Risk assessment via genotoxicity, metabolism, apoptosis, and cell growth effects in a HepG2/C3A cell line upon treatment with Rubus rosifolius (Rosaceae) leaves extract.

Rubus rosifolius Sm. (Rosaceae) is a plant traditionally used in Brazil and some other countries to treat diarrhea, stomach diseases, and as an analgesic, antimicrobial, antihypertensive, and as well as other pharmacological properties. The aim of this study was to examine cytotoxic and genotoxic effects ofR. rosifoliusleaves extract on HepG2/C3A cells and correlate these findings with the expression of mRNA to underlying mechanisms of action. At concentrations between 0.01 and 100 mu g/ml, cytotoxic effects were not detected by the MTT assay. This was confirmed by mRNA induction of theCYP3A4gene (by RT-qPCR assay). However, genotoxic effects occurred at treatments from 1 mu g/ml extract (comet and micronucleus test). An increase in the number of cells in S phase was observed at 100 mu g/ml, and an elevation in apoptotic cell number was found for all tested concentrations (10, 20, or 100 mu g/ml) (cell cycle and apoptosis analysis by flow cytometry). The genotoxicity induced by the extract was the main cause of the rise in the number of cells undergoing apoptosis, as indicated by rise in mRNA ofCASP7gene, and elevation of cells in the S phase of the cell cycle at the higher tested concentrations, as an attempt to repair genetic damage that occurred. These observations suggest that, despite its pharmacological potential, the use ofR. rosifoliusleaves extract may pose a risk to the integrity of the genetic material of human cells.