RESUMEN

Despite the numerous studies on biocompatibility with nano-biomaterials, the biological effects of strontium-substituted HA nanoparticles (nSrHA) need to be better understood. So, we conducted an embryotoxicity test using zebrafish (Danio rerio) according to the OECD 236 guideline, a model that represents a viable alternative that bridges the gap between in vitro and mammalian models. Zebrafish embryos were exposed for 120 h to microspheres containing nSrHA nanoparticles with low and high crystallinity, synthesized at temperatures of 5°C (nSrHA5) and 90°C (nSrHA90). We evaluated lethality, developmental parameters, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The larval behavior was assessed at 168 hpf to determine if the biomaterials affected motor responses and anxiety-like behavior. The results showed that the survival rate decreased significantly for the nSrHA5 group (low crystalline particles), and an increase in ROS was also observed in this group. However, none of the biomaterials caused morphological changes indicative of toxicity during larval development. Additionally, the behavioral tests did not reveal any alterations in all experimental groups, indicating the absence of neurotoxic effects from exposure to the tested biomaterials. These findings provide valuable insights into the biosafety of modified HA-based nanostructured biomaterials, making them a promising strategy for bone tissue repair. As the use of hydroxyapatite-based biomaterials continues to grow, it is crucial to ensure rigorous control over the quality, reliability, and traceability of these materials.

Asunto(s)

Estroncio , Pez Cebra , Animales , Estroncio/química , Estroncio/farmacología , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/metabolismo , Embrión no Mamífero/efectos de los fármacos , Ensayo de Materiales , Hidroxiapatitas/química , Hidroxiapatitas/farmacología , Nanoestructuras/química , Larva/efectos de los fármacos

RESUMEN

Diflubenzuron (DFB) and pyriproxyfen (PPF) are larvicides used in crops to control insect plagues. However, these pesticides are known to impact non-target organisms like fish and mammals. Here, we aimed at assessing the embryotoxicity of purified DFB, PPF, and their mixtures in a non-target organism-zebrafish. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to different concentrations for 120 h: 0.025, 0.125, 0.25, 1.25, 2.5, and 10 mg/L of purified PPF and purified DFB, while we used 0.025 mg/L PPF + 10 mg/L DFB (Mix A), 0.125 mg/L PPF + 10 mg/L DFB (Mix B), and 0.25 mg/L PPF + 10 mg/L DFB (Mix C) for the mixtures of PPF + DFB. We observed mortality, teratogenicity, and cardiotoxicity. For the neurotoxicity tests and evaluation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in the brain, embryos were exposed for 120 h to 0.379 and 0.754 mg/L of PPF and 0.025 and 0.125 mg/L of DFB. We established the LC50 for PPF as 3.79 mg/L, while the LC50 for DFB was not determinable. Survival and hatching were affected by PPF concentrations above 0.125 mg/L, DFB concentrations above 1.25 mg/L, and the lower pesticide mixtures. PPF exposure and mixtures induced different types of malformations, while a higher number of malformations were observed for the mixtures, suggesting a potentiating effect. Pesticides diminished avoidance responses and increased the levels of ROS across all concentrations, indicating neurotoxicity. Our findings underscore the detrimental impact of PPF and DFB exposure, spanning from biochemistry to morphology. There is a critical need to reconsider the global use of these pesticides and transition to more ecologically friendly forms of pest control, raising an alarm regarding repercussions on human and animal health and well-being.

