Understanding the neurobiological effects of drug abuse: Lessons from zebrafish models.

Drug abuse and brain disorders related to drug comsumption are public health problems with harmful individual and social consequences. The identification of therapeutic targets and precise pharmacological treatments to these neuropsychiatric conditions associated with drug abuse are urgently needed. Understanding the link between neurobiological mechanisms and behavior is a key aspect of elucidating drug abuse-related targets. Due to various molecular, biochemical, pharmacological, and physiological features, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) has been considered a suitable vertebrate for modeling complex processes involved in drug abuse responses. In this review, we discuss how the zebrafish has been successfully used for modeling neurobehavioral phenotypes related to drug abuse and review the effects of opioids, cannabinoids, alcohol, nicotine, and psychedelic drugs on the central nervous system (CNS). Moreover, we summarize recent advances in zebrafish-based studies and outline potential advantages and limitations of the existing zebrafish models to explore the neurochemical bases of drug abuse and addiction. Finally, we discuss how the use of zebrafish models may present fruitful approaches to provide valuable clinically translatable data.

Protective role of jaboticaba Plinia peruviana peel extract in copper-induced cytotoxicity in Allium cepa.

Jaboticaba Plinia peruviana (Poir.) Govaerts is a Brazilian berry that presents high levels of polyphenols, which may play a key role in preventing cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of harmful agents. Although copper is an essential micronutrient that plays an important role in organisms, high copper concentrations may trigger toxicity to animals and plants. Here, we investigated whether Plinia peruviana hydroalcoholic extract prevents copper-induced cytotoxicity in Allium cepa root cells. Five different anthocyanins and phenolic compounds were identified in Plinia peruviana extract. Importantly, the exposure to 1.53 mg/L copper for 24 h impaired mitotic index, as well as increased mitosis disturbances and triggered DNA damage. Pre-incubation with Plinia peruviana extract (0.25 g/L and 0.75 g/L) for 3 h prevented copper-induced changes in the mitotic index and reduced the number of abnormal cells. In conclusion, we suggest that Plinia peruviana peel extract has protective effects against cellular and genetic disturbances induced by copper.