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Due to the large number of nuclear power plants around the globe and the growing threat of radioactive accidents, a complex assessment of the biological consequences of the Chornobyl disaster is a relevant issue. Study of mutagenic activity of prolonged and chronic action of radionuclide pollution of soil in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone long after the accident will allow us to identify the current level of threat they pose to the human genome and can reveal specific cytogenic markers of radionuclide environmental pollution. For this purpose, we germinated seeds of wheat of soft winter varieties Smuhlianka and Bohdana in soil samples from the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone 35 years after the disaster. Specific activity of Cs-137 and Sr-90 accounted for 4.5–28.2 kBq/kg. To determine the frequency and range of chromosomal aberrations, we used the anaphase-telophase method. In aberrant cells, we studied extracellular distribution of chromosomal disorders. The frequency of aberrant cells was 3.53–7.55 times above the spontaneous level. High mutagenic activity remained in the conditions of the lowest density of radionuclide pollution of soil. The range of chromosomal disorders mostly included paired fragments and bridges and containd chromosomal acentric rings, binding of chromosomes, myocardium, and lagging and leading chromosomes. Radionuclide pollution in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone induced multiple cellular aberrations in the rhizome meristem, the share of which was the highest in case of low specific radionuclide pollution of soil, and exhibited a tendency towards decrease against the background of the highest density of radionuclides. Pollution of the environment with radionuclides as a result of disasters at nuclear energy objects poses a threat to the human genome and is a global problem, requiring state support to solve through systematic genetic monitoring in readionuclide-polluted territories and areas adjacent to them. more...

Due to the large number of nuclear power plants around the globe and the growing threat of radioactive accidents, a complex assessment of the biological consequences of the Chornobyl disaster is a relevant issue. Study of mutagenic activity of prolonged and chronic action of radionuclide pollution of soil in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone long after the accident will allow us to identify the current level of threat they pose to the human genome and can reveal specific cytogenic markers of radionuclide environmental pollution. For this purpose, we germinated seeds of wheat of soft winter varieties Smuhlianka and Bohdana in soil samples from the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone 35 years after the disaster. Specific activity of Cs-137 and Sr-90 accounted for 4.5- 28.2 kBq/kg. To determine the frequency and range of chromosomal aberrations, we used the anaphase-telophase method. In aberrant cells, we studied extracellular distribution of chromosomal disorders. The frequency of aberrant cells was 3.53-7.55 times above the spontaneous level. High mutagenic activity remained in the conditions of the lowest density of radionuclide pollution of soil. The range of chromosomal disorders mostly included paired fragments and bridges and containd chromosomal acentric rings, binding of chromosomes, myocardium, and lagging and leading chromosomes. Radionuclide pollution in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone induced multiple cellular aberrations in the rhizome meristem, the share of which was the highest in case of low specific radionuclide pollution of soil, and exhibited a tendency towards decrease against the background of the highest density of radionuclides. Pollution of the environment with radionuclides as a result of disasters at nuclear energy objects poses a threat to the human genome and is a global problem, requiring state support to solve through systematic genetic monitoring in readionuclide-polluted territories and areas adjacent to them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

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The objective of the study: evaluation of mutagenic properties of thiosonide in tests of chromosomal aberrations in mammalian bone marrow cells and mutation accounting on Salmonella typhimurium strains.Subjects and methods. Studies were carried out using F1 hybrids of CBA×C57BL/6 mice, they received thiozonide in the equivalent of a therapeutic dose and 160 times above it, once and in the course of 5 injections. The genetic toxicity of thiosonide was evaluated on Salmonella typhimurium strains in the tested doses of 1,000, 100, 10, 1 and 0.1 μg per plate.Results. No mutagenic activity of thiosonide in the chromosomal aberration counting test in bone marrow cells of mice was demonstrated. The level of chromosome aberrations in the experiment did not exceed the corresponding control values. Thus, thiosonide at the therapeutic dose (25 mg/kg) and 160-fold increase above it (4,000 mg/kg) did not induce chromosomal aberrations in the bone marrow cells of mice either with single dosing or several intragastric administrations.According to the Ames test results, the number of revertant colonies in the solvent control in the CM- and CM+ variants was within the range of spontaneous fluctuations for these strains; thiosonide in all tested doses did not show mutagenic effect on the TA 100, TA 98, and TA 97 strains both with the system metabolic activation and without it. more...

