Antitumor effects of citrinin in an animal model of Sarcoma 180 via cytogenetic mechanisms.

Citrinin (CIT) is a cytotoxic, hepatotoxic, nephrotoxic and cardiotoxic metabolite obtained from Penicillium citrinum, that has been increasingly searched as an anticancer drug candidate. In this study, we assessed the antitumor effects of citrinin, using cytogenetic biomarkers for genotoxicity in Sarcoma 180 (S-180) ascitic fluid cells of mice. Citrinin, extracted from P. citrinum acetonitrile extract, was characterized by LC-MS. Cytotoxic assessment was done through using comet (alkaline version) and micronucleus assays. In S-180 cells, CI50 of CIT was 3.77 µg/mL, while at 12.5 and 100 µg/mL, CIT was as cytotoxic as doxorubicin (2 µg/mL). At 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 µg/mL, it induced genotoxicity and mutagenicity in S-180 cells, especially at 2 µg/mL, triggering oxidative damage similar to hydrogen peroxide (10 mM). The antitumor effects were evidenced by a marked increase in S-180 cells apoptosis and necrosis due to clastogenic and/or aneugenic cytogenetic effects (micronucleus formation), as well as by induction of nucleoplasm bridges and nuclear buds, culminating in S-180 apoptosis and necrosis. CIT has potential as drug candidate for antitumor purposesbyinvolving cytogenetic mechanisms.

SSR and ISSR markers in assessing genetic diversity in Gallus gallus domesticus: a quantitative analysis of scientific production / Marcadores SSR e ISSR na avaliação da diversidade genética em Gallus gallus domesticus: uma análise quantitativa da produção científica

ABSTRACT: Poultry meat is a major source of animal protein in the world. Research indicates a high inbreeding rate derived from a relative absence of heterozygous subpopulations of chicken from different suppliers. Molecular markers can provide information for the genetic basis of chicken consumed in rural areas and help establishing a chicken database for product quality and warranty. The bibliometric research, comprises between 1994 and 2018, from five previously selected databases: Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus and Web of Science, using the following descriptors: 'microsatellites', 'SSR', 'ISSR', 'genetic variability' and 'genetic diversity', all of them coupled to 'chicken' and/or 'birds' results in 66 scientific publications. The publications were then categorized according to their titles to the use of ISSR or SSR markers. They were also addressed by countries according first author cited. The publications data appointed that countries with the height production of poultry meat and hens are the most interested in the genetic diversity study of these species. The SSR markers, due to its more specific characteristic, are more frequently applied to genetic diversity assignment, compared to ISSR.

RESUMO: A carne de frango é uma das principais fontes de proteína animal do mundo. Pesquisas indicam uma alta taxa de endogamia derivada de uma relativa ausência de subpopulações heterozigotas de frango de diferentes fornecedores. Marcadores moleculares podem fornecer informações para a base genética de frango consumido em áreas rurais, e ajudar a estabelecer um banco de dados de frango para qualidade e garantia do produto. A pesquisa bibliométrica compreende entre 1994 e 2018, a partir de cinco bancos de dados selecionados anteriormente: Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus e Web of Science, usando os seguintes descritores: 'microssatélites', 'SSR', 'ISSR', 'variabilidade genética' e 'diversidade genética', todos eles associados a resultados de 'galinha' e / ou 'aves' o que resultou em 66 publicações científicas. As publicações foram então categorizadas de acordo com seus títulos para o uso de marcadores ISSR ou SSR. Eles também foram abordados pelos países, segundo o primeiro autor citado. Os dados das publicações obtidas apontam que os países com grande produção de carnes de frangos são os mais interessados no estudo da diversidade genética dessas espécies. Os marcadores SSR, devido à sua característica mais específica, são frequentemente aplicados à atribuição de diversidade genética, em comparação com o ISSR.

Phytol as an anticarcinogenic and antitumoral agent: An in vivo study in swiss mice with DMBA-Induced breast cancer.

Phytol (PHY) (3,7,11,15-tetramethylhexadec-2-en-1-ol) exhibits various pharmacological properties including toxicity and cytotoxicity, and exerts antitumor activity. Owing to the urgent need of new pharmaceutical formulations for breast cancer therapy, this study aimed at the evaluation of antitumor activity of PHY in 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene-cancer-induced animal model. Comet assay was employed to evaluate the cytogenetics, DNA repair, and antigenotoxic activities of PHY in neoplastic (breast) and non-neoplastic rodent cells (bone marrow, lymphocytes, and liver). Additionally, hematological, biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical analyses were carried out in experimental animals. Thirty nonpregnant female mice (n = 5) underwent 7 weeks treatment with 6 mg/kg pro-carcinogen, PHY (4 mg/kg), and cyclophosphamide (25 mg/kg). Induction of cancer was confirmed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry for Ki-67. Results suggest that PHY exhibits low toxicity in comparison with other groups in hematological, biochemical, histopathological, and organ size parameters. Additionally, PHY showed modulatory effects on the pro-carcinogen, and induced genotoxicity and apoptosis in breast cancer cells. Furthermore, it showed a DNA damage repair capacity in mouse lymphocytes. These data indicate that PHY may have the potential as an anticancer candidate in pharmaceutical consumption. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 71(1):200-212, 2019.

Protective and therapeutic potential of ginger (Zingiber officinale) extract and [6]-gingerol in cancer: A comprehensive review.

Natural dietary agents have attracted considerable attention due to their role in promoting health and reducing the risk of diseases including cancer. Ginger, one of the most ancient known spices, contains bioactive compounds with several health benefits. [6]-Gingerol constitutes the most pharmacologically active among such compounds. The aim of the present work was to review the literature pertaining to the use of ginger extract and [6]-gingerol against tumorigenic and oxidative and inflammatory processes associated with cancer, along with the underlying mechanisms of action involved in signaling pathways. This will shed some light on the protective or therapeutic role of ginger derivatives in oxidative and inflammatory regulations during metabolic disturbance and on the antiproliferative and anticancer properties. Data collected from experimental (in vitro or in vivo) and clinical studies discussed in this review indicate that ginger extract and [6]-gingerol exert their action through important mediators and pathways of cell signaling, including Bax/Bcl2, p38/MAPK, Nrf2, p65/NF-κB, TNF-α, ERK1/2, SAPK/JNK, ROS/NF-κB/COX-2, caspases-3, -9, and p53. This suggests that ginger derivatives, in the form of an extract or isolated compounds, exhibit relevant antiproliferative, antitumor, invasive, and anti-inflammatory activities.