The inhibitor of the redox activity of APE1/REF-1, APX2009, reduces the malignant phenotype of breast cancer cells.

Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1/redox factor-1 (APE1/REF-1) is a multifunctional protein acting on cellular signaling pathways, including DNA repair and redox activities. APE1/REF-1 has emerged as a target for cancer therapy, and its role in breast cancer models would reveal new strategies for cancer therapy. APX2009 is a specific APE1/REF-1 redox inhibitor whose anticancer properties have not been described in breast cancer cells. Here, we investigated the effect of the APX2009 treatment in the breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7. Breast cancer cell lines were cultured, and WST1 and colony formation assays were performed to evaluate cell proliferation. Annexin V-FITC/7-AAD and LDH-Glo™ assays were performed to evaluate cell death. The wound healing assay and Matrigel transwell assay were performed after APX2009 treatment to evaluate the cellular migration and invasion processes, respectively. Our findings demonstrated that APX2009 treatment decreased breast cancer cell proliferative, migratory, and invasive properties. Furthermore, it induced apoptosis in both cell lines. Our study is the first to show the effects of APX2009 treatment on apoptosis in a breast cancer cell. Therefore, this study suggested that APX2009 treatment is a promising anticancer molecule for breast cancer.

Direct detection of Salmonella from poultry samples by DNA isothermal amplification.

1. Salmonellosis is one of the most important diseases in public health and it is usually associated with poultry product consumption. This study aimed to validate rapid methods to detect Salmonella spp. from poultry samples. 2. A DNA isothermal amplification method, previously developed for other matrices, was applied for the specific detection of Salmonella spp. from various samples, including poultry tissues, drag and boot swabs, faeces and feed. A new procedure was validated with Salmonella spp. serotypes and isolates from other enteric bacterial species, as well as naturally contaminated poultry samples. 3. The study demonstrated the successful development and implementation of a procedure, including a DNA isothermal amplification method, for the detection of Salmonella spp. directly from tissues, drag and boot swabs, faeces and feed. The whole procedure can be performed in less than 24 hours and it has been successfully used in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory.

Molecular detection of Salmonella serovars Enteritidis, Heidelberg and Typhimurium directly from pre-enriched poultry samples.

1. Salmonella is one of the most important pathogens in public health and it is usually associated with food-borne diseases. Salmonella serovars Enteritidis and Typhimurium are widespread in the world with outbreaks frequently associated with consumption of poultry products; furthermore, there is an increasing public health concern with the wide dissemination of the serovar Heidelberg in poultry flocks. 2. The aim of the experiment was to develop and to validate rapid methods to detect Salmonella serovars Enteritidis, Typhimurium, and Heidelberg by real-time PCRs and test isolates from pre-enriched poultry samples. 3. Three real-time PCRs were developed and used in combination to detect the serovars Enteritidis, Typhimurium and Heidelberg. These assays were validated by the analysis of 126 Salmonella isolates, eight other enteric bacterial species and 34 naturally contaminated poultry samples after pre-enrichment with buffered peptone water (BPW). 4. Real-time PCRs detected the isolates of the most important poultry serovars (Enteritidis, Typhimurium and Heidelberg) with 100% inclusivity and exclusivity in each assay. The PCR identified monophasic variants of the serovars Typhimurium and Heidelberg. All PCRs were validated in detecting these specific serovars directly from pre-enriched poultry samples. The whole analytical procedure was performed in less than 24 h in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory.

Health risk assessment from exposure to particles during packing in working environments.

Packing of raw materials in work environments is a known source of potential health impacts (respiratory, cardiovascular) due to exposure to airborne particles. This activity was selected to test different exposure and risk assessment tools, aiming to understand the effectiveness of source enclosure as a strategy to mitigate particle release. Worker exposure to particle mass and number concentrations was monitored during packing of 7 ceramic materials in 3 packing lines in different settings, with low (L), medium (M) and high (H) degrees of source enclosure. Results showed that packing lines L and M significantly increased exposure concentrations (119-609 µg m-3 respirable, 1150-4705 µg m-3 inhalable, 24,755-51,645 cm-3 particle number), while non-significant increases were detected in line H. These results evidence the effectiveness of source enclosure as a mitigation strategy, in the case of packing of ceramic materials. Total deposited particle surface area during packing ranged between 5.4 and 11.8 × 105 µm2 min-1, with particles depositing mainly in the alveoli (51-64%) followed by head airways (27-41%) and trachea bronchi (7-10%). The comparison between the results from different risk assessment tools (Stoffenmanager, ART, NanoSafer) and the actual measured exposure concentrations evidenced that all of the tools overestimated exposure concentrations, by factors of 1.5-8. Further research is necessary to bridge the current gap between measured and modelled health risk assessments.

