Amelioration of Cytogenotoxic Damage in Drug Abusers Supplemented with Folic Acid.

BACKGROUND: Cytogenotoxic damage caused by the consumption of legal and illegal drugs in drug abusers has been demonstrated, primarily due to alterations in their antioxidant capacity, cellular repair mechanisms, and increased production of free radicals. Folic acid shows antioxidant activity by acting as a reducing agent, neutralizing present free radicals, and reducing genomic damage. METHODS: The intervention involved administering 15 mg of folic acid, divided into three doses per day, to a group of 44 drug abusers. The frequency of nuclear abnormalities (NAs) was determined; micronuclei (MNs), nuclear buds (NBUDs), binucleated cells (BNs), abnormally condensed chromatin (CC), karyorrhexis (KX), pyknotic nuclei (PNs), and karyolysis (KL) were determined at different pre-treatment (baseline) and post-treatment time points at 15 and 30 days. Additionally, a group of 44 healthy individuals was used as the control group. RESULTS: We observed a statistically significant decrease in the frequency of NAs in the drug abuser group (28.45 ± 17.74 before supplementation vs. 11.18 ± 7.42 at 15 days and 9.11 ± 10.9 at 30 days of supplementation). Specifically, it decreased the frequency of NBUDs, BNs, CC, KX, and PNs (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates a clear improvement in cytogenotoxic damage in drug abusers supplemented with folic acid.

Cytogenotoxicity effects in addicts with multidrug consumption.

Drug abuse is considered a global health problem with serious social impact. In recent decades, changes in drug consumption patterns have shown a clear rising trend in the use of multiple drugs. Although the buccal micronucleus cytome (BMCyt) assay has evaluated cytotoxicity in drug abuse, there has not been an approach that takes into account this pattern of multiple drug use. Therefore, in this study, we evaluate for the first time the cytogenotoxic effects in multidrug users, and its correlation with the amount consumed and years of abuse. This study was conducted on 166 individuals by the BMCyt assay. A total of 83 individuals with a history of multiple licit (alcohol and tobacco) and at least one illicit drug abuse (marijuana, methamphetamines, cocaine, and/or inhalants), and 83 healthy individuals, non-drug abusers were analyzed. The results showed that drug abusers had higher frequencies of nuclear abnormalities nuclear buds, binucleated cells, pyknotic nuclei (PNs), karyorrhexis (KX), and abnormally condensed chromatin when compared with healthy controls. Moreover, results suggests that the use of licit and illicit drugs is related to cytogenotoxic damage, as was shown by an upward trend in the frequency of nuclear abnormalities identified in groups 1 (alcohol + tobacco + at least one illicit drug) and 2 (tobacco + at least one illicit drug). Furthermore, a positive correlation was found in the different groups, between the years and the amount of consumption of some drugs (alcohol, methamphetamine, and tobacco) with cytotoxicity markers such as KL, KX, and PNs.

mtDNA Single-Nucleotide Variants Associated with Type 2 Diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic systemic disease with a complex etiology, characterized by insulin resistance and mitochondrial dysfunction in various cell tissues. To explore this relationship, we conducted a secondary analysis of complete mtDNA sequences from 1261 T2D patients and 1105 control individuals. Our findings revealed significant associations between certain single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and T2D. Notably, the variants m.1438A>G (rs2001030) (controls: 32 [27.6%], T2D: 84 [72.4%]; OR: 2.46; 95%CI: 1.64-3.78; p < 0.001), m.14766C>T (rs193302980) (controls: 498 [36.9%], T2D: 853 [63.1%]; OR: 2.57, 95%CI: 2.18-3.04, p < 0.001), and m.16519T>C (rs3937033) (controls: 363 [43.4%], T2D: 474 [56.6%]; OR: 1.24, 95%CI: 1.05-1.47, p = 0.012) were significantly associated with the likelihood of developing diabetes. The variant m.16189T>C (rs28693675), which has been previously documented in several studies across diverse populations, showed no association with T2D in our analysis (controls: 148 [13.39] T2D: 171 [13.56%]; OR: 1.03; 95%CI: 0.815-1.31; p = 0.83). These results provide evidence suggesting a link between specific mtDNA polymorphisms and T2D, possibly related to association rules, topological patterns, and three-dimensional conformations associated with regions where changes occur, rather than specific point mutations in the sequence.

Mitochondrial Control Region Variants Related to Breast Cancer.

