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Published on: July 3, 2019
Toxic effect and genotoxicity of carvacrol ethers in Drosophila melanogaster
Mariia Nesterkina1, Svitlana Bilokon2, Tetiana Alieksieieva2
1Department of Organic and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Odessa National Polytechnic University, Odessa, 65044, Ukraine.
Abstract:
The present study investigated the effect of four carvacrol ethers (propyl-, butyl, octyl- and benzyl) on the viability, level of dominant lethal mutations of Drosophila melanogaster and their influence on the multiplication of the nuclear genome in salivary gland cells. The fertility and viability of fruit flies were assessed after oral administration (0.05 % to culture medium) and inhalation exposure (5 mg per 1 cm2 of polyvinyl alcohol film) of compounds 1‒4 and initial carvacrol. The influence of terpenoid and its ethers on the degree of chromosomes polyteny in salivary gland cells of D. melanogaster larvae has been revealed. Among all tested compounds, carvacrol exhibited the most significant impact on frequency of dominant lethal mutations, fecundity and insect survival when inhaled or adding to the culture medium. Oral administration of ethers 1‒4 was found to decrease the average level of chromosome polyteny degree (366 C-500 C) while pure carvacrol adding to culture medium had the opposite effect (763 C) compared to control (695 C). The possible mechanism of action for carvacrol and its ethers is discussed.
Insights
Carvacrol and its ethers impact fruit fly genetics and survival. Carvacrol showed the strongest effects on mutations and survival, while ethers altered genome multiplication in salivary gland cells.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Genetics
- Entomology
Background:
- Carvacrol is a natural monoterpenoid phenol found in essential oils.
- Carvacrol ethers are synthetic derivatives with potential biological activities.
- Drosophila melanogaster serves as a model organism for toxicological and genetic studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of four carvacrol ethers and carvacrol on Drosophila melanogaster.
- To assess impacts on insect viability, fertility, and dominant lethal mutations.
- To determine the influence on nuclear genome multiplication in salivary gland cells.
Main Methods:
- Oral administration (0.05% in culture medium) and inhalation exposure (5 mg/cm² film) of compounds.
- Assessment of fruit fly fertility and viability.
- Analysis of chromosome polyteny in Drosophila salivary gland cells.
Main Results:
- Carvacrol significantly affected mutation frequency, fecundity, and survival via inhalation and oral administration.
- Carvacrol ethers (propyl-, butyl-, octyl-, benzyl-) decreased chromosome polyteny degree (366–500 C) upon oral administration.
- Pure carvacrol increased chromosome polyteny (763 C) compared to control (695 C).
Conclusions:
- Carvacrol exhibits potent effects on Drosophila melanogaster genetics and survival.
- Carvacrol ethers modulate nuclear genome multiplication differently than carvacrol.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms of action for carvacrol and its derivatives.
