Presence of micronuclei and nuclear abnormalities in Caracara (Polyborus) plancus living in an airport area in southern Brazil.

The aviation sector is believed to be responsible for considerable environmental damage attributed to emission of a large number and amount of pollutants. Airports are often surrounded by forest fragments and humid areas that attract birds of prey and hence may potentially serve as useful bioindicators. The aim of the present study was to examine genotoxic potential in raptors exposed to airport pollution using the micronucleus (MN) test and morphological changes as evidenced by bilateral symmetry. This investigation was conducted at Salgado Filho International Airport of Porto Alegre - RS as well as in private and zoological breeding grounds. The presence of metals was measured in the blood cells of the collected birds. Seventeen birds (Caracara (Polyborus) plancus) were used in this study 11 from exposed and 6 from non-exposed group. The nuclear alterations clearly indicate that organisms exposed to airport pollution exhibited a significantly higher frequency of genetic damage compared to non-exposed birds. Further, manganese and chromium were detected exclusively in the blood of the exposed group. In contrast, the analysis of bilateral symmetry did not detect any significant morphologic differences between the two groups. Therefore, data indicate that blood genotoxic stress occurs in birds of prey living in civil aviation areas as evidenced by MN frequency increase and presence of manganese and chromium.

Basal levels of inorganic elements, genetic damages, and hematological values in captive Falco peregrinus.

It is essential to determine the basal pattern of different biomarkers for future evaluation of animal health and biomonitoring studies. Due to their great displacement capacity and to being at the top of their food chains, birds of prey are suitable for monitoring purposes. Furthermore, some birds of prey are adapted to using resources in urban places, providing information about this environment. Thus, this study determined the basal frequency of micronuclei and other nuclear alterations in peripheral blood erythrocytes of Falco peregrinus. Hematological and inorganic elements analysis were also performed. For this purpose, 13 individuals (7 females and 6 males) were sampled in private breeding grounds. Micronucleus, nuclear buds, nucleoplasmic bridges, notched nuclei, binucleated cells and nuclear tails were quantified. Inorganic elements detected included the macro-elements Ca, P, Mg, Na, Cl, S and K as well as the micro-elements Fe, Al and Zn. Our study found similar values compared to previous studies determining the reference ranges of hematologic parameters in falcons. The only different value was observed in the relative number of monocytes. Thus, this study is the first approach to obtaining reference values of cytogenetic damage in this species and could be useful for future comparisons in biomonitoring studies.

Genotoxic effect induced by dried nicotiana tabacum leaves from tobacco barns (kiln-houses) in chinese hamster lung fibroblast cells (V79).

Nicotiana tabacum is the most cultivated tobacco species in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Workers who handle the plant are exposed to the leaf components during the harvesting process and when separating and classifying the dried leaves. In addition to nicotine, after the drying process, other components may be found including tobacco-specific nitrosamines, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, as well as pesticides residues. The objective of this study was to examine the genotoxicity attributed to the aqueous extract of dried tobacco leaves obtained from tobacco barns using Chinese hamster lung fibroblast cells (V79) as a model system by employing alkaline comet assay, micronucleus (MN) and Ames test. MTT assay was used to assess cytotoxicity and establish concentrations for this study. Data demonstrated cell viability > 85% for concentrations of 0.625-5 mg/ml while the comet assay indicated a significant increase in DNA damage at all concentrations tested. A significant elevation of MN and nuclear buds (NBUD) was found for 5 mg/ml compared to control and other dry tobacco leaves concentrations (0.625-2.5 mg/ml). Mutagenicity was not found using the Salmonella/Microsome test (TA98, TA100, and TA102 strains) with and without metabolic activation. The concentration of inorganic elements was determined employing the PIXE technique, and 13 inorganic elements were detected. Using CG/MS nicotine amounts present were 1.56 mg/g dry tobacco leaf powder. Due to the observed genotoxicity in V79 cells, more investigations are needed to protect the health of tobacco workers exposed daily to this complex mixture of toxic substances present in dry tobacco leaves.