Breast cancer has an important incidence in the worldwide female population. Although alterations in the mitochondrial genome probably play an important role in carcinogenesis, the actual evidence is ambiguous and inconclusive. Our purpose was to explore differences in mitochondrial sequences of cases with breast cancer compared with control samples from different origins. We identified 124 mtDNA sequences associated with breast cancer cases, of which 86 were complete and 38 were partial sequences. Of these 86 complete sequences, 52 belonged to patients with a confirmed diagnosis of breast cancer, and 34 sequences were obtained from healthy mammary tissue of the same patients used as controls. From the mtDNA analysis, two polymorphisms with significant statistical differences were found: m.310del (rs869289246) in 34.6% (27/78) of breast cancer cases and 61.7% (21/34) in the controls; and m.315dup (rs369786048) in 60.2% (47/78) of breast cancer cases and 38.2% (13/34) in the controls. In addition, the variant m.16519T>C (rs3937033) was found in 59% of the control sequences and 52% of the breast cancer sequences with a significant statistical difference. Polymorphic changes are evolutionarily related to the haplogroup H of Indo-European and Euro-Asiatic origins; however, they were found in all non-European breast cancers.

Class I MHC Polymorphisms Associated with Type 2 Diabetes in the Mexican Population.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) has been linked to the expression of Human Leukocyte Antigens, principally to the Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II, with only scarce reports of Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I in specific populations. The objective of the present work was to explore the presence of polymorphisms in the MHC Class I related to T2D in the Mexican population using the Genome-Wide Association Studies Slim Initiative in Genomic Medicine of the Americas (GWAS SIGMA) database. This database contains information on 3848 Mexican individuals with T2D and 4366 control individuals from the same population without a clinical or hereditary history of the disease. The searching criteria considered a p-value of <0.005 and an odds ratio (OR) of >1.0. Ten novel, statistically significant nucleotide variants were identified: four polymorphisms associated with HLA-A (A*03:01:01:01) and six with HLA-C (C*01:02:01:01). These alleles have a high prevalence in Latin American populations and could potentially be associated with autoimmunity mechanisms related to the development of T2D complications.

Cytogenotoxicity Evaluation of Young Adults Exposed to High Levels of Air Pollution in a Mexican Metropolitan Zone Using Buccal Micronucleus Cytome Assay.

Air pollution has become a serious public health problem globally. Recent studies support the harmful effect of air pollution on human health, in addition to scientific evidence that recognizes it as a human carcinogen. The buccal micronucleus cytome (BMC) assay is employed extensively to measure cytotoxic and genotoxic damage in a population exposed to environmental contamination. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects in healthy young adults exposed to different levels of air pollution and to identify areas with air pollution rates above the regulatory limits. This study was performed through the BMC assay in oral mucosa samples from 80 healthy young adults from the Guadalajara metropolitan zone. Three highly contaminated areas were taken into account: Tlaquepaque, Miravalle, and Las Pintas. Las Aguilas, a less contaminated area, was used as a reference. The frequencies of nuclear abnormalities in the areas with the highest and lowest levels of air pollution were compared with the Mann-Whitney U test. In addition, an analysis of the concentration of environmental pollutants, particulate matter ≤ 10 µm (PM10), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide (CO), were carried out in the mentioned areas, in order to identify the events above the regulatory limits in a year period. The results showed that young adults exposed to a higher concentration of pollutants showed higher frequencies of nuclear abnormalities. The individuals from the areas of Tlaquepaque, Miravalle, and Las Pintas showed cytotoxic damage since statistically significant differences were found in the abnormalities of pyknotic nuclei (PNs), condensed chromatin (CC), karyorrhexis (KX), and karyolysis (KL). The individuals who showed the most cytotoxic damage were from the Las Pintas area with higher frequencies in nuclear abnormalities (PNs, CC, KX, and KL) (p < 0.0001). Genotoxic damage was found in individuals from two zones, Miravalle and Las Pintas, with statistically significant differences in the abnormality of nuclear buds (NBUDs) (p < 0.0001). Our results suggest that exposure to high levels of air pollution in healthy young adults has an effect on cellular and nuclear integrity and thus in human health, since areas with higher air pollution showed an increase in cytotoxicity, specifically in early and late markers of cell death (CC, KX, PN, and KL) and genotoxic damage (BUDs).

Effect of High-Dose Topical Minoxidil on Erythrocyte Quality in SKH1 Hairless Mice.

