Study of the biological effects of the diamine putrescine in different test organisms

Abstract

Surface waters are extremely important for the maintenance of life, for several anthropogenic activities and, especially, for human health. The surface water quality is being compromised by the intensive use and the increment of industrial, urban and agricultural wastes into water resources. A practicable alternative for obtaining water is the exploration of groundwater. However, the quality of this type of water has also been compromised. Cemeteries are important contaminants of groundwater. The necroleachate is a grayish-brown liquid denser than water, produced by rotting corpses which can generate environment pollution and risks to human health. This compound is made up of many chemicals such as the diamine putrescine (C4H12N2). It is a polyamine which plays important physiological role in the growth processes, differentiation and apoptosis, as well as it participates in the DNA synthesis and replication and RNA transcription. This project aims to evaluate the cytotoxic, genotoxic, mutagenic and hepatotoxic potencial of putrescine in different test systems, in vivo and in vitro. Tests such as chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei of root meristematic cells of Allium cepa, MTT tests to evaluate the concentrations of toxic substances, the Comet assay, micronucleus test and oxidative stress in HepG2 cells will be performed. Histopathological and ultrastructural examination will be performed in livers and testicles of Wistar rats, even as morphometric-stereological changes in sperm cells and testicles of this test organism exposed to different concentrations of the diamine. The results of this study will be able to contribute to the understanding of the effects and mechanism of the action of this substance on living organisms, and guide likely occupational legislation for workers exposed to this contaminant. (AU)