Antioxidant and cytoprotective effects of avocado oil and extract (Persea americana Mill) against rotenone using monkey kidney epithelial cells (Vero)

ABSTRACT

Oxidative stress is known to be involved in development of numerous diseases including cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, kidney and cancer. Thus, investigations that mimic oxidative stress in vitro may play an important role to find new strategies to control oxidative stress and subsequent consequences are important. Rotenone, widely used as a pesticide has been used as a model to simulate oxidative stress. However, this chemical was found to produce several diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant and cytoprotective effect of avocado (Persea americana Mill) extract and oil in monkey kidney epithelial cells (VERO) exposed to rotenone. VERO cells were exposed to IC₅₀ of rotenone in conjunction with different concentrations of avocado extract and oil (ranging from 1 to 1000 µg/ml), for 24 hr. Subsequently, cell viability and oxidative metabolism were assessed. Data demonstrated that avocado extract and oil in the presence of rotenone increased cellular viability at all tested concentrations compared to cells exposed only to rotenone. In addition, extract and avocado oil exhibited antioxidant action as evidenced by decreased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide ion, and lipid peroxidation, generated by rotenone. Further, avocado extract and oil appeared to be safe, since these compounds did not affect cell viability and or generate oxidative stress. Therefore, avocado appears to display a promising antioxidant potential by decreasing oxidative stress.

KEYWORDS:

• Oxidative stress
• mtt assay
• antioxidant activity
• avocado
• ros and superoxide quantification

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to express their gratitude to Unoesc research team for all their help and support.

Disclosure statement

All authors declare no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa e Inovação do Estado de Santa Catarina (FAPESC) - Nº 06/2017.