Moderate India Pale Ale beer consumption promotes antigenotoxic and non-mutagenic effects in ex vivo and in vivo mice models.

BACKGROUND: Discussion of the benefits of moderate alcohol consumption is ongoing. Broadly, research focusing on ethanol consumption tends to report no benefits. However, studies that distinguish between different types of alcoholic beverages, particularly beers, often reveal positive effects. The present study evaluated the genotoxic and mutagenic effects of moderate chronic consumption of India Pale Ale (IPA) craft beer. Sixty-four adult male Swiss mice were used and divided into control and treatment groups receiving water, IPA beer with 55.23 g of ethanol per liter of beer, aqueous solution with 55.23 g of ethanol per liter, and hop infusion ad libitum for 30 days. After this period, the animals were genetically evaluated with a comet assay. For the ex vivo comet assay, blood was collected and exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). For the in vivo assay, the alkylating agent cyclophosphamide (CP) was administered to the groups after blood collection and sacrificed after 24 h. Brain, liver, and heart tissues were analyzed. Bone marrow was collected and submitted to the micronucleus test. RESULTS: The groups treated with IPA beer, ethanol, and hops did not show genotoxic and mutagenic action in the blood, brain, heart, or liver. The antigenotoxic action of IPA beer and hops was observed in both in vivo and ex vivo models, showing a similar reduction in DNA damage caused by CP. There was no significant difference between the groups with regard to the formation of micronuclei by CP. CONCLUSION: Moderate chronic consumption of IPA beer and hops infusion showed antigenotoxic effects in mice but no antimutagenic action. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Brazil nut consumption reduces DNA damage in overweight type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is a metabolic disease, which occurs largely due to unhealthy lifestyle. As oxidative stress is believed to promote T2D, by inducing damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA, appropriate dietary interventions seem critical to prevent, manage, and even reverse this condition. Brazil nuts (Bertholletia excelsa, H.B.K.) are nature's richest source of selenium, a mineral that has shown several health benefits. Therefore, this study aims to assess the effects of selenium consumption, through Brazil nuts, on biochemical and oxidative stress parameters, and genomic instability in T2D patients. We recruited 133 patients with T2D, registered in the Integrated Clinics of the University of Southern Santa Catarina (Brazil). Participants consumed one Brazil nut a day for six months. Blood samples and exfoliated buccal cells were collected at the beginning and the end of the intervention. The glycemic profile, lipid profile, renal profile and hepatic profile, DNA damage and selenium content were evaluated. A total of 74 participants completed the intervention. Brazil nut consumption increased selenium and GSH levels, GPx, and CAT activity while DCF and nitrites levels decreased. Total thiols increased, and protein carbonyl and MDA levels decreased. Levels of baseline and oxidative DNA damage in T2D patients were significantly decreased, as well as the frequency of micronuclei and nuclear buds. The fasting glucose levels, HDL and LDL cholesterol, and GGT levels that increased significantly in patients with type 2 diabetes were significantly reduced with nut consumption. Our results show an increase in antioxidant activity, along with reductions of protein and lipid oxidation as well as DNA damage, suggesting that Brazil nut consumption could be an ally in reducing oxidative stress and modulating the genomic instability in T2D patients.

Maternal exercise during pregnancy modulates genotoxicity caused by high fructose consumption in mice offspring.

Pregnancy is a period that is characterized by several metabolic and physiological changes and requires special attention, especially with regard to the relationship between feeding and foetal development. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate whether the practice of voluntary physical exercise (VPE) in combination with chronic consumption of fructose (FRU) from the beginning of life and/or until the gestational period causes genotoxic changes in pregnant females and in their offspring. Seventy Swiss female mice received FRU in the hydration bottle and/or practiced VPE for 8 weeks (prepregnancy/pregnancy). After the lactation period, the offspring groups were separated by sex. It was observed that the consumption of FRU affected the food consumption, serum concentration of FRU, and glycemic profile in the mothers and that the VPE decreases these parameters. In addition, FRU was genotoxic in the mothers' peripheral tissues and VPE had a preventive effect on these parameters. The offspring showed changes in food consumption, serum FRU concentration, and body weight, in addition to an increase in the adiposity index in male offspring in the FRU (FRU) group and a decrease in the FRU + VPE group. FRU leads to hepatic steatosis in the offspring and VPE was able to decrease the area of steatosis. In addition, FRU led to genotoxicity in the offspring and VPE was able to modulate this effect, reducing damages. In conclusion, we observed that all interventions with VPE had nutritional, genetic, and biochemical benefits of the mother and her offspring.