SKH1 hairless mice are widely used in carcinogenesis and dermatology research due to their bare skin, as exposure to different agents is facilitated. Minoxidil is a cosmetic drug that is recognized as a mitogenic agent, and mitogens are suggested to have carcinogenic and mutagenic potential by inducing cell division and increasing the possibility of perpetuating DNA damage. Therefore, we hypothesized that the application of high doses of minoxidil to the skin of hairless mice would increase the number of micronucleated erythrocytes (MNEs) in peripheral blood. The objective of this study was to evaluate the topical administration of high doses of minoxidil on peripheral blood erythrocytes of SKH1 mice by means of micronucleus assay. Minoxidil was administered on the entire body surface of mice every 12 or 24 h. Minoxidil dosing every 24 h increased the number of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCEs), and dosing every 12 h increased the number of MNEs and MNPCEs, as compared to baseline and the negative control group. No decrease in polychromatic erythrocyte frequencies was observed in the minoxidil groups. Therefore, topical application of high minoxidil doses to mice can produce DNA damage, as observed through an increase in the number of MNEs, without producing cytotoxicity, possibly due to its mitogenic effect.

In vivo evaluation of the genotoxicity and oxidative damage in individuals exposed to 10% hydrogen peroxide whitening strips.

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the impact of 10% hydrogen peroxide whitening strip exposure on the genotoxicity and oxidative damage by means of the buccal micronucleus cytome assay by counting nuclear abnormalities (NAs) in buccal mucosa and attached gingiva cells and by analyzing in whole saliva the molecule 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 113 subjects divided into two groups: group 1 or control (n = 53), non-whitening strip exposed, and group 2 (n = 60), whitening strip exposed (Crest® 3D Whitestrips® premium plus, 10% hydrogen peroxide). Oral epithelial cells and whole saliva samples were taken at the beginning and 30 days later for group 1 and immediately before bleaching and 15 and 30 days after the end of the bleaching for group 2. RESULTS: An increased frequency of NAs (p < 0.05) and higher levels of 8-OHdG (p < 0.05) were observed after bleaching exposure. Also, a positive correlation exists between oxidative stress produced by hydrogen peroxide and micronuclei was found. CONCLUSION: Individuals exposed to 10% hydrogen peroxide whitening strips exhibit NAs increased in oral epithelial cells and 8-OHdG in saliva, which is directed related to nuclear and oxidative DNA damage, respectively. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Hydrogen peroxide is the active agent of tooth whitening and this compound induced DNA damage. Individuals exposed to whitening strips with 10% hydrogen peroxide exhibit increased genotoxic and oxidative damage. Therefore, self-application of bleaching agents should be handled carefully since it could be a risk to human health.

Pirfenidone Accelerates Wound Healing in Chronic Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Randomized, Double-Blind Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic foot ulcers are one disabling complication of diabetes mellitus. Pirfenidone (PFD) is a potent modulator of extracellular matrix. Modified diallyl disulfide oxide (M-DDO) is an antimicrobial and antiseptic agent. AIM: To evaluate efficacy of topical PFD + M-DDO in a randomized, double-blind trial versus ketanserin in the treatment of noninfected chronic DFU. METHODS: Patients received PFD + M-DDO or ketanserin for 6 months. Relative ulcer volume (RUV) was measured every month; biopsies were taken at baseline and months 1 and 2 for histopathology and gene expression analysis for COL-1α, COL-4, KGF, VEGF, ACTA2 (α-SMA), elastin, fibronectin, TGF-ß1, TGF-ß3, HIF-1α, and HIF-1ß. RESULTS: Reduction of median RUV in the PFD + M-DDO group was 62%, 89.8%, and 99.7% at months 1-3 and 100% from months 4 to 6. Ketanserin reduced RUV in 38.4%, 56%, 60.8%, 94%, 94.8%, and 100% from the first to the sixth month, respectively. Healing score improved 4.5 points with PFD + M-DDO and 1.5 points with ketanserin compared to basal value. Histology analysis revealed few inflammatory cells and organized/ordered collagen fiber bundles in PFD + M-DDO. Expression of most genes was increased with PFD + M-DDO; 43.8% of ulcers were resolved using PFD + M-DDO and 23.5% with ketanserin. CONCLUSION: PFD + M-DDO was more effective than ketanserin in RUV reduction.