Workplace exposure and release of ultrafine particles during atmospheric plasma spraying in the ceramic industry.

Atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) is a frequently used technique to produce enhanced-property coatings for different materials in the ceramic industry. This work aimed to characterise and quantify the impact of APS on workplace exposure to airborne particles, with a focus on ultrafine particles (UFPs, <100nm) and nanoparticles (<50nm). Particle number, mass concentrations, alveolar lung deposited surface area concentration, and size distributions, in the range 10nm-20µm were simultaneously monitored at the emission source, in the potential worker breathing zone, and in outdoor air. Different input materials (known as feedstock) were tested: (a) micron-sized powders, and (b) suspensions containing submicron- or nano-sized particles. Results evidenced significantly high UFP concentrations (up to 3.3×106/cm3) inside the spraying chamber, which impacted exposure concentrations in the worker area outside the spraying chamber (up to 8.3×105/cm3). Environmental release of UFPs was also detected (3.9×105/cm3, outside the exhaust tube). Engineered nanoparticle (ENP) release to workplace air was also evidenced by TEM microscopy. UFP emissions were detected during the application of both micron-sized powder and suspensions containing submicron- or nano-sized particles, thus suggesting that emissions were process- (and not material-) dependent. An effective risk prevention protocol was implemented, which resulted in a reduction of UFP exposure in the worker area. These findings demonstrate the potential risk of occupational exposure to UFPs during atmospheric plasma spraying, and raise the need for further research on UFP formation mechanisms in high-energy industrial processes.

Genetic Diversity in Nannotrigona testaceicornis (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Aggregations in Southeastern Brazil.

The Meliponini, also known as stingless bees, are distributed in tropical and subtropical areas of the world and plays an essential role in pollinating many wild plants and crops These bees can build nests in cavities of trees or walls, underground or in associations with ants or termites; interestingly, these nests are sometimes found in aggregations. In order to assess the genetic diversity and structure in aggregates of Nannotrigona testaceicornis (Lepeletier), samples of this species were collected from six aggregations and genetically analyzed for eight specific microsatellite loci. We observed in this analysis that the mean genetic diversity value among aggregations was 0.354, and the mean expected and observed heterozygosity values was 0.414 and 0.283, respectively. The statistically significant Fis value indicated an observed heterozygosity lower than the expected heterozygosity in all loci studied resulting in high homozygosis level in these populations. In addition, the low number of private alleles observed reinforces the absence of structuring that is seen in the aggregates. These results can provide relevant information about genetic diversity in aggregations of N. testaceicornis and contribute to the management and conservation of these bees' species that are critical for the pollination process.

Detection of genetically modified maize in processed products, dry grains, and corn ears intended for fresh consumption in South Brazil.

Conventional and genetically modified (GM) maize cultivars have been widely planted in Brazil to produce grains for processed food, feed, or to be consumed fresh as corn ears. This study used real-time PCR to detect GM maize in processed products and fresh commercial corn ears produced in the last two years in South Brazil. Eighteen conventional and GM maize cultivars were obtained from seed production companies and 50 commercial samples (including canned corn, corn flour, dry grains, and fresh corn ears) were purchased in small local stores and supermarkets. All samples were analyzed by real time TaqMan PCR to detect one constitutive maize gene (hmg) and three genetic regions present in GM plants (p-35S promoter, major gene cry 1A.105, and t-Nos terminator). Each commercial sample was classified as conventional or GM based on the PCR results. PCR targeting the hmg gene generated positive results from all DNA samples, which were further tested with the GM targets. These targets were not detected in the five conventional maize cultivars, but were detected in the GM seeds hosting these fragments. Analysis of processed foods identified four cultivars as conventional and six as GM, which were mostly correctly labeled. Seven (53.8%) dry grain samples were classified as conventional, while six (46.2%) were classified as GM. Three (11.1%) corn ear samples were identified as conventional, and the remaining 24 (88.9%) were GM maize. These results demonstrate the high frequency of GM maize in processed products, including fresh corn ears intended for consumption in South Brazil.

