Spectral analysis, in vitro cytotoxicity and antibacterial studies of bioactive principles from the leaves of Conocarpus lancifolius, a common tree of Jazan, Saudi Arabia / Análise espectral, citotoxicidade in vitro e estudos antibacterianos de princípios bioativos das folhas de Conocarpus lancifolius, uma árvore comum de Jazan, Arábia Saudita

The objective of the present study was to analyse the bioactive compounds of the leaves of Conocarpus lancifolius (C. lancifolius). The GC-MS analysis of the hot methanolic extract of the leaves (HMEL) of C. lancifolius exhibited the bioactive compounds such as 1-(3-Methoxy-2-nitrobenzyl) iso quinoline, morphin-4-ol-6,7-dione, 1-bromo N-methyl-, phytol, hexadecanoic acid, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl ester, 2,2’:4’,2”-terthiophene, ethyl iso-allocholate, caryophyllene oxide, campesterol, epiglobulol, cholestan-3-ol, 2-methylene-, (3á,5à)-, dasycarpidan-1-methanol, acetate (ester) and oleic acid, eicosyl ester. The FT-IR analysis of HMEL of C. lancifolius showed a unique peak at 3184, 2413, 1657 cm-¹ representing coumaric acid, chlorogenic acid and ferulic acid. The HMEL of C. lancifolius was actively inhibiting the proliferation of breast cancer cells MCF-7 ATCC at the concentration of 72.66 ± 8.21 µg/ml as IC50 value. The HMEL of C. lancifolius also revealed a good spectrum of activity against Gram-positive and Gram negative bacterial cultures screened in this work. The activity observed has shown more or less similar effects against screened bacteria. However, the magnitude of potentiality was significantly lesser compared to standard ciprofloxacin disc at p< 0.001 level (99% confidence intervals). Furthermore, the study demonstrating the bioactive compounds can be isolated from the leaves of C. lancifolius.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar os compostos bioativos das folhas de Conocarpus lancifolius (C. lancifolius). A análise por GC-MS do extrato metanólico quente das folhas (HMEL) de C. lancifolius exibiu os compostos bioativos como 1- (3-Metoxi-2-nitrobenzil) isoquinolina, morfina-4-ol-6,7- diona, 1-bromo-N-metil-, fitol, ácido hexadecanoico, 2,3-di-hidroxipropil éster, 2,2 ‘: 4’, 2 ” - tertiofeno, isoalocolato de etil, óxido de cariofileno, campesterol, epiglobulol, colestano -3-ol, 2-metileno-, (3á, 5à) -, dasycarpidan-1-metanol, acetato (éster) e ácido oleico, éster eicosílico. A análise FT-IR de HMEL de C. lancifolius mostrou um pico único em 3184, 2413, 1657 cm-¹ representando ácido cumarico, ácido clorogênico e ácido ferúlico. O HMEL de C. lancifolius inibiu ativamente a proliferação de células de câncer de mama MCF-7 ATCC na concentração de 72,66 ± 8,21 µg/ml como valor de IC50. O HMEL de C. lancifolius também revelou bom espectro de atividade contra culturas de bactérias Gram-positivas e Gram-negativas rastreadas neste trabalho. A atividade observada mostrou efeitos mais ou menos semelhantes contra bactérias rastreadas. No entanto, a magnitude da potencialidade foi significativamente menor em comparação com o disco de ciprofloxacina padrão em nível de p < 0,001 (intervalos de confiança de 99%). Além disso, o estudo demonstrando os compostos bioativos pode ser isolado das folhas de C. lancifolius.

Studies on the recombinant production and anticancer activity of thermostable L- asparaginase I from Pyrococcus abyssi / Estudos sobre a produção recombinante e atividade anticancerígena da L asparaginase I termoestável de Pyrococcus abyssi

