Fluoride (F) is an environmental contaminant and industrial pollutant. Molecular mechanisms remain unclear in F induced pulmonary toxicity even after numerous studies. Tamarind fruits act as defluoridating agents, but no study was conducted in in vitro systems. Hence, we aimed to assess the ameliorative impact of the tamarind seed coat extract (TSCE) against F toxicity utilizing lung epithelial cells, A549. Cells were exposed to sodium fluoride (NaF-5 mM) alone and in combination with TSCE (750 ng/ml) or Vitamin C (positive control) for 24 h and analyzed for F content, intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)]i) level, oxidative stress, mitochondrial integrity and apoptotic markers. TSCE treatment prevented the F induced alterations in [Ca(2+)]i overload, F content, oxidant (reactive oxygen species generation, lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl content and nitric oxide) and antioxidant (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione) parameters. Further, TSCE modulates F activated changes in mitochondrial membrane potential, permeability transition pore opening, cytochrome-C release, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, caspase-3 and PARP-1 expressions. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that TSCE as a potential protective agent against F toxicity, which can be utilized as a neutraceutical.
Keywords: Apoptosis; Fluoride; Intracellular calcium level; Mitochondrial dysfunction; Oxidative stress; Tamarind seed coat.
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