Measurement of chromosomal instability and level of DNA damage in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of endometrial cancer patients

Endometrial cancer is one of the most common invasive gynecologic malignancies in developed countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate chromosomal instability and level of DNA damage in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of newly diagnosed endometrial cancer patients in relation to health status (diagnosis), age, histological grade of cancer, residence, smoking, number of pregnancies, miscarriages, and abortions. The analyzed sample consisted of 60 individuals, 30 endometrial cancer patients with an average age of 64.37 ± 7.08, and 30 healthy control women with an average age of 60.23 ± 11.55. Chromosomal instability was evaluated by the cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay, and the level of DNA damage by the single-cell gel electrophoresis (comet) assay in PBMCs. The average frequencies of micronuclei (MNi), nucleoplasmic bridges (NPBs) as well as nuclear buds (NBUDs) were significantly higher in cancer patients compared to controls (P < .0005). There was no difference in the nuclear division index (NDI) among the analyzed samples. The comet assay showed that the patients had a significantly increased genetic damage index (GDI) compared with controls (P < .0005). Using linear regression analysis, we found that health status (diagnosis) had the strongest influence on the MN frequency as well as GDI (P < .0005). Our results indicated that there is a high level of genetic damage in both the level of DNA and the level of chromosomes in the PBMCs of newly diagnosed patients with endometrial cancer, where the frequency and level of damage were significantly affected by health status, grade of cancer, residence, number of pregnancies, miscarriages, and abortions.

Artemisia vulgaris L., Artemisia alba Turra and their constituents reduce mitomycin C-induced genomic instability in human peripheral blood lymphocytes in vitro

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of aqueous and acetone extracts from Artemisia vulgaris L. (AV) and Artemisia alba Turra (AA), and two major polyphenols compounds (3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid and quercetin-3-O-glucopyranoside) presented in both extracts of the plants against mitomycin C (MMC)-induced genomic instability. Genomic instability was measured using cytokinesis block micronucleus (MN) assay in human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) in vitro by analyzing two biomarkers - MN and nuclear division index (NDI). Extracts were tested in a concentration-dependent manner (10-250 µg/mL), while 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid and quercetin-3-O-glucopyranoside were tested in three different concentrations, in combination with 0.5 µg/mL of MMC. Aqueous and acetone extracts obtained from both plants significantly reduced MMC-induced MN frequency in PBLs, compared to positive control cells (p < 0.05). Extracts from AV did not affect NDI, whereas the concentrations of 10-100 μg/mL of aqueous and acetone AA extracts significantly elevated MMC-decreased NDI values in comparison to positive control cells (p < 0.05). Combined treatment of 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid and MMC showed a significant reduction of MMC-induced MN frequency, while quercetin-3-O-glucopyranoside increased MN frequency compared to positive control cells (p < 0.05). Both compounds decreased NDI values but only at the highest tested concentration of quercetin-3-O-glucopyranoside it was of greater significance. In conclusion, all extracts from AV and AA and 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid showed protective effect, whereby aqueous AA demonstrated the highest protective effect on MMC- induced genomic instability, while quercetin-3-O-glucopyranoside showed co-mutagen effect.

Putative application of Najas marina L. extracts as a source of bioactive compounds and their antioxidant, antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and genotoxic properties

In this research paper, the total phenols (TP), flavonoids (TF), and tannins (TT) content in the acetone and ethyl acetate extracts of Najas marina L. and the identification and quantification of phenolic acids and flavonoids from the ethyl acetate extract were performed. Antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antibiofilm properties of the mentioned extracts were investigated in vitro. The genotoxic potential was analyzed in cultured human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL). The TP and TF content was higher in the ethyl acetate extract, dominated by quercetin (172.4 µg mg-1) and ferulic acid (22.74 µg mg-1), while the TT content was slightly higher in the acetone extract. Both extracts tested showed limited antioxidant effects compared to ascorbic acid. The strongest antibacterial activity was observed with Gram-positive bacteria, particularly Staphylococcus aureus (MIC and MMC at 0.31 mg ml-1) and S. aureus ATCC 25923 (MIC at <0.02 mg ml-1), while antifungal activity was limited. Both extracts tested showed better activity on preformed biofilms. Acetone extract had no genotoxic activity but showed significant genoprotective activity against mitomycin C-induced DNA damage in cultured PBLs. Results of our research demonstrate the potential for the development of plant-based antibacterial and biofilm agents.

