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

Marcelo Fabiano Gomes Boriollo,João Evangelista Fiorini,Carlos Tadeu Dos Santos Dias,Luiz Silva Souza,Nelma De Mello Silva Oliveira,Thaísla Andrielle Da Silva,Marielly Reis Resende,Maria Cristina Costa Resck

doi:10.1186/1472-6882-14-121

Abstract

BackgroundThis 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).MethodsExperimental 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.ResultsFor 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.ConclusionsThis 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.

Highlights

This research evaluated the genotoxicity of oil and tincture of H. annuus L. seeds using the micronucleus assay in bone marrow of mice
In order to contribute to the information on the genotoxic potential of herbal extracts and food, the present study evaluated the genotoxic effects of two sources of oil and tincture of H. annuus L. seeds using in vivo micronucleus assays in mouse bone marrow
The numbers and frequencies of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCEs) and the polychromatic erythrocyte (PCE)/normochromatic erythrocyte (NCE) ratio in the bone marrow of mice were analyzed statistically for each one of the animal groups treated with only tincture (THALS) or oils (POHALS or FOHALS) of sunflower seeds – genotoxic assays – and for each one of the groups treated with phytotherapeutics and chemotherapeutic agent DXR (THALS + DXR, POHALS + DXR or FOHALS + DXR) – antigenotoxic assays, as well as control groups

Summary

Introduction

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 analysed (antigenotoxicity test). It is important that copper and iron be removed because these metals greatly reduce the oxidative stability of the oil [9]. Other metals, such as lead and cadmium, are of particular concern due to their toxicity and their supposed link to coronary heart disease and hypertension [10]

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Conclusion