Senecio brasiliensis impairs eclosion rate and induces apoptotic cell death in larvae of Drosophila melanogaster
Abstract
Senecio brasilienis (Spreng) Less., is a species native from Brazil, popularly known as "Maria mole", and known to induce hepatotoxicity due to its high content of Pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Despite its toxicity, this plant is widely used in Brazilian folk medicine. Considering the antagonizing effects described for S. brasiliensis, we describe here molecular markers involved in the toxicity of hydroalcoholic extract from leaves of S. brasiliensis (HESB) in Drosophila melanogaster. Phytochemical analysis of HESB revealed the presence of phenolic acids and flavonoids. A significant antioxidant potential against ABTS(+) and DPPH radical was found in parallel. Ingestion of extract did not alter the survival and locomotor activity of adult flies. However when ingested along the larval developmental phase, the eclosion rate of flies was interrupted at higher concentration of extract. To comprehend this phenomenon several analysis were conducted in larvae. HESB stimulated activity of antioxidant enzymes SOD and GST, and increased GSH/GSSG ratio and ROS production. Additionally, HESB caused a significant decrease of cell viability. The mRNA expression of Nrf2, TrxR, CAT, Drice and Dilp6 were also significantly up-regulated. HESB caused ...Continue Reading
References
Citations
Related Concepts
Related Feeds
Antiparasitics
Antiparasitics are medications which are indicated for the treatment of parasitic diseases. Discover the latest research on antiparasitics here.
Apoptosis
Apoptosis is a specific process that leads to programmed cell death through the activation of an evolutionary conserved intracellular pathway leading to pathognomic cellular changes distinct from cellular necrosis
Apoptotic Caspases
Apoptotic caspases belong to the protease enzyme family and are known to play an essential role in inflammation and programmed cell death. Here is the latest research.