Process-generated nanoparticles from ceramic tile sintering: Emissions, exposure and environmental release.

The ceramic industry is an industrial sector in need of significant process changes, which may benefit from innovative technologies such as laser sintering of ceramic tiles. Such innovations result in a considerable research gap within exposure assessment studies for process-generated ultrafine and nanoparticles. This study addresses this issue aiming to characterise particle formation, release mechanisms and their impact on personal exposure during a tile sintering activity in an industrial-scale pilot plant, as a follow-up of a previous study in a laboratory-scale plant. In addition, possible particle transformations in the exhaust system, the potential for particle release to the outdoor environment, and the effectiveness of the filtration system were also assessed. For this purpose, a tiered measurement strategy was conducted. The main findings evidence that nanoparticle emission patterns were strongly linked to temperature and tile chemical composition, and mainly independent of the laser treatment. Also, new particle formation (from gaseous precursors) events were detected, with nanoparticles <30nm in diameter being formed during the thermal treatment. In addition, ultrafine and nano-sized airborne particles were generated and emitted into workplace air during sintering process on a statistically significant level. These results evidence the risk of occupational exposure to ultrafine and nanoparticles during tile sintering activity since workers would be exposed to concentrations above the nano reference value (NRV; 4×10(4)cm(-3)), with 8-hour time weighted average concentrations in the range of 1.4×10(5)cm(-3) and 5.3×10(5)cm(-3). A potential risk for nanoparticle and ultrafine particle release to the environment was also identified, despite the fact that the efficiency of the filtration system was successfully tested and evidenced a >87% efficiency in particle number concentrations removal.

Nucleotide excision repair pathway assessment in DNA exposed to low-intensity red and infrared lasers.

Low-intensity lasers are used for prevention and management of oral mucositis induced by anticancer therapy, but the effectiveness of treatment depends on the genetic characteristics of affected cells. This study evaluated the survival and induction of filamentation of Escherichia coli cells deficient in the nucleotide excision repair pathway, and the action of T4endonuclease V on plasmid DNA exposed to low-intensity red and near-infrared laser light. Cultures of wild-type (strain AB1157) E. coli and strain AB1886 (deficient in uvrA protein) were exposed to red (660 nm) and infrared (808 nm) lasers at various fluences, powers and emission modes to study bacterial survival and filamentation. Also, plasmid DNA was exposed to laser light to study DNA lesions produced in vitro by T4endonuclease V. Low-intensity lasers:i) had no effect on survival of wild-type E. coli but decreased the survival of uvrA protein-deficient cells,ii) induced bacterial filamentation, iii) did not alter the electrophoretic profile of plasmids in agarose gels, andiv) did not alter the electrophoretic profile of plasmids incubated with T4 endonuclease V. These results increase our understanding of the effects of laser light on cells with various genetic characteristics, such as xeroderma pigmentosum cells deficient in nucleotide excision pathway activity in patients with mucositis treated by low-intensity lasers.

Low-level red laser therapy alters effects of ultraviolet C radiation on Escherichia coli cells.

Low-level lasers are used at low power densities and doses according to clinical protocols supplied with laser devices or based on professional practice. Although use of these lasers is increasing in many countries, the molecular mechanisms involved in effects of low-level lasers, mainly on DNA, are controversial. In this study, we evaluated the effects of low-level red lasers on survival, filamentation, and morphology of Escherichia colicells that were exposed to ultraviolet C (UVC) radiation. Exponential and stationary wild-type and uvrA-deficientE. coli cells were exposed to a low-level red laser and in sequence to UVC radiation. Bacterial survival was evaluated to determine the laser protection factor (ratio between the number of viable cells after exposure to the red laser and UVC and the number of viable cells after exposure to UVC). Bacterial filaments were counted to obtain the percentage of filamentation. Area-perimeter ratios were calculated for evaluation of cellular morphology. Experiments were carried out in duplicate and the results are reported as the means of three independent assays. Pre-exposure to a red laser protected wild-type and uvrA-deficient E. coli cells against the lethal effect of UVC radiation, and increased the percentage of filamentation and the area-perimeter ratio, depending on UVC fluence and physiological conditions in the cells. Therapeutic, low-level red laser radiation can induce DNA lesions at a sub-lethal level. Consequences to cells and tissues should be considered when clinical protocols based on this laser are carried out.

