Evaluation of antimutagenic effect of lemon juice and acerola on blood cells of mice by micronucleus test

• Grant number: 13/10321-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2013
• End date: December 31, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Genetics - Mutagenesis
• Principal Investigator: Andrea de Oliveira Cecchi
• Grantee: Lucas de Freitas Bernardes
• Host Institution: Pró-Reitoria Adjunta de Pesquisa e Pós-Graduação. Universidade de Franca (UNIFRAN). Franca , SP, Brazil

Abstract

A balanced diet with antioxidants in abundance, has the ability to neutralize and / or reducing agents with reactive actions of our body and prevent cellular damage. It is known that regular consumption of fruits has been associated with a low incidence of diseases due to substances present in these foods. Since the mid-18th century the vitamin C present in some fruits in reasonable quantities, is effective in preventing and combating the oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Faced with the known beneficial action, the fruits should be encouraged by their consumption are good natural sources, effective and economic. This study aims to evaluate the effect of acerola and lemon juice, both rich in vitamin C, against cyclophosphamide-induced genetic damage assessed by the micronucleus test in cells of Swiss mice. Juices, prepared from fresh fruits, will be administered by gavage (10 mL kg-1 body weight - pc) and cyclophosphamide, intraperitoneally (CPA - 100 mg kg-1 bw). The blood samples will be collected 24 h after the treatments and the analysis will be done in light microscopy. The frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (PCEMNs) will be recorded in total 10,000 polychromatic erythrocytes (PCEs) per treatment group (n = 5 animals / group). (AU)