Search Results (94)

Zinc oxide (ZnO), silver (Ag) and titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles (NPs), are three of the most widely manufactured NPs, while composite NPs have gained popularity due to their enhanced properties. NP release in environmental matrices increases chances of bioavailability and subsequent impact on human health. The current study focuses on manufacturing, characterization and cyto-genotoxic assessment of Ag, ZnO/Ag, TiO₂ and TiO₂/Ag NPs with and without humic acids (HAs), aiming for a holistic approach that leads to a comprehensive profile of said NPs. It entails (a) the synthesis of the aforementioned NPs via single-nozzle Flame Spray Pyrolysis (SN-FSP); (b) the characterization of NPs (in powder form and in dispersion media) using Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS); and (c) the assessment of their genotoxicity and cytotoxicity against human lymphocytes in presence of two HAs, thus simulating actual environmental conditions, and without HAs, through the cytokinesis block micronucleus assay (CBMN) with cytochalasin-B. No genotoxicity was observed in any case, whereas cytotoxicity induction varied depending on the NP and the presence or absence of the two HAs. Therefore, it is indispensable to evaluate the toxic profile of NPs considering different environmental scenarios, while conducting an integrated characterization of NPs. Full article

Leaves of Actinidia chinensis Planch. var. deliciosa (A.Chev.) A.Chev. (A. deliciosa) represent agro-industrial byproducts with potential for valorization. The present study evaluated the metabolomics profiling, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and antigenotoxicity of the methanolic extract of A. deliciosa leaves. The metabolomics profiling was determined using an untargeted metabolomic approach employing UPLC-HRMS. Cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and antigenotoxicity were assessed in Chinese hamster ovary K1 (CHO-K1) cells using the in vitro cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay. The metabolic profile of A. deliciosa leaf extracts revealed the presence of three major classes of secondary/specialized metabolites: proanthocyanidins, flavonols, and triterpenoid saponins. Medium-polar metabolites were monomeric fla-van-3-ols, such as (+)-catechin and (−)-epicatechin, oligomeric procyanidins and prodelphinidins, and flavonols. Certain glycosylated flavonols and their derivatives, such as myricetin, quercetin, and kaempferol. Low-polarity metabolites were characterized by low-polarity triterpenoids such as maslinic, corosolic, oleanolic, and ursolic acids. At concentrations of 37.5, 75, and 150 µg/mL, the extract did not significantly increase micronuclei frequency compared to untreated control cells, indicating an absence of genotoxic potential. Moreover, co-treatment of CHO-K1 cells with the extract and mitomycin C (MMC) at 0.025 µg/mL resulted in a significant reduction in micronuclei formation induced by MMC at concentrations of 75 and 150 µg/mL, suggesting antigenotoxic activity likely associated with the phytochemical constituents presented in the extract. Full article

There is an urgent need to find and develop radiation countermeasures for both planned and unplanned exposures. However, in recent years, radioprotective substances, such as rosmarinic acid (RA), have been described, presenting contradictory and even paradoxical results. In this paper, we evaluated the genoprotective capacity of 29 substances against chromosomal damage induced by gamma radiation in a comparative study using the same technique, i.e., cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay to evaluate their genoprotective capacities, at the same concentrations and administered before and after exposure to 2 Gy of gamma radiation. We then related the observed effects with their chemical characteristics to appreciate the different mechanisms of action that could explain some apparent contradictions that may emerge. In our study, before exposure to ionizing radiation, RA produced the greatest reduction in the frequency of radiation-induced micronuclei (p < 0.001), presenting the highest magnitude of protection (58%) and a dose reduction factor of 7.1 (p < 0.001); however, it loses this genoprotective capacity when administered after exposure to radiation. These results could be attributed to the different radical-scavenging and antilipoperoxidative activities of each substance tested. Antilipoperoxidant activity was found to be the most important factor in the reduction in radiation-induced chromosomal damage; thus, lipo-antioxidant substances emerged as the most effective in protecting genetic material against oxidative damage. Full article