Low-intensity red and infrared laser effects at high fluences on Escherichia coli cultures.

Semiconductor laser devices are readily available and practical radiation sources providing wavelength tenability and high monochromaticity. Low-intensity red and near-infrared lasers are considered safe for use in clinical applications. However, adverse effects can occur via free radical generation, and the biological effects of these lasers from unusually high fluences or high doses have not yet been evaluated. Here, we evaluated the survival, filamentation induction and morphology of Escherichia coli cells deficient in repair of oxidative DNA lesions when exposed to low-intensity red and infrared lasers at unusually high fluences. Cultures of wild-type (AB1157), endonuclease III-deficient (JW1625-1), and endonuclease IV-deficient (JW2146-1) E. coli, in exponential and stationary growth phases, were exposed to red and infrared lasers (0, 250, 500, and 1000 J/cm2) to evaluate their survival rates, filamentation phenotype induction and cell morphologies. The results showed that low-intensity red and infrared lasers at high fluences are lethal, induce a filamentation phenotype, and alter the morphology of the E. coli cells. Low-intensity red and infrared lasers have potential to induce adverse effects on cells, whether used at unusually high fluences, or at high doses. Hence, there is a need to reinforce the importance of accurate dosimetry in therapeutic protocols.

Low-level red laser therapy alters effects of ultraviolet C radiation on Escherichia coli cells

Low-level lasers are used at low power densities and doses according to clinical protocols supplied with laser devices or based on professional practice. Although use of these lasers is increasing in many countries, the molecular mechanisms involved in effects of low-level lasers, mainly on DNA, are controversial. In this study, we evaluated the effects of low-level red lasers on survival, filamentation, and morphology of Escherichia colicells that were exposed to ultraviolet C (UVC) radiation. Exponential and stationary wild-type and uvrA-deficientE. coli cells were exposed to a low-level red laser and in sequence to UVC radiation. Bacterial survival was evaluated to determine the laser protection factor (ratio between the number of viable cells after exposure to the red laser and UVC and the number of viable cells after exposure to UVC). Bacterial filaments were counted to obtain the percentage of filamentation. Area-perimeter ratios were calculated for evaluation of cellular morphology. Experiments were carried out in duplicate and the results are reported as the means of three independent assays. Pre-exposure to a red laser protected wild-type and uvrA-deficient E. coli cells against the lethal effect of UVC radiation, and increased the percentage of filamentation and the area-perimeter ratio, depending on UVC fluence and physiological conditions in the cells. Therapeutic, low-level red laser radiation can induce DNA lesions at a sub-lethal level. Consequences to cells and tissues should be considered when clinical protocols based on this laser are carried out.

Nucleotide excision repair pathway assessment in DNA exposed to low-intensity red and infrared lasers

Low-intensity lasers are used for prevention and management of oral mucositis induced by anticancer therapy, but the effectiveness of treatment depends on the genetic characteristics of affected cells. This study evaluated the survival and induction of filamentation of Escherichia coli cells deficient in the nucleotide excision repair pathway, and the action of T4endonuclease V on plasmid DNA exposed to low-intensity red and near-infrared laser light. Cultures of wild-type (strain AB1157) E. coli and strain AB1886 (deficient in uvrA protein) were exposed to red (660 nm) and infrared (808 nm) lasers at various fluences, powers and emission modes to study bacterial survival and filamentation. Also, plasmid DNA was exposed to laser light to study DNA lesions produced in vitro by T4endonuclease V. Low-intensity lasers:i) had no effect on survival of wild-type E. coli but decreased the survival of uvrA protein-deficient cells,ii) induced bacterial filamentation, iii) did not alter the electrophoretic profile of plasmids in agarose gels, andiv) did not alter the electrophoretic profile of plasmids incubated with T4 endonuclease V. These results increase our understanding of the effects of laser light on cells with various genetic characteristics, such as xeroderma pigmentosum cells deficient in nucleotide excision pathway activity in patients with mucositis treated by low-intensity lasers.

