Viable human buccal mucosa cells do not yield typical nucleoids: Impacts on the single-cell gel electrophoresis/comet assay

Buccal mucosa (BM) cells have been used in human biomonitoring studies for detecting DNA adducts and chromosomal damage in an epithelial cell population. In the present study, we have investigated if human BM cells are suitable for use in the single-cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE)/Comet assay as an approach for estimating the exposure of epithelial cells to DNA-damaging agents. Our results indicate that only a few cells from BM cell samples yield comets that can be analyzed by current methods, and that the yield of cells with comets is independent of the percentage of viable BM cells in the sample. Data generated after enzymatic enrichment of viable cells and immunomagnetic separation of epithelial cells suggest that most of the BM cells that do form comets are probably leukocytes. Moreover, by reevaluating specific cells after running the Comet assay, we found that viable epithelial BM cells give rise to atypical comets that are not included in the analysis. Comparing DNA migration patterns between small groups of smokers and nonsmokers indicated that long-term smoking had no effect on the subpopulation of cells that yield typical comets. Our results indicate that the SCGE assay, as it is commonly performed, may not be useful for genotoxicity monitoring in human epithelial BM cells.

Cytogenetic damage in circulating lymphocytes and buccal mucosa cells of head-and-neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy

This study evaluated cytogenetic damage by measuring the frequency of micronucleated cells (MNC) in peripheral blood and buccal mucosa of head-and-neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy.MNC frequencies were assessed in 31 patients before, during, and after radiotherapy, and in 17 C, healthy controls matched for gender, age, and smoking habits. Results showed no statistically significant difference between patients and controls prior to radiotherapy in cytokinesis-blocked lymphocytes or buccal mucosa cells. During treatment, increased MNC frequencies were observed in both cell types. Micronucleated lymphocyte levels remained high in samples collected 30 to 140 days after the end of treatment, while MNC frequency in buccal mucosa decreased to values statistically similar to baseline values. There is controversy over the effects of age, smoking habit, tumor stage, and/or metastasis on MNC frequency. However, increased frequency of micronucleated buccal mucosa cells was seen in patients under 60 years old and in those with tumors >4cm.In conclusion, the data show that radiotherapy has a potent clastogenic effect in Circulating lymphocytes and buccal mucosa cells of head-and-neck cancer patients, and that the baseline MNC frequency in these two tissues is not a sensitive marker for head-and neck neoplasm.

Genomic instability in non-neoplastic oral mucosa cells can predict risk during 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide-induced rat tongue carcinogenesis

4-Nitroquinotine 1-oxide (4NQO)-induced rat tongue carcinogenesis is a useful model for studying oral squamous cell carcinoma. The aim of this study was to investigate the level of DNA damage induced by 4NQO in oral mucosa cells by the single cell get (comet) assay. Mate Wistar rats were distributed into three groups of 10 animals each and treated with 50 ppm 4NQO solution by drinking water for 4, 12 or 20 weeks. Ten animals were used as negative control. Statistically significant increase of DNA damage was observed in non-neoplastic oral cells at four weeks of 4NQO administration when compared with control (P < 0.05). The level of DNA damage was directly associated with the severity of histological changes. The results suggest that histologically normal tissue is able to harbor genetically unstable cells contributing to the initiation of oral carcinogenesis. Genomic instability appears to be associated with the risk and progression of oral cancer. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cigarette smoke affects apoptosis in rat tongue mucosa: Role of bcl-2 gene family

While it has been clearly demonstrated that smoking is the most significant exogenous factor involved in oral carcinogenesis, little is known about the global molecular and cellular changes that occur prior to the appearance of clinically detectable symptoms. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the expressivity of bcl-2, bax and PCNA in the rat tongue mucosa exposed to cigarette smoke by means of immunohistochemistry. A total of twelve male Wistar rats were distributed into 2 groups: negative control and experimental group exposed to cigarette smoke during 75 days. After experimental period, no histopathological changes in the tongue mucosa were detected in the negative control and the experimental group. on the other hand, an overexpression of bcl-2 was detected (p < 0.01) throughout all layers of the epithelium, whereas bax did not show significant differences (p > 0.05). Also, the labeling index for bcl-2 and bax showed an increase 75 days after cigarette exposure (p < 0.01). PCNA-labeling index did not show remarkable changes between groups. Taken together, our results show that bcl-2 is overexpressed in the rat tongue keratinocytes after cigarette smoke exposure.

