Search Results (90)

Exposure to ionizing and non-ionizing radiation from environmental and clinical settings can significantly threaten genomic stability, especially when combined. This ex vivo study investigates the potential combined effects of gamma radiation and ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy donors by exposing whole blood and isolated PBMCs to 1 Gy of gamma rays, to an absolute dose of approximately 100 J/m² of UVB, or to their combination. Combined exposure resulted in significantly elevated γH2AX foci formation and chromosomal aberrations relative to individual stressors, with the most pronounced effects observed in isolated PBMCs. Notably, lymphocytes from some donors failed to proliferate after UVB or co-exposure. Based on our results, a predictive biophysical model derived from dicentric yield was developed to estimate the gamma-ray equivalent dose from co-exposure, indicating up to ~9% increase in lifetime cancer risk. Although this proof-of-concept study included only a small number of donors and focused on two endpoints (γH2AX and dicentric assays), it provides a controlled framework for investigating mechanisms of radiation-induced genomic instability. The results emphasize the importance of accounting for mixed radiation exposures in genotoxic risk assessment and radiation protection. Full article

Apples and tomatoes are among the most consumed products all over the world, as well as the natural juices prepared from each of them. The large quantities of resulting by-products should be reused in various directions within the circular economy. In this study, apple and tomato pomaces were tested as potential biofertilizers for agricultural crops. To this end, aqueous extracts of apple pomace and tomato pomace were prepared in two concentrations (0.05% and 0.5%) and used to treat wheat caryopses and sprouts. The following were evaluated: mitotic index, genotoxic index, caryopses germination rate, and wheat sprout growth. The biotic response of wheat to treatments with the apple and tomato pomace extracts consisted of reduced mitotic activity, i.e., cytotoxicity, and the formation of genetic abnormalities, i.e., genotoxicity. The cytotoxicity and the genotoxicity were reflected at the macro level in phytotoxic effects, manifested by a reduction in the germination rate of caryopses and a decrease in the length of wheat roots and shoots. Physiological parameters were positively correlated with the mitotic index and negatively correlated with the genotoxic index. The obtained results point us not to recommend the use of unprocessed apple and tomato pomaces as biofertilizers, but, on the contrary, as bioherbicides. Full article

Cyanobacterial blooms in aquatic ecosystems are a major global environmental concern. While the mutagenic and mitosis-disrupting properties of isolated cyanobacterial toxins are well documented, evidence of cytogenotoxic effects resulting from cyanobacterial blooms in natural aquatic ecosystems remains limited. In this study, water genotoxicity was evaluated in microcosms simulating cyanobacterial blooms of varying abundance. In microcosms with initially high cyanobacterial abundances (4.6 × 10⁷ and 2.2 × 10⁷ cells L⁻¹) and biomass (58 mg L⁻¹ and 20 mg L⁻¹), significant toxic, cytotoxic, mitosis-disrupting, and mutagenic effects were observed: root elongation was inhibited by up to 49.6% (Day 1), the mitotic index decreased by ~33% (Treatment I, Day 42) vs. Control, and total chromosomal aberrations and lagging chromosomes increased by ~2.5-fold on Day 1 (Treatment I) and ~4.7-fold on Day 42 (Treatment I) vs. Control; micronuclei increased ~10-fold on Day 42 in Treatment I and II. In microcosms with lower cyanobacterial abundance (1.2 × 10⁷ cells L⁻¹) and biomass (9 mg L⁻¹), significant reductions were observed only in root growth and in the mitotic index compared with Control. Future research should aim to identify a broader spectrum of cyanobacterial toxins and to investigate their environmental fate and persistence in aquatic ecosystems, particularly since genotoxic effects were detected even during the post-bloom period: on Day 42 extracellular microcystins in water were <LOQ in Treatments I and III (and 0.025 µg L⁻¹ in Treatment II), yet chromosome lagging and micronuclei remained elevated. The observed genotoxicity associated with cyanobacterial metabolites underscores the need for thorough risk assessments of cyanobacterial blooms in aquatic environments. Full article

