Lymphocyte genotoxicity and protective effect of Calyptranthes tricona (Myrtaceae) against H2O2-induced cell death in MCF-7 cells.

Calyptranthes tricona is a species (Myrtaceae) native to South Brazil. Plants belonging to this family are folkloric used for analgesia, inflammation, and infectious diseases. However, little is known about the toxic potential of C. tricona. The present study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity of C. tricona ethanol and hexane leaf extracts, as well as verify their effect on human lymphocytes and MCF-7 cells. The extracts were subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening, antioxidant activity using DPPH and ORAC methods. Genotoxic and mutagenic effects in cultured human lymphocytes were assessed using the comet assay and the micronucleus assay, respectively. In addition, cell viability by MTT assay and fluorometric analysis of mitochondrial potential and caspases-9 activity were performed in order to verify the possible effects of both extracts on H2O2-induced cell death of MCF-7 cells. Our findings revealed that the phenol content and the antioxidant activity were only present in the ethanol extract. Also, the phytochemical screening presented steroids, triterpenoids, condensed tannins, and flavones as the main compounds. However, both extracts were capable of inducing concentration-dependent DNA damage in human lymphocytes. When treating MCF-7 cells with the extracts, both of them inhibited MCF-7 cell death in response to oxidative stress through a decrease of mitochondrial depolarization and caspases-9 activity. Thus, our results need to be considered in future in vitro and in vivo studies of C. tricona effects. In the meanwhile, we recommend caution in the acute/chronic use of this homemade preparation for medicinal purpose.

Nuclear abnormalities in cells from nasal epithelium: a promising assay to evaluate DNA damage related to air pollution in infants / Anormalidades nucleares em células do epitélio nasal: uma técnica promissora para avaliar dano no DNA relacionado à poluição atmosférica em neonatos

OBJECTIVES: This study intends to provide a quick, easy, and inexpensive way to assess nuclear abnormalities such as micronuclei and bud frequencies; binucleated, karyorrhectic, karyolytic, pycnotic, and condensed chromatin cells in nasal scrapings of infants, which are particularly important for conducting genotoxic studies related to the inhaled atmosphere in pediatric populations. METHODS: Nasal swab samples were collected from 40 infants under 12 months of age using a small cytobrush. 2,000 cells from each infant sample were analyzed and classified according to the frequency of nuclear abnormalities. RESULTS: Rates of nuclear abnormalities found agree with values reported in other studies of neonates and children. This study found 0.13% of cells with micronuclei; 1.20% karyorrhexis; 0.03% pyknosis; 10.85% karyolysis; 1.11% condensed chromatin; 0.54 binucleated cells; and 0.02% nuclear bud. Differences were not observed between genders or environmental passive smoking, nor was any age correlation found. CONCLUSION: The assay proposed here is suitable for assessing the frequency of nuclear abnormalities from nasal cells in infants. .

OBJETIVOS: Este estudo pretendeu fornecer uma forma rápida, fácil e barata de avaliar anormalidades nucleares, como frequências de micronúcleos e gêmea, células binucleadas, cariorréticas, cariolíticas, picnóticas e com cromatina condensada, em esfregados nasais de neonatos, o que é particularmente importante para a realização de estudos genotóxicos relacionados ao ar inalado nas populações pediátricas. MÉTODOS: Foram coletadas amostras de esfregaço nasal de 40 neonatos com menos de 12 meses de idade, utilizando uma pequena escova citológica. Foram analisadas 2.000 células da amostra de cada neonato e classificadas de acordo com a frequência de anormalidades nucleares. RESULTADOS: As taxas de anormalidades nucleares encontradas neste estudo são compatíveis com os valores relatados em outros estudos de neonatos e crianças. Encontramos 0,13% de células com micronúcleos, 1,20% com cariorrexe, 0,03% com picnose, 10,85% com cariólise, 1,11% com cromatina condensada, 0,54 com células binucleadas e 0,02% com células nucleares gêmeas. Não observamos diferenças entre os gêneros, tabagismo passivo e nenhuma correlação entre idades. CONCLUSÃO: O ensaio proposto neste estudo é adequado para avaliar a frequência de anormalidades nucleares de células nasais em neonatos. .

