Red seaweeds Porphyra umbilicalis and Grateloupia turuturu display antigenotoxic and longevity-promoting potential in Drosophila melanogaster

The w/w + Somatic Mutation and Recombination Test (SMART) of Drosophila melanogaster for Detecting Antigenotoxic Activity

“…Drosophila melanogaster is currently being used as one of the preferable organisms for toxicological research [2]. According to current knowledge, the use of D. melanogaster as a model organism respects the principles of animal welfare (3Rs), since ethical matters do not urge when using this organism [2,3]. Considering the metabolic pathways responsible for dietary input (including nutrient uptake, digestion, absorption, storage and metabolism) [4], the xenobiotic metabolizing system, the antioxidant enzymes and the DNA repair systems of D. melanogaster, which are analogous to those of mammals, D. melanogaster emerges as an optimal replacer of higher animals in toxicological studies [2,5].…”

“…Considering the metabolic pathways responsible for dietary input (including nutrient uptake, digestion, absorption, storage and metabolism) [4], the xenobiotic metabolizing system, the antioxidant enzymes and the DNA repair systems of D. melanogaster, which are analogous to those of mammals, D. melanogaster emerges as an optimal replacer of higher animals in toxicological studies [2,5]. Furthermore, contrasting with in vitro methods, D. melanogaster has the advantage of enabling a more solid extrapolation at the organism level [3].…”

“…In fact, there are numerous published studies using D. melanogaster in antigenotoxicity analyses, and most of them are using SMARTs, especially with the wing-spot test ( Table 1). Focusing on the w/w + SMART performed for antigenotoxicity testing, there are a few studies evaluating the antigenotoxic potential of lemongrass extracts [32]; fennel plant fruit extracts [33]; red, green and brown seaweeds [3,34]; and thalassotherapy products (containing seaweeds) [35].…”

“…Ferreira and Marques [3] and Marques and Ferreira [34] studied the exposure of D. melanogaster [Oregon-K (OK) strain] to a chronic treatment (from egg to adult eclosion) with media (Formula 4-24 ® Instant Drosophila Medium) supplemented with red, green or brown seaweeds and SN (at 20 μM). Reductions in the number of mutant ommatidia were shown in individuals cotreated with seaweed and SN in relation to the positive control.…”

“…The authors also refer the possible phytochemicals acting as antimutagens that include vitamins, phenolic compounds, pigments and polysaccharides. These phytochemicals, which may promote their action in a synergetic way, may inhibit ROS triggered by SN activity, acting as dietary antioxidants [3] (Figure 3). Their mechanisms of action may include ROS scavenging, donation of electrons and/or protons to endogenous enzymatic and/or non-enzymatic antioxidants for converting ROS to H 2 O and/or chelating metal ions responsible for producing OH (Fenton reaction inhibition) [36,37].…”