Mitotic Index Research Papers - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

We have analyzed cell cycle parameters for the Aedes albopictus C7-10 mosquito cell line, which has been systematically developed for somatic cell genetics, expression of transfected genes, and synthesis of hormone-inducible proteins. In... more

We have analyzed cell cycle parameters for the Aedes albopictus C7-10 mosquito cell line, which has been systematically developed for somatic cell genetics, expression of transfected genes, and synthesis of hormone-inducible proteins. In rapidly cycling cells, we measured a generation time of 10-12 h. The duration of mitosis (M) was < or = 1 h, and the DNA synthesis phase (S) required 6 h. Unlike Drosophila melanogaster Kc cells, in which the G2 gap is substantially longer than G1, in C7-10 cells G1 and G2 each lasted approximately 2 h. In these cells, the duration of both S and G2 was independent of the population doubling time, and the increase in population doubling time as cells approached confluency was due to prolongation of G1. When treated with the insect steroid hormone, 20-hydroxyecdysone, C7-10 mosquito cells complete the cycle in progress before undergoing a reversible arrest.

Yellow band and dark spot syndromes have been frequently observed to affect coral species throughout the Caribbean within the last 10 years. These syndromes significantly impair at least three important reef-building species. Yellow band... more

Yellow band and dark spot syndromes have been frequently observed to affect coral species throughout the Caribbean within the last 10 years. These syndromes significantly impair at least three important reef-building species. Yellow band (also known as yellow blotch) appears as rings or blotches on Montastrea an/uilaris throughout the Caribbean. The coral tissue necrosis occurs at a rate of approximately 0.6 cm/month. Transect measurements at various locations indicated that as many as 90% of M. aninilaris were affected by yellow band during 1997-98. Tissue samples reveal a 41-96.9% decrease in zooxanthellae/sample compared to healthy specimens, depending on distance from healthy tissue. Mitotic indices (MI) of zooxanthellae (symbiotic algae appearing as doublets) for M. aninilaris are 2.5%. MI in yellow band samples directly bordering healthy tissue are less than 0.9%, and zooxanthellae directly within the band bordering exposed skeleton had a mitotic index of 0.0%. This indicates impairment of zooxanthellae cell division in yellow band specimens. Zooxanthellae are not expelled and appear vacuolated and devoid of organelles. Dark spot, characterized by tissue necrosis as well as a depression of the colony surface, affects Stephanocoenia michelinii and Siderastrea siderea throughout the Caribbean. Transects showed that as many as 56% of S. michelinii and S. siderea showed signs of dark spot during 1997-98. Affected tissues of S. siderea died at a rate of 4.0 cm/month. In dark spot samples from S. siderea, the total number of zooxanthellae was 56% of that in healthy tissue; dark spot-affected specimens of 5. michelinii showed a 14% decrease in the number of zooxanthellae compared to healthy tissue samples. Mitotic indices of zooxanthellae from healthy specimens of S. siderea were 1.20% compared to 0.40% in dark spot samples. Mitotic indices of healthy S. michelinii were 1.54% compared to 0.23% in dark spot samples, also indicating a decrease in algal cell division. Zooxanthellae from dark spot tissue are swollen and darker in pigment. Due to the changes that are evident in the symbiotic algae, we suggest that both syndromes act primarily on the zooxanthellae symbiont, and secondarily on the cnidarian host.

Propolis has been used in folk medicine since ancient times and is known for its antimicrobial, antiparasitic, antiviral, anti-inXammatory, antitumoral and antioxidant properties. In view of the great therapeutic interest in propolis and... more

Propolis has been used in folk medicine since ancient times and is known for its antimicrobial, antiparasitic, antiviral, anti-inXammatory, antitumoral and antioxidant properties. In view of the great therapeutic interest in propolis and the small number of studies regarding its mechanism of action, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the mutagenic and antimutagenic eVects of propolis using Chinese hamster ovary cells. Parameters such as the frequency of chromosome aberrations and mitotic index were analyzed. The results showed that, on one hand, the highest propolis tested concentration displayed a small but signiWcant increase in the frequency of chromosome aberrations, and on the other hand, it was observed that the lowest tested concentration signiWcantly reduced the chromosome damage induced by the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin. The present results indicate that propolis shows the characteristic of a "Janus" compound, i.e., propolis is genotoxic at higher concentrations, while at lower concentrations it display a chemopreventive eVect on doxorubicin-induced mutagenicity. Flavonoids may be the components of propolis responsible for its both mutagenic and antimutagenic eVects, once these compounds may act either as pro-oxidant or as free radicals scavenger, depending on its concentration.

This study evaluated the mutagenicity and antimutagenicity of inulin in a chromosomal aberration assay in cultures of the meristematic cells of Allium cepa. The treatments evaluated were as follows: negative control-seed germination in... more

This study evaluated the mutagenicity and antimutagenicity of inulin in a chromosomal aberration assay in cultures of the meristematic cells of Allium cepa. The treatments evaluated were as follows: negative control-seed germination in distilled water; positive control-aqueous solution of methyl methanesulfonate (10 μg/mL MMS); mutagenicity-aqueous solutions of inulin (0.015, 0.15, and 1.50 μg/mL); and antimutagenicity-associations between MMS and the different inulin concentrations. The antimutagenicity protocols established were pretreatment, simultaneous simple, simultaneous with pre-incubation, and post-treatment. The damage reduction percentage (DR%) was 43.33, 27.77, and 55.92% for the pre-treatment;-31.11, 18.51, and 7.03% for the simultaneous simple; 30.43, 19.12, and 21.11% for the simultaneous with pre-incubation; and 64.07, 42.96, and 53.70% for the post-treatment. The results indicated that the most effective treatment for inhibiting damages caused by MMS was the post-treatment, which was followed by the pretreatment, suggesting activity by bioantimutagenesis and desmutagenesis. The Allium cepa assay was demonstrated to be a good screening test for this type of activity because it is easy to perform, has a low cost, and shows DR% that is comparable to that reported studies that evaluated the prevention of DNA damage in mammals by inulin.

The potential cytogenetic damage in offset printing workers was evaluated using sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs), chromosome aberrations (CAs) and micronuclei (MN) as biomarkers in peripheral lymphocytes of 26 volunteers (14 workers, 12... more

The potential cytogenetic damage in offset printing workers was evaluated using sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs), chromosome aberrations (CAs) and micronuclei (MN) as biomarkers in peripheral lymphocytes of 26 volunteers (14 workers, 12 controls). The CA, SCE and MN frequency of offset printing workers was significantly higher than in their controls. The replication index (RI) was not affected while the mitotic index (MI) was affected most in the workers. It can be concluded from this study that chronic occupational exposure to printing dyes and thinner may lead to a slightly increased risk of genetic damage among offset printing workers. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The present study determines lead content in onion root tip cells (Allium cepa L.), correlating it with its toxicity. The treatment was carried at 25±0.5°C using aqueous solutions of lead chloride at 0.1, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1 ppm for... more

The present study determines lead content in onion root tip cells (Allium cepa L.), correlating it with its toxicity. The treatment was carried at 25±0.5°C using aqueous solutions of lead chloride at 0.1, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1 ppm for 12, 24, 48, and 72 h. For each treatment, a control where the lead solution was substituted by distilled water was included. After treatment, the meristems were fixed with a mixture of alcohol-acetic acid (3:1) and colored according to the technique of Feulgen. Lead content was quantified by graphite furnace absorption atomic spectrometry. The lead content in the roots ranged from 3.25 to 244.72 µg/g dry weight, with a direct relation with the concentration and time of exposure. A significant negative correlation was presented (r=−0.3629; p<0.01) among lead content and root growth increment, and a positive correlation (r=0.7750; p<0.01) with the induction of chromosomic aberrations. In conclusion, lead is able to induce a toxic effect in the exposed roots, correlated with its content.

Background The introduction of adjuvant imatinib in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) raised debate over the accuracy of National Institutes of Health risk criteria and the significance of other prognostic factors in GIST. Methods... more

Background The introduction of adjuvant imatinib in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) raised debate over the accuracy of National Institutes of Health risk criteria and the significance of other prognostic factors in GIST. Methods Tumor aggressiveness and other clinicopathological factors influencing disease-free survival (DFS) were assessed in 335 patients with primary resectable CD117-immunopositive GISTs (median follow-up, 31 months after primary tumor resection) from a prospectively collected tumor registry. Results Overall median DFS was 37 months, and estimated 5-year DFS was 37.8 %. In univariate analysis, high or intermediate risk group (P < .000001), mitotic index >5/50 high-power field (P < .00001), primary tumor size >5 cm (P < .00001), nongastric primary location (P = .0001), male sex (P = .01), R1 resection/tumor rupture (P = .0003), and epithelioid cell or mixed cell pathological subtype (P = .05) negatively affected DFS. In multivariate analysis, statistically significant factors negatively influencing DFS for model 1 were mitotic index >5/50 high-power field (P = .004), primary tumor size >5 cm (P = .001), male sex (P = .003), R1 resection/tumor rupture (P = .04), and nongastric primary tumor location (P = .02), and for model 2 were high/intermediate risk primary tumor (P < .0001 and P = .008, respectively), male sex (P = .007), resection R1/tumor rupture (P = .01), and nongastric primary tumor location (P = .02). Five-year DFS for high, intermediate, and low/very low risk group was 20%, 54%, and 96%, respectively. Conclusions The risk criteria for assessing the natural course of primary GISTs were validated, but additional independent prognostic factors—primary tumor location and sex—were also identified.

The purpose of the present investigation was to study the effect of delay in fixation on the mitotic activity in tumour tissue. A human osteogenic sarcoma, especially suitable for counting of mitoses, grown in athymic nude mice, was fixed... more

The purpose of the present investigation was to study the effect of delay in fixation on the mitotic activity in tumour tissue. A human osteogenic sarcoma, especially suitable for counting of mitoses, grown in athymic nude mice, was fixed with varying delay and the mitotic, prophase, metaphase and ana-telophase indices were determined. An almost exponential decline of the mitotic index was observed with a reduction to 49.4% and 15.0% after respectively 60 and 180 minutes. The proportional incidence of prophases, metaphases and ana-telophases changed so that a relative accummulation of advanced phases occured during the 180 minutes of observation. It is concluded that delay in fixation of a magnitude, which is not uncommon in routine surgical pathology, may allow the majority of mitoses to terminate, resulting in unreliable assessments of mitotic activity.

Experiments in animals proved that P-glycoprotein (Pgp) forms a functional barrier between maternal and fetal blood circulation in the placenta, thus protecting the fetus from exposure to xenobiotics during pregnancy. In this study we... more

Experiments in animals proved that P-glycoprotein (Pgp) forms a functional barrier between maternal and fetal blood circulation in the placenta, thus protecting the fetus from exposure to xenobiotics during pregnancy. In this study we aimed to demonstrate the effects of administration of ivermectin (anthelmentic drug, Pgp substrates), either alone or simultaneously with verapamil (Pgp inhibitor) in Wister rats on fetal development, maternal bone marrow for detection of micronuclei (MN), chromosomal aberrations and mitotic index (MI) and embryonic liver cells for cellular proliferation indicated by MI, and bleeding from umbilical vessels for detection of embryonic micronuclei (MN). The results revealed that administration of ivermectin or verapamil at 6th through 15th day of gestation did not significantly altered fetal development. While, co-administration of ivermectin and verapamil clearly disturbed fetal development as indicated from abnormal feto-maternal attachment and a significant decrease in fetal weights and numbers. Furthermore, co-administration of both drugs induced a significant increase in resorption sites, post-implantation loss and external, visceral and skeletal abnormalities. They also induced genotoxicity in both dam and embryonic cells indicated by reduced mitotic index, increased number of micronucleated erythrocytes in both, and increased different types of chromosomal aberrations in dam cells, while ivermectin alone show some genotoxic effect on somatic cells of dams and the embryos. Verapamil induced reduction of embryonic mitotic index. We concluded combined treatment of ivermectin and verapamil severely affect fetal genetic material and development and induced genotoxic effect in somatic cells of the dams.

Purpose: In this study, the antiproliferative effects of the aromatase inhibitor anastrozole (arimidex®) was evaluated on estrogen receptor (ER) positive FM3A cell line originated from C3H mouse mammary carcinoma. Methods: For this... more

Purpose: In this study, the antiproliferative effects of the aromatase inhibitor anastrozole (arimidex®) was evaluated on estrogen receptor (ER) positive FM3A cell line originated from C3H mouse mammary carcinoma. Methods: For this purpose cell kinetic parameters including viability analysis, mitotic index and labelling index were used. Three different doses of anostrozole (D1= 0.01 μM, D2= 0.1μM, D3= 1μM) were applied to cells for 24 h to determine the most effective dose. A dose of 1μM dose was determined as the most effective and this was used in all subsequent applications for 0-72 h. Results: The results showed that there was a significant decrease in viability, mitotic index and labelling index for all experimental groups. The differences between control and all experimental groups were statistically significant (p<0.01) for all applications. Conclusions: Anastrozole offers a promising treatment modality in estrogen sensitive breast cancer.

The meristematic mitotic cells of Allium cepa is an efficient cytogenetic material for chromosome aberration assay on environmental pollutants. For assessing genotoxicity of pentachlorophenol (PCP), 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D)... more

The meristematic mitotic cells of Allium cepa is an efficient cytogenetic material for chromosome aberration assay on environmental pollutants. For assessing genotoxicity of pentachlorophenol (PCP), 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 2-chloro-2,6-diethyl-N-(butoxymethyl) acetanilide (butachlor), 50% effective concentration (EC 50 ), c-mitosis, stickiness, chromosome breaks and mitotic index (MI) were used as endpoints of genotoxicity. EC 50 values for PCP and butachlor are 0.73 and 5.13 ppm, respectively. 2,4-D evidently induced morphological changes at higher concentrations. Some changes like crochet hooks, c-tumours and broken roots were unique to 2,4-D at 5-20 ppm. No such abnormalities were found in PCP and butachlor treated groups, however, root deteriorated and degenerated at higher concentrations (<3 ppm) in PCP. MI in 2,4-D showed a low average of 14.32% followed by PCP (19.53%), while in butachlor it was recorded 71.6%, which is near to the control value. All chemicals induced chromosome aberrations at statistically significant level. The highest chromosome aberration frequency (11.90%) was recorded in PCP at 3 ppm. Large number of c-mitotic anaphases indicated that butachlor acts as potent spindle inhibitor, whereas, breaks, bridges, stickiness and laggards were most frequently found in PCP showing that it is a potent clastogen.