Homozygous-Recessive Characteristics as a Biomarker of Predisposition for COVID-19

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), a new form of severe acute respiratory syndrome, has caused a global pandemic. The aim of this study was to analyze homozygous-recessive characteristics (HRC) in the group of COVID-19 patients, considering their gender, forms of the disease (mild and severe symptoms), risk factors: hypertension, diabetes mellitus type 2, hyperlipidemia, smoking habits, and the distribution of ABO blood group. Using the HRC test, we analyzed 20 HRCs in a sample of 321 individuals: 205 patients and 116 controls. The average HRC in patients was significantly higher than controls, as well as in patients with severe symptoms compared to patients with mild symptoms. The patients with higher HRC (cut-off ≤5.5) experienced a significantly increased risk of disease of 2.3 times (OR = 2.315, p < .0005). Our results indicate that the HRC test could be used as a screening in recognizing predisposition for COVID-19.

Genome instability in peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction

Heart failure (HF) is a complex clinical condition characterized by functional and structural defects of the myocardium, but genetic and environmental factors are considered to play an important role in the development of the disease. In the present study, we investigated the genome instability (DNA and chromosomal damage) in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) ≤40% and its association with risk factors. The studied population included 48 individuals, of which 29 HFrEF patients (mean age 57.41 ± 5.74 years) and 19 healthy controls (mean age 57.63 ± 6.09 years). The genetic damage index in peripheral blood lymphocytes was analyzed using the comet assay, while micronuclei frequency and nuclear division index were analyzed using the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay. Our results showed that HFrEF patients had a significantly higher genetic damage index compared with the healthy controls (P < .001). Cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay showed that the average micronucleus frequency in peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients was significantly higher, while the nuclear division index values were significantly lower than in controls (P < .01). Using multiple linear regression analysis, pathological state, ejection fraction, creatinine, glucose, associated disease, residence, proBNP, troponin, urea, ACE-inhibitors, and length of the drug therapy were identified as predictors of DNA and/or chromosomal damage in HF patients. We can conclude that DNA and chromosomal damage was increased in patients with HF, which may be a consequence of disease and/or drug therapy.

Comparative study of the genotoxic activity of Artemisia vulgaris L. and Artemisia alba Turra extracts in vitro

In this study, the genotoxic activity of acetone and aqueous extracts of two species of genus Artemisia (Artemisia vulgaris L. and Artemisia alba Turra), and possible role of their polyphenolic composition in the observed activities were investigated. Polyphenolic contents were evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-PDA), while the genotoxic activity was tested using cytokinesis block micronucleus (CBMN) assay on human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) in vitro. HPLC-PDA showed that both A. alba extracts were richer in polyphenolic contents than A. vulgaris extracts. The acetone A. alba extract was the richest of polyphenolic content where we detected six phenolic acids and two flavonoids. CBMN assay showed that aqueous extract of A. vulgaris significantly increased micronucleus (MN) frequency in the PBLs treated with all tested concentrations (10, 50, 100, and 250 µg/mL), while A. alba did not significantly affect the mean MN frequency. Further, both acetone extracts were genotoxic in all tested concentrations, except the lowest tested (10 µg/mL) of A. alba. All tested extracts affected the nuclear division index (NDI) except the aqueous A. alba extract (p < 0.05). Based on our results, we can conclude that both acetone and aqueous A. vulgaris extracts and A. alba acetone extract were genotoxic in PBLs in vitro. A. alba aqueous extract was not genotoxic and cytotoxic in tested concentrations. We suggest that the aqueous extract of A. alba can be used in treatment, which has been confirmed by traditional medicine, but with a high dose of caution and not in high concentrations.

