Interactions among methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and cystathionine ß-synthase (CBS) polymorphisms - a cross-sectional study: multiple heterozygosis as a risk factor for higher homocysteine levels and vaso-occlusive episodes.

High plasma homocysteine (Hcy) ​​levels may be responsible for vaso-occlusive episodes and may have acquired and/or genetic causes. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the role of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR; C677T; A1298C) and cystathionine-ß-synthase (CBS; T833C/844ins68, G919A) polymorphisms in serum levels of folic acid, vitamin B12 and Hcy, and to verify a possible association between these polymorphisms and the clinical variability. Blood samples of Brazilian patients with a diagnosis of thrombosis were submitted to genotyping by PCR-based methods and serum dosages of folic acid, vitamin B12 and Hcy. Except for the CBS G919A polymorphism, all other genetic markers were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. An increased risk for venous thrombosis was found for the MTHFR 1298CC carriers (OR = 1.688; 95%CI = 0.839-3.398, P = 0.018) and those homozygously mutant for the CBS haplotype 844ins68/T833C (OR = 2.488; 95%CI = 0.501-12.363, P = 0.031), while heterozygous for this CBS haplotype showed an increased risk for higher Hcy levels (OR = 5.900; 95%CI = 1.003-34.691, P = 0.030). Significant interactions were observed among the MTHFR C677T, MTHFR A1298C and CBS haplotype 844ins68/T833C polymorphisms in the results for Hcy levels (P = 0.000), where heterozygous had higher values. Interactions among these polymorphisms can affect serum Hcy levels, where multiple heterozygosis could be a risk factor for vaso-occlusive episodes.

Culture of domestic cat ovarian tissue in vitro and in the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane.

In vitro culture and transplantation procedures are essential protocols employed in the evaluation of ovarian follicle survival and development. Culture in the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of chick embryos is an intermediate method that provides important follicle development information and has not been tested for cat ovaries to date. The aim of this study was to investigate if in vitro and CAM culture could be used as short-term systems to study cat ovarian tissue development. The ovaries of eight cats were dissected into 3-mm(3) cubes, cultured in vitro and in CAM for up to 5 days, and stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Gomori trichrome. Cell proliferation was analyzed using anti-Ki67. Possible differences among groups were investigated by analysis of variance or the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Bonferroni correction. The T-test or Wilcoxon test was used to verify differences between the CAM and IVC. Results revealed that 87.5% of all follicles were primordial during culture. The percentage of primordial follicles in the morphologically normal follicles (MNF) pool was always higher than 80%, with the exception of Day 3 of CAM culture, but the number of MNF reduced significantly from Day 0 (600 out of 777 follicles) to Day 5 in the CAM (91 out of 171) and IVC (296 out of 686). The number of primordial follicles in 1 mm(3) in Days 2, 3, and 5 in the CAM was significantly lower than that in the control (Day 0). No cellular proliferation was observed in culture. Vascularization occurred in the CAM culture, but with no association to follicular viability. In addition, both methods showed an increase in connective tissue during culture. Although no significant differences were observed in the percentage of MNF, there was a reduction in the total number of follicles, both for IVC and CAM-cultured ovarian tissue. Furthermore, anti-Ki67 did not stain any follicle after Day 0 in IVC or in CAM culture. Neither system was capable of promoting follicle growth and/or development. The results show that the CAM is not a suitable system for feline ovarian tissue and highlight the necessity to improve IVC systems in cats.

Effects of 17α-methyltestosterone on the reproduction of the freshwater snail Biomphalaria glabrata.

17-α-methyltestosterone (MT) is a synthetic hormone used in fish hatcheries to induce male monosex. Snails hold promise as possible test models to assess chemicals acting on the endocrine system. Biomphalaria glabrata is an aquatic gastropod mollusk (Pulmonata, Planorbidae) that can be easily maintained in aquaria, predisposing the species for use in ecotoxicological testing. This study evaluated the reproductive effects of MT on B. glabrata by examining histological changes and its reproductive performance. Ten snails per group were exposed for 4 weeks to different concentrations of MT (0.01, 0.1, and 1.0 mg/L). The total number of laid eggs, egg mass per group, size of type V oocytes, and production of spermatozoids were determined. Reproduction of B. glabrata was affected by MT. At the lowest concentration (0.01 mg/L), MT caused a statistically significant increase in the number of egg mass per snail compared with controls unexposed to MT. Histopathology analyses showed an increase in the sperm production at the higher MT concentrations of 0.1 and 1.0 mg/L. Chromatographic analyses of water samples showed that MT concentrations rapidly declined within a 96-h period. These results highlight the importance of giving more support to regulatory authorities, since MT is not registered for use on fish hatcheries in many countries around the world. Wastewater from fish farms discharged into aquatic ecosystems should be monitored for MT residues, since its presence could compromise the reproduction of other native snail species.