RESUMEN

Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a biomaterial widely used in clinical applications and pharmaceuticals. The literature on HA-based materials studies is focused on chemical characterization and biocompatibility. Generally, biocompatibility is analyzed through adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation assays. Fewer studies are looking for genotoxic events. Thus, although HA-based biomaterials are widely used as biomedical devices, there is a lack of literature regarding their genotoxicity. This systematic review was carried out following the PRISMA statement. Specific search strategies were developed and performed in four electronic databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science). The search used "Hydroxyapatite OR Calcium Hydroxyapatite OR durapatite AND genotoxicity OR genotoxic OR DNA damage" and "Hydroxyapatite OR Calcium Hydroxyapatite OR durapatite AND mutagenicity OR mutagenic OR DNA damage" as keywords and articles published from 2000 to 2022, after removing duplicate studies and apply include and exclusion criteria, 53 articles were identified and submitted to a qualitative descriptive analysis. Most of the assays were in vitro and most of the studies did not show genotoxicity. In fact, a protective effect was observed for hydroxyapatites. Only 20 out of 71 tests performed were positive for genotoxicity. However, no point mutation-related mutagenicity was observed. As the genotoxicity of HA-based biomaterials observed was correlated with its nanostructured forms as needles or rods, it is important to follow their effect in chronic exposure to guarantee safe usage in humans.

Asunto(s)

Materiales Biocompatibles , Durapatita , Humanos , Durapatita/toxicidad , Durapatita/química , Materiales Biocompatibles/toxicidad , Hidroxiapatitas , Daño del ADN , Mutágenos/toxicidad

RESUMEN

Alcohol and nicotine are psychoactive substances responsible for serious health consequences. Although the biological mechanisms of alcohol and nicotine have been studied extensively, individual differences in the response to these drugs have received little attention. Here we evaluated gene expression and behavior of bold and shy individuals after acute exposure to alcohol and nicotine. For this, zebrafish were classified as bold and shy individuals based on emergence tests, and then fish were exposed to 0.00, 0.10, and 0.50% alcohol or 0.00, 1.00, and 5.00 mg/L nicotine and their anxiety-like and locomotor behavior was observed. After behavioral assessment, brain mRNA expression (ache, bdnf, gaba1, gad1b, th1, and tph1) was evaluated. Locomotion patterns differed between profiles depending on alcohol and nicotine concentration. Anxiety increased in shy fish and decreased in bold fish after exposure to both drugs. Alcohol exposure induced an increase in tph1 mRNA expression in bold fish, while bdnf mRNA expression was increased in shy fish. Nicotine increased ache, bdnf, and tph1 mRNA levels in both profiles, but at higher levels in bold fish. Based on our research, we found that alcohol induces anxiogenic effects in both bold and shy zebrafish. Additionally, shy individuals exposed to a low concentration of nicotine exhibited stronger anxiety-like responses than their bold counterparts. These findings further support the validity of using zebrafish as a dependable tool for studying the effects of drugs and uncovering the underlying mechanisms associated with individual variations.

Asunto(s)

Conducta Animal , Pez Cebra , Animales , Pez Cebra/genética , Conducta Animal/fisiología , Nicotina/efectos adversos , Factor Neurotrófico Derivado del Encéfalo/genética , Factor Neurotrófico Derivado del Encéfalo/farmacología , Individualidad , Etanol/efectos adversos , Expresión Génica , ARN Mensajero

RESUMEN

Sulfated polysaccharides (SPS) from seaweeds have great biochemical and biotechnological potential. This study aimed to investigate the effect of SPS isolated from the seaweed Caulerpa sertularioides on adipogenic differentiation as a possible alternative treatment for obesity. The SPS-rich extract from the seaweed C. sertularioides was fractioned into three SPS-rich fractions (F0.5; F0.9; and F1.8) chemically characterized. Among these four samples, only F0.9 showed a significant inhibitory effect on adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Ten SPS-rich fractions were isolated from F0.9 through ion-exchange chromatography. However, only the fraction (CS0.2) containing a sulfated glucan was able to inhibit adipogenesis. CS0.2 reduces lipid accumulation and inhibits the expression of key adipogenic (PPARγ, C/EBPß, and C/EBPα) and lipogenic markers (SREBP-1c, Fabp4, and CD36). The data points to the potential of sulfated glucan from C. sertularioides for the development of functional approaches in obesity management.

