# Two Faces of Indole-3-Carbinol—Analysis of Lipid Peroxidation Induced by Fenton Reaction Substrates in Porcine Ovary and Kidney Homogenates

## TL;DR

This study shows that indole-3-carbinol can act as an antioxidant or pro-oxidant depending on its dose and the level of oxidative stress in porcine tissues.

## Contribution

The study reveals the dual (antioxidant and pro-oxidant) effects of indole-3-carbinol in porcine tissues under varying oxidative stress conditions.

## Key findings

- Indole-3-carbinol reduced lipid peroxidation in porcine ovary homogenates at high FeSO4 concentrations.
- High doses of indole-3-carbinol induced pro-oxidant effects at low FeSO4 concentrations in both tissues.
- Pro-oxidant activity was observed even in the absence of added Fenton reaction substrates at high indole-3-carbinol doses.

## Abstract

Background: Indole-3-carbinol is an indole derivative which is commonly present in vegetables, which belong to Brassicaceae family and has many medicinal properties. This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant impact of indole-3-carbinol on damages caused by Fenton reaction substrates to lipid membranes (lipid peroxidation) of porcine kidneys and ovaries. Methods: Antioxidant effect of indole-3-carbinol was assessed using Lipid Peroxidation Assay. As damaging agents were used Fenton reaction substrates, i.e., FeSO4 at 11 different concentrations and H2O2. The concentrations of indole-3-carbinol were 0.0, 20.0, 10.0, 5.0, 1.0 and 0.5 mM. Results: Comparative analysis showed higher lipid peroxidation levels in kidney than ovary homogenates at 600–18.75 μM FeSO4. Indole-3-carbinol significantly reduced LPO in porcine ovary homogenates at higher FeSO4 concentrations (1200–300 μM) in a concentration-dependent manner, while antioxidant effects in kidney homogenates were observed across a broader FeSO4 range (1200–18.75 μM). Notably, at the lowest FeSO4 concentrations (4.687–2.343 μM), high doses of indole-3-carbinol (20.0 and 10.0 mM) induced pro-oxidant effects in both tissues. Furthermore, indole-3-carbinol at these concentrations exhibited potential pro-oxidant activity even in samples without added Fenton reaction substrates. Conclusions: Indole-3-carbinol has dose-dependent antioxidant effects in porcine ovary and kidney homogenates under high oxidative stress, reducing Fenton reaction-induced lipid peroxidation. However, high doses of indole-3-carbinol exhibited pro-oxidant effects at lower prooxidant concentration and under basal conditions (i.e., without addition of prooxidant), highlighting the importance of dose and oxidative conditions in its potential therapeutic use.