An overview of chemical straightening of human hair: technical aspects, potential risks to hair fibre and health and legal issues.

Personal image, as it relates to external beauty, has attracted much attention from the cosmetic industry, and capillary aesthetics is a leader in consumption in this area. There is a great diversity of products targeting both the treatment and beautification of hair. Among them, hair straighteners stand out with a high demand by costumers aiming at beauty, social acceptance and ease of daily hair maintenance. However, this kind of treatment affects the chemical structure of keratin and of the hair fibre, bringing up some safety concerns. Moreover, the development of hair is a dynamic and cyclic process, where the duration of growth cycles depends not only on where hair grows, but also on issues such as the individual's age, dietary habits and hormonal factors. Thus, although hair fibres are composed of dead epidermal cells, when they emerge from the scalp, there is a huge variation in natural wave and the response to hair cosmetics. Although it is possible to give the hair a cosmetically favourable appearance through the use of cosmetic products, for good results in any hair treatment, it is essential to understand the mechanisms of the process. Important information, such as the composition and structure of the hair fibres, and the composition of products and techniques available for hair straightening, must be taken into account so that the straightening process can be designed appropriately, avoiding undesirable side effects for hair fibre and for health. This review aims to address the morphology, chemical composition and molecular structure of hair fibres, as well as the products and techniques used for chemical hair relaxing, their potential risk to hair fibre and to health and the legal aspects of their use.

Genotoxic evaluation in Oreochromis niloticus (Fish: Characidae) of recombinant spore-crystal complexes Cry1Ia, Cry10Aa and Cry1Ba6 from Bacillus thuringiensis.

Bioinsecticides from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are widely used around the world in biological control against larval stages of many insect species. Bt has been considered a biopesticide that is highly specific to different orders of insects, non-polluting and harmless to humans and other vertebrates, thus becoming a viable alternative for combating agricultural pests and insect vectors of diseases. The family of Bt δ-endotoxins are crystal-protein inclusions showing toxicity to insects' midgut, causing cell lysis leading to starvation, septicemia and death. The aim of this study is to evaluate the genotoxic potential of recombinant Bt spore-crystals expressing Cry1Ia, Cry10Aa and Cry1Ba6 on peripheral erythrocyte cells of Oreochromis niloticus, through comet assay, micronucleus (MN) test and nuclear abnormalities (NA) analysis. Fish (n = 10/group) were exposed for 96 h at 10(7) spores 30 l(-1), 10(8) spores 30 l(-1) or 10(9) spores 30 l(-1) of Bt spore-crystals. Cry1Ia showed a significant increase in comet cells at levels 1 and 2, but not at levels 3 and 4, so it was not mutagenic nor did it induce MN or NA. These three spore-crystals showed some fish toxicity at only the highest exposure level, which normally does not occur in the field.

Lack of genotoxicity in Astyanax bimaculatus and Oreochromis niloticus of 17α-methyltestosterone used in fish hatcheries to produce male monosex populations.

17α-Methyltestosterone (MT) is widely used in fish hatcheries of many countries to produce male monosex populations. Its genotoxic risk to fish species is not well known and studies in other in vivo models are still inconclusive. MT was tested for genotoxicity in the fish species Oreochromis niloticus (tilapia), a target species, and Astyanax bimaculatus (lambari), a native non-target species. Genotoxicity was evaluated by the micronucleus test (MN), nuclear abnormalities (NA), and comet assay using peripheral erythrocytes of both species after a 96-h exposure to MT at concentrations of 0.01, 0.1, and 1.0 mg/L in the water. At the lowest exposure level of 0.01 mg/L, MT induced MN in both species and NA only in O. niloticus. These effects were not observed in the comet assay. Chromatographic analysis of water samples collected from aquariums at the beginning and end of each experiment showed that MT was consumed during the 96-h exposure. At the highest level of exposure (1.0 mg/L), 81.69% of the hormone was consumed during the exposure period. The chromatogram showed that at the lowest concentration level of 0.01 mg/L, 99.56% MT was consumed by the end of the exposure period. Thus, exposure to MT did not cause genotoxicity in either fish species.

