Background: Oxidative DNA damage is a known risk factor of head and neck cancer. Antioxidants, such as coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and quercetin, a member of flavonoids present in red wine and tea, are thought to play a significant role in protecting cells from oxidative stress induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS). The aim of this study was to investigate antioxidant effects of quercetin and CoQ10 on mini organ cultures (MOCs) of human nasal mucosa.
Materials and methods: Macroscopically healthy tissue of nasal mucosa was harvested from 20 patients undergoing surgery of the nasal turbinates. The tissue samples were cultured and incubated with quercetin (5 microM and 50 microM) and CoQ10 (1 microM and 10 microM). Aqua bidest served as negative control. After incubation with H2O2 (1 mM) serving as ROS, DNA damage was evaluated by the Comet assay. The extent of damage was quantified using a digital analysis system.
Results: After incubation for 1 hour both CoQ10 and quercetin reduced DNA damage after oxidative stress significantly at all concentrations used. Furthermore, no cytotoxicity was measured.
Conclusion: This study provides considerable evidence that quercetin and CoQ10 have strong antioxidant effects on mucosal cells of the nasal turbinates. In consequence, further studies providing epidemiological and toxicological data are warranted to specify the role of quercetin and CoQ10 in complementary medicine.