The production and extensive use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in various fields necessitate thorough testing, not only in terms of their potential applications but also regarding the effects they induce on various organisms. In addition, nanoparticles generated from various anthropogenic activities, which reach or are formed in the atmosphere, have a significant impact on the health of humans and other living organisms. Recent research indicates that the effects produced by these nanoparticles are dependent on their size and applied dose. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the physiological, biochemical and cytogenotoxic effects induced by different doses of AgNPs compared to positive and negative controls in Triticum aestivum L. and Allium cepa L. A significant stimulatory effect of the treatment performed with the solution of AgNPs with a size of 20 nm, at the lowest concentration (0.02 µg mL⁻¹), in the two tested species, was obtained. The growth and weight of the seedling were significantly increased, and the mitotic index was also elevated. Additionally, this treatment variant showed the lowest percentage of chromosomal aberrations. No significant differences were observed in cell viability, total polyphenol content, proline levels, or assimilatory pigment concentrations compared to the control. Our findings show that AgNPs may exert stimulatory effects, whether significant or not, on certain physiological and biochemical parameters. However, they also interfere with cell cycle regulation and genomic stability, raising concerns regarding their environmental and biological safety. The Allium test proved to be an effective method for detecting nanoparticle-induced genotoxicity and can be recommended as a preliminary screening assay in nanoparticle safety evaluations. Full article

Background/Objectives: β-Lapachone (β-lap) is an o-naphthoquinone with potent antitumor activity. However, its clinical application is hindered by poor solubility and toxicity. Thiosemicarbazone derivatives of β-lap (BV3 and BV5) have demonstrated enhanced selectivity and anticancer efficacy in leukemia cells. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of these derivatives in solid tumors. Furthermore, the mechanism of tumor cell death, the involvement of protein kinase inhibition, and the toxicogenetic safety of BV3 and BV5 were investigated. Methods: The cytotoxic effects of BV3 and BV5 were assessed in cancer cell lines and a non-cancerous cell line. The compounds were most effective against HeLa (human cervical adenocarcinoma) cells. For that reason, this type of cell was chosen to study how the compounds might cause cell death, using flow cytometry. Kinase inhibition assays were conducted in vitro and in silico, followed by genotoxicity assessments to determine toxicogenetic safety. Results: BV3 and BV5 derivatives significantly inhibited cancer cell proliferation after 72 h, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 2.8 to 36.9 µM. BV3 demonstrated superior selectivity (selectivity index: 15.6) when compared to β-lap (selectivity index: 1.9) in HeLa cells. Morphological changes and flow cytometry analysis revealed features of apoptosis and/or necrosis in HeLa cells treated with the compounds BV3 and BV5. Furthermore, among the kinases tested, BV3 and BV5 were more effective in inhibiting the activity of the protein kinases JAK3 and GSK3β. This result was also confirmed by the in silico studies. Additionally, genotoxicity assays indicated an overall favorable toxicogenetic safety profile; however, BV5 exhibited potential genotoxicity at high concentrations. Conclusions: The findings underscore the anticancer potential of BV3 and BV5 in solid tumors and highlight their mechanism of action, which involves protein kinases. The findings also show that the drugs are selective and relatively safe. Full article

This study highlights the significant environmental and health risks associated with heavy metal contamination (As, Cd, Cr, and Pb) in Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia) from two locations: the Khon Kaen municipal landfill (study site) and the Thapra commercial fish farm (reference site). It also evaluates potential human health risks and investigates genotoxicity and oxidative stress markers, including malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in fish. Heavy metal concentrations were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. To determine genetic differentiation, inter-simple sequence repeats with dendrogram construction and genomic template stability (%GTS) were applied. The results showed that the average concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, and Pb in water samples were 0.0848, 0.536, 1.23, and 0.73 mg/L, respectively. These values exceeded safety limits, and the average Cd in sediment (1.162 mg/kg) was above regulatory thresholds. In fish muscle, the average metal concentrations (mg/kg) followed the order Cr (1.83) > Pb (0.69) > Cd (0.096) > As (0.0758), with Pb exceeding food quality standards. The bioaccumulation factor ranked as Cr > Pb > As > Cd. Health risk assessments, including health risk index and carcinogenic risk, suggested Pb contamination poses significant health risks through fish consumption. From dendrogram results, the %GTS of O. niloticus from the landfill and reference sites were 46.34 to 71.67% and 87.34 to 96.00%, respectively. This suggests that fish from the landfill site exhibited greater genetic diversity compared to those from the reference site. Specific oxidative stress markers revealed higher levels of H₂O₂ and significantly lower activities of CAT and SOD in landfill O. niloticus than in the reference site. These results emphasize the urgent need for environmental monitoring, stricter pollution controls, and improved waste management strategies to protect aquatic ecosystems and human health. Full article