Cytogenetic toxicity and gonadal effects of 17 α-methyltestosterone in Astyanax bimaculatus (Characidae) and Oreochromis niloticus (Cichlidae).

The synthetic hormone, 17-α-methyltestosterone (MT), is used in fish hatcheries to induce male monosex. Androgenic effects on various fish species have been reported; however, few studies have assessed possible genotoxic effects, although there are concerns about such effects in target and non-target species. We evaluated genotoxic and gonadal effects of MT in adult tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and Astyanax bimaculatus (a common native non-target fish in Brazil). Fish were fed for 28 days with ration containing MT (60 mg/L), a normal dose used in fish farming. Evaluation of MT genotoxicity was carried out through micronucleus test, nuclear abnormality, and comet assay analyses on peripheral erythrocyte cells collected by cardiac puncture. There were no significant differences in micronucleus frequencies and DNA damage in both species; however, MT caused cytogenetic toxicity in the non-target species, A. bimaculatus, with significantly increased erythrocyte nuclear abnormalities. Histopathological analyses of the female gonads of O. niloticus revealed that MT significantly inhibited the development of mature oocytes, while in A. bimaculatus it provoked significant inhibition of spermatozoa production. We concluded that discharge of fish-hatcheries water onto the surface of aquatic ecosystems should be avoided due to risks to reproduction of native species.

Association between methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase and glutathione S-transferase M1 gene polymorphisms and chronic myeloid leukemia in a Brazilian population.

Chronic myeloid leukemia is a hematopoietic stem cell disorder that causes uncontrolled proliferation of white blood cells. Although the clinical and biological aspects are well documented, little is known about individual susceptibility to this disease. We conducted a case-control study analyzing the prevalence of the polymorphisms MTHFR C677T, MTHFR A1298C, del{GSTM1}, del{GSTT1}, and haptoglobin in 105 patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and 273 healthy controls, using PCR-based methods. A significant association with risk of developing CML was found for MTHFR 1298AA (odds ratio (OR) = 1.794; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.14-2.83) and GSTM1 non-null (OR = 1.649; 95%CI = 1.05-2.6) genotypes, while MTHFR 1298AC (OR = 0.630; 95%CI = 0.40-0.99) and GSTM1 null (OR = 0.606; 95%CI = 0.21-0.77) genotypes significantly decreased this risk. There appeared to be selection for heterozygosity at the MTHFR 1298 locus. The considerable range of variation in this and other human populations may be a consequence of distinctive processes of natural selection and adaptation to variable environmental conditions. The Brazilian population is very mixed and heterogeneous; we found these two loci to be associated with CML in this population.

Role of polymorphisms in factor V (FV Leiden), prothrombin, plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1), methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and cystathionine ß-synthase (CBS) genes as risk factors for thrombophilias.

Thrombophilias are defined as a predisposition to thrombosis due to hematological changes which induce blood hypercoagulability; they can be inherited or acquired. They are individually characterized by a large phenotypic variability, even when they occur within the same family. Hereditary thrombophilias are, in most cases, due to changes related to physiological coagulation inhibitors or mutations in the genes of coagulation factors. High levels of plasma homocysteine may also be responsible for vaso-occlusive episodes and may have acquired (nutritional deficiencies of folate and vitamins B6 and B12) and/or genetic causes (mutations in the genes responsible for expression of enzymes involved in the intracellular metabolism of homocysteine). Considering that: (1) thromboses are events of multigenic and multifactorial etiopathology; (2) the presence of mutations in several genes significantly increases the risk of their occurrence; (3) the vascular territory (venous and/or arterial) affected involves different pathophysiological mechanisms and treatments, knowledge of genetic variants that may contribute to the risk and variability of the phenotypic manifestations of these diseases is extremely important. This understanding may provide support for a more individualized and therefore more effective treatment for thrombophilia carriers. Thus, this mini-review aims to address a comprehensive summary of thrombophilias and thrombosis, and discuss the role of polymorphisms in Factor V (FV Leiden), Prothrombin, Plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1), Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and Cystathionine ß-synthase (CBS) genes as risk factors for thrombophilias.

