Abstract

We investigated the oxidative modifications of DNA, proteins and antioxidants enzymes activities, in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) treated with H₂O₂ in the presence or absence of hydroxytyrosol. Interestingly, we found a potential protection of DNA from fragmentation after hydroxytyrosol supplementation. In addition, this study showed a prospective protective action of hydroxytyrosol of PBL from the attack of reactive oxygen species. In fact, a considerable increase of superoxide dismutase and catalase activities by 76.92 and 21.67%, respectively was showed after 20 µg/ml hydroxytyrosol treatment. Moreover, 20 µg/ml of hydroxytyrosol significantly decreased the lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation rates by 97.89 and 18.5% respectively_. In conclusion, the present study reveals the efficacy of hydroxytyrosol in the protection of PBL of DNA fragmentation and oxidative stress induced by H₂O₂ treatment, which may be attributed to its anti-oxidant potential.

Key words: Hydroxytyrosol, thiol, lymphocytes, conjugated dienes, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase.