Decrease of the DXR-induced genotoxicity and nongenotoxic effects of Theobroma cacao revealed by micronucleus assay / Diminuição da genotoxicidade induzida por DXR e efeitos não genotóxicos de Theobroma cacao revelados pelo ensaio de micronúcleo

This study evaluated the genotoxicity of lyophilized glycolic extract of Theobroma cacao Linné seeds (TCL), using the micronucleus assay in bone marrow of mice. The interaction between TCL and doxorubicin (DXR) was also analyzed. Experimental groups were evaluated 24-48 h after treatment with N-Nitroso-N-ethylurea (NEU: 50 mg/kg), DXR (5 mg/kg), NaCl (145 mM), TCL (0.5-2 g/kg), and TCL (2 g/kg) in combination with DXR (antigenotoxic assays). Analysis of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCEs) showed no significant differences between all the treatment doses of TCL and NaCl control. Mice experimentally treated with DXR and NEU significantly induced MNPCEs. However, a significant reduction of MNPCEs was also observed when TCL was administered in combination with the chemotherapeutic agent DXR. The analysis of the PCE/NCE ratio revealed no significant differences between the NaCl control, all doses of TCL, and DXR. However, there were significant differences in the PCE/NCE ratio between positive NEU control and all other treatments. The PCE/NCE ratio observed after treatment with TCL and DXR showed significant differences and intermediate values to controls (NaCl and NEU). This study suggests absence of genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of TCL, regardless of dose, sex, and time. TCL reduced genotoxic effects induced by DXR, suggesting potential antigenotoxic effects.

Este estudo avaliou a genotoxicidade do extrato glicólico liofilizado de sementes de Theobroma cacao Linné (TCL), usando o ensaio do micronúcleo em medula óssea de camundongos. A interação entre TCL e doxorrubicina (DXR) foi também analisada. Grupos experimentais foram avaliados 24-48 h após tratamento com N-Nitroso-N-etilureia (NEU: 50 mg/kg), DXR (5 mg/kg), NaCl (145 mM), TCL (0,5-2 g/kg), e TCL (2 g/kg) em combinação com DXR (ensaio antigenotóxico). As análises de eritrócitos policromáticos micronucleados (EPCMNs) não mostraram diferenças significantes entre todas as doses de tratamento do TCL e o controle NaCl. Camundongos experimentalmente tratados com DXR e NEU induziram significativamente EPCMNs. Contudo, uma redução significante de EPCMNs foi também observada quando TCL foi administrada em combinação com o agente quimioterapêutico DXR. As análises da relação EPC/ENC (eritrócito policromático/eritrócito normocromático) revelaram ausência de diferenças significantes entre o controle NaCl, todas as doses de TCL e DXR. Contudo, houve diferenças significantes na relação EPC/ENC entre o controle positivo NEU e todos os outros tratamento. A relação ECP/ENC observada após o tratamento com TCL e DXR mostrou diferenças significantes e valores intermediários aos controles (NaCl e NEU). Este estudo sugere ausência de genotoxicidade e citotoxicidade de TCL, independentemente da dose, sexo e tempo. TCL reduziu os efeitos genotóxicos induzidos por DXR, sugerindo potencial efeitos antigenotóxicos.

Reduction of doxorubicin-induced genotoxicity by Handroanthus impetiginosus in mouse bone marrow revealed by micronucleus assay / Redução da genotoxicidade induzida pela doxorrubicina por Handroanthus impetiginosus na medula óssea de camundongos revelada pelo ensaio do micronúcleo

Abstract Handroanthus impetiginosus has long been used in traditional medicine and various studies have determined the presence of bioactive chemical compounds and potential phytotherapeutics. In this study, the genotoxicity of the lyophilized tincture of H. impetiginosus bark (THI) was evaluated in mouse bone marrow using micronucleus assays. The interaction between THI and genotoxic effects induced by the chemotherapeutic agent, doxorubicin (DXR), was also analyzed. Experimental groups were evaluated 24 to 48 h after treatment with N-nitroso-N-ethylurea (NEU; 50 mg/kg), DXR (5 mg/kg), sodium chloride (NaCl; 150 mM), and THI (0.5-2 g/kg). Antigenotoxic assays were carried out using THI (0.5 g/kg) in combination with NEU or DXR. Analysis of the micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCEs) indicated no significant differences between treatment doses of THI (0.5-2 g/kg) and NaCl. Polychromatic erythrocyte (PCE) to normochromatic erythrocyte (NCE) ratios did not indicate any statistical differences between DXR and THI or NaCl, but there were differences between THI and NaCl. A significant reduction in MNPCEs and PCE/NCE ratios was observed when THI was administered in combination with DXR. This study suggested the absence of THI genotoxicity that was dose-, time-, and gender-independent and the presence of moderate systemic toxicity that was dose-independent, but time- and gender-dependent. The combination of THI and DXR also suggested antigenotoxic effects, indicating that THI reduced genotoxic effects induced by chemotherapeutic agents.