Asunto(s)

Caulerpa , Algas Marinas , Células 3T3-L1 , Adipocitos , Adipogénesis , Animales , Caulerpa/metabolismo , Glucanos/farmacología , Ratones , PPAR gamma/metabolismo , Polisacáridos/metabolismo , Polisacáridos/farmacología , Algas Marinas/química , Sulfatos/farmacología

RESUMEN

Flavonoids are a diverse family of plant compounds that are involved in pigmentation, protection, and endogenous regulation. Flavonoids also have medicinal applications, suggesting that they may exert chemoprotective effects. However, some studies have shown, that some plant flavonoids have oxidative and toxic effects, including those produced by Schinus terebinthifolius. In Brazil, extracts of this plant are widely used for medical purposes. In this study, we analyzed the mutagenic potential of two flavonoid-enriched fractions from Brazilian pepper tree stem bark using Escherichia coli CC strains deficient and proficient in enzymes involved in the DNA repair of oxidative lesions. The highest mutagenic response was detected in the CC104mutMmutY strain but CC104mutY showed a higher mutation frequency than CC104mutM. The spectrum of mutations induced in plasmid DNA is composed of mutations typically caused by oxidative lesions. However, a new type of lesion must be occurred to explain the cytotoxicity, higher mutation rates in the CC104mutY strain, and the rare A:T → T:A and G:C → C:G transversions found in this work.

Asunto(s)

Anacardiaceae/efectos adversos , Flavonoides/efectos adversos , Mutación/efectos de los fármacos , Corteza de la Planta/efectos adversos , Extractos Vegetales/efectos adversos , Árboles/efectos adversos , Secuencia de Bases , Brasil , Reparación del ADN/efectos de los fármacos , Escherichia coli/efectos de los fármacos , Escherichia coli/genética , Mutágenos/efectos adversos

RESUMEN

Marine algae are sources of novel bioactive molecules and present a great potential for biotechnological and biomedical applications. Although green algae are the least studied type of seaweed, several of their biological activities have already been described. Here, we investigated the osteogenic potential of Sulfated Polysaccharide (SP)-enriched samples extracted from the green seaweed Caulerpa prolifera on human mesenchymal stem cells isolated from Wharton jelly (hMSC-WJ). In addition, the potential genotoxicity of these SPs was determined by cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay. SP-enriched samples did not show significant cytotoxicity towards hMSCs-WJ at a concentration of up to 10µg/mL, and after 72h of exposure. SP enrichment also significantly increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, promoting calcium accumulation in the extracellular matrix. Among the SP-enriched samples, the CP0.5 subfraction (at 5µg/mL) presented the most promising results. In this sample, ALP activity was increased approximately by 60%, and calcium accumulation was approximately 6-fold above the negative control, indicating high osteogenic potential. This subfraction also proved to be non-genotoxic, according to the CBMN assay, as it did not induce micronuclei. The results of this study highlight, for the first time, the potential of these SPs for the development of new therapies for bone regeneration.

Asunto(s)

Caulerpa/química , Diferenciación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Daño del ADN , Células Madre Mesenquimatosas/metabolismo , Osteogénesis/efectos de los fármacos , Polisacáridos , Animales , Células CHO , Cricetulus , Humanos , Células Madre Mesenquimatosas/citología , Polisacáridos/química , Polisacáridos/aislamiento & purificación , Polisacáridos/farmacología

RESUMEN

Lucrécia city, known to harbor a high cancer rate, is located in a semiarid region characterized by the presence of mineral reservoirs, facing a high exposure to metal and natural radioactivity. The present study aimed to assess the environmental scenario at a semiarid region located in Northeastern Brazil. Metal concentration, alpha and beta radiation, and cyanobacteria content in tap water along with indoor radon and gamma emitters (U, K and Th) concentrations were measured. In addition, mutagenic and nuclear instability effects were assessed using buccal micronucleus cytome assay. The study included five samplings corresponding to a period between 2007 and 2009. Drinking water from Lucrécia city presented levels of Mn, Ni and Cr along with cyanobacteria in concentrations one to four times higher than regulatory guidelines considered. Furthermore, high levels of all the tested radionuclides were found. A high percentage of the houses included in this study presented indoor radon concentrations over 100 Bq m-3. The mean annual effective dose from Lucrécia houses was six times higher than observed in a control region. The levels of exposure in most of the Lucrécia houses were classified as middle to high. A significant mutagenic effect, represented as an increase of micronuclei (MN) frequency and nuclear abnormalities as nuclear buds (NB), binucleated cells (BN), and pyknotic cells (PYC) were found. The results obtained highlight the role of high background radioactivity on the observed mutagenic effect and could help to explain the exacerbated cancer rate reported in this locality.

