Natural compounds derived from foods modulate nitric oxide production and oxidative status in epithelial lung cells.

The effects of natural antioxidants on nitric oxide (NO) modulation and oxidative status were determined in rat epithelial lung cells (L-2). Cells were stimulated with cytokines and treated with one of the following: resveratrol, soybean saponin group B (SSB), quercetin, genistein, olive leaf polyphenol concentrate (OLPC), or N-acetyl-L-cystein (NAC). NAC had no effect on NO levels, whereas resveratrol and OLPC were found to be effective in reducing nitrite levels, modifying iNOS mRNA, and decreasing free radical production. OLPC affected the levels of MnSOD while resveratrol did not, indicating that they act via different pathways. Quercetin and genistein reduced nitrite levels without affecting iNOS levels, presumably by scavenging NO. SSB did not affect nitrite levels, but exposure did reduce iNOS mRNA expression and protein levels, possibly due to antioxidant activity. Naturally occurring antioxidants, in particular resveratrol and OLPC, may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.