The cell proliferation status of 60 oral squamous cell carcinomas from Sri Lankan subjects was examined by immunohistochemistry using the Ki-67 index. A comparison was made between the indices derived from the centre of the tumours and... more

The cell proliferation status of 60 oral squamous cell carcinomas from Sri Lankan subjects was examined by immunohistochemistry using the Ki-67 index. A comparison was made between the indices derived from the centre of the tumours and those derived from the invasive fronts of the same tumours. There was a positive correlation between the two indices suggesting a clonal expansion of malignant cells, but the mean index derived for the invasive fronts (29.75 ± 11.64) was significantly higher than the mean index for the body of these tumours (25.65 ± 11.64). Thus, at a given time, more peripheral cells at the invasive front are proliferating and this compartment is likely to be more informative in prognostic and other behavioural studies involving the cell cycle. In squamous carcinomas, increased and uncontrolled cell proliferation at the invasive front may be one feature contributory to the invasion.

A high resolution technique was applied to amniotic fluid cells by synchronization. After inoculation, the cells were incubated for 30 h in the presence of either thymidine or 5bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU). After removal of the blocking agent... more

A high resolution technique was applied to amniotic fluid cells by synchronization. After inoculation, the cells were incubated for 30 h in the presence of either thymidine or 5bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU). After removal of the blocking agent and addition of a low concentration of thymidine, the cells were incubated for another 6&7 h, then harvested in prometaphase without colcemid. This technique gives a mitotic index of 3.7 per cent after thymidine synchronization and of 3.2 per cent after BrdU synchronization, and more than half of the mitoses were in the earlier phases with the chromosomes showing more than 550 bands per haploid set. GBG, GTG, and RHG prometaphases are presented. Precise high-resolution banding of chromosomes of amniotic fluid cells can increase diagnostic accuracy.

Feline mammary carcinomas (FMC) are highly infiltrative tumours which show a strong tendency for local recurrence and metastasis. Histological type assessment of these tumours is not sufficiently discriminatory in predicting prognosis and... more

Feline mammary carcinomas (FMC) are highly infiltrative tumours which show a strong tendency for local recurrence and metastasis. Histological type assessment of these tumours is not sufficiently discriminatory in predicting prognosis and in this study the prognostic significance of the Elston and Ellis method of histological grading was evaluated. Ninety-two feline mammary carcinomas from 84 cats were graded and 64 queens were included in a follow-up study. Grade was significantly related to tumour size (P=0.006), clinical stage (P=0.005), lymphovascular invasion (P<0.0001), mitotic index (P<0.0001), Ki67 index (P=0.001), overall survival (P=0.0001) and disease-free survival (P<0.0001). Cox regression analysis identified grade as an independent prognostic factor. Multivariable analysis also showed regional lymph node metastasis and lymphovascular emboli as independent prognostic factors related to overall survival and to disease-free-survival, respectively. The study demon...

Background: Arrest of the cell cycle in G2 phase following DNA damage helps protect cell viability by allowing time for DNA repair before entry into mitosis (M phase). Abrogation of G 2 arrest sensitizes cells to the effects of... more

Background: Arrest of the cell cycle in G2 phase following DNA damage helps protect cell viability by allowing time for DNA repair before entry into mitosis (M phase). Abrogation of G 2 arrest sensitizes cells to the effects of DNA-damaging agents. UCN-01 (7-hydroxystaurosporine), a protein kinase C inhibitor that may block G 2 checkpoint regulation, has been reported to enhance the cytotoxicity of mitomycin C, a known DNA-damaging agent. Purpose: We studied the effect of UCN-01 on G 2 checkpoint control in human lymphoma CA46 cells, whose sensitivity to various DNA-damaging agents and G2 response to DNA damage have been characterized. We also assessed the ability of UCN-01 to enhance the cytotoxicity of y irradiation in CA46 cells and human colon carcinoma HT-29 cells, both of which are mutant for p53 function. The influence of p53 function on UCN-01mediated abrogation of the G 2 checkpoint and enhancement of DNA-damaging agent cytotoxicity was studied in transfected human breast carcinoma MCF-7 cells that either expressed or did not express the human papillomavirus type-16 E6 protein. MCF-7 cells have normal p53 function, and the E6 protein binds p53 protein and promotes its destruction. Methods: The effect of UCN-01 on cell cycle arrest induced by y irradiation was studied in CA46 cells and in transfected MCF-7 cells by use of flow cytometry. A histone HI phosphorylation assay was employed to measure cyclin Bl/Cdc2 kinase activity in extracts derived from irradiated and nonirradiated CA46 cells that had been either treated or not treated with UCN-01; the phosphorylation status of Cdc2 kinase protein in the same extracts was determined by use of western blotting. The effect of UCN-01 on the cytotoxicity of y irradiation in CA46 and HT-29 cells was determined by use of MTT (thiazolyl blue) and clonogenic (colony-forming) assays, respectively; a clonogenic assay was also used to measure the effect of UCN-01 on the cytotoxicity of cisplatin in transfected and nontransfected MCF-7 cells.

Prognostic biomarkers for GIST are under investigation. The aim of this study was to assess whether exon 11 mutations, Ki67, and p16 INK4A are predictors of prognosis in GIST. Consecutive GIST cases (n = 84) had their specimens evaluated... more

Prognostic biomarkers for GIST are under investigation. The aim of this study was to assess whether exon 11 mutations, Ki67, and p16 INK4A are predictors of prognosis in GIST. Consecutive GIST cases (n = 84) had their specimens evaluated for exon 11 mutations and expression of Ki67 and p16 INK4A . Surgical cases were categorized according to NIH and Miettinen's classification, and survival was analyzed from hospital database. GISTs were predominately gastric (45%) and with spindle cell morphology (74%). The risk category was very low or low in 28%, intermediate in 23%, and high in 49%. Exon 11 mutation was identified in 29 (48%) out of 60 cases studied. There were 12 point mutations, 10 deletions, 4 duplications, and 3 double mutations. A third of GISTs had either high Ki67 index (>3%) or negativity for p16 INK4A . In multivariate analysis, independent predictors of mortality were Ki67 > 3% (HR = 7.3; P = 0.036) and high mitotic index (HR = 10.4; P = 0.043). There was no association between exon 11 mutations and survival. This study suggests that Ki67 > 3% is an independent predictor of poor prognosis in patients with GIST. Exon 11 mutations and negativity for p16 INK4A need further studies to address the prognostic value.