The fruits of Solanum lycopersicum L. cultivar “Microtom” are a powerful source of antioxidants. We investigated whether two light-quality regimes, i.e., fluorescent white (FL) and red-blue (RB), influenced the antioxidant composition in such fruits, and assessed the potential radioprotective properties of their extracts on normal human cells exposed to clinical photons as used in cancer radiotherapy (RT). Increasing normal-tissue tolerance to radiation is critical for reducing the risk of RT-associated sequelae. Biochemical characterization showed that RB enhanced the content of antioxidant phytochemicals (i.e., polyphenols, flavonoids, total carotenoids, lycopene), while FL promoted ascorbic acid synthesis. Initially tested at 200 µg/mL, RB-derived extracts decreased radiation-induced DNA damage as measured by the cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay in epidermal HaCaT cells. Both RB and FL regimes were subsequently studied in MCF-10A breast cancer (BC) cells, a model of normal-tissue radioresponse in BC RT, using extracts at 100 and 200 µg/mL and also evaluating oxidative stress by a ROS detection assay. Both FL and RB afforded radioprotection. However, RB suppressed radiation-induced MN formation and oxidative stress to a greater extent compared to FL. Therefore, modulation of light-quality regimes represents an innovative approach for developing radionutraceuticals with potential benefits for RT patients. Full article

In the present study, Dipteryx odorata seeds (tonka beans) were extracted via the Soxhlet method to acquire ethanolic (TBSE) and hexane (TBSH) extracts. Both extracts were characterized using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The antimicrobial activity was evaluated against two Gram-positive (Bacillus licheniformis, Staphylococcus epidermidis) and two Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) human pathogens using the disc diffusion test (DDT), followed by the determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC). The Cytokinesis-Block Micronucleus (CBMN) assay was applied in human lymphocytes (0.1, 0.2, 0.5 µL/mL), to investigate the cyto-genotoxic activity of both extracts, while their antigenotoxic potential was evaluated against mitomycin C (MMC) (0.5 μg/mL). Coumarin was the major constituent in both extracts. TBSE exhibited remarkable antimicrobial activity, whereas TBSH was not equally potent. Cytotoxicity was reported for higher doses, while no genotoxicity was observed, except for 0.2 µL/mL for TBSE. A considerable antigenotoxic activity was shown by the lowest dose of TBSE, which was not present at the two highest concentrations. However, TBSH did not diminish the MMC mediated genotoxicity, while at the same time led to an increase in genotoxic potency. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive evaluation of the cyto-genotoxic and antigenotoxic profiles of tonka bean extracts. Full article

Breast cancer (BC) is a malignant tumor that develops in the mammary gland due to uncontrolled cell proliferation. Estrogen receptor (ER) signaling, mediated by 17β-estradiol (E2), plays a crucial role in regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. Specifically, the binding of E2 to the estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) increases cell proliferation. Conversely, selective estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) agonists inhibit cancer cell proliferation by suppressing the expression of oncogenes, making ERβ an important therapeutic target. Given the urgent need for targeted and effective therapies for BC, we implemented a strategy based on multicomplex pharmacophores modeling of ERβ (MPMERβ) and ERα (MPMERα), performing a virtual cross-screening of databases of clinically approved and experimental drugs to identify those with high affinity and stereoelectronic complementarity with the ERβ agonist pharmacophore hypothesis. The implementation of a chemoinformatic strategy enabled the identification of Sobetirome, Labetalol, and Procaterol as molecular hits on the ERβ pharmacophore map. Procaterol showed the most significant antiproliferative activity in vitro assays, with IC₅₀ values of 21.26 and 36.10 µM in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, respectively. It is imperative to note that these findings require experimental validation of the ERβ activation pathways to strengthen the possible therapeutic repurposing of the drugs selected through our in silico approach. Finally, this strategy not only facilitates drug repurposing under in silico simulation but also provides valuable information for the rational design of new drugs against BC. Full article