Nuclear abnormalities in cells from nasal epithelium: a promising assay to evaluate DNA damage related to air pollution in infants.

OBJECTIVES: This study intends to provide a quick, easy, and inexpensive way to assess nuclear abnormalities such as micronuclei and bud frequencies; binucleated, karyorrhectic, karyolytic, pycnotic, and condensed chromatin cells in nasal scrapings of infants, which are particularly important for conducting genotoxic studies related to the inhaled atmosphere in pediatric populations. METHODS: Nasal swab samples were collected from 40 infants under 12 months of age using a small cytobrush. 2,000 cells from each infant sample were analyzed and classified according to the frequency of nuclear abnormalities. RESULTS: Rates of nuclear abnormalities found agree with values reported in other studies of neonates and children. This study found 0.13% of cells with micronuclei; 1.20% karyorrhexis; 0.03% pyknosis; 10.85% karyolysis; 1.11% condensed chromatin; 0.54 binucleated cells; and 0.02% nuclear bud. Differences were not observed between genders or environmental passive smoking, nor was any age correlation found. CONCLUSION: The assay proposed here is suitable for assessing the frequency of nuclear abnormalities from nasal cells in infants.

Influência da interação entre qualidade ambiental e o SNP T102C do gene HTR2A sobre a suscetibilidade à fibromialgia / Influence of the interaction between environmental quality and T102C SNP in the HTR2A gene on fibromyalgia susceptibility

OBJETIVO: Investigar a influência genética da variante T102C do gene do receptor 2A de serotonina (HTR2A) e sua interação com aspectos do meio ambiente, como exposição a ruídos, trânsito, clima, oportunidades de adquirir novas informações, segurança física e proteção, dentre outras, como possíveis fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento da síndrome da fibromialgia (SFM). MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 41 pacientes com SFM e 49 indivíduos-controle. Os fatores ambientais foram avaliados pela aplicação do domínio V do questionário WHOQOL-100 (OMS). Solicitou-se aos pacientes que as respostas representassem os momentos antes do surgimento dos sintomas. A variante T102C do gene do receptor 2A de serotonina (HTR2A) foi determinada por PCR-RFLP. RESULTADOS: Na amostra de pacientes, o número de portadores do alelo 102C foi maior do que o encontrado na amostra controle (76,5% vs. 50%; P = 0,028). Os escores do domínio V foram menores em pacientes quando comparados aos controles (P < 0,001). O fator "falta de oportunidades de adquirir novas informações e habilidades" elevou em quase 14 vezes a chance de desenvolvimento da síndrome (P = 0,009). "Baixa qualidade de cuidados sociais e de saúde", somada à presença do alelo 102C, elevou em mais de 90 vezes (P = 0,005). Contudo, indivíduos portadores desse mesmo alelo que possuem alta qualidade de cuidados sociais e de saúde não se encontram sob risco de desenvolver a SFM. CONCLUSÕES: Esses dados sugerem que tais fatores podem predispor à SFM, especialmente em portadores do alelo 102C. Entretanto, são necessárias investigações com amostras maiores.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the genetic influence of the T102C polymorphism of the 2A serotonin receptor gene (HTR2A) and its interaction with environmental aspects, such as exposure to noise, traffic, climate, and opportunities to acquire new information, physical protection, and security, among others, as possible risk factors for developing fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). METHODS: Forty-one FMS patients and 49 controls were evaluated. Environmental factors were evaluated by application of the V domain of the WHOQOL-100 questionnaire. Patients were asked that their answers represented only the periods preceding the onset of symptoms. The T102C variant of the HTR2A gene was determined through PCR/RFLP. RESULTS: Among patients, the frequency of carriers of the 102C allele was higher than in controls (76.5% vs. 50%; P = 0.028). The scores of the V domain were lower in patients than in controls, indicating a worst perception of the environmental quality by patients (P < 0.001). The factor "lack of opportunities for acquiring new information and skills" increased the chance of developing FMS by almost 14-fold (P = 0.009). The factor "low quality of social care and health" together with the presence of the 102C allele also increased this chance by more than 90-fold (P = 0.005). However, carriers of the same allele who have high quality social care and health are not at a higher risk to develop FMS. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that these factors may predispose to FMS, especially in carriers of the 102C allele. However, studies with larger samples are required to confirm this hypothesis.

