Potential protective effects of alpha-pinene against cytotoxicity caused by aspirin in the IEC-6 cells.

Alpha-pinene is a key compound of the essential oils extracted from many species of coniferous trees. It is known for its biological activities. The aim of the present study was to determine the preventive effect of alpha-pinene on aspirin-induced toxicity in vitro, using IEC-6 cells, and to investigate its antioxidant activities. The antioxidant activities were determined by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The cytotoxicity and oxidative stress were detected by cell viability, antioxidant enzyme activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) and GSH production, and the activation of MAPK pathways. The results indicated that alpha-pinene revealed an important antioxidant activity. It was evaluated by DPPH test (EC50=310±10μg/mL) and FRAP test (EC50=238±18.92μg/mL). The co-exposure of alpha-pinene with aspirin on cells significantly increased the survival of cells and the level of GSH, and decreased the levels of MDA and total SOD and the activity of Mn-SOD. In addition, the activation of p38 and JNK was blocked by alpha-pinene. Therefore, these findings suggest that alpha-pinene can protect IEC-6 cells against aspirin-induced oxidative stress.