Polyphenols, as natural compounds abundant in plant-derived foods, have been recognised for their human health benefits. This study evaluates the multifunctional properties of Biombalance^TM (BB), a grape seed extract rich in oligomeric procyanidins, in various in vitro and in vivo models. BB was studied to assess (i) its antimicrobial effects in different bacterial species; (ii) its protective effects against oxidative and inflammatory stress in Caco-2 cells; and (iii) its effects in mice, which were fed a standard diet with or without BB at two different doses (BB1X and BB2X) to understand the impacts of BB on microbiota and gut homeostasis. BB selectively inhibited several bacterial species, including Staphylococcus aureus, Helicobacter pylori, and Blautia coccoides. In addition, BB protected Caco-2 cells against hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced oxidative damage and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced oxidative and inflammatory stress. In vivo, BB supplementation upregulated the expression of antioxidant and homeostasis genes in the colon, ileum, and liver, accompanied by dose-dependent changes in the gut microbiota composition. Functional predictions indicated favourable modulation of microbial metabolic pathways, including those involved in antioxidant capacity and glutamate degradation. Furthermore, BB positively influenced key gut–brain axis mediators, including GLP-1, the GLP-1 receptor, and NPY. These findings highlight the potential of Biombalance^TM to support health and gut–brain communication and to protect against oxidative and inflammatory stress in the gut. Full article

Background/Objectives: Bauhinia cheilantha Bong. Steud. (Leguminosae; “pata-de-vaca”) is traditionally used in folk medicine for its antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and sedative properties. This study aimed to evaluate aqueous leaf extracts of B. cheilantha, non-delipidated and delipidated, regarding their phytochemical composition, phenolic profile, antioxidant potential, and cytotoxic, genotoxic, and antigenotoxic effects. Methods: Phytochemical screening was performed by TLC, and phenolic compounds were determined by HPLC. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH, ABTS, and phosphomolybdenum assays. Cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and antigenotoxicity were evaluated in L929 murine fibroblast cells using MTT and cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assays. Results: Both extracts contained anthocyanins, phenolics, lignans, saponins, and hydrolyzable tannins. The delipidated extract showed higher total phenolic content (17.54 mg/kg) than the non-delipidated (13.76 mg/kg). Major constituents included kaempferol 3-glucoside, quercetin, hesperidin, naringenin, and t-cinnamic acid. Antioxidant assays revealed EC₅₀ values of 25.84, 13.60, and 66.09 µg/mL for the non-delipidated extract, and 26.19, 16.34, and 52.78 µg/mL for the delipidated extract in the DPPH, ABTS, and phosphomolybdenum assays, respectively. No cytotoxicity was observed, except at 1600 µg/mL for the non-delipidated extract and 800–1600 µg/mL for the delipidated extract. Genotoxicity occurred only at 400 µg/mL. Antigenotoxic evaluation showed that the non-delipidated extract (100 µg/mL) reduced methyl methanesulfonate-induced chromosomal damage in simultaneous and post-treatment conditions, while the delipidated extract was only effective for post-treatment. Conclusions: Aqueous extracts of B. cheilantha exhibit antioxidant and antigenotoxic properties. At active concentrations, they were non-cytotoxic and non-genotoxic. The non-delipidated extract, in particular, showed the strongest genome-protective potential, supporting its traditional use and highlighting its relevance in the development of natural therapeutic agents. Full article

