Potential Antitoxin effects of Green Tea Polyphenols on Human Lung Cells Affected by World Trade Center Dust

Abstract

Green tea polyphenols are antioxidants frequently used to promote good health. In this study green tea extracts were used to study the cytotoxicity and wound healing effect on human lung cells. Epigallocatechin (EGCG), a water soluble polyphenol in pure form, a group of water soluble polyphenols (GTP), a group of non water soluble polyphenols (LTP), and a mixture of all three (combo333) were used at 12.5, 25, 50, 75 and 100 μM concentrations. Results suggested that EGCG promoted lung cell proliferation at concentrations of 12.5 to 25 μM. GTP results suggest promoted lung cell proliferation at 12.5–50 μM. Combo333 shows increased proliferation and no morphology alteration. The results suggest that particulate green tea polyphenols may possess antitoxin abilities. Tests on the potency of antitoxin abilities of green tea against World Trade Center dust exposed human lung cells were conducted based on these findings. Previous studies indicated that WTC dust decreases cell proliferation and increases apoptosis of human lung cells. In the presence of green tea extracts, EGCG at 12.5 μM was the only concentration that showed some proliferation during the presence of the dust solution. All other extracts displayed no re‐growth into the wound region, however no morphological changes were detected. This suggests green tea polyphenols may protect the integrity of the cell.