Evaluation of the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of Sida planicaulis Cav extract using human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y.

Sida planicaulis is a weed thought to have originated in Brazil, where it is present in abundant quantities, but also this plant is also found in south-central Florida, Indian Ocean Islands, and the Pacific Islands. Sida planicaulis produces neurotoxicity that adversely affects livestock breeding with heavy animal losses and consequent negative impact on Brazil's economy. The aim of this study was to determine the chemical profile, cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of ethanolic extracts of S. planicaulis collected in winter (leaf extract) and summer (leaf extract and leaf + flower extract) using an in vitro model of human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y. Phytochemical screening demonstrated the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, and apolar compounds. Rutin, quercetin, and swainsonine were detected by HPLC and GC/MS, respectively. Phosphorus, potassium, iron, and zinc were the inorganic elements found. Extracts produced cytotoxicity at all concentrations tested (7-4,000 µg/ml) as evidenced by the colorimetric assay [3-(4,5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl) -2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT)]. Based upon the alkaline comet assay extracts were found to induce genotoxicity at concentrations ranging from 0.437 to 7 µg/ml. DNA damage produced by extracts was affirmed using a modified comet assay with the enzymes Endo III and FPG in a concentration dependent manner. Further, enzyme-modified comet assay showed both oxidized purines and pyrimidines, and consequently oxidative stress was related to genomic instability and cell death. Data suggest that low concentrations of ethanolic extracts of S. planicaulis (different seasons) induced increased DNA damage related to oxidative stress and chemical composition.

Pulmonary oxidative stress in wild bats exposed to coal dust: A model to evaluate the impact of coal mining on health.

This study aimed to verify possible alterations involving histological and oxidative stress parameters in the lungs of wild bats in the Carboniferous Basin of Santa Catarina (CBSC) state, Southern Brazil, as a means to evaluate the impact of coal dust on the health of wildlife. Specimens of frugivorous bat species Artibeus lituratus and Sturnira lilium were collected from an area free of coal dust contamination and from coal mining areas. Chemical composition, histological parameters, synthesis of oxidants and antioxidant enzymes, and oxidative damage in the lungs of bats were analyzed. Levels of Na, Cl, Cu, and Br were higher in both species collected in the CBSC than in the controls. Levels of K and Rb were higher in A. lituratus, and levels of Si, Ca, and Fe were higher in S. lilium collected in the carboniferous basin. Both bat species inhabiting the CBSC areas exhibited an increase in the degree of pulmonary emphysema compared to their counterparts collected from control areas. Sturnira lilium showed increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein (DCF) levels, while A. lituratus showed a significant decrease in nitrite levels in the CBSC samples. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity did not change significantly; however, the activity of catalase (CAT) and levels of glutathione (GSH) decreased in the A. lituratus group from CBSC compared to those in the controls. There were no differences in NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 protein (NQO1) abundance or nitrotyrosine expression among the different groups of bats. Total thiol levels showed a significant reduction in A. lituratus from CBSC, while the amount of malondialdehyde (MDA) was higher in both A. lituratus and S. lilium groups from coal mining areas. Our results suggested that bats, especially A. lituratus, living in the CBSC could be used as sentinel species for harmful effects of coal dust on the lungs.

Systems chemo-biology analysis of DNA damage response and cell cycle effects induced by coal exposure.