Assessment of Chromosomal Damage in Umbilical Blood Lymphocytes of Newborns from Kragujevac in Central Serbia Born 18 Years after Environmental Contamination

The measurement of micronuclei (MN) in umbilical blood lymphocytes of newborns are increasingly used in cytogenetic epidemiology as one of the preferred methods for assessing chromosomal damage resulted from maternal exposure to mutagen. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of strong environmental contamination (EC) (which occured in the City of Kragujevac, Central Serbia in 1999) on the MN frequency in group of 22 newborns born in Kragujevac 18 years after EC, using cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay. The mean MN frequency in umbilical lymphocytes of these newborns was 5.14 ± 2.17/1,000 binucleated (BN) cells, which is significantly lower than mean MN frequency of newborns born 12 months after contamination (9.36 ± 5.60/1,000 BN cells). Sex of newborns, age of mothers, cigarette smoking, and number of pregnancies did not affect the MN frequency of newborns. Our results showed that in utero exposure to environmental pollution affected genome instability of the fetuses, but that by improving the quality of environmental conditions there was a decrease in mean MN frequency of newborns born 18 years after contamination. In general, genome of umbilical lymphocytes shows a realistic picture of all changes in body and the environment.

Methanol extracts of Teucrium arduini L. and Teucrium flavum L. induce protective effect against mitomycin C in human lymphocytes in vitro

The study was designed to evaluate antigenotoxic effect of methanol Teucrium arduini and Teucrium flavum extracts against mitomycin C (MMC)-induced chromosome and DNA damage in vitro. Cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) and comet assays were used to investigate effect of plant extracts in different concentrations (125, 250, 500 and 1000 µg/mL) on human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs). The obtained results showed that the all tested concentrations of T. arduini and the highest concentration of T. flavum significantly reduced the MMC-induced micronucleus (MN) frequency in comparison to positive control (only MMC). There were significantly negative correlations between the extracts concentrations and MN frequencies (Pearson, r = -0.905, p = 0.0001 for T. arduini; r = -0.861, p = 0.0001 for T. flavum). The extracts of both plants further lowered the MMC-decreased nuclear division index (NDI) in a dose dependent-manner (Pearson, r = -0.837, p = 0.001 for T. arduini; r = -0.598, p = 0.040 for T. flavum), but significantly only in the highest concentration (1000 µg/mL). Comet assay showed that extracts reduced MMC-increased genetic damage index (GDI), significantly in the concentrations of 500 and 1000 μg/mL, in comparison with positive control. Based on our results, it can be concluded that methanol T. arduini and T. flavum extracts possess protective proapoptotic and antigenotoxic effect which is indication of their medicinal relevance and use in treatment.

Craterellus cornucopioides Edible Mushroom as Source of Biologically Active Compounds

Here we determined the phenolic compounds and antioxidant, antimicrobial, genotoxic, and anticancer potential of edible mushrooms Craterellus cornucopioides. The phytochemical analysis was evaluated using high-performance liquid chromatography. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by free radical scavenging, superoxide anion scavenging, and reducing power. Craterellus cornucopioides extract had potent antioxidant activity. Further, the antimicrobial potential was determined by a microdilution method, where minimum inhibitory concentration values ranged from 0.1 to 10 mg/mL. Genotoxic potential was determined by cytokinesis block micronucleus test. The separate treatment did not show genotoxic effect, whereas the combined treatment with mitomycin C significantly reduced the micronuclei frequency in a dose-dependent manner. The highest concentration significantly reduced nuclear division index in comparison to untreated human peripheral blood lymphocytes, whereas in combined treatment, the extract did not significantly affect this parameter. Finally, the cytotoxic activity was tested using microculture tetrazolium test where measured IC50 values ranged from 65.5 to 131.7 μg/mL.