Magnetosomes are magnetic nanocrystals synthesized by bacteria that have important application value in biomedicine. Therefore, it is very important to evaluate their biocompatibility. It has been reported that the extremophilic acidophilic bacterium Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, which is aerobic, can synthesize intracellular Fe₃O₄ magnetosomes. In this paper, we performed a comprehensive and systematic evaluation of the biocompatibility of magnetosomes with an average particle size of 53.66 nm from Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, including pharmacokinetics, degradation pathways, acute systemic toxicity, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, blood index and immunotoxicity. The phase composition of the magnetosomes was identified as Fe3O4 through XRD and HRTEM analyses. Biocompatibility evaluation results showed that magnetosomes metabolized rapidly in rats and degraded thoroughly in major organs, with almost no residue. When the injection concentration was low (40 mg/kg, 60 mg/kg), magnetosomes would not cause pathological changes in the major organs of mice, basically. At the same time, magnetosomes had low cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, immunotoxicity and hemolysis rate, which proved that the magnetosomes synthesized by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans are magnetic nanomaterials with good biocompatibility. This research provides an important theoretical basis for the large-scale application of bacterial magnetosomes as functional magnetic nanomaterials. Full article

Fludioxonil is a widely used fungicide that is frequently used to combat fungal plant diseases. Consequently, excessive concentrations of fludioxonil may enter and accumulate over time in aquatic systems, harming (micro) organisms in several ways. Thus, it is of great importance to evaluate the potential toxic effects of fludioxonil using bioassays. In the present study, various in vitro assays were used to assess the possible effects of fludioxonil in human cells and aquatic microorganisms. For the investigation of the toxic effects of fludioxonil on freshwater microalgae, Scenedesmus rubescens and Dunaliella tertiolecta were exposed to various environmentally relevant concentrations of the fungicide for a period of 96 h. Fludioxonil at 50–200 μg L⁻¹ significantly limited the growth of both microalgae, especially in the first 24 h of the exposure, where inhibitions up to 82.34% were calculated. The toxicity of fludioxonil was further evaluated via the Microtox test, and the studied fungicide was found to be less toxic for the bacteria Aliivibrio fischeri. Regarding human cells, the fludioxonil’s toxic and cyto-genotoxic effects were assessed using the Trypan blue exclusion test and the Cytokinesis Block MicroNucleus (CBMN) assay. Cell viability in all fludioxonil-treated concentrations was similar to control values according to the results of the Trypan blue exclusion test. However, the CBMN assay was used and revealed that fludioxonil had genotoxic potential in higher concentrations and exerted cytotoxic activity against human lymphocytes. Specifically, only the highest dose of fludioxonil, i.e., 10 μg mL⁻¹, exerted genotoxic effects against human lymphocytes, whereas treatment with 0.5, 1, and 5 μg mL⁻¹ did not lead to statistically significant induction of micronuclei (MN) frequencies compared with the control culture. However, fludioxonil-mediated cytotoxicity was statistically significant, which was demonstrated by the decreased CBPI (cytokinesis block proliferation index) values in all cases except for the lowest dose, i.e., 0.5 μg mL⁻¹. Full article

The effectiveness of iron oxide nanoparticles in enhancing crop plant development depends on their stabilization. In this study, the effect of hyaluronic acid (HA), used both as a stabilizer for iron oxide nanoparticles (HA-MNP) and independently, was evaluated in maize seedlings. Different concentrations of HA-MNP (0.625–7.5 mg/L) were tested alongside a 0.01% HA solution. Growth parameters, antioxidant enzyme activities (peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase), photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll and carotenoids), phenolic content, and genotoxicity were analyzed. While HA alone led to slight decreases in seedling length, pigment content, and polyphenol levels compared to the control, it increased peroxidase activity and mitotic index. Lower concentrations of HA-MNP (below 2.5 mg/L) enhanced seedling growth, likely due to improved iron uptake, whereas higher concentrations reduced pigment and phenolic content. All HA-MNP concentrations induced genotoxic effects, which was proven by an increased mitotic index and chromosomal aberrations, indicating both positive and defensive plant responses to oxidative stress. These findings suggest a complex interaction between HA, HA-MNP, and maize seedlings, where HA concentrations play a significant role in modulating growth and stress response, while higher concentrations may induce toxicity. Full article