Influence of the interaction between environmental quality and T102C SNP in the HTR2A gene on fibromyalgia susceptibility.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the genetic influence of the T102C polymorphism of the 2A serotonin receptor gene (HTR2A) and its interaction with environmental aspects, such as exposure to noise, traffic, climate, and opportunities to acquire new information, physical protection, and security, among others, as possible risk factors for developing fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). METHODS: Forty-one FMS patients and 49 controls were evaluated. Environmental factors were evaluated by application of the V domain of the WHOQOL-100 questionnaire. Patients were asked that their answers represented only the periods preceding the onset of symptoms. The T102C variant of the HTR2A gene was determined through PCR/RFLP. RESULTS: Among patients, the frequency of carriers of the 102C allele was higher than in controls (76.5% vs. 50%; P = 0.028). The scores of the V domain were lower in patients than in controls, indicating a worst perception of the environmental quality by patients (P < 0.001). The factor "lack of opportunities for acquiring new information and skills" increased the chance of developing FMS by almost 14-fold (P = 0.009). The factor "low quality of social care and health" together with the presence of the 102C allele also increased this chance by more than 90-fold (P = 0.005). However, carriers of the same allele who have high quality social care and health are not at a higher risk to develop FMS. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that these factors may predispose to FMS, especially in carriers of the 102C allele. However, studies with larger samples are required to confirm this hypothesis.

Interação entre qualidade do meio ambiente, estresse e a variação do gene APOE na determinação da suscetibilidade à fibromialgia / Association between environmental quality, stress and APOE gene variation in fibromyalgia susceptibility determination

INTRODUÇÃO: A fibromialgia se trata de uma desordem multifatorial, cuja etiologia reside na interação entre a susceptibilidade genética e o ambiente. No entanto, poucos trabalhos procuram detectar quais seriam os fatores considerados de risco. OBJETIVO: Investigar a influência genética e sua interação com qualidade ambiental e com estresse como possíveis fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento da fibromialgia. PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: Neste estudo transversal, foram investigados dois grupos de mulheres, sendo 47 com diagnóstico clínico de fibromialgia, e 41 mulheres do grupo controle, todas da comunidade de Novo Hamburgo, RS. O polimorfismo do gene da apolipoproteína E (APOE) foi analisado, a partir do DNA extraído do sangue total de ambas as amostras. Os fatores ambientais foram avaliados através do inventário de sintomas para adultos de Lipp (ISSL), para a averiguação do estresse comportamental, e da aplicação do domínio V do WHOQOL-100. RESULTADOS: Dentre as pacientes, foram encontradas mais mulheres com níveis altos de estresse, quando comparado à amostra controle (P < 0,001); além disto, os escores médios do domínio V do WHOQOL-100, que avalia qualidade do meio ambiente, foram inferiores neste grupo (P < 0,001). As frequências genotípicas e alélicas do gene APOE foram similares entre os dois grupos. A análise multivariada demonstrou que baixos escores do WHOQOL-100, aumentaram a chance de desenvolvimento da doença em 57,7 vezes (P < 0,001), e que altos níveis de estresse foram significativamente relacionados com a doença (OR = 197,2; P < 0,001). Essa abordagem apontou para uma interação entre estresse e a presença do alelo E*2 (P = 0,028). A doença foi muito mais frequente em pacientes com altos níveis de estresse que não eram portadoras do alelo E*2 (OR estimado = 265,1), quando comparada a pacientes com o mesmo nível de estresse e portadoras do alelo E*2 (OR estimado = 1,06). CONCLUSÃO: A presença do alelo E*2 pode indicar possível ...

