The impact of dimethyl sulfoxide on oxidative stress and cytotoxicity in various experimental models

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is one of the most commonly used pharmaceutical drugs in life sciences. Besides its use as a valuable cryoprotective agent, DMSO is considered by many as a universal solvent that can efficiently dissolve both polar and nonpolar compounds. For this reason, many studies have been performed exploring various compounds and extracts dissolved in DMSO for diverse therapeutic properties. Other studies have directly assessed the modulatory effect of DMSO against certain pathological conditions. However, for all these studies, it has become evident that dose selection for DMSO remains an important factor that determines its optimal effectiveness. Consistent with dose selection and a specific experimental model used, DMSO can induce adverse effects including generation of oxidative stress and cytotoxicity. Both oxidative stress and cytotoxicity are measurable outcomes that are progressively explored to understand the development of different pathological conditions or the ameliorative effects of compounds dissolved in DMSO. Interestingly, other studies have reported that DMSO also possesses essential antioxidant properties that are linked to its protective effect against oxidative damage. Therefore, this chapter explores and updates current knowledge on the dose-dependent pleiotropic properties induced by DMSO, across different experimental models, in modulating oxidative stress and cytotoxicity.