Sunscreen lotion is a sort of product that protects against the sun's harmful rays by containing ultraviolet radiation (UV rays), which is divided into two types: ultraviolet radiation A (UVA) and ultraviolet radiation B (UVB). The incorporation of herbal materials into sunscreen is one of the most effective and natural ways to protect against the sun, as measured by the sun protection factor (SPF), as well as the detrimental side effects of toxic chemicals. The present study aimed to develop herbal sunscreens containing turmeric (strong antiseptic property which protects skin from bacteria caused by excess sweat), coconut oil (used as a sun-block agent and helps to protect skin from sun damage), aloe vera (give a cooling effect to the skin and work as skin barrier), lemon (used to protect skin for sunburn) which will be effective for skin and protect skin against harmful sun rays, sunburn, and skin cancer. Prepared herbal sunscreens were evaluated for physicochemical characteristics, SPF, thermal stability, antioxidant activity, in vitro mutagenicity, and stability. Results showed that the F5 and F6 herbal sunscreens were of good consistency and viscosity with excellent antioxidant, non-mutagenic, nonirritant, stability activity and possessed 33.50 SPF for normal skin. In comparison to F1 through F4, formulations with a coconut oil base and carrot seed extract (F5 and F6) were shown to be stable and effective, with a high SPF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The development of environmentally friendly multifunctional additives is an urgent area of modern organic chemistry. In this work, some derivatives of waterborne polyurethanes as efficient dual-purpose gas hydrate and corrosion inhibitors were studied for their allergenic and mutagenic activity in vivo. Studies of the allergenic effect of polyurethane samples on guinea pigs, rats, and rabbits indicated that these compounds do not have a negative effect on the organism of laboratory animals and do not pose a mutagenic hazard at concentration of 1 wt%. However, these polymers had an allergenic effect on the tissues of laboratory animals in the area of their application at a concentration of 10 wt%. The results of this study provide reasonable evidence for application of waterborne polyurethanes as safe additives for humans and the environment at their optimum concentration (1 wt%) for inhibiting the formation of gas hydrates and corrosion in the oil and gas industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Commuters are exposed to high air pollution levels daily, especially in areas with dense traffic. This study examines the commuter's exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the city of Thessaloniki, Greece, under three different commuting modes: biking, travelling by private car, and riding public transportation means (buses). The study was carried out from 2015 to 2018 including 43 volunteers (15 cyclists, 17 car drivers/passengers, and 11 bus passengers). The personal exposure concentrations to particles smaller than 4-μm aerodynamic diameter (PM4), constituting the respirable fraction of total airborne particles, and the associated PAHs were assessed for each commuting mode during the cold and the warm period of the year. Whereas the exposure of bus and car passengers to in-cabin PM4 were higher in the cold season, the exposure of cyclists exhibited the opposite seasonality. In all commuting modes, exposure to PAHs was higher in the cold season. In both seasons, exposure concentration followed the order: cyclists > bus passengers > car passengers. The carcinogenic and mutagenic potencies of the exposure PAH concentrations were calculated using Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) carcinogenic and mutagenic equivalency factors. The inhalation cancer risk (ICR) associated to PAHs was further estimated and compared between the different commuting modes. Our data can provide relevant information for transport decision-making and increase environmental awareness for a more rational approach to urban travelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Few information on the biological properties of the chemical constituents of propolis produced by Apis mellifera from the Cerrado of Midwest Brazil has hitherto been reported. In the present work, the mutagenic properties of five compounds isolated from a sample of brown propolis from the aforesaid biome, namely, caffeic (1), p-coumaric (2), dihydro-p-coumaric (3), and acetylisocupressic (4) acids, and aromadendrin (5) have been assessed by performing the somatic mutation and recombination test (SMART) on wing cells of Drosophila melanogaster, using standard (ST) and high bioactivation (HB) crosses. This is the first report of assessment of the mutagenic potential of 2-4, and using the SMART assay for 5. No mutagenicity was induced by 1-3 and 5 in the descendants from the ST and HB crosses at all evaluated concentrations. However, 1 and 2, unlike 3, were shown to be toxic to descendants of both ST and HB crosses. A structure-activity relationship established among 1-3 revealed that a C-7/C-8 unsaturation is responsible for the toxic effect of 2 compared to 3, while an additional ortho-dihydroxy substitution at C-3 and C-4 confers to 1 the highest toxicity to D. melanogaster flies. Diterpene 4 proved mutagenic only after P450 activation, suggesting that it may act as a promutagen compound. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17807/orbital.v11i5.1418 more...