Cell cycle alterations are among the principle hallmarks of cancer. Consequently, the study of cell cycle regulators has emerged as an important topic in cancer research, particularly in relation to environmental exposure. Particulate matter and coal dust around coal mines have the potential to induce cell cycle alterations. Therefore, in the present study, we performed chemical analyses to identify the main compounds present in two mineral coal samples from Colombian mines and performed systems chemo-biology analysis to elucidate the interactions between these chemical compounds and proteins associated with the cell cycle. Our results highlight the role of oxidative stress generated by the exposure to the residues of coal extraction, such as major inorganic oxides (MIOs), inorganic elements (IEs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) on DNA damage and alterations in the progression of the cell cycle (blockage and/or delay), as well as structural dysfunction in several proteins. In particular, IEs such as Cr, Ni, and S and PAHs such as benzo[a]pyrene may have influential roles in the regulation of the cell cycle through DNA damage and oxidative stress. In this process, cyclins, cyclin-dependent kinases, zinc finger proteins such as TP53, and protein kinases may play a central role.

Investigation of pesticide exposure by genotoxicological, biochemical, genetic polymorphic and in silico analysis.

Soybean farmers are exposed to various types of pesticides that contain in their formulations a combination of chemicals with genotoxic and mutagenic potential. Therefore, the objective of this paper was to evaluate the genetic damages caused by this pesticide exposure to soybean producers in the state of Mato Grosso (Brazil), regarding biochemical, genetic polymorphic and in silico analyses. A total of 148 individuals were evaluated, 76 of which were occupationally exposed and 72 were not exposed at all. The buccal micronucleus cytome assay (BMCyt) detected in the exposed group an increase on DNA damage and cell death. No inhibition of butyrylcholinesterase (BchE) was observed within the exposed group. The detection of inorganic elements was made through the particle-induced X-ray emission technique (PIXE), which revealed higher concentrations of Bromine (Br), Rubidium (Rb) and Lead (Pb) in rural workers. A molecular model using in silico analysis suggests how metal ions can cause both DNA damage and apoptosis in the exposed cells. Analysis of the compared effect of X-ray Repair Cross-complement Protein 1 (XRCC1) and Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) genotypes in the groups demonstrated an increase of binucleated cells (exposed group) and nuclear bud (non-exposed group) in individuals with the XRCC1 Trip/- and PON1 Arg/- genes. There was no significant difference in the telomere (TL) mean value in the exposed group in contrast to the non-exposed group. Our results showed that soybean producers showed genotoxic effect and cell death, which may have been induced by exposure to complex mixtures of agrochemicals and fertilizers. In addition, XRCC1 Arg/Arg could, in some respects, provide protection to individuals.

Heavy-metal content and oxidative damage in Hypsiboas faber: the impact of coal-mining pollutants on amphibians.

It has been identified worldwide that amphibians are experiencing massive population declines. This decrease could be further enhanced by the exposure of amphibians to pollutants, which would enhance reactive oxygen species production and cause subsequent alterations in oxidant defense levels. The present study was aimed at understanding the impact of mineral coal on amphibians. For this purpose, chemical elemental contents and oxidative stress indexes in Hypsiboas faber from coal-mining areas and in an unpolluted area in the Catarinense Coal Basin, Brazil, were assessed. The highest contents of sulfur, chlorine, iron, zinc, and bromine were registered in specimens from the coal-mining area, whereas the highest contents of potassium calcium, and silicon were registered in specimens from the control area. It was found that there was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the activity of super oxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the animals from the coal-mining area, whereas the level of catalase showed no differences between the animal groups. The levels of TBARS showed no differences between the tested groups. However, carbonylation decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in animals from the coal-mining area, and there was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the formation of total thiols in animals from the coal-mining area. In conclusion, the antioxidant system of H. faber is sensitive to pollutants present in coal-mining wastes, and its SOD and GPx activity may be a potential biomarker for monitoring the level of contaminants in the environment.

Genetic damage in soybean workers exposed to pesticides: evaluation with the comet and buccal micronucleus cytome assays.