L-Asparaginase catalysing the breakdown of L-Asparagine to L-Aspartate and ammonia is an enzyme of therapeutic importance in the treatment of cancer, especially the lymphomas and leukaemia. The present study describes the recombinant production, properties and anticancer potential of enzyme from a hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus abyssi. There are two genes coding for asparaginase in the genome of this organism. A 918 bp gene encoding 305 amino acids was PCR amplified and cloned in BL21 (DE3) strain of E. coli using pET28a (+) plasmid. The production of recombinant enzyme was induced under 0.5mM IPTG, purified by selective heat denaturation and ion exchange chromatography. Purified enzyme was analyzed for kinetics, in silico structure and anticancer properties. The recombinant enzyme has shown a molecular weight of 33 kDa, specific activity of 1175 U/mg, KM value 2.05mM, optimum temperature and pH 80°C and 8 respectively. No detectable enzyme activity found when L-Glutamine was used as the substrate. In silico studies have shown that the enzyme exists as a homodimer having Arg11, Ala87, Thr110, His112, Gln142, Leu172, and Lys232 being the putative active site residues. The free energy change calculated by molecular docking studies of enzyme and substrate was found as ∆G – 4.5 kJ/mole indicating the affinity of enzyme with the substrate. IC50 values of 5U/mL to 7.5U/mL were determined for FB, caco2 cells and HepG2 cells. A calculated amount of enzyme (5U/mL) exhibited 78% to 55% growth inhibition of caco2 and HepG2 cells. In conclusion, the recombinant enzyme produced and characterized in the present study offers a good candidate for the treatment of cancer. The procedures adopted in the present study can be prolonged for in vivo studies.

A L-asparaginase, que catalisa a degradação da L-asparagina em L-aspartato e amônia, é uma enzima de importância terapêutica no tratamento do câncer, especialmente dos linfomas e da leucemia. O presente estudo descreve a produção recombinante, propriedades e potencial anticancerígeno da enzima de Pyrococcus abyssi, um archaeon hipertermofílico. Existem dois genes que codificam para a asparaginase no genoma desse organismo. Um gene de 918 bp, que codifica 305 aminoácidos, foi amplificado por PCR e clonado na cepa BL21 (DE3) de E. coli usando o plasmídeo pET28a (+). A produção da enzima recombinante foi induzida sob 0,5mM de IPTG, purificada por desnaturação seletiva por calor e cromatografia de troca iônica. A enzima purificada foi analisada quanto à cinética, estrutura in silico e propriedades anticancerígenas. A enzima recombinante apresentou peso molecular de 33 kDa, atividade específica de 1.175 U / mg, valor de KM 2,05 mM, temperatura ótima de 80º C e pH 8. Nenhuma atividade enzimática detectável foi encontrada quando a L-glutamina foi usada como substrato. Estudos in silico mostraram que a enzima existe como um homodímero, com Arg11, Ala87, Thr110, His112, Gln142, Leu172 e Lys232 sendo os resíduos do local ativo putativo. A mudança de energia livre calculada por estudos de docking molecular da enzima e do substrato foi encontrada como ∆G – 4,5 kJ / mol, indicando a afinidade da enzima com o substrato. Valores de IC50 de 5U / mL a 7,5U / mL foram determinados para células FB, células caco2 e células HepG2. Uma quantidade de enzima (5U / mL) apresentou inibição de crescimento de 78% a 55% das células caco2 e HepG2, respectivamente. Em conclusão, a enzima recombinante produzida e caracterizada no presente estudo é uma boa possibilidade para o tratamento do câncer. Os procedimentos adotados na presente pesquisa podem ser aplicados para estudos in vivo.

Complexation and enhancement of temozolomide solubility with cyclodextrins

ABSTRACT Temozolomide is a poorly soluble anti-cancer drug used in the treatment of some brain cancers. Following literature reports about the enhancement of solubility and stability for these kinds of drugs upon complexation with cyclodextrins, we aimed to form an inclusion complex between temozolomide and the different types of cyclodextrins (CDs) to enhance its solubility. In this study, three different cyclodextrins (ß -CD, hydroxyl-ß-CD and γ-CD) were used, and changes in solubility was measured by UV-Vis Spectroscopy and HPLC. Morphological changes upon complexation were shown by the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and weight loss profiles with respect to temperatures which were unique to the compounds were shown by Thermogravimetric Analysis. Changes in heat release profiles were shown by Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC). Drug solubility was measured to be increased to around 25% for 1:1 molar ratio for all used CD complexations. Changes of morphology, heat release and weight loss profiles are consistent with the formation of an inclusion complex between CDs and temozolomide. In this study, success was shown in the enhancement of temozolomide solubility upon complexation with different types of CDs. It has been demonstrated that cyclodextrins can be used as complexing agents for poorly soluble anti-cancer drugs, increasing their solubility and hence drug availability

