Sex-Related Effect of Aging in Gingival Gamma-Delta T Cells.

Aging affects the number and function of gamma-delta (γδ) T cells in a tissue-specific manner, modifying the risk for inflammatory disease. These aging-related γδT-cell variations in gingival tissues that could increase the risk for inflammation and periodontal disease remain unknown. Here we sought to identify quantitative and qualitative variations in gingival γδT cells associated with aging that could have an impact in oral immunoinflammatory responses. For this, gingival tissues from young (4 mo) and aged (24 mo) male and female mice were collected and analyzed by flow cytometry. Cell suspensions were stimulated and stained with eFluor450 (cell viability), anti-CD45 (hematopoietic cells), anti-CD3 (lymphocytes), anti-TCRγδ (γδT cells), anti-IL-15rα (cell proliferation), and anti-Notch-3 (senescence marker). Detection of intracellular cytokines IL-17A and interferon γ (IFNγ) was performed. Gingival expression of specific γ- and δ-chains and cytokines was evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. A significantly higher number of IL-17A-producing γδT cells and IL-17A expression levels were observed in gingival tissues from aged females but not males. Similarly, the number of gingival Notch-3+ γδT cells increased with aging only in females. IL-15rα was not detected in gingival γδT cells. Chains γ1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7 as well as δ1, 2, 4, and 6 were detected. Detection levels of all γ chains except γ1 as well as δ1 and δ2 changed with aging in males, females, or both. Interestingly, number of IL-17A-producing conventional T cells similarly increased with aging only in females. Both sexes showed increased IFNγ+ conventional T-cell numbers with aging; however, it reached significance only in females. In conclusion, the number of gingival IL-17A-producing γδT cells and IL-17A expression increase naturally with aging specifically in females. This sexual dimorphism in gingival γδT and conventional Th17 cell numbers and phenotypes suggests distinct aging-related mechanisms of periodontitis in males and females.

From farm to fork and beyond! UV enhances Aryl hydrocarbon receptor-mediated activity of cruciferous vegetables in human intestinal cells upon colonic fermentation.

While the "farm to fork" strategy ticks many boxes in the sustainability agenda, it does not go far enough in addressing how we can improve crop nutraceutical quality. Here, we explored whether supplementary ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure during growth of broccoli and Chinese cabbage can induce bioactive tryptophan- and glucosinolate-specific metabolite accumulation thereby enhancing Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activation in human intestinal cells. By combining metabolomics analysis of both plant extracts and in vitro human colonic fermentation extracts with AhR reporter cell assay, we reveal that human colonic fermentation of UVB-exposed Chinese cabbage led to enhanced AhR activation in human intestinal cells by 23% compared to plants grown without supplementary UV. Thus, by exploring aspects beyond "from farm to fork", our study highlights a new strategy to enhance nutraceutical quality of Brassicaceae, while also providing new insights into the effects of cruciferous vegetables on human intestinal health.

Controlled mechanical stimuli reveal novel associations between basil metabolism and sensory quality.

There is an increasing interest in the use of automation in plant production settings. Here, we employed a robotic platform to induce controlled mechanical stimuli (CMS) aiming to improve basil quality. Semi-targeted UHPLC-qToF-MS analysis of organic acids, amino acids, phenolic acids, and phenylpropanoids revealed changes in basil secondary metabolism under CMS, which appear to be associated with changes in taste, as revealed by different means of sensory evaluation (overall liking, check-all-that-apply, and just-about-right analysis). Further network analysis combining metabolomics and sensory data revealed novel links between plant metabolism and sensory quality. Amino acids and organic acids including maleic acid were negatively associated with basil quality, while increased levels of secondary metabolites, particularly linalool glucoside, were associated with improved basil taste. In summary, by combining metabolomics and sensory analysis we reveal the potential of automated CMS on crop production, while also providing new associations between plant metabolism and sensory quality.

A haplotype in the dipeptidyl peptidase 4 gene impacts glycemic-related traits of Brazilian older adults.

Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) regulates various physiological pathways and has a pivotal role in glucose homeostasis. The objective of this study was to verify the association of a haplotype constituted by two single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs2268894 and rs6741949) in the DPP4 gene with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and fasting glycemia-related variables in a sample of Brazilian older adults, taking serum levels and enzymatic activity of DPP4 into account. Clinical, biochemical, and anthropometric characteristics as well as DPP4 serum levels and enzymatic activity were determined in 800 elderly (≥60 years old) individuals. Assessment of polymorphic sites was performed by real-time PCR whereas haplotypes were inferred from genotypic frequencies. Statistical analyses compared measures and proportions according to T2DM diagnosis and DPP4 haplotypic groups. The most common haplotype consisted of the T-rs2268894/G-rs6741949 string, which was 20% more frequent among non-diabetics. Considering non-diabetic patients alone, carriers of the T/G haplotype had significantly lower levels of blood glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR index, and DPP4 activity. Among diabetic patients, the T/G haplotype was associated with lower DPP4 levels whereas glycemic scores were not affected by allelic variants. Our results suggested that the genetic architecture of DPP4 affects the glycemic profile and DPP4 serum levels and activity among elderly individuals according to the presence or absence of T2DM, with a possible implication of the T/G haplotype to the risk of T2DM onset.

First report and biological characteristics of Heterorhabditis amazonensis in the state of Paraná, Brazil.

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) from Heterorhabditidae and Steinernematidae families are extensively used to control insect pests. In Brazil, however, relatively few studies have identified and characterized these entomopathogens. The objective of this study was to identify and characterize an EPN isolate obtained from soil samples collected in the state of Paraná, Brazil. An isolate (UEL 08) of Heterorhabditis was detected in a soil sample collected from a pasture area cultivated with Brachiaria grass in Londrina, state of Paraná, Brazil (23°34'311''S, 050°58'298''W), using the insect-baiting technique with Galleria mellonella larvae as hosts. The nematode was identified through morphometric studies and molecular analyses based on amplification of the rDNA ITS region. Although we identified certain morphometric differences compared with the original description, the molecular data indicated that the ITS sequence obtained for the UEL 08 isolate is identical to the reference sequence of H. amazonensis (DQ665222) and presented 100% similarity. Thus, the findings of our morphological and molecular studies confirmed that the isolated nematode is H. amazonensis, which is the first time this species has been registered in Paraná. Study of the biological characteristics of H. amazonensis (UEL 08) revealed that the isolate has two distinct life cycles - one short (216 h) and the other long (288 h) - and produces two generations in both cycles. We observed that H. amazonensis (UEL 8) was pathogenic and virulent to the three evaluated hosts, although with different virulence against these hosts. The larvae of G. mellonella and Alphitobius diaperinus were more susceptible than adult Dichelops (Diacereus) melacanthus, with 100%, 85%, and 46% mortality, respectively. Furthermore, an in vivo production assay revealed a mean daily yield of 3.4 × 103 infective juveniles/g host larvae.

Unravelling the fungal darkness in a tropical cave: richness and the description of one new genus and six new species.

Caves are special environments that harbour an incredible diversity of life, including fungal species. Brazilian caves have been demonstrated to be biodiversity hotspots for known and unknown fungal species. We investigated the richness of culturable fungi in a tropical cave in Brazil by isolating these microorganisms from the sediment and air. The fungal abundance of colony-forming units (CFUs) was 3 178 in sediment and 526 in air. We used morphological features and phylogenetic analyses of actin (actA), calmodulin (cmdA), internal transcribed spacer regions and intervening 5.8S rRNA (ITS), large subunit (LSU) rDNA, RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (rpb2), translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1), and ß-tubulin (tub2) genes to identify these isolates. Forty-one species belonging to 17 genera of Ascomycota and two of Basidiomycota were identified, and the genus Aspergillus was most commonly observed in the cave (13 taxa). Twenty-four species were found in sediment (16 exclusives) and 25 species were found in air (17 exclusives). In this study, we introduced a new genus (Pseudolecanicillium gen. nov.) in the family Cordycipitaceae and six new species (14 % of the total taxa identified) of fungal isolates obtained from sediment and air: Aspergillus lebretii sp. nov., Malbranchea cavernosa sp. nov., Pseudohumicola cecavii sp. nov., Pseudolecanicillium caatingaense sp. nov., Talaromyces cavernicola sp. nov., and Tritirachium brasiliense sp. nov. In addition, we built a checklist of the fungal taxa reported from Brazilian caves. Our results highlight the contribution of Brazilian caves to the estimation of national and global fungal diversity. Citation: Alves VCS, Lira RA, Lima JMS, Barbosa RN, Bento DM, Barbier E, Bernard E, Souza-Motta CM, Bezerra JDP (2022). Unravelling the fungal darkness in a tropical cave: richness and the description of one new genus and six new species. Fungal Systematics and Evolution 10: 139-167. doi: 10.3114/fuse.2022.10.06.

