Isabel Gaivão

By Isabel Gaivão, João Ferreira and Luisa María Sierra

Genotoxicological studies are emerging as fundamental for knowing the hazards to our genome, to our health. Drosophila melanogaster is one of the preferable organisms for toxicological research considering its metabolic similarities (viz. on dietary input, xenobiotic metabolizing system, antioxidant enzymes and DNA repair systems) to mammals. Accordingly, somatic mutation and recombination tests (SMARTs) of D. melanogaster are fast and low-cost in vivo assays that have shown solid results evaluating genotoxicity. The w/w + SMART uses the white (w) gene as a recessive marker to monitor the presence of mutant ommatidia (eye units), indicating the occurrence of point mutations, deletions, mitotic recombination or/and nondisjunction. Additionally, several studies used SMARTs to assess antigenotoxicity, with some using the w/w + SMART. We reviewed the state of the art of the w/w + SMART used for antigenotoxicity analysis, focusing on published results, aiming to contribute to the conception of a reliable protocol in antigenotoxicity. As such, genotoxic agents with known action mechanisms, as streptonigrin (oxidative stress inducer), were used as a genotoxic insult for proving the antigenotoxic effects of natural substances (e.g. seaweeds), demonstrating the presence of antimutagens in their composition. These antigenotoxicity studies are crucial for promoting preventive measures against environmental genotoxics that affect humans daily.

Part of the book: Genotoxicity and Mutagenicity

By Sara Gonçalves and Isabel Gaivão

The natural cosmetics market has grown since consumers became conscious of natural-based ingredients. A significant number of cosmetics have noxious and chemically potent substances. Thus, the use of natural and organic cosmetics has become increasingly important. An intense investigation into the benefits fruits and plants can bring to our health is required. A healthy lifestyle can reduce these problems, including the consumption or use of substances that protect the genome through various mechanisms that reduce DNA damage. Genotoxicological studies are essential to know the threats to the genome and health, and antigenotoxicological studies are the answer to minimise the instability of the genome. Natural ingredients such as Almond (Prunus dulcis), Elderberry (Sambucus nigra), Olives (Olea europaea), and Grapes (Vitis vinifera) have been shown to possess a variety of biological activities and to hold therapeutic promise. They are the most common ingredients in the Trás-os-Montes region (Portugal). This study aimed to demonstrate, in vivo, the genotoxicological effects of Elderberry, Almonds, Olives, and Grapes in Drosophila melanogaster using the Comet assay.

Part of the book: Cosmetic Products and Industry