Effects of (-)-cubebin (Piper cubeba) on cytotoxicity, mutagenicity and expression of p38 MAP kinase and GSTa2 in a hepatoma cell line

(-)-Cubebin is a lignan extracted from the seeds of the pepper Piper cubeba, a commonly eaten spice with beneficial properties, including trypanocidal, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-proliferative and leishmanicidal activities. Because of its therapeutic potential, we investigated the effects of (-)-cubebin on the cytotoxicity, cell proliferation kinetics, mutagenicity and expression of p38 MAP kinase and glutathione S-transferase a2 (GSTa2) using real-time RT-PCR in Rattus norvegicus hepatoma cells. We found that 280 μM (-)-cubebin was cytotoxic after 24, 48 and 72. h of exposure, but not mutagenic at 0.28 μM, 2.8 μM and 28 μM after 26. h. Similarly, exposure to 0.28 μM, 2.8 μM and 28 μM (-)-cubebin for 24, 48, 72 and 96. h did not alter the cell proliferation kinetics. Cells exposed to 28 μM (-)-cubebin for 24. h did not exhibit changes in p38 MAP kinase and GSTa2 expression, indicating that cellular changes were not induced by extracellular stimuli and that (-)-cubebin is likely not metabolized via this pathway. Our results suggest that high levels of (-)-cubebin should be consumed with caution due to the cytotoxic effect observed at the highest concentration. However, at lower concentrations, no cytotoxic, mutagenic or proliferative effects were observed, providing further evidence of the safety of consuming (-)-cubebin. © 2013 Elsevier Inc.

Genetic diversity among progenies of Crambe abyssinica Hochst for seed traits

Crambe is an important biofuel crop and its oil has unique traits such as high erucic acid content which can be used as industrial lubricant, corrosion inhibitor as well as ingredient in synthetic rubber manufacturing. Genetic diversity among 70 progenies of Crambe abyssinica Hochst selected from a population of FMS Brilhante cultivar was quantified by multivariate analysis for traits related to germination, thousand grain weight and oil content. There were significant differences among progenies for all traits studied. Estimation of genetic variance and heritability coefficients showed that the variability found in the progeny is more genetic than environmental which enables genetic gains with selection. Heritability coefficient varied from 68 to 79%, except for oil content and number of dead seedlings. Simple correlation analysis showed that germination and vigor were positively correlated, and thousand grain weight and oil content were not correlated with any of the seed traits. Based on multivariate analysis, the progenies could be grouped into 26 clusters. Clusters 1, 2 and 3 had the highest number of progeny with 7, 8 and 6 lineages, respectively. Clusters 21-26 had higher dissimilarity within the cluster with one in each progeny. The trait that most contributed to the cluster was the germination (36.2%) and less contributed was the number of seedlings killed (1.1%). The progenies indicate genetic diversity for seed traits and the selection of superior progenies is possible considering the studied traits. © 2013.

Teor de clorofila, danos oxidativos e qualidade de sementes de soja

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Posição do racemo, do fruto e armazenamento na qualidade de sementes de mamona (Ricinus communis L.)

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Doses de composto orgânico, com e sem fósforo adicionado ao solo, na produção e qualidade de sementes de alface

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Doses de composto orgânico na produção e qualidade de sementes de brócolis

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Biodegradação e avaliação fitotoxicológica do diesel e do biodiesel

Pós-graduação em Ciências Biológicas (Microbiologia Aplicada) - IBRC

Teste de condutividade elétrica e presença de patógenos em sementes de soja

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Condutividade elétrica e composição mineral da solução de embebição de sementes de feijão armazenadas em duas temperaturas

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Teste de condutividade elétrica para sementes de milho e de soja armazenadas sob baixa temperatura

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Teste de deterioração controlada em sementes de amendoim

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Controle químico de patógenos e desempenho fisiológico de sementes de amendoim

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Efeito de óleos essenciais sobre o fungo Phomopsis sojae e a qualidade fisiológica de sementes de soja

Pós-graduação em Agronomia (Proteção de Plantas) - FCA

Métodos para a avaliação da qualidade fisiológica de sementes de ervilha forrageira (Pisum sativum subsp. arvense)

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Desenvolvimento de plântulas de soja em função da dessecação das plantas e do tratamento das sementes

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)