Mistletoe (Viscum album L.) extract attenuates itraconazole-induced acute oxidative stress and hepatocellular injury in rats.

In the current study, the protective effect of a mistletoe extract (Helixor®, HLX) on Itraconazole (ITZ)-induced hepatocellular injury and acute oxidative stress in rats was aimed to be investigated by histological, biochemical and comet assay methods. Four groups a control group, an HLX group (5mg/kg/14days/intraperitoneally (ip)), an ITZ group (100mg/kg/14days/oral) and an HLX plus ITZ group (5mg/kg/14days/ip+100mg/kg/14days/oral) were all created from 32 female Wistar albino rats. At the end of the experiment, AST and ALT liver enzymes, total oxidant status (TOS) levels and total antioxidant status (TAS) levels, histopathological analysis and comet assay were carried out. Highest genotoxicity, higher levels of plasma AST and ALT, higher TOS, more degeneration of liver histopathology including hepatocyte degeneration, hepatocyte apoptosis and necrosis, portal/periportal inflammation, bile ductus hyperplasia and multinuclear giant cell formation were observed in ITZ group (p<0.05). As opposed to that, administration of HLX plus ITZ improved histopathological changes and DNA damage and showed a dramatic decrease in AST, ALT and TOS levels (p<0.05) and an increase in TAS level (p<0.001) when compared to ITZ group. This study showed that the antioxidant properties of HLX administration significantly decreased acute oxidative stress and hepatocellular damage in rats given ITZ.

Cyto-Genotoxic and Behavioral Effects of Flubendiamide in Allium cepa Root Cells, Drosophila melanogaster and Molecular Docking Studies.

Flubendiamide (FLB) is an insecticide that is commonly employed to control pests on a variety of vegetables and fruits, with low toxicity for non-target organisms. However, due to its widespread use, the environmental risks and food safety have become major concerns. In this study, the toxicity potential of FLB was studied in the model organisms, Allium cepa and Drosophila melanogaster. The cyto-genotoxic effects of FLB on the root growth, mitotic index (MI), chromosomal aberrations (CAs) and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage in A. cepa root meristematic cells were investigated using the root growth inhibition Allium test and Comet assays. FLB caused CAs in the form of disturbed ana-telophase, chromosome laggards, stickiness, anaphase-bridge and polyploidy depending on the concentration and the exposure time. The toxicity and genotoxicity of FLB at various doses (0.001, 0.01, 0.1 and 1 mM) on D. melanogaster were investigated from the point of view of larval weight and movement, pupal formation success, pupal position, emergence success and DNA damage, respectively. FLB exposure led to a significant reduction of the locomotor activity at the highest concentration. While DNA damage increased significantly in the FLB-treated onions depending on the concentration and time, DNA damage in the FLB-treated D. melanogaster significantly increased only at the highest dose compared to that which occurred in the control group. Moreover, to provide a mechanistic insight into the genotoxic and locomotion-disrupting effects of FLB, molecular docking simulations of this pesticide were performed against the DNA and diamondback moth (DBM) ryanodine receptor (RyR) Repeat34 domain. The docking studies revealed that FLB binds strongly to a DNA region that is rich in cytosine-guanine-adenine bases (C-G-A) in the minor groove, and it displayed a remarkable binding affinity against the DBM RyR Repeat34 domain.

Synthesis and characterization of single-walled carbon nanotube: Cyto-genotoxicity in Allium cepa root tips and molecular docking studies.

Herein, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were synthesized by the thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method, and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA). The results indicated that obtained nanotubes were SWCNTs with high crystallinity and their average diameter was 10.15 ± 3 nm. Allium cepa ana-telophase and comet assays on the root meristem were employed to evaluate the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of SWCNTs by examining mitotic phases, mitotic index (MI), chromosomal aberrations (CAs), and DNA damage. A. cepa root tip cells were exposed to SWCNTs at concentrations of 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 µg/ml for 4 h. Distilled water and methyl methanesulfonate (MMS, 10 µg/ml) were used as the negative and positive control groups, respectively. It was observed that MIs decreased statistically significantly for all applied doses. Besides, CAs such as chromosome laggards, disturbed anaphase-telophase, stickiness and bridges and also DNA damage increased in the presence of SWCNTs in a concentration-dependent manner. In the molecular docking study, the SWCNT were found to be a strong DNA major groove binder showing an energetically very favorable binding free energy of -21.27 kcal/mol. Furthermore, the SWCNT interacted effectively with the nucleotides on both strands of DNA primarily via hydrophobic π and electrostatic interactions. As a result, cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of SWCNTs in A. cepa root meristematic cells which is a reliable system for assessment of nanoparticle toxicology were demonstrated in this study. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: SWCNT synthesis with high crystallinity was achieved by the CVD method. Cytotoxic and genotoxic influences of SWCNTs were investigated. Allium and Comet tests were utilized. For all of the applied concentrations of SWCNTs, the MIs significantly decreased. SWCNTs were found genotoxic.

Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Evaluation of Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles Using Moringa oleifera on MCF-7 and HUVEC Cell Lines.

Nowadays, green synthesized nanoparticles (NPs) are extensively investigated to explore their biological potential. They are being explored to treat different infectious and cancerous diseases. Therefore, the current study was designed to evaluate the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from the medicinal plant Moringa oleifera on breast cancer (MCF-7) and HUVEC (human umbilical vein endothelial cells) cell lines. M. oleifera-mediated AgNPs were synthesized from the M. oleifera extract (MOE) and then characterized through the use of a scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV-vis spectrophotometer. Biosynthesized AgNPs and MOE were employed on MCF-7 and HUVEC cell lines to evaluate their cytotoxic and genotoxic effects. More cytotoxic effects were observed by AgNPs and MOE on MCF-7 cell lines. The IC50 for biosynthesized AgNPs was found to be 5 µg/mL. DNA damage was also observed by the MOE and AgNPs on MCF-7 cell lines. However, non-significant DNA damage was observed by MOE and AgNPs on HUVEC cell lines. The findings of the current study revealed the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of biosynthesized AgNPs on MCF-7 cell lines. However, these AgNPs were considered safe for normal HUVEC cell lines.

Genotoxic assessment of cerium and magnesium nanoparticles and their ionic forms in Eisenia hortensis coelomocytes by alkaline comet assay.

The present study aimed to evaluate the genotoxic potential of cerium oxide (CeO2 ), magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles and their ionic forms by alkaline comet assay. Eisenia hortensis were exposed to different series of concentrations (25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 µg/ml) of chemicals for 48 h to find LC50 . The LC50 for MgO and CeO2 NPs were 70 and 80 µg/ml. Whereas, the LC50 for their ionic forms were 50 and 70 µg/ml. To assess the potential DNA damage caused by the chosen chemicals, E. hortensis was further exposed for 48 h to the following concentrations, based on their respective LC50s : LC50/2 , LC50 , and 2xLC50 . Comet scores demonstrated the significant increase (p < 0.05) in DNA damage at all concentrations, both for NPs and ionic forms in a concentration-dependent manner. Findings of the present study revealed the genotoxic effects of CeO2 NPs, MgO NPs and their ionic forms on E. hortensis. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Genotoxic assessment of CeO2 and MgO NPs and their ionic forms was conducted. Characterization of NPs through electron microscopy and alkaline comet assay was performed on E. Hortensis. Highest DNA damage of CeO2 and MgO NPs was observed on earthworm.

Genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of pethoxamid herbicide on Allium cepa cells and its molecular docking studies to unravel genotoxicity mechanism.

Pethoxamid is chloroacetamide herbicide. Pethoxamid is commonly used to kill different weeds in various crops. Pethoxamid can leach in the water and soil and can cause toxic effects to other non-target species. Current study is therefore aimed to perform the investigation of the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of pethoxamid on Allium cepa cells.The root growth, mitotic index (MI), chromosomal aberrations (CAs), and DNA damage were assessed through root growth inhibition, A. cepa ana-telophase, and alkaline comet assays, respectively. Furthermore, molecular docking was performed to evaluate binding affinity of pethoxamid on DNA and very-long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) synthases. In root growth inhibition test, onion root length was statistically significantly decreased in a concentration dependent manner. Concentration- and time-dependent decreases in MI were observed, whereas increase in CAs such as disturbed ana-telophase, chromosome laggards, stickiness, anaphase bridges, and DNA damage was caused by the pethoxamid on A. cepa root cells. Molecular docking revealed that pethoxamid binds selectively to GC-rich regions in the minor groove of the DNA structure and showed remarkable binding affinity against all synthases taking part in the sequential biosynthesis of VLCFAs. It was concluded that the pethoxamid-induced genotoxicity and cytotoxicity may be through multiple binding ability of this herbicide with DNA and VLCFA synthases.

