Involvement of reactive oxygen species in the oleoylethanolamide effects and its pyrazonilic analogue in melanoma cells

The search for more substances that effectively fight melanoma is extremely important, because of its aggressive nature. In this sense, the molecular hybridization is a promising strategy. The aim of this work is to evaluate whether the antiproliferative effect of the endocannabinoid oleoylethanolamide can be improved with the addition of a trifluoromethylated pyrazolinic nucleus on its structure in B16F10 cell line. The pyrazolinic analog was named oleoyl pyrazoline. We also compared the effects of oleoylethanolamide and that of the classic endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA). The cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay, the intracellular reactive oxygen species generation by fluorimetry, and apoptosis/necrosis by fluorescent microscopy. Also, α-tocopherol antioxidant was used to evaluate the involvement of reactive oxygen species in the cellular response. Although the effects of AEA occur in smaller concentrations, the results show that the effects of AEA and oleoylethanolamide were similar. The results showed a decrease in cell viability, induction of apoptosis and necrosis, and increased generation of reactive oxygen species by the oleoylethanolamide, while the oleoyl pyrazoline increased cell proliferation and decreased reactive oxygen species. Additionally, the effects of oleoylethanolamide in cell viability were decreased by inhibiting the generation of reactive oxygen species by α-tocopherol. Therefore, it is possible to suggest the involvement of reactive oxygen species in the effect of oleoylethanolamide in the B16F10 cells. Considering the great need to find substances that can fight melanoma and the lack of greater elucidation in the action mechanisms of cannabinoids and their analogs, this work provides important new information that could serve as reference to other studies.