Low-intensity red and infrared laser effects at high fluences on Escherichia coli cultures

Semiconductor laser devices are readily available and practical radiation sources providing wavelength tenability and high monochromaticity. Low-intensity red and near-infrared lasers are considered safe for use in clinical applications. However, adverse effects can occur via free radical generation, and the biological effects of these lasers from unusually high fluences or high doses have not yet been evaluated. Here, we evaluated the survival, filamentation induction and morphology of Escherichia coli cells deficient in repair of oxidative DNA lesions when exposed to low-intensity red and infrared lasers at unusually high fluences. Cultures of wild-type (AB1157), endonuclease III-deficient (JW1625-1), and endonuclease IV-deficient (JW2146-1) E. coli, in exponential and stationary growth phases, were exposed to red and infrared lasers (0, 250, 500, and 1000 J/cm2) to evaluate their survival rates, filamentation phenotype induction and cell morphologies. The results showed that low-intensity red and infrared lasers at high fluences are lethal, induce a filamentation phenotype, and alter the morphology of the E. coli cells. Low-intensity red and infrared lasers have potential to induce adverse effects on cells, whether used at unusually high fluences, or at high doses. Hence, there is a need to reinforce the importance of accurate dosimetry in therapeutic protocols.

Prevalence and genotypic diversity of cervical human papillomavirus infection among women from an urban center in Brazil.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a common viral sexually transmitted infection and the main cause of cervical cancer in women worldwide. Epidemiological data on the prevalence of HPV in a given population is essential for the establishment of effective prevention strategies. The aim of this study was to determine HPV prevalence in women who attended a public health service within an urban center in Brazil. Cervical samples were collected from 337 women recruited from a primary public health care clinic in the city of Cruz Alta located in Rio Grande do Sul, the southernmost State of Brazil. Samples were analyzed for HPV DNA and with Pap smear screening tests. HPV was detected in 114 (34%) women. HPV type analysis revealed that 95 (83.3%) of those represented infections with a single genotype, while 19 (16.7%) were mixed genotype infections. High- and low-risk HPV genotypes were detected in 83 (72.8%) and 48 (42.1%) samples, respectively. Furthermore, a great diversity of HPV genotypes was observed (18 high-risk, 12 low-risk, and 1 indeterminate). The most commonly identified low-risk types were candHPV62 (7.9%) and 61 (5.3%), while the most common high-risk types were 16 and 33 (8.8% each). Abnormal cytology was observed in 10 (3.0%) women, 9 of which were infected with HPV. Of the remaining 327 women with normal cytology results, 107 (32.7%) were positive for HPV DNA. HPV infection was correlated with younger age (less than 40 years), a first Pap smear, and other vaginal infections.

Sucralose sweetener in vivo effects on blood constituents radiolabeling, red blood cell morphology and radiopharmaceutical biodistribution in rats.

Effects of sucralose sweetener on blood constituents labelled with technetium-99m ((99m)Tc) on red blood cell (RBC) morphology, sodium pertechnetate (Na(99m)TcO(4)) and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid labeled with (99m)Tc ((99m)Tc-DTPA) biodistribution in rats were evaluated. Radiolabeling on blood constituents from Wistar rats was undertaken for determining the activity percentage (%ATI) on blood constituents. RBC morphology was also evaluated. Na(99m)TcO(4) and (99m)Tc-DTPA biodistribution was used to determine %ATI/g in organs. There was no alteration on RBC blood constituents and morphology %ATI. Sucralose sweetener was capable of altering %ATI/g of the radiopharmaceuticals in different organs. These findings are associated to the sucralose sweetener in specific organs.