Assessment of Cytotoxic, Genotoxic, and Oxidative Stress of Dibutyl Phthalate on Cultured Bovine Peripheral Lymphocytes.

Recently, there have been numerous reports showing that phthalates have negative human health impacts and may cause several diseases such as asthma, breast cancer, obesity, type II diabetes, and male infertility. Animals are also exposed to phthalates through the environment and can cause adverse health effects on them. Several studies have been found on the cytogenetic effects of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) on different organisms but no documented evidence has been found on the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) on bovine cultured lymphocytes. MTT assay was performed on different series of DBP concentrations (10 µM, 20 µM, 30 µM, 50 µM, 70 µM, 100 µM). A concentration-dependent decrease in cell viability was observed by the DBP. The LD50, LD50/2, and 2∗LD50 were found to be 50 µM, 30 µM, and 80 µM on bovine lymphocytes, respectively. Then, these concentrations of DBP were utilized to perform comet, micronucleus assays, and oxidative stress. A concentration-dependent increase in DNA damage, oxidative stress, and micronuclei formation was observed in lymphocytes by the DBP as compared to the control group. Highest genotoxic effects were observed at a concentration of 2∗LD50. Similarly, total oxidative stress was found higher, and antioxidative stress was lower in concentration-dependent manner by the DBP. The current study revealed a significant cytotoxic, genotoxic, and oxidative stress of DBP on cultured bovine lymphocytes.

Synthesis of Moringa oleifera coated silver-containing nanocomposites of a new methacrylate polymer having pendant fluoroarylketone by hydrothermal technique and investigation of thermal, optical, dielectric and biological properties.

Firstly, silver nanoparticles were synthesized by green synthesis method from Moringa oleifera extract. Nanocomposites containing newly synthesized methacrylate polymer, poly 2-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-oxoethyl-2-methylprop-2-enoate (PFPAMA) and Ag nanoparticles from M. oleifera in different mass ratios (1, 3, and 5 wt%) were synthesized using the hydrothermal method. The morphological and structural properties of the materials have been examined by SEM, FTIR, UV, TGA, and XRD techniques. The activation energies (Ea) related to thermal decomposition of the nanocomposites were estimated by the Flynn-Wall-Ozawa and Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose methods by using non-isothermal TGA experiments. The thermal stability, glass transition temperature (Tg), and the thermal decomposition activation energy (Ea) values of nanocomposites were increased by increasing the Ag nanoparticles amount on the composite. The dielectric constant (ε'), the dielectric loss factor (ε″) and ac conductivity of neat PFPAMA and nanocomposites were also measured for the frequency range of 100 Hz to 2 kHz at 25 °C. It was seen that the frequency dependence of the dielectric constant and dielectric loss factor decreased with increasing frequency. The biological activities of nanocomposites against gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus), gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria and Candida krusei yeast were also tested. The antibacterial effect increased against both bacterial species as the amount of Ag nanoparticles from M. oleifera in the nanocomposites increased. In addition, the wound healing properties of nanocomposites were investigated by the scratch wound test.

Antioxidant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic and protective effects of truffles.

Fungi can be used as a potent chemotherapeutic agent to treat various cancers. In current study acetone and methanol extracts of Terfezia claveryi, Terfezia boudieri, Terfezia olbiensis, Picoa lefebvrei, Picoa juniperi were used to assess total phenolic contents, antioxidant activity, ion-chelating impact, antimicrobial activity, the cytotoxic and protective effects. Both methanol and acetone extracts of T. boudieri had the highest FRAP and DPPH scavenging abilities. Dose-dependent increased ion-chelating impact of all tested truffles species was found. Extracts of T. boudieri, T. claveryi, and T. albiensis exhibited higher antimicrobial activities. T. claveryi and T. boudieri showed the highest protective effects against H2O2-induced genotoxicity (P < 0.05), in S. cerevisiae BY4741. The least protective effect was showed by the acetone extracts of T. olbiensis (144 ± 8); methanol extracts of P. lefebvrei (140 ± 8) and P. juniperi (140 ± 10). MCF 7 cells showed more sensitivity against to methanol extracts of T. boudieri at 10-100 µg/mL concentrations. HepG2 cells showed more sensitivity against the methanolic extracts of T. boudieri at both doses. Overall, P. lefebvrei and P. juniperi extracts had the least cytotoxic effects. The species of Terfezia exhibit significant protective effects against DNA damage and also have the potential of cytotoxicity effects.