Asunto(s)

Contaminantes Radiactivos del Aire , Contaminación del Aire Interior , Mutágenos , Radioisótopos , Radón , Contaminantes del Agua , Adolescente , Adulto , Contaminantes Radiactivos del Aire/análisis , Contaminantes Radiactivos del Aire/toxicidad , Contaminación del Aire Interior/efectos adversos , Contaminación del Aire Interior/análisis , Brasil , Agua Potable/análisis , Agua Potable/microbiología , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Metales/análisis , Metales/toxicidad , Pruebas de Micronúcleos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Mucosa Bucal/efectos de los fármacos , Mutágenos/análisis , Mutágenos/toxicidad , Radiactividad , Radioisótopos/análisis , Radioisótopos/toxicidad , Radón/análisis , Contaminantes del Agua/análisis , Contaminantes del Agua/toxicidad , Adulto Joven

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the association between XPD and XRCC3 polymorphisms and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). DESIGN: the sample consisted of 54 cases of OSCC and 40 cases of inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia (IFH). Genotypes were determined by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. RESULTS: XPD-Lys/Gln was more common in IFH (n=28; 70%) than in OSCC (n=24; 44.4%) (OR: 0.3; p<0.05). XPD-Gln was more frequent in high-grade lesions (0.48) than in low-grade lesions (0.21) (OR: 3.4; p<0.05). The Gln/Gln genotype was associated with III and IV clinical stages (OR: 0.07; p<0.05). XRCC3-Met was more frequent in OSCC (0.49) than in IFH (0.35) (OR: 2.6; p<0.05). The Met/Met genotype was associated with the presence of metastases (OR: 8.1; p<0.05) and with III and IV clinical stages (OR: 0.07; p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: in this sample, the frequency of XPD-Gln in IFH suggests that this variant may protect against OSCC. The presence of the XRCC3-Met allele seems to contribute to the development of OSCC, metastases and more advanced stages in these lesions.

Asunto(s)

Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/genética , Proteínas de Unión al ADN/genética , Neoplasias de Cabeza y Cuello/genética , Neoplasias de la Boca/genética , Proteína de la Xerodermia Pigmentosa del Grupo D/genética , Brasil , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/patología , Reparación del ADN , ADN de Neoplasias/genética , ADN de Neoplasias/aislamiento & purificación , Femenino , Frecuencia de los Genes , Predisposición Genética a la Enfermedad , Genotipo , Neoplasias de Cabeza y Cuello/patología , Humanos , Masculino , Neoplasias de la Boca/patología , Metástasis de la Neoplasia , Proyectos Piloto , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa/métodos , Polimorfismo Genético , Polimorfismo de Longitud del Fragmento de Restricción , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas de Cabeza y Cuello

RESUMEN

To evaluate the effect of topography in nanoscale, titanium surfaces were bombarded by argon ions (a chemically inert gas), in an atmosphere of plasma. The effects of surface parameters on morphology, adhesion, proliferation, and MC3T3-E1 preosteoblasts differentiation were analyzed. Nontreated (smooth) surfaces were used as a control. The levels of average roughness (Ra) observed in bombarded and smooth titanium surfaces were of 95 and 14 nm, respectively. The wettability increased on treated surfaces. The number of attached cells (30 and 60 min) was significantly higher on the bombarded surface. The cell proliferation after 3 and 7 days was also significantly higher on the ion-bombarded surface. In addition, the ALP activity and expression of osteocalcin were higher in cells grown on the treated surface. The results showed that bombardment with argon ions increased the roughness and the wettability of the Ti surface, promoting a significant increase in the adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of preosteoblasts.