Yacon is an Andean plant that has been used in folk medicine for its medicinal properties. The beneficial effects of this plant are possibly due to the high content of phenolic compounds present in its leaves and roots. This study evaluated the in vitro toxicity of the hydroalcoholic extract of leaves and roots from yacon (1, 10, 50, and 100 μg/mL) through cell viability tests, genotoxic and mutagenic activity in leukocytes culture cells; and cytotoxicity and apoptosis cell death (1, 10, 50, 100, and 500 μg/mL) in cell line originally established from the primary mouse embryonic fibroblast cells that were cultured by the designated protocol, so-called 3T3 protocol "3-day transfer, inoculum 3 × 105 cells" (3T3 cell line). No mutagenic and cytotoxic activities were observed in leukocyte cultures. Cytotoxic activity was evidenced in the highest concentrations of yacon leaf extract (50 and 100 μg/mL), whereas all concentrations tested with yacon leaf extract there was induction for apoptosis in the 3T3 cells. Genotoxic potential was observed only at higher doses of leaf (50 and 100 μg/mL) and root (100 μg/mL) extract. These results suggest that yacon leaf at high concentrations may present toxic potential showing concentration-dependent behavior; however, in vivo studies should be performed to validate these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Hydro-distilled essential oil from leaves of Xylopia laevigata was characterized by GC-MS. Twenty-seven components were identified and the oil's major constituents comprised germacrene D, bicyclogermacrene, (E)-caryophyllene and germacrene B. The cytotoxicity of the essential oil of X. laevigata (EOXL), determined by MTT and mitotic index methods in cultured human lymphocytes was observed in all tested concentrations. Cultures treated with EOXL demonstrated significant increase in the frequencies of micronuclei in the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay (CBMN) and reduction of the cytokinesis-block proliferation index (CBPI) rates. Results demonstrated the cytostatic and mutagenic effects of EOXL, the latter for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Foodborne pathogens, microbial recurrent infections, and antibiotic resistance have driven researchers to explore natural compounds as safe alternative antimicrobials. In this study, the chemical profile, antimicrobial, and mutagenic activities of the Elletaria cardamomum essential oil were investigated. GC-MS analysis identified the major bioactive components as α-terpinyl acetate, 1,8-cineole, linalool acetate, and sabinene, at concentrations of 34.95, 25.30, 8.13, and 5.48% respectively, of the essential oil's content. Regarding antimicrobial activity, the minimum inhibitory concentration of green cardamom essential oil was 1% against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 14213. Green cardamom essential oil, when used at concentrations of 0.015, 0.031, 0.062, and 0.125% (v/v) prevented biofilm formation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 by 64.29, 65.98, 70.41, and 85.59%, respectively. Furthermore, these concentrations inhibited 6.13, 45.50, 49.45, and 100%, respectively, of the Salmonella Typhimurium JSG 1748 biofilm. A mutagenicity assay confirmed that green cardamom essential oil has no demonstrable mutagenic activity against the tested strains. The study's findings suggest that green cardamom derived bioactive compounds are safe organic antimicrobials, effective in controlling biofilm formation by Gram-negative pathogens. Moreover, such compounds could possibly be used in the food industry (e.g., bakery, dairy, meat, and other food products) as a safe alternative to chemical preservatives (antimicrobials) to enhance shelf life by improving the antimicrobial status while at the same time imparting a pleasant and appealing aroma for consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Abstract Background The harmful effects of fine particles with an aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) on respiratory organs are emphasized in pollution studies because PM2.5 have high deposition rates in the respiratory organs and contain various hazardous compounds. In this study, a sampling method combining a high-volume air sampler (HV) with a PM2.5 impactor was developed for collecting large quantities of PM2.5. The concentrations of elemental carbon (EC), organic carbon (OC), inorganic ions, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were measured in PM2.5 collected by the high-and low-volume air samplers (LV). Results Similar results were obtained from the HV and LV methods, with respect to inorganic carbon, organic carbon, sodium ions, ammonium ions, and PAHs with more than four rings. Because of the much larger amount of PM2.5 could be collected by the HV method, the trace constituents, that were difficult to detect by the conventional LV method, were readily detected by the HV method. Furthermore, when the microsuspension method that was modified more sensitive Ames mutagenicity test, was used to test the PM2.5 samples at four sites, mutagenic activities were detected by strains TA100 and TA98. Most of the mutagenic activity was associated with the PM2.5 fraction and mutagenic activity in winter was greater than that in summer. Conclusions The HV method produced results similar to those from the conventional LV method with respect to the PM2.5 components present in the atmosphere in relatively high concentrations, but its 40-fold greater flow rate enabled the detection of mutagenic compounds present in only trace concentrations. more...

Thirty years after the accident, the alienation zone of Chornobyl NPP continues to be an open source of radionuclide spread which is carried with superficial and soil waters into river systems and moves beyond the area. The study of mutagenic activity of radionuclide contamination of the water reservoirs in the near zone of Chornobyl NNP will make it possible to predict genetic consequences of their effect in the years after the accident. The purpose of this research is to study frequency and spectrum of chromosome aberrations in root meristem cells of Triticum aestivum L. under the prolonged effect of radionuclide contamination of water and bottom deposits of the water reservoirs in the near alienation zone of Chornobyl NPP. Seeds of winter wheat varieties Al’batros odes’kyi and Zymoiarka were sprouted in the conditions of the effect of water radionuclide contamination of the Prypiat River, Brahinka River, a reservoir-cooler of ChNPP, Semyhodskyi backwater, drainage-way 3 of ChNPP, Lakes Hlyboke and Azbuchyn (total specific activity of 137Cs and 90Sr – 0.17–52.99 Bq/м3) and bottom deposits of the left and right banks of Prypiat canal, a reservoir-cooler of ChNPP, drainage-ways 1–3 of ChNPP (total specific activity of 137Cs and 90Sr – 16.0–45.0 Bq/kg). Frequency and spectrum of cytogenetic disorders were identified in the cells of root meristem sprouts with help of the ana-telophase method. Under the influence of radiation on water and bottom deposits of the water reservoirs in the alienation zone of ChNPP, a 1.6–4.2 times increase in the frequency of chromosome aberrations and mitosis disorders was found. The highest levels of cytogenetic activity were shown by water radionuclide contamination in a reservoir-cooler of ChNPP, Semyhodskyi backwater and bottom deposits of drainage-way 2. The correlation between frequency of chromosome aberrations and specific value of radionuclide activity of water reservoirs has not been recorded, which can prove the induction of cytogenetic disorders resulting from the radiation in the low-rate range. The spectrum of cytogenetic disorder types is mostly represented by acentric fragments, bridges and lagging chromosomes. The induction of the cells with lagging chromosomes, which exhibit the highest levels (0.24–0.38%), under the effect of radionuclide contamination of water in Hlyboke Lake, the Brahinka River, the Prypiat River, a reservoir-cooler of ChNPP and bottom deposits of drainage-way 3, allows one to assume the availability of aneugenic factors in the water reservoirs in the alienation zone of ChNPP. The water entities of the alienation zone of ChNPP, the level of radionuclide contamination of which is characterized by a high cytogenetic activity, induce cells with complex chromosome rearrangements of high frequency. Despite the decrease in chromosome aberration frequency effected by the water of the Prypiat River near Chornobyl city, the Brahinka River and bottom deposits of the right bank of Prypiat canal, the increased level of aneugenic cells and the induction of multiple chromosome rearrangements confirm the persistence of mutagenic activity in the abovementioned contaminated water entities. more...

