The cytotoxic, genotoxic and mitotoxic effects of extract in vitro.

BACKGROUND

The Mediterranean thistle L. (Asteraceae; AG) has diterpenoid glucosides; atractyloside and carboxyatractyloside that interact with mitochondrial protein adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT) and resulted in ATP inhibition. Despite its well-known toxicity, acute poisonings still occur with this plant. Although most symptoms are attributed to ANT and diterpenoids interaction, in-depth investigation of the effects of AG extract on various cellular processes has not been performed.

OBJECTIVE/METHOD: We tested induction of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) opening in bovine liver mitochondria and evaluated its cytotoxicity and genotoxicity using test. Cell division, mitotic index (MI) and total chromosomal and mitotic aberrations (TAs), that all seem potentially affected by ATP shortage, were studied in root cells of exposed to extract.

RESULTS

With the two different doses of two purified AG fractions, stronger induction of MPTP was observed compared to the induction with the standard pure atracyloside. Aqueous AG extract exerted inhibition root growth in at 6 different doses. The TAs was increased in a dose-dependent manner too, while mitotic index was decreased at the same doses. Evaluation of mitotic phases revealed mitodepressive effect of AG on roots.

CONCLUSION

this work highlights cellular and mitochondrial adverse effects of extracts. A purified fraction that likely corresponds to ATR derivatives induces MPTP opening leading to swelling of mitochondria and its dysfunction. test provides the evidence for genotoxicity and cytotoxicity.