Resumo Handroanthus impetiginosus tem sido usada durante um longo período pela medicina tradicional e vários estudos têm demonstrados a presença de compostos químicos e potencial fitoterapêutico. Esta pesquisa avaliou a genotoxicidade da tintura da casca liofilizada de H. impetiginosus (THI) usando o ensaio do micronúcleo em medula óssea de camundongos. A interação entre THI e os efeitos genotóxicos induzidos pelo quimioterápico doxorrubicina (DXR) também foram analisados. Grupos experimentais foram analisados a 24-48 h após o tratamento com N-Nitroso-N-etiluréia (NEU; 50 mg/kg), DXR (5 mg/kg), NaCl (150 mM) e THI (0,5-2 g/kg). O ensaio antigenotóxico foi conduzido utilizando THI (0,5 g/kg) em combinação com NEU ou DXR. A análise de eritrócitos policromáticos micronucleados (EPCMNs) não mostrou diferenças significativas entre as doses de tratamento (0,5-2 g/kg) e NaCl. As proporções de eritrócitos policromáticos (EPC)/eritrócitos normocromáticos (ENC) não revelaram diferenças estatísticas entre DXR e THI ou NaCl, porém houve diferenças entre THI e NaCl. Uma redução significativa em EPCMNs e na razão EPC/ENC foi observada quando THI foi administrado em combinação com DXR. Essa pesquisa sugere ausência de genotoxicidade de THI, dose-, tempo- e sexo-independente, e moderada toxicidade sistêmica dose-independente, mas tempo- e sexo-dependente. A associação do THI e DXR também sugere efeitos antigenotóxicos. Por conseguinte, THI pode reduzir os efeitos genotóxicos induzidos pelo quimioterapêutico.

Decrease of the DXR-induced genotoxicity and nongenotoxic effects of Theobroma cacao revealed by micronucleus assay

Abstract This study evaluated the genotoxicity of lyophilized glycolic extract of Theobroma cacao Linné seeds (TCL), using the micronucleus assay in bone marrow of mice. The interaction between TCL and doxorubicin (DXR) was also analyzed. Experimental groups were evaluated 24-48 h after treatment with N-Nitroso-N-ethylurea (NEU: 50 mg/kg), DXR (5 mg/kg), NaCl (145 mM), TCL (0.5-2 g/kg), and TCL (2 g/kg) in combination with DXR (antigenotoxic assays). Analysis of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCEs) showed no significant differences between all the treatment doses of TCL and NaCl control. Mice experimentally treated with DXR and NEU significantly induced MNPCEs. However, a significant reduction of MNPCEs was also observed when TCL was administered in combination with the chemotherapeutic agent DXR. The analysis of the PCE/NCE ratio revealed no significant differences between the NaCl control, all doses of TCL, and DXR. However, there were significant differences in the PCE/NCE ratio between positive NEU control and all other treatments. The PCE/NCE ratio observed after treatment with TCL and DXR showed significant differences and intermediate values to controls (NaCl and NEU). This study suggests absence of genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of TCL, regardless of dose, sex, and time. TCL reduced genotoxic effects induced by DXR, suggesting potential antigenotoxic effects.