Soybean cultivation is widespread in the State of Rio Grande do Sul (RS, Brazil), especially in the city of Espumoso. Soybean workers in this region are increasingly exposed to a wide combination of chemical agents present in formulations of fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides. In the present study, the comet assay in peripheral leukocytes and the buccal micronucleus (MN) cytome assay (BMCyt) in exfoliated buccal cells were used to assess the effects of exposures to pesticides in soybean farm workers from Espumoso. A total of 127 individuals, 81 exposed and 46 non-exposed controls, were evaluated. Comet assay and BMCyt (micronuclei and nuclear buds) data revealed DNA damage in soybean workers. Cell death was also observed (condensed chromatin, karyorhectic, and karyolitic cells). Inhibition of non-specific choline esterase (BchE) was not observed in the workers. The trace element contents of buccal samples were analyzed by Particle-Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE). Higher concentrations of Mg, Al, Si, P, S, and Cl were observed in cells from workers. No associations with use of personal protective equipment, gender, or mode of application of pesticides were observed. Our findings indicate the advisability of monitoring genetic toxicity in soybean farm workers exposed to pesticides.

Human Neocortex Layer Features Evaluated by PIXE, STIM, and STXM Techniques.

The human neocortex has a cytoarchitecture composed of six layers with an intrinsic organization that relates to afferent and efferent pathways for a high functional specialization. Various histological, neurochemical, and connectional techniques have been used to study these cortical layers. Here, we explore the additional possibilities of swift ion beam and synchrotron radiation techniques to distinguish cellular layers based on the elemental distributions and areal density pattern in the human neocortex. Temporal cortex samples were obtained from two neurologically normal adult men (postmortem interval: 6-12 h). A cortical area of 500 × 500 µm2 was scanned by a 3 MeV proton beam for elemental composition and areal density measurements using particle induced x-ray emission (PIXE) and scanning transmission ion microscopy (STIM), respectively. Zinc showed higher values in cortical layers II and V, which needs a critical discussion. Furthermore, the areal density decreased in regions with a higher density of pyramidal neurons in layers III and V. Scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) revealed the cellular density with higher lateral resolution than STIM, but not enough to distinguish each cortical lamination border. Our data describe the practical results of these approaches employing both X-ray and ion-beam based techniques for the human cerebral cortex and its heterogeneous layers. These results add to the potential approaches and knowledge of the human neocortical gray matter in normal tissue to develop improvements and address further studies on pathological conditions.

Toxicological potential of Aloysia gratissima: Insights from chemical analysis and in vitro studies.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Aloysia gratissima leaves are popularly used to treat respiratory, digestive, and nervous system disorders. Several studies have been carried out to determine the biological activity of A. gratissima, such as its antibacterial and anti-edematogenic activities, but despite the beneficial uses of A. gratissima, few studies have examined the toxicological profile of this plant. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to determine the chemical composition, cytotoxic, genotoxic, mutagenic potential, and antioxidant activity of an aqueous extract of A. gratissima leaves (AG-AEL). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The phytochemical constitution of AG-AEL was assessed by colorimetric analyses and High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The inorganic elements were detected by Particle-Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE). The antioxidant, cytotoxicity, genotoxic, and mutagenic activities were evaluated in vitro by Di(phenyl)-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)iminoazanium (DPPH), Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay, comet assay, and Salmonella/microsome assays. RESULTS: AG-AEL indicated the presence of terpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. HPLC detected rutin at 2.41 ± 0.33 mg/100 mg. PIXE analysis indicated the presence of Mg, Si, P, S, K, Ca, Mn, and Zn. The 50% inhibitory concentration was 84.17 ± 3.17 µg/mL in the DPPH assay. Genotoxic effects were observed using the Comet assay in neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells and mutations were observed in TA102 and TA97a strains. The extract showed cytotoxic activities against ovarian (OVCAR-3), glioblastoma (U87MG), and colon (HT-29) cancer cell lines. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, AG-AEL increased DNA damage, induced frameshift, and oxidative mutations, and showed cytotoxic activities against different cancer cells. The in vitro toxicological effects observed suggest that this plant preparation should be used with caution, despite its pharmacological potential.

Occupational genotoxicity among copper smelters.

