Prevention of Aflatoxin B1-Induced DNA Breaks by ß-D-Glucan.

Aflatoxins are a group of naturally-occurring carcinogens that are known to contaminate different human and animal foodstuffs. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is the most genotoxic hepatocarcinogenic compound of all of the aflatoxins. In this report, we explore the capacity of ß-D-glucan (Glu) to reduce the DNA damage induced by AFB1 in mouse hepatocytes. For this purpose, we applied the comet assay to groups of animals that were first administered Glu in three doses (100, 400 and 700 mg/kg bw, respectively) and, 20 min later, 1.0 mg/kg of AFB1. Liver cells were obtained at 4, 10 and 16 h after the chemical administration and examined. The results showed no protection of the damage induced by AFB1 with the low dose of the polysaccharide, but they did reveal antigenotoxic activity exerted by the two high doses. In addition, we induced a co-crystallization between both compounds, determined their fusion points and analyzed the molecules by UV spectroscopy. The data suggested the formation of a supramolecular complex between AFB1 and ß-D-glucan.

Metals and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pharmaceuticals drugs present in water from Madín Reservoir (Mexico) induce oxidative stress in gill, blood, and muscle of common carp (Cyprinus carpio).

Many toxic xenobiotics that enter the aquatic environment exert their effects through redox cycling. Oxidative stress, which incorporates both oxidative damage and antioxidant defenses, is a common effect induced in organisms exposed to xenobiotics in their environment. The results of the present study aimed to determine the oxidative stress induced in the common carp Cyprinus carpio by contaminants [metals and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)] present in Madín Reservoir. Five sampling stations (SSs), considered to have the most problems due to discharges, were selected. Carp were exposed to water from each SS for 96 h, and the following biomarkers were evaluated in gill, blood, and muscle: hydroperoxide content, lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl content, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase. Results show that contaminants (metals and NSAIDs) present in water from the different SSs induce oxidative stress. Thus, water in this reservoir is contaminated with xenobiotics that are hazardous to C. carpio, a species consumed by the local human population.

Spirulina (arthrospira) protects against valproic acid-induced neural tube defects in mice.

Valproic acid (VPA) is a potent inducer of neural tube defects in human and mouse, its teratogenicity is associated with its potential to generation of free radicals and increase oxidative stress. Furthermore, spirulina (SP) has shown pharmacological properties against teratogenicity, which are attributed to its antioxidant potential. Accordingly, the present study was performed to investigate the influence of SP on the teratogenicity of VPA in imprinting control region mice and the possible mechanisms of action. VPA (sodium valproate) was administered intraperitoneally to mice on gestation day (GD) 8 at a dose of 600 mg/kg. SP was given orally at 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg daily from GD0 through GD18. The most common finding in fetuses with VPA exposure was exencephaly. SP decreased the incidence of this and other malformations and increased levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. In conclusion, these results illustrate the protective action of SP through its antioxidant activity against VPA-induced teratogenicity.

Spirulina (Arthrospira) protects against cadmium-induced teratogenic damage in mice.

The role of Spirulina (Arthrospira) in preventing cadmium (Cd) teratogenicity in ICR mice was studied. Cd was administered intraperitoneally to female mice at 1.5 mg/kg on gestation day (GD)-7, and Spirulina was given by peroral (intragastric) administration at 62.5, 125, 250, or 500 mg/kg from GD-0 through GD-17 (the day when animals were sacrificed). Because among the mechanisms suggested to account for reproductive damage are oxidative stress and lipoperoxidation, embryonic hydroperoxides were also determined. Treatment with Spirulina at the three highest doses significantly decreased the frequency of fetuses with exencephaly, micrognathia, and skeletal abnormalities induced by Cd. Furthermore, Spirulina treatment significantly and dose-dependently decreased lipid peroxidation, which was dramatically increased by administration of the metal. The results of the present study clearly point to the therapeutic potential of Spirulina in Cd-induced teratogenicity and probably through its antioxidant activity.