Ethyl Acetate Extracts of Two Artemisia Species: Analyses of Phenolic Profile and Anticancer Activities Against SW-480 Colon Cancer Cells

Because Artemisia vulgaris L. and Artemisia alba Turra are traditional medicinal plants used for the treatment of different diseases, we evaluated the cytotoxic/apoptotic activity of ethyl acetate extracts from these natural products against human colon cancer cells SW-480. The extracts contained a large amount of the total polyphenols and flavonoids. The phenolic profile showed the presence of phenolic acids (gallic, p-coumaric, vanillic, and ferulic acids) and flavonoids (rutin, myricetin, luteolin, quercetin, and apigenin). 3-[4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay indicated that antiproliferative activities of both A. vulgaris and A. alba extracts increased with the extension of time exposure, with decreasing IC50 values. Mitomycin C (MMC) alone had antiproliferative activity, but in combination with plant extracts caused stronger effect with lower IC50 values. Flow cytometry analyses showed that A. alba extract induced higher percentage of SW-480 cells in the early stage of apoptosis (33.5 ± 1.6 vs 0.7 ± 0.1, P < 0.05), whereas the A. vulgaris extract significantly increased the percentage of cells in necrosis (82.4 ± 5.0 vs 53.9 ± 2.3, P < 0.05). In conclusion, A. alba extract can be considered a potential source of bioactive components with anticancer activity or be used as a dietary food supplement or supplement to chemotherapy due to its synergistic effect with the MMC.

Polyphenolic contents of Teucrium polium L. and Teucrium scordium L. associated with their protective effects against MMC-induced chromosomal damage in cultured human peripheral blood lymphocytes

Teucrium species have been used in traditional medicine for treatment of different diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate polyphenolic contents by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the genotoxic effect of methanolic extracts of Teucrium polium and Teucrium scordium using the cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay on human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) from healthy donors. The HPLC  analysis  showed that extracts consist of phenolic acid (gallic, vanillic, caefic, chlorogenic, p-coumaric, sinapic) and flavonoids (catechin, rutin, myricetin, luteolin, quercetin and apigenin). Cultures were treated with extracts of both plants separately and in combinations with mitomycin C (MMC). In separate treatments, both herbal extracts significantly induced micronucleus (MN) frequency only at the highest concentrations. All concentrations of T. scordium , except the lowest, and all concentrations of T. polium extracts in combined treatment with MMC significantly reduced the frequency of MN. The extract of T. polium did not significantly aefct the nuclear division index (NDI), whereas T. scordium in higher concentrations, separately and in combined treatment with MMC, significantly decreased the NDI value. Our results suggest that both herbal extracts in combination with MMC have antimutagenic (T. polium) and proapoptotic effects (T. scordium), which indicates their protective effects in PBLs.

Cytogenetic biomarkers in detection of genotoxic effects of gestagens in peripheral blood lymphocytes in vitro and in vivo

Gestagens are the most frequently used steroid hormones in hormone-replacement therapy in the treatment of threatened miscarriage during the first trimester of pregnancy. This therapy has been applied in a large number of women with threatened abortion, despite various degrees of success of its efficacy. Genetic factors play a key role in miscarriages, especially in the initial stages. Cytogenetic biomarkers such as micronucleus (MN) test, chromosomal aberrations (CAs), and sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) provide information on DNA damage. Cytogenetic markers detecting DNA damage have become very popular and useful in analysing genetic risk associated with hormone-replacement therapy. Cytogenetic studies presented heterogenous information. In many in vitro studies synthetic gestagens have been shown to induce genotoxic effects, and it was evaluated using three cytogenetic biomarkers. Genotoxic effects of gestagens have also been confirmed in in vivo studies that were conducted involving patients who received gestagen therapy during pregnancy and their newborns. However, some studies have shown that hormone-replacement therapy does not have genotoxic effects. In this paper, we summarize the results from previous studies. We also describe the usefulness of these biomarkers in the detection of genotoxic effects of hormone-replacement therapy.