Occupational exposure in a copper smelting industry may produce various adverse health effects including cancer. Despite a number of well-documented studies reporting an increased risk of cancer among copper smelter workers, the data on genotoxic effects in this industry are scarce. In view of the above, an assessment of DNA damage in peripheral blood leukocytes by Comet assay from copper smelter workers was undertaken. Additionally, the proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analysis was assessed to determine the metal content of samples. The study was conducted with all workers from a copper smelter (males; n = 11), and a control group (n = 11) was recruited. The results of our study showed a significant increase (p < 0.001; Mann-Whitney test) in DNA damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes of smelter workers, compared to the controls (p < 0.001; Mann-Whitney test). No correlation between DNA damage or metal concentration and age mean or time of exposure was found under study. Our findings indicate that copper smelter workers have increased levels of DNA damage in somatic cells, suggesting a potential health risk for the workers. PIXE results show the presence of copper, iron, and other metals.

Antioxidant supplementation attenuates oxidative stress in chronic hepatitis C patients.

UNLABELLED: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) overgeneration is involved in the pathogenesis of hepatitis C. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant status in the blood of HCV infected patients treated or not with standard therapy before and after supplementation of vitamins E, C and zinc. Biomarkers of oxidative stress were evaluated in the blood of three groups of patients: group 1 - controls; group 2 - HCV patients without treatment examined before and after a daily antioxidant supplementation (vitamin E 800 mg, C 500 mg and zinc 40 mg) for 6 months; and group 3 - HCV patients treated with pegylated interferon combined with ribavirin, also examined before and after the same antioxidant supplementation. Before antiviral treatment HCV patients showed enhanced superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities and decreased glutathione reductase activity, while lipoperoxidation was increased and reduced glutathione showed decreased levels compared to controls. Treatment with standard therapy enhanced the activities of catalase and glutathione S-transferase, increased contents of protein carbonyl and promoted further reduced glutathione depletion. After antioxidant supplementation, decreased catalase and glutathione S-transferase activities, decreased lipoperoxidation in group 2, and increased reduced glutathione contents in both supplemented groups were detected. Before antioxidant supplementation, alanine aminotransferase and gamma glutamyl transferase contents showed significant increases in group 2. CONCLUSION: Untreated HCV patients and also those treated with the standard therapy are coping with a systemic oxidative stress. The antioxidant supplementation conferred an antioxidant protection to both supplemented groups attenuating oxidation processes related to the disease.

In vitro genotoxic and mutagenic effects of water samples from Sapucaia and Esteio streams (Brazil) under the influence of different anthropogenic activities.

Pollution of aquatic ecosystems is associated with the discharge of mainly industrial and urban effluents, which may cause damage to public health. This study aims to evaluate the cytotoxic, genotoxic, and mutagenic potential of surface water samples under the influence of different anthropogenic effluents in a human-derived liver cell line (HepG2). Samples were collected in Esteio and Sapucaia streams (Rio Grande do Sul; Brazil), which flow into the Sinos River, a source of water supply for more than one million people. Physicochemical and microbiological analyses were performed as well as an analysis of inorganic elements using the PIXE technique (Particle-Induced X-Ray Emission). The presence of pharmaceutical compounds and caffeine was evaluated by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and mutagenicity of the samples were evaluated in HepG2 cells by cell viability assays, alkaline Comet Assay and Cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay. We verified alterations in the physicochemical and microbiological parameters and detected caffeine, diethyltoluamide, and different inorganic elements that corresponded to elements from domestic and industrial effluents and agricultural runoff. Although the samples in the concentration used were not cytotoxic, water samples from all sites induced DNA damage. However, it is difficult to attribute these damages to a specific substance since the factors are a complex mixture of different compounds. Despite this, it is observed that both urban and industrial contributions had a similar effect in the cells evaluated. Such results demonstrate the need to perform biomonitoring of surface waters under anthropogenic influence, especially those that flow into rivers that are a source of public supply water. We also highlight the need for research into emerging pollutants in these aquatic environments.

