Effect of extracts from pine needle against oxidative DNA damage and apoptosis induced by hydroxyl radical via antioxidant activity.

In this study, the protective effects of water extracts from pine needle (WEPN) against DNA damage and apoptosis induced by hydroxyl radical were investigated in non-cellular and cellular system. WEPN exhibited strong scavenging action on hydroxyl radical and intracellular ROS, and chelating action of Fe(2+) ion. WEPN inhibited oxidative DNA damage by hydroxyl radical. Also, WEPN prevented the cells from oxidative damage through lowering p21 and BAX protein expression, blocking the cleavage of PARP and increasing Bcl-2 protein, which was confirmed by Hoechst 33342 staining. These data indicate that WEPN possesses a spectrum of antioxidant and DNA-protective properties common to cancer chemopreventive agents.