Malaria represents the greatest global health burden among all parasitic diseases, with drug resistance representing the primary obstacle to control efforts. Sodium metavanadate (NaVO3) exhibits ...antimalarial activity against the Plasmodium yoelii yoelii (Pyy), yet its precise antimalarial mechanism remains elusive. This study aimed to assess the antimalarial potential of NaVO3, evaluate its genotoxicity, and determine the production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) in Pyy. CD-1 mice were infected and divided into two groups: one treated orally with NaVO3 (10 mg/kg/day for 4 days) and the other untreated. A 50% decrease in parasitemia was observed in treated mice. All experimental days demonstrated DNA damage in exposed parasites, along with an increase in ROS and RNS on the fifth day, suggesting a possible parasitostatic effect. The results indicate that DNA is a target of NaVO3, but further studies are necessary to fully elucidate the mechanisms underlying its antimalarial activity.
•NaVO3 at dose of 10 mg/kg reduces parasitemia in mice treated for 4 days.•One of the mechanisms of action of NaVO3 in Pyy is the increase of ROS and RNS.•One of the molecular targets of NaVO3 is Pyy's DNA.
Abstract
Engineered nanoparticles (NPs) are widely used in different technologies but their unique properties might also cause adverse health effects. In reviewing recent in vitro and in vivo ...genotoxicity studies we discuss potential mechanisms of genotoxicity induced by NPs. Various factors that may influence genotoxic response, including physico-chemical properties and experimental conditions, are highlighted. From 4346 articles on NP toxicity, 112 describe genotoxicity studies (94 in vitro, 22 in vivo). The most used assays are the comet assay (58 in vitro, 9 in vivo), the micronucleus assay (31 in vitro, 14 in vivo), the chromosome aberrations test (10 in vitro, 1 in vivo) and the bacterial reverse mutation assay (13 studies). We describe advantages and potential problems with different methods and suggest the need for appropriate methodologies to be used for investigation of genotoxic effects of NPs, in vitro and in vivo.
New mixtures of pesticides are being placed on the market to increase the spectrum of phytosanitary action. Thus, the eco(geno)toxic effects of the new commercial mixture named Platinum Neo, as well ...as its constituents the neonicotinoid Thiamethoxam and the pyrethroid Lambda-Cyhalothrin, were investigated using the species Daphnia magna, Raphidocelis subcapitata, Danio rerio, and Allium cepa L. The lowest- and no-observed effect concentration (LOEC and NOEC) were measured in ecotoxicological tests. While Thiamethoxam was ecotoxic at ppm level, Lambda-Cyhalothrin and Platinum Neo formulation were ecotoxic at ppb level. The mitotic index (MI), chromosomal aberrations and micronucleus MN frequency were measured as indicators of phytogenotoxicity in A. cepa plants exposed for 12 h to the different insecticides and their mixture under different dilutions. There were significant alterations in the MI and MN frequency in comparison with the A. cepa negative control group, with Thiamethoxam, Lambda-Cyhalothrin, and Platinum Neo treatments all significantly reducing MI and increasing MN frequency. Thus, MI reduction was found at 13.7 mg L−1 for Thiamethoxam, 0.8 μg L−1 for Lambda-Cyahalothrin, and 2.7:2 μg L−1 for Platinum Neo, while MN induction was not observed at 14 mg L−1 for Thiamethoxam, 0.8 μg L−1 for Lambda-Cyahalothrin, and 1.4:1 μg L−1 for Platinum Neo. The insecticide eco(geno)toxicity hierarchy was Platinun Neo > Lambda-Cyhalothrin > Thiamethoxam, and the organism sensitivity hierarchy was daphnids > fish > algae > A. cepa. Eco(geno)toxicity studies of new pesticide mixtures can be useful for management, risk assessment, and avoiding impacts of these products on living beings.
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•The eco(geno)toxicity of the new insecticide mixture Platinum Neo was studied.•Platinum Neo is a combination of a neonicotinoid and a pyrethroid compounds.•The NOEC of Thiamethoxam for genotoxicity endpoint was 14 mg L−1•The NOEC of Lambda-Cyhalothrin for genotoxicity endpoint was 0.8 μg L−1•The eco(geno)toxicity hierarchy was Platinun Neo > λ-Cyhalothrin > Thiamethoxam.
Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi (Anacardiaceae), known as Brazilian pepper tree, stands out as a medicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine. The leaves are popularly used as anti-inflammatory ...agent and to relieve inflammatory conditions such as bronchitis, ulcers, and wounds, for example.
The present study evaluated the acute toxicity, genotoxicity, and anti-inflammatory activity of S. terebinthifolia leaf lectin (SteLL) in mice (Mus musculus).
In the acute toxicity assay, the animals were treated intraperitoneally (i.p.) or orally (per os) with a single dose of 100 mg/kg. Genotoxicity was assessed by the comet and micronucleus assays. Carrageenan-induced peritonitis and paw edema models were used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of SteLL (1, 5 and 10 mg/kg, i.p.).
No animal died and no signs of intoxication or histopathological damage were observed in the acute toxicity assay. Genotoxic effect was not detected. In peritonitis assay, SteLL reduced in 56–69% leukocyte migration to the peritoneal cavity; neutrophil count decreased by 25–32%, while mononuclear cell count increased by 67–74%. SteLL promoted a notable reduction of paw edema after 4 h (61.1–63.4%). Morphometric analysis showed that SteLL also decreased the thickness of epidermal edema (30.2–40.7%). Furthermore, SteLL decreased MPO activity, plasma leakage, NO release, and modulated cytokines in both peritoneal fluid and paw homogenate.
SteLL did not induce acute toxicity or genotoxicity in mice and stands out as a promising candidate in the development of new phytopharmaceuticals with anti-inflammatory action.
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•Production and comparison of ZnONPs without toxic and genotoxic effects.•ZnONPs that do not cause DNA damage when used at different doses.•High antimicrobial activity against ...Streptococcus mutans ATCC 10449.•ZnONPs as an alternative biomaterial for dental applications.
This study compares the physicochemical, photocatalytic, antimicrobial, toxicity and genotoxic properties of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) produced by hydrothermal and sol–gel methods as an alternative biomaterial. The comparative antibacterial activities, toxicity and DNA damage effects of ZnONPs on Drosophila melanogaster were determined using different doses. The study also investigates the effects of ZnONPs on malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels, as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity. The structural, optical, and morphological properties of ZnONPs were investigated using X-ray diffractometer (XRD), UV–Visible spectrophotometry (UV–Vis), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The photocatalytic activity of ZnONPs in methylene blue solution was determined, and a high photocatalytic efficiency of 87 % was achieved in a short time. ZnONPs were found to have a significant antimicrobial effect on Streptococcus mutans ATCC 10449. Additionally, ZnONPs were non-toxic doses and did not cause DNA damage. In conclusion, ZnONPs synthesized can be safely used as filling material and bracket material especially in the field of dentistry since they are non-toxic, have a strong antimicrobial effect on S. mutans and do not cause DNA damage.