In vitro genotoxicity assessment of caffeic, cinnamic and ferulic acids

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Revitalização do Rio Golandim (RN/Brasil) após décadas de contaminação por efluentes industriais e domésticos: este rio está recuperado?

Environmental pollution causes the loss of the quality of aquatic resources and also affects the health of human beings. The Golandim River is located in São Gonçalo do Amarante (RN Brazil) and had its water recovered seven years ago by measurements of parameters of the water s quality analyses physicochemistry, microbiological and heavy metals. However, it is not well established if this river is truly recovered, so this study provides a wide knowledge about the quality of these waters. Therefore, this investigation was accomplished by assays of ecotoxicology utilizing Ceriodaphnia dubia and of genotoxicity of the river s water using a biomarker Tradescantia Pallida (Trad-MCN). In set, it carried through a study of environmental perception through questionnaires that approached questions related to the profile of the interviewed one, knowledge on the environment and of the river Golandim with the community that lives in the neighborhoods of the river to diagnosis as they perceive the environment where live and its problems. The assays of the water had been carried out by collecting samples in three different sites of the Golandim River. They were collected between the periods of December 2010 (dry season in the northeast of Brazil) and July 2011 (rainy season in the northeast of). The analysis of the data allowed observing that the majority of the inhabitants are adult and presents a global vision of what it is part of the environment, the majority mentions the pollution of the river as one of the problems of the city, considering it serious. The ecotoxicology assay showed that there was not acute toxicity in all three samples collected. Meanwhile, all these three samples demonstrated significant chronic toxicity. The results from the Trad-MCN assay presented an increase in the frequency of micronucleus in one of the sites analyzed (S3) (p<0.01), in both seasons collected. On the other hand, the sites S1 and S2 did not presented a significant increase of micronucleus using this bioassay. The analyses of chemicals detected an increase in the levels of some metals, in different seasons and samples, which can be associates with some compounds found in urban and industrial areas. On the other hand, the physicochemistries parameters demonstrated that the Golandim River is recouped, when compared with the values presented at the CONAMA s legislation. However, these results indicate the presence of compounds capable of inducing chromosomal mutation in plants. On the other hand, the parameters physicistchemistries demonstrate that the river Golandim is if recouping, since when compares the values observed with the legislation of the CONAMA. All these results point to the fact that the Trad-MCN assay was sensitive and efficient biomarker for chromosomal instability and the C. dubia ecotoxicology assay was as though an efficient biomarker of toxicity of water s quality. The results from Trad-MCN associated with the ecotoxicology demonstrates that these analyses are important for environmental monitoring, once the first bioassay described above indicates alterations at the standards of cells and the other one indicates alterations at the standards of organisms. This study alerts for the necessity to carry out biological assays for the analyses of the water s quality

Avaliação do potencial mutagênico da água do açude de Lucrécia (RN- Brasil): um enfoque na relação saúde e ambiente

The water quality of many reservoirs in the world has been reduced due to percolation of contaminants to water, which can have natural or anthropogenic origin, increasing the level of genotoxic compounds in aquatic ecosystems. This fact has contributed to the reduction of environmental quality, and commitment the health of living beings that inhabit these ecosystems, including the human population. In this backdrop of reduced water quality, is the Lucrecia dam, which is a major surface water reservoirs by volume of semi-arid region of Rio Grande do Norte, and that has shown contamination by heavy metals, cyanobacteria toxic and the natural presence of Radon. The population that use this source has been showing high rates of cancer, popularly associated with the consumption of this water, with a prevalence about three times higher compared to the whole state of Rio Grande do Norte. Based on this, the present study aimed to evaluate the mutagenic potencial of surface water from the Lucrecia dam, using the Micronucleus Test in Tradescantia pallida (Trad-MN) and in human peripheral blood lymphocytes (CBMN) assay, as well as identify the concentrations of some heavy metals in this water. Water samples were collected on a dry season and a rainy season, in two distinct points. Moreover, in order to bring a completely view about the relationship of man-health-environment in this local, through the knowledge of knowing / acting environmental from residents of Lucrecia, and the use and perceptions they have about the dam of your city, a study of Environmental Perception was carried out with local residents. The results obtained for the both micronucleus test, showed significant results for the three points analyzed. The strongest mutagenic effect was observed in the dry season for both assays. Chemical analyses detected an increase of heavy metal levels in different points and season above the maximum allowed by legislation. Regarding the study of Environmental Perception with local residents, it was observed the knowledge of the environment that the residents have, as well as the strong ties and perceptions with the dam of the city. Thus, the combination of these two aspects (the genetic toxicity tests conducted in the dam together with analysis of environmental perception with the residents of Lucrecia) allowed to draw a more complete diagnosis on the local situation

