Prunin- and hesperetin glucoside-alkyl (C4–C18) esters interaction with Jurkat cells plasma membrane: Consequences on membrane physical properties and antioxidant capacity

Prunin (P)- and hesperetin glucoside (HG)-alkyl esters are lipid-soluble compounds with antimicrobial and antioxidant capacities in vitro. The effects of P- and HG-alkyl (C4–C18) esters (0.1–100 μM) on human leukemia T (Jurkat) cells viability and plasma membrane fluidity were evaluated. After 1 h of exposure, cell viability was not affected in the range 0.1–10 μM. The decrease of cell viability found at 100 μM concentration depended on the length of the alkyl chain and reached a maximum with C6–C12 derivatives. At this concentration, cell hyperpolarization and shrinkage were also observed. Cell plasma membrane fluidity was not affected, regardless the depths of the membrane level evaluated, but mild changes in plasma membrane hydration were found. Esterification did not affect the antioxidant capacity of P and HG (0.1–10 μM) against 1 mM H2O2. When exposed to 1 mM AAPH, P-alkyl esters retained P antioxidant capacity, but HG-derivatives acted as pro-oxidants. Together, present experimental evidences suggest that short term exposures to 0.1–10 μM concentrations of P- and HG-alkyl (C4–C18) esters can be considered safe for cultured human cells, and further studies are required to investigate their long term effects, as well their safety for human consumption.