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Chlorophyllin protects HEp‐2 cells from nuclear fragmentation induced by poliovirus
Author(s) -
Botelho M.V.J.,
Orlandi J.M.,
Melo F.L.,
Mantovani M.S.,
Linhares R.E.C.,
Nozawa C.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
letters in applied microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.698
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1472-765X
pISSN - 0266-8254
DOI - 10.1111/j.1472-765x.2004.01556.x
Subject(s) - poliovirus , chlorophyllin , acridine orange , dna fragmentation , comet assay , fragmentation (computing) , virus , biology , virology , cell culture , microbiology and biotechnology , hep g2 , dna damage , chemistry , dna , apoptosis , chlorophyll , biochemistry , in vitro , programmed cell death , ecology , botany , genetics
Aims: Chlorophyllin (CHLN) is a synthetic derivative of chlorophyll that possesses antimutagenic activity against several environmental contaminants. In the present study, CHLN was assayed for its capacity to prevent nuclear fragmentation (NF) in HEp‐2 cells infected with poliovirus. Methods and Results: CHLN was assayed at concentrations of 0·5 and 2·5 μ g ml −1 , and NF was monitored using the comet assay and acridine orange staining. We demonstrated that CHLN reduced the percentage of NF in poliovirus‐infected HEp‐2 cells, when cells were treated with drug before infection or exposed continuously to drug. However, the highest degree of protection was achieved when the virus was exposed to CHLN before infection followed by protocol where infected cultures were continuously exposed to the drug after infection. Conclusions: It is suggested that CHLN primarily binds to the virus which inhibits cell penetration, thereby maintaining nuclear integrity. Significance and Impact of the Study: Considering that CHLN has several beneficial properties and no significant toxic effects in humans and animals, it would be an ideal candidate drug to test for antiviral activity.