Nongenotoxic effects and a reduction of the DXR-induced genotoxic effects of Helianthus annuus Linné (sunflower) seeds revealed by micronucleus assays in mouse bone marrow.
BACKGROUND
This research evaluated the genotoxicity of oil and tincture of H. annuus L. seeds using the micronucleus assay in bone marrow of mice. The interaction between these preparations and the genotoxic effects of doxorubicin (DXR) was also analysed (antigenotoxicity test).


METHODS
Experimental groups were evaluated at 24-48 h post treatment with N-Nitroso-N-ethylurea (positive control - NEU), DXR (chemotherapeutic), NaCl (negative control), a sunflower tincture (THALS) and two sources of sunflower oils (POHALS and FOHALS). Antigenotoxic assays were carried out using the sunflower tincture and oils separately and in combination with NUE or DXR.


RESULTS
For THALS, analysis of the MNPCEs showed no significant differences between treatment doses (250-2,000 mg.Kg-1) and NaCl. A significant reduction in MNPCE was observed when THALS (2,000 mg.Kg-1) was administered in combination with DXR (5 mg.Kg-1). For POHALS or FOHALS, analysis of the MNPCEs also showed no significant differences between treatment doses (250-2,000 mg.Kg-1) and NaCl. However, the combination DXR + POHALS (2,000 mg.Kg-1) or DXR + FOHALS (2,000 mg.Kg-1) not contributed to the MNPCEs reduction.


CONCLUSIONS
This research suggests absence of genotoxicity of THALS, dose-, time- and sex-independent, and its combination with DXR can reduce the genotoxic effects of DXR. POHALS and FOHALS also showed absence of genotoxicity, but their association with DXR showed no antigenotoxic effects.
Laboratório de Farmacogenômica e Biologia Molecular, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas & Centro de Pesquisa e Pós-graduação, Universidade José do Rosário Vellano (UNIFENAS), Campus Universitário, Rod, MG 179, Km 0, Alfenas, MG CEP: 37130-000, Brasil. marcelo.boriollo@unifenas.br.
Marcelo Fabiano Gomes
MF
Boriollo
Luiz Silva
LS
Souza
Marielly Reis
MR
Resende
Thaísla Andrielle da
TA
Silva
Nelma de Mello Silva
Nde M
Oliveira
Maria Cristina Costa
MC
Resck
Carlos Tadeu dos Santos
CT
Dias
João Evangelista
JE
Fiorini
D000818:Animals; D000903:Antibiotics, Antineoplastic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001853:Bone Marrow / Q000187:drug effects*; D020552:Comet Assay; D004249:DNA Damage; D004317:Doxorubicin / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006368:Helianthus / Q000737:chemistry; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D048629:Micronuclei, Chromosome-Defective; D015162:Micronucleus Tests; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012639:Seeds / Q000737:chemistry
D000903:Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; D010936:Plant Extracts; D010938:Plant Oils; D004317:Doxorubicin