Several hydrogel surfaces present properties that simulate the mechanical and physicochemical features of extracellular matrix (ECM), providing a platform that mimic the native cellular milieus. Poly- N -isopropylacrylamide (PNIPAM) hydrogels are receiving attention in biomedical field due to their thermosensibility and soft texture. However, more extensive biocompatibility and cellular interactions studies with cell lines are needed. Therefore, the aim of this study is focus on evaluating the biocompatibility of PNIPAM through cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and proliferation tests in murine preadipose cells (3T3-L1), human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293) and human carcinoma-derived cells (A549) in presence of hydrogel surfaces. Bioadhesive capacity above PNIPAM surfaces was also analyzed. MTT and neutral red uptake assays shown non-cytotoxic effect of PNIPAM in the studied cell lines. Genotoxicity was evaluated by the single-cell gel electrophoresis assay, where DNA damages were not detected. [ 3 H]-thymidine staining allowed to corroborate that cell proliferation had progressed correctly. Adopted morphologies for each cell line over PNIPAM were similar to cell growing observed on polystyrene, indicating that the surfaces favor the cell attachment during 5 days' culture. The good biocompatibility of PNIPAM surfaces make it an interesting scaffold with clinical potential in tissue regeneration engineering, and a possible adipose and kidney tissue-engineered construct.

Arachis hypogaea L. (Leguminosae) is distributed in tropical and subtropical areas. Peanut has high nutritional and commercial value. Scientific research showed that peanut has biological properties such as anticancer, antioxidant, antiinflammatory. However, it is necessary to know if consumption of peanut, either as food or as a phytopharmaceutical implies a health risk. The aim was to evaluate cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of ethanolic extracts from A. hypogaea . Also, chemical characterization of these extracts was performed. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT and Neutral Red Uptake (NRU) assays on Vero cells. Genotoxicity was studied by Micronuclei and comet assays on Balb/C mice. Qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis of extracts were performed. Results showed that extracts have low cytotoxicity. Tegument ethanolic extract (TEE) and Seed ethanolic extract (SEE) were not genotoxic. The treatments with TEE at 250 mg/kg and SEE at 2000 mg/kg revealed (highest concentrations evaluated) some toxicity on blood marrow cells of mice. Chemical characterization indicated that TEE had 74.33 ± 1.10 mg GAE/g of dried extract and SEE had 15.05 ± 0.06 mg GAE/g of dried extract of total phenolic content. Also, proanthocyanidins (O.D. at 550 nm 1.39 ± 0.15) and caffeic acid (2.46%) were identified in TEE. While, linoleic acid (58.84%) oleic acid (11.31%) and palmitic acid (8.37%) were major compounds of SEE. In conclusion, peanut consumption is safe at concentrations recommended for healthy uses, such as nutrition, and phytomedicine.

Zearalenone (ZEN), a Fusarium’s mycotoxin, is immunotoxic, genotoxic, hepatonephrotoxic and, affects the reproductive system. ZEN induces toxic and genotoxic effects on humans and other animals. Achyrocline satureioides has several medicinal properties. Moreover, the aqueous extract of A. satureioides is a safe agent that exerts low cytotoxicity and no genotoxicity. This extract is a promissory candidate to counteract ZEN effects. The present study aimed to investigate the capacity of cold aqueous extract from A. satureioides to protect against ZEN multi-target toxicity in different experimental mammal models. Anticytotoxicity was evaluated by neutral red uptake and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium reduction assays. Comet assay and micronuclei test, oxidative stress (TBARs), and histopathological damage were evaluated in Balb/C mice. Anticytotoxic studies indicated that cold aqueous extract (100 and 300 μg/ml) protected from damage induced by ZEN (50 μg/ml) on Vero cells. In vivo studies indicated that ZEN (40 mg/kg body weight) induced an increase of genotoxicity: micronuclei (34 MNPCE/1000 PCE) and increase of damage (tail moment) in blood cells. Also, it increased lipid peroxidation in liver and kidneys and generated several histopathological alterations in both organs. Cold aqueous extract (100 mg/kg body weight) protected from genotoxicity induced by ZEN in both tests. Cold aqueous extract, also, reduced the lipid peroxidation and histopathological damage in liver and kidneys. In conclusion, the cold aqueous extract of A. satureioides that contains bioactive flavonoids prevents the multi-target toxicity induced by ZEN improving all the parameters evaluated in vitro and in vivo, which is a valuable and original finding in order to develop future treatments for human and veterinary medicine.

Chlorogenic acid (ChlA) has shown short-term protective effects against the cyto-genotoxic effects of ochratoxin A (OTA). The present study evaluated the effect of oral administration of ChlA in male Wistar rats exposed to OTA. OTA (0.4 mg/kg bw/day), ChlA (5 mg/kg bw/day), or the combination of both, were administered orally to animals during 28 days. No deaths, decrease in feed consumption or change in the body weight of animals were observed in any group. In the OTA-treated group a decrease in locomotion as well as increased DNA damage in blood, kidney and bone marrow cells were observed. ChlA alone was not genotoxic for animals. The combination of OTA+ChlA decreased the DNA damage by 37% in blood cells, by 55% in kidney cells and by 80% in bone marrow cells compared to OTA-treated group. In conclusion, oral treatment with ChlA showed a good protective effect on genotoxicity produced by OTA in rats during 28 days exposure.

Epidemiological evidence indicates that flaxseed reduces oxidative stress and cholesterol levels in blood. In this study we evaluated the lipid profile, oxidation of plasma lipids and genetic damage in goats fed on a diet supplemented with flaxseed. Thirteen adult male goats were split in two experimental groups; one of them was fed on a conventional diet of alfalfa and ground corn and the other group was fed on the same diet supplemented with 5% of flaxseed. Blood samples were obtained every 7 days to quantify the Thiobarbituric Acid-Reactive Substances (TBARs), total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triacylglycerols. Additionally, 3 blood samples and 3 oral mucosa samples were taken to each animal every 15 days to perform comet assay and micronucleus test. Flaxseed supplementation produces a remarkable antioxidant effect in plasma in a three months period that could explain the antigenotoxic effect determined through both micronucleus test and comet assay. In addition, we also found a reduction of LDL/HDL ratio and cholesterol levels in animals supplemented with flaxseed.