Genotoxic effects of caffeine in female mice exposed during pregnancy and lactation period and their offspring.

Caffeine is a widely consumed substance, and there is a discussion about its effects when ingested by women during pregnancy and lactation. We aimed to identify the genotoxic effects of caffeine in female mice that consumed it during pregnancy and lactation periods and its consequences in their offspring. Thirty-six couples of Swiss mice received water or caffeine (0.3 and 1.0 mg/mL) treatment during pregnancy and lactation. The male and female offspring were divided into 12 groups according to the treatment administered to the female mice. Genotoxicity was assessed using the comet assay and the micronucleus test. Both doses of caffeine showed genotoxic effects in pregnant and lactating mice groups compared to groups not administered caffeine. In relation to offspring, it can be observed that females and males of the offspring had low weight in early life. In both female and male offspring, genotoxicity was detected in the blood, liver, and kidney tissues. Thus, from the present study, we can suggest that the caffeine consumed by female mice during the periods of pregnancy and lactation led to genotoxic effects in their offspring.

Royal jelly reduce DNA damage induced by alkylating agent in mice.

Royal jelly (RJ) is a creamy white-yellow liquid that is secreted by the mandibular and hypopharyngeal glands of bees to nourish the larvae. RJ has gained increasing interest in recent years owing to its antioxidant potential. However, little is known about adequate RJ dosing and its effects on genetic material. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the in vivo effects of RJ on genotoxicity and mutagenicity induced by the alkylating agent methyl methanesulfonate (MMS). In this study, 3-month-old Swiss albino male mice (N = 66) were divided into 11 groups for experimentation. Experiments were performed by administering lyophilized RJ (150 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg) or water via gavage as pre- and posttreatment processes with the alkylating agent MMS. After treatment, blood samples were collected from the mice via an incision at the end of the tail to conduct comet assays at times of 24 h and 48 h posttreatment. The mice were then euthanized to remove the bone marrow for a micronucleus test. Overall, regardless of dose, RJ did not exhibit genotoxic, mutagenic activity and the administration of high doses, mainly in the form of posttreatment, presented antigenotoxic and antimutagenic actions. Further, a dose-response correlation was observed in the RJ posttreatment groups. These results demonstrate that RJ administration was effective in reversing the damage caused by the alkylating agent MMS.

Effects of obesity on neuroinflammatory and neurochemical parameters in an animal model of reserpine-induced Parkinson's disease.

Obesity is associated with low-grade chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, affecting the brain's reward system by decreasing dopaminergic neurotransmission. It is known that dopaminergic neurotransmission is also reduced in Parkinson's disease (PD), and high adiposity is considered a risk factor for the development of several neurodegenerative diseases, including PD. This study aimed to assess the effects of obesity on neuroinflammatory and neurochemical parameters in an animal model of reserpine-induced PD. The obese group showed increased inflammation and oxidative damage as well as inhibition of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes I and II and DNA damage in the evaluated structures. The PD group did not show inflammation or mitochondrial dysfunction but exhibited oxidative damage in the hippocampus. The combination group (obesity + PD) showed reduced inflammation and oxidative stress and increased activity of complexes I and II of the mitochondrial respiratory chain in most of the analyzed structures. On the other hand, obesity + PD caused oxidative damage to proteins in the liver, prefrontal cortex, striatum, and cerebral cortex and oxidative stress in the hypothalamus, resulting in reduced catalase activity. Furthermore, the combination group showed DNA damage in blood, liver, and cerebral cortex. In conclusion, it was observed that the association of obesity and PD did not increase inflammation, oxidative stress, or mitochondrial dysfunction in most of the evaluated structures but increased oxidative damage and induced mechanisms that led to DNA damage in peripheral tissues and brain structures.

Behavioral, genetic and biochemical changes in the brain of the offspring of female mice treated with caffeine during pregnancy and lactation.

