Both types of diabetes are associated with higher incidence of some types of cancer. Treating cancer in diabetic patients without aggravating diabetes-related complications is a challenge for clinicians. Additionally, little is known about how diabetes affects the treatment of cancer. One of the most effective chemotherapeutic drugs is cisplatin, which is nephrotoxic. Studies suggest that diabetes acts as a protective factor against the nephrotoxicity of cisplatin, but the mechanisms involved have not been elucidated yet. This renal protection has been attributed to decreased accumulation of cisplatin in the kidneys, which could be associated with deficient active transport of proximal tubular cells or to pharmacokinetic alterations caused by diabetes. However, it is uncertain if diabetes also compromises the antitumor activity of cisplatin. To address this issue, we developed a mouse model bearing cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity, Sarcoma 180 and streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Four groups of treatment were defined: (i) control, (ii) diabetic, (iii) cisplatin and (iv) diabetic treated with cisplatin. The following parameters were evaluated: renal function, oxidative stress, apoptosis, renal histopathology, tumor remission, survival rate, genotoxicity and platinum concentration in tumor and several organs. Results indicate that diabetes protects against the renal damage induced by cisplatin, while also compromises its antitumor effectiveness. This is the first study to demonstrate this effect.

No abstract

No abstract

Due to natural or anthropogenic activities, various chemical contaminants, such as toxic metals and organic compounds, enter water systems and can have multiple deleterious effects on many living organisms. The Todos os Santos River (TSR) in Brazil receives a high discharge of untreated effluents from various sources. The purpose of this study was to determine trace element concentrations in water samples from the TSR, evaluate the toxicological effects of these elements by using the (onion) test, and verify the physical-chemical parameters to establish the risk of exposure related to the contaminated river. The samples were taken in 2011 at six selected points (two upstream of an urban area, two in the urban area, and two downstream of the urban area) with physical-chemical parameters evaluated. The concentrations of Al (21.63-1688.84 μg L), P (38.59-1760.87 μg L), and Fe (478.9-8296.3 μg L) were above the maximum levels permitted under Brazilian law (and the World Health Organization); little dissolved O was observed. Based on the test, genotoxic and mutagenic effects may occur in the river and could be due to anthropogenic increases in metal content. These important results have serious implications for the ecosystem as well as the health of the people who use the water.

No abstract