Cytotoxic and genotoxic evaluation of copper oxychloride through Allium test and molecular docking studies.

Copper oxychloride gained great importance due to its broad-spectrum antifungal action to combat various fungal diseases of plants. However, excess quantity of cupric fungicides on plants causes enzymatic changes and toxic effects. Thus, the current study was aimed to investigate the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of copper oxychloride on Allium cepa root cells. The root growth, mitotic index (MI), chromosomal aberrations (CAs), and DNA damage were assessed through root growth inhibition, A. cepa ana-telophase, and alkaline comet assays. Furthermore, molecular docking was performed to evaluate binding affinities of two copper oxychloride polymorphs (atacamite and paratacamite) on DNA. In root growth inhibition test, onion root length was statistically significantly decreased by changing the copper oxychloride concentration from lower (2.64±0.11 cm) to higher (0.92±0.12 cm). Concentration- and time-dependent decrease in MI was observed whereas increase in CAs such as disturbed ana-telophase, chromosome laggards, stickiness, anaphase bridges, and DNA damage were caused by the copper oxychloride on A. cepa root cells. Molecular docking results revealed that the two main polymorphs of copper oxychloride (atacamite and paratacamite) bind selectively to G and C nucleotides on the B-DNA structure. It is concluded that the atacamite- and paratacamite-induced DNA damage may be through minor groove recognition and intercalation. Findings of the current study revealed the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of copper oxychloride on A. cepa root cells. However, further studies should be carried out at the molecular level to reveal the cyto-genotoxic mechanism of action of copper oxychloride in detail.

Cyto-genotoxicity, antibacterial, and antibiofilm properties of green synthesized silver nanoparticles using Penicillium toxicarium.

The fungi are becoming the distinguished organisms utilized in the biological synthesis of metallic nanoparticles because of their metal bioaccumulation ability. Addressed herein, the extracellular synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was carried out by using the cell-free filtrate of Penicillium toxicarium KJ173540.1. P. toxicarium was locally isolated and identified using both classical and molecular methods according to ribosomal internal transcribed spacer area of 18S rDNA. The optimum conditions for the AgNPs synthesis were found as 0.25 mM AgNO3 concentrations with pH 12 values at 45°C after 64 hr incubation in dark. Biosynthesized AgNPs were characterized via microscopic and spectroscopic techniques such as transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. Zetasizer measurements presented that the high negative potential value (-18.1 mV) and PDI (0.495) supported the excellent colloidal nature of AgNPs with long-range stability and high dispersity. AgNPs exhibited cyto-genotoxicity in Allium cepa root meristem cells by decreasing mitotic index and increasing chromosome aberrations in a dose-dependent manner. Then, 100 and 50% concentration of biosynthesized AgNPs showed antibacterial activity on Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis. A decreasing biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa 80.69, 48.32, and 28.41% was also observed at 100, 50, and 25% of mycosynthesized AgNP, respectively.

Cytotoxic and genotoxic assessment of tungsten oxide nanoparticles in Allium cepa cells by Allium ana-telophase and comet assays.

Tungsten oxide nanoparticles or nanopowder (WO3NPs) is commonly used in various industries and also in biomedical applications such as additives, pigments, and biomedical sensors. Non-judicious excessive use of these nanoparticles (NPs) could be a serious human health concern. Therefore, the current study aimed to explore the cytotoxic and genotoxic assessment of WO3NPs through Allium cepa anaphase-telophase and comet assays. Nanoparticles were characterized through the scanning and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), zetasizer, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The mean size and the average diameter of WO3NPs were determined as 21.57 ± 2.48 nm and 349.42 ± 80.65 nm using TEM and a Zetasizer measurement system, respectively. Five concentrations (12.5 mg/L, 25 mg/L, 50 mg/L, 75 mg/L, and 100 mg/L) of WO3NPs were employed on the Allium cepa (A. cepa) roots for 4 h. Significant (p ≤ 0.05) decrease in mitotic index (MI) was shown by WO3NPs at all concentrations. The increase of chromosomal aberrations (CAs) was also observed in a concentration-dependent manner due to the WO3NPs exposure. There was a significant increase (p ≤ 0.05) in DNA damage at all concentrations of WO3NPs on the A. cepa cells. It was concluded that WO3NPs had cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on A. cepa meristematic cells. Moreover, further cytogenetic effects of WO3NPs should be investigated at the molecular level to assess its safety margin.

