Plant cytogenetics tests can predict toxic effects on human cells: genotoxic and mutagenic effects of Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom on vegetal and human cells

Abstract

The effects of Tityus serrulatus venom was accessed on the cell cycle and genetic material of the Lactuca sativa L. and compared with the damages to human leukocytes, in order to evaluate the genotoxic and mutagenic potential of toxins on cell types very different. The occurrence of cell cycle alterations and DNA fragmentation was evaluated in Lactuca sativa. Incubations of venom with human leukocytes were also held with subsequent evaluation of cell proliferation index, micronucleus and fragmented DNA. The T. serrulatus venom showed cytogenotoxic, reducing mitotic index and induced alterations in the cell cycle and micronuclei formation. The occurrence of cell death was evidenced by the detection of condensed nuclei, positive TUNEL signals, and presence of DNA fragmentation on lettuce cells. The scorpion venom induced DNA fragmentation and micronuclei in leukocytes. Further, the role of peptides and proteases from this venom in inducing the observed damage was discussed.