Background: Phyllanthus amarus is a medicinal plant used in the treatment of various ailments which include gonorrhoea, jaundice, diabetes, kidney diseases, bladder and intestinal infections, influenza, measles, viral infections, and tuberculosis. Tuberculosis treatment is faced with many challenges, resulting in a prolonged treatment regimen and potential treatment failure. There is a need to search for more favourable treatment options. Objective: This study aimed at investigating the pharmacognostic and mycobactericidal properties of P. amarus. Since toxicity could also be an issue, the mutagenic activity of this plant was also assessed. Materials and Methods: The macroscopic, microscopic, and physicochemical characteristics were assessed with reference to the Quality Control Methods for Herbal Material WHO (2011). The mycobactericidal activity was determined by the agar diffusion and broth dilution methods, while mutagenicity was investigated by the Ames test. Results: P. amarus contained tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins and steroids. The 50% ethanol extract exhibited activity against M. smegmatis at 100 mg/mL with an inhibitory zone of 2.0 cm. P. amarus had a minimum inhibitory concentration of 50 mg/mL while that of rifampin was 0.1 µg/mL. P. amarus showed weak mutagenicity at a concentration of 10 µg/mL. Conclusion: The documented pharmacognostic characteristics can be used for quality control of the crude plant material. The mycobactericidal activity also affirmed its folkloric use in the treatment of tuberculosis. The mycobactericidal activity can be further exploited for drug development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Abstract Background Sutherlandia frutescens (L.) R. Br is endemic to Southern Africa where it has been traditionally used for cancer and diabetes. In recent times it has been marketed for its reputed (but not proven) anticancer, antidiabetic and anti-HIV properties. Little is known about the mutagenic and antimutagenic potential of extracts and common marker compounds of Sutherlandia frutescens. Therefore this study aimed to investigate the putative efficacy and possible long-term adverse effects of using this herb. Methods Ethylacetate (EA) and 50% Methanol (MeOH) extracts were screened for mutagenic and antimutagenic activity using the Ames assay utilising TA97a, TA98, TA100 and TA102 in the presence and absence of metabolic activation. Four compounds, L-arginine, L-canavanine, GABA and D-pinitol known to occur in sutherlandia were also included. The total polyphenolic content of the both extracts was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteau method and FRAP and ABTS were used to determine the anti-oxidant potential of the extracts. Results The extracts and the standards did not show any cytotoxicity except in TA97a. The EA extract exhibited antimutagenicity against all the bacterial strains at all concentrations tested. The MeOH extract showed both pro-mutagenic and antimutagenic activities with 2-acetamidofluorene and aflatoxin B1 in the presence of metabolic activation of TA98 and TA100, respectively. All compounds, except L-canavanine exhibited antimutagenic activity against all strains. L-canavanine, on the other hand showed co-mutagenicity with 9-aminoacridine on TA97a, at all test concentrations. The extracts and pure compounds exhibited their antimutagenic activity in a dose response manner. L-arginine and GABA showed an some antimutagenic response. EA extract had three times the total phenolic content (12.56 μg GE / mg) observed in the MeOH extract. There was correlation between total phenolic content, antioxidant potential and antimutagenicity. Conclusion Both extracts exhibited a protective effect, with the EA extract exhibiting greater potency. L-canavanine acted as a co-mutagen in a dose response manner without metabolic activation. It is suggested that the EA extract be priotized for future development work as it showed a better risk profile and activity. more...