Resumo Este estudo avaliou a genotoxicidade do extrato glicólico liofilizado de sementes de Theobroma cacao Linné (TCL), usando o ensaio do micronúcleo em medula óssea de camundongos. A interação entre TCL e doxorrubicina (DXR) foi também analisada. Grupos experimentais foram avaliados 24-48 h após tratamento com N-Nitroso-N-etilureia (NEU: 50 mg/kg), DXR (5 mg/kg), NaCl (145 mM), TCL (0,5-2 g/kg), e TCL (2 g/kg) em combinação com DXR (ensaio antigenotóxico). As análises de eritrócitos policromáticos micronucleados (EPCMNs) não mostraram diferenças significantes entre todas as doses de tratamento do TCL e o controle NaCl. Camundongos experimentalmente tratados com DXR e NEU induziram significativamente EPCMNs. Contudo, uma redução significante de EPCMNs foi também observada quando TCL foi administrada em combinação com o agente quimioterapêutico DXR. As análises da relação EPC/ENC (eritrócito policromático/eritrócito normocromático) revelaram ausência de diferenças significantes entre o controle NaCl, todas as doses de TCL e DXR. Contudo, houve diferenças significantes na relação EPC/ENC entre o controle positivo NEU e todos os outros tratamento. A relação ECP/ENC observada após o tratamento com TCL e DXR mostrou diferenças significantes e valores intermediários aos controles (NaCl e NEU). Este estudo sugere ausência de genotoxicidade e citotoxicidade de TCL, independentemente da dose, sexo e tempo. TCL reduziu os efeitos genotóxicos induzidos por DXR, sugerindo potencial efeitos antigenotóxicos.

Bases farmacológicas e toxicológicas potenciais do óleo essencial de Mentha spp / Potential pharmacological and toxicological basis of the essential oil from Mentha spp

During the past few years, interest in the potential clinical and pharmacological basis of the efficacy and safety of herbal medicines has increased greatly, due to widespread domestic self-medication with these agents. Some authors have analyzed the use of Mentha ssp. in the pharmacological industry. The essential oil from Mentha spp. is used to treat discomfort of the gastrointestinal tract, irritable bowel syndrome, myalgia and neuralgia, as well as oral mucosal inflammation, and also as an expectorant, an antimicrobial and an ingredient in many analgesic creams. The essential oil also contains chemical compounds that are associated with side effects such as nausea, vomiting, allergic reactions, flushing and headaches. Therefore, the purpose of the present review was to examine the literature on the efficacy and safety of the possible clinical and pharmacological uses of the essential oil from Mentha spp. in human beings.

Nas últimas décadas, houve um aumento crescente no interesse sobre as bases clínicas e farmacológicas potenciais em relação à eficácia e a segurança das drogas produzidas de plantas medicinais, devido à automedicação destes agentes. Diversos autores avaliaram o óleo essencial de Mentha spp., devido a sua larga utilização na indústria farmacológica. O óleo essencial de Mentha spp. componente de muitos analgésicos e com atividade antimicrobiana, é usado para tratamentos nos desconfortos gastrintestinais e dutos biliares superiores, Síndrome de Bowel, expectorante, mialgia e neuralgia, bem como na inflamação oral da mucosa. No entanto, esse óleo contém compostos químicos que apresentam efeitos colaterais tais como náusea, vômito, reações alérgicas e dores de cabeça. O objetivo desta revisão atual foi avaliar dados da literatura específica sobre a possível utilização, eficácia e segurança clínica e farmacológica do óleo essencial de Mentha spp. em seres humanos.

DiferenciaciÓn de Candida albicans y Candida dubliniensis por técnicas de electroforesis en geles de almidón y de poliacrilamida / Oral Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis differentiatioin by multilocus enzyme electrophoresis and sodium dodecylsulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis

Cinco cepas de Candida albicans y otras cinco de C. dubliniensis así como sus cepas-patrón fueron evaluadas mediante el empleo de técnicas de electroforesis en geles de almidón y de poliacrilamida. Después de las electroforesis y evaluación numérica, se obtuvieron dos taxa muy distintos, que pueden justificar el uso de MLEE y SDS-PAGE como métodos confiables para la diferenciación e identificación complementaria de C.dubliniensis.

