Antioxidant Activity of Limonene on Normal Murine Lymphocytes: Relation to H2O2 Modulation and Cell Proliferation.

DAVICINO R; MICUCCI P; TURNER S; FERRARO G; ANESINI C

BASIC & CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY & TOXICOLOGY

WILEY-BLACKWELL PUBLISHING, INC

Lugar: USA; Año: 2009 vol. 106 p. 38 - 44

1742-7835

Abstract: Limonene is a monoterpene present in citrus fruit and is used as flavouring agents of foods. It was shown that monoterpenespossess antioxidant activity. Previously, it was demonstrated that limonene exerts anti-proliferative action on a lymphomacell line without modifying normal lymphocyte viability. H2O2 has a modulator role in cell proliferation. In thepresent study, the effect of limonene on normal lymphocytes proliferation and its relation with H2O2 level modulation wasanalysed, evaluating its effect on the activity of cell antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase.Limonene exerted a biphasic effect on cell proliferation; the increase in cell proliferation was related to the decrease inH2O2 level by the increase in catalase and peroxidase activities. Moreover, limonene protected the cells to the oxidative stressinduced by exogenous addition of H2O2. In view of these results, it is possible that limonene could protect normal lymphocytesfrom diseases related to oxidative stress, including cancer, but further research is necessary to establish the role of limoneneas a potential antioxidant that can effectively protect lymphocytes from oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction.