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BACKGROUND: This work aims to optimize the extraction of bioactive compounds with antiproliferative activity from goji berry (Lycium barbarum) and assess the extraction kinetic models. The extraction was performed by varying the proportion of ethanol/water solvent. RESULTS: The antioxidant activity determination tests indicated a significant difference for the proportion of 60:40 ethanol/water. Conditions for the highest levels of antioxidant activity were 45 °C and 6.71 min for ultrasound and 45 °C and 23.30 h for shaker. CONCLUSION: The quantification of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, carotenoids and anthocyanins showed that the ultrasound method led to the highest concentrations of these compounds. The extraction kinetics was evaluated, and the So and MacDonald's and second‐order models showed the best fit, with a global maximum deviation lower than 10.0%. High concentrations of extracts produced showed cytotoxic effects for human hepatoma cells by the MTT test. The extract produced by ultrasound reached a cell viability of 37.71%. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The treatment of seeds using pesticides is a widely employed technique that generates effluents with high contamination potential. In the present study, our objective was to characterize and evaluate the toxicity of washing wastewater from corn seed treaters that contained the pesticide thiamethoxam. Effluents were treated by adsorption using several adsorbent materials, namely activated vegetable carbon, corn straw, and soybean hulls, different pH, and distinct mass concentrations for each material. The activated carbon promoted a greater reduction in the chemical oxygen demand (COD). In the coagulation-flocculation treatment, with ferric chloride (FeCl3) and poly-aluminum chloride (PAC), and using factorial planning with the concentration of FeCl3 and the sedimentation time as independent variables, the best COD removal occurred with 850 mg L−1 FeCl3 and 120 min sedimentation. The treatments C (coagulation), CACA (coagulation followed by adsorption with activated vegetable carbon), and CACS (coagulation followed by adsorption with corn straw) presented the most efficacious physicochemical parameter changes. The CACA treatment showed the best result for removing thiamethoxam. Nevertheless, raw and treated effluents showed high toxicity to the bioindicators Artemia salina L. (immobility/mortality test), Eisenia fetida (avoidance test), and Allium cepa L. (cytotoxicity test). The effluents also produced a mutagenic effect for A. cepa, due to the presence of chromosomal changes. The results demonstrated the risk that this effluent can cause to the environment. These data highlight the need to investigate new technologies to reduce the physicochemical parameters, the agrochemical levels, and, in particular, the final effluent toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demands imposed by today's world require a fast and efficient society, then, significant section of the population looks for support from psychotropic medicine. Modafinil is a psychostimulant that promotes wakefulness, it being recommended for treatment of narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift-work sleep disorder, besides being a cognitive function potentiator. However, chemical components of drugs can alter genetic material. Thus, the present study evaluated the cytotoxic and clastogenic/mutagenic potential of 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75 mg of Modafinil/mL of corn oil/100g body weight in acute treatments and subacute treatments, 15 days, to Rattus norvegicus, treated via gavage in a single daily dose. The drug was not cytotoxic at any of the evaluated doses in either of the treatments. However, the medicine showed clastogenic/mutagenic activity in the acute treatment group at the standard dose and at double dose. Data from the present study indicates that there should be greater caution as to the use of this psychostimulant by human beings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Ambiente e Água is the property of Revista Ambiente e Agua and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Underground and surface water as a result of human activity are increasingly polluted. Mainly due to improper disposal of waste, discharge of effluents, among other actions that compromise the environment. The water analysis is necessary to determine and evaluate the situation of water supply to the population. This study evaluated the supply situation of three rural communities located in the south of Brazil, where the water is carried out through the abstraction of groundwater. Pastures, fields and remnants of native vegetation characterize the region. The water quality used to supply was what motivated the accomplishment of this work. The wells are unprotected in the middle of the pastures near to black cesspits and crops that use frequently agrochemicals. The water quality was characterized over one year by physicalchemical, microbiological and toxicological characteristics. The results were compared to water potability standards in Brazil. In order to ensure sanitary conditions for this population, environmental education actions were carried out given the importance of access the information. It follows that the resources analyzed need disinfection to ensure better and safer water supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gentisic acid (GA) exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibiotic activities. This substance can be found in citrus fruits, grapes, olive oil, and peas. Considering that there are few studies in the literature on the toxicity of GA, the present work aimed to investigate its cytotoxic, mutagenic, and antimutagenic activities on HTC cells. GA was diluted in culture medium at the final concentration of 0.08, 0.16, 0.8, 1.6, and 8 μg/mL. The cytotoxicity was determined by the MTT assay and Trypan Blue exclusion method, with methyl methanesulfonate and doxorubicin as positive controls, respectively. The cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay determined the mutagenic/antimutagenic activity with benzo[a]pyrene as positive control. Negative control received culture medium only. GA (0.08–8 μg/mL) was not cytotoxic to HTC cells by the MTT assay nor the Trypan Blue exclusion method as no statistical difference was observed when compared to the control. Concentration of 0.08 and 0.8 μg/mL showed no mutagenic or clastogenic effects, as no significant micronuclei inductions were observed, different from 8 μg/mL, that was mutagenic. Furthermore, none of the concentrations presented an antiproliferative activity. The antimutagenic activity of GA (0.08 μg/mL) was observed at the simultaneous treatment, as it reduced the frequency of micronuclei by 76% (24 h) and 79% (48 h). Although pre- and post-treatments were not statistically different from the mutagen, they reduced the induced-damage by 11% and 21%, respectively. The present study indicated the absence of cytotoxicity and antiproliferative activities of GA, in addition to their antimutagenic/protective effects that may contribute to human health. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The juices of grapes (Vitis labrusca L.) are similar to the fruit itself because the main constituents of the fruit are present in the juice. However, their quality characteristics may be modified by the harsh technological processes used for the production of integral food, such as production systems of raw materials and post-harvest treatment of grapes with ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Therefore, the present study analyzed juices produced naturally (by liquefying the fruit) or by the technological process of extraction by steam distillation (90°C) of grapes from organic and conventional production systems that were untreated or treated with UV type C (65.6 J/m2 for 10 minutes). Using cultures of Rattus norvegicus hepatoma cells (HTC) in vitro, cytotoxic effects were assayed by the MTT test and by calculating the cytokinesis blocked proliferation index (CBPI), and mutagenic effects were measured by the cytokinesis block micronucleus assay. The results of the MTT assay and the CBPIs indicated that none of the juices were cytotoxic, including those that induced cell proliferation. The results of the micronucleus assay showed that none of the juices were mutagenic. However, the average number of micronuclei was lower in the juices produced from organic grapes, and cell proliferation, soluble acids and phenolic compounds were significantly higher. Compared with the natural juices, the integral juices of conventional grapes showed a higher average number of micronuclei as well as lower stimulation of cell proliferation and lower levels of bioactive compounds. The results demonstrate a beneficial effect of UV-C irradiation of post-harvest grapes in stimulating the synthesis of nutraceutical compounds without generating cytotoxic or mutagenic substances. Taken together, our findings support the consumption of grape juice and the application of food production techniques that enhance its nutritional value and promote its production, marketing and consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Cassava ( Manihot esculenta Crantz), a plant used as food and an ingredient in industry, contains cyanogenic glycosides. The cassava root contains wastewater, popularly known as manipueira, which is a toxic substance. Its ingestion by animals causes poisoning although they react positively to treatment with sodium thiosulfate. The present research evaluates the cytotoxicity and the mutagenicity of liquid waste produced in the process of industrialization of the bitter cassava, olho-junto variety. The liquid wastes are characterized as press water, which is obtained when the cassava roots are pressed; pond water, which is press water stored in impounded ponds; and a solution of sodium thiosulfate, pure and with other waste. RESULTS The system tests comprised root meristematic cells of Allium cepa L. and bone marrow cells of Rattus norvegicus. Treatment with saline solution was cytotoxic for Allium cepa L. and significantly reduced cell division rate. Although no treatment was cytotoxic in any of the tests with rats, the thiosulfate solution was clastogenic for the chromosomal aberrations test. CONCLUSION Since it is harmful to the genetic material submitted within the conditions of current research, sodium thiosulfate should only be used in emergency conditions in which the benefits exceed the risks. