Doxorubicin induces DNA damage in peripheral blood mononuclear cells: Althernantera Brasiliana (L.) Kuntze extract is a cytoprotector?

Doxorubicin (DOXO) is a chemotherapeutic agent that exerts cytotoxic effects through oxidative stress. Given the need to neutralize the cellular damage caused by chemotherapy drugs in healthy cells, this study aims to investigate the activity of Althernantera brasiliana (L.) Kuntze against DNA damage induced by DOXO in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). For this purpose, a hydroethanolic extract from flowers and leaves of Althernantera brasiliana (HEAB) containing phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and condensed tannins was prepared. The phytochemicals of EHAB showed a lower IC50 value than ascorbic acid, which was associated with its ability to chelate iron ions. Despite its antioxidant properties, EHAB did not show a protective effect on DOXO-induced DNA damage in PBMCs. In addition, the treatment with DOXO and varying concentrations of EHAB (50 µg/mL and 100 µg/mL) decreased cell viability and increased late apoptosis PBMCs, suggesting a synergistic cytotoxic effect of EHAB when used in combination with DOXO. Therefore, even though EHAB shows antioxidant properties in vitro, it does not appear to be an alternative to protect blood cells from genotoxic effects induced by DOXO.