Genotoxicity and mutagenicity research in Quilombola communities

A review of ancestrality and admixture in Latin America and the caribbean focusing on native American and African descendant populations

Genomics can reveal essential features about the demographic evolution of a population that may not be apparent from historical elements. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of studies applying genomic epidemiological approaches to understand the genetic structure and diversity of human populations in the context of demographic history and for implementing precision medicine. These efforts have traditionally been applied predominantly to populations of European origin. More recently, initiatives in the United States and Africa are including more diverse populations, establishing new horizons for research in human populations with African and/or Native ancestries. Still, even in the most recent projects, the under-representation of genomic data from Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) is remarkable. In addition, because the region presents the most recent global miscegenation, genomics data from LAC may add relevant information to understand population admixture better. Admixture in LAC started during the colonial period, in the 15th century, with intense miscegenation between European settlers, mainly from Portugal and Spain, with local indigenous and sub-Saharan Africans brought through the slave trade. Since, there are descendants of formerly enslaved and Native American populations in the LAC territory; they are considered vulnerable populations because of their history and current living conditions. In this context, studying LAC Native American and African descendant populations is important for several reasons. First, studying human populations from different origins makes it possible to understand the diversity of the human genome better. Second, it also has an immediate application to these populations, such as empowering communities with the knowledge of their ancestral origins. Furthermore, because knowledge of the population genomic structure is an essential requirement for implementing genomic medicine and precision health practices, population genomics studies may ensure that these communities have access to genomic information for risk assessment, prevention, and the delivery of optimized treatment; thus, helping to reduce inequalities in the Western Hemisphere. Hoping to set the stage for future studies, we review different aspects related to genetic and genomic research in vulnerable populations from LAC countries.

Acute oral toxicity assessment of ethanolic extracts of Antidesma bunius (L.) Spreng fruits in mice

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In treated mice, mortality during 14-day experimental period was not observed.

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Bignay extract did not cause behavioral, respiratory and neurologic changes.

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Liver, kidney, stomach, intestines and esophagus remained intact post Bignay treatment.

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16 volatile compounds and 10 secondary metabolites were identified.

The aim of the study is to assess the acute oral toxicity of ethanolic extracts of Antidesma bunius (L.) Spreng [Bignay] in ICR mice in accordance to OECD guideline 423. Single doses of Bignay fruit extracts ranging from 500 mg/kg to 2000 mg/kg, as well as a vehicle control, were given orally and monitored for 14 days. We observed that there is no mortality or adverse effects after treatment of mice indicating that Bignay extracts are safe for use in laboratory animals. Behavioral, respiratory, and neurologic changes, as well as changes in body weight, food and water consumption, did not occur during the experimental period. Hematological- (total-red and -white blood cells) and biochemical-profile analysis (alanine transaminase, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine) remained within normal concentrations in treated mice regardless of sex. The morphology of visceral organs in all treated mice was typical in appearance when stained with H&E. It is assumed that the LD₅₀ is greater than 2000 mg/kg and there is no mortality at the maximum dose used (2000 mg/kg). We have also determined the active components of dried Bignay by headspace GC–MS and by phytochemical analysis of ethanolic Bignay extracts. We have identified 16 compounds by GC–MS and 10 secondary metabolites. In this study, the assessment of extracted Antidesma bunius (L.) Spreng fruits [Bignay] on the value of safety measures in mice is described.