In vitro and in vivo genotoxicity and cytotoxicity analysis of protein extract from Aplysina fulva sponges

This study evaluated the physicochemical and morphological properties of a marine sponge protein extract (PE) using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), analysis of mass loss and pH and in vitro and in vivo. Scanning electron microscopy showed that PE fibers present a granular aspect and irregular structure and the element carbon followed by oxygen was detected in the EDS analysis. Moreover, a 29% of mass loss was observed after 14 days and the pH slightly modified after 14 days. Cell viability of fibroblast cells (L929) of control and PE at a concentration of 25% demonstrated higher values compared to the groups. Osteoblast cell viability of PE at 25 and 50% was significantly higher. Comet assay on day 1 showed higher values for PE at 25%. In addition, in vivo experiments demonstrated that in the treated animals, the bone defects were filled with biomaterial particles, granulation tissue and some areas of newly formed bone. Furthermore, similar immunoexpression of Runx-2 and Cox-2 was observed. Taken together, all results suggest that PE is biocompatible, present non-citotoxicity in the in vitro studies (at the lower concentration) and in the in vivo studies and it can be considered as an alternative source of collagen for tissue engineering proposals.

Genomic Instability in Peripheral Blood and Buccal Mucosal Cells of Marijuana Smokers: The Impact of Tobacco Smoke.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate cytotoxic, mutagenic and genotoxic effects on buccal mucosa and peripheral blood cells from marijuana and tobacco smokers. METHODS: For this purpose, a total of 45 volunteers were distributed into four groups: CTRL group (control): individuals who did not smoke marijuana or tobacco (n = 11); Group M: Marijuana smokers (n = 13); Group T: Tobacco smokers (n = 13); Group M + T: Smokers of both marijuana and tobacco (n = 08). RESULTS: Smokers of both marijuana and tobacco led an increase of micronucleated cells on buccal mucosa when compared to control group. The occurrence of karyolysis showed significant changes in this group as well. The comet assay data revealed genetic damage in peripheral blood cells for all groups of smokers. CONCLUSION: In summary, our results showed that marijuana and /or tobacco are able to induce genetic damage and cytotoxicity in oral and peripheral blood cells.

Genomic Instability and Cytotoxicity in Buccal Mucosal Cells of Workers in Banana Farming Evaluated by Micronucleus Test.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Studies have demonstrated the biological consequences of environmental contamination caused by human pesticide exposure following banana production. The aim of this study was to evaluate genomic instability and cytotoxicity in buccal mucosal cells of workers in banana farming. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For this purpose, a total of 21 male workers in banana farming in the Ribeira Valley were included in the experimental group. A total of 20 individuals, not occupationally exposed to pesticides, were included in the control group. RESULTS: The frequency of micronuclei was significantly increased (p<0.05) in buccal mucosa cells from workers of banana farming when compared to the control group. Furthermore, a high frequency of karyolysis was detected in buccal mucosaI cells in these individuals. No significant differences were found in pyknosis or karryorhexis when compared to controls. CONCLUSION: Taken together, our results indicate that workers in banana farming represent a group in high risk for carcinogenesis since chromosomal damage and cellular death are increased in these individuals.

The protective effect of grape skin or purple carrot extracts against cadmium intoxication in kidney of rats.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of grape skin or purple carrot extracts against cadmium-induced intoxication in rats' kidneys. For this purpose, 30 male Wistar rats were distributed into six groups (n = 5), as follows: control group; cadmium group and groups treated with grape skin at 175 or 350 mg / L doses; or purple carrot extract at 400 mg / L or 800 mg / L doses, by drinking water. In the group exposed to cadmium, histopathological analysis revealed severe tissue injury as a result of coagulation necrosis, congested vessels and inflammatory infiltrate. Animals treated with grape skin or purple carrot extracts improved the histopathological changes induced by cadmium. 8-OHdG immunoexpression and catalase gene expression decreased in rats treated with purple carrot or grape skin extracts. Grape skin extract was able to increase SOD-CuZn gene expression as well. Toll-like signaling pathway (TLR2, PIKK and TRAF6) and cytochrome c expressions were not altered after the treatment with grape skin or purple carrot extracts. Taken together, we conclude that grape skin and purple carrot extracts had a protective effect on the rats' kidneys after cadmium intoxication, by means of tissue regenerating tissue regeneration and antioxidant properties, grape skin extract being more effective for this purpose.

Genomic Instability in Buccal Mucosal Cells of Municipal Street Sweepers as Evaluated by Micronucleus Test.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Since street sweepers comprises a group of workers who are in daily contact with rubbish, dust and air pollution, the aim of this study was to evaluate potential cytotoxic and mutagenic effects in buccal mucosa cells of street sweepers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 20 male street sweepers aged from 22 to 56 years were included in the experimental group. A total of 20 men matched by age were used as the control group. Cytotoxicity and mutagenicity were analyzed by micronucleus test in buccal mucosal cells. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences (p<0.05) in the frequency of micronuclei was detected in the street sweepers when compared to the control group. No remarkable differences were found to other metanuclear alterations indicative for cytotoxicity such as pyknosis, karyolysis, and karryorhexis when compared to matched controls. CONCLUSION: Taken together, our results indicate that street sweepers comprise an at-risk group as a result of increased mutagenicity found to buccal mucosa cells.

