Protective effects of quinic acid derivatives on tetrahydropapaveroline-induced cell death in C6 glioma cells.

Protective effects of quinic acids from Aster scaber on tetrahydropapaveroline (THP)-induced cell toxicity were evaluated in rat C6 glioma cells. Among 4 quinic acid derivatives tested, (-) 4,5-dicaffeoyl quinic acid (QA3) exhibited the highest protective effect against THP-induced cell toxicity. C6 cells treated with THP exhibited the decrease in the survival rate and activities of glutathione peroxidase and catalase, but increased the level of malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase activity. Staining C6 cells with propidium iodide and Hoechst 33342 revealed that 10 microM of THP treatment caused to necrotic and apoptotic cell death. However, preincubation of cells with QA3 prior to THP exposure recovered the cell survival rate and activities of antioxidant enzymes to control level. Taken together, the results indicate that QA3 might be a potential agent for treating or preventing diseases with oxidative stress.