High prevalence of aggregative adherent Escherichia coli strains in the mucosa-associated microbiota of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases

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

Effects of Cigarette Smoke and Ethanol Intake on Mouse Oesophageal Mucosa Changes Induced by Dietary Zinc Deficiency and Deoxycholic Acid Supplementation

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

DNA damage in lymphocytes and buccal mucosa cells of children with malignant tumours undergoing chemotherapy

The aim of the present study was to evaluate DNA damage (micronucleus) in cytokinesis-blocked lymphocytes and exfoliated buccal mucosa cells from children with malignant tumours and under chemotherapy. Micronucleated cells (MNCs) were assessed from children before and during chemotherapy. A total of 21 healthy children (controls), matched for gender and age, were used as control. The results pointed out higher frequencies of micronucleated lymphocytes in children with malignant tumour before any therapy when compared to healthy probands. Furthermore an increase of micronucleated lymphocytes during chemotherapy was detected when compared to the data obtained before chemotherapy. No statistically significant increases of MNCs were noticed in buccal mucosa cells at any of the timepoints evaluated. Taken together, these data indicate that the presence of malignant tumours may increase the frequency of DNA damage in circulating lymphocytes, these cells being more sensitive for detecting chromosome aberrations caused by anti-cancer drugs.

Comparative Study Between Porcine Small Intestinal Submucosa and Buccal Mucosa in a Partial Urethra Substitution in Rabbits

Purpose: Several urethral conditions may require tissue substitution. One collagen-base biomaterial that recently emerged as an option is small intestinal submucosa (SIS). The aim of this study was to compare the results of SIS and buccal mucosa for urethral substitution in rabbits.Materials and Methods: Thirty-six North Folk male rabbits were randomized into three groups. In all animals, a 10 x 5 mm urethral segment was excised, and the urethral defect was repaired using a one-layer SIS patch (group I [GI]); four-layer SIS (group II [GII]); or buccal mucosa (group III [GIII]). Urethrography was performed preoperatively and after 12 weeks. After sacrifice, graft retraction was objectively measured using Scion Image (R) computer analysis and by calculation of ellipse area. The grade of fibrosis, inflammatory reaction, vascular/epithelial regeneration, and collagen III/I ratio were analyzed by hematoxylin/eosin and Picrosirius red staining.Results: Urethrography confirmed a wide urethral caliber without any signs of strictures after surgery. Urethral fistulae was diagnosed in 8.3% of cases (1 animal each group). Average graft shrinkage was 55.2% in GI; 44.2% in GII; and 57.2% in GIII (p < 0.05). The intensity of chronic inflammation, fibrosis, epithelium regeneration, and neovascularization was similar in all groups (p > 0.05). Collagen III/I ratio was higher in GII (GI: 119.6; GII: 257.2 and GIII: 115.0); p < 0.01.Conclusions: The four-layer SIS is more advantageous than the one-layer SIS and buccal mucosa for urethral substitution in rabbits.

Cortactin is associated with perineural invasion in the deep invasive front area of laryngeal carcinomas

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

Lesions (ulcers and/or erosions) and desquamations location in the gastric mucosa from asymptomatic Quarter Horse foals: endoscopic survey

A úlcera gástrica figura como uma importante causa de desconforto abdominal em eqüinos jovens. de acordo com a localização das lesões na mucosa gástrica, a presença ou ausência de sinais clínicos e possíveis complicações resultantes de sua ocorrência, quatro síndromes clínicas são freqüentemente descritas em potros: 1) Úlceras assintomáticas ou silenciosas; 2) Úlceras sintomáticas ou ativas; 3) Úlceras perfuradas; e 4) Obstruções gástrica ou duodenal. Com o objetivo de se verificar a distribuição de lesões gástricas (úlceras e/ou erosões) e descamações do epitélio aglandular no estômago de eqüinos jovens assim como uma possível relação entre as alterações mencionadas (lesão/descamação) sessenta potros da raça Quarto de Milha não-portadores de sinais clínicos compatíveis com úlceras gástricas foram submetidos à gastroscopia. Os potros foram divididos em quatro faixas etárias de 15 animais cada uma, sendo: 1 a 30 dias, 31 a 60 dias, 61 a 90 dias e 91 a 120 dias de idade. As lesões ocorreram em ordem decrescente de freqüência nas regiões aglandular próximo ao margo plicatus ao longo da curvatura maior, aglandular próximo à cárdia ao longo da curvatura menor, fundo glandular e aglandular e antro. As descamações do epitélio aglandular ocorreram de forma similar nas regiões de fundo e margo plicatus. Não houve associação entre a ocorrência de lesões e descamações.