Higher plants, an important material for genetic tests to monitor various pollutant present in the environment. Among the plant species, Alium cepa has been used to evaluate chromosome aberrations and disturbances in the mitotic cycle.... more

Higher plants, an important material for genetic tests to monitor various pollutant present in the environment. Among the plant species, Alium cepa has been used to evaluate chromosome aberrations and disturbances in the mitotic cycle. Now days, it has been used to assess a great number of genotoxic/antigenotoxic agents, which contributes to its increasing application in environmental monitoring. The A. cepa is commonly used as a test organism because it is cheap, easily available and handled and has advantages over other short-term tests. Among the endpoints of A. cepa root chromosomal aberrations, detection of chromosomal aberration have been the most used one to detect genotoxicity/ antigenotoxicity along the years. The mitotic index and chromosomal abnormalities are used to evaluate genotoxicity and micronucleus analysis used to verify mutagenicity of different chemicals. The Allium cepa root chromosomal aberration assay is widely used to determine genotoxic and antigenotoxic effects of different plant extracts.

The present study evaluates the genotoxic potential of potassium sorbate (PS) in cultured and isolated human lymphocytes. To assess the damage caused by PS in humans, we designed in vitro experiments by measuring chromosomal aberrations... more

The present study evaluates the genotoxic potential of potassium sorbate (PS) in cultured and isolated human lymphocytes. To assess the damage caused by PS in humans, we designed in vitro experiments by measuring chromosomal aberrations (CAs), sister-chromatid exchanges (SCEs), micronucleus (MN) and comet assays. Lymphocytes were treated with negative control (sterile distilled water), positive control (MMC for cultured lymphocytes, and H 2 O 2 for isolated lymphocytes) and four concentrations (125, 250, 500, and 1000 lg/ml) of PS. According to the results, PS treatment significantly increases the CAs (with or without gaps at 500 and 1000 lg/ml concentrations) and SCEs (at 250, 500, 1000 lg/ml for 24 h and 125, 250, 500, 1000 lg/ml for 48 h) compared with vehicle control. Following treatment of the isolated lymphocytes for 1 h, significant PS-induced DNA strand breaks were observed, at all concentrations. However, PS failed to significantly affect the MN assay. On the contrary, PS does not cause cell cycle delay as noted by the non-significant decrease in the cytokinesis-block proliferation index (CBPI) and replicative index (RI). Only a slight decrease was observed in the mitotic index (MI) at the highest concentration for both treatment times. From the results, PS is clearly seen to be genotoxic to the human peripheral blood lymphocytes in vitro.

This Review outlines the understanding and management of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). TNBC shares morphological and genetic abnormalities with basal-like breast cancer (BLBC), a subgroup of breast cancer defined by... more

This Review outlines the understanding and management of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). TNBC shares morphological and genetic abnormalities with basal-like breast cancer (BLBC), a subgroup of breast cancer defined by gene-expression profiling. However, TNBC and BLBC tumors are heterogeneous and overlap is incomplete. Breast cancers found in BRCA1 mutation carriers are also frequently triple negative and basal like. TNBC and BLBC occur most frequently in young women, especially African Americans, and tend to exhibit aggressive, metastatic behavior. These tumors respond to conventional chemotherapy but relapse more frequently than hormone receptor-positive, luminal subtypes and have a worse prognosis. New systemic therapies are urgently needed as most patients with TNBC and/or BLBC relapse with distant metastases, and hormonal therapies and HER2-targeted agents are ineffective in this group of tumors. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors, angiogenesis inhibitors, EGFR-target...

Sia gli agonisti dell'ormone rilasciante le gonadotropine (GnRH) che i farmaci progestinici sono comunemente utilizzati prima dell'intervento chirurgico al fine di indurre una riduzione di volume nei leiomiomi dell'utero. I quadri... more

Sia gli agonisti dell'ormone rilasciante le gonadotropine (GnRH) che i farmaci progestinici sono comunemente utilizzati prima dell'intervento chirurgico al fine di indurre una riduzione di volume nei leiomiomi dell'utero. I quadri istologici alla base di tale effetto di riduzione non sono ben noti. È probabile che i dati contraddittori attualmente disponibili su questo argomento siano dovuti all'utilizzo di metodiche qualitative e soggettive nella gran parte dei lavori precedenti. In questo studio abbiamo preso in esame 42 leiomiomi suddivisi in 3 gruppi: pazienti trattate con agonisti del GnRH (14 campioni), pazienti trattate con progestinici (14 campioni) e pazienti non trattate (gruppo controllo, 14 pazienti), utilizzando metodiche qualitative (microscopia ottica) e quantitative (valutazione morfometrica attraverso un software dedicato). Per ciascun campione abbiamo valutato i seguenti parametri: aree di necrosi, aree di ialinosi, densità dei vasi, trombi vasali, spessore della parete dei vasi, dimensioni dei lumi vasali, diametro massimo dei nuclei, diametro massimo dei citoplasmi, indice mitotico. L'analisi ha evidenziato che i leiomiomi di donne trattate con analoghi del GnRH presentano più estese aree di necrosi, aumentata densità cellulare, e lumi vasali più ampi, mentre le neoplasie di pazienti trattate con progestinici hanno pareti vasali più spesse se confrontate rispettivamente con gli altri due gruppi. I nostri risultati inducono ad ipotizzare che alla base della riduzione di volume dei leiomiomi in seguito a terapia con analoghi del GnRH ci siano modificazioni a carico della parete vasale.

The influence of water extract of Uncaria tomentosa (Willd.) DC bark on the meristematic cells of the root tips of Allium cepa L., e.g. cells of Allium Test, was investigated. The experiment was carried out in two variants: (1) continuous... more

The influence of water extract of Uncaria tomentosa (Willd.) DC bark on the meristematic cells of the root tips of Allium cepa L., e.g. cells of Allium Test, was investigated. The experiment was carried out in two variants: (1) continuous incubation at different concentrations (2, 4, 8 and 16 mg/ml) of the extract for 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h; and (2) 24-h incubation in three concentrations of the extract (4, 8 or 16 mg/ml), followed by post-incubation in distilled water for 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h. During the continuous incubation, the mitotic activity was reduced (2 and 4 mg/ml) or totally inhibited (8 and 16 mg/ml), depending on the concentration of the extract. All the concentrations resulted in gradual reduction of the mitotic activity. In the concentration of 2 mg/ml, the mitotic activity reached its lowest value after 12 h (2 mg/ml) and after 24 h in 4 mg/ml, followed by spontaneous intensification of divisions during further incubation. Instead, in higher concentrations of the extracts (8 and 16 mg/ml), the mitotic activity was totally inhibited within 24 h and did not resume even after 72 h. Incubation caused changes in the phase index, mainly as an increase in the number of prophases. After 24 h of incubation, in all phases, condensation and contraction of chromosomes were observed.

In this study, the genotoxic effects of sodium benzoate (SB) and potassium benzoate (PB) were investigated in cultured human peripheral lymphocytes using chromosomal aberrations (CA), sister chromatid exchange (SCE), and micronuclei (MN).... more

In this study, the genotoxic effects of sodium benzoate (SB) and potassium benzoate (PB) were investigated in cultured human peripheral lymphocytes using chromosomal aberrations (CA), sister chromatid exchange (SCE), and micronuclei (MN). The level of nuclear DNA damage of SB and PB were also evaluated using the comet assay. The lymphocytes were incubated with different concentrations of SB (6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 lg/ml) and PB (62.5, 125, 250, 500, and 1000 lg/ml). A significant increase was observed in CA, SCE, and MN, in almost all treatments compared to negative controls. SB and PB significantly decreased the mitotic index (MI) in all the treatments, compared to the negative controls. However, neither of the additives affected the replication index (RI). Although SB significantly increased DNA damage, PB did not cause a significant increase in DNA damage. The present results indicate that SB and PB are clastogenic, mutagenic and cytotoxic to human lymphocytes in vitro.

