"Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A"

Hernández-Cortés, Lourdes Montserrat; Mendoza-Núñez, Víctor Manuel; Ortiz-Muñiz, Alda Rocío; García-Rodríguez, María Del Carmen

doi: 10.1080/15287394.2025.2455956pmid: 39849982

This study aimed to examine the dose–response effects of polyphenon-60 derived from green tea (P60-GT) on hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)]-induced genotoxic damage and apoptosis. Male Hsd:ICR mice were divided into 4 groups: (1) Control (vehicle only), (2) P60-GT (15, 30, or 45 mg/kg gavage), (3) Cr(VI) (20 mg/kg of CrO3 intraperitoneally), and (4) P60-GT+CrO3 (P60-GT administered 4 hr before CrO3). Peripheral blood samples were collected at 24, 48, and 72 hr to assess the number of micronuclei (MN), apoptosis, and cell viability, while plasma 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels were measured at 0 and 48 hr. Cr(VI) significantly increased MN frequency, suppressed 8-OHdG repair, and reduced cell viability. Pre-treatment with P60-GT reduced MN frequency by up to 74%, with the 30 mg/kg dose demonstrating the highest efficacy. This dose restored cell viability, enhanced 8-OHdG repair, and enhanced apoptosis, suggesting activation of DNA repair and apoptotic pathways as potential antigenotoxic mechanisms. The 15 mg/kg dose exhibited anti-apoptotic effects, while the 30 and 45 mg/kg doses promoted apoptosis. However, the 45 mg/kg dose resulted in 100% lethality by 72 hr, likely due to synergistic toxicity with Cr(VI). These findings demonstrate the dose-dependent protective effects of P60-GT and emphasize the need for dosage optimization to maximize therapeutic benefits while minimizing toxicity.

da Cruz, Elkejer Ribeiro; Corrêa, Dione Silva; Miri, Jéssica Machado; Bondan da Silva, Juliana; de Sousa, Jayne Torres; Farias, Ingrid Vicente; Reginatto, Flávio Henrique; da Silva, Juliana; Grivicich, Ivana; de Barros Falcão Ferraz, Alexandre; Picada, Jaqueline Nascimento

Silva Souza, Kimberly; da Cunha Neto, Antonio Rodrigues; Chagas-Paula, Daniela Aparecida; Barbosa, Sandro; da Silva, Geraldo Alves; Calvelli, João Vitor Barbosa

doi: 10.1080/15287394.2025.2466665pmid: 39964315

Natural products, although frequently associated with beneficial effects and considered harmless, still require thorough analysis; therefore, their bioactive compounds need to be used with caution. Biological assays using plant models represent an appropriate alternative for evaluating the cytogenotoxicity associated with these products. In this study, the phyto- cytotoxic potential of extracts from the bark of Rhamnus purshiana DC. a species widely used for treatment of constipation was investigated due to its anthraquinone content. To this end, seeds of Lactuca sativa L. were employed in phyto-cytogenotoxic assays under chronic exposure to lyophilized and spray-dried extracts. The results showed that extraction methods directly influence the phytochemical composition and biological effects of the extracts. Both extracts exhibited high anthraquinone content, expressed as cascaroside A, with concentrations ranging from 45.65 to 72.17 μg/ml. The spray-dried extract demonstrated a more potent inhibitory effect on morphological parameters, such as root elongation, while lyophilized extract exhibited higher cytotoxicity. Both extracts induced mitodepressive effects and aneugenic damage. Notably, the lyophilized extract induced a 300% increase in mitotic abnormalities compared to control, with a higher frequency of C-metaphases and stickiness. Although R. purshiana is widely used in traditional medicine, the scarcity of studies on cascaroside A raises concerns regarding socio-environmental safety and continued use of this species in dietary supplements.