New articles published in 12(4A) - ENAN / INAC 2024

Evaluations of the possible mutagenic and genotoxic effects of 2-ACBs: by-products generated from irradiated foods

Abstract: This study investigates the potential mutagenic and genotoxic effects of 2-Alkylcyclobutanones (2-ACBs), by-products formed in irradiated foods. 2-ACBs are compounds derived from the irradiation of fat-containing foods, with recognized genotoxic potential. The research focused on the compounds 2-dodecylcyclobutanone (2-dDCB) and 2-tetradecylcyclobutanone (2-tDCB), evaluating their mutagenicity through the micronucleus assay in hepatic cell lines (HepG2, BRL3A, and HTC) and genotoxicity through the Ames test using five bacterial strains (TA-98, TA-100, TA-1535, TA-1537, and WP2uvrA). Results from the Ames test indicated that 2-dDCB and 2-tDCB did not significantly increase mutagenic reversion rates, while the micronucleus assays showed no genotoxic damage in the tested cell lines. It is concluded that, at the evaluated concentrations, the compounds 2-dDCB and 2-tDCB do not exhibit mutagenic or genotoxic potential, supporting the safety of irradiated foods. However, further research is recommended to assess long-term effects and different irradiation conditions. Read full article. 

Human biomonitoring in residents of a NORM area using the comet assay, Pernambuco-Brazil

Abstract: Geological research has found areas of uraniferous phosphorite in northeastern Brazil. This region is located along the coast of the states of Paraíba and Pernambuco, Brazil. Its distribution in Pernambuco is located in the Metropolitan Region of Recife/Região Metropolitana do Recife (RMR), covering the municipalities of Abreu e Lima and Olinda. Studies have been carried out in these municipalities, verifying the presence of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) in different matrices: soil, groundwater, air and fruit. Given these facts, the need arose to carry out human biomonitoring (HBM) in residents of these municipalities. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess possible DNA damage in the residents of Olinda and Abreu e Lima by means of the comet assay using lymphocytes. The results showed high levels 3 and 4 damage to the DNA of the volunteers in the sample group who are under the influence of NORM, demonstrating a statistically significant difference in the damage index when compared to the control group. It is suggested that the genotoxic results found may be related to the NORM present in the municipality of Abreu e Lima, thus influencing the health of its residents. The research is relevant because it is a pioneer in the generation of scientific knowledge in the area of the study of uraniferous phosphorite using HBM. Read full article .