Objective-To investigate the histologic characteristics of feline osteosarcoma (OS) and compare the histologic data with phenotypically comparable canine OS. The effects of histologic and clinical variables on survival statistics were... more

Objective-To investigate the histologic characteristics of feline osteosarcoma (OS) and compare the histologic data with phenotypically comparable canine OS. The effects of histologic and clinical variables on survival statistics were evaluated. Study Design-Retrospective study. Animals-Cats (n ¼ 62) and dogs . Methods-Medical records of 62 cats with OS were reviewed for clinically relevant data. Clinical outcome was obtained by telephone interview. Histologic characteristics of OS were classified using a standardized grading system. Histologic characteristics in 22 feline skeletal OS were compared with 22 canine skeletal OS of identical location and subtype. Prognostic variables for clinical outcome were determined using multivariate analysis. Results-Feline OS was characterized by moderate to abundant cellular pleomorphism, low mitotic index, small to moderate amounts of matrix, high cellularity, and a moderate amount of necrosis. There was no significant difference between histologic variables in feline and canine OS. Histologic grade, surgery, and mitotic index significantly influenced clinical outcome as determined by multivariate analysis. Tumor invasion into vessels was not identified as a significant prognosticator. Conclusion-Feline and canine skeletal OS have similar histologic but different prognostic characteristics. Clinical Relevance-Prognosis for cats with OS is related to histologic grade and mitotic index of the tumor. r

The conventional dicentric assay does not provide an accurate dose estimate in the case of accidental exposure to ionizing radiation above 6 Gy due to mitotic delay and poor mitotic index. The present study aims to establish a simple and... more

The conventional dicentric assay does not provide an accurate dose estimate in the case of accidental exposure to ionizing radiation above 6 Gy due to mitotic delay and poor mitotic index. The present study aims to establish a simple and rapid dose assessment technique based on scoring of rings and fragments in PCC spreads of stimulated lymphocytes. Human peripheral blood lymphocytes were gamma irradiated to different doses (6.2-24.5 Gy), cultured for two days with PHA and were forced to condense prematurely using 500 nM Okadaic acid (OA). The chromosome spreads were prepared, stained with Giemsa and observed under a microscope. The PCC index, PCC rings, and PCC fragments were scored for each dose point to arrive at the dose effect curve for various end points such as induction of rings and fragments and dicentrics. The PCC index varied from 12-18% up to 18 Gy and thereafter dropped to 6-8% at higher doses. The dose dependent increase in rings and fragments was found to be linear with a slope of 0.054 ± 0.001 Gy −1 for rings and 0.45 ± 0.03 Gy −1 for PCC fragments. An experiment was carried out to simulate partial-body exposure by mixing 10 Gy in vitro irradiated blood with un-irradiated blood in different proportions. The ratio of frequency of damaged cells among the total number of cells analyzed was found to be a good index of partial-body exposure. The culture duration was extended to 72 h to overcome the cell cycle delay induced by high doses of radiation. The conventional dicentrics rings and fragments also showed a dose response at high doses. The response can be best fitted to a linear model with a slope of 0.28 ± 0.0007 Gy −1 for the induction of dicentrics. However, long culture duration, technical skill and time required to analyse multi-aberrant cells makes the dicentric assay less suitable for high dose exposures requiring a rapid dose estimate. The PCC assay can be performed in 50 h with biodosimetric information about the irradiated fraction in cases of acute radiation exposures. The automated finding of PCC spreads significantly increased the speed of scoring PCC fragments.

Acute exposure to arsenic trioxide has been reported to induce death and/or multiple organ damage with symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, cerebral edema, tachycardia, dysrhythmias and hypovolemic... more

Acute exposure to arsenic trioxide has been reported to induce death and/or multiple organ damage with symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, cerebral edema, tachycardia, dysrhythmias and hypovolemic shock. Its toxic effects are due to its ability to bind to sulfhydryl groups of proteins and to inhibit energy production. Although the chronic exposure to arsenic trioxide has been linked to various types of cancer, such as skin, liver, lung, bladder and kidney neoplasms, studies of its carcinogenic potential in animals have not been conclusive. In this study, we investigated the genotoxic potential of arsenic trioxide in bone-marrow cells obtained from Sprague-Dawley rats; using chromosomal aberrations (CA), mitotic index (MI) and micronuclei (MN) formation as the toxicological endpoints. Four groups of six male rats each, weighing approximately 60 ± 2 g per rat, were injected intraperitoneally, once a day for 5 days with doses of 5, 10, 15 and 20 mg/kg body weight (BW) of arsenic trioxide dissolved in distilled water. A control group was also made of six animals injected with distilled water without chemical. All the animals were sacrificed at the end of the treatment period. Chromosome and micronuclei preparation was obtained from bone-marrow cells following standard protocols. Arsenic trioxide exposure significantly increased the number of structural chromosomal aberrations, the frequency of micronucleated cells and decreased the mitotic index in treated groups when compared with the control group. Our results demonstrate that arsenic trioxide has a clastogenic/genotoxic potential as measured by the bone-marrow CA and MN tests in Sprague-Dawley rats.

In this study, the effect of Afyonkarahisar Sugar Factory's discharge water on germination percentage, root growth and mitotic divisions of the root tip cells of Hordeum vulgare L. were investigated. Six concentrations of wastewater and... more

In this study, the effect of Afyonkarahisar Sugar Factory's discharge water on germination percentage, root growth and mitotic divisions of the root tip cells of Hordeum vulgare L. were investigated. Six concentrations of wastewater and ranging from 10 0 , 10 −1 , 10 −2 , 10 −3 , 10 −4 , 10 −5 , were applied for 6, 12, 18 and 24 h, respectively. It was observed that the treatments reduced the germination percentages of H. vulgare grains and inhibited the root growth as well as reduced mitotic index compared to the control group at all concentrations. It was also observed that the increase of the concentrations of wastewater decreased the cell division, and several mitotic anomalies such as c-mitosis, lagging chromosomes, multipolar anaphases and chromosome bridges increased.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNP-P) from AgNO 3 were synthesized by using the broth prepared from the aromatic spath of male inflorescence of screw pine, Pandanus odorifer (Forssk.) Kuntze AgNP-P was then characterized by UV-visible... more

Silver nanoparticles (AgNP-P) from AgNO 3 were synthesized by using the broth prepared from the aromatic spath of male inflorescence of screw pine, Pandanus odorifer (Forssk.) Kuntze AgNP-P was then characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Functional groups in the broth were analyzed by Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Genotoxicity of AgNP-P was assessed by utilizing our well-established Allium cepa assay system with biomarkers including the generation reactive oxygen species (ROS: O ÁÀ 2 and H 2 O 2 ), cell death, mitotic index, micronucleus, mitotic aberrations; and DNA damage by Comet assay. Other chemical forms of silver such as Ag + ion, colloidal AgCl, and AgNP-S at doses 0-80 mg L À1 were included for comparison with AgNP-P. The results revealed that AgNP-P and AgNP-S exhibited similar biological effects in causing lesser extent of cytotoxicity and greater extent of genotoxicity than that was exhibited by Ag + ion alone. Among different tested chemical forms of silver, colloidal AgCl was identified to be the least cytotoxic and genotoxic. Cell death and DNA-damage induced by AgNP-P were prevented by Tiron and dimethyl thiourea that scavenge O ÁÀ 2 and H 2 O 2 , respectively. The present findings demonstrated the role of ROS in the AgNP-induced cell death and DNA damage.

