Detection of Mitogenic and Genotoxic Effects of the Turkey Tail Medicinal Mushroom (Trametes versicolor, Agaricomycetes) Extracts from Mexico on Human Lymphocyte Cultures.

Diseases caused by a compromised immune system, characterized by decreased production and diversification of T lymphocytes, such as immunodeficiencies or chronic infections, are becoming increasingly prominent. These diseases lead to increased vulnerability to infections caused by parasites, viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. According to various articles, Trametes versicolor has been used as immunotherapy and cancer treatment due to its polysaccharides, which have shown their value in traditional medicine. However, most of the studies have been done with Asian samples. For this reason, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of samples of Mexican T. versicolor on human lymphoid cells. Of various extracts, the one with the best T cell proliferative response was the extract produced by maceration in water at room temperature, but all treatments in aqueous and ethanolic extracts increased the lymphocyte count, showing that extracts of Mexican T. versicolor also have compounds that stimulate T cells. Unfortunately, genetic damage expressed as an increment in micronuclei count was identified, so using these fungus extracts in traditional medicine would require careful control of recommended doses.

Metabolomics: A New Approach in the Evaluation of Effects in Human Beings and Wildlife Associated with Environmental Exposition to POPs.

Human beings and wild organisms are exposed daily to a broad range of environmental stressors. Among them are the persistent organic pollutants that can trigger adverse effects on these organisms due to their toxicity properties. There is evidence that metabolomics can be used to identify biomarkers of effect by altering the profiles of endogenous metabolites in biological fluids or tissues. This approach is relatively new and has been used in vitro studies mainly. Therefore, this review addresses those that have used metabolomics as a key tool to identify metabolites associated with environmental exposure to POPs in wildlife and human populations and that can be used as biomarkers of effect. The published results suggest that the metabolic pathways that produce energy, fatty acids, and amino acids are commonly affected by POPs. Furthermore, these pathways can be promoters of additional effects. In the future, metabolomics combined with other omics will improve understanding of the origin, development, and progression of the effects caused by environmental exposure.