The intrauterine environment is a critical location for exposure to exogenous and endogenous factors that trigger metabolic changes through fetal programming. Among the external factors, chemical compounds stand out, which include caffeine, since its consumption is common among women, including during pregnancy. Thereby, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the behavioral, genetic, and biochemical parameters in the offspring of female mice treated with caffeine during pregnancy and lactation. Swiss female mice (60 days old) received tap water or caffeine at 0.3 or 1.0 mg/mL during copulation (7 days), pregnancy (21 days) and lactation (21 days). After the end of the lactation period, the offspring were divided into groups (water, caffeine 0.3 or 1.0 mg/mL) with 20 animals (10 animals aged 30 days and 10 animals aged 60 days per group per sex). Initially, the offspring were submitted to behavioral tasks and then euthanized for genetic and biochemical analysis in the brain (cortex, striatum, and hippocampus). Behavioral changes in memory, depression, and anxiety were observed in the offspring: 30-day-old female offspring at 1.0 mg /mL dose presented anxiogenic behavior and male offspring the 0.3 mg/mL dose at 30 days of age did not alter long-term memory. Furthermore, an increase in DNA damage and oxidative stress in the brain were observed in the offspring of both sexes. Furthermore, there were changes in Ape-1, BAX, and Bcl-2 in the female offspring hippocampus at 30 days of life. Thus, with this study, we can suggest genotoxicity, oxidative stress, and behavioral changes caused by caffeine during pregnancy and lactation in the offspring that were not treated directly, but received through their mothers; thus, it is important to raise awareness regarding caffeine consumption among pregnant and lactating females.

Effects of Ethanolic Extract of Cynara cardunculus (Artichoke) Leaves on Neuroinflammatory and Neurochemical Parameters in a Diet-Induced Mice Obesity Model.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Cynara cardunculus leaf ethanol extract on inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters in the hypothalamus, prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, striatum, cerebral cortex and liver of high-fat diet-induced obese mice. Food intake, body weight, visceral fat weight, and liver weight were also evaluated. Male Swiss mice were divided into control (low-fat purified diet) and obese (high-fat purified diet) groups. After 6 weeks, mice were divided into control + saline, control + C. cardunculus leaf ethanol extract, obese + saline, obese + C. cardunculus leaf ethanol extract. Cynara cardunculus leaf ethanol extract (1600 mg/kg/day) or saline was administered orally for 4 weeks. Brain structures (hypothalamus, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, striatum and cerebral cortex) and liver were removed. Treatment with C. cardunculus leaf ethanol extract did not affect body weight but did reduce visceral fat. Obesity can cause inflammation and oxidative stress and increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes in brain structures. Treatment with ethanolic extract of C. cardunculus leaves partially reversed the changes in inflammatory damage parameters and oxidative damage parameters and attenuated changes in the antioxidant defense. The C. cardunculus leaf ethanol extract benefited from the brains of obese animals by partially reversing the changes caused by the consumption of a high-fat diet and the consequent obesity. These results corroborate those of studies indicating that the C. cardunculus leaf ethanol extract can contribute to the treatment of obesity.

Brazil nut prevents oxidative DNA damage in type 2 diabetes patients.

The Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa, H.B.K.) originating from the Amazon region is one of the richest known sources of selenium (Se), a micronutrient that is essential and required for optimal physiological functioning. This mineral presents several health benefits, including improvement of the redox cellular status and maintenance of genomic stability. Knowing that type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is strongly linked to oxidative stress and consequently DNA damage, the aim of this study was to assess the ex vivo antioxidative effects of Se through Brazil nut consumption and its potential in preventing oxidative DNA damage induced by H2O2. In order to accomplish this, the Comet assay (single-cell gel electrophoresis) was used to measure DNA damage in peripheral blood cells harvested before and after supplementation with Brazil nut. Comet assay was also applied ex vivo to measure the potential of Se to prevent oxidative damage to DNA induced by H2O2 in blood of type 2 diabetes patients collected before and after six months of supplementation with Brazil nut. We found that supplementation with Brazil nuts significantly increased serum Se levels. Furthermore, we observed a significant increase in fasting blood glucose after six months of consuming Brazil nuts; however, no significant effect was observed on the levels of glycated hemoglobin. Finally, we noticed that the cells were more resistant to H2O2-induced DNA damage after six months of supplementation with Brazil nut. Thus, consumption of Brazil nuts could decrease oxidative DNA damage in T2D patients, probably through the antioxidative effects of Se.

Anti-genotoxic and anti-mutagenic effects of melatonin supplementation in a mouse model of melanoma.