Avaliação do risco ocupacional de trabalhadores expostos a agrotóxicos no município de Touros/Rio grande do Norte

The use of pesticides is being used intensively with severe consequences for exposed farmers. This study aimed to describe the socioeconomic and health profiles of 60 farmers in the city of Touros / RN through the questionnaire recommended by: (International Commission for Protection against Environmental Mutagens and Carcinogens (ICPEMC). The analysis of these data allowed to prove the importance of knowledge about the socioeconomic and health profile of rural farmers as a way to understand the reality of this population, that is vulnerable to exposure due to the lack of knowledge and conditions. Aiming to analyze the frequency of micronucleus (MN) and other nuclear abnormalities in oral mucosa cells of 54 farmers that work in the city of Touros / RN it was applied the micronucleus test (MN) in oral mucosa. Our results showed an increased frequency of MN and other nuclear abnormalities related to the exposure and effects of pesticides on health. Based on the results, it is clear that farmers are using pesticide in the wrong way and compromising their health. A Cordel has been developed as a method to taking the results to the people affected by the pesticides. Therefore this study alerts to the need for profound changes in the social, cultural and health context to reduce health risks for both people and for the environment

Differential response related to genotoxicity between eggplant (Solanum melanogena) skin aqueous extract and its main purified anthocyanin (delphinidin) in vivo

Anthocyanins are the largest group of water-soluble pigments in the plant kingdom. A number of studies have demonstrated that anthocyanins present antioxidant capacity and show inhibitory effects on the growth of some cancer cells. Thus, the goal of this study was to evaluate both the antimutagenicity/antigenotoxicity and mutagenicity/genotoxicity of aqueous extract obtained from the Solanum melanogena, a possible novel source of anthocyanin, and its main purified anthocyanin extract (delphinidin), using the single cell (comet) assay and micronucleus test. Pretreatment with higher doses of the purified anthocyanin (10 and 20 mg/kg b.w.) led to a statistically significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the frequency of micronuclei in polychromatic erythrocytes induced by cyclophosphamide. The pattern of reduction ranged from 48% to 57% independent of concentration. No apparent: genotoxicity and mutagenicity was found for either the anthocyanin or delphinidin extracts. Taken together, these results suggest that mice pre-treated with specific compounds present in anthocyanins (delphinidin) displayed a lower incidence of mutations induced by cyclophosphamide. This finding emphasizes the potential of natural colorants to prevent mutations and also the applicability of genotoxic evaluation for improving health. Furthermore, the results presented here could be an additional argument to support the use of anthocyanins in the diet. (c) 2006 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Black bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) as a protective agent against DNA damage in mice

This study was designed to evaluate the toxicogenetic or protective effect of cooked and dehydrated black beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in bone marrow and peripheral blood cells of exposed mice. The frequency of micronuclei detected using the bone marrow erythrocyte micronucleus test and level of DNA lesions detected by the comet assay were chosen as end-points reflecting mutagenic and genotoxic damage, respectively. Initially, Swiss male mice were fed with a 20% black bean diet in order to detect mutagenic and genotoxic activity. However, no increase in the frequency of bone marrow micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MN PCEs) or DNA lesion in leukocytes was observed. In contrast, received diets containing 1, 10 or 20% of black beans, a clear, but not dose-dependent reduction in the frequency of MN PCEs were observed in animals simultaneously treated with cyclophosphamide, an indirect acting mutagen. Similar results were observed in leukocytes by the comet assay. Commercial anthocyanin was also tested in an attempt to identify the bean components responsible for this protective effect. However, instead of being protective, the flavonoid, at the highest dose administered (50 mg/kg bw), induced primary DNA lesion, as detected by the comet assay. These data indicate the importance of food components in preventing genetic damage induced by chemical mutagens, and also reinforce the role of toxicogenetic techniques in protecting human health. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chlorhexidine induces DNA damage in rat peripheral leukocytes and oral mucosal cells

