The in vitro genotoxic effect of Tucuma (Astrocaryum aculeatum), an Amazonian fruit rich in carotenoids.
Tucuma (Astrocaryum aculeatum) is an Amazonian fruit that presents high levels of carotenoids and other bioactive compounds such as quercetin. The extracts of tucuma peel and pulp present strong antioxidant activity which illustrate an elevated concentration that causes cytotoxic effects in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). This study performed additional investigations to analyze the potential genotoxic effects of the tucuma extracts on PBMCs. The genotoxicity was evaluated by DNA fragmentation, Comet assay, and chromosomal instability G-band assays. The acute tucuma extract treatment showed genoprotective effects against DNA denaturation when compared with untreated PBMC cells. However, in the experiments with 24 and 72 h treatments to tucuma treatments, we observed low genotoxicity through a concentration of 100 μg/mL, some genotoxic effects related to intermediary concentrations (100-500 μg/mL), and more pronounced genotoxic effects on higher tucuma extract concentrations. After 24 h of treatment, the reactive oxygen species were similar among treatments and PBMC control groups. However, the caspase-1 activity related to the apoptosis and pyroptosis process increased significantly in higher tucuma concentrations. In summary, tucuma extracts, despite their higher antioxidant content and antioxidant activity, would present PBMCs genotoxic effects that are dependent on concentration and time exposition. These results need to be considered in future in vitro and in vivo studies of tucuma effects.
1 Post-Graduate Program in Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Maria , Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil .
Olmiro Cezimbra
OC
de Souza Filho
Michele Rorato
MR
Sagrillo
Luiz Filipe Machado
LF
Garcia
Alencar Kolinski
AK
Machado
Francine
F
Cadoná
Euler Esteves
EE
Ribeiro
Marta Maria Medeiros Frescura
MM
Duarte
Ademir Farias
AF
Morel
Ivana Beatrice Mânica
IB
da Cruz
D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology; D017209:Apoptosis; D028023:Arecaceae / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000494:pharmacology; D020170:Caspase 1 / Q000378:metabolism; D004249:DNA Damage; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005638:Fruit / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear / Q000187:drug effects*; D009153:Mutagens / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000009:adverse effects*
D000975:Antioxidants; D009153:Mutagens; D010936:Plant Extracts; D002338:Carotenoids; D020170:Caspase 1