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables has contributed to the improvement of populational health, due in part, to the abundance of antioxidants in these foods. Antioxidants reduce the level of oxidative damage to DNA caused by free radicals and ionizing radiation, including the radioisotope iodine-131 (131I). This isotope is used for the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid injuries, such as hyperthyroidism and cancer. Methods This study aimed to evaluate the radioprotective and cytotoxic activity of acute and subchronic treatments with Barbados Cherry (BC) (Malpighia glabra L.) fruit juice (5 mg), which is rich in potent antioxidants such as vitamin C, phenols, carotenoids, anthocyanins and yellow flavonoids and its activity against the mutagenic activity of the therapeutic dose of 25 µCi of radioiodine for hyperthyroidism. The test system used was the bone marrow cells of Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) that were treated in vivo by gavage. Results BC showed radioprotective activity in acute treatments, which is most likely due to the joint action of its antioxidant components. In subchronic treatments, the continuous treatment presented an effective radioprotective activity, which was significantly different from treatment with the radiopharmaceutical only. Treatment with BC prior to (PRE) and simultaneous with (SIM) ionizing radiation decreased the number of induced chromosomal alterations, while post-treatment produced no protective effect. In addition, BC exhibited no cytotoxic activity. Conclusions These data serve as evidence that BC can be used as a preventive health measure to improve public health quality by countering the action of inevitable exposure to mutagens, such as 131I. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The investigation of traditionally used medicinal plants is valuable both as a source of potential chemotherapeutic drugs and as a measure of safety for the continued use of these medicinal plants. Achillea millefolium L. (AM) is an ancient remedial herb native to Europe that is used to treat wounds, gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary disorders, inflammation, headaches, and pain. Bauhinia forficata Link (BF), an Asiatic plant, is one of the most commonly used plants in folk medicine against diabetes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic and antimutagenic potential of aqueous extracts of AM and BF on bone marrow cells of Wistar rats treated in vivo. These plant extracts possess considerable antioxidant activity due to the presence of flavonoids and phenolic compounds. These compounds were determinants to noncytotoxic and antimutagenic/protective action of these plants, that reduced statistically the percentage of chromosomal alterations induced by the chemotherapeutic agent cyclophosphamide in simultaneous (AM, 68%; BF, 91%), pre- (AM, 68%; BF, 71%), and post-treatment (AM, 67%; BF, 95%). Therefore, the results of this study indicate that extracts of A. millefolium and B. forficata have antimutagenic potential and that their consumption can benefit the health of those using them as an alternative therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) is an herbaceous plant that is native to Europe, West Asia and North Africa and that is recognized and used worldwide for the treatment of mild and moderate depression. It also has been shown to be therapeutic for the treatment of burns, bruises and swelling and can be used for its wound healing, antiviral, antimicrobial, antioxidant, analgesic, hepato-protective and anxiolytic properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential cytotoxic, mutagenic and antimutagenic action of H. Perforatum. Methods: Meristematic cells were used as the test system for Allium cepa L., and bone marrow cells from Rattus norvegicus, ex vivo, were used to calculate the mitotic index and the percentage of chromosomal aberration. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test. Results: This medicinal plant had no cytotoxic potential in the vegetal test system evaluated. In the animal test system, none of the acute treatments, including intraperitoneal gavage and subchronic gavage, were cytotoxic or mutagenic. Moreover, this plant presented antimutagenic activity against the clastogenic action of cyclophosphamide, as confirmed in pre-treatment (76% reduction in damage), simultaneous treatment (95%) and post-treatment (97%). Conclusions: Thus, the results of this study suggest that the administration of H. perforatum, especially by gavage similar to oral consumption used by humans, is safe and with beneficial antimutagenic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Scientiarum: Biological Sciences is the property of Universidade Estadual de Maringa and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Acta Scientiarum: Biological Sciences is the property of Universidade Estadual de Maringa and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aim of this study was to carry out a pilot investigation, using a buccal micronucleus cytome assay, with the population of Vila Rural Água Viva (Francisco Beltrão, Paraná, Brazil), environmentally exposed to agrochemicals. The data shows statistically differences between the control group (not exposed) and the population of Vila Rural regarding the cytotoxicity and mutagenicity. There was no significant change between the average relative frequencies of these data whether divided between smokers and non-smokers, or practitioners of physical activities or not. It was also observed that age or time of exposure to agrochemicals did not show a linear relationship with the average relative frequencies of cytotoxicity and mutagenicity data. The work shows the presence of 2,4-D herbicide in water sample of community, then it is hoped that the results will assist in guiding the dangers to health and the environment from exposure to agrochemicals. • The data shows cytotoxicity and mutagenicity in population of Vila Rural. • Age/time of exposure to agrochemicals not show a linear relationship with cyto/mutagenicity. • Cytotoxicity and mutagenicity is related to the environmental exposure to agrochemicals. • The results warn of damage to health resulting from exposure to agrochemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grape juice is known as a relevant source of compounds with antioxidant potential, which are accumulated during grape growth and development. As these compounds come from specialized metabolism, postharvest stressors may increase the synthesis and accumulation of these metabolites. Thus, UV-C radiation (65.6 J m−2) was applied to 'Concord' grapes (from vineyards grown in conventional and organic systems), after harvest. The following dependent variables were analyzed: pH, total titratable acidity, total soluble solids, ratio, angle hue, L, a, b, ΔE, total phenolic compounds, total anthocyanins, malvidin, delphinidin, peonidin, cyanidin, epicatechin, quercetin, kaempferol, trans -resveratrol, and cis- resveratrol. The UV-C treatment did not interfere with the basic physicochemical composition but resulted in juices with a more intense color. Juice from grapes grown in an organic system and subjected to postharvest UV-C treatment had also an increase in the levels of phenolic compounds, which was not observed in juice from grapes grown in a conventional system and subjected to the same treatment. Thus, responses to postharvest UV-C radiation depend on cultivation conditions. [Display omitted] • Postharvest UV-C treatment induces bioactive compounds in grapes "Concord". • Postharvest UV-C radiation is dependent on the grape cultivation system in the bioactive compounds synthesis. • Juices produced with grapes treated with UV-C, have high antioxidant potential regardless of the grapes cultivation system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The presence of GAGs in tilapia scales and their bioactivities was studied. • Chondroitin sulfate chains CS-A and CS-C were found. • The chondroitin sulfates showed anticoagulant activity. • Chondroitin sulfates showed a cytotoxic effect for metabolizing tumor cells. • Tilapia scales can be an alternative source to the extraction of chondroitin sulfate. Large amounts of by-products are generated during fish processing. The study aimed to assess whether tilapia scales are a potential source for obtaining glycosaminoglycans, as well as to determine their anticoagulant and cytotoxic/antiproliferative activities, against different tumor lines. The glycosaminoglycans were extracted, purified, and fractionated. The fractions that indicated the presence of uronic acid and sulfated GAGs were characterized by electrophoresis, NMR, and degree of sulfation (DS). The extraction process using the papain enzyme had a yield of 0.86%. Fraction V (FV) revealed the presence of chondroitin sulfate chains CS-A and CS-C, with DS of 0.146. FV demonstrated anticoagulant potential, as it was able to increase aPTT time. FV showed a cytotoxic effect for HTC metabolizing cells at 24, 48, and 72 h. However, it did not show activity for neuroblastoma cells in any of the evaluated times. The results indicate that the tilapia scales are a possible source for obtaining chondroitin sulfate, with potential use as anticoagulant and cytotoxic/antitumor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]