健康人粪便提取液细胞毒性的动态监测

本研究旨在探究自由生活、饮食和作息规律的健康人粪便提取液对肠上皮细胞的细胞毒性的范围及稳定性。共招募10名健康青年志愿者(男性:女性=1:1,年龄23~34岁),22 d内采集6次新鲜粪便样品(第1天,第2天,第3天,第8天,第15天,第22天),以人结直肠腺癌HT-29细胞作为模型,采用MTT(噻唑蓝)法检测粪便提取液的细胞毒性。志愿者采样前记录"24小时膳食回顾",用于膳食营养素分析。研究发现,自由生活的健康人粪便提取液的细胞毒性存在较大差异,细胞存活率的范围在12.3%~103.2%。每位志愿者在一段时间内的粪便提取液细胞毒性并不稳定,个体内差异的变异系数范围为10.6~43.5。细胞毒性与食物中能量和碳水化合物的摄取存在弱正相关关系,但与p H值无关。5名男性粪便提取液的细胞毒性显著高于5名女性。本研究表明自由生活的健康人粪便提取液的细胞毒性有较大个体间和个体内的差异,该结果为后续深入理解不同健康和疾病个体粪便提取液的生物活性与宿主肠道健康的关系奠定了基础。     

干预脂毒性改善糖尿病大鼠胰岛素分泌及氧化应激的损害

目的探讨干预脂毒性改善糖尿病大鼠胰岛分泌功能及氧化应激损害的机制。方法将大鼠分为4组①正常组（NC）,全程普通饲料喂养;②高脂组（HF）,全程高脂饲料喂养。糖尿病组,高脂饲料喂养8周后腹腔注射低剂量STZ（30mg/kg）,48h后行OGTT试验判断成模情况后分组。③糖尿病对照组（DM）,不给予药物干预;④血脂干预组（SIM）,灌胃辛伐他汀5mg/（kg.d）4周干预脂毒性。通过免疫组化染色观察胰岛B、A细胞形态学特点,RT-PCR测定胰腺内胰岛素原mRNA表达水平,DHE荧光染色检测胰岛中活性氧化产物ROS水平。结果与糖尿病对照组相比,干预脂毒性4周后血清胆固醇（TC）和甘油三酯（TG）水平分别下降了22.9%（P〈0.01）和57.0%（P〈0.05）。OGTT血糖水平均显著下降（P〈0.01）。胰岛中B细胞相对量是对照组的2.6倍（P〈0.01）,B细胞胞质内胰岛素水平增加了26.5%（P〈0.05）,胰岛素原mRNA表达升高18.3%（P〈0.01）;A细胞相对量减少了50%（P〈0.01）。血清丙二醛（MDA）水平和胰腺中ROS表达显著下降。结论辛伐他汀干预脂毒性4周可以显著改善糖尿病大鼠胰岛分泌功能和氧化应激损害。     

葡萄糖氧化酶诱导肝细胞氧化应激模型的建立

目的：研究不同浓度葡萄糖氧化酶（GO）对人肝细胞L02氧化应激水平的影响,以确定建立肝细胞氧化应激模型的合适浓度。方法：用不同浓度GO干预L02肝细胞2h,MTT法检测细胞的存活率,流式细胞术检测细胞内活性氧簇（ROS）,荧光强度（FI）来表示ROS水平。分光光度法检测检测细胞MDA、GSH,速率法检测细胞培养液LDH、AST和ALT的水平。结果：①随GO浓度增加,肝细胞的存活率逐渐降低,其中75U/L、100U/L和125U/L组存活率显著低于对照组（P〈0.05）。②随GO浓度增加,MDA含量逐渐增高,其中50U/L、75U/L、100U/L、125U/L组MDA水平较对照组显著增高（P〈0.05）。GSH水平随GO浓度增高而逐渐减低,各干预组较对照组均显著降低（P〈0.05）。GO各干预组FI均较对照组显著降低（P〈0.05）。③各干预组LDH活性均显著高于对照组（P〈0.05）,50U/L、75U/L、100U/L、125U/L干预组AST与ALT水平均较对照组显著增高（P〈0.05）。结论：GO能引起的肝细胞氧化应激损伤有剂量依赖性,100U/L是建立肝细胞氧化应激的合适浓度。     