Asunto(s)

Argón/química , Materiales Biocompatibles/química , Osteoblastos/citología , Titanio/química , Animales , Adhesión Celular , Diferenciación Celular , Línea Celular , Proliferación Celular , Electrodos , Ratones , Gases em Plasma/química , Prótesis e Implantes , Propiedades de Superficie

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Violacein is a purple pigment from Chromobacterium violaceum that possesses diverse biological and pharmacological properties. Among these, pro-oxidant and antioxidant activities have been suggested. However, the cytotoxic mechanisms induced by violacein are poorly understood and the improvement in knowledge regarding these cell death mechanisms will be useful to develop new therapeutic approaches. Considering this, in our work, we investigated the pro-oxidant effects of violacein in non-tumor (CHO-K1 and MRC-5) and tumor (HeLa) cell lines, searching for a better understanding of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cell death induction. RESULTS: Cytotoxicity induced by violacein was observed in the three cell lines; however, MRC-5 and HeLa cells were shown to be more sensitive to violacein treatment. Although punctual alterations in the antioxidant apparatus and increase in oxidative stress biomarkers was observed in some violacein concentrations, no association was found between increased oxidative stress and induction of cell death. However, the increase of mitochondrial membrane potential was observed. CONCLUSIONS: In fact, the increase of mitochondrial membrane potential in MRC-5 and HeLa cells suggests that mitochondrial membrane hyperpolarization might be the main cause of cell death triggered by violacein.

Asunto(s)

Indoles/toxicidad , Potencial de la Membrana Mitocondrial/efectos de los fármacos , Estrés Oxidativo , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/metabolismo , Animales , Células CHO , Muerte Celular , Línea Celular , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Cricetulus , Células HeLa , Humanos , Indoles/farmacología

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Particulate matter (PM) is potentially harmful to health and related to genotoxic events, an increase in the number of hospitalizations and mortality from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The present study conducted the first characterization of elemental composition and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) analysis of PM, as well as the biomonitoring of genotoxic activity associated to artisanal cashew nut roasting, an important economic and social activity worldwide. METHODS: The levels of PM2.5 and black carbon were also measured by gravimetric analysis and light reflectance. The elemental composition was determined using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and PAH analysis was carried out by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Genotoxic activity was measured by the Tradescantia pallida micronucleus bioassay (Trad-MCN). Other biomarkers of DNA damage, such as nucleoplasmic bridges and nuclear fragments, were also quantified. RESULTS: The mean amount of PM2.5 accumulated in the filters (January 2124.2 µg/m(3); May 1022.2 µg/m(3); September 1291.9 µg/m(3)), black carbon (January 363.6 µg/m(3); May 70 µg/m(3); September 69.4 µg/m(3)) and concentrations of Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Br and Pb were significantly higher than the non-exposed area. Biomass burning tracers K, Cl, and S were the major inorganic compounds found. Benzo[k]fluoranthene, indene[1,2,3-c,d]pyrene, benzo[ghi]perylene, phenanthrene and benzo[b]fluoranthene were the most abundant PAHs. Mean benzo[a]pyrene-equivalent carcinogenic power values showed a significant cancer risk. The Trad-MCN bioassay revealed an increase in micronucleus frequency, 2-7 times higher than the negative control and significantly higher in all the months analyzed, possibly related to the mutagenic PAHs found. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that artisanal cashew nut roasting is a serious occupational problem, with harmful effects on workers׳ health. Those involved in this activity are exposed to higher PM2.5 concentrations and to 12 PAHs considered potentially mutagenic and/or carcinogenic. The Trad-MCN with T. pallida was sensitive and efficient in evaluating the genotoxicity of the components and other nuclear alterations may be used as effective biomarkers of DNA damage.

