Context: Several factors can affect the erythrocyte cell membrane integrity targeting important hematological alterations that can be avoided by the cytoprotective effect offered by some plant extracts. Aims: To evaluate the cytoprotective activity of Adelia ricinella L. extracts on red blood cells (RBCs) membrane after hypotonic and oxidative treatments. Methods: Total phenols and flavonoid contents were spectrophotometrically determined in three extracts: AR1 (ethanol 95%), AR2 (ethanol 50%), and AR3 (aqueous extract). Luteolin and apigenin were quantified using HPLC-DAD techniques. Hypotonic erythrocyte membrane stabilizing activity of plant extracts, their antioxidant protective effect on H2O2-induced cell damage, and cytotoxicity on Vero cells were explored. Control cells were treated with sodium diclofenac or ascorbic acid. Results: AR2 extract showed the highest values of total phenols/flavonoids, as well as, for luteolin and apigenin with 207.5 and 1.86 µg/mL respectively. The extracts did not exert spontaneous hemolysis following the INVITOX protocol, presumably by the protective effect of high flavonoid content. A concentration-dependent pattern was observed on the hypotonic erythrocyte membrane stabilizing assay, in which both ethanol extracts but mainly AR1 (IC50 = 16.46 µg/mL) showed a significant activity with lower IC50 values than diclofenac-control group. On the other hand, AR2 (IC50 = 17.49 µg/mL) displayed the most potent cytoprotective effect on RBCs after H2O2-induced cell damage. Adelia ricinella extracts were not cytotoxic to mammalian Vero cells (IC50 > 256 μg/mL). Conclusions: The study suggests that Adelia ricinella extracts can promote erythrocyte cytoprotection by protecting both membrane layers, thus preventing potential hematological alterations induced by oxidizing damage and probably, in inflammation-related diseases.

Se notifica la respuesta tisular del pez Gambusia punctata (Poey, 1854) crecido en condiciones naturales bajo la exposición crónica de metales pesados. Se capturaron individuos adultos de ambos sexos, a 10 km aguas debajo de una antigua zona minera a cielo abierto en Santiago de Cuba, Cuba. Se identificaron deformaciones branquiales con una extensión moderada en el 80% de los individuos investigados. Asimismo, el 100% presentó numerosos depósitos de hierro férrico en el interior de los enterocitos.

No abstract