The economy of the Limansky district is based on the use of natural capital, and its preservation is of paramount importance for the region. Ecological-genetic-economic studies demonstrate the need for adequate economic accounting of natural capital and the environmental factor in economic decisions related to the development of the territory and transport infrastructure of the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Few information on the biological properties of the chemical constituents of propolis produced by Apis mellifera from the Cerrado of Midwest Brazil has hitherto been reported. In the present work, the mutagenic properties of five compounds isolated from a sample of brown propolis from the aforesaid biome, namely, caffeic (1), p-coumaric (2), dihydro-p-coumaric (3), and acetylisocupressic (4) acids, and aromadendrin (5) have been assessed by performing the somatic mutation and recombination test (SMART) on wing cells of Drosophila melanogaster, using standard (ST) and high bioactivation (HB) crosses. This is the first report of assessment of the mutagenic potential of 2-4, and using the SMART assay for 5. No mutagenicity was induced by 1-3 and 5 in the descendants from the ST and HB crosses at all evaluated concentrations. However, 1 and 2, unlike 3, were shown to be toxic to descendants of both ST and HB crosses. A structure-activity relationship established among 1-3 revealed that a C-7/C-8 unsaturation is responsible for the toxic effect of 2 compared to 3, while an additional ortho-dihydroxy substitution at C-3 and C-4 confers to 1 the highest toxicity to D. melanogaster flies. Diterpene 4 proved mutagenic only after P450 activation, suggesting that it may act as a promutagen compound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Purpose: A series of benzylidene-2-(4-bromophenoxy)-2-methyl propane hydrazides (1-10) were synthesized and assay them for their biofilm inhibition, antioxidant and mutagenic. Methods: All derivatives were prepared by condensation of various substituted benzaldehyde and acetophenones with 2-(4-bromorophenoxy)-2-methyl propane hydrazide, which was itself prepared by hydrazinolysis of ethyl-2-(4-bromophenoxy)-2-methyl propanoate and were characterized by FTIR, ¹H NMR 13C NMR, mass spectrometry. They were screened for their in-vitro anti-oxidant, biofilm inhibition and mutagenicity by established methods. Results: Anti-oxidant results revealed that the electron donating group enhanced the scavenging ability of the compounds as seen in compounds 4b, 4h and 4i. In biofilm inhibition studies, all compounds were more active against Gram-ive bacterial strain when compared to gram +ive strain. The mutagenicity assay results indicate that the compound having chloro group substitution is mutagenic. Conclusion: The benzylidine compounds of 2-(4-bromophenoxy)-2-methyl hydrazide possessing electron donating substituents exhibit superior activities to the electron withdrawing group substituents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Mass accumulation of toxic waste near inhabited localities has changed some regions of Ukraine, in particular Kalush industrial area (Ivano-Frankivsk region), into zones of ecological disaster. Research on cytogenetic anomalies caused by chemical soil contamination of the territories of toxic chemical warehouses will be useful in determining the level of mutagenic activity of xenobiotics when they enterthe environment and potential mechanisms of the induction of chromosome reconstructions by them and mitosis disorders. The aim of the research is to study frequency and spectrum of the types of cytogenetic disorders in T. aestivum L. under the prolonged effect on the seeds of soil contaminated with hexachlorinebenzene from territories of toxic waste warehousing and to determine the level of their mutagenic activity as compared with the effect of moderate and high concentrations of N-nitrozo-Nmethylurea (NMU). Seeds of winter wheat cultivars Al'batros odes'kyi and Zymoiarka were sprouted in the soil samples taken from the toxic waste ground of LLC "Oriana Halev", its recultivated area and the dump area of Dombrovskyi potash ore mine, situated near Kalush city. Hexachlorobenzene concentrations in the soil of the studied areas exceeded CPC by 1233-18350 times. Soil samples from a tentatively clean area of Svatky village, Hadiach district, Poltava region were taken as the control. To study cytogenetic consequences of the effect of moderate and high concentrations of NMU, wheat seeds were kept in a mutagen water solution at concentrations 0.005%, 0.010%, 0.025%. Frequency and spectrum of cytogenetic anomalies were determined in the cells of sprout root meristem using the anatelophase technique. Chemical contamination of the soil exhibited high mutagenic activity which, by induction frequency of cytogenetic anomalies, exceeded the control level by 1.8-3.8 times and equalled mutagenic activity of NMU in moderate concentrations. The highest level of cytogenetic disorders, which exceeded spontaneous indicators by 3.4-3.8 times, was found when the soil contamination of the territory of the toxic waste ground with hexachlorobenzene was the most intensive. Traces of hexachlorobenzene in the soil of the recultivated plot of the ground continue to manifest high cytogenetic activity and pose a threat for the genomes of living organisms. Frequency of chromosome aberrations at a low hexachlorobenzene concentration in the soil of the disposal area of Dombrovskyi mine exceeded spontaneous indicators by 1.8-2.4 times, which is the result of its complex effect with natural-mineral compounds of mining-chemical raw materials. The increase of some bridges and acentric chromosome rings -markers of a radiation effect -among the types of cytogenetic