Evidence for an association between haptoglobin and MnSOD (Val9Ala) gene polymorphisms in essential hypertension based on a Brazilian case-control study.

Essential hypertension is a complex and multifactorial trait; genetic and environmental factors interact to produce the final phenotype. Studies have demonstrated association of hypertension with varied gene polymorphisms. However, demonstration of common genetic causes in the general population remains elusive. We investigated a possible association between hypertension and haptoglobin, angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE), glutathione S-transferases GSTM1 and GSTT1, MnSOD (Val9Ala), CAT (-21A/T), and GPX1 (Pro198Leu) gene polymorphisms in an urban Brazilian population group from Brasília. Although ACE has been reported to be one of the main polymorphisms associated with hypertension, we found no association with ACE's specific genotypes. However, a possible association with Hp1-1 and MnSOD Val/Ala genotypes suggests that, at least for the Brazilian population, polymorphisms related to oxidative stress should be more deeply investigated.

Antioxidant effect of haptoglobin phenotypes against DNA damage induced by hydrogen peroxide in human leukocytes.

Human haptoglobin is classified into three major phenotypes: Hp1-1, Hp2-1 and Hp2-2; there are two autosomal alleles Hp*1 and Hp*2, and the Hp*1 allele has two subtypes, Hp*1F and Hp*1S. Haptoglobin acts as an antioxidant, preventing hemoglobin-driven oxidative damage. We used the comet assay to examine oxidative damage to DNA induced by hydrogen peroxide in human leukocytes; we also looked for differences in the antioxidant capacity of haptoglobin subtypes. Haptoglobin genotypes were determined through allele-specific polymerase chain reaction, visualized on a polyacrylamide gel. The Hp1-1 genotype had the least DNA damage; this indicates that Hp alleles differ in their protective effects against oxidative damage. Among Hp*1 alleles, Hp*1F was the most protective.

Dietary carotenoid-rich pequi oil reduces plasma lipid peroxidation and DNA damage in runners and evidence for an association with MnSOD genetic variant -Val9Ala.

Physical training induces beneficial adaptations; however, exhausting exercise increases reactive oxygen species generation, resulting in damage to DNA and tissues. Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense), a fruit of the Brazilian Cerrado, contains a carotenoid-rich oil. We investigated whether pequi oil had antioxidant effects in runners. Evaluations were made after outdoor races before and after ingestion of 400 mg pequi-oil capsules for 14 days. Blood samples were taken after races and submitted to comet and TBARS assays and biochemical analyses of creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). To determine if the protective effects of pequi-oil were influenced by antioxidant enzyme genotypes, MnSOD (-Val9Ala), CAT (-21A/T) and GPX1 (Pro198Leu) gene polymorphisms were also investigated. Pequi oil was efficient in reducing tissue injuries evaluated for AST and ALT, particularly in women, and in reducing DNA damages in both sexes. Except for CK levels, the results were influenced by MnSOD genotypes; heterozygous excess was related to less DNA damage, tissue injury and lipid peroxidation, besides presenting a better response to pequi oil against exercise-induced damage.

Leishmania (V.) guyanensis: isolation and characterization of glucantime-resistant cell lines.

A glucantime sensitive Leishmania (V.) guyanensis strain was used to obtain in vitro resistant cell lines, by increments in glucantime concentrations employing both one step and stepwise protocols. Whereas the effective concentration of drug that inhibited the growth of wild type cells by 50% (EC50 value) was 0.20 mg Sb(v)/mL, the resistant cells were able to grow in glucantime concentrations greater than 8.0 mg/mL. The resistant cell lines were partially characterized by their in vitro response to glucantime, the stability of resistance phenotype, cross resistance to a range of drugs, and also by the analysis of total DNA fragments generated by restriction endonucleases and blot hybridization. Amplified DNA sequence similar to a P-glycoprotein analog from Leishmania tarentolae (ltpgpA gene) was observed in all the resistant cell lines obtained through the one-step protocol. These cell lines showed cross resistance to heavy metals but were sensitive to puromycin, vinblastine, and pentostam.