The anticarcinogen activity of ß-arbutin on MCF-7 cells: Stimulation of apoptosis through estrogen receptor-α signal pathway, inflammation and genotoxicity.

Arbutin is one of the active ingredients employed in cosmetics as a skin whitening agent. In the present study, the possible effects of arbutin on breast cancer were determined with human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cells. α and ß-arbutin cytotoxicity levels in MCF-7 cells were determined with the MTT method. At low (1-10 mM) doses, α-arbutin appears to be more toxic than ß-arbutin. At higher (5-200 mM) and LD50 doses beta arbutin toxicity appears to be higher than alpha arbutin. Thus, the study was continued with ß -arbutin. The effects of low and high doses of ß-arbutin was determined on oxidative stress, genotoxicity, inflammation, apoptosis, proliferation, endoplasmic reticulum stress and estrogen receptor-α in MCF-7 cells. The results demonstrated that the ß-arbutin doses administered to MCF-7 cells did not affect oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress in the experimental groups. However, it was found that administration of LD50 dose ß-arbutin induced inflammation in these cells via proinflammatory cytokine levels (TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-1ß). It was observed that LD10 and LD50 doses of ß-arbutin increased genotoxicity in MCF-7 cells. The gene expression analysis conducted with RT-PCR device and immunocytochemical analysis revealed that ß-arbutin at LD50 dose induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells via p53 and Caspase 3. Furthermore, it was determined that all ß-arbutin doses inhibited estrogen receptor-α in MCF-7 cells. Considering that arbutin increased the activation of apoptotic Caspase 3 through p53, which was stimulated by genotoxic and inflammatory effects at LD50 dose in MCF-7 cells. Determination of this mechanism behind these effects of ß-arbutin may contribute to the development of a new perspective in treatment.

Assessment of the cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of pillar[5]arene derivatives by Allium cepa roots and Drosophila melanogaster haemocytes.

In this study pillar[5]arene (P5) and a quinoline-functionalized pillar[5]arene (P5-6Q) which is used for detecting radioactive element, gas adsorption and toxic ions were synthesized. These materials were characterized by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), elemental analysis, melting point, Mass Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Zeta Potential. The cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of P5 and P5-6Q at distinct concentrations of 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 µg/mL were also investigated by Allium ana-telophase and comet assays on Allium cepa roots and Drosophila melanogaster haemocytes. P5 and P5-6Q showed dose dependent cytotoxic effect by decreasing mitotic index (MI) and genotoxic effect by increasing chromosomal aberrations (CAs such as disturbed anaphase-telophase, polyploidy, stickiness, chromosome laggards and bridges) and DNA damage at the exposed concentrations. These changes in P5-6Q were lower than P5. Further research is necessary to clarify the cytotoxic and genotoxic action mechanisms of P5 and P5-6Q at molecular levels.

Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Assessment of Silicon Dioxide Nanoparticles by Allium and Comet Tests.

Silicon nanoparticles gained a great interest due to its use in biomedical research. It is considered as safe and has been used in nanomedicine. But literature still states its toxicity depending upon the size and dose of silicon nanoparticles. So, current study was aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiO2NPs) by Allium anaphase-telophase and Comet tests. Characterization of SiO2NPs showed the particle size as 16.12 ± 3.07 nm. The mean diameter of SiO2NPs was having range of 404.66 ± 93.39 nm in solution. Highest total anomalies (18.80 ± 0.45) were observed at 100 µg/mL, whereas least (11.2 ± 0.84) were observed by the 12.5 µg/mL concentration. There was concentration-response association in increased CAs and DNA damage. The highest concentration (100 µg/mL) of SiO2NPs induced the significant DNA damage (149.67 ± 1.15), whereas the least was observed by the negative control (2.67 ± 0.58). The current study revealed the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of SiO2NPs on the root meristem cells of A. cepa.

Preliminary Assessment of Stress and Genotoxicity Biomarkers in Bivalve Molluscs from the Gulf of Annaba, Algeria.

