Orcinol derivative compound with antioxidant properties protects Langerhans islets against streptozotocin damage

Objective To design and synthesize an orcinol derivative compound, 3‐formyl‐2,4‐dihydroxy‐5,6‐dimethyl sodium benzoate (A4), as an antioxidant molecule and to test its effects on oxidative stress in an in‐vitro model of apoptosis of pancreatic rat beta cells induced by streptozotocin (STZ). Methods Scavenger properties of A4 were assessed using its capacity to capture the DPPH radical in vitro. Antiapoptotic properties of A4 were analysed by electron microscopy and TUNEL assay in rat pancreatic islets in a streptozotocin model. Key findings The results show that A4 displays antioxidant activity in in‐vitro assays and induced a significant reduction in STZ‐induced beta cell apoptosis and low ultrastructural damage to cellular organelles in the rat pancreatic islets as evidenced by electronic microscopy, this effect could be attributed to its antioxidant activity in a similar manner than resveratrol. Conclusion The overall results indicate that the new orcinol derivative molecule displays both antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects and protect pancreatic beta cells against STZ damage.