In vivo and in silico approaches to assess surface water genotoxicity from Tocantins River, in the cities of Porto Nacional and Palmas, Brazil.

The main environmental problem in urban areas, especially in Brazil, is the discharge of untreated sewage. The in vivo Drosophila melanogaster Somatic Mutation and Recombination Test (SMART) was used to assess the genotoxicity of surface waters from three different sites in the Tocantins River, Brazil. The in silico approach was used to search for known and predicted interactions between environmental chemicals found in our samples and Drosophila and human proteins. The genotoxicity tests were performed in standard (ST) and high bioactivation (HB) crosses with samples collected at two periods, the rainy and dry seasons. Mutant spot frequencies found in treatments with unprocessed water from the test sites were compared with the frequencies observed in negative controls. The collection points were represented as sites A, B and C along Tocantins River. Sites A and B are located in Porto Nacional City, whereas site C is located in Palmas City. Considering the rainy season collection, positive responses in the ST cross were observed for sites A and C (89.47% and 85% of recombination, respectively) and in the HB cross for sites A, B and C (88.24%, 84.21% and 82.35% of recombination, respectively). The positive results in the dry season were restricted to sites A and B (88.89% and 85.71% of recombination, respectively) in the HB cross. In accordance with in vivo and in silico results, we hypothesize that ribosomal proteins (RPs) in fruit fly and humans are depleted in cells exposed to heavy metal causing DNA damage and chromosome instability, increasing homologous recombination.

Environmental exposure to mineral coal and by-products: Influence on human health and genomic instability.

Environmental exposure to pollution generated by mining and burning coal is inevitable for people living nearby. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of coal dust on health conditions and genomic instability of individuals who live near coal mines and thermoelectric power plants, and to relate the results to inorganic elements and inflammatory responses. Thus, we evaluated 284 individuals from four cities in the south of Brazil around a region with coal mines and a thermoelectric power plant (one city was considered a negative control). The results of the Comet assay and Micronucleus (MN) test did not show a genotoxic or mutagenic effect related to environmental exposure to coal, but the inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was increased in all cities around the power plant when compared to the control conditions. Higher levels of MN were associated with body mass index and cardiovascular risk, and higher levels of Damage Index (DI), TNF-α and interleukin1ß (IL-1ß) with number of cigarettes/day. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to integrate DNA damage and inflammatory results with inorganic elements. This study also demonstrated the relationship between zinc and MN, copper, and interleukin10 (IL-10), and among silicon and sulfur with DI and nucleoplasmic bridge. A relationship was also observed between the reduction of inorganic elements and both aging and quality of health. The use of different methodologies and the relationship between the results obtained in these studies, including different lifestyles, can increase the understanding of the interaction between this mineral and the health status of residents of regions affected by coal pollution.

Evaluation of soils under the influence of coal mining and a thermoelectric plant in the city of Candiota and vicinity, Brazil.

Coal burning generates gases, particles, and condensation by-products that are harmful to soil, water, and to the atmosphere. The aim of this study was to characterize and identify the cytotoxic and mutagenic potential of soil samples from the cities of Aceguá, Bagé, Candiota and Pinheiro Machado, near a large coal-fired power plant. Our study describes soil characteristics and contributes to the evaluation of the genotoxic activity of coal mining and burning, using the Comet Assay and Micronucleus test in V79 cells, as well as mutagenicity assays with Salmonella typhimurium strains. Comet Assay results show that the winter soil samples of Candiota and Pinheiro Machado induced a significant increase of the Damage Index for cells, as well as for the Aceguá summer sample. The micronucleus test did not detect differences between cities and seasons. A component analysis indicates associations between results obtained in Comet Assay and Ti and phenanthene concentrations for Pinheiro Machado during the winter, and Al for Aceguá during the summer and Zn during the winter. Results of Salmonella/microsome assays were negative, only Candiota and Pinheiro Machado samples showed a statistical increase of his + colonies in TA102. Our work describes biological data on these cells exposed to coal-contaminated soil, confirming the sensitivity of the Comet Assay in V79 cells and Salmonella/microsome assay for the evaluation of the effects of complex mixtures. These findings help to understand the spatial distribution of contaminants in the local soil related to a power plant, which is important for planning public safety actions.