Lasallia pustulata lichen as possible natural antigenotoxic, antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer agent

The methanol extract of the lichen Lasallia pustulata was tested for genotoxic, antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer activities. We did this using a cytokinesis block micronucleus (MN) assay on peripheral blood lymphocytes, by measuring free radical and superoxide anion scavenging activity, reducing power, determining of total phenolic compounds and determining the total flavonoid content, measuring the minimal inhibitory concentration by the broth microdilution method against five species of bacteria and five species of fungi and by using the microculture tetrazolium test on FemX (human melanoma) and LS174 (human colon carcinoma) cell lines. As a result of this study, we found that the methanol extract of L. pustulata did not modify the frequency of the MN and nuclear division index in comparison to untreated cells (p > 0.05). These results revealed that the methanol extract had moderate free radical scavenging activity with IC50 values of 395.56 μg/mL. Moreover, the extract tested had effective reducing power and superoxide anion radical scavenging. The values of the minimum inhibitory concentration against the tested microorganisms ranged from 0.625 to 20 mg/mL. In addition, the extract tested had strong anticancer activity against both cell lines with IC50 values of 46.67 and 71.71 μg/mL.

Evaluation of in vitro antioxidant, antimicrobial, genotoxic and anticancer activities of lichen Cetraria islandica

In this study, the antioxidant, antimicrobial, genotoxic and anticancer activities of Cetraria islandica methanol extract were determined by using free radical and superoxide anion scavenging activity, reducing power, determination of total phenolic compounds and flavonoid contents, broth microdilution minimal inhibitory concentration against five bacterial and five fungal species, cytokinesis block micronucleus (MN) assay on peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) and the microculture tetrazolium test on FemX (human melanoma) and LS174 (human colon carcinoma) cell lines. As a result of the study, we found that C. islandica methanol extract exhibited moderate free-radical-scavenging activity with IC50 values 678.38 μg/ml. Moreover, the tested extract had effective reducing power and superoxide anion radical scavenging. The minimal inhibitory concentration values against the tested microorganisms ranged from 0.312 to 5 mg/ml. The extract increased MN frequency in a dose dependent manner, but it was significant in higher tested concentrations (50, 100 and 200 μg/ml). No significant differences were observed between NDI values in all treatments and untreated PBLs. In addition, the tested extract had strong anticancer activity towards both cell lines with IC50 values of 22.68 and 33.74 μg/ml. It can be concluded that the tested extract exhibited a certain level of in vitro antioxidant, antimicrobial, genotoxic and anticancer activities.

Comparative study of genotoxicity and antimutagenicity of methanolic extracts from Teucrium chamaedrys and Teucrium montanum in human lymphocytes using micronucleus assay

Since Teucrium chamaedrys and Teucrium montanum are the most popular plants used in the treatment of many diseases, we evaluated genotoxic potential of their methanolic extracts on cultured human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) using cytokinesis-block micronucleus (MN) assay. Cultures were treated with four concentrations of both plants (125, 250, 500 and 1,000 μg/ml), both separately and in combination with mitomycin C (MMC). The results revealed that extract of T. chamaedrys administered at the tested concentrations did not significantly affect the mean MN frequency in comparison to untreated cells. Methanolic extract of T. montanum increased the mean MN frequency in PBL at the tested concentrations, but significantly only at the concentration of 1,000 μg/ml. In all tested concentrations, the extract of T. chamaedrys significantly reduced the MMC-induced MN frequency, in a dose dependent manner (r = - 0.687, p < 0.01). The extract of T. montanum decreased the MMC-induced MN frequency at the tested concentrations, but statistically only at 125 μg/ml. Both extracts administered alone did not significantly affect the nuclear division index (NDI) at the tested concentrations. In the combined treatments with MMC, the extract obtained from T. chamaedrys in the concentrations of 500 and 1,000 μg/ml significantly decreased NDI values in comparison to MMC-treated cells alone, while the extract of T. montanum significantly decreased NDI at all tested concentrations. Both extracts nonsignificantly decreased NDI at all tested concentrations in comparison to untreated cells. Our results suggest the important function of T. chamaedrys extract in cancer therapy, this methanolic extract may prevent genotoxic effects of chemotherapy in PBLs.