An extract of Punica granatum L. (BLBu) on apoptosis induced by influenza A and B virus

Abstract

Apoptosis has been recognized as an intrinsic mechanism of
self destruction in animal cells. It is known that it could be induced by
different factors, including some viruses which use cellular destruction as
a way to spread throughout the host. To deal with this fact, several plant
extracts showing antiviral effect have been used, intuitively, to block virus
induced apoptosis. In the current study the effect of a natural extract of
Punica grantum L. (BLBu) on apoptosis induced by two viruses: influenza
A and B in MDCK y Vero cell lines was assayed. Cytotoxic activity of the
extract was evaluated by the MTT technique, and the CC50 indicated a value
of (400 ± 59) mg/mL for MDCK cells and (137 ± 23) mg/mL for Vero cells. The
inhibition of apoptosis was determined by both MTT and DNA fragmentation
assays, and the experimental design included different exposition times
and concentrations of the extract in cells infected by the viruses. The results
showed that apoptosis was inhibited by the action of BLBu extract at
all concentrations and times for all cell lines and virus, and suggested that
it is likely to interfere virus disseminationi n vivo.