Helena Pereira da Silva Zamith

Megazol and its bioisostere 4H-1,2,4-triazole: comparing the trypanocidal, cytotoxic and genotoxic activities and their in vitro and in silico interactions with the Trypanosoma brucei nitroreductase enzyme

Megazol (7) is a 5-nitroimidazole that is highly active against Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma brucei, as well as drug-resistant forms of trypanosomiasis. Compound 7 is not used clinically due to its mutagenic and genotoxic properties, but has been largely used as a lead compound. Here, we compared the activity of 7 with its 4H-1,2,4-triazole bioisostere (8) in bloodstream forms of T. brucei and T. cruzi and evaluated their activation by T. brucei type I nitroreductase (TbNTR) enzyme. We also analysed the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of these compounds in whole human blood using Comet and fluorescein diacetate/ethidium bromide assays. Although the only difference between 7 and 8 is the substitution of sulphur (in the thiadiazole in 7) for nitrogen (in the triazole in 8), the results indicated that 8 had poorer antiparasitic activity than 7 and was not genotoxic, whereas 7 presented this effect. The determination of Vmax indicated that although 8 was metabolised more rapidly than 7, it bounds to the TbNTR with better affinity, resulting in equivalent kcat/KM values. Docking assays of 7 and 8 performed within the active site of a homology model of the TbNTR indicating that 8 had greater affinity than 7.

Validação de método analítico para determinar a migração de ε-caprolactama das embalagens para alimentos gordurosos

e-Caprolactam (CAP) is a monomer of nylon 6 used as food packaging for bologna sausage, turkey blanquettes, fowl breast, pâtes and ham luncheon meat. After polymerization a part of the monomer can remain in the packaging and migrate into the food. The aim of this work was develop and validate a single laboratory method to determine CAP in ethanol 95% that simulates fatty food characteristics. Thus, linear range was 2 to 32 mg/L of CAP, detection and quantification limits were 0.83 and 1.63 mg/L, respectively. Repeatability showed Hor Rat values lower than 2 while recovery range was 97.5 to 106.5%. The method was considered adequate for purpose.

Estudos sobre a toxicologia da ε-caprolactama

e -Caprolactam (CAP) is a precursor monomer of nylon 6 polymers. Nylon 6 is used in the manufacture of carpets, clothes and plastic materials, such as equipment, systems and automotive components, connectors and plastic packaging. CAP residues can migrate from nylon 6 plastic packaging to foods. Given this fact, this review was realized concerning the effects of CAP exposure and its impact on human health. Epidemiological studies indicate that CAP could cause ocular, cutaneous and respiratory irritations, as well as hypotension, tachycardia, palpitations, rhinorrhea, nose dryness, neurological and blood problems, and genitourinary and reproductive effects, such as alterations in ovarian-menstrual functions and pregnancy/birth complications. Animal studies are consistent with such reports; however, the majority of in vitro and in vivo genotoxicity studies by oral and intraperitoneal routes show negative results, including the absence of carcinogenicity in rats and mice and developmental and reproductive effects in rats and rabbits.