The potential genotoxicity of Cu(2+) was investigated in Vicia faba and Pisum sativum seedlings in hydroponic culture conditions. Cu(2+) caused a dose-dependent increase in micronuclei frequencies in both plant models. Cytological analysis of root tips cells showed clastogenic and aneugenic effects of this heavy metal on V. faba root meristems. Cu(2+) induced chromosomal alterations at the lowest concentration used (2.5 mM) when incubated for 42 h, indicating the potent mutagenic effect of this ion. A spectrum of chromosomal abnormalities was observed in V. faba root meristems, illustrating the genotoxic events leading to micronuclei formation.

International audienceThe molecular responses of hydroponically cultivated tomato plants to As(V) or Cr(VI) were assessed by transcript accumulation analysis of genes coding for products potentially involved in heavy metal tolerance. A quantitative real-time PCR experiment was performed with Hsp90-1, MT2- and GR1-like protein genes using RNA isolated from tomato roots or shoots treated for 24 h with As(V) or Cr(VI) at concentrations ranging from 80 to 640 μM. Both transient metallic treatments induced Hsp90-1 transcript accumulation in tomato plants. MT2- and GR1-like transcripts accumulated in tomato roots treated with As(V) but were only slightly affected by Cr(VI) treatment. Tomatoes showed phenotypic symptoms to heavy metal toxicity when plants were exposed to Cr(VI) but not As(V). Plant lethality was observed at 1280 μM Cr(VI), indicating that tomatoes were more tolerant to As than Cr stress under the experimental conditions used here

Kinetics of stress responses to Cd exposure (50, 100 and 200 μM) expanding from 12 to 48 h were studied in roots of hydroponically cultivated-Vicia faba seedlings. The heavy metal induced toxicity symptoms and growth arrest of Vicia roots gradually to the Cd concentration and duration of the treatment. The intracellular oxidative stress was evaluated with the H(2)O(2) production. The H(2)O(2) content increased gradually with the sequestered Cd and root growth inhibition. Lipid peroxidation-evidenced by malondialdehyde (MDA) content and Evans blue uptake-and genotoxicity-evidenced by mitotic index (MI) and micronuclei (MCN) values-were concomitantly investigated in root tips. By 12 h, root meristematic cells lost 15% of their mitotic activity under 50 or 100 μM Cd treatment and 50% under 200 μM Cd treatment and led cells with MCN, while the MDA content and Evans blue absorption were not affected. The loss of membrane integrity occurred subsequently by 24 h. The increase in MDA content in root cells treated with 50, 100 and 200 μM Cd was significantly higher than the control. By 48 h, the MDA content increased 134, 178 or 208% in root cells treated with 50, 100 and 200 μM Cd, respectively. The Evans blue absorption was also affected by 24 h in roots when treated with 200 μM Cd and gradually increase by 48 h with the Cd concentration of the treatment. The decrease of mitotic activity triggered by 12 h was even higher by 24 h and the MI reduced to 44, 56 or 80% compared to the control in the three different Cd concentrations tested. The different kinetics of early in vivo physiological and cytogenetic responses to Cd might be relevant to the characterization of its toxicity mechanisms in disrupting primarily the mitosis process.

Sophora is deemed as one of the most remarkable genera of Fabaceae, and the third largest family of flowering plants. The genus Sophora comprises approximately 52 species, 19 varieties, and 7 forms that are widely distributed in Asia and mildly in Africa. Sophora species are recognized to be substantial sources of broad spectrum biopertinent secondary metabolites namely flavonoids, isoflavonoids, chalcones, chromones, pterocarpans, coumarins, benzofuran derivatives, sterols, saponins (mainly triterpene glycosides), oligostilbenes, and mainly alkaloids. Meanwhile, extracts and isolated compounds from Sophora have been identified to possess several health-promising effects including anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, antiplatelets, antipyretic, anticancer, antiviral, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-osteoporosis, anti-ulcerative colitis, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, antidiarrheal, and insecticidal activities. Herein, the present review aims to provide comprehensive details about the phytochemicals and biological effects of Sophora species. The review spotlighted on the promising phytonutrients extracted from Sophora and their plethora of bioactivities. The review also clarifies the remaining gaps and thus qualifies and supplies a platform for further investigations of these compounds.

Despite the well-known toxic effect of chloride sodium (NaCl), only few studies analyze its genotoxic effect on crops. Micronucleus assay is an efficient tool for the measure of chromosomal DNA damages. Based on this test, the effects of salt on micronucleus induction, and on chromosome and nucleus changes, were investigated in Vicia faba root tips treated with NaCl (electrical conductivity = 25 dS/m) during 24 hours. V. faba meristematic cells showed a significant increase in the number of micronuclei compared with the control. Micronucleus size varied from small to large and appeared at different stages of mitosis. Moreover, different chromosomal aberrations like breaks, bridges, rings, vagrant, and lagging chromosomes, were observed in the metaphase, the anaphase, and the telophase. In addition, nuclear alterations in the interphase were characterized by the presence of binucleated cells, strap nuclei with lesions, hyperchromasia, buds, and nuclei with irregular shapes and lesions.