Oxidative stress, a harmful process that can speed up aging and contribute to diseases like cancer, heart problems, and brain disorders, has been the focus of much scientific study. This process occurs when unstable molecules called free radicals overwhelm the body’s natural defenses, leading to cell damage. Now, researchers have made a significant breakthrough with the creation of a remarkable new compound. This compound, called planar catechin conjugated with Trolox, combines the health-boosting effects of catechin, found in green tea and apples, with Trolox, a vitamin E-like substance known for its strong antioxidant properties that help neutralize harmful molecules. This research, led by Professor Kiyoshi Fukuhara and Dr. Ikuo Nakanishi, was recently shared in the journal Antioxidants.
Professor Fukuhara from Showa University, which aims to protect the body against damage caused by oxidative stress. “This compound doesn’t just improve on the benefits of its ingredients but introduces a new way to boost the body’s defenses against oxidative damage,” explained Professor Fukuhara.
The findings are impressive. The new compound is much more effective at neutralizing harmful molecules, called free radicals, than either catechin or Trolox alone. Free radicals are reactive molecules that can damage important parts of cells, such as DNA and proteins, if not kept in check. The compound also works just as well as Trolox at preventing the type of damage that leads to cell deterioration, which is the gradual loss of cell function over time. These properties make it a promising tool for fighting diseases related to oxidative stress.
What makes this compound unique is how it combines the strengths of its two ingredients. Catechin is a natural antioxidant, meaning it helps protect the body by stopping the harmful effects of free radicals. Trolox, meanwhile, is a water-soluble form of vitamin E, a nutrient known for its ability to protect fats in cell membranes from damage. By linking these two together, the researchers created a compound with even stronger protective effects. “The interaction between the two parts of the compound forms a network that significantly enhances its antioxidant power,” noted Dr. Nakanishi from National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology.
This compound is particularly skilled at targeting reactive oxygen species, a specific type of free radical that is especially damaging to cells and DNA. Reactive oxygen species are byproducts of normal cell processes but can cause harm when their levels become too high. Compared to using catechin or Trolox alone, the new compound is far more effective at stopping these harmful molecules in their tracks. “Our findings show this compound could offer significant improvements in therapies designed to protect against oxidative damage,” said Professor Fukuhara.
Next, Professor Fukuhara and colleagues plan to test this compound in cell-based and animal studies to confirm its effectiveness in living systems. These studies aim to mimic how the compound works in the complex environment of a living organism. They also hope to explore the possibility of combining planar catechin with other antioxidants, like lipoic acid, which is another substance known for its protective effects against oxidative stress, to develop even more powerful protective compounds.
With its strong ability to fight harmful molecules and its wide range of potential uses, the combination of planar catechin and Trolox marks a major advancement in the science of antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that help prevent or slow down damage to cells caused by free radicals. This discovery could lead to better strategies for preventing diseases linked to oxidative stress and improving overall health.
Journal Reference
Shimizu, W., Shoji, Y., Ohkubo, K., Ito, H., Nakanishi, I., & Fukuhara, K. “Antioxidant Activity of Planar Catechin Conjugated with Trolox.” Antioxidants, 2024. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13101165
About the Authors
Dr. Kiyoshi Fukuhara is a professor in the Division of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry at the School of Pharmacy, Showa University. He earned his doctoral degree at the University of Tokyo, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and later served as a visiting researcher under the guidance of Dr. Hecht in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Virginia in the United States.
Dr. Fukuhara has been actively engaged in chemical research on the toxicity of chemical substances, elucidating the mechanisms behind various environmental chemicals that contribute to carcinogenesis. He has focused on the involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in chemical toxicity, uncovering the toxic effects caused by ROS from numerous chemicals. His work has extended to the development of novel antioxidant compounds that suppress oxidative stress, offering promising strategies for the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with oxidative damage. One of his notable achievements includes the stabilization of the stereostructure of catechins and other polyphenols. This methodology significantly enhances the functionality of natural antioxidants, such as catechins. Currently, Dr. Fukuhara is applying this approach to develop potential drug candidate compounds, further advancing pharmaceutical innovation.
Dr. Ikuo Nakanishi received his Ph.D. degree at the University of Osaka under the supervision of Professor Shunichi Fukuzumi in 1999. After working as a posdoc at the University of Osaka and National Institute of Health Sciences (NIHS), he became a researcher at Institute for Radiological Science (NIHS), National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST) (former National Institute of Radiological Sciences) in 2002. He was promoted to a leader of Quantum RedOx Chemistry Team (former Quantum RedOx Chemistry Group), Quantum Life Spin Group, Institute for Quantum Life Science (iQLS), QST in 2021. He has investigated the mechanisms of the radical-scavenging reactions of antioxidants using physicochemical techniques, such as stopped-flow, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), cyclic voltammetry, and so on. Based on the mechanistic insights, he designed novel synthetic antioxidants, which exhibit a higher radical-scavenging activity compared to the natural-occurring ones, in collaboration with Professor Fukuhara.