Asunto(s)

Anacardium , Culinaria , Exposición Profesional/análisis , Material Particulado/química , Hidrocarburos Policíclicos Aromáticos/análisis , Brasil , Pruebas de Micronúcleos , Tradescantia

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: The biomass burning that occurs in the Amazon region has an adverse effect on environmental and human health. However, in this region, there are limited studies linking atmospheric pollution and genetic damage. OBJECTIVE: We conducted a comparative study during intense and moderate biomass burning periods focusing on the genetic damage and physicochemical analyses of the particulate matter (PM). METHOD: PM and black carbon (BC) were determined; organic compounds were identified and quantified using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection, the cyto-genotoxicity test was performed using two bioassays: cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) in A549 cells and Tradescantia pallida micronucleus (Trad-MCN) assay. RESULTS: The PM10 concentrations were lower than the World Health Organization air quality standard for 24h. The n-alkanes analyses indicate anthropogenic and biogenic influences during intense and moderate biomass burning periods, respectively. Retene was identified as the most abundant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon during both sampling periods. Carcinogenic and mutagenic compounds were identified. The genotoxic analysis through CBMN and Trad-MCN tests showed that the frequency MCN from the intense burning period is significantly higher compared to moderate burning period. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study using human alveolar cells to show the genotoxic effects of organic PM from biomass burning samples collected in Amazon region. The genotoxicity of PM can be associated with the presence of several mutagenic and carcinogenic compounds, mainly benzo[a]pyrene. These findings have potential implications for the development of pollution abatement strategies and can minimize negative impact on health.

Asunto(s)

Contaminantes Atmosféricos/análisis , Biomasa , Daño del ADN , Mutágenos/análisis , Material Particulado/análisis , Hidrocarburos Policíclicos Aromáticos/análisis , Contaminantes Atmosféricos/toxicidad , Animales , Brasil , Línea Celular , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Humanos , Modelos Lineales , Pruebas de Micronúcleos , Mutágenos/toxicidad , Material Particulado/química , Material Particulado/toxicidad , Hidrocarburos Policíclicos Aromáticos/toxicidad , Estaciones del Año

RESUMEN

Titanium is one of the most used materials in implants and changes in its surface can modify the cellular functional response to better implant fixation. An argon plasma treatment generates a surface with improved mechanical proprieties without modifying its chemical composition. Oxidative stress induced by biomaterials is considered one of the major causes of implant failure and studies in this field are fundamental to evaluate the biocompatibility of a new material. Therefore, in this work, induction of oxidative stress by titanium surfaces subjected to plasma treatment (PTTS) was evaluated. The viability of CHO-k1 cells was higher on PTTS discs. Cells grown on titanium surfaces are subjected to intracellular oxidative stress. Titanium discs subjected to the plasma treatment induced less oxidative stress than the untreated ones, which resulted in improved cellular survival. These were associated with improved cellular antioxidant response in Plasma Treated Titanium Surface (PTTS). Furthermore, a decrease in protein and DNA oxidative damage was observed on cells grown on the roughed surface when compared to the smooth one. In conclusion, our data suggest that the treatment of titanium with argon plasma may improve its biocompatible, thus improving its performance as implants or as a scaffold in tissue engineering.

Asunto(s)

Antioxidantes/metabolismo , Argón/química , Materiales Biocompatibles/química , Titanio/química , Animales , Células CHO , Supervivencia Celular , Cricetinae , Cricetulus , Daño del ADN , Estrés Oxidativo , Prótesis e Implantes

RESUMEN

The present study evaluated the mutagenic potential of surface water from the Lucrecia dam. The Tradescantia-micronucleus (Trad-MCN) test and CBMN assay in human peripheral blood lymphocytes were applied, corresponding to an in vivo and in vitro system, respectively. Heavy metals and some physicochemical properties were also measured. Water samples were collected in November 2009 (dry season) and May 2010 (rainy season) at three different points. Results of both assays for raw water showed positive responses for the points analyzed when compared to the negative control. The CBMN assay showed that diluted water was still able to induce a significant increase in micronucleus frequency. For both assays, the highest mean MN was observed in the dry season. Chemical analyses detected an increase in heavy metal levels at the sampling points and in the different seasons. These findings indicate the presence of genotoxins, such as heavy metals, in the water, which may be affecting the entire ecosystem, as well as human health. More prolonged monitoring is recommended in order to better characterize this public water supply.