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection that recently appeared in Upper Egypt. Globally, more than 50 million new infections occur annually. It currently lacks effective treatment, necessitating vector control strategies targeting Aedes aegypti. This study investigates the potential of chlorophyllin as a control agent against dengue vectors. Chlorophyllin was characterized by FTIR analysis. The singlet oxygen quantum yield was determined by comparing the luminescence intensity at 1270 nm with that of phenalenone, yielding a value of 0.18. LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ values were calculated for chlorophyllin. Its larvicidal efficacy was assessed, revealing an LC₅₀ of 0.47 ppm in controlled laboratories and 93.3 ppm in semi-field conditions, demonstrating its superior potency against Aedes aegypti compared to pheophorbide and Bacillus sphaericus. Genotoxicity was analyzed through Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD)-PCR, and histopathological changes were documented through microscopic examination. The genotoxicity results revealed high similarity in the DNA configurations of chlorophyllin-treated larvae and healthy individuals (similarity index of 0.8), whereas pheophorbide and Bacillus sphaericus exhibited substantial genetic deviations. Histopathological analysis demonstrated severe disruptions in chlorophyllin-treated larvae’s gut epithelial cells and muscle tissues, including epithelial detachment and irregular cell shapes. These findings position chlorophyllin as a promising gut toxin larvicide for Aedes aegypti control, with a more favorable genetic safety profile than conventional chemicals. Full article

The Allium test is a cytological method used to monitor the impact of heavy metals. It can be used to evaluate meristematic tissues and highlight abnormalities occurring during mitotic division, with the advantage of being both rapid and economical. Copper and lead are among the most widespread metals in everyday life, mainly due to the worldwide expansion of industrialization, and are present in soil, water, and air. Using Allium sativum as a bioindicator for this study, statistical analysis confirmed significant differences in genotoxicity between the two metals, reflected by the inhibition of mitotic activity (MI) or increased indices of cellular abnormalities (AI). Toxicity was dose- and time-dependent for both metals, with copper exhibiting greater genotoxic effects than lead. Copper caused a significant reduction in MI, even at relatively low concentrations, with the IC₅₀ observed at 0.50 mM after 72 h of exposure. In contrast, for lead, the IC₅₀ was recorded from 0.75 mM after 72 h exposure. The advantages of the Allium test were demonstrated by its simplicity and high sensitivity in detecting abnormalities. In our experiment, chromosome abnormalities such as chromosome bridges, as well as isolated, delayed, or sticky chromosomes, were observed. In addition, at a concentration of 0.25 mM for copper (72 h exposure) and 0.50 mM for lead (72 h exposure), cellular abnormalities, including giant cells and binucleated cells, were identified. Full article

(1) Background: Surra is a debilitating disease of wild and domestic animals caused by Trypanosoma evansi (T. evansi), resulting in significant mortality and production losses in the affected animals. This study is the first to assess the genetic relationships of T. evansi in naturally affected buffaloes from Multan district, Pakistan, using ITS-1 primers and evaluating the effects of parasitemia and oxidative stress on DNA damage and hematobiochemical changes in infected buffaloes. (2) Methods: Blood samples were collected from 167 buffaloes using a multi-stage cluster sampling strategy, and trypomastigote identification was performed through microscopy and PCR targeting RoTat 1.2 and ITS-1 primers. Molecular characterization involved ITS-1 via neighbor-joining analysis. The impact of parasitemia loads was correlated with oxidative stress markers, genotoxicity, and hematobiochemical parameters using Pearson correlation and multivariable regression models. (3) Results: Field-stained thin blood film microscopy and molecular identification revealed 8.98% and 10.18% infection rates, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on ITS-1 region sequences of the identified isolates showed close genetic associations with Indian isolates. The mean trypomastigote count observed in the infected buffaloes was 5.15 × 10⁶ (±5.3 × 10²)/µL of blood. The parasitemia loads were significantly correlated with the alterations in oxidative stress markers, DNA damage, and changes in hematobiochemical parameters. Infected animals exhibited significant (p < 0.05) alterations in oxidative stress biomarkers, including catalase, nitric oxide, and malondialdehyde concentrations. Noteworthily, a comet assay revealed a significantly (p < 0.0001) higher mean genetic damage index in the infected buffaloes (0.7 ± 0.04) compared with the healthy ones (0.196 ± 0.004). Alongside significant (p < 0.05) reductions in red cell indices, a marked elevation in leukocyte counts and serum hepatic enzyme levels was recorded in the affected buffaloes. (4) Conclusion: T. evansi isolates of buffaloes from Multan, Pakistan, have genetic similarities to Indian isolates. This study also revealed that higher parasitemia loads induce genotoxicity in the infected animals through oxidative stress and cause hematobiochemical alterations under natural field conditions. Full article

