The protective role of olive oil hydroxytyrosol against oxidative alterations induced by mercury in human erythrocytes. (August 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tagliafierro, Lidia; Officioso, Arbace; Sorbo, Sergio; Basile, Adriana; Manna, Caterina
• Is Part Of: Food and chemical toxicology. Volume 82(2015)
• Page Start: 59
• Page End: 63
• Publication Date: 2015-08
• Subjects: Mercury -- Cardiovascular diseases -- Erythrocyte -- Hydroxytyrosol -- Olive oil -- Oxidative stress; Toxicology -- Periodicals; Food poisoning -- Periodicals; Food Poisoning -- Periodicals; Toxicology -- Periodicals; Toxicologie -- Périodiques; Intoxications alimentaires -- Périodiques; Food poisoning; Toxicology; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 615.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2015.04.029
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0278-6915

Abstract

Highlights: Mercury exposure induces oxidative alterations and shape modifications in human RBC. HT prevents Hg-induced hemolysis and ROS generations in human RBC. HT prevents Hg-induced shape modifications in human RBC. HT prevents Hg-induced decline in GSH concentration in human RBC. HT is proposed for nutritional/nutraceutical strategies to prevent mercury toxicity. Graphical Abstract: Abstract: Hydroxytyrosol (HT) is a phenolic antioxidant naturally occurring in virgin olive oil. In this study, we investigated the possible protective effects of HT on the oxidative and morphological alterations induced by mercury (Hg) in intact human erythrocytes. These cells preferentially accumulate this toxic heavy metal. More importantly, Hg-induced echinocyte formation correlates with increased coagulability of these cells. Our results indicate that HT treatment (10–50 µM) prevents the increase in hemolysis and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) generation induced by exposure of cells to micromolar HgCl2 concentrations as well as the decrease in GSH intracellular levels. Moreover, as indicated by scanning electron microscopy, the morphological alterations are also significantly reduced by HT co-treatment. Taken together our data provide the first experimental evidence that HT has the potential to counteract mercury toxicity. The reported effect may be regarded as an additional mechanism underlying the beneficial cardio-protective effects of this dietary antioxidant, also endowed with significant anti-atherogenic and anti-inflammatory properties.