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Objective: The integrity of the DNA is continously menaced by the harmful genotoxic compounds. The endogenous system responsible for preserving the DNA integrity, often fails following a massive influx of these genotoxic compounds. Reseaches on exogenous bioactive compounds from fruits and vegetables are necessary. This study was designed to evaluate the free radical scavenging activity and the DNA protection/repair potentiality of the extracts of Detarium microcarpum fruit pulp to protect against the arsenic trioxide-induced DNA oxidative degradation. Materials and Methods: The ability of extracts to trap free radicals was assessed by using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide and hydroxyle radicals quenching assay. The comet assay was performed for evaluating the DNA protection/repair property of extracts to inhibit the DNA oxidative damage induced by arsenic trioxide. Results: All extracts at a final concentration of 50 µg/mL have quenched more than 50% of DPPH, nitric oxide and hydroxyle radicals. Moreover, all extracts have showed good DNA protection/repair activity against the arsenic trioxide-induced DNA oxidative damage compared to arsenic treatment alone (p<0.001). However, methanol fractions have exhibited the best DNA protection/repair activities by reducing considerably DNA fragmentations compared to arsenic treatment (p<0.001). The genoprotective activity of the extracts was positively correlated with their free radical scavenging abilities. Conclusion: The methanol fraction of D. microcarpum fruits have exhibited interesting DNA protection /repair properties probably due to its free radicals quenching ability. Further investigations are necessary to identify the phytomolecules responsible for these biological activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to assess the effect of both apigenin-loaded zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) and apigenin only against cisplatin (CP)-induced experimental cardiotoxicity. Design/methodology/approach: A total of 32Wister rats (male) were randomly divided (n = 8) into four groups. Normal control group, CP group received CP (20 mg/kg); treated group I received CP and then received apigenin (0.78 mg/kg/day) orally; treated group II received CP and then received apigenin loaded ZnONPs. At the end of the experiment (10 days), samples were extracted from each rat for the assessment of complete blood picture, lipid profile, atherogenic indices, oxidative status, inflammatory and cardiotoxicity markers as well as histological examination. Findings: The results indicated that CP produced significant alterations in the complete blood picture, lipidemic profile, atherogenic indices, antioxidation capacity and cardiac inflammatory markers as well as function enzymes as compared with the control group. Administration of apigenin only showed a non-significant change in the atherogenic indices, oxidative status and cardiotoxicity parameters, indicating incomplete cardio-protection against CP upon. Additionally, all the observed alterations in CP group were reversed when apigenin nanoparticle at lower dose was used with ZnONPs which was also confirmed by histopathological investigation. Originality/value: The apigenin loaded ZnONPs exert protective effects against CP-induced experimental cardiotoxicity and improved cardiac function, suggesting a potential adjuvant role of apigenin nanoparticles against cardiotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]