INTRODUCTION: Fibromyalgia is a multifactorial disease, of which etiology is based on interaction between genetic susceptibility and environment. However, few studies attempted to identify the risk factors. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the genetic influence and its interaction with environmental quality and stress, as possible risk factors for fibromyalgia development. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study investigated two groups of women, of which 47 had a clinical diagnosis of fibromyalgia, and 41 women comprising thre control group, all from the town of Novo Hamburgo, RS. The apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene polymorphism was analyzed in DNA extracted from total blood, in both samples. Environmental factors were studied through Lipp's Inventory of Stress Symptoms for Adults and by applying the WHOQOL-100 domain V. RESULTS: Among the patients, more women had high stress levels when compared to the control sample (P < 0.001); moreover, the average scores of the WHOQOL-100 domain V, which analyze environment quality, were lower in this group (P < 0.001). APOE genotypic and allelic frequencies were similar between the two groups. Multivariate analysis showed that low WHOQOL-100 scores increase the chance of disease development by 57.7 times (P < 0.001), and that high stress levels were related with the disease (OR = 197.2; P < 0.001). This approach pointed out an interaction between stress and presence of E*2 allele (P = 0.028). Fibromyalgia was much more frequent in patients with high stress levels that were E*2 non-carriers (estimated OR = 265.1), when compared to patients with the same stress level, but E*2 carriers (estimated OR = 1.06). CONCLUSION: E*2 allele presence could have a protective action regarding the association between fibromyalgia and stress.

Association between environmental quality, stress and APOE gene variation in fibromyalgia susceptibility determination.

INTRODUCTION: Fibromyalgia is a multifactorial disease, of which etiology is based on interaction between genetic susceptibility and environment. However, few studies attempted to identify the risk factors. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the genetic influence and its interaction with environmental quality and stress, as possible risk factors for fibromyalgia development. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study investigated two groups of women, of which 47 had a clinical diagnosis of fibromyalgia, and 41 women comprising thre control group, all from the town of Novo Hamburgo, RS. The apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene polymorphism was analyzed in DNA extracted from total blood, in both samples. Environmental factors were studied through Lipp's Inventory of Stress Symptoms for Adults and by applying the WHOQOL-100 domain V. RESULTS: Among the patients, more women had high stress levels when compared to the control sample (P < 0.001); moreover, the average scores of the WHOQOL-100 domain V, which analyze environment quality, were lower in this group (P < 0.001). APOE genotypic and allelic frequencies were similar between the two groups. Multivariate analysis showed that low WHOQOL-100 scores increase the chance of disease development by 57.7 times (P < 0.001), and that high stress levels were related with the disease (OR = 197.2; P < 0.001). This approach pointed out an interaction between stress and presence of E*2 allele (P = 0.028). Fibromyalgia was much more frequent in patients with high stress levels that were E*2 non-carriers (estimated OR = 265.1), when compared to patients with the same stress level, but E*2 carriers (estimated OR = 1.06). CONCLUSION: E*2 allele presence could have a protective action regarding the association between fibromyalgia and stress.

Oxidative stress and DNA damage in older adults that do exercises regularly.

OBJECTIVES: Free radicals may damage lipids, proteins and DNA, which may lead to critical diseases in the aging. This work evaluated levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and DNA damage by comet assay (SCGE) in older adults that do exercises regularly. DESIGN AND METHODS: 110 females, aged 66.3+/-8 years were divided into sedentary (n=54), walking (n=36) and muscle building (n=20) groups. Levels of MDA, GPx and SCGE were measured in venous blood before and after exercise. RESULTS: MDA levels were higher (P<0.005) and GPx levels were lower (P<0.005) in active groups than in sedentary group. SCGE index after physical activity was greater than at baseline (muscle building: P=0.004; walking: P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Exercise reduces the diseases risk, but may promote the production of free radicals. It remains unclear whether cell adaptations responsible for health benefits are associated with such events. However we may suggest the existence of a different biochemical pattern for older adults that do exercise regularly.

DNA damage in blood leukocytes of individuals with sickle cell disease treated with hydroxyurea.

Hydroxyurea (HU) plays an important role in the treatment of patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). Although HU has been associated with an increased risk of leukemia in some patients with myeloproliferative disorders, the mutagenic and carcinogenic potential of HU has not been established. This study investigated levels of DNA damage using the alkaline (pH>13) comet assay to analyze peripheral blood leukocytes sampled from 28 patients with SCD treated with HU (SCHU) and from 28 normal individuals. The damage index (DI) in the SCHU group was significantly higher than in controls (p<0.05). Gender, smoking or age were not associated with DNA damage in controls or SCHU individuals. In the group of SCHU individuals, mean HU dose and DI were positively correlated, and individuals who received a mean dose of >20 mg/kg HU (DI=24.9+/-5.5) showed significantly more DNA damage than those who received < or =20 mg/kg HU (DI=14.6+/-1.8) (p<0.05). Individuals treated for > or =42 months (DI=23.1+/-4.2) showed significantly greater DNA damage than those treated for <42 months (13.6+/-1.9) (p<0.05). DI was inversely correlated with body mass index in the SCHU group.