disorders, induced by the soil contamination with hexachlorobenzene, confirms the radiometric properties of the xenobiotic, which were identified at high concentrations of NMU. The increase in the number of the cells with multiple aberrations, induced by the hexachlorobenzene contamination of the soil holding the studied objects proves the high genotoxicity of the chemical compound and the threat of serious genetic consequences if it enters the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Thirty years after the accident, the alienation zone of Chornobyl NPP continues to be an open source of radionuclide spread which is carried with superficial and soil waters into river systems and moves beyond the area. The study of mutagenic activity of radionuclide contamination of the water reservoirs in the near zone of Chornobyl NNP will make it possible to predict genetic consequences of their effect in the years after the accident. The purpose of this research is to study frequency and spectrum of chromosome aberrations in root meristem cells of Triticum aestivum L. under the prolonged effect of radionuclide contamination of water and bottom deposits of the water reservoirs in the near alienation zone of Chornobyl NPP. Seeds of winter wheat varieties Al’batros odes’kyi and Zymoiarka were sprouted in the conditions of the effect of water radionuclide contamination of the Prypiat River, Brahinka River, a reservoir-cooler of ChNPP, Semyhodskyi backwater, drainage-way 3 of ChNPP, Lakes Hlyboke and Azbuchyn (total specific activity of 137Cs and 90Sr – 0.17–52.99 Bq/м³) and bottom deposits of the left and right banks of Prypiat canal, a reservoir-cooler of ChNPP, drainage-ways 1–3 of ChNPP (total specific activity of 137Cs and 90Sr – 16.0–45.0 Bq/kg). Frequency and spectrum of cytogenetic disorders were identified in the cells of root meristem sprouts with help of the ana-telophase method. Under the influence of radiation on water and bottom deposits of the water reservoirs in the alienation zone of ChNPP, a 1.6–4.2 times increase in the frequency of chromosome aberrations and mitosis disorders was found. The highest levels of cytogenetic activity were shown by water radionuclide contamination in a reservoir-cooler of ChNPP, Semyhodskyi backwater and bottom deposits of drainage-way 2. The correlation between frequency of chromosome aberrations and specific value of radionuclide activity of water reservoirs has not been recorded, which can prove the induction of cytogenetic disorders resulting from the radiation in the low-rate range. The spectrum of cytogenetic disorder types is mostly represented by acentric fragments, bridges and lagging chromosomes. The induction of the cells with lagging chromosomes, which exhibit the highest levels (0.24–0.38%), under the effect of radionuclide contamination of water in Hlyboke Lake, the Brahinka River, the Prypiat River, a reservoir-cooler of ChNPP and bottom deposits of drainage-way 3, allows one to assume the availability of aneugenic factors in the water reservoirs in the alienation zone of ChNPP. The water entities of the alienation zone of ChNPP, the level of radionuclide contamination of which is characterized by a high cytogenetic activity, induce cells with complex chromosome rearrangements of high frequency. Despite the decrease in chromosome aberration frequency effected by the water of the Prypiat River near Chornobyl city, the Brahinka River and bottom deposits of the right bank of Prypiat canal, the increased level of aneugenic cells and the induction of multiple chromosome rearrangements confirm the persistence of mutagenic activity in the abovementioned contaminated water entities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

We propose an improved earlier described “mirror” method for detecting in cell nuclear extracts mutations that arise in DNA during its replication due to the misincorporation of deoxyadenosine-5′-monophosphate (dAMP) opposite 7,8-dihydro-8-oxoguanine (8-oxoG). This method is based on the synthesis of a complementary chain (“mirror”) by nuclear extracts of different mice organs on a template containing 8-oxoG and dideoxycytidine residue (ddC) at the 3′‑end. The “mirror” was amplified by PCR using primers part of which was non-complementary to the template. It allowed obtaining the “framed mirror” products. The misincorporation of dAMP in “framed mirror” products forms an EcoRI restriction site. The restriction analysis of double-stranded “framed mirror” products allows a quantification of the mutation frequency in nuclear extracts. The data obtained show that the mutagenic potential of 8-oxoG markedly varied in different organs of adult mice and embryos. more...

Caesalpinia ferrea Martius has traditionally been used in Brazil for many medicinal purposes, such as the treatment of bronchitis, diabetes and wounds. Despite its use as a medicinal plant, there is still no data regarding the genotoxic effect of the stem bark. This present work aims to assess the qualitative and quantitative profiles of the ethanolic extract from the stem bark of C. ferrea and to evaluate its mutagenic activity, using a Salmonella/microsome assay for this species. As a result, a total of twenty compounds were identified by Flow Injection Analysis Electrospray Ionization Ion Trap Mass Spectrometry (FIA-ESI-IT-MS/MSn) in the ethanolic extract from the stem bark of C. ferrea. Hydrolyzable tannins predominated, principally gallic acid derivatives. The HPLC-DAD method was developed for rapid quantification of six gallic acid compounds and ellagic acid derivatives. C. ferrea is widely used in Brazil, and the absence of any mutagenic effect in the Salmonella/microsome assay is important for pharmacological purposes and the safe use of this plant. more...