Atividade anticarcinogênica da tributirina associada ou não ao sorafenibe em ratos Fischer-344 implantados com células GP7TB / Evaluation of anticarcinogenic activity associated or not with sorafenib in Fischer-344 rats implanted with GP7TB cells

O câncer primário de fígado (CPF) apresenta mau prognóstico, o que torna importante sua quimioprevenção. Nesse sentido, a tributirina (TB), um pró-fármaco do ácido butírico (AB), presente em laticínios e no mel, mostrou-se um agente quimiopreventivo promissor da hepatocarcinogênese experimental. Os efeitos inibitórios da TB têm sido relacionados à inibição do desenvolvimento de lesões pré-neoplásicas, bem como indução de apoptose e hiperacetilação de histonas. A quimioterapia é uma das abordagens mais comuns para o tratamento de diversos tipos de câncer, inclusive o CPF. Neste caso, o tratamento com sorafenibe (SO) é capaz de prolongar a sobrevida média dos pacientes com a doença em fases avançadas em aproximadamente apenas três meses. Em vista disso, são necessários estudos da associação do sorafenibe com outros compostos que possam aumentar a eficácia do tratamento quimioterápico. Desta forma, a associação de fármacos anti-neoplásicos com compostos bioativos dos alimentos pode consistir em uma estratégia potencial para aumentar a eficácia contra o câncer. No presente estudo, foi avaliada a atividade anticarcinogênica da TB e do SO, isoladamente ou em associação, na etapa de progressão da hepatocarcinogênese. Para tanto, foram realizados implantes singênicos no flanco de ratos Fischer-344 a partir de células da linhagem tumoral GP7TB. Quando as neoplasias atingiram 1 cm3, os animais foram aleatorizados em grupos experimentais: Grupo controle (CO), constituído por 10 ratos Fischer 344 que receberam Maltodextrina (300mg/ 100 g. p. c.), controle isocolarico e solução de etanol à 12,5% e Cremofor à 12,5% em agua estéril; Grupo Tributirina (TB), constituído por 9 ratos Fischer 344 que receberam TB (200mg/ 100 g. p. c.) e solução de etanol à 12,5% e Cremofor à 12,5% em água estéril; Grupo sorafenibe (SO) constituído por 9 ratos Fischer 344 que receberam Maltodextrina (300 mg/ 100 g. p. c.), controle isocalorico e tosilato de sorafenibe (3mg / 100 g. p. c. ) em água estéril; Grupo associação da tributirina com o sorafenibe (AS) constituído por 9 ratos Fischer 344 que receberam TB (20 mg/ 100 g. p. c.) e tosiliato de sorafenibe (3mg/ 100 g. p. c.); tratados por administração intragástrica (i.g) diariamente por 5 semanas consecutivas. As concentrações de AB e SO foram analisadas por cromatografia gasosa associada à espectrometria de massa e as neoplasias foram caracterizadas por imunoistoquímica. Em relação à evolução do tamanho das neoplasias o grupo AS apresentou menor (p=0,009) tamanho das mesmas em relação ao grupo CO. No entanto, estas diferenças não atingiram diferenças significativas (p>0,05) entre os grupos TB e CO, bem como entre os grupos SO e CO. Contudo, quando ajustados os valores do tamanho da neoplasia pela latência, observou-se alterações significativas (p<0,05) nos diversos grupos quando comparados ao grupo CO. O grupo SO aumentou a área necrótica das neoplasias, embora esta diferença não tenha atingido diferença significativa (p>0,05), enquanto que o grupo TB reduziu essa área necrótica em relação ao grupo CO (p=0,005). O grupo TB e AS apresentaram significativamente maiores (p<0,05) concentrações hepáticas e neoplásicas de AB em relação ao grupo CO. O grupo SO e AS apresentaram significativamente maiores (p<0,05) concentrações neoplásicas de SO em relação ao grupo CO. Os grupos SO e AS reduziram a expressão de PTEN, quando comparados ao grupo CO, embora esta diferença não tenha atingido diferença significativa (p>0,05). O grupo TB por sua vez expressou maiores niveis de PTEN, embora esta diferença não tenha atigindo significância estatística (p>0,05). Todos os grupos expressaram maiores niveis de caspase 3 clivada quando comparada ao grupo CO (p>0,05). OS grupos TB e SO reduziram a expressão de pERK ½ quando comparados ao grupo CO. embora estas diferenças não tenham atingidos diferença estatística (p>0,05). O grupo AS apresentou maior expressão de pERK ½ quando comparada ao grupo CO, embora esta diferença não tenha atingido diferença significativa (p>0,05). A caracterização das neoplasias do grupo CO foi padronizada por imunoistoquímica, apresentando-se positivas para CK 7, CK8, CK19 e Arginase e negativas para HepPar1 e CK18. Assim, os resultados sugerem que as neoplasias obtidas por implantes com células da linhagem GP7TB apresentam características de CPF oriundo de células tronco neoplásicas. Além disso, os grupos experimentais TB e AS apresentaram atividade anticarcinogênica promissora no modelo de implantes singênicos com células GP7TB, que eventualmente envolvem mecanismos de ação distintos da atividade quimioterápica apresentada pelo SO