A haplotype in the dipeptidyl peptidase 4 gene impacts glycemic-related traits of Brazilian older adults

Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) regulates various physiological pathways and has a pivotal role in glucose homeostasis. The objective of this study was to verify the association of a haplotype constituted by two single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs2268894 and rs6741949) in the DPP4 gene with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and fasting glycemia-related variables in a sample of Brazilian older adults, taking serum levels and enzymatic activity of DPP4 into account. Clinical, biochemical, and anthropometric characteristics as well as DPP4 serum levels and enzymatic activity were determined in 800 elderly (≥60 years old) individuals. Assessment of polymorphic sites was performed by real-time PCR whereas haplotypes were inferred from genotypic frequencies. Statistical analyses compared measures and proportions according to T2DM diagnosis and DPP4 haplotypic groups. The most common haplotype consisted of the T-rs2268894/G-rs6741949 string, which was 20% more frequent among non-diabetics. Considering non-diabetic patients alone, carriers of the T/G haplotype had significantly lower levels of blood glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR index, and DPP4 activity. Among diabetic patients, the T/G haplotype was associated with lower DPP4 levels whereas glycemic scores were not affected by allelic variants. Our results suggested that the genetic architecture of DPP4 affects the glycemic profile and DPP4 serum levels and activity among elderly individuals according to the presence or absence of T2DM, with a possible implication of the T/G haplotype to the risk of T2DM onset.

Evaluation of the reproductive profile of Subulina octona (Gastropoda, Subulinidae) experimentally infected by Paratanaisia bragai (Digenea, Eucotylidae) / Avaliação do perfil reprodutivo de Subulina octona (Gastropoda, Subulinidae) infectada experimentalmente por Paratanaisia bragai (Digenea, Eucotylidae)

Abstract Snails infected by trematodes may increase or decrease their reproductive activity in response to the presence of infection. Our aim was to verify the reproductive alterations in Subulina octona after infection by Paratanaisia bragai. The infected snails were individually exposed for 24 hours to 20 parasite eggs and four groups were formed (10, 20, 30 and 40 d.p.i.- days after infection), along with control groups. Every 10 days, the number of eggs in the reproductive tract, number of eggs hatched, galactogen content and histopathological changes were evaluated. The reproductive in the control and infected snails presented an alternating pattern, where periods of high production of eggs and newly hatched were followed by periods of low production. However, in relation to the amount of galactogen, both control and infected groups followed the same pattern of variation. In the histology, we observed the presence of male and female gametes with marked reduction in the number of oocytes. The results indicate that the intra-snail development of the parasite affects the reproductive biology of the host.

Resumo Moluscos infectados por trematódeos podem aumentar ou diminuir sua atividade reprodutiva em resposta à presença da infecção. Nosso objetivo foi verificar as alterações reprodutivas de Subulina octona após a infecção por Paratanaisia bragai. Os moluscos infectados foram individualmente expostos durante 24 horas a 20 ovos do parasito e quatro grupos foram formados (10, 20, 30 e 40 d.p.i. - dias pós infecção), com respectivos grupos controle. A cada 10 dias, o número de ovos no trato reprodutivo, o número de ovos eclodidos, o conteúdo de galactogênio e alterações histopatológicas eram avaliadas. O padrão reprodutivo nos moluscos controle e infectados evidenciou um comportamento alternante, nos quais períodos de alta produção de ovos e filhotes foram seguidos por períodos de baixa produção. No entanto, em relação ao conteúdo de galactogênio, moluscos controle e infectados seguiram o mesmo padrão de variação. Na histologia, observamos a presença de gametas masculinos e femininos com acentuada redução no número de óocitos. Os resultados indicam que o desenvolvimento intramolusco do parasito afeta a biologia reprodutiva do hospedeiro.