Frequency and spectrum of cytogenetic disorders in the cells of root meristem sprouts of Triticum aestivum L., induced by soil contamination with hexachlorobenzene in the territory of toxic waste ground and Dombrovskyi potassium ore mine (Kalush city, Ivano-Frankivsk oblast), were studied. The concentration of hexachlorobenzene exceeded MPC (maximum permissible concentration) by 1233.3–18350 times. It has been established that chemical soil contamination causes the increase of the frequency of cytogenetic aberrations by 1.8-3.8 times. Its highest indicators were found under the most intensive soil contamination with hexachlorobenzene in the areas of toxic waste ground which were not recultivated. Frequency of cytogenetic disorders exceeded the control level by 3.4-3.8 times. The maintenance of high mutagenic activity of hexachlorobenzene remains in the soil of the recultivated area of the ground is confirmed by statistically reliable increase of the number of aberrant cells by 2.6-3 times. It has been shown that soil contamination of Dombrovskyi mine with the complex of natural-mineral compounds of mining-chemical raw materials causes the increase of mutagenic activity level of low concentrations of chemical gene-toxic factors of techno-genic origin, which is seen in the induction of higher level of cytogenic disorders compared with spontaneous indicators by 1.8-2.4 times. Spectrum of chromosome aberrations, which mostly included acentric fragments, expanded due to induced bridges, ring chromosomes and micronuclei. The share increase of the cells with dicentrics, caused by the effect of soil contamination with hexachlorobenzene in the territory of toxic waste ground, confirms the radiomimetic effect, resulted from the effect of chemical mutagen in high concentrations. Chemical pollutants of the soil of all the studied areas show the ability to cause mitosis disorder, connected with the damage of mitotic apparatus. A significant increase of disorder frequency of chromosome segregation can be the result of the interaction of mutagens not only with microtube proteins of division spindle but also with heterochromatin of near-center areas of chromosomes, which is typical for the mechanism of the emergence of cytogenetic aberrations under the effect of chemical supermutagens in high concentrations. The increase of the cell number with multiple aberrations under the effect of soil contamination with hexachlorobenzene in different concentrations proves high gene-toxicity of the chemical compound and the threat of severe genetic outcomes when it gets into the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The safety assessment process of chemicals requires information on their mutagenic potential. The experimental determination of mutagenicity of a large number of chemicals is tedious and time and cost intensive, thus compelling for alternative methods. We have established local and global QSAR models for discriminating low and high mutagenic compounds and predicting their mutagenic activity in a quantitative manner in Salmonella typhimurium (TA) bacterial strains (TA98 and TA100). The decision treeboost (DTB)-based classification QSAR models discriminated among two categories with accuracies of >96% and the regression QSAR models precisely predicted the mutagenic activity of diverse chemicals yielding high correlations ( R ) between the experimental and model-predicted values in the respective training (>0.96) and test (>0.94) sets. The test set root mean squared error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) values emphasized the usefulness of the developed models for predicting new compounds. Relevant structural features of diverse chemicals that were responsible and influence the mutagenic activity were identified. The applicability domains of the developed models were defined. The developed models can be used as tools for screening new chemicals for their mutagenicity assessment for regulatory purpose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The present article describes the synthesis and biological studies in vitro of a novel silver complex with furosemide (Ag-FSE). Elemental, thermal and mass spectrometric analysis indicated a 1:1 metal/ligand composition, with the molecular formula AgC 12 H 10 ClN 2 O 5 S. Infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance studies suggest coordination of the ligand to the silver ion by the oxygen atoms of the carboxylate group. Additional Density Functional Theory (DFT) studies led to the proposition of the structure of the Ag-FSE complex. The antibacterial activities of the complex were primarily evaluated by antibiogram assays using the disc diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC). Moreover, the mutagenicity of the complex was also evaluated to ensure that it is safe for subsequent application. The Ag-FSE complex has shown a significant in vitro antibacterial activity against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Gram negative Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), and yeast Candida albicans (ATCC 90028). The absence of a mutagenic activity of Ag-FSE against Salmonella Typhimurium bacterial strains in the Ames assay is an extremely important finding for its future use as a drug in medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Organic extracts of sediments from Skadar Lake (National park and protected RAMSAR site) were investigated for their mutagenic potential using Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100 strains in the presence and absence of metabolic activation. Five different concentrations of sediment extracts from five different sampling sites were assayed, and mutagenic results were obtained for both strains. These studies present a part of the EULIMNOS project and included a battery of bioassay testing and in situ investigations of microbial community structures of Skadar Lake sediments. The obtained results show mutagenic risk potential in five collected samples in the absence and presence of metabolic activation. Additional studies are required in order to identify and quantify the chemical compounds responsible for the mutagenic activity present in Skadar Lake sediments. more...

Deeper knowledge of the potentiality of aromatic plants can provide results of economic importance for food and pharmacological industry. The essential oils of seven Lamiaceae species were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and assayed for their antibacterial, antifungal and mutagenic activities. Monoterpenes in the oils ranged between 82.47% (hyssop oil) and 97.48% (thyme oil), being mainly represented by oxygenated compounds. The antibacterial activity was evaluated against six pathogenic and five non-pathogenic bacterial strains. Oregano and thyme oils showed the strongest antibacterial activity against the pathogenic ones. The antifungal activity was evaluated against six fungal strains of agrifood interest: the oils tested exhibited variable degrees of activity. Two Salmonella typhimurium strains were used to assess the possible mutagenic activity. No oil showed mutagenic activity. Data obtained let us hypothesise that the use of essential oils could be a viable and safe way to decrease the utilisation of synthetic food preservatives. Further research is needed to obtain information regarding the practical effectiveness of essential oils to prevent the growth of food borne and spoiling microbes under specific application conditions. more...