Asunto(s)

Monitoreo del Ambiente/métodos , Linfocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Metales Pesados/toxicidad , Mutágenos/toxicidad , Tradescantia/efectos de los fármacos , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/toxicidad , Adulto , Clima Desértico , Humanos , Masculino , Metales Pesados/análisis , Pruebas de Micronúcleos , Mutágenos/análisis , Polen/citología , Polen/efectos de los fármacos , Polen/genética , Tradescantia/genética , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/análisis , Abastecimiento de Agua/análisis , Tiempo (Meteorología) , Adulto Joven

RESUMEN

In the present study Tradescantia pallida micronucleus (Trad-MCN) bioassay was used to assess the genotoxicity of particulate matter with a mass median aerodynamic diameter less than 10 µm (PM10) in Tangara da Serra (MT), a Brazilian Amazon region that suffers the impact of biomass burning. The levels of PM (coarse and fine size fractions) and black carbon (BC) collected were also measured. Furthermore, the alkanes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were identified and quantified in the samples taken during the burning period by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID). The PM and BC results for both fractions indicate a strong correlation (p < 0.001). The analysis of alkanes indicates an anthropic influence. Retene was the most abundant PAH found, an indicator of biomass burning, and 12 other PAHs considered to be potentially mutagenic and/or carcinogenic were identified in this sample. The Trad-MCN bioassay showed a significant increase in micronucleus frequency during the period of most intense burning, possibly related to the mutagenic PAHs that were found in such extracts. This study demonstrated that Trad-MCN was sensitive and efficient in evaluating the genotoxicity of organic compounds from biomass burning. It further emphasizes the importance of performing chemical analysis, because changes in chemical composition generally have a negative effect on many living organisms. This bioassay (ex situ), using T. pallida with chemical analysis, is thus recommended for characterizing the genotoxicity of air pollution.

Asunto(s)

Contaminantes Atmosféricos/toxicidad , Mutágenos/toxicidad , Material Particulado/toxicidad , Tradescantia/efectos de los fármacos , Contaminantes Atmosféricos/análisis , Alcanos/análisis , Alcanos/toxicidad , Atmósfera/química , Biomasa , Brasil , Daño del ADN , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Incendios , Mutágenos/análisis , Material Particulado/análisis , Hidrocarburos Policíclicos Aromáticos/análisis , Hidrocarburos Policíclicos Aromáticos/toxicidad , Hollín/análisis , Hollín/toxicidad

RESUMEN

The aim of this work was to analyze the genotoxicity in surface water from the Pitimbú River (Natal, Brazil) using a neotropical species Crenicichla menezesi as bioindicator for in situ evaluation. The genotoxicity was analyzed using the micronucleus (MN) and comet assays in erythrocytes. The animals were collected from five sites of the river. A significant increase of MN frequency and comet class L1 to L4 were observed only in specimens collected from three sampling sites (SS3, SS4 and SS5) located into urban areas. These same sites also presented high metals concentration. Correlation of DNA damage and concentrations of Cu (Spearman r=0.8080), Cr (Spearman r=0.9772), and Ni (Spearman r=0.9909) were observed. These data indicate the presence of genotoxic agents. Moreover the C. menezesi species showed to be a good indicator for prompt analyses since this species presents sedentary and carnivore habits.

Asunto(s)

Cíclidos/fisiología , Monitoreo del Ambiente/métodos , Mutágenos/toxicidad , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/toxicidad , Animales , Brasil , Daño del ADN , Pruebas de Mutagenicidad , Mutágenos/metabolismo , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/metabolismo

RESUMEN

Titanium (Ti) is currently the most widely used material for the manufacture of orthopedic and dental implants. Changes in the surface of commercial pure Ti (cp Ti) can determine the functional response of cells, and is therefore a critical factor for the success of the implant. However, the genotoxicity of titanium surfaces has been poorly studied. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the genotoxic potential of a new titanium surface developed by plasma treatment using argon-ion bombardment and compare it with an untreated titanium surface. Accordingly, comet assay, analysis of chromosomal aberrations (CAs), and Cytokinesis Block Micronucleus (CBMN) assay were carried out, using CHO-K1 (Chinese hamster ovary) cells grown on both titanium surfaces. Our results show that the untreated titanium surface caused a significant increase in % tail moment, in the number of cells with CAs, tetraploidy, micronucleus frequency, and other nuclear alterations when compared with the negative control and with the plasma-treated titanium surface. This difference may be attributed to increased surface roughness and changes in titanium oxide layer thickness.