Technical Innovation for Visual Assessment of Preterm Newborns in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Exploratory Study.

OBJECTIVE: The present study is aimed at assessing heart rate variability (HRV) and its correlation with visual acuity (VA) assessment of preterm newborns (PTNB) in neonatal intensive care units. METHOD: Cross-sectional study analyzing HRV during assessment of VA with the aid of a Polar RS800CX heart rate monitor (Polar Electro Oy, Finland). HRV was analyzed according to time and frequency domains and the chaos domain used the autocorrelation coefficient and entropy. The sample consisted of hospitalized PTNB, and static analysis included simple regression diagnosis. RESULTS: A total of 14 PTNB were included in the sample. VA varied between 0.23 and 1.60 cpd, and only five PTNB obtained below-expected values for age. Statistical analysis demonstrated a negative correlation between VA and time domain (SDDN and SD2) and a positive correlation between frequency domain (heart rate and hertz), but in simple linear regression analysis, these variables did not influence VA. CONCLUSION: The results of the study demonstrate that visual acuity was inversely correlated with SDNN and SD2 and during stimulation, showing that the higher the visual performance, the lower the autonomic modulation response.

Proinflammatory circulating markers: new players for evaluating asymptomatic acute cardiovascular toxicity in breast cancer treatment.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate markers of cardiac damage (total CK, CKMB and CRP), inflammatory markers (free iron, homocysteine and TNF-α) as well as lipidogram in breast cancer patients undergoing acute cycles of doxorubicin (DOX), paclitaxel (PTX) or trastuzumab (TZ) and to verify if there is an association between these markers and the toxicity of the chemotherapeutic treatment. Methods: Included in the study were 120 breast cancer patients and 50 healthy controls. All analyzes were performed on automated systems. For the statistical analysis, each group was compared with the controls according to their normality by Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney test. Results: Our results showed that DOX treatment led to increased hsCRP (4.80 ± 1.23 mg/dL, p = 0.0005), triglycerides (187.6 ± 25.06, p = 0.0231), TNF-α (42.31 ± 17.96 pg/mL, p = 0.01) and Fe levels (138.8 ± 18.6 µg/dL, p = 0.0193). In the meantime, PTX induced changes in CK-MB (8.78 ± 4.2 U/L, p = 0.0361), hsCRP (7.12 ± 1.87 mg/dL, p = 0.0006), cholesterol (201.7 ± 19.54, p = 0.05), triglycerides (201.7 ± 19.54, p = 0.0277), TNF-α (38.27 ± 9.12 pg/mL, p = 0.023), homocysteine (10.95 ± 0, 86 µmol/L, p = 0.005), and free iron (113 ± 18 6 µg/dL, p = 0.045) while TZ augmented CK-MB (6.9 ± 1.97 U/L, p < 0.00), hsPCR (3.12 ± 0.68 mg/dL, p = 0.095), cholesterol (218.3 ± 16.79, p = 0.0317), triglycerides (218.3 ± 16.79, p = 0.0127), TNF-α (89.6 ± 12.11, p = 0.032), homocysteine (9.95 ± 1.15 µmol/L, p = 0.0396), free iron (120.5 ± 4.64 µg/dl, p = 0.0058) as well. Conclusions: Our data demonstrated the existence of a proinflammatory net triggered by breast cancer chemotherapy that could increase cardiomyocytes permeability and allow the leakage of circulating proteins as CK-MB and induce the production of hsCRP.

Evaluation of the reproductive profile of Subulina octona (Gastropoda, Subulinidae) experimentally infected by Paratanaisia bragai (Digenea, Eucotylidae).

