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Phα1β peptide isolated from the venom of the Phoneutria nigriventer spider has shown higher analgesic action in pre‐clinical studies than ω‐conotoxin MVIIA peptide used to treat severe chronic pain. In view of the great potential for the development of a new Phα1β‐based drug, a Phα1β recombinant form (CTK 01512‐2) has been studied for efficacy and safety. The aim of this study was to evaluate cytotoxic, genotoxic and mutagenic effects of a Phα1β recombinant form and compare it with native Phα1β and ω‐conotoxin MVIIA. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using the MTT (3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) colourimetric assay in L929 mouse fibroblast cells (0.5‐10.0 μmol/L). Genotoxic and mutagenic activities were analysed using the alkaline comet assay in peripheral blood and spinal cord, and the micronucleus test in bone marrow from Wistar rats treated by intrathecal injection of CTK 01512‐2 (200, 500 and 1000 pmol/site), native Phα1β (500 pmol/site) and ω‐conotoxin MVIIA (200 pmol/site). CTK 01512‐2 decreased the cell viability of the L929, showing IC50 of 3.3 ± 0.1 µmol/L, while the Phα1β and ω‐conotoxin MVIIA did not show cytotoxicity (IC50 > 5.0 µmol/L). Native and recombinant Phα1β forms induced DNA damage in the spinal cord, but not in peripheral blood. CTK 01512‐2 at 1000 pmol/site increased the micronucleus frequency suggesting mutagenic effects. In conclusion, the recombinant form has cytotoxic, genotoxic and mutagenic effects, evidenced in doses five times above the therapeutic dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by pain and inflammation. Electroacupuncture (EA) and swimming (SW) are non-pharmacological interventions recommended for treating OA. The study evaluated the benefits of electroacupuncture (EA) and swimming (SW) association when compared with isolated protocols in an OA rodent model. Experimental., Procedures: An ankle monoarthritis model was induced in rats by applying Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA). After seven days of induced OA, the groups were submitted to EA (ST36 and the GB 30 Acupoint), SW, or the EA + SW protocol. The nociceptive behavior was measured by the Von Frey test, the Cold Stimulation test, and the Paw Flick Immersion test. Inflammatory activity was evaluated by measuring TNF levels, myeloperoxidase, NAGase, immunological parameters and the histology from the subcutaneous tissue., Results: Compared to CFA group, EA decreased the nociceptive scores in the cold stimulation test (p < 0.05), and it also increased the latency time in thermal cold (p < 0.01) and heat hyperalgesia (p < 0.001). Also, EA reduced NAGase (p < 0.01). SW reduced the edema (p < 0.05) and did not increase the inflammatory infiltrates or congestion, neither in the histological measurements nor by analyzing the levels of TNF. The association of EA + SW decreased the neutrophils and the monocytes, MPO (p < 0.05), and the glutamate levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF, p < 0.001)., Conclusion: There were statistical differences between combination therapy and monotherapy as seen by the inflammatory parameters, which could be associate to the delay of the chronification osteoarthritis retardation. However, EA + SW did not show benefits when compared to isolated protocols in nociceptive behavior., (© 2021 Center for Food and Biomolecules, National Taiwan University. Production and hosting by Elsevier Taiwan LLC.)