Primary liver cancer (PLC) presents poor prognosis, which makes its chemoprevention important. In this sense, tributyrin (TB), a prodrug of butyric acid (AB), present in dairy products and honey, has been shown to be a promising chemopreventive agent for experimental hepatocarcinogenesis. The inhibitory effects of TB have been related to inhibition of the development of pre-neoplastic lesions, as well as induction of apoptosis and hyperacetylation of histones. Chemotherapy is one of the most common approaches for treating various types of cancer, including PLC. In this case, treatment with sorafenib (SO) is able to prolong the average survival of patients with the disease in advanced stages in approximately three months. In view of this, studies of the association of sorafenib with other compounds that may increase the efficacy of chemotherapeutic treatment are necessary. Thus, the association of anti-neoplastic drugs with bioactive compounds in food may be a potential strategy to increase efficacy against cancer. In the present study, the anticarcinogenic activity of TB and SO was evaluated, alone or in combination, in the progression stage of hepatocarcinogenesis. For this purpose, syngenic implants were performed on the flank of Fischer-344 mice from GP7TB tumor cells. When the neoplasms reached 1 cm3, the animals were randomized into experimental groups: Control group (CO), consisting of 10 Fischer 344 rats receiving Maltodextrin (300mg / 100 g.p.c), isocaloric control and 12.5% ethanol solution, and Cremofor to 12.5% in sterile water; Tributyrin group (TB), consisting of 9 Fischer 344 rats that received TB (200mg / 100 g.p.c.) and 12.5% ethanol solution and Cremofor 12.5% in sterile water; Sorafenib group (SO) consisting of 9 Fischer 344 rats receiving maltodextrin (300 mg / 100 g, w / w), isocaloric control and sorafenib tosylate (3 mg / 100 g, w / w) in sterile water; The association group of tributyrin and sorafenib (AS) consisted of 9 Fischer 344 rats receiving TB (20 mg / 100 g p.o.) and sorafenib tosylate (3 mg / 100 g p.o.); treated intragastric (i.g) daily for 5 consecutive weeks. The concentrations of AB and SO were analyzed by gas chromatography associated with mass spectrometry and the neoplasms were characterized by immunohistochemistry. In relation to the evolution of the size of the neoplasias, the AS group presented smaller (p = 0.009) size of the same ones in relation to the CO group. However, these differences did not reach significant differences (p> 0.05) between the TB and CO groups, as well as between the SO and CO groups. However, when adjusted for size of the neoplasm by latency, significant changes (p <0.05) were observed in the different groups when compared to the CO group. The SO group increased the necrotic area of the neoplasias, although this difference did not reach a significant difference (p> 0.05), while the TB group reduced this necrotic area in relation to the CO group (p = 0.005). The TB and AS groups presented significantly higher (p <0.05) hepatic and neoplastic AB concentrations than the CO group. The SO and AS groups presented significantly higher (p <0.05) neoplastic concentrations of SO in relation to the CO group. The SO and AS groups reduced the PTEN expression when compared to the CO group, although this difference did not reach a significant difference (p> 0.05). The TB group in turn expressed higher levels of PTEN, although this difference did not increase statistical significance (p> 0.05). All groups expressed higher levels of caspase 3 cleaved when compared to the CO group (p> 0.05). The TB and SO groups reduced the expression of pERK ½ when compared to the CO group. although these differences did not reach statistical difference (p> 0.05). The AS group presented higher pERK ½ expression when compared to the CO group, although this difference did not reach a significant difference (p> 0.05). Characterization of the neoplasias of the CO group was standardized by immunohistochemistry, presenting positive for CK 7, CK8, CK19 and Arginase and negative for HepPar1 and CK18. Thus, the results suggest that the neoplasias obtained by implants with GP7TB cells present CPF characteristics originating from neoplastic stem cells. In addition, the experimental groups TB and AS presented promising anticarcinogenic activity in the model of syngeneic implants with GP7TB cells, which eventually involve mechanisms of action distinct from the chemotherapy activity presented by SO