Putative mechanisms of genotoxicity induced by fluoride: a comprehensive review.

Genotoxicity is the ability of an agent to produce damage on the DNA molecule. Considering the strong evidence for a relationship between genetic damage and carcinogenesis, to elucidate the putative mechanisms of genotoxicity induced by fluoride are important to measure the degree of risk involved to human populations. The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive review on genotoxicity induced by fluoride on the basis of its mechanisms of action. In the last 10 years, all published data showed some evidence related to genotoxicity, which is due to mitochondrial disruption, oxidative stress, and cell cycle disturbances. However, this is an area that still requires a lot of investigation since the published data are not sufficient for clarifying the genotoxicity induced by fluoride. Certainly, the new information will be added to those already established for regulatory purposes as a safe way to promote oral healthcare and prevent oral carcinogenesis.

Cytogenetic Biomonitoring in Buccal Mucosal Cells from Municipal Solid Waste Collectors.

Waste collectors collect, transport, and process the garbage produced by people living in the city. Nowadays, this activity requires special attention due to the environmental impact of garbage and its potential consequences on human health. The aim of this study was to evaluate potential cytotoxic and mutagenic effects of garbage collection on waste collectors. For this purpose, a total of 47 male waste collectors aged from 24 to 53 years were included in the experimental group. A total of 30 men matched by age were used as the control group. Cytotoxicity and mutagenicity were analyzed by micronucleus test in buccal mucosaI cells. No statistically significant difference (p>0.05) in the frequency of micronuclei was detected in the waste collectors when compared to controls. Nevertheless, higher frequencies of karyolysis and pyknosis (p<0.05) were detected in buccal mucosaI cells from waste collectors when compared to matched controls. Taken together, our results indicate that waste collectors comprise an at-risk group as a result of increased cytotoxicity apparent from buccal mucosa cells.

Acute crack cocaine exposure induces genetic damage in multiple organs of rats.

Crack cocaine is a very toxic product derived from cocaine. The aim of this study was to evaluate genetic damage in multiple organs of rats following acute exposure to crack cocaine. A total of 20 Wistar rats were distributed into four groups (n = 5), as follows: 0, 4.5, 9, and 18 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) of crack cocaine administered by intraperitoneal route (i.p.). All animals were killed 24 h after intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection. The results showed that crack cocaine increased the number of micronucleated cells in bone marrow cells exposed to 18 mg/kg crack cocaine (p < 0.05). Peripheral blood and liver cells presented genetic damage as depicted by single cell gel (comet) assay at 9 and 18 mg/kg doses (p < 0.05). Immunohistochemistry data revealed significant increase in 8-hydroxy-20-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) immunoexpression in hepatocytes of animals exposed to crack cocaine at 9 and 18 mg/kg (p < 0.05) when compared with negative controls. Taken together, our results demonstrate that crack cocaine is able to induce genomic damage in multiple organs of Wistar rats.

Purple carrot extract protects against cadmium intoxication in multiple organs of rats: Genotoxicity, oxidative stress and tissue morphology analyses.

The aim of this study was to investigate if purple carrot extract is able to protect against the noxious activities induced by cadmium exposure in multiple organs of rats. For this purpose, histopathological analysis, genotoxicity and oxidative status were investigated in this setting. A total of twenty Wistar rats weighing 250g on the average, and 8 weeks age were distributed into four groups (n=5), as follows: Control group (non-treated group, CTRL); Cadmium group (Cd) and Purple carrot extract groups at 400mg/L or 800mg/L. Histopathological analysis revealed that liver from animals treated with purple carrot extract improved tissue degeneration induced by cadmium intoxication. Genetic damage was reduced in blood and hepatocytes as depicted by comet and micronucleus assays in animals treated with purple carrot extract. SOD-CuZn and cytocrome C gene expression increased in groups treated with purple carrot extract. Purple carrot extract also reduced the 8OHdG levels in liver cells when compared to cadmium group. Taken together, our results demonstrate that purple carrot extract is able to protect against cadmium intoxication by means of reducing tissue regeneration, genotoxicity and oxidative stress in multiple organs of Wistar rats.

Genotoxicity and mutagenicity induced by acute crack cocaine exposure in mice.

CONTEXT: Crack cocaine is an illicit drug derived from cocaine, in which use and abuse have increased around the world, especially in developing countries. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate genomic damage in multiple organs of mice following acute exposure to crack cocaine. For this purpose, single cell gel (comet) assay in peripheral blood, liver, kidney, and brain cells was performed and micronucleus test for bone narrow and liver cells was also made in this setting. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 20 C57BL/10 male mice were distributed into four groups, as follows: 0, 4.5, 9, and 18 mg/kg b.w. of crack cocaine dissolved to 1% dimethyl sulfoxide by intraperitoneal (i.p.) route. All animals were sacrificed 24 h after i.p. injection. RESULTS: The results showed that crack cocaine induced DNA damage in peripheral blood, and brain cells for higher doses used as depicted by single cell gel (comet) assay data. Analysis of kidney cells showed no genetic damage for all groups tested. The number of micronucleated cells did not increase after crack cocaine exposure in bone narrow or liver cells. CONCLUSION: In summary, crack cocaine is a genotoxic agent in peripheral blood, liver, and brain cells but not mutagenic in multiple organs of mice.