Melanoma, an aggressive skin cancer originating from melanocytes, can metastasize to the lungs, liver, cortex, femur, and spinal cord, ultimately resulting in DNA mutagenic effects. Melatonin is an endogenous hormone and free radical scavenger that possesses the ability to protect the DNA and to exert anti-proliferative effects in melanoma cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of B16F10 melanoma cells and the effects of melatonin supplementation on genotoxic parameters in murine melanoma models. Thirty-two male C57Bl/6 mice were divided in the following four groups: PBS + vehicle (n = 6), melanoma + vehicle (n = 10), PBS + melatonin (n = 6), and melanoma + melatonin (n = 10). The melanoma groups received a B16F10 cell injection, and melatonin was administered during 60 days. After treatment, tumor sizes were evaluated. DNA damage within the peripheral blood, lungs, liver, cortex, and spinal cord was determined using comet assay, and the mutagenicity within the bone marrow was determined using the micronucleus test. B16F10 cells effectively induced DNA damage in all tissues, and melatonin supplementation decreased DNA damage in the blood, liver, cortex, and spinal cord. This hormone exerts anti-tumor activity via its anti-proliferative, antioxidative, and pro-apoptotic effects. As this result was not observed within the lungs, we hypothesized that melatonin can induce apoptosis in cancer cells, and this was not evaluated by comet assay. This study provides evidence that melatonin can reduce the genotoxicity and mutagenicity caused by B16F10 cells.

Metabolic programming in offspring of mice fed fructose during pregnancy and lactation.

Fructose (C6H12O6), also known as levulose, is a hexose. Chronic consumption of fructose may be associated with increased intrahepatic fat concentration and the development of insulin resistance as well as an increase in the prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and hyperlipidemia during pregnancy. Despite the existence of many studies regarding the consumption of fructose in pregnancy, its effects on fetuses have not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic and biochemical effects in offspring (male and female) of female mice treated with fructose during pregnancy and lactation. Pairs of 60-day-old Swiss mice were used and divided into three groups; negative control and fructose, 10%/l and 20%/l doses of fructose groups. After offspring birth, the animals were divided into six groups: P1 and P2 (males and females), water; P3 and P4 (males and females) fructose 10%/l; and P5 and P6 (males and females) fructose 20%/l. At 30 days of age, the animals were euthanized for genetic and biochemical assessments. Female and male offspring from both dosage groups demonstrated genotoxicity (evaluated through comet assay) and oxidative stress (evaluated through nitrite concentration, sulfhydril content and superoxide dismutase activity) in peripheral and brain tissues. In addition, they showed nutritional and metabolic changes due to the increase in food consumption, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and metabolic syndrome. Therefore, it is suggested that high consumption of fructose by pregnant female is harmful to their offspring. Thus, it is important to carry out further studies and make pregnant women aware of excessive fructose consumption during this period.

Effect of taurine associated gold nanoparticles on oxidative stress in muscle of mice exposed to overuse model.

Muscle overuse and its consequent muscle damage has no cure. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the regulatory role of tau-AuNPs on muscle recovery of muscle overuse model. The animals (Male Swiss mice) were randomly divided into four groups: Control (Ctr; n=6); tau-AuNPs (n=6); overuse (n=6); and overuse plus tau-AuNPs (n=6). Exercise sessions were performed for 21 consecutive days, and one exercise model was applied daily in the following sequence: low intensity, moderate intensity, and high intensity. The mice were then sacrificed. The quadriceps muscles were surgically removed for subsequent biochemical analysis (oxidative stress parameters, DNA damage markers and muscle differentiation protein). The overuse group significantly increased the oxidative stress parameters and DNA damage markers, whereas tau-AuNPs significantly decreased the oxidative stress parameters in the overuse animal model. However, there were no significant differences observed between overuse group and overuse plus tau-AuNPs administrated group in relation to DNA damage markers including DNA damage frequency and index levels when compared to control and tau-AuNPs groups. Muscle differentiation protein Myf-5 was increased in the overuse plus tau-AuNPs administration group when compared to control group. In conclusion, tau-AuNPs had significant effect on reducing oxidative stress parameters and increasing myogenic regulatory protein Myf-5 in the overuse group. However, it did not have significant effect on reducing DNA damage.

Melatonin supplementation over different time periods until ageing modulates genotoxic parameters in mice.