Synthetic phosphoethanolamine: the state of the art of scientific production

ABSTRACT Cancer is a multifactorial disease and a serious public health problem. Currently, alternative drug treatments for cancer are actively being sought, which is the case of synthetic phosphoethanolamine (PHOS-S), a compound that could possibly have anticarcinogenic effects. To analyze the available scientific evidence to evaluate the anticarcinogenic effects of in vivo and in vitro PHOS-S. A systematic literature review of scientific articles aimed at evaluating the anticarcinogenic potential of PHOS-S, in vivo and in vitro, using the databases PubMed, ScienceDirect, SciElo, CAPES Portal and LILACS. The selected papers suggest a possible anticarcinogenic effect of PHOS-S by inhibiting tumor growth by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle blockade as well as cytotoxic potential against leukemia cells. However, a possible stimulatory effect of tumor growth was also observed. Although some of the evaluated studies indicated a possible anticarcinogenic effect of PHOS-S, the limitations of these studies must be evaluated. Most were performed by the same research group, and in the scientific literature, we identified only preclinical studies (in cells or in animals). No human study has been published. Thus, more studies are needed to confirm the anticarcinogenic capacity of PHOS-S.

Development and validation of a HPTLC method for analysis of Sunitinib malate

ABSTRACT A simple high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) has been developed and validated for determination of sunitinib malate and possible impurities. The samples were applied in forms of bands on an aluminum TLC plate pre-coated with silica gel and were separated using dichloromethane: methanol: toluene: ammonia solution as the mobile phase. Sunitinib malate was thoroughly separated from impurities including E-isomer, sunitinib N-oxide and impurity B with a retention factor (RF) of 0.35±0.02. Quantitative analysis of sunitinib was carried out using a mobile phase consisting of dichloromethane:methanol:ammonia solution, RF value was 0.53±0.02 for Z isomer. Detection was performed densitometrically in absorbance mode at 430 nm. This method was found to produce sharp, symmetrical, and well resolved peaks. Linear relationship with the coefficients of determination > 0.99 was achieved over the concentration range of 27.34 to 437.5 ng/spot. This method provides robust, replicable and accurate results with acceptable sensitivity.

Carbon nanotubes as a novel drug delivery system for anticancer therapy: a review

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were discovered in 1991 and shown to have certain unique physicochemical properties, attracting considerable interest in their application in various fields including drug delivery. The unique properties of CNTs such as ease of cellular uptake, high drug loading, thermal ablation, among others, render them useful for cancer therapy. Cancer is one of the most challenging diseases of modern times because its therapy involves distinguishing normal healthy cells from affected cells. Here, CNTs play a major role because phenomena such as EPR, allow CNTs to distinguish normal cells from affected ones, the Holy Grail in cancer therapy. Considerable work has been done on CNTs as drug delivery systems over the last two decades. However, concerns over certain issues such as biocompatibility and toxicity have been raised and warrant extensive research in this field.

Os nanotubos de carbono foram descobertos em 1991 e suas propriedades físico-químicas únicas demonstradas, despertando interesse em sua aplicação em vários campos, incluindo a entrega liberação de fármacos. As propriedades únicas dos nanotubos de carbono, tais como a facilidade de captação pela célula, carga alta de fármaco, ablação térmica, entre outras, tornaram-nos úteis para terapia de câncer, uma das doenças mais difíceis dos tempos modernos, pois sua terapia envolve a distinção entre as células normais saudáveis e as afetadas pela doença. Os nanotubos de carbono têm um papel importante nessa área porque fenômenos como EPR permitem que estes possam distinguir as células normais das afetadas, que é o Santo Graal na terapia do câncer. Trabalho considerável tem sido feito ao longo das duas últimas década com nanotubos de carbono, como sistemas de liberação de fármacos. No entanto, preocupações sobre algumas questões, como biocompatibilidade e toxicidade, surgiram ao longo do tempo, demandando extensas pesquisa nesse campo.