Differentiation and numerical analysis of oral yeasts based on SDS-Page profiles. Influence of the culture media on the whole-cell protein extracts

The application of gel electrophoresis and numerical analysis of yeast soluble proteins analysis to the investigation of 12 oral yeast strains belonging to five species is described. It involves one-dimensional electrophoresis of SDS-solubilized whole-cell proteins using different culture media for the cultivation of the cells, integration densitometries in the areas of the gels and percentages of the proteins extraction. These extracts were prepared from four isolates of Candida albicans, two of C. tropicalis, C. guilliermondii, C. parapsilosis and C. krusei. The extracts from whole-cells proteins using different culture media for the cultivation of the cells were fractionated by slab electrophoresis using a discontinuous buffer system. The corresponding patterns showed at least 36 polypeptides in the range of 14.4-200 kDa. Different isolates of each species were clearly different in each of the five species. The data obtained suggest that different nutritional compositions led to the expression of different proteins derived from alternatives metabolic pathways expressed by the electrophoretic profiles. The construction of a database of protein fingerprints and numerical analysis based on such data, may have some implications in the classification and identification of such species with epidemiological, ecological and taxonomic purposes. A well defined or synthetic culture media seems to be much properly

Analysis of parity between protein-based electrophoretic methods for the characterization of oral Candida species

Electrophoretic studies of multilocus-enzymes (MLEE) and whole-cell protein (SDS-PAGE) were carried out in order to evaluate the parity between different methods for the characterization of five Candida species commonly isolated from oral cavity of humans by numerical taxonomy methods. The obtained data revealed that sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis is more efficient in grouping strains in their respective species while MLEE has much limited resolution in organizing all strains in their respective species-specific clusters. MLEE technique must be regarded for surveys in which just one species of Candida is involved

Criteria for Candida albicans numerical analysis based on electrophoretic protein patterns

Even in normalized gels, some problems with the choice and position of protein bands always have hindered the processing of electrophoretic data. We have developed a way to establish which criterion best fits the necessities in order to maximize the similarity indexes for numerical analysis. Some repetitions of a Candida albicans strain were carried out in eleven different gels. After staining, the bands were scored in numbers within ranges of +/- n values with increases of one quarter steps (+/- 0.25 kDa, +/- 0.5 kDa, +/- 0.75 kDa, +/- 1.0 kDa, +/- 1.25 kDa) that will limit the possibility of variation for the same bands that will appear on the repetitions. Using this criterion, we have determined that values scored within +/- 1.25 kDa could optimize the minimum limiting value of similarity in different dendrograms built.

Evaluation of different dehydrogenases to recognize Candida species commonly isolated from human oral cavities

Electrophoresis of some dehydrogenases were carried out in order to establish relatedness degrees among five Candida species commonly isolated from oral cavity of humans, by numerical taxonomy methods. The obtained data revealed that some dehydrogenases are capable of distinguishing strains of different species, but most of these enzymes could not organize all strains in their respective clusters. Numerical classifications based on dehydrogenase polymorphism must be considered for surveys involving just one species of yeast genus, where this resource had already shown to be useful.

Mensuración salivar y biotipos de cándida en niños brasileños de 6-8 años teniendo un fondo socioeconómico / Salivary counts of candida species and biotypes in Brazilian children aged 6-8 year old having a socio-economic background

En este estudio se evaluó la frecuencia y biotipos de Cándida sp. en la saliva de portadores sanos, tomando en consideración la actividad cariogénica de dichos individuos a través de informaciones epidemiológicas. La muestra consistió en 239 niños tomados al azar, divididos en cinco estratos sociales. La saliva de cada uno de estos pacientes fue, cultivadas en medios específicos para el crecimiento del hongo. Posterior al crecimiento de las levaduras, las mismas fueron identificadas bioquímicamente mediante pruebas de fermentación. Los resultados obtenidos demostraron que Cándida albicans fue la especia de mayor prevalencia en todas las categorías socioeconómicas evaluadas. En 5 por ciento de las muestras se evidenció la presencia de más de una especie de Cándida coexistiendo en la cavidad bucal, incluyendo asociación de C. albicans con C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis y C. krusei. En ninguno de los casos las especies fueron detectadas individualmente

Salivary counts of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli in children ageing 6-8 year old having a socioeconomic background in Brazil.

Saliva samples from students aged 6 to 8 year-old were analysed in order to determine the incidence of Streptococcus group mutans and Lactobacillus. Two hundred children were examined, distributed in five socioeconomic categories (A to E). Stimulated saliva samples were collected and inoculated into the SB20 and Rogsa agar culture medium for the Streptococcus and Lactobacillus cultivation. After growth, the number of these microorganisms (CUF/mL) was determined after identification of the representative colonies by biochemical methods on the basis of carbohydrate fermentation. A significative part of the population, particularly among the lower socioeconomic categories (D/E) was considered a high risk group in developing dental caries because of the high number of Streptococcus group mutans and Lactobacillus.