The genotoxic effects of fungicide Raxil, active substance tebuconazole in both mitotic and meiotic cell divisions of Allium cepa L. were studied. The bulbs with roots of Allium cepa L. were treated with different concentrations of Raxil... more

The genotoxic effects of fungicide Raxil, active substance tebuconazole in both mitotic and meiotic cell divisions of Allium cepa L. were studied. The bulbs with roots of Allium cepa L. were treated with different concentrations of Raxil (1800 ppm, 2400 ppm, 4200 ppm, 6000 ppm) for 3, 6, 12 and 24 hours. For mitotic studies, the root tips of Allium cepa L. after having grown to a certain length were stained accoording to aceto orcein squash procedure. To determine the effects of Raxil on meiotic cell division was used M1 generation. All concentrations and treatment periods of Raxil induced a number of chromosomal aberrations in root tip cells and in anthers of Allium cepa L. Additionally Raxil decreased the frequency of mitotic index and caused pollen fertility. A linear relationship was observed between increase of chromosomal abnormality with decrease of mitotic index and pollen fertility.

Genotoxic effects of Fenaminosulf, fungicide and micro-biocide, were examined by using mitotic index (MI), mitotic phase, and Comet assay on the root meristem cells of Allium cepa. In the Allium root growth inhibition test, EC 50 value... more

Genotoxic effects of Fenaminosulf, fungicide and micro-biocide, were examined by using mitotic index (MI), mitotic phase, and Comet assay on the root meristem cells of Allium cepa. In the Allium root growth inhibition test, EC 50 value was firstly determined as 25 ppm and, 12.5 (0.5 Â EC 50 ), 25 (EC 50 ) and 50 (2 Â EC 50 ) ppm concentrations of Fenaminosulf were introduced to onion tuber roots. Distilled water was used as a negative control. All obtained data were subjected to statistical analyses by using SPSS 15.0 for Windows software. For comparison purposes, Duncan multiple range tests by using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were employed and p < 0.05 was accepted as significant value. While MI (except in 24 h at 12.5 and 50 ppm) and prophase index increased, metaphase, anaphase and telophase indexes decreased in all concentrations compared to control at each exposure time. A significant increase in DNA damage was also observed at the concentration of 25 ppm in 24 h, 25 and 50 ppm in 96 h by Comet assay.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is a differential response of lymphocytes from healthy MnSOD genotype subjects to oxidative stress. We used UV radiation as a toxic agent due to its genotoxic effects associated with... more

The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is a differential response of lymphocytes from healthy MnSOD genotype subjects to oxidative stress. We used UV radiation as a toxic agent due to its genotoxic effects associated with chromosome aberrations caused by breaks in the DNA strands. Cellular growth rate, cell viability, mitotic index, chromosomal instability and biomarkers of oxidative metabolism were analysed in lymphocyte cells from healthy adults with different Ala16Val MnSOD polymorphisms that produce tree genotypes: AA, VV and AV. We found a differential response to UV exposure in cultures of lymphocyte cells from Ala16Val genotype donors. In general, AA cell cultures presented higher viability and mitotic index and lower TBARS levels than VV and AV cells for both the control and UV exposure groups. However, when we compared the DNA damage among the three genotypes, AA lymphocyte cells presented the highest damage from UV exposure. These data suggest that the Ala16-Val polymorphism affects the response of cellular oxidative metabolism in different ways.

Most patients with melanoma have microscopically thin (Յ 1 mm) primary lesions and are cured with excision. However, some develop metastatic disease that is often fatal. We evaluated established prognostic factors to develop... more

Most patients with melanoma have microscopically thin (Յ 1 mm) primary lesions and are cured with excision. However, some develop metastatic disease that is often fatal. We evaluated established prognostic factors to develop classification schemes with better discrimination than current American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging.

In this study the chromosome number, chromosome length and mitotic indices of 21 accessions of African Yam Bean (AYB) were determined. To accomplish this, the best time to harvest growing root tips was identified by measuring mitotic... more

In this study the chromosome number, chromosome length and mitotic indices of 21 accessions of African Yam Bean (AYB) were determined. To accomplish this, the best time to harvest growing root tips was identified by measuring mitotic index of chromosomes prepared from root tips of accession TSs148 collected at two hours interval within a 24 h study period from 8 am to 6 am of following day. Cell division occurred throughout the day and at night with the rate of division increasing to a peak at midday. The highest percentage of metaphase cells (34.01%) was obtained from roots harvested at about 12:00 noon. In terms of the root tip to shoot tip that gave a higher mitotic index a ratio of 13:8 was observed among 21 accessions studied. A diploid chromosome count ranging between 2n = 20 to 24 was observed with the chromosome number 2n = 22 being the most frequent. The chromosomes of the accessions studied were generally small in size ranging between 0.58 to 1.84 µm. On the basis of chromosome size, the different accessions of AYB could be divided into three different groups. This information, if utilized, will pave the way for further progress in karyological and cytogenetic research towards improvement of this plant.

Growth rates of neoplasms could be calculated only on the basis of mitotic and apoptotic indices (MI and AI, respectively), assessed on tissue sections, if the duration of mitosis and apoptosis (T m and T a , respectively) in vivo were... more

Growth rates of neoplasms could be calculated only on the basis of mitotic and apoptotic indices (MI and AI, respectively), assessed on tissue sections, if the duration of mitosis and apoptosis (T m and T a , respectively) in vivo were known. For humans, this is practically never the case. What use then can be made of MI and AI to arrive at a relative, crude estimate of the state of growth? As a model system to study this problem, we chose diffusely growing stage I ؉ II non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (dNHL, n ‫؍‬ 94). Cluster analysis revealed the existence of 3 highly distinct groups of dNHL (clusters I, II and III) in the MI vs. AI per case plot, with a roughly linear relation between both parameters. Most nosologic entities defined by the REAL classification comprise cases that were represented in more than one cluster. We adopted the simple formula GI (growth index) ‫؍‬ XMI ؊ AI, where X ‫؍(‬ T a /T m ) remains to be evaluated. Based on the assumption that spontaneous regressions of dNHL are rare but do occur, we estimated that X ‫؍‬ 2 or, possibly, 3 are best fits for the pooled dNHLs studied. With the assumption of X ‫؍‬ 2, (i) 2MI ؊ AI gave relatively lower values for dNHL than proliferative indices such as %Ki-67 ؉ cells; (ii) values for 2MI/AI per cluster showed a pattern inverse to that for %bcl-2 ؉ cells; and (iii) a plot of 2MI ؊ AI vs. 2MI/AI per case allowed the recognition, especially among NHLs with a low cell turnover, of cases where accumulation of presumably longer-lived cells is an important factor in determining growth.