抑制素α基因表达下调对鹅卵泡颗粒细胞凋亡和增殖的影响

抑制素α基因是控制家禽排卵率的一个重要候选基因。为研究抑制素α基因对体外培养的鹅卵泡颗粒细胞增殖凋亡的遗传作用,构建psiRNA-INHα1和psiRNA-INHα2两个抑制素α基因干扰载体,以降低抑制素α基因表达。体外培养鹅F1和闭锁卵泡的颗粒细胞,经抑制素α基因干扰48h后,荧光显微镜检测转染效率,同时用流式细胞术检测抑制素α基因表达水平,以及细胞生长周期、细胞凋亡指数和增殖指数的变化,用放免法测定细胞培养上清中雌激素和孕酮水平。结果表明,抑制素α基因干扰后卵泡颗粒细胞抑制素表达水平比对照组降低30%～40%（P〈0.05）;细胞凋亡指数和增值指数显著高于对照组（P〈0.05）;细胞分泌雌激素水平显著下降（P〈0.05）。由此推断,抑制素α基因对颗粒细胞具有显著的抗凋亡效应。     

姜黄素诱导Nrf2核转位对脂多糖引起库普弗细胞分泌炎症细胞因子的影响

目的：研究姜黄素诱导大鼠Kupffer细胞Nrf2核转位对脂多糖（LPS）引起的炎症细胞因子分泌的影响。方法：分别用10μM、20μM和30μM干预Kupffer细胞8h,诱导Nrf2核转位水平;将Kupffer细胞随机分为对照组、LPS组和干预组,对照组正常培养未加姜黄素和LPS,LPS组用10μg／mL的LPS加入Kupffer细胞培养液共同培养2h;干预组用30μM姜黄素干预8h后,余处理同LPS组。Western blot检测Nrf2核转位水平,分光光度法检测细胞MDA、GSH水平,ELISA法检测上清液TNF-α和IL-6,放免法检测IL-1β。结果：①姜黄素诱导Kupffer细胞Nrf2核转位,核转位水平随浓度增加而增高。②LPS组MDA水平较对照组显著升高（P〈0．01）,干预组MDA水平较LPS组显著降低（P〈0．01）,仍显著高于对照组（P〈0．01）。LPS组GSH水平较对照组显著降低（P〈0．01）,干预组GSH水平较LPS组显著升高（P〈0．01）,仍显著低于对照组（P〈0．01）。③LPS组上清液TNF-α,IL-1β和IL-6显著高于对照组（P〈0．01）,干预组均显著低于模型组（P〈0．01）,但显著高于对照组（P〈0．01）。结论：姜黄素通过诱导Kupffer细胞Nrf2核转位,降低LPS诱导的氧化应激损伤,抑制Kupffer细胞分泌炎症细胞因子。     

滤泡辅助性T细胞在特发性血小板减少性紫癜患者的变化及其意义

目的：研究滤泡辅助性T细胞（T follicular helper cells,Tfh）在免疫性血小板减少性紫癜（immune thrombocytopenic purpura,ITP）患者的表达并探讨其临床意义。方法：用流式细胞术检测20例健康人、25例ITP患者外周血CXCR5＋CD4＋T细胞占CD4＋T细胞的比例。结果：与健康对照组相比,ITP患者外周血CXCR5＋CD4＋T细胞占CD4＋T细胞的比例显著增高（P〈0.05）。结论：Tfh在ITP患者外周血比例增高,为Tfh能否为ITP的免疫调节和干预提出新的方向提供了证据。     

