RESUMO
Helichrysum sanguineum (L.) Kostel (H. sanguineum), a member of the Asteraceae family, has been traditionally employed for various medicinal purposes owing to its rich phytochemical composition. This study investigates the anticancer properties of various extracts of H. sanguineum (ethanol, acetonitrile, hexane, and chloroform) against breast cancer cells, shedding light on its chemical constituents and their potential therapeutic effects. In vitro assays demonstrate the profound inhibitory effects of H. sanguineum extract on human fibroblast and breast cancer cells. Furthermore, we elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action, revealing its ability to induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in breast cancer cells. The cytotoxicity and apoptosis outcomes in breast cancer cells varied across different extracts, yet no adverse effects were observed on healthy cells at equivalent concentrations. Furthermore, all extracts initially promoted breast cancer cell proliferation, with the chloroform extract notably reducing cancer cell proliferation even at low concentrations. GC-MS analysis identifies the major chemical constituents of the extract, including flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds, which likely contribute to its anticancer activity. Our findings highlight the potential of H. sanguineum extract as a natural agent for breast cancer treatment and the need for further exploration of its mechanisms and clinical applications.
RESUMO
Ethyl glucuronide (EtG) is a direct metabolite of ethanol and has been utilized as a marker for alcohol intake. This study presents development, validation and application of a new hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC-MS/MS) method for the analysis of EtG in human hair samples. The linearity was assessed in the range of 5-2000 pg/mg hair, with a correlation coefficient of >0.99. The method was selective and sensitive, with a limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 0.05 pg/mg and 0.18 pg/mg in hair, respectively. Differently from the extraction procedures in the literature, a fast and simple liquid-liquid method was used and highest recoveries and cleanest extracts were obtained. The method was successfully applied to 30 human hair samples which were taken from those who state they consume alcohol. EtG concentrations in the hair samples of alcohol users participated in this study, ranged between 1.34 and 82.73 pg/mg. From the concentration of EtG in hair strands 20 of the 30 subjects can be considered regular moderate drinkers.