Two new triterpene saponins, camelliagenin A derivatives, were isolated from the leaves of Impatiens parviflora DC. ( Balsaminaceae ). Their structures were determined based on a combination of one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques, and mass spectrometry, as 3- O -{[β- d -glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-]-[β- d -glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]}- β- d -glucuronopyranoside 16- O -acetyl-3β,22α,28-trihydroxy-olean-12-ene (named IPS-1) and 3- O -{[β- d -glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-]-[β- d -glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]}- β- d -glucuronopyranoside 3β,16α,22α,28-tetrahydroxy-olean-12-ene (named IPS-2). This is the first report on saponins in I. parviflora . Also, camelliagenin derivatives have been found in the Balsaminaceae family for the first time. Novel saponin IPS-1 exhibited interesting cytotoxicity profile against human prostate an melanoma cancer cells with highest cytotoxic activity against A375 cell line (IC 50 41.19 μg/mL). Moreover, both isolated saponins were devoid of mutagenic potential against all tested strains. The obtained results allow to suggest that I. parviflora should be considered as a source of new promising bioactive metabolite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

We formulated and analyzed a novel nanoformulation of the anticancer drug cisplatin (Cis) with C fullerene (C+Cis complex) and showed its higher toxicity toward tumor cell lines in vitro when compared to Cis alone. The highest toxicity of the complex was observed in HL-60/adr and HL-60/vinc chemotherapy-resistant human leukemia cell sublines (resistant to Adriamycin and Vinculin, respectively). We discovered that the action of the C+Cis complex is associated with overcoming the drug resistance of the tumor cell lines through observing an increased number of apoptotic cells in the Annexin V/PI assay. Moreover, in vivo assays with Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) C57BL/6J male mice showed that the C+Cis complex increases tumor growth inhibition, when compared to Cis or C fullerenes alone. Simultaneously, we conducted a molecular docking study and performed an Ames test. Molecular docking specifies the capability of a C fullerene to form van der Waals interactions with potential binding sites on P-glycoprotein (P-gp), multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP-1), and multidrug resistance protein 2 (MRP-2) molecules. The observed phenomenon revealed a possible mechanism to bypass tumor cell drug resistance by the C+Cis complex. Additionally, the results of the Ames test show that the formation of such a complex diminishes the Cis mutagenic activity and may reduce the probability of secondary neoplasm formation. In conclusion, the C+Cis complex effectively induced tumor cell death in vitro and inhibited tumor growth in vivo, overcoming drug resistance likely by the potential of the C fullerene to interact with P-gp, MRP-1, and MRP-2 molecules. Thus, the C+Cis complex might be a potential novel chemotherapy modification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

In this study we present a theoretical investigation of the molecular properties of nitrodibenzofurans (NDFs) and dinitrodibenzofurans (DNDFs) and their relation to mutagenic activity. Equilibrium geometries, relative energies, vertical ionization potentials (IP), vertical electron activities (EA), electronic dipole polarizabilities, and dipole moments of all NDFs and three DNDFs calculated by Density Functional Theory (DFT) methods are reported. The Ziegler/Rauk Energy Decomposition Analysis (EDA) is employed for a direct estimate of the variations of the orbital interaction and steric repulsion terms corresponding to the nitro group and the oxygen of the central ring of NDFs. The results indicate differences among NDF isomers for the cleavage of the related bonds and steric effects in the active site. The results show a good linear relationship between polarizability ( <α> ), anisotropy of polarizability (Δα ), the summation of IR intensities ( ΣI IR ) and the summation of Raman activities ( ΣA Raman ) over all 3N-6 vibrational modes and experimental mutagenic activities of NDF isomers in Salmonella typhimurium TA98 strain. The polarizability changes with respect to the ν sNO+CN vibrational mode are in correlation with the mutagenic activities of NDFs and suggest that intermolecular interactions are favoured along this coordinate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Benfuracarb is a carbamate insecticide used to control insect pests in vegetables and it has anti-acetylcholinesterase activity lower than other carbamates. Cytotoxic effects of benfuracarb were evaluated by using root growth inhibition (EC), mitotic index (MI), and mitotic phase determinations on the root meristem cells of Allium cepa and mutagenic effects were determined in Salmonella typhymurium Ames test by TA98 and TA100 strains with and without metabolic activation. In Allium test, 1 % DMSO was used as negative control group and 10 ppm MMS was used as positive control group. 75 ppm concentration of benfuracarb was found as EC. In MI and mitotic phases determination study, 37.5, 75 and 150 ppm doses of benfuracarb were used. Dose-dependent cytotoxic activity was found by root growth inhibition and MI studies. It was identified that mitotic inhibition activity of benfuracarb was higher than 10 ppm MMS. In Ames test, mutagenic activity was not observed and over 200 µg/plate of benfuracarb was determined as cytotoxic to S. typhymurium strains. Benfuracarb can be called as 'mitotic inhibitor' but not called as mutagen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...