重组人p53腺病毒转染淋巴瘤源性树突状细胞的抗肿瘤免疫效应

目的：研究重组人p53腺病毒转染淋巴瘤源性树突状细胞的抗肿瘤免疫效应。方法：采集本科室初诊的弥漫性大B细胞淋巴瘤（DLBCL）肿大淋巴结分离单个核细胞（MNC）进行体外DC的诱导培养,分为实验组A（rAd-p53-DC）、对照组A（rAd-DC）、空白对照组A（N-DC）,同时采集患者的外周血分离单个核细胞（MNC）,进行体外DC的诱导培养,分为实验组B（rAd-p53-DC）、对照组B（rAd-DC）、空白对照组B（N-DC）,用重组人p53腺病毒（rAd-p53）转染2种来源的DCS,流式检测DCS免疫表型,用Western-blotting鉴定P53蛋白的表达,ELISA法检测上清中的细胞因子IL-12的含量,混合淋巴细胞反应（mixed lymphocyte reac-tion,MLR）测定DCS刺激同种异体淋巴细胞增殖能力,用乳酸脱氢酶（lactate dehydrogenase,LDH）释放法检测经rAd-p53转染的两种来源DCS的细胞毒性T淋巴细胞反应（CTL）。结果：DC的表型（CD1a除外）CD83、CD80、CD86和HLA-DR实验组均较对照组及空白对照组明显增高（p〈0.05）。Western-blotting可检测到实验组P53蛋白的表达。上清液中IL-12分泌水平实验组均较对照组及空白对照组明显增高（p〈0.05）。实验组具有明显的刺激自体淋巴细胞增殖的能力,且刺激能力随rAd-p53-DC与淋巴细胞比例的增加而升高。对照组及空白对照组也能刺激同种自体淋巴细胞增殖的能力,但较实验组差（p〈0.05）。对靶细胞的细胞毒作用（CTL效应）结果显示,实验组介导同种异体的淋巴细胞杀伤率显著高于对照组及空白对照组（P〈0.05）。且实验组A的CTL效应明显高于实验组B,两者之间有显著性差异（P〈0.05）。结论：rAd-p53-DC为基础的肿瘤疫苗有可能在解决淋巴瘤的MRD、DC免疫耐受等问题上发挥强大的治疗作用。     

非霍奇金淋巴瘤患者外周血中CD4＋CD25＋调节性T细胞亚群变化初探

目的：检测非霍奇金淋巴瘤（non—Hodgkin’s lymphoma,NHL）患者外周血中CD4＋CD25＋调节性T细胞（CD4＋CD25＋regulatoryTcell,Treg）的改变,探讨Treg与NHL的相关性。方法：病例组（n=60）为本院收治的初诊NHL患者,对照组（n=60）为本院健康体检者,用流式细胞技术联合标记CD4、CD25检测对照组及病例组化疗前、化疗后的外周血中CD4＋CD25＋调节性T细胞的分布特点。结果：（1）病例组化疗前外周血中CD4＋细胞比例显著低于对照组（P〈0．05）,CD4＋CD25＋调节性T细胞比例显著高于对照组（P〈0．05）;（2）病例组化疗后,CD4＋细胞比例明显高于化疗前（P〈0．05）,CD4＋CD25＋调节性T细胞比例明显低于化疗前（P〈0．05）;（3）病例组化疗后CD4＋细胞比例与对照组无显著差异（P〉0．05）,而CD4＋CD25＋调节性T细胞比例显著高于对照组（P〈0．05）。结论：非霍奇金淋巴瘤患者外周血中CD4＋CD25＋调节性T细胞比例升高,存在机体免疫抑制,化疗可降低CD4＋CD25＋调节性T细胞比例。     