Nanobacteria-like particles: a threat to cell cultures

The main goal of this study is to alert researchers who work with cell cultures for the risk of contamination by structures called nanobacteria (NB). NB are tiny structures with size varying from 80 to 500 nm, commonly occurring in clusters and producing a biofilm which contains carbonate or hydroxyl apatite. The most likely source of cell culture contamination by such organisms is serum used as supplement in culture media. The presence of NB leads to a progressive culture deterioration with accumulation of granules (probably phagocytized NB) in cytoplasmic vacuoles, an increasing number of dead cells in the supernatant and degeneration of cells that remained attached to the bottom of the vessel. NB can also be found in culture supernatants where they are found in clusters with variable size and displaying brownian movement. In this study, 19 cell lineages, 8 batches of sera and 1 batch of growth supplement from different sources were analyzed. Samples from sera were cultured in Eagle's Minimum Essential Medium (E-MEM) or incubated directly at 37°C. Tests carried out to detect the presence of extracellular bacteria, Mycoplasma sp and viruses were all negative. Analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed tiny oval structures less than 500 nm in size, isolated or in small groups, in all material analyzed except in one fetal bovine serum batch.

O principal objetivo deste estudo é alertar aos pesquisadores que trabalham com cultivos celulares sobre o risco de contaminação por estruturas denominadas nanobactérias (NB). NB são estruturas muito pequenas cujo tamanho varia de 80 a 500 nm e que comumente ocorrem em agrupamentos, produzindo biofilme de carbonato ou hidroxiapatita. A fonte mais provável de contaminação dos cultivos celulares por tais organismos é o soro utilizado como suplemento nos meios de cultura. A presença de NB leva a uma progressiva deterioração do cultivo com acúmulo de grânulos (provavelmente NB fagocitadas) em vacúolos citoplasmáticos, um número cada vez maior de células mortas no sobrenadante e degeneração das células que permaneceram aderidas à superfície do frasco de cultura. NB podem ser encontradas também em sobrenadantes de cultivos onde são observadas em agrupamentos de tamanho variável com movimento browniano. Neste estudo, 19 linhagens celulares, 8 lotes de soro e 1 lote de suplemento de diferentes procedências foram analisados. Amostras de soros foram cultivadas em Meio Essencial Mínimo de Eagle (E-MEM) ou incubados diretamente a 37°C. Testes efetuados para detectar a presença de bactérias extracelulares, Mycoplasma sp e vírus foram todos negativos. Análise por microscopia eletrônica de varredura (SEM) revelou minúsculas estruturas ovóides com tamanho inferior a 500 nm, isoladas ou em pequenos agrupamentos, em todos os materiais analisados exceto em um lote de soro fetal bovino.

DNA damage in peripheral blood of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a condition characterized by chronic airway inflammation and remodeling, lung parenchymal inflammation, and destruction resulting in expiratory airflow obstruction, hyperinflation of the lung with loss of elastic recoil, and impairment of gas exchange. Skeletal muscles in individuals with COPD generate free radicals at rest, and production increases during contractile activity. Overproduction of free radicals may result in oxidant-antioxidant imbalance in favor of oxidants. This study evaluated the levels of genetic damage in peripheral blood of patients with COPD using the cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus (CBMN) and the comet assays. The study was conducted with 25 patients with COPD and 25 controls matched for age and sex. Results of both comet and CBMN assays showed an increase in the level of DNA damage. In the group of patients with COPD, the mean frequency of binucleate cells with micronuclei was 6.72+/-3.02, and in the control group, 4.20+/-2.08 (p=0.00233). Mean comet value was 26.84+/-19.61 in patients with COPD and 7.25+/-7.57 in the control group (p=0.00004). The increased frequency of micronuclei in patients with COPD was primarily assigned to clastogenic events and DNA amplification because the frequency of nucleoplasmic bridges and buds was also increased. Oxidative stress in lung cells is a constant source of free radicals that damage genetic material of both lung and circulating cells.