Actualidades Biológicas

Biomarkers and detection techniques for genotoxic damage in workers exposed to benzene, toluene, and xylene: a narrative review

2025-02-12T13:10:21-05:00

Occupational exposure to BTX compounds (benzene, toluene, and xylene) continues to pose significant health risks, especially in industrial settings where these solvents are widely used in the manufacturing of rubber, paints, and plastics. Benzene, classified as a Group one carcinogen by the IARC, has been linked to severe genotoxic effects, including DNA damage in bone marrow cells, increasing the risk of leukemia and aplastic anemia. Toluene and xylene, although less toxic, also present significant health concerns, particularly affecting vital organs and the central nervous system. This narrative review examines key biomarkers used to assess genotoxic damage in exposed workers, such as 8-oxoguanine, micronucleus assays, and gene expression analysis. Biomonitoring is emphasized as a critical strategy for early disease detection and the development of effective preventive measures. The review presents the strengths and limitations of these biomarkers and highlights their potential role in shaping future occupational health monitoring programs. By providing a comprehensive overview of current research, this work aims to support the implementation of policies that protect workers from hazardous chemical exposure and improve overall workplace safety.

Flavonoids use in glioblastoma multiforme experimental models

2025-03-13T10:38:45-05:00

Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) represents tumors that develop in the Central Nervous System (CNS) with the highest malignancy, incidence and prevalence. Flavonoid therapy has been gaining strength as an alternative adjuvant that counteracts the appearance and development of various cancers, including GBM. The objective of this review is to analyze the use of flavonoids in GBM therapy in a ten-year window (2013-2023). Fifty-one articles were reviewed, including original articles and bibliographic reviews. Flavonoids have been tested in different GBM in vitro models, decreasing proliferation and angiogenesis, activating signaling pathways and redirecting cell activity to alternative pathways that promote apoptosis and cell repair.

First report of phleboviruses in phlebotomine sandfly communities from northern Colombia

2024-11-29T12:38:25-05:00

The genus Phlebovirus is considered a medically important group of viruses due to the pathogenic behavior of some species. In the Americas, several species of this genus have been identified, most of which are found in Panamá. However, the lack of knowledge about the circulation of phleboviruses in Colombia led us to ask several questions, including the distribution of this pathogen in the Americas, especially in Caribbean coastal areas where ideal conditions for phlebovirus vectors exist. Here, we report the first detection of the genus Phlebovirus in phlebotomine sandfly communities from the Caribbean coast of Colombia. Sandflies were collected and pooled for ribonucleic acid (RNA) extraction and retrotranscription, all pools were tested for 18S ribosomal RNA and screened for phleboviruses by nested reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Positive products for the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) detection were sequenced. Four pools of 58 were positive for viruses belonging to the Punta Toro complex, Aguacate complex, Old-World viruses, and one related to sloth phleboviruses. This is the first evidence of phleboviruses in the Caribbean region of Colombia, especially of species related to the Punta Toro and Aguacate complex.

First record of Pelmatosilpha villana Saussure & Zehntner, 1893 (Blattodea: Blattidae) associated with bromeliads in Campo Rupestre in Brazil

2025-10-06T16:16:42-05:00

This study provides the first record of the association between the cockroach Pelmatosilpha villana Saussure & Zehntner, 1893 (Blattodea: Blattidae) and three bromeliad species (Billbergia cf. vittata, Vriesea medusa, and Vriesea sp.) on rocky outcrops of Campo Rupestre in Pico do Itambé State Park, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Cockroaches, both juveniles and adults, were recorded in five bromeliads belonging to three species sheltered within the bromeliad rosettes, close to the phytotelmata. Given the saprophagous habit of cockroaches, it is likely that these insects exploit the organic matter accumulated in the bromeliads, potentially contributing to nutrient cycling. This interaction may benefit the bromeliads through the fragmentation and decomposition of organic material, thus promoting the release of essential nutrients, especially important in nutrient-poor soils such as those of the Campo Rupestre. These findings highlight the need for further research on the ecological interactions between cockroaches and bromeliads to better understand their ecological roles within this biome.

Contribution to the knowledge of diurnal butterflies (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea) of the Uruki – El Manantial Community and Ecotourism Nature Reserve, Florencia (Colombia)

2025-07-10T12:07:12-05:00

In the Neotropics, butterfly diversity is threatened by the loss and transformation of natural habitats, mainly due to deforestation and the expansion of human activities. Diurnal butterflies, recognized as bioindicators of habitat quality, allow for the evaluation of ecosystem conditions. The objective of this article was to determine the diversity of diurnal butterflies in the RNCE Uruki–El Manantial, located in the municipality of Florencia, Caquetá, to provide useful information for their conservation. Sampling was conducted over 15 days in December 2022, across 10 stations. At each station, a Van Someren-Rydon trap was installed, alternately baited with fermented fruit and decomposing fish, and complemented by active searching with an entomological net. A total of 1,210 specimens were collected, belonging to six families, 17 subfamilies, and 95 species. The family Nymphalidae was the most diverse (47.3%). Species richness varied with vegetation cover, being higher at forest edges and pastures, whereas conserved forests harbored a more specialized composition. A total of 54.7% of the species recorded were rare or uncommon. The most representative were Hermeuptychia hermes (28.4%), Eurema daira, and Anartia jatrophae (8.5% each), associated with habitats under anthropogenic pressure. Additionally, species indicative of well-preserved environments were recorded, including Callicore cynosura, Kolana ligurina, Bungalotis milleri, Morpho achilles, and Archaeoprepona demophon (7%). These results highlight the importance of implementing conservation strategies that integrate the biocultural and ecotourism value of butterflies in the Colombian Amazon.