骨髓间充质干细胞移植对大鼠脑缺血再灌注损伤Livin和Caspase-3表达的影响

目的探讨骨髓间充质干细胞（BMSCs）移植对大鼠脑缺血再灌注损伤海马区凋亡相关基因Livin和Caspase-3表达及神经元细胞凋亡的影响。方法实验动物分为假手术组、模型组和BMSCs组,进行神经功能评分,应用TTC法检测脑梗死体积,追踪PKH26标记的移植BMSCs,应用免疫组化方法和Western blot检测Livin、Caspase-3蛋白表达,应用TUNEL法检测细胞凋亡。结果 PKH26标记的BMSCs在海马区有表达。与模型组比较,BMSCs组神经功能评分显著降低（P〈0.05）,脑梗死体积显著减少（P〈0.05）。BMSCs组与模型组相比Livin蛋白表达显著增高（P〈0.05）,Caspase-3蛋白表达明显下降（P〈0.05）,神经元细胞凋亡指数显著降低（P〈0.05）。结论 BMSCs对脑缺血再灌注损伤具有保护作用,其作用机制可能与上调Livin表达,下调Caspase-3表达,抑制细胞凋亡有关。     

TN-C在小细胞肺癌中的表达及STAT3对TN-C表达的影响

目的：探讨小细胞肺癌（SCLC）组织和小细胞肺癌细胞（H446）中肌糖蛋白-C（TN-C）的表达及STAT3对TN-C表达的影响。方法：应用免疫组化法检测58例小细胞肺癌和17例癌旁正常组织中TN-C的表达水平,应用RT-PCR和Western blotting法检测STAT-siRNA和STAT3过表达的H446细胞中TN-C的表达水平。结果：（1）小细胞肺癌组织中TN-C的表达水平显著高于癌旁正常组织（P〈0.05）;（2）在H446细胞中,TN-C和STAT3均呈现高表达;（3）STAT3-siRNA处理的H446细胞中STAT3和TN-C的表达均显著降低（P〈0.05）,而STAT3过表达的H446细胞中STAT3和TN-C的表达均显著上调（P〈0.05）。结论：TN-C在小细胞肺癌中的表达上调,可能受到STAT3的调控。     

In-vitro cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of arsenic trioxide on human leukemia (HL-60) cells using the MTT and alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis (Comet) assays

Although arsenic trioxide (ATO) has been the subject of toxicological research, in vitro cytotoxicity and genotoxicity studies using relevant cell models and uniform methodology are not well elucidated. Hence, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity induced by ATO in a human leukemia (HL-60) cell line using the MTT [3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] and alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis (Comet) assays, respectively. HL-60 cells were treated with different doses of ATO for 24 h prior to cytogenetic assessment. Data obtained from the MTT assay indicated that ATO significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the viability of HL-60 cells in a dose-dependent manner, showing a LD₅₀ value of 6.4 ± 0.6 μg/mL. Data generated from the comet assay also indicated a significant dose-dependent increase in DNA damage in HL-60 cells associated with ATO exposure. We observed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in comet tail-length, tail arm and tail moment, as well as in percentages of DNA cleavage at all doses tested, showing an evidence of ATO-induced genotoxic damage in HL-60 cells. This study confirms that the comet assay is a sensitive and effective method to detect DNA damage caused by heavy metals like arsenic. Taken together, our findings suggest that ATO exposure significantly (P < 0.05) reduces cellular viability and induces DNA damage in HL-60 cells as assessed by MTT and alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis assays, respectively.     