The aim of this work is to assess biomarker responses to stresses caused by pollution of the marine environment in the Gulf of Annaba, using the bivalve mollusc Donax trunculus and Mytilus galloprovincialis. Males and females were collected during the summer from site 1 considered to be far from pollution sources (SM1 and SD1), site 2 (SM2 and SD2) exposed to a mixture of contaminants, and site 3 (SM3 and SD3) receiving the untreated sewage. The whole body was used for the determination of malonaldehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and DNA damage. The MDA concentration from site 2 of both species has indicated significant augmentation. The two bivalves from S2 and S3 have recorded significant decrease of GSH level, with the highest number of Comet scores. A significant site and sex effect was measured for the level of GSH and MDA, accompanied with a significant site effect for DNA damage. The genotoxicity seems correlated with the stress biomarkers and dependent on the effluent types.

Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of cerium oxide micro and nanoparticles by Allium and Comet tests.

Cerium oxide (CeO2) is extensively used in a range of applications like in television tubes, glass/ceramic polishing agent, fuel cells, solar cells, gas sensor andultraviolet absorbents. In current study, Allium ana-telophase and comet assays were employed to evaluate the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of CeO2 microparticles (CMPs, <5 µm, bulk) and CeO2 nanoparticles (CNPs, < 25 nm) on the root meristem cells of Allium cepa by using mitotic phases, mitotic index (MI), chromosomal aberrations (CAs), and DNA damage. A cepa roots were treated with the CMPs and CNPs at four different concentrations (12.5, 25, 50, and 100 ppm) for 4 h. Methyl methane sulphonate (MMS,10 ppm) and distilled water were used as positive and negative control groups, respectively. All the applied doses statistically decreased MIs. MI values of CMPs were found higher than CNPs. CMPs and CNPs significantly increased CAs such as chromosome laggards, disturbed anaphase-telophase, stickiness and bridges and also DNA damage. Characterization of CMPs and CNPs showed the particle size as 4.24 ±â€¯0.7 µm and 20.28 ±â€¯2.33 nm, respectively. The average diameter of CMPs and CNPs in solution were in the range of 372.75 ±â€¯70.23 nm and 167.74 ±â€¯38.7 nm, respectively. These results demonstrated that CMPs and CNPs had cytotoxic and genotoxic effects in A. cepa root meristematic cells.

Cytogenetic and genotoxic effects of Rosmaniric Acid on Allium cepa L. root meristem cells.

Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a natural polyphenol carboxylic acid, an ester of caffeic acid with 3,4-dihydroxyphenyllactic acid, found in many species. Current study was aimed to investigate the mitotic division, chromosomal and genotoxic effects of RA on Allium cepa root meristematic cells. In Allium root growth inhibition test, EC50 value was found as 100 ppm. Three concentrations (50, 100, and 200 ppm) of RA under different exposure periods (24, 48, 72 and 96 h) were employed to onion tuber roots. Distilled water and methyl methane sulfonate (MMS, 10 ppm) were used as a negative and positive control, respectively. 100 (except 24 h) and 200 ppm of RA significantly decreased mitotic index (MI). There was an increase of total chromosomal aberrations (CAs) at 50 ppm and simultaneous decrease of CAs at 200 ppm concentrations (p < 0.05). A significant increase in DNA damage was also observed at 200 ppm by Comet assay. Quantitative analysis of RA in A. cepa root meristem cells was also done by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Further investigations are required to explore the molecular mechanism involved in the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of RA on plants.

Genotoxic Assessment of Different Sizes of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles and Ionic Iron in Earthworm (Eisenia hortensis) Coelomocytes by Comet Assay and Micronucleus Test.

The current study was designed to evaluate genotoxicity of different sizes of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) and ionic iron using coelomocytes of the earthworms Eisenia hortensis. Earthworms were exposed to different series of IONPs and ionic iron concentrations to find the respective LC50 of the chosen chemicals. LC50 for < 50, <100 nm and the ionic iron of IONPs were 500, 200, 250 µg/mL respectively. Concentrations of LC50/2 (250, 100, 125 µg/mL for < 50, <100 nm and the ionic iron respectively) and LC50 for 48 h were used to perform the comet assay and micronucleus test. Statistically significant (p < 0.05) increase in DNA and chromosomal damage was observed for all sizes of IONPs and ionic iron. In the comet assay system, the greatest genotoxicity was observed in the treatments with < 100 nm IONPs, whereas the greatest numbers of micronuclei and binucleate cells were observed in the treatments with ionic iron. It was concluded that different types of nanoparticles (i.e. sizes, shapes) may have different genotoxic potencies in different assays with E. hortensis earthworms.