Influence of oligomer chain length on the antioxidant activity of procyanidins

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2000 Oct 5;276(3):945-51. doi: 10.1006/bbrc.2000.3571.

Abstract

The antioxidant activity of catechin monomers and procyanidin (dimers to hexamers) fractions purified from cocoa was studied in two in vitro systems: liposomes and human LDL. Liposome oxidation (evaluated as formation of 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) was initiated with 2,2'-azobis (2-amidinopropane) hydrochloride (AAPH), 2,2'-azobis (2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile) (AMVN), iron/ascorbate, or UV-C; LDL oxidation (evaluated as formation of conjugated dienes) was initiated with Cu(2+) or AAPH. Catechin monomers and procyanidin fractions inhibited both liposome and LDL oxidation. Monomers, dimers, and trimers fractions were the most effective antioxidants when liposome oxidation was initiated in the aqueous phase. When oxidation was initiated in the lipid domains, higher molecular weight procyanidins were the most effective. All fractions significantly inhibited Cu-mediated LDL oxidation; no significant effect of procyanidin molecular weight was observed. The hexamer fraction was the least effective with respect to preventing AAPH initiated LDL oxidation. Results reported herein give further evidence on the influence of the oligomer chain length on the antioxidant protection by procyanidins.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Amidines / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Amidines / pharmacology
  • Antioxidants / chemistry*
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology*
  • Ascorbic Acid / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Ascorbic Acid / pharmacology
  • Azo Compounds / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Azo Compounds / pharmacology
  • Biflavonoids*
  • Cacao / chemistry*
  • Catechin / chemistry*
  • Catechin / pharmacology*
  • Copper / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Copper / pharmacology
  • Dimerization
  • Egg Yolk
  • Humans
  • Inhibitory Concentration 50
  • Iron / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Iron / pharmacology
  • Lipoproteins, LDL / drug effects
  • Lipoproteins, LDL / metabolism
  • Liposomes / metabolism
  • Liposomes / radiation effects
  • Molecular Weight
  • Nitriles / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Nitriles / pharmacology
  • Oxidants / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Oxidants / pharmacology
  • Oxidation-Reduction / drug effects
  • Oxidation-Reduction / radiation effects
  • Proanthocyanidins*
  • Protein Binding
  • Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances / metabolism
  • Ultraviolet Rays

Substances

  • Amidines
  • Antioxidants
  • Azo Compounds
  • Biflavonoids
  • Lipoproteins, LDL
  • Liposomes
  • Nitriles
  • Oxidants
  • Proanthocyanidins
  • Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances
  • 2,2'-azobis(2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile)
  • procyanidin
  • 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane)
  • Copper
  • Catechin
  • Iron
  • Ascorbic Acid