Asunto(s)

Aberraciones Cromosómicas/inducido químicamente , Micronúcleos con Defecto Cromosómico/inducido químicamente , Mutágenos/toxicidad , Titanio/toxicidad , Animales , Argón , Células CHO , Núcleo Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Núcleo Celular/patología , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Materiales Biocompatibles Revestidos/efectos de la radiación , Ensayo Cometa , Cricetinae , Cricetulus , Iones , Pruebas de Micronúcleos , Mutágenos/efectos de la radiación , Propiedades de Superficie/efectos de la radiación , Titanio/efectos de la radiación

RESUMEN

Bauhinia monandra, a plant popularly known as "pata de vaca" in Brazil, is widespread in the world and widely used in folk medicine. BmoLL is a galactose-specific lectin obtained and purified from B. monandra leaves, whose hypoglycemiant potential has been recently demonstrated in rats. The present study was performed to investigate the genotoxic potential of BmoLL in a series of cell-free and bacterial assays. We based our test concentrations on those used in popular medicine. The results showed that lectin BmoLL was unable to produce genotoxicity or cytotoxicity in all the assays used. The results also demonstrated that BmoLL did not increase the frequency of reverse mutation in Salmonella typhimurium strains (TA97, TA98, TA100 and TA102), with and without metabolic activation. However, a significant decrease in the spontaneous mutation frequency was observed in Escherichia coli strains (CC104 and CC104mutMmutY), especially in the repair-deficient strain, suggesting an anti-oxidative potential. B. monandra leaf lectin (BmoLL) did not induce cytotoxic or genotoxic effects in the battery of assays used.

Asunto(s)

Bauhinia/química , Mutágenos/toxicidad , Lectinas de Plantas/toxicidad , Animales , Roturas del ADN , ADN Bacteriano/efectos de los fármacos , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Escherichia coli/efectos de los fármacos , Escherichia coli/genética , Microsomas Hepáticos/metabolismo , Pruebas de Mutagenicidad , Extractos Vegetales/metabolismo , Extractos Vegetales/toxicidad , Hojas de la Planta/química , Lectinas de Plantas/metabolismo , Plásmidos/efectos de los fármacos , Plásmidos/genética , Ratas , Ratas Sprague-Dawley , Salmonella typhimurium/efectos de los fármacos , Salmonella typhimurium/genética

RESUMEN

Several therapeutic properties have been described for Eugenia caryophyllata (clove). In the present study the infusion of E. caryophyllata was evaluated in a series of bacterial and cell-free assays in order to determine genotoxic potential. Negative results were obtained in the SOS chromotest and in the Salmonella reversion assay using strains TA97a, TA98, TA100, and TA102. However, in a forward mutagenesis assay an increase in mutagenesis and high cytotoxicity was observed with the CC104 mutMmutY strain, suggesting that oxidative DNA damage occurred. The treatment of plasmid with clove infusion showed that DNA strand breaks and sites recognized by formamidopyrimidine-DNA-glycosylase (FPG/MutM) were generated. Data suggest that the occurrence of oxidative DNA damage, with low mutagenic potential, may also be involved in the cytotoxicity attributed to clove infusion.

Asunto(s)

Bebidas/toxicidad , Daño del ADN/efectos de los fármacos , Extractos Vegetales/toxicidad , Syzygium/toxicidad , Escherichia coli/efectos de los fármacos , Escherichia coli/genética , Pruebas de Mutagenicidad/métodos , Mutágenos/análisis , Salmonella/efectos de los fármacos , Salmonella/genética