Background: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is closely linked to low back pain (LBP), a leading cause of disability worldwide. IVDD is characterized by the loss of proteoglycans (PGs), extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, and reduced hydration of the nucleus pulposus (NP). Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) exhibit tissue repair and immunomodulatory effects and are emerging as promising cell-free therapeutics. Methods: We established a rat IVDD model via fluoroscopy-guided needle puncture of three consecutive coccygeal discs and confirmed degeneration through Alcian Blue and hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) staining. The gene expression of inflammatory and pain markers (ADRβ2, COMP, CXCL1, COX2, PPTA, MMP13, YKL40) was measured by qPCR. Subsequently, we implanted hUC-MSCs or EVs to evaluate their reparative potential. Results: Upregulation of inflammatory and pain genes in IVDD was associated with an immunomodulatory response. Tracking DiI-labelled hUC-MSCs and EVs revealed enhanced survival of hUC-MSCs, retention of EVs, and dispersion within rat tail discs; EVs showed greater retention than hUC-MSCs. Implanted EVs were internalized by NP cells and remained within degenerative IVDs. EVs passively diffused, accumulated at the injury site, interacted with host cells, and enhanced function, as shown by increased expression of human chondrocyte-related markers (SOX9, TGFβ1, TGFβ2, COL2) compared to hUC-MSC treatment. Histological analysis of two weeks post-transplantation showed NP cellular patterns resembling chondromas in treated discs. EVs integrated into and distributed within degenerated NP regions, with greater glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content. Conclusions: Overall, hUC-MSC EVs demonstrated superior regenerative capacity, supporting a safe, cell-free strategy for disc repair. Full article

Biofilms are the source of numerous issues in the food, pharmaceutical, and production industries, making their control a major component of economic and public health. Among anti-biofilm strategies, enzyme-based products that target the biofilm matrix have proven effectiveness against multiple bacterial species. We tested the efficacy of a commercial product, Baso Bionil SL40^® (SL40; Stockmeier France, Saint-Jacques de la lande, France), against biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa under various conditions of temperature, concentration, pH, and incubation time. SL40 contains two enzymes: a subtilisin protease and an α-amylase glycosidase. Our results showed that SL40 removed up to 85% of the biofilm biomass compared to tris solutions. SL40’s efficacy was strongly influenced by the presence of the enzymes and both temperature and concentration. Enzymatic activity was maintained from 20 °C to 60 °C and at pH values ranging from 5 to 9, with effective concentrations corresponding to SL40 dilutions from 3/200 to 1/200 in 50 mM tris solutions. Additionally, we observed that the P. aeruginosa biofilm biomass after pH 9 tris solution treatment was twice compared to a H₂O washing. Our results confirm the potential of enzymes against biofilms, highlight the need to define optimal application conditions, and support their integration into combined strategies for complete biofilm removal. Full article

Monitoring pH and acidity during yoghurt fermentation is essential for product quality and process efficiency. Conventional measurement methods, however, are invasive and labour-intensive. This study developed artificial neural network (ANN) models to predict pH and titratable acidity during yoghurt fermentation using CIELAB colour parameters (L, a*, b*). Reconstituted milk powder with 12% total solids was prepared with varying protein levels (4.2–4.8%), inoculum concentrations (1–3%), and fermentation temperatures (36–44 °C). Data were collected every 10 min until pH 4.6 was reached. Forty models were trained for each output variable, using 90% of the data for training and 10% for validation. The first two phases of the fermentation process were clearly distinguishable, lasting between 4.5 and 7 h and exceeding 0.6% lactic acid in all treatments evaluated. The best pH model used two hidden layers with 28 neurons (R² = 0.969; RMSE = 0.007), while the optimal acidity model had four hidden layers with 32 neurons (R² = 0.868; RMSE = 0.002). The strong correlation between colour and physicochemical changes confirms the feasibility of this non-destructive approach. Integrating ANN models and colourimetry offers a practical solution for real-time monitoring, helping improve process control in industrial yoghurt production. Full article