Differential susceptibilities of human lung, breast and skin cancer cell lines to killing by five sea anemone venoms

Although sea anemones are well known for being rich sources of toxins, including cytolysins and neurotoxins, their venoms and toxins have been poorly studied. In the present study, the venoms from five sea anemones (Heteractis crispa, Heteractis magnifica, Heteractis malu, Cryptodendrum adhaesivum and Entacmaea quadricolor) were obtained by the milking technique, and the potential of these venoms to kill cancer cells was tested on three cell lines (A549 lung cancer, T47D breast cancer and A431 skin cancer). The total protein level in the crude extract was determined by the bicinchoninic acid (BCA) protein assay. The cytotoxicity on different cell lines was assayed using the 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay which measures survival based on the detection of mitochondrial activity and by the crystal violet assay, which measures survival based on the ability of cells to remain adherent to microplates. The results indicate that the sea anemone venom is cytotoxic to human cancer cells. The A549 cell line was the most sensitive of the cell lines tested with a significant reduction in viability observed at 40 µg/mL. H. malu, C. adhaesivum and E. quadricolor had a significant inhibitory effect on A431 cells. Furthermore, H. malu and C. adhaesivum had a significant inhibitory effect on T47D cell line at 40 µg/mL. In conclusion, the sea anemone venoms tested have the potential to be developed as anticancer agents.(AU)

In vitro anticancer activity of microbial isolates from diverse habitats / In vitro atividade anticancerígena de isolados microbianos de diversos habitats

Extracts from natural products, especially microorganisms, have served as a valuable source of diverse molecules in many drug discovery efforts and led to the discovery of several important drugs. Identification of microbial strains having promising biological activities and purifying the bio-molecules responsible for the activities, have led to the discovery of many bioactive molecules. Extracellular, as well as intracellular, extracts of the metabolites of thirty-six bacterial and twenty-four fungal isolates, grown under unusual conditions such as high temperature, high salt and low sugar concentrations, were in vitro tested for their cytotoxic potential on various cancer cell lines. The extracts were screened on HeLa and MCF-7 cell lines to study the cytotoxic potential. Nuclear staining and flow cytometric studies were carried out to assess the potential of the extracts in arresting the cell cycle. The crude ethylacetate extract of isolate F-21 showed promising results by MTT assay with IC50 as low as 20.37±0.36 µg/mL on HeLa, and 44.75±0.81 µg/mL on MCF-7 cells, comparable with Cisplatin. The isolate F-21 was identified as Aspergillus sp. Promising results were also obtained with B-2C and B-4E strains. Morphological studies, biochemical tests and preliminary chemical investigation of the extracts were also carried out.

Extratos de produtos naturais, especialmente de microrganismos, constituíram-se em fonte valiosa de diversas moléculas em muitas descobertas de fármacos e levaram à descoberta de fármacos importantes. A identificação de espécies microbianas que apresentam atividade biológica e a purificação de biomoléculas responsáveis pelas atividades levou à descoberta de muitas moléculas bioativas. Extratos extracelulares tanto quanto intracelulares de metabólitos de 36 isolados de bactérias e 24 isolados de fungos, que cresceram sob condições não usuais, como alta temperatura, alta concentração de sal e baixa concentração de açúcar, foram testados in vitro quanto ao seu potencial citotóxico em várias linhagens de câncer. Os extratos foram ensaiados em células HeLa e MCF-7 para o estudo do potencial citotóxico. A coloração nuclear e os estudos de citometria de fluxo foram realizados para avaliar o potencial dos extratos em bloquear o ciclo celular. O extrato bruto em acetato de etila do isolado F-21 mostrou resultados promissores no ensaio de MTT, com IC50 de 20,37±0,36 µg/mL em células HeLa e 44,.75±0,81 µg/mL em células MCF-7, comparativamente à cisplatina. O isolado F-21 foi identificado como Aspergillus sp. Resultados promissores foram obtidos com cepas B-2C e B-4E. Realizaram-se, também, estudos morfológicos, testes bioquímicos e investigação química preliminar dos extratos.