Snails infected by trematodes may increase or decrease their reproductive activity in response to the presence of infection. Our aim was to verify the reproductive alterations in Subulina octona after infection by Paratanaisia bragai. The infected snails were individually exposed for 24 hours to 20 parasite eggs and four groups were formed (10, 20, 30 and 40 d.p.i.- days after infection), along with control groups. Every 10 days, the number of eggs in the reproductive tract, number of eggs hatched, galactogen content and histopathological changes were evaluated. The reproductive in the control and infected snails presented an alternating pattern, where periods of high production of eggs and newly hatched were followed by periods of low production. However, in relation to the amount of galactogen, both control and infected groups followed the same pattern of variation. In the histology, we observed the presence of male and female gametes with marked reduction in the number of oocytes. The results indicate that the intra-snail development of the parasite affects the reproductive biology of the host.

Decrease of the DXR-induced genotoxicity and nongenotoxic effects of Theobroma cacao revealed by micronucleus assay.

This study evaluated the genotoxicity of lyophilized glycolic extract of Theobroma cacao Linné seeds (TCL), using the micronucleus assay in bone marrow of mice. The interaction between TCL and doxorubicin (DXR) was also analyzed. Experimental groups were evaluated 24-48 h after treatment with N-Nitroso-N-ethylurea (NEU: 50 mg/kg), DXR (5 mg/kg), NaCl (145 mM), TCL (0.5-2 g/kg), and TCL (2 g/kg) in combination with DXR (antigenotoxic assays). Analysis of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCEs) showed no significant differences between all the treatment doses of TCL and NaCl control. Mice experimentally treated with DXR and NEU significantly induced MNPCEs. However, a significant reduction of MNPCEs was also observed when TCL was administered in combination with the chemotherapeutic agent DXR. The analysis of the PCE/NCE ratio revealed no significant differences between the NaCl control, all doses of TCL, and DXR. However, there were significant differences in the PCE/NCE ratio between positive NEU control and all other treatments. The PCE/NCE ratio observed after treatment with TCL and DXR showed significant differences and intermediate values to controls (NaCl and NEU). This study suggests absence of genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of TCL, regardless of dose, sex, and time. TCL reduced genotoxic effects induced by DXR, suggesting potential antigenotoxic effects.

Muscle Quality Is Associated with History of Falls in Octogenarians.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare muscle quality (MQ) between octogenarians classified as non-fallers, fallers and recurrent fallers and identify confounding intrinsic and extrensic factors that impact likelihood for falls. DESIGN: This observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study included older adults (N=220) aged 80 years or older. MEASUREMENTS: The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) was used to evaluate physical function and MQ was calculated using the ratio of grip strength to arm muscle mass (in kilograms) quantified by DXA. Variables related to sociodemographic, clinical, cognitive function, and falls were evaluated using a questionnaire and symptoms of depression were evaluated by the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). A Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to verify differences between groups. Binomial logistic regression was performed to determine the impact of age, depression, polypharmacy, balance, MQ, and sex on participants having more than four falls in their history. RESULTS: Increasing MQ was associated with reduced likelihood of more than four falls in their history. Non-fallers were statistically younger (p = 0.012) and took more medications (p = 0.023) than recurrent fallers. Recurrent fallers had lower MQ when compared with fallers (p = 0.007) and non-fallers (p = 0.001) and had a lower GDS score when compared with fallers (p = 0.022). Finally, fallers presented lower scores for balance when compared to non-fallers (p = 0.013). CONCLUSION: A higher MQ is associated with a reduction in the likelihood falls in octogenarians. Therefore, it may be advantageous for clinicians to evaluate MQ when the screening of the risk of falls in older adults.

Decrease of the DXR-induced genotoxicity and nongenotoxic effects of Theobroma cacao revealed by micronucleus assay / Diminuição da genotoxicidade induzida por DXR e efeitos não genotóxicos de Theobroma cacao revelados pelo ensaio de micronúcleo