Diclofenac plus B vitamins versus diclofenac monotherapy in lumbago: the DOLOR study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the influence of vitamins B1, B6 and B12 on the analgesia success achieved by diclofenac in subjects with acute lumbago. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A randomised, double blind controlled clinical study in parallel groups, in which subjects received twice-daily oral administration of either the combination therapy, Group DB (50 mg diclofenac plus 50 mg thiamine, 50 mg pyridoxine and 1 mg cyanocobalamin) or diclofenac monotherapy, Group D (50mg diclofenac). The study period lasted a maximum of 7 days. If sufficient pain reduction was achieved (defined as Visual Analogue Scale <20 mm and patient's satisfaction), subjects could withdraw from the treatment after 3 or 5 days. All subjects gave written informed consent to participate in the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary confirmatory study objective was to determine the number of patients with sufficient pain reduction after 3 days of treatment. RESULTS: Three hundred and seventy-two subjects were allocated at random to either treatment group: Group DB - 187 subjects and Group D - 185 subjects. After 3 days of treatment, a statistically significant higher proportion of subjects in Group DB (n = 87; 46.5%) than in Group D (n = 55; 29%) terminated the study due to treatment success (chi(2): 12.06; p = 0.0005). Furthermore, the combination therapy yielded superior results in pain reduction, improvement of mobility and functionality. Drug safety monitoring profile throughout the trial was within the expected safety profile of diclofenac. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of diclofenac with B vitamins was superior to diclofenac monotherapy in lumbago relief after 3 days of treatment. As a study drawback, daily VAS measurements were only recorded until subject withdrawal from treatment, whether after 3, 5, or 7 days. There were no differences in safety profile between the two study groups.

Comet assay to determine DNA damage induced by food deprivation in rats.

The aim of this work was to evaluate, by comet assay, the possible inducing of DNA lesions in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of rats subjected to acute or chronic food deprivation. Wistar male rats were subjected to 72 h of partial (50%), or total acute food deprivation, and then allowed to recover for different time periods (24, 48 and 72 h). In other experiments, comet scores were determined in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of rats subjected to chronic food deprivation (25% and 50%) for 50 days. Blood aliquots were obtained before, during and after food deprivation. Comet assay was carried out, the comet units photographed and scored (class 0 up to 3). Acute and chronic food-deprived rats presented peripheral blood mononuclear cells with DNA lesions (comet classes 1, 2 and 3) and a significant increase (p<0.05) in the number of comet units compared with its basal level. The increase was proportional to acute food deprivation time, but after being taken off, it progressively returned to basal level after 48 h (partial group) or 72 h (total group). Chronic food-deprived rats presented a progressive increase of comet score up to 5 days, and a decrease thereafter to reach a basal level. Possible mechanisms of DNA lesions are discussed.

Effects of Passiflora edulis flavicarpa on the radiolabeling of blood constituents, morphology of red blood cells and on the biodistribution of sodium pertechnetate in rats.

The aim of this study was to evaluate possible effects of Passiflora edulis flavicarpa (P. flavicarpa) extract on the labeling of blood constituents with (99m)Tc, on the morphology of red blood cells, and on the biodistribution of sodium pertechnetate (sodium (99m)Tc). Male Wistar rats were treated with either P. flavicarpa extract or 0.9% NaCl. After that, radiolabeling of blood constituents, morphological analysis of red blood cells and biodistribution of sodium (99m)Tc was evaluated. Radiolabeling of blood constituents and shape of red blood cells were not modified, but a significant (p<0.05) alteration of the biodistribution of sodium (99m)Tc was observed after treatment with P. flavicarpa extract. Although our results were obtained with animals, they could contribute to reduce the risk of misdiagnosis and/or repetition of the examinations in nuclear medicine.

Cinnamomum zeylanicum extract on the radiolabelling of blood constituents and the morphometry of red blood cells: in vitro assay.

Effects of Cinnamomum zeylanicum (cinnamon) on the labelling of blood constituents with technetium-99m(99mTc) and on the morphology of red blood cells were studied. Blood samples from Wistar rats were incubated with cinnamon extract for 1 hour or with 0.9% NaCl, as control. Labelling of blood constituents with 99mTc was performed. Plasma (P) and blood cells (BC), soluble (SF-P and SF-BC) and insoluble (IF-P and IF-BC) fractions were separated. The radioactivity in each fraction was counted and the percentage of radioactivity incorporated (%ATI) was calculated. Blood smears were prepared, fixed, stained and the qualitative and quantitative morphological analysis of the red blood cells was evaluated. The data showed that the cinnamon extract decreased significantly (p<0.05) the %ATI on BC, IF-P and IF-BC. No modifications were verified on shape of red blood cells. Cinnamon extracts could alter the labelling of blood constituents with 99mTc, and although our results were obtained with animals, precaution is suggested in interpretations of nuclear medicine examinations involving the labelling of blood constituents in patients who are using cinnamon.