Improvement of in vivo genotoxicity assessment: combination of acute tests and integration into standard toxicity testing

A working group convened at the 2009 5th IWGT to discuss possibilities for improving in vivo genotoxicity assessment by investigating possible links to standard toxicity testing. The working group considered: (1) combination of acute micronucleus (MN) and Comet assays into a single study, (2) integration of MN assays into repeated-dose toxicity (RDT) studies, (3) integration of Comet assays into RDT studies, and (4) requirements for the top dose when integrating genotoxicity measurements into RDT studies. The working group reviewed current requirements for in vivo genotoxicity testing of different chemical product classes and identified opportunities for combination and integration of genotoxicity endpoints for each class. The combination of the acute in vivo MN and Comet assays was considered by the working group to represent a technically feasible and scientifically acceptable alternative to conducting independent assays. Two combination protocols, consisting of either a 3- or a 4-treament protocol, were considered equally acceptable. As the integration of MN assays into RDT studies had already been discussed in detail in previous IWGT meetings, the working group focussed on factors that could affect the results of the integrated MN assay, such as the possible effects of repeated bleeding and the need for early harvests. The working group reached the consensus that repeated bleeding at reasonable volumes is not a critical confounding factor for the MN assay in rats older than 9 weeks of age and that rats bled for toxicokinetic investigations or for other routine toxicological purposes can be used for MN analysis. The working group considered the available data as insufficient to conclude that there is a need for an early sampling point for MN analysis in RDT studies, in addition to the routine determination at terminal sacrifice. Specific scenarios were identified where an additional early sampling can have advantages, e.g., for compounds that exert toxic effects on hematopoiesis, including some aneugens. For the integration of Comet assays into RDT studies, the working group reached the consensus that, based upon the limited amount of data available, integration is scientifically acceptable and that the liver Comet assay can complement the MN assay in blood or bone marrow in detecting in vivo genotoxins. Practical issues need to be considered when conducting an integrated Comet assay study. Freezing of tissue samples for later Comet assay analysis could alleviate logistical problems. However, the working group concluded that freezing of tissue samples can presently not be recommended for routine use, although it was noted that results from some laboratories look promising. Another discussion topic centred around the question as to whether tissue toxicity, which is more likely observed in RDT than in acute toxicity studies, would affect the results of the Comet assay. Based on the available data from in vivo studies, the working group concluded that there are no clear examples where cytotoxicity, by itself, generates increases or decreases in DNA migration. The working group identified the need for a refined guidance on the use and interpretation of cytotoxicity methods used in the Comet assay, as the different methods used generally lead to inconsistent conclusions. Since top doses in RDT studies often are limited by toxicity that occurs only after several doses, the working group discussed whether the sensitivity of integrated genotoxicity studies is reduced under these circumstances. For compounds for which in vitro genotoxicity studies yielded negative results, the working group reached the consensus that integration of in vivo genotoxicity endpoints (typically the MN assay) into RDT studies is generally acceptable. If in vitro genotoxicity results are unavailable or positive, consensus was reached that the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) is acceptable as the top dose in RDT studies in many cases, such as when the RDT study MTD or exposure is close (50% or greater) to an acute study MTD or exposure. Finally, the group agreed that exceptions to this general rule might be acceptable, for example when human exposure is lower than the preclinical exposure by a large margin.     

Cyto- and genotoxicity of ultrafine TiO2 particles in cultured human lymphoblastoid cells

Titanium dioxide is frequently used in the production of paints, paper, plastics, welding rod-coating material, and cosmetics, because of its low toxicity. However, recent studies have shown that nano-sized or ultrafine TiO(2) (UF-TiO(2)) (<100 nm in diameter) can generate pulmonary fibrosis and lung tumor in rats. Cytotoxicity induced by UF-TiO(2) in rat lung alveolar macrophages was also observed. This generates great concern about the possible adverse effects of UF-TiO(2) for humans. The cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of UF-TiO(2) were investigated using the methyl tetrazolium cytotoxicity (MTT) assay, the population growth assay, the apoptosis assay by flow cytometry, the cytokinesis block micronucleus (CBMN) assay, the comet assay, and the hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) gene mutation assay. WIL2-NS cells were incubated for 6, 24 and 48 h with 0, 26, 65 and 130 microg/ml UF-TiO(2). Significant decreases in viability were seen in the MTT assay at higher doses; for example, 61, 7 and 2% relative viability at 130 microg/ml for 6, 24 and 48-h exposure (P<0.01). A dose-dependent relationship was observed, while a time-dependent relationship was seen only at the highest dose (130 microg/ml) after exposure for 24 and 48 h. Treatment with 130 microg/ml UF-TiO(2) induced approximately 2.5-fold increases in the frequency of micronucleated binucleated cells (P<0.01). In addition, a significant reduction in the cytokinesis block proliferation index was observed by the CBMN assay (P<0.05). In the comet assay, treatment with 65 microg/ml UF-TiO(2) induced approximately 5-fold increases in olive tail moment (P<0.05). In the HPRT mutation assay, treatment with 130 microg/ml UF-TiO(2) induced approximately 2.5-fold increases in the mutation frequency (P<0.05). The results of this study indicate that UF-TiO(2) can cause genotoxicity and cytotoxicity in cultured human cells.     