The ageing process is a multifactorial phenomenon, associated with decreased physiological and cellular functions and an increased propensity for various degenerative diseases. Studies on melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine), a potent antioxidant, are gaining attention since melatonin production declines with advancing age. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of chronic melatonin consumption on genotoxic and mutagenic parameters of old Swiss mice. Herein, 3-month-old Swiss albino male mice (n = 240) were divided into eight groups and subdivided into two experiments: first (three groups): natural ageing experiment; second (five groups): animals that started water or melatonin supplementation at different ages (3, 6, 12 and 18 months) until 21 months. After 21 months, the animals from the second experiment were euthanized to perform the comet assay, micronucleus test and western blot analysis. The results demonstrated that melatonin prolonged the life span of the animals. Relative to genomic instability, melatonin was effective in reducing DNA damage caused by ageing, presenting antigenotoxic and antimutagenic activities, independently of initiation age. The group receiving melatonin for 18 months had high levels of APE1 and OGG1 repair enzymes. Conclusively, melatonin presents an efficient antioxidant mechanism aiding modulating genetic and physiological alterations due to ageing.

Melatonin ameliorates oxidative stress and DNA damage of rats subjected to a chemically induced chronic model of Maple Syrup Urine Disease.

Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD) is an inborn error of metabolism caused by a deficiency of branched α-ketoacid dehydrogenase complex (BCKDC) activity. Branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) accumulation is, at least in part, responsible for neurological disturbances characteristic of this metabolic disorder. Experimental studies demonstrated that high levels of BCAA induce brain oxidative stress. Considering that many antioxidants are obtained from the diet, the dietary restriction in MSUD patients probably produce deficiency of vitamins and micronutrients involved in antioxidant defenses. Supplementation with synthetic melatonin has been used to prevention and treatment of pathological conditions, including brain diseases. In this study, we aimed at investigating the potential neuroprotective effect of melatonin treatment in a MSUD experimental model. Infant rats (7 day old) received twice daily subcutaneous injections of a BCAA pool (0.21472 g/kg, 190 mmol/L leucine, 59 mmol/L isoleucine and 69 mmol/L valine in saline solution (15.8 µL/g per weight/injection) or saline alone, and supplemented with melatonin (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) for 21 days. Oxidative stress parameters, i.e. antioxidant enzyme activity, reactive species production and damage to lipids and proteins, were assessed in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and striatum at twenty-eight days of age. In addition, the damage to blood cell DNA was evaluated. The chronic administration of BCAA pool in infant rats induced significant oxidative stress (p < 0.05) - such as oxidation of lipids and proteins, imbalance in antioxidant enzymes activities - damages in DNA (p < 0.05) and in brain structures (cerebral cortex, hippocampus and striatum). Notably, melatonin supplementation was able to ameliorate the oxidative (p < 0.05) and antioxidant (p < 0.05) parameters in the brain and blood of the rat model of MSUD. Our results show that melatonin could be a promising therapeutic agent for MSUD.

Fructose consumption during pregnancy and lactation causes DNA damage and biochemical changes in female mice.

The consumption of fructose during pregnancy can cause hyperglycaemia and may stimulate production of reactive oxygen species; however, there are only a few studies reporting whether fructose consumption during pregnancy causes DNA damage. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of fructose consumption on genetic and biochemical parameters in Swiss mice treated during pregnancy and lactation. For this, 15 couples of 60-day-old Swiss mice were divided into three groups of five couples: negative control (water) and two fructose groups (fructose dose of 10%/l and 20%/l). During this period, we evaluated food consumption, energy efficiency and body weight. Samples of blood were collected from the females before copulation, after the 15th day of conception and on the 21st day after the lactation period, for the glycaemic and lipid profiles as well as comet assay and micronucleus (MN) test. Comet assay and MN test evaluate DNA damage and clastogenicity, respectively. In the gestation and lactation period, the two fructose doses tested showed DNA damage as observed in the comet assay, which is associated with an increase in dietary intake, body weight, lipid profile and fasting glycaemia in females. Thus, it can be suggested that the high consumption of fructose during these periods is harmful for pregnancy and lactation.

Evaluation of genotoxicity and coumarin production in conventional and organic cultivation systems of Mikania glomerata Spreng.

