Abstract
Objectives : Peroxynitrite ($ONOO^-$), $O_2^-$ and nitric oxide (NO) are cytotoxic species that can oxidize several cellular components such as proteins. lipids and DNA. It has been implicated in the aging process and age-related disease such as Alzheimer's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer and atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to investigate $ONOO^-$ scavenging activities. and that of its precursors. NO and $O_2^-$ of Trigonellae Semen. Methods : To investigate $ONOO^-$. NO. $O_2^-$ scavenging activities, fluorescent probes, namely 2'.7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA). 4.5-diaminofluorescein (DAF-2) and dihydrorhodamine 123 (DHR 123) were used. Protein expression levels of iNOS, COX-2, NF-${\kappa}B$, and VCAM-1 were assayed by western blot. Results : Trigonellae Semen markedly scavenged authentic $ONOO^-$, $O_2^-$ and NO. It also inhibited $ONOO^-$ induced by $O_2^-$ and NO which are derived from SIN-1. Furthermore. Trigonellae Semen inhibited $ONOO^-$, $O_2^-$ and NO generation in LPS-treated ICR mouse kidney postmitochondria. Trigonellae Semen inhibited gene expression of iNOS, COX-2, VCAM-l and NF-${\kappa}B$ (p65) activation. Conclusions : These results suggest that Trigonellae Semen is an effective $ONOO^-$, $O_2^-$ and NO scavenger. and that this substance has a potential role as an inhibitor of the aging process, and in therapy against age-related diseases.