Objective: Chlorhexidine digluconate is widely used in dental practice for decreasing plaque control, controlling gingivitis and disinfecting root canals. However, the undesirable effects of chlorhexidine digluconate regarding its genotoxicity are conflicting in the literature. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the genotoxicity of chlorhexidine digluconate in rat peripheral blood and oral mucosal cells by the single cell gel (comet) assay and micronucleus assay.Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats were distributed into three groups: negative control; experimental group orally treated with 0.5 ml of 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate, twice daily, during 8 days; and positive control, which received 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide at 0.5 g/l by drinking water.Results: A statistically significant increase of DNA damage was observed in leukocytes and oral mucosal cells of the chlorhexidine digluconate treated group, as assessed by the comet assay. However, no increase of micronucleated cells was detected in reticulocytes from peripheral blood cells.Conclusions: Taken together, the data indicate that chlorhexidine digluconate is able to induce primary DNA damage in leukocytes and in oral mucosal cells, but no chromosome breakage or loss in erythrocytes.

Antimutagenic effect of Agaricus blazei Murrill mushroom on the genotoxicity induced by cyclophosphamide

Agaricus blazei Murrill extracts have previously been shown to have anticarcinogenic and antimutagenic proper-ties. These results suggest that antimutagenic activity, besides the modulation of the immune system, might be involved in the anticarcinogenic action of A. blazei. To investigate the possible antimutagenic effect of A. blazei in vivo, we evaluated its effect on clastogenicity induced by cyclophosphamide (CP) in mice, using the micronucleus test in bone marrow (MNPCE) and in peripheral blood (MNRET). Male Swiss mice were treated with CP (25 or 50 mg/kg i.p.) or with CP plus mushroom solution at three different temperatures: 4, 21, and 60 degreesC. Aqueous solution of a mixture from various lineages of the mushroom inhibited induction of micronuclei by CP in bone marrow and in peripheral blood of mice. In contrast to the mixture of lineages, a single isolated lineage did not lead to a reduction of CP-induced MN frequencies in either bone marrow or blood cells of mice. The results suggest that under certain circumstances these mushrooms exhibit antimutagenic activities that might contribute to an anticarcinogenic effect. (C) 2001 Elsevier B.V. B.V. All rights reserved.

Variation of the antimutagenicity effects of water extracts of Agaricus blazei Murrill in vitro

Agaricus blazei Murill, popularly known as Sun Mushroom or Himematsutake, is native to Brazil. Nowadays, this mushroom has been target of great scientific interest due to its medical power and because it has shown antitumoral and immune modulatory properties. This work evaluated the mutagenic and antimutagenic potential from aqueous extracts prepared in different temperatures (4 degreesC, 25 degreesC and 60 degreesC) from the lineage AB 97/29 in two basidiocarp phases (young and sporulated) and from A. blazei commercialized in Londrina- PR - Brazil, named here as AB PR, and in Piedade- SP- Brazil, named as AB SP. Both micronucleus (MN) as comet assays were used. Chinese hamster lung V79 cells were treated in three antimutagenic experimental protocols: pre-, post- and simultaneous treatments, with the aqueous extracts of the A. blazei Murill and methyl methanesulfonate (MMS). The results suggested that under these circumstances of treatment, aqueous extracts of the A. blazei in both assays did not show any genotoxic potential. However, by the MN test, an antigenotoxic effect was shown against mutagenicity inducted by MMS for aqueous extracts at 60 degreesC of mushroom commercialized in Piedade- SP, in pre-, post- and simultaneous treatments and for AB PR only when used in pre-treatment. on the other hand, with comet assay, the results showed no protective effect in any case. The numbers indicated that different results can be get from A. blazei teas, and that not all of them seemed to be an efficient antimutagen against the induction of micronuclei by MMS. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Antimutagenic effects of the mushroom Agaricus blazei Murrill extracts on V79 cells

