Protective Effects of Lespedeza bicolor Extract on B16/F10 Melanoma Cell Lines Damaged by Lead Acetate, Heavy Metal Compounds

• Published in: Korean journal of clinical laboratory science 2021-12, Vol.53 (4), p.363-370
• Main Author: Seo, Young-Mi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: antioxidative effect; lead acetate; melanization; oxidative stress
• ISSN: 1738-3544; 2288-1662
• DOI: 10.15324/kjcls.2021.53.4.363

This study was conducted to evaluate the dermal cytotoxicity of lead acetate (LA) and other heavy metal compounds, and the protective effect of Lespedeza bicolor (LB) extract on LA-induced cytotoxicity in cultured B16-/F10 melanoma cells. The study evaluated the antioxidative effects of LB due to its electron-donating ability (EDA), inhibitory effects on melanization and improving cell viability. LA significantly decreased cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, and the XTT50 value was determined at 52.7 μM in the studied cultures. Based on the Borenfreund and Puerner’s toxicity criteria, LA was estimated to be highly cytotoxic. LA-induced cytotoxicity and cell damage was reversed by the antioxidant activity of kaempferol (KAE), thereby remarkably improving cell viability. A study of the protective effects of the LB extract on LA-induced cytotoxicity showed that the LB extract remarkably increased cell viability in the LA-treated group, and also inhibited the EDA and the total amount of melanin. The above results suggest oxidative stress-mediated cytotoxicity of LA. In the study, LB extract effectively prevented LA-induced cytotoxicity via its antioxidative activity and inhibition of melanization. In conclusion, natural resources like LB extracts may be useful agents for the prevention of oxidative stress-mediated cytotoxicity and melanization by heavy metallic compounds such as LA.