This study evaluated the genotoxicity of lyophilized glycolic extract of Theobroma cacao Linné seeds (TCL), using the micronucleus assay in bone marrow of mice. The interaction between TCL and doxorubicin (DXR) was also analyzed. Experimental groups were evaluated 24-48 h after treatment with N-Nitroso-N-ethylurea (NEU: 50 mg/kg), DXR (5 mg/kg), NaCl (145 mM), TCL (0.5-2 g/kg), and TCL (2 g/kg) in combination with DXR (antigenotoxic assays). Analysis of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCEs) showed no significant differences between all the treatment doses of TCL and NaCl control. Mice experimentally treated with DXR and NEU significantly induced MNPCEs. However, a significant reduction of MNPCEs was also observed when TCL was administered in combination with the chemotherapeutic agent DXR. The analysis of the PCE/NCE ratio revealed no significant differences between the NaCl control, all doses of TCL, and DXR. However, there were significant differences in the PCE/NCE ratio between positive NEU control and all other treatments. The PCE/NCE ratio observed after treatment with TCL and DXR showed significant differences and intermediate values to controls (NaCl and NEU). This study suggests absence of genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of TCL, regardless of dose, sex, and time. TCL reduced genotoxic effects induced by DXR, suggesting potential antigenotoxic effects.

Este estudo avaliou a genotoxicidade do extrato glicólico liofilizado de sementes de Theobroma cacao Linné (TCL), usando o ensaio do micronúcleo em medula óssea de camundongos. A interação entre TCL e doxorrubicina (DXR) foi também analisada. Grupos experimentais foram avaliados 24-48 h após tratamento com N-Nitroso-N-etilureia (NEU: 50 mg/kg), DXR (5 mg/kg), NaCl (145 mM), TCL (0,5-2 g/kg), e TCL (2 g/kg) em combinação com DXR (ensaio antigenotóxico). As análises de eritrócitos policromáticos micronucleados (EPCMNs) não mostraram diferenças significantes entre todas as doses de tratamento do TCL e o controle NaCl. Camundongos experimentalmente tratados com DXR e NEU induziram significativamente EPCMNs. Contudo, uma redução significante de EPCMNs foi também observada quando TCL foi administrada em combinação com o agente quimioterapêutico DXR. As análises da relação EPC/ENC (eritrócito policromático/eritrócito normocromático) revelaram ausência de diferenças significantes entre o controle NaCl, todas as doses de TCL e DXR. Contudo, houve diferenças significantes na relação EPC/ENC entre o controle positivo NEU e todos os outros tratamento. A relação ECP/ENC observada após o tratamento com TCL e DXR mostrou diferenças significantes e valores intermediários aos controles (NaCl e NEU). Este estudo sugere ausência de genotoxicidade e citotoxicidade de TCL, independentemente da dose, sexo e tempo. TCL reduziu os efeitos genotóxicos induzidos por DXR, sugerindo potencial efeitos antigenotóxicos.

Cytotoxic Effect of Prodigiosin, Natural Red Pigment, Isolated from Serratia marcescens UFPEDA 398.

Prodigiosin is a secondary metabolite, with red pigmentation, produced by Serratia marcescens. Red pigment is a natural alkaloid whose chemical structure has three pyrrole rings. Prodigiosin has been described for several biological activities, including antitumor, inducing apotosis in T and B lymphocytes. This work aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic activity of prodigiosin in NCHI-292, HEp-2, MCF-7 and HL-60 tumor cell lines. The red pigment was isolated from Serratia marcescens UFPEDA 398 biomass whose fractions were previously separated by column chromatography, purified, identified and further characterized by GC-MS and compared with the computerized library of m/z values. The pigment corresponded to prodigiosin with maximum absorption at 534 nm, molecular weight 323 and structural formula C20H25N3O. During the prodigiosin purification process a purple absorbance fraction at 272.65 nm was also observed. Significant cytotoxic effects of prodigiosin were evidenced for NCHI-292, Hep-2, MCF-7 and HL-60 tumor cell lines. The isolated purple fraction had no cytotoxic effect (IC50 11.3 µg/mL) when compared to prodigiosin (IC50 3.4 µg/mL) for the tumor cell lines studied. The MCF-7 strain was slightly more pigment resistant (IC50 5.1 µg/mL). Therefore, further studies will be needed to elucidate the antitumor mechanisms of prodigiosin action against tumor strains from flow cytometry tests. However, although these data are preliminary, it was evidenced that prodigiosin showed cytotoxic activity in tumor cell lines suggesting promising antitumor properties. In this sense, future studies on the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of prodigiosin produced by S. marcecsens UFPEDA 398 are suggested.