Protection of resveratrol and its analogues against ethanol-induced oxidative DNA damage in human peripheral lymphocytes

Diseases related to ethanol abuse, especially binge drinking, are becoming one of the most costly health problems in the world. Ethanol-induced DNA damage plays a key role in the etiology of these diseases. New compounds are expected to offer new options against ethanol-induced genotoxicity. It was found, for the first time, that resveratrol and three analogues with 3,5-dimethoxyl groups in the A-ring, such as (E)-4-(3,5-dimethoxystyryl)phenol (RV32), or with a quinolyl in the B-ring, such as (E)-5-[2-(quinolin-4-yl)vinyl]benzene-1,3-diol (RV01) and (E)-4-(3,5-dimethoxystyryl)quinoline (RV02), strongly inhibited ethanol-induced oxidative DNA damage in human peripheral lymphocytes in vitro. Resveratrol and RV32 with more hydroxyl groups in structures showed stronger direct scavenging activity of hydroxyl radicals than RV01 and RV02. Moreover, all compounds reduced hydroxyl radical generation by regulating the mRNA expression of alcohol dehydrogenase 1B and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase 2. Further studies proved resveratrol and three analogues activated the base excision repair system in transcriptional and protein levels in DNA repair process. Both 3,5-dimethoxyl groups and quinolyl modification may enhance such activity. In summary, resveratrol and its three analogues revealed significant protective activity against ethanol-induced oxidative DNA damage in human peripheral lymphocytes, which demonstrates their potential for use in prevention and treatment of the diseases related to ethanol abuse.