Waste tires (WTs) constitute a potentially significant source of pollution, and the large quantities that are disposed of require proper handling. Pyrolysis has emerged as an environmentally friendly and effective method for WT treatment. In the present study, the cyto-genotoxic and toxic effects of untreated and acid-treated pyrolytic tire char (PTC_UN and PTC_AT, respectively) were investigated. The cytokinesis block micronucleus (CBMN) assay, using human lymphocytes, and the Aliivibrio fischeri bioluminescence assay were used for the assessment of cyto-genotoxicity and ecotoxicity, respectively. According to the results, both PTC_UN and PTC_AT exhibited genotoxicity at all concentrations tested (2.5, 5, and 10 μg mL⁻¹), which was more pronounced in the case of PTC_AT. Cytotoxicity induction was reported for PTC_UN and PTC_AT at all concentrations. Both demonstrated a relatively low potential for ecotoxicity induction against A. fischeri. Since the cyto-genotoxic and toxic effects of PTC_AT seemed to be more pronounced, the toxic profile of tire char should be investigated in depth before selecting the appropriate applications, thereby avoiding detrimental effects in the environment and humans alike. Full article

Exposure to arsenic, a known environmental and occupational genotoxicant, poses significant health risks. Identifying agents capable of mitigating its effects is crucial for public health. This study evaluates the protective potential of Argovit™ silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against cytotoxic and genotoxic damage induced by sodium arsenite in ex vivo cultured human lymphocytes obtained from the whole blood of healthy donors. Lymphocytes were exposed to sodium arsenite (3.7 × 10⁻³ µg/mL) and Argovit™ AgNPs (3.6 × 10⁻³ µg/mL). The cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay was performed using a modified 144 h protocol to assess delayed effects across two cell cycles. Four groups were analyzed: untreated control, sodium arsenite only, AgNPs only, and sodium arsenite followed by AgNPs. Arsenite exposure increased cytotoxic and genotoxic biomarkers. In contrast, post-treatment with AgNPs significantly reduced these effects. All treatments were performed in duplicate, and data were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test with Dunn’s post hoc comparison (p < 0.05). Statistical analysis confirmed the antigenotoxic and cytoprotective properties of Argovit™. These findings support its potential application as a mitigating agent in scenarios of environmental or occupational exposure to genotoxic compounds. Full article

Recent work has identified biomphalysin (BM) protein from the snail Biomphalaria glabrata as a cytolytic toxin against the Schistosoma mansoni parasite. Ex vivo interactome studies further evidenced BM’s ability to bind bacterial outer membrane proteins, but its specific antibacterial mechanisms and selectivity remain unclear. Accordingly, this study aims to elucidate the interaction between BM and two model bacteria with distinct cell surface architectures: Escherichia coli (Gram−) and Micrococcus luteus (Gram+). Employing a multiscale approach, we used in vivo single-molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS) to probe molecular interactions at the single cell level. Combined with cell aggregation assays, immunoblotting and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) imaging, SMFS results evidenced a selective interaction of BM from snail plasma with M. luteus but not E. coli. Exposure of M. luteus to BM compromised cell surface integrity and induced cell aggregation. These effects correlated with a patch-like distribution of BM on M. luteus reminiscent of pore-forming toxins, as revealed by the anti-BM antibody-functionalized AFM tip. Overall, this work highlights the utility of SMFS in dissecting host–pathogen molecular dialogs. It reveals BM’s selective action against M. luteus, potentially via surface clustering, and it shows spatially heterogeneous responses to the toxin within and between individual cells. Full article

Ultrasound is considered a physical technology that can be applied at various stages of food processing to optimise resources and reduce production time. In this study, the influence of ultrasonic treatments at different power levels (0 W, 100 W, 200 W, and 300 W) on three Isaño genotypes (yellow, yellow with purple eyes, and purple) during alcoholic fermentation was investigated. The main parameters assessed were yeast growth kinetics, ethanol production, and substrate consumption in an ultrasonic bath operating at a frequency of 50 kHz. The findings demonstrated enhanced yeast growth, accelerated substrate consumption, and increased ethanol production compared to the control (untreated sample). However, the impact of ultrasound on fermentation decreased as the power level increased. Notably, an ultrasonic power of 100 W applied over 84 h of fermentation resulted in the highest ethanol yield (10.36% v/v) in the purple Isaño genotype. In conclusion, ultrasonic treatment is a promising approach to improve the fermentation process of Isaño, potentially enabling its development as a functional beverage with both nutritional and therapeutic properties. Full article