Right-sided laryngeal hemiplegia and Horner's syndrome in a horse

This study describes right laryngeal hemiplegia (LH) and right-sided Horner's syndrome (HS) in a horse. The average temperature of the face was 3.5 degrees C higher on the right compared with the left side, as determined by thermographic imaging. The syndrome occurred following an episode of right mid-cervical cellulitis due to inadvertent perijugular deposition of gentamicin.

Constituents and antiulcer effect of Alchornea glandulosa: Activation of cell proliferation in gastric mucosa during the healing process

Alchornea glandulosa (Euphorbiaceae) is a plant used in folk medicine as an antiulcer agent. Rats pretreated with methanolic extract obtained from the leaves of A. glandulosa (AG) showed a dose-dependent effect and significant reduction of gastric ulcers induced by absolute ethanol at the doses of 500 (57%) and 1000 mg/kg (35%) in relation to the control group. Pretreatment of mice with AG (500, 1000 mg/kg, p.o.) showed dose-dependent activity and significantly decreased the severity of lesions caused by HCl/ethanol and by non steroidal anti inflammatory drug-induced gastric lesions. Pretreatment with AG also induced antisecretory action via local and systemic routes and a significant decrease in the total gastric acid content. The gastroprotective effects of AG involved the participation of nitric oxide and increased levels of endogenous sulfhydryl compounds, which are defensive mechanisms of the gastrointestinal mucosa against aggressive factors. The ability of AG to heal gastric ulcers was evaluated after 14 consecutive days of treatment. The results showed that single oral administrations of AG (250 mg/kg/once daily) potently stimulates gastric epithelial cell proliferation that contributes to the accelerated healing of gastric ulcers induced by acetic acid. In addition, no subacute toxicity (body weight gain, vital organs, and serum biochemical parameters) was observed during treatment with AG. Phytochemical investigation of AG led to the isolation of myricetin-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside, quercetin-3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside, quercetin-3-O-beta-D-galactopyranoside, quercetin, amentoflavone, methyl gallate, gallic acid, and pterogynidine. We also established the phytochemical profile of AG with the quantification of total phenolic compounds. These compounds may contribute to the observed antiulcerogenic effects of AG.

Immunological evaluation of the intestinal mucosa of broiler chicks treated with Lactobacillus Spp. and challenged with Salmonella Enteritidis

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

Studies of gastric mucosa regeneration and safety promoted by Mouriri pusa treatment in acetic acid ulcer model

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Mouriri pusa Gardn. (Melastomataceae) is a medicinal plant commonly used by people living in the Cerrado to treat gastrointestinal disturbances. This medicinal plant has shown intense gastroprotective action in rodent gastric lesion, but still there are no data about its healing effect on gastric mucosa.Aim of the Study: To evaluate the methanolic extract (MeOH) obtained from Mouriri pusa leaves for its effect on the cicatrisation process of gastric ulcer.Mterials and Methods: The healing effects on gastric ulcers inducted by subserosal injection of acetic acid were evaluated by macroscopic and microscopic measures, imunohistochemistry and cell counting in rats treated with MeOH extract of Mouriri pusa (250 mg/kg, p.o./daily) for 14 or 30 days. The toxicity of Mouriri pusa was also evaluated by body and organ weight measure and clinical biochemical parameters.Results: Mouriri pusa treatments lasting 14 and 30 days showed elevated mucus secretion (PAS) and thicker regenerative gastric mucosa, denoting increased cell proliferation, which was confirmed by PCNA immunohistochemical analysis. Moreover, there was important cell recruitment (neutrophils and mast cells) to the site of the ulcer, which is an important factor in ulcer healing. No toxic effect was observed in all parameters evaluated. Phenolic compounds present in the MeOH extract like tannins, flavonoids and epicatechin are the probable agents involved in the healing effects of this medicinal plant.Conclusions: These findings showed a potential effect of Mouriri pusa in increasing regeneration of damaged gastric mucosa with safety for human use. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Morphological changes of the intestinal mucosa of broilers and layers as affected by fasting before sample collection

The present study aimed at evaluating the histo-morphological changes resulting from different fasting periods before the collection of tissue samples in different segments of the small intestine (duodenum, jejunum and ileum) of 7-d-old male chicks of a broiler and a layer strain. A completely randomized experimental design in in a 2x7 factorial arrangement, being two strains with different growth rates (Ross 308 and HyLine® W36) and seven fasting periods (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 hours ), with six replicates, totaling 84 birds. The comparison of the morphometrics of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum of broiler and layer chicks demonstrated faster digestive tract development in broilers relative to layers. The fasting period caused morphological changes in the liver and small and large intestines in both strains. Therefore, it must be highlighted that in studies involving organ weights and intestinal morphometrics, birds must not be submitted to fasting before tissue collection.