Title: Protective effects of aspirin and vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) against copper- and cadmium-induced toxicity.

Authors: Mattie, M D; Freedman, J H

Published In Biochem Biophys Res Commun, (2001 Jul 27)

Abstract: A 24-h exposure to copper (400 microM, 600 microM) or cadmium (5 microM, 10 microM) significantly reduces the viability of COS-7 cells. A 2-h preincubation with vitamin E does not protect COS-7 cells from copper-induced toxicity, but does protect against cadmium-induced toxicity. Preincubation with aspirin protects cells from both copper- and cadmium-induced toxicity. A combination of aspirin and vitamin E (10 microM and 25 microM, respectively) increases cell viability in copper-exposed cells in a clearly additive manner, while in cadmium-exposed cells the effects are slightly additive. These results indicate that aspirin and vitamin E can protect cells from metal-induced toxicity. Differences in the protective effects of aspirin and vitamin E on copper versus cadmium-induced toxicity may be due to alternative mechanisms of metal toxicity or antioxidant activity.

PubMed ID: 11467839

MeSH Terms: Animals; Antioxidants/pharmacology; Aspirin/pharmacology*; COS Cells; Cadmium/toxicity*; Copper/toxicity*; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Protective Agents/pharmacology; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.; Toxicity Tests; Vitamin E/pharmacology*