Agaricus blazei Murrill, a native mushroom in Brazil, has been widely consumed in different parts of the world due to its medicinal power. Its anticarcinogenic activity has been shown in experimental animals, and antimutagenic activity has been demonstrated only in Salmonella. In this work, the multagenic and antimutagenic activities of mushroom teas of strains AB96/07, AB96/09 and AB97/11 were evaluated in Chinese hamster V79 cells, using the comet assay and the micronucleus test. The cells were treated with three different concentrations (0.05, 0.1 and 0.15) of teas prepared from a 2.5% aqueous solution, under three different temperatures: (1) room (20-25 degreesC); (2) ice-cold (2-8 degreesC); and (3) warm (60 degreesC). The teas were applied in co-, pre- and post-treatments in combination with the mutagen methyl methanesulfonate (MMS; 1.6 x 10(-4) and 4 x 10(-4) M). The duration of the treatment was 1 h in the comet assay and 2 h in the micronucleus test. The results showed that the mushroom was not mutagenic itself. Nevertheless, the mushroom is an efficient antimutagen against the induction of micronuclei by MMS in all concentrations and preparations tested. The observed reductions in the frequencies of micronuclei ranged from 61.5 (room temperature 0.1% tea in post-treatment) to 110.3% (co-treatment with warm and ice-cold 0.15% tea). In the comet assay, the antimutagenic activity was detected only when the cells were pre-treated with the following teas: warm 0.1 and 0.15%, room temperature 0.05% and ice-cold 0.1%. The results indicate that the mushroom A. blazei extracts are antimutagenic when tested in V79 cells. (C) 2001 Elsevier B.V. B.V. All rights reserved.

Letinula edodes (Berk.) Pegler (Shiitake) modulates genotoxic and mutagenic effects induced by alkylating agents in vivo

We evaluated the antimutagenic effect of Letinula edodes (Berk.) Pegler (Shiitake) on the frequency of micronuclei in mice treated with N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) or cyclophosphamide (Cl?). Mice were orally (gavage) pretreated for 15 consecutive days with solutions of Shiitake (0.6 ml per day, gavage) prepared at three different temperatures: 4, 21 (RT), and 60 degreesC. Then, the animals were intraperitoneally injected on day 15 with CP (25 or 50 mg/kg) or ENU (50 mg/kg) and killed 24 or 48 h after treatment for evaluation of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCEs) in bone marrow and micronucleated reticulocytes (MNRETs). A mixture of L. edodes lineages (LE 95/016, 96/14, 96/17, 96/22, 96/23, 97/27, and 97/28) significantly decreased the frequencies of MNPCEs and MNRETs induced by CP (25 and 50 mg/kg). When a single lineage from the mixture (LE 96/17) was tested we also found a significant reduction in the frequencies of MNPCEs and MNRETs induced by both CP or ENU (50 mg/kg). The comet assay was also performed 3 h after ENU treatment using mice pretreated with the single lineage (LE 96/17) of L. edodes. The results showed a high degree of variability with some indications of an antigenotoxic effect. Taken together, our data show that solutions from Shiitake inhibit in vivo mutagenicity of CP and ENU. (C) 2001 Elsevier B.V. B.V. All rights reserved.

Cocaine mutagenicity and hepatocarcinogenicity evaluations in rodents

The mutagenicity (clastogenicity) and the carcinogenicity (promoting potential) of cocaine were evaluated, respectively, by the mouse bone marrow micronucleus test (study I) and by the initiated rat liver bioassay (study II). In study I, two administration routes (i.p. and i.v.) and two sampling times (24 and 48 hours) after cocaine treatment were studied. Swiss male mice were treated with cocaine at doses of 0, 18, 37, and 75 mg/kg and 0, 2, 4, and 8 mg/kg by i.p. and i.v. routes, respectively. No significant differences were observed between treated and negative control groups regarding the frequencies of micronuclei and the polichromatic/normochromatic erythrocyte (PCE/NCE) ratios. In study II, the development of putative preneoplastic foci of hepatocytes expressing the enzyme glutathione S-transferase placental form (GST-P+) was utilized as the end-point marker in a 8-week rat liver bioassay. The animals were initiated for carcinogenesis by a single i.p. sub-carcinogenic dose of diethylnitrosamine (DEN). After a 6-week exposure to 5 or 10 mg/kg of cocaine i.v. twice a week there was no enhancement of GST-P+ foci development above the values of the control DEN-only treated animals. Also, cocaine did not induce any toxicity as evidenced by the absence of alterations of rat body and liver weights and of liver biochemical function and morphology. The results suggest that cocaine does not have a mutagenic effect on the mouse bone marrow cells or promoting activity on the rat hepatocarcinogenesis process. Teratogenesis Carcinog. Mutagen. 18:199-208, 1998. (C) 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Sewage sludge does not induce genotoxicity and carcinogenesis

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

In vivo genotoxicity evaluation of a treated urban sewage sludge sample

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

Genetic biomonitoring of an urban population exposed to mutagenic airborne pollutants

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)