The accident on the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant reactor IV in April 1986 led to the release of an enormous amount of radioactive material into the biosphere and to the formation of a complex pattern of nuclear contamination over a large... more

The accident on the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant reactor IV in April 1986 led to the release of an enormous amount of radioactive material into the biosphere and to the formation of a complex pattern of nuclear contamination over a large area. 2 2 w x As a consequence more than 5 million km of the soil in the Ukraine became contaminated with more than 1 Cirkm 1,2 . An assessment of the genetic consequences of the nuclear pollution is one of the most important problems. We applied the Allium cepa test to estimate the impact on plant chromosomes of nuclear pollution in the inhabited zones of the Ukraine. We Ž .

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and its incidence experienced an important increase, thanks to the introduction of a systematic screening. The increased incidence of early breast cancer has led to debates on its... more

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and its incidence experienced an important increase, thanks to the introduction of a systematic screening. The increased incidence of early breast cancer has led to debates on its over-treatment, which may cause unnecessary harm to patients with favorable prognosis. Therefore, modern research is in the quest of finding the perfect prognostic marker to avoid overtreatment in patients with a favorable prognosis. In this perspective, many molecular markers have been studied in the last decades in order to provide both a useful prognostic tool, able to determine whether the cancer is likely to be indolent or aggressive, and a possible therapeutic target. In this chapter, we review the current knowledge about the principal biomarkers, which are usually immunohistochemically tested on breast surgical specimens, including ER and PR, Mib1/Ki-67 and HER2/neu expression. Furthermore, we will analyze other possible prognostic markers which may have in the future a key role in breast cancer management, such as several multigene panels (OncotypeDX, Mammaprint, NanoString Prosigma). Finally, we will discuss the role of genetic tests for some know genetic mutations associated with higher breast cancer susceptibility (BRCA1 and 2 genes).

Potential health and environmental effects of nanoparticles need to be thoroughly assessed before their widespread commercialization. Though there are few studies on cytotoxicity of nanoparticles on mammalian and human cell lines, there... more

Potential health and environmental effects of nanoparticles need to be thoroughly assessed before their widespread commercialization. Though there are few studies on cytotoxicity of nanoparticles on mammalian and human cell lines, there are hardly any reports on genotoxic and cytotoxic behavior of nanoparticles in plant cells. This study aims to investigate cytotoxic and genotoxic impacts of silver nanoparticles using root tip cells of Allium cepa as an indicator organism. A.cepa root tip cells were treated with four different concentrations (25, 20, 75, and 100 ppm) of engineered silver nanoparticles (below 100 nm size) dispersion, to study endpoints like mitotic index, distribution of cells in mitotic phases, different types of chromosomal aberrations, disturbed metaphase, sticky chromosome, cell wall disintegration, and breaks. For each concentration five sets of microscopic observations were carried out. No chromosomal aberration was observed in the control (untreated onion root tips) and the mitotic index (MI) value was 60.3%. With increasing concentration of the nanoparticles decrease in the mitotic index was noticed (60.30% to 27.62%). The different cytological effects including the chromosomal aberrations were studied in detail for the treated cells as well as control. We infer from this study that silver nanoparticles could penetrate plant system and may impair stages of cell division causing chromatin bridge, stickiness, disturbed metaphase, multiple chromosomal breaks and cell disintegration. The findings also suggest that plants as an important component of the ecosystems need to be included when evaluating the overall toxicological impact of the nanoparticles in the environment.

Un homme âgé de 39 ans consultait pour des douleurs osseuses et abdominales diffuses. Le bilan biologique mettait en évidence une élévation de la parathormone sérique à 1401 pg/ml et une hypercalcémie sévère à 17,3 mg/dl. Un adénome... more

Un homme âgé de 39 ans consultait pour des douleurs osseuses et abdominales diffuses. Le bilan biologique mettait en évidence une élévation de la parathormone sérique à 1401 pg/ml et une hypercalcémie sévère à 17,3 mg/dl. Un adénome parathyroïdien était suspecté, mais la scintigraphie parathyroïdienne au MIBI marqué au Technetium 99 m était négative. L'échographie et l'examen tomodensitométrique de la région cervicale visualisaient un nodule thyroïdien basilobaire gauche. Une lobo-isthmectomie thyroïdienne gauche a été pratiquée. L'examen macroscopique de la pièce opératoire trouvait que le nodule était basilobaire, de couleur blanc-jaunâtre entouré par une capsule épaisse et mesurait 3 cm de diamètre. L'examen extemporané plaidait en faveur de la malignité devant une prolifération tumorale infiltrant la capsule. L'examen histologique définitif montrait une tumeur maligne nodulaire encapsulée et enchâssée dans le parenchyme thyroïdien. Cette prolifération infiltrait la capsule, le tissu thyroïdien ainsi que le tissu adipeux périthyroïdien avec présence de nombreux emboles vasculaires tumoraux. Elle s'agençait en travées, cordons et amas séparés par des bandes fibreuses. Les cellules tumorales étaient arrondies à polygonales pourvues d'un cytoplasme éosinophile bien limité. Les noyaux étaient monomorphes, ronds et réguliers au centre du nodule, atypiques ovoïdes et nuléolés en périphérie et dans les zones d'invasion. L'index mitotique était de deux mitoses pour dix champs à fort grossissement. L'étude immunohistochimique montrait la positivité des cellules tumorales avec les anticorps dirigés contre l'antigène carcinoembryonnaire, la chromogranine, la synaptophysine et leur négativité avec les anticorps antithyroglobuline et anticalcitonine. .

The genotoxicity of wastewater samples was investigated using Allium cepa assay. Wastewater samples were taken from marble cutting factory, cloth dying factory, cooking oil industry and residential kitchen from Karachi, Pakistan. Onion... more

The genotoxicity of wastewater samples was investigated using Allium cepa assay. Wastewater samples were taken from marble
cutting factory, cloth dying factory, cooking oil industry and residential kitchen from Karachi, Pakistan. Onion root tips were treated
with different concentrations (10, 50 and 100%) of industrial and kitchen wastewater. Three slides per treatment and concentrations
were prepared. It was noticed that mitotic index decreased by increasing the concentration of wastewater. The results also showed that
wastewater treatments produced various types of chromosomal aberrations, where stickiness was most frequently occurring aberration.
It was also observed that effect of marble and kitchen wastewater was drastic, as most of the cells were ruptured at 100%
concentration. Frequency of aberrations was different in different samples.