Association of genetic polymorphisms with histological grading of necroinflammation, staging of fibrosis, and liver function in Mexicans with chronic hepatitis C virus infection.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of this work was to establish an association between the single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of TGFB1 (rs1800471), AT (rs3789679), MMP-1 (rs17886084), MMP-3 (rs35068180), and PAI-1 (rs1799889) and the histological grading of necroinflammation, staging of hepatic fibrosis, and liver function in Mexican patients with advanced liver fibrosis due to chronic hepatitis C virus infection. METHODS: AT, MMP-1, MMP-3, and PAI-1 gene polymorphisms were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction in real time, whereas TGFB1 polymorphism was detected by polymerase chain reaction-based restriction fragment length polymorphism in 38 patients with established advanced liver fibrosis and 50 subjects from the general population. Grading of necroinflammation and staging of liver fibrosis were assessed by liver biopsy and graded according to modified histological activity index Ishak score. RESULTS: Regarding TGFB1 SNP, significant differences were found between G/G and G/C genotypes of patients with hepatic necroinflammation (P = 0.05) and hepatic fibrosis (P = 0.002). There were also significant differences among genotypes of patients with the AT SNP in hepatic necroinflammation (P = 0.01). The albumin-globulin ratio between genotypes of patients with the MMP-3 SNP gene showed significant differences (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that a specific combination of genotypes associated with biochemical values and a histological high score determine more severe liver disease. The presence of the G/G genotype of TGFB1 SNP in patients was significantly associated with severity of liver necroinflammation and fibrosis. Patients with the G/G genotype of AT SNP were associated with severe necroinflammation. The albumin-globulin ratio was increased in patients with the 6A allele of MMP-3 SNP. These results might contribute to diagnosis and further establishment of liver disease treatment.

Controlled clinical trial with pirfenidone in the treatment of breast capsular contracture: association of TGF-ß polymorphisms.

BACKGROUND: Breast capsular contracture (BCC) is a commonly adverse event postmammoplastly characterized by an immune response mediated by cytokines and transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1 resulting in excessive synthesis and deposit of extracellular matrix around the breast implant. Presence of TGF-ß1 polymorphisms has been associated as a risk factor to develop fibroproliferative diseases. METHODS: This open, controlled, prospective, and pilot clinical trial with 6 months duration was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of 1800 mg a day, of oral Pirfenidone (PFD) in the treatment of BCC (Baker Score III/IV) postmammoplasty. Twenty BCC cases received PFD and 14 BCC control cases underwent capsulectomy after 6 months of enrollment. Both groups were followed up for 6 more months up to 12 months to determine the relapse in the absence of PFD. Determination of TGF-ß1 polymorphisms was performed to establish a correlation with capsular contracture. RESULTS: PFD group experienced BCC-reduction in all breasts 6 months after enrollment. Only 1 of 20 cases relapsed after follow-up. In capsulectomy group, 2 of 14 cases presented progression to grade IV during presurgical period. All capsulectomy cases relapsed at end of follow-up. Nearly hundred percent of all patients studied in this protocol had a profibrogenic homozygous TGF-ß1 polymorphism (codon 25; genotype Arg25Arg). CONCLUSIONS: PFD is useful to improve BCC (Baker Score III/IV) postmammoplasty with no relapse after drug administration. There is also an association between capsular contracture and the presence of homozygous G/G TGF-ß1 genotype.

Genotoxic evaluation of pirfenidone using erythrocyte rodent micronucleus assay.

Pirfenidone is a non-steroidal antifibrotic compound that has been proposed in clinical protocols and experimental studies as a pharmacological treatment for fibroproliferative diseases. The objective of this study was to determine the genotoxicity or cytotoxicity of three doses of pirfenidone using the micronuclei test in peripheral blood erythrocytes of rodent models. Pirfenidone was administered orally to Balb-C mice for 3 days, and also was administered topically to hairless Sprague Dawley rats during the final stage of gestation. Mice were sampled every 24 h over the course of 6 days; pregnant rats were sampled every 24 h during the last 6 days of gestation, and pups were sampled at birth. Blood smears were analyzed and the frequencies of micronucleated erythrocytes (MNEs), micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCEs), and the proportion of polychromatic erythrocytes (PCEs), were recorded in samples from mice, pregnant rats and rat neonates. Increases in MN frequencies (p<0.03) were noted only in the positive control groups. No genotoxic effects or decreased PCE values were observed neither in newborn rats transplacentally exposed to pirfenidone, or in two adult rodent models when pirfenidone was administered orally or topically.