Mikania glomerata Sprengel, popularly known as "guaco," is used in Brazilian folk medicine for several inflammatory and allergic conditions. Besides, the popular use "guaco" is indicated by the Brazilian Ministry of Health as a safe and effective herbal medicine. The biological activity of M. glomerata extracts is due to the presence of the coumarins, a large family of phenolic substances found in plants and is made of fused benzene and α-pyrone rings. Considering that there are few data on the biological effects of the extracts of M. glomerata, mainly in genetic level, this work aims to evaluate, in vitro, the genotoxicity and coumarin production in M. glomerata in conventional and organic growing. The data showed that the organic culture system showed double the concentration of coumarin being significantly more productive than the conventional system. Besides, the results of comet assay suggest that extracts of M. glomerata cultivated in a conventional system was genotoxic, increased DNA damage levels while the organic extracts seem to have antigenotoxic effect possibly due to the concentration of coumarins. Additional biochemical investigations are necessary to elucidate the mechanisms of action of M. glomerata extracts, which were found to have a role in protection against DNA damage.

TsNTxP, a non-toxic protein from Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom, induces antinociceptive effects by suppressing glutamate release in mice.

Neuropathic pain is a common type of chronic pain caused by trauma or chemotherapy. However, this type of pain is undertreated. TsNTxP is a non-toxic protein isolated from the venom of the scorpion Tityus serrulatus, and it is structurally similar to neurotoxins that interact with voltage-gated sodium channels. However, the antinociceptive properties of this protein have not been characterized. The purpose of this study was to investigate the antinociceptive effects of TsNTxP in acute and neuropathic pain models. Male and female Swiss mice (25-30 g) were exposed to different models of acute pain (tail-flick test and nociception caused by capsaicin intraplantar injection) or neuropathic pain (chronic pain syndrome induced by paclitaxel or chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve). Hypersensitivity to mechanical or cold stimuli were evaluated in the models of neuropathic pain. The ability of TsNTxP to alter the release of glutamate in mouse spinal cord synaptosomes was also evaluated. The results showed that TsNTxP exerted antinociceptive effects in the tail-flick test to a thermal stimulus and in the intraplantar capsaicin administration model. Furthermore, TsNTxP was non-toxic and exerted antiallodynic effects in neuropathic pain models induced by chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve and administration of paclitaxel. TsNTxP reduced glutamate release from mouse spinal cord synaptosomes following stimulation with potassium chloride (KCl) or capsaicin. Thus, this T. serrulatus protein may be a promising non-toxic drug for the treatment of neuropathic pain.

Antinociceptive activity of Copaifera officinalis Jacq. L oil and kaurenoic acid in mice.

Copaifera officinalis L. possesses traditional uses as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic. However, until now the antinociceptive effect and the mechanism of action were not described for Copaifera officinalis L. oil and no compound present in this oil was identified to be responsible for its biological effects. The goal of this study was to identify the presence of kaurenoic acid in Copaifera officinalis oil and investigate its antinociceptive effect, mechanism of action, and possible adverse effects in mice. The quantification of kaurenoic acid in Copaifera officinalis oil was done by HPLC-DAD technique. Male and female albino Swiss mice (25-35 g) were used to test the antinociceptive effect of Copaifera officinalis (10 mg/kg, intragastric) or kaurenoic acid (1 mg/kg) in the tail-flick test, intraplantar injection of capsaicin, allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) or complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). Copaifera officinalis oil and kaurenoic acid caused the antinociceptive effect in the tail-flick test in a dose-dependent manner, and their effect was reversed by naloxone (an opioid antagonist). Copaifera officinalis oil or kaurenoic acid reduced the nociception caused by capsaicin or AITC and produced an anti-allodynic effect in the CFA model (after acute or repeated administration for 7 days). Possible adverse effects were also observed, and non-detectable adverse effect was observed for the intragastric administration of Copaiba officinalis oil or kaurenoic acid and in the same way, the treatments were neither genotoxic nor mutagenic at the doses tested. Thus, Copaiba officinalis oil, and kaurenoic acid possess antinociceptive action without adverse effects.

Genotoxicity of the vegetables juice grown in garden built on the tailings coal deposits.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the genotoxic effect of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), beet (Beta vulgaris L.), broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica), and kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) grown in vegetable garden built on the deposits of coal tailings. For this, we used 72 healthy male Swiss albino mice that received juice from the vegetables in an acute or chronic treatment. Using comet assay, we determined that acute administration of the juices of all vegetables from the coal-mining area was genotoxic, and increased the DNA damage in the blood, liver, and cerebral cortex of mice. Therefore, the present data suggest that intake of vegetables cultivated over coal waste results in an increase in DNA damage in some organs; this situation may pose a risk to health.