CXCL8 modulates human intestinal epithelial cells through a CXCR1 dependent pathway

BACKGROUND: CXCL8 (previously known as Interleukin-8), a member of the alpha-chemokine family of chemotactic cytokines, stimulates intestinal neutrophil activation and chemotaxis. As intestinal epithelial cells have been recently shown to produce CXCL8, the aim of this study was to identify functional activities of CXCL8 on intestinal epithelial cells. METHODS: The expression of CXCL8 receptors CXCR1 and CXCR2 was assessed by RT-PCR and FACS analysis in human Caco-2 and HT-29 cells. The effects of CXCL8 on intestinal epithelial proliferation were assessed with colorimetric MTT assays and the effects on epithelial restitution with an in vitro migration model using Caco-2 and HT-29 cells. RESULTS: While the expression of both CXCR1 mRNA and protein could be demonstrated by RT-PCR and FACS analysis in human Caco-2 and HT-29 cells, no expression of CXCR2 was observed in these cell lines. Colorimetric MTT assays revealed that CXCL8 does not modulate cell proliferation in HT-29 and Caco-2 cells. In contrast, CXCL8 significantly enhanced intestinal epithelial migration in an in vitro migration model of HT-29 and Caco-2 cells. Enhancement of intestinal epithelial cell migration by CXCL8 was partially CXCR1-dependent and TGFbeta-independent. CONCLUSION: CXCL8 exerts functional effects on intestinal epithelial cells that may be relevant for intestinal inflammation and mucosal healing.     

乳杆菌微小膜蛋白对肠上皮细胞Caco-2的 细胞毒性研究

目的利用脂多糖(lipopolysaccharide,LPS)刺激模拟体外炎症环境,观察不同浓度下乳杆菌微小膜蛋白(micro integral membrane protein,MIMP)对肠上皮细胞Caco-2的生物学影响,评估其细胞毒性作用。方法首先通过CCK-8实验检测在LPS刺激后不同浓度MIMP(0.01、0.1和1ng/mL)对Caco-2细胞增殖活性的影响,并利用Toll样受体4(Toll-like receptor 4,TLR4)抑制剂作为阳性对照。其次利用流式细胞术检测不同浓度下MIMP对Caco-2细胞凋亡及细胞周期的影响。结果在12h的特定孵育时间内,单独应用不同浓度MIMP及TLR4抑制剂对Caco-2细胞增殖活性无显著影响(P0.05),但是MIMP可以拮抗LPS对Caco-2细胞的促增殖作用(P0.05)。不同浓度的MIMP对Caco-2细胞的周期和凋亡无明显影响(P0.05)。结论不同浓度MIMP对Caco-2细胞的增殖、凋亡及细胞周期无明显影响,并可以拮抗LPS的促细胞增殖作用,因此具有较高的安全性,有望用于炎症性肠病的治疗。     

Comparative study with the alkaline Comet assay and the chromosome aberration test