We aimed to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Elettaria cardamomum (cardamom) extracts and assess the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of the cardamom extract, cardamom–AgNPs, and the insecticide ATCBRA—commonly used for pest control—on the root system of Vicia faba (broad bean). The chemical composition of the aqueous cardamom extract was identified and quantified using GC-MS, revealing a variety of bioactive compounds also present in cardamom essential oil. These included α-terpinyl acetate (21.3–44.3%), 1,8-cineole (10.7–28.4%), and linalool (6.4–8.6%). The successful green synthesis of AgNPs was confirmed through various micro-spectroscopic techniques, including UV-Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). UV-Vis analysis showed a strong peak between 420 and 430 nm, indicating the presence of AgNPs. TEM imaging revealed that the synthesized cardamom–AgNPs were monodispersed, primarily spherical, and semi-uniform in shape, with minimal aggregation. EDS analysis further confirmed the composition of the nanoparticles, with cardamom–AgNPs comprising around 60.5% by weight. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by measuring the mitotic index (MI), and genotoxicity was assessed by observing chromosomal aberrations (CAs). The roots of Vicia faba were treated for 24 and 48 h with varying concentrations of ATCBRA pesticide (0.1%, 0.3%, 0.5%, and 0.7%), aqueous cardamom extract (3%, 4%, 5%, and 6%), and green-synthesized cardamom–AgNPs (12, 25, and 60 mg). The cytogenetic analysis of MI and CA in the meristematic root tips indicated an improvement in the evaluated parameters with the cardamom extract. However, a marked reduction in mitotic activity was observed with both ATCBRA and cardamom–AgNP treatments across both time points, highlighting potential cytotoxic and genotoxic effects. Full article

The highly valued oil of Rosa damascena Mill. (Rosaceae), widely used in high perfumery, cosmetics, and other spheres of human life, obliges us to know and study the safety profile of the product obtained from the water–steam distillation of fresh rose petals. The genotoxicity of the essential oil (EsO) has not been thoroughly studied despite its wide range of applications. That predetermined the object of this study—to evaluate, through classical cytogenetic methods, the possible cytotoxic/genotoxic activities of R. damascena Mill. EsO (EsORdm) in three different test systems: plant root meristem cells, mammalian bone marrow cells, and human lymphocyte cultures. The rose essential oil showed varying concentration- and time-dependent cytotoxic and genotoxic effects depending on the test system used, and it was established that the oil showed moderate cytotoxicity in lymphocyte cultures and non-high cytotoxicity in ICR mice but none in barley. Both barley and human lymphocytes showed a genotoxic effect with a dose-dependent increase in chromosomal aberrations (CAs) and a substantial rise in micronucleus (MN) frequency, while no genotoxicity was observed in bone marrow cells at the applied concentrations. Human lymphocytes exhibited the highest susceptibility to cytotoxic and genotoxic actions of the EsO. As a valuable plant-derived aromatic product with versatile uses in human life, R. damascena Mill. essential oil should be used in an appropriate concentration range tailored to cellular sensitivity. Full article

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles are being extensively used in a wide range of industrial applications for producing a variety of different consumer products, including medicines and even food items. The consumption of these products is increasing at an alarming rate, and this results in the release of these nanoparticles in the environment, causing a threat to organisms thriving in aquatic as well as terrestrial ecosystems. That is why screening such materials for their genotoxic effects, if any, becomes essential. A toxicity assay was performed to determine the LD₂₀ of these nanoparticles for the mosquito Culex quinquefaciatus by Probit analysis. Early fourth instar larvae were exposed to the selected dose of 50 µg/mL, which is <LD₂₀ value, for 24 h treatment. Chromosomal slides were prepared from lacto-aceto-orcein-stained gonads of adult mosquitoes developed from treated and control larvae. These nanoparticles were reported cytotoxic as a statistically significant decline in mitotic index in treated mosquitoes than controls were observed. The nanoparticles were also found to induce various structural and numerical chromosomal aberrations in the treated lot. In the end, it can be concluded that these nanoparticles do have a genotoxic effect. The present study provides a caution against further use of these nanoparticles. There must be the development of strategies for the safe, sustainable use as well as proper disposal of these nanoparticles so as to protect both biotic and non-biotic components of the environment. Full article