Radioprotective Effects of Flavonoids against to Chromosomal Damage: Relation between the Structure and Activity

The polyphenolic distribution of Vitis vinifera seeds (GSE), Citrus spp. fruits (CE) and Olea europaea L. leaves (OL) extracts were characterized and quantified by HPLC methods. Radioprotective effects of these extracts and the reference flavonoids diosmin and rutin, widely used as pharmaceuticals, were determined by using the micronucleus test for anticlastogenic activity, evaluating the reduction of the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MnPCEs) in bone marrow of mouse exposed to X-rays. The most effective compounds were, in order: GSE > CE > rutin > dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) > OL > diosmin. These results show that the free radicals scavenging capacity, mainly vs hydroxyl radical, and consequently, the anticlastogenic activity of these polyphenolic compounds are based, structurally, on the presence of specific functional groups in their structures, mainly the B-ring catechol, the 3-hydroxyl group and the 2,3-double bond conjugated with 4-oxo function and, in addition, by the stability of the aroxyl radical generated in the processes.