The alkaline Comet assay is becoming a useful tool for early genotoxicity testing of new pharmaceutical drug candidates. The aim of this study was to elucidate the predictive value of Comet assay results for the outcome of the chromosome aberration (CA) test. For this purpose, a validation exercise with 13 drug candidates was carried out utilizing V79 Chinese hamster cells and human lymphocytes. The study demonstrates that results of the Comet assay and the chromosome aberration test show a high degree of agreement, irrespective of the cell type used. In the Comet assay, seven compounds were positive and six were negative, while in the CA test, six were positive and seven were negative. The only discrepancy was found with one compound that was positive in the Comet assay with V79 cells, negative in the Comet assay with human lymphocytes and clearly negative in the CA test with human lymphocytes. For the selection of concentrations for testing in the Comet assay, cytotoxicity by means of cell count after incubation or viability by means of Trypan-blue dye exclusion (TBDE) were used. The results show that either parameter led to analysis of a concentration range in the Comet assay similar to that chosen in the CA test, in which cell count (when using V79 cells) or mitotic index (in case of lymphocytes) were used. However, since cell count after incubation of cells is much more labour-intensive, viability was preferred as the parameter to assess cytotoxicity and for selecting concentrations for analysis in the Comet assay. The data presented in this study may contribute the regulatory acceptance of the Comet assay, e.g. for mechanistic studies.     

Assessment of DNA damage and its modulation by dietary and genetic factors in smokers using the Comet assay: a biomarker model

Methods are needed to assess exposure to genotoxins in humans and to improve understanding of dietary cancer prevention. The Comet assay was used to detect smoking-related exposures and dietary modulations in target tissues. Buccal scrapings, blood and faeces were collected from 38 healthy male volunteers (smokers and non-smokers) during a dietary intervention study with bread supplemented with prebiotics±antioxidants. GSTM1-genotype was determined with PCR. Buccal and peripheral lymphocytes were analysed for DNA damage using the Comet assay. Genotoxicity of faecal water (FW) was assayed in human colon HT29 clone 19A cells. 'Tail intensity' (TI) was used as a quantitative indicator of DNA damage in the Comet assay. Intervention with bread reduced DNA damage in lymphocytes of smokers (8.3±1.7% TI versus 10.2±4.1% TI, n=19), but not of non-smokers (8.6±2.8% TI versus 8.3±2.7% TI, n=15). Faecal water genotoxicity was reduced only in non-smokers (9.4±2.9% TI versus 18.9±13.1% TI, n=15) but not in smokers (15.5±10.7% TI versus 20.4±14.1% TI, n=13). The Comet assay was efficient in the detection of both smoking-related exposure (buccal cells) and efficacy of dietary intervention (faecal samples). Smokers and non-smokers profited differently from the intervention with prebiotic bread±antioxidants. Stratification of data by genotype enhanced specificity/sensitivity of the intervention effects and contributed important information on the role of susceptibility.     

Assessment of DNA damage and its modulation by dietary and genetic factors in smokers using the Comet assay: a biomarker model.

Methods are needed to assess exposure to genotoxins in humans and to improve understanding of dietary cancer prevention. The Comet assay was used to detect smoking-related exposures and dietary modulations in target tissues. Buccal scrapings, blood and faeces were collected from 38 healthy male volunteers (smokers and non-smokers) during a dietary intervention study with bread supplemented with prebiotics+/-antioxidants. GSTM1-genotype was determined with PCR. Buccal and peripheral lymphocytes were analysed for DNA damage using the Comet assay. Genotoxicity of faecal water (FW) was assayed in human colon HT29 clone 19A cells. 'Tail intensity' (TI) was used as a quantitative indicator of DNA damage in the Comet assay. Intervention with bread reduced DNA damage in lymphocytes of smokers (8.3+/-1.7% TI versus 10.2+/-4.1% TI, n=19), but not of non-smokers (8.6+/-2.8% TI versus 8.3+/-2.7% TI, n=15). Faecal water genotoxicity was reduced only in non-smokers (9.4+/-2.9% TI versus 18.9+/-13.1% TI, n=15) but not in smokers (15.5+/-10.7% TI versus 20.4+/-14.1% TI, n=13). The Comet assay was efficient in the detection of both smoking-related exposure (buccal cells) and efficacy of dietary intervention (faecal samples). Smokers and non-smokers profited differently from the intervention with prebiotic bread+/-antioxidants. Stratification of data by genotype enhanced specificity/sensitivity of the intervention effects and contributed important information on the role of susceptibility.     

