Effect of Antioxidant Polyphenols on DNA and RNA Structures

The effects of antioxidant polyphenols on DNA and tRNA structures were evaluated in aqueous solution at physiological conditions. Structural models show that intercalation with DNA is more stable for resveratrol and genistein than groove bindings, while curcumin interaction is via DNA grooves. Polyphenols prefer tRNA groove binding with DNA forming stronger adducts than tRNA. Theoretical modeling showed more stable conjugates formed with resveratrol and genistein than curcumin. At high polyphenol concentration major DNA and RNA aggregation occurred, with no alteration of biopolymer conformation.