Mechanisms involved in the chemoprotective effects of rosemary extract studied in human liver and bronchial cells

• Published in: Cancer letters Vol. 114; no. 1; pp. 275 - 281
• Main Authors: Offord, Elizabeth A, Macé, Katherine, Avanti, Ornella, Pfeifer, Andrea M.A
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Shannon Elsevier Ireland Ltd 19.03.1997; Elsevier
• Subjects: Aflatoxin b 1; Aflatoxin B1 - pharmacology; Biological and medical sciences; Blotting, Western; Bronchi - drug effects; Bronchi - enzymology; Carcinogenesis, carcinogens and anticarcinogens; Cells, Cultured; Chemoprotection; Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A2 - metabolism; Cytochrome P-450 CYP3A; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System - metabolism; DNA adducts; DNA Adducts - biosynthesis; DNA Adducts - drug effects; Foods and miscellaneous; Glutathione Transferase - metabolism; Human cell lines; Humans; Liver - drug effects; Liver - enzymology; Medical sciences; Mixed Function Oxygenases - metabolism; Mutagens - pharmacology; Plant Extracts - pharmacology; Rosemary extract; Spices; Tumors; Chemoprotection; DNA adducts; Rosemary extract; Aflatoxin b 1; Human cell lines; Human; Enzyme; Isozyme; Toxicity; Transferases; Cytochrome P450; Liver; Bronchus; Anticarcinogen; Mutagen; Prevention; Polyphenol; Cell line; Glutathione transferase; DNA; Plant origin; Aflatoxin B1; Chemical protection; Rosemary; Mechanism of action
• ISSN: 0304-3835; 1872-7980
• DOI: 10.1016/S0304-3835(97)04680-6

Natural polyphenols found in rosemary have not only potent antioxidant activities but also anticarcinogenic properties. We have studied some of the molecular mechanisms involved in their chemopreventive action using in vitro human liver and bronchial cell models. Rosemary extract, or its active components, carnosol or carnosic acid are potent inhibitors, of DNA adduct formation induced by benzo( a)pyrene or aflatoxin B 1. At least two mechanisms are involved in the anticarcinogenic action of rosemary extract: (i) inhibition of the metabolic activation of procarcinogens catalysed by the phase I cytochrome P450 enzymes; (ii) induction of the detoxification pathway catalysed by the phase II enzymes such as glutathione S-transferase.