[Effect of daphnetin on SOD activity and DNA synthesis of Plasmodium falciparum in vitro].

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of daphnetin on superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and DNA synthesis in P. falciparum in vitro. METHODS: The effect of daphnetin, daphnetin-Fe complex and desferrioxamine B on SOD activity of P. falciparum (P.f) FCC1 in vitro was determined with a SOD test-kit. The level of DNA synthesis of P.f synchronized cultured in vitro at various developmental stages after treatment of daphnetin or desferrioxamine B was assayed by fluorescein Hoechest 33258. RESULTS: The total SOD activity decreased by 60% after daphnetin treatment while it only decreased by 22% if treated with desferrioxamine B. No effect on SOD activity of P.f treated with daphnetin-Fe complex was observed. The level of DNA synthesis of P.f trophozoites in synchronized in vitro culture was significantly lower than that of the control. CONCLUSION: Daphnetin lowered SOD activity and decreased DNA synthesis of P.f in vitro.