxicity and pro-apoptotic activity compared to EtOAc. The fractions decreased the hydroperoxides and RNS levels. There was no correlation between the DCF fluorescence in the treated cells and their viability (R = -0.3722; p > 0.05). Root extracts decreased the superoxide level, while the leaf extracts did not. There was a good correlation between the dihydroethidium fluorescence in the treated cells and their viability (R = 0.9843; p < 0.01). All extracts increased the TAC of BLC. G. urbanum extracts serve as redox-modulators and anti-inflammatory compounds, decreasing the intracellular level of “oncogenic” superoxide and cell proliferation.

Keywords

• burkitt’s lymphoma
• total antioxidant capacity
• reactive oxygen species
• apoptosis
• geum urbanum l.