Fine particles with a characteristic size smaller than 100 nm (i.e. nanoparticlesspread out in nowadays life. Silicon or Si, is one of the most abundant chemical elements found on the Earth. Its oxide forms, such as silicate (SiO 4 ) and... more

Fine particles with a characteristic size smaller than 100 nm (i.e. nanoparticlesspread out in nowadays life. Silicon or Si, is one of the most abundant chemical elements found on the Earth. Its oxide forms, such as silicate (SiO 4 ) and silicon dioxide, also known as silica (SiO 2 ), are the main constituents of sand and quartz contributing to 90% of the Earth's crust. In this work, three genotoxicity systems ''sister chromatid exchange, cytokinesis block micronucleus test and single cell gel electrophoresis (comet) assay'' were employed to provide further insight into the cytotoxic and mutagenic/genotoxic potential of SiO 2 nanoparticules (particle size 6 nm, 20 nm, 50 nm) in cultured peripheral blood lymphocytes as in vitro. It was observed that there is a significant decrease in Mitotic index (MI), Cytokinesis block proliferation index (CBPI), proliferation index (PRI) values expressed as Cell Kinetic parameters compared with negative control (p50.05). There is a statistically significant difference between negative control culture and culture exposed to SiO 2 (6 nm, 20 nm, 50 nm) (p50.01, p50.01, p50.05, respectively). It is found that SiO 2 nanoparticles at different size (6, 20, 50 nm) progressively increased the SCE frequency and DNA damage on the basis the AU values compared with negative control (p50.05). Results showed that the genotoxic/mutagenic and cytotoxic effects of SiO 2 nanoparticules is dependent to particule size.

Introduction: Canova (CA) is a homeopathic medication with immunomodulatory properties, recommended for patients with a depressed immune system. CA has been reported to increase in leukocyte numbers, cellular differentiation and reduction... more

Introduction: Canova (CA) is a homeopathic medication with immunomodulatory properties, recommended for patients with a depressed immune system. CA has been reported to increase in leukocyte numbers, cellular differentiation and reduction in tumor size. Aim and method: Since CA may stimulate lymphocyte differentiation, proliferation, and/or survival, the aim of the present study was to compare the mitotic index (MI) of phytohemagglutinin-stimulated human lymphocytes cultured in a medium supplemented with human macrophages activated by CA, with lymphocytes cultured in a medium without CA-treated macrophages. Results: In this study, the MI of lymphocyte cultured received the medium containing CA-stimulated macrophages showed a higher proliferation index (p < 0.01) than the lymphocytes cultured in a medium without CA-treated macrophages. Our results suggest that CA treatment, in addition to activating macrophages, indirectly induces lymphocyte proliferation and has potential as a new adjuvant therapeutic approach. Homeopathy (2009) 98, 45-48.

Defects in the spindle assembly checkpoint are thought to be responsible for an increased rate of aneuploidization during tumorigenesis. Despite a plethora of information on the correlation between BUB-MAD gene expression levels and... more

Defects in the spindle assembly checkpoint are thought to be responsible for an increased rate of aneuploidization during tumorigenesis. Despite a plethora of information on the correlation between BUB-MAD gene expression levels and defects in the spindle checkpoint, very little is known about alteration of another important spindle checkpoint protein, Cdc20, in human cancer and its role in tumor aneuploidy. We observed overexpression of CDC20 in several oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cell lines and primary head and neck tumors and provide evidence that such overexpression of CDC20 is associated with premature anaphase promotion, resulting in mitotic abnormalities in oral SCC cell lines.

Deltamethrin (DEL) and thiacloprid (THIA) are two insecticides that are widely used in agriculture either separately or in combination. Studies on genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of TIA and the mixture of DEL and THIA insecticides have not... more

Deltamethrin (DEL) and thiacloprid (THIA) are two insecticides that are widely used in agriculture either separately or in combination. Studies on genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of TIA and the mixture of DEL and THIA insecticides have not been reported so far. Therefore, we investigated the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of commercial formulations DEL and/or THIA in rat bone marrow cells, using mitotic index (MI), micronucleus (MN) and chromosome aberrations (CA) assay. In vivo cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay using cytochalasin-B in bone marrow cells was performed for the first time in this study. Rats were orally gavaged with a single dose of DEL (15 mg/kg), THIA (112.5 mg/kg) or DEL 1 THIA (15 1 112.5 mg/kg) for 24 h (acute treatments), or DEL (3 mg/kg/day), THIA (22.5 mg/kg/day) or DEL 1 THIA (3 1 22.5 mg/kg/day) for 30 days (subacute treatments). A corn oil vehicle control group and cyclophosphamide (50 mg/kg) positive control group were also included. All DEL and/or THIA treatments significantly decreased MI and binucleated (BN) cell numbers, and significantly increased CA, as compared to the vehicle control group. The results of CBMN assay indicated that the combination of DEL and THIA for both treatment times and the 30-day treatment with THIA alone caused a significant increase in micronucleus formation in BN cells. The present findings indicated the combined exposure of DEL and THIA showed genotoxic and cytotoxic effects more than those of individual exposure of DEL or THIA in rat bone marrow cells. #

Plant responses to abiotic stress significantly affect the development of cells, tissues and organs. However, no studies correlating Pb-induced mitotic inhibition and DNA damage and the alterations in redox homeostasis during root... more

Plant responses to abiotic stress significantly affect the development of cells, tissues and organs. However, no studies correlating Pb-induced mitotic inhibition and DNA damage and the alterations in redox homeostasis during root division per se were found in the literature. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to evaluate the impact of Pb on mitotic activity and the associated changes in the oxidative metabolism in onion roots. The cytotoxic effect of Pb on cell division was assessed in the root meristems of Allium cepa (onion). The mitotic index (MI) was calculated and chromosomal abnormalities were sought. Pb-treatment induced a dose-dependent decrease in MI in the onion root tips and caused mitotic abnormalities such as distorted metaphase, fragments, sticky chromosomes, laggards, vagrant chromosomes and bridges. Single Cell Gel Electrophoresis was also performed to evaluate Pb induced genotoxicity. It was accompanied by altered oxidative metabolism in the onion root tips sug...

The potential cytogenetic damage in offset printing workers was evaluated using sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs), chromosome aberrations (CAs) and micronuclei (MN) as biomarkers in peripheral lymphocytes of 26 volunteers (14 workers, 12... more

The potential cytogenetic damage in offset printing workers was evaluated using sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs), chromosome aberrations (CAs) and micronuclei (MN) as biomarkers in peripheral lymphocytes of 26 volunteers (14 workers, 12 controls). The CA, SCE and MN frequency of offset printing workers was significantly higher than in their controls. The replication index (RI) was not affected while the mitotic index (MI) was affected most in the workers. It can be concluded from this study that chronic occupational exposure to printing dyes and thinner may lead to a slightly increased risk of genetic damage among offset printing workers.

The cytotoxic effect of Calixin, a fungicide was investigated in the mitotic cell division in root tip cells of Allium cepa L. The seeds of Allium cepa were treated with different concentrations (0.02%, 0.04%, 0.06% and 0.08%) of Calixin... more

The cytotoxic effect of Calixin, a fungicide was investigated in the mitotic cell division in root tip cells of Allium cepa L. The seeds of Allium cepa were treated with different concentrations (0.02%, 0.04%, 0.06% and 0.08%) of Calixin for 3, 6, 9, 12 h treatment periods. The obtained results indicate that Calixin had the ability to cause production of a large number of mitotic abnormalities. These abnormalities appeared in varying degrees depending on the dose. Various abnormalities on chromosomes like lagging early anaphase, chromosomal bridges, c-metaphase, sticky metaphase, multipolarity, fragment, vagrant etc were seen among mitotic divisions treated with Calixin.