Caroline Calloni

Occupational risk assessment of oxidative stress and genotoxicity in workers exposed to paints during a working week

ObjectivesPaints are complex mixtures of solvents and metals that can induce health damages in workers exposed to them. The aim of the present work was to evaluate possible oxidative and genotoxic effects in workers exposed to paints.Material and MethodsPeripheral blood and buccal cell samples were collected from 33 workers exposed to paints and 29 non-exposed workers (controls) during an ordinary working week (Monday morning and Friday evening). Oxidative markers were assessed using thiobarbituric acid assay, carbonylated proteins, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. Hippuric acid and delta-aminolevulinic acid were determined as biomarkers of toluene and lead exposure, respectively. Genotoxicity was measured through comet assay and micronucleus (MN) frequencies.ResultsThe exposed group showed higher hippuric acid and delta-aminolevulinic acid levels (Friday samples) and lower superoxide dismutase activity (Monday samples) in relation to control group. DNA damage index (comet assay) was higher in the exposed group, both in Monday and Friday samples, compared to the control group. No differences were observed in frequency of micronuclei (MN) between the groups, either in lymphocytes or buccal cells. However, the exposed group presented an increase (Monday samples) in nuclear buds frequency in lymphocytes — a marker of gene amplification — as well as an increase in condensed chromatin in the buccal cells (Monday and Friday samples), suggesting induction of apoptosis. Furthermore, a decrease in the nuclear division index (Friday samples) was observed in the exposed group, indicating that paint exposure induces cytostatic effects in lymphocytes.ConclusionThe results suggest that individuals exposed to paints have increased levels of DNA damage.

Araucaria Angustifolia: A Potential Nutraceutical with Antioxidant and Antimutagenic Activities

The Araucaria angustifolia (Bertolini, Otto Kuntze) tree belongs to the family Araucariaceae and is known as Brazilian pine. The female strobilus consists of seeds (the edible part of A. angustifolia) and bracts (non-developed seeds). These bracts, which represent approximately 80% of the female strobilus, have no use. It has previously been suggested that the dietary intake of antioxidants could be a useful strategy to reduce the incidence of diseases associated with oxidative stress, such as cancer, atherosclerosis and neurodegenerative disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the phenolic profile and the possible antioxidant, mutagenic and antimutagenic activities of the aqueous extract from bracts of A. angustifolia. The results showed that the extract of A. angustifolia presents important in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activity. Additionally, lower concentrations of the extract were non-mutagenic and avoided DNA damage induced by hydrogen peroxide in yeast cells. Catechin, epicatechin and rutin were the main phenolic compounds found in the extract. These results may provide new perspectives for the development of strategies with natural compounds in the nutraceutical field. In addition, the use of this waste will help maintain the environmental balance.

Catechin and epicatechin reduce mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress induced by amiodarone in human lung fibroblasts

Amiodarone (AMD) and its metabolite N‐desethylamiodarone can cause some adverse effects, which include pulmonary toxicity. Some studies suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress may play a role in these adverse effects. Catechin and epicatechin are recognized as important phenolic compounds with the ability to decrease oxidative stress. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of catechin and epicatechin to modulate mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative damage caused by AMD in human lung fibroblast cells (MRC‐5).

Chemical Constituents and BiologicalActivities of Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.)O. Kuntze: A Review

Araucaria angustifolia is a tree that belongs to Araucariaceae family and it is mainly found in Southern Brazil. This plant has a notable therapeutical history in folk medicine holding great socioeconomic and environmental importance. Until now, some studies were conducted to assess its chemical composition, biological and pharmacological properties. The studies have shown that the bark, knot, needles (leaves), seeds and bracts (sterile seeds) contain high concentrations of active compounds and exhibit different biological effects. In the folk medicine the different parts of this plant are used to treat various types of illnesses, such as shingles, respiratory tract infections, sexually transmitted diseases and some types of wounds. Bearing this in mind, this review focuses on all currently chemical and biological effects already reported for A. angustifolia and provide a novel perspective and useful information for future research.

Data on cell viability of human lung fibroblasts treated with polyphenols-rich extract from Plinia trunciflora (O. Berg) Kausel).

Jaboticaba (Plinia trunciflora (O. Berg) Kausel) is a Brazilian native berry, which presents high levels of polyphenols. Here we provide data related to the effects of the polyphenols-rich extract from jaboticaba on the cell viability, mitochondrial complex I (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide/CoQ oxidoreductase) activity and ATP biosynthesis of human lung fibroblast cells (MRC-5) treated with amiodarone. The data presented in this article demonstrate that the polyphenols-rich extract from jaboticaba was able to reduce cell death as well as the decrease in complex I activity and ATP biosynthesis caused by amiodarone in MRC-5 cells.