Evaluation of the genotoxic potential of the mineral coal tailings through the Helix aspersa (Müller, 1774).

Coal mining is an activity with a high potential for environmental pollution. Coal has been described as the most significant pollutant of all the fossil fuels, containing a heterogeneous mixture. Many elements present in coal byproducts as well as coal tailings are rich in potentially toxic and genotoxic metals, which ultimately lead to profound changes in cells, tissues, populations, and ecosystems. The purpose of this study was to assess the genotoxic potential of the mineral coal tailings using the land snail Helix aspersa. Animals were divided in three groups, clustered in plexiglass cages: control (animals fed with organic lettuce), coal tailings (animals living in a layer of pyrite tailings and fed with organic lettuce), and mine lettuce (animals fed with lettuce grown in an area located in a deposit of coal tailings). The hemolymph was collected at different exposure times (24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 96 h, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, and 1 month) for comet assay analyses. Results showed that the animals of the coal tailings and mine lettuce groups presented higher levels of DNA damage in relation to the control group at all exposure times, but with a peak of DNA damage in 48 h and 96 h. These results demonstrate that the coal pyrite tailings are potentially genotoxic and that H. aspersa has proven to be a sensitive instrument for a better risk assessment of environmental pollution.

Nutritional composition of Eragrostis teff and its association with the observed antimutagenic effects.

Eragrostis teff is an Ethiopian native grass plant (Poaceae or Gramineae family) whose importance as a crop grain has increased in recent years. The aim of this study is to analyze the nutritional composition of its seeds and the mutagenic/antimutagenic activity of the hydroalcoholic extract of the seed flour. Chemical elements (colloquially known as minerals) were determined using Particle-Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) and Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (FAAS), while the content of amino acids (aminogram) and fatty acids (profile of fatty acids) were quantified by HPLC. Mutagenic activities were tested using Salmonella/microsome assay. Mutagens doxorubicin, 4-nitroquinolin N-oxide, methylmethanosulphonate, and aflatoxin B-1 were used in Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100 strains to assess antimutagenic activities. The major elements observed were K, P, S, Mg, and Ca. Almost all essential amino acids were observed and the predominance of unsaturated fatty acids in the total oil content of 2.72% (w/w) is also noted, including the two essential fatty acids alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid) and linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid). Hydroalcoholic extract of E. teff seed flour showed antimutagenic activity, protecting against frameshift and base pair substitution mutations. These findings provide valuable information for further development of healthier foods that can be produced with increasing yields and minimal environmental impact.

The Pmr1 protein, the major yeast Ca2+-ATPase in the Golgi, regulates intracellular levels of the cadmium ion.

Cadmium is a nonessential, highly toxic heavy metal that shows ionic properties similar to calcium. These ionic similarities imply that the cadmium ion, Cd2+, is a calcium ion, Ca2+, receptor-agonist, affecting the same biochemical pathways involved in Ca2+ homeostasis. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the PMC1 and PMR1 genes encode vacuolar and Golgi Ca2+-ATPases, respectively. The PMR1 protein product Pmr1p is involved in both Ca2+ and Mn2+ homeostasis. This study investigated the importance of Pmc1p and Pmr1p for Cd2+ cellular detoxification. Using the standard techniques of yeast molecular research and a multielemental procedure named particle-induced X-ray emission, Pmr1p was identified as a protein that directly participates in the detoxification of Cd2+, possibly through the secretory pathway. The results allow us to posit a model of Cd2+ detoxification where Pmr1p has a central role in cell survival in a Cd2+-rich environment.