Modulatory effect of quercetin on DNA damage, induced by etoposide in bone marrow cells and on changes in the activity of antioxidant enzymes in rats.

The aim of the studies was to evaluate the influence of quercetin on etoposide-induced DNA damage in rat bone marrow cells and on changes in the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and antioxidant power in lung tissue (AOP). Quercetin was administrated by gavage at a dose of 135 mg/kg b.w. for three consecutive days, and one hour after the last dose, etoposide was intraperitoneally injected, at dose of 80 mg/kg b.w. Bone marrow cells were harvested from the femurs 24 hours later and DNA damage was evaluated by the comet assay, under alkaline condition. The study provided evidence that quercetin, administered to rats, provides major protection against etoposide-induced DNA damage in bone marrow cells and does not influence either the SOD activity, lowered by etoposide, or AOP, enhanced by etoposide.