Comet assay responses in human lymphocytes are not influenced by the menstrual cycle: a study in healthy Indian females

The single-cell gel electrophoresis or Comet assay measures qualitative and quantitative DNA damage in single cells. Its simplicity and non-invasive nature has made it widely accepted for the monitoring of human genotoxicity, employing peripheral blood lymphocytes. Factors, such as gender, age, and dietary and smoking habits are known to affect the Comet assay responses in lymphocytes. However, there is no information regarding the influence of the menstrual cycle on the results of the assay in lymphocytes of females. A study was therefore undertaken among 18 healthy Indian female volunteers to assess the effect of the menstrual cycle on Comet assay responses. During a complete menstrual cycle, only minor changes were observed in the basal levels of DNA damage in the lymphocytes as evident by Comet parameters, such as tail length (microm), tail DNA (%) and Olive tail moment (arbitrary units). To assess the effect of the estrogen 17beta-estradiol (at physiological concentrations of 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 nM) on the Comet assay responses, an in vitro study was conducted in the human lymphocyte cell line JM-1 and the breast cancer cell line MCF-7. As was evident from the Comet parameters, a significant (p < 0.01) concentration-dependent increase in the level of DNA damage was observed in the MCF-7 cells while no significant change was found in the JM-1 cells. The results indicate that the menstrual cycle does not influence the Comet assay responses in lymphocytes; hence, these can serve as a model for monitoring genotoxicity in females.     

In vitro impact of amino acid-derived bacterial metabolites on colonocyte mitochondrial activity,oxidative stress response and DNA integrity

Background4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (HO-PAA) is produced by intestinal microbiota from L-tyrosine. High concentrations in human fecal water have been associated with cytotoxicity, urging us to test HO-PAA's effects on human colonocytes. We compared these effects with those of phenylacetic acid (PAA), phenol and acetaldehyde, also issued from amino acids fermentation.MethodsHT-29 Glc^−/+ human colonocytes were exposed for 24 h to metabolites at concentrations between 350 and 1000 μM for HO-PAA and PAA, 250-1500 μM for phenol and 25-500 μM for acetaldehyde. We evaluated metabolites'cytotoxicity with 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide and DNA quantification assays, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production with H2DCF-DA, and DNA damage with the comet assay. We measured cell oxygen consumption and mitochondrial complexes activity by polarography.ResultsAlthough HO-PAA displayed no cytotoxic effect on colonocytes, it decreased mitochondrial complex I activity and oxygen consumption. This was paralleled by an increase in ROS production and DNA alteration. Cells pretreatment with N-acetylcysteine, a ROS scavenger, decreased genotoxic effects of HO-PAA, indicating implication of oxidative stress in HO-PAA's genotoxicity. PAA and phenol did not reproduce these effects, but were cytotoxic towards colonocytes. Last, acetaldehyde displayed no effect in terms of cytotoxicity and mitochondrial metabolic activity, but increased DNA damage.ConclusionsSeveral bacterial metabolites produced from amino acids displayed deleterious effects on human colonocytes, in terms of genotoxicity (HO-PAA and acetaldehyde) or cytotoxicity (PAA and phenol).General significanceThis study helps understanding the consequences of intestinal microbiota's metabolic activity on the host since amino acids fermentation can lead to the formation of compounds toxic towards colonic epithelial cells.