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DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1394489
Evaluation of plant extracts with detoxifying properties by mammalian cell metabolomics
In the frame of the FP7 EU project NATPROTEC, plant extracts with skin-protecting and anti-aging properties are considered for cosmeceutical applications. In this context, an integrated technological platform [1] for the evaluation of over 600 plant extracts allowed the identification of those showing an induction of quinone reductase (QR) activity. QR is a phase II detoxifying enzyme able to reduce electrophiles responsible for cell damage [2]. In order to evaluate the whole changes in cell metabolism caused by the treatment with selected plant extracts, a non-targeted metabolomics approach was developed. A cell culture procedure was first established for HeLa cells in multi-well plates and then sample preparation was optimized for analysis by HPLC-TOF-MS using a HILIC stationary phase. Finally, the MS data of treated and non-treated cell extracts were submitted to multivariate analyses. One of the findings showed significant differences in taurine levels between treated and non-treated cells. Taurine depletion in cells treated with plant extracts able to induce QR may be related to an overall induction of phase II metabolism. These results suggest that a cell metabolomics approach could be useful for identifying detoxifying mechanisms of complex plant extracts.
Acknowledgements: Seventh Framework Programme (People-Industry-Academia Partnerships and Pathways) Grant agreement no. 286287.
Keywords: Detoxifying, plant extracts, mammalian cells, quinone reductase, metabolomics, taurin
References:
[1] Skaltsounis A et al. Integrated technologies for the discovery and development of cosmeceutical agents from plant biodiversity – NATPROTEC project. Planta Med 2013; 79: PC15.
[2] Bianchet M et al. Structure, function, and mechanism of cytosolic quinone reductases. Vitam Horm 2008; 78: 63 – 84.