Effects of green tea polyphenols against metal-induced genotoxic damage: underlying mechanistic pathways

ABSTRACT

This review is based upon evidence from the published effects of green tea polyphenols (GTP) on genotoxic damage induced by metals with carcinogenic potential. First, the relationship between GTP and antioxidant defense system is provided. Subsequently, the processes involved in the oxidative stress generated by metals and their relationship to oxidative DNA damage is examined. The review demonstrated that GTP generally decrease oxidative DNA damage induced by exposure to metals such as arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), and lead (Pb). The pathways involved in these effects are related to: (1) direct scavenging of free radicals (FR); (2) activation of mechanisms to repair oxidative DNA damage; (3) regulation of the endogenous antioxidant system; and (4) elimination of cells with genetic damage via apoptosis. The results obtained in the studies reviewed demonstrate potential for possible use of GTP to prevent and treat oxidative damage in populations exposed to metals. Further, GTP may be considered as adjuvants to treatments for metal-associated diseases related to oxidative stress and DNA damage.

KEYWORDS:

• green tea polyphenols
• metals
• oxidative stress
• DNA damage
• antigenotoxic

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to express their sincere gratitude to Sam Kacew for providing valuable and detailed feedback on an earlier version of the manuscript. They also express their thanks to Lynna Kiere for her assistance in revising the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

Financial support was obtained from DGAPA-UNAM, PAPIIT IN216122.