Acute toxicity and genotoxicity assessment of PgTeL, a lectin from pomegranate sarcotesta, in mice

Abstract

PgTeL is a chitin-binding lectin from Punica granatum sarcotesta and shows antimicrobial activity against a wide range of microorganisms of medical interest. PgTeL did not show cytotoxicity in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells; however, there have been no studies to date on PgTeL toxicity in vivo. The present study evaluated PgTeL for cytotoxicity in murine splenocyte cells, in vitro hemolytic activity, and in vivo acute toxicity and genotoxicity in mice. In the acute toxicity assay with PgTeL at 100 mg/kg (i.p.), behavioral, biochemical, hematological, hemostatic, and histopathological parameters were evaluated. Comet and micronucleus tests were performed to assess the genotoxicity. After 24 h of incubation, there was only a slight decrease in splenocyte viability in treatments with PgTeL at 200 μg/mL (13.2%) and 100 μg/mL (9.9%) when compared to the control. No damage to the membranes of erythrocytes (0% hemolysis) was observed when they were incubated with all concentrations (3.9–1000 µg/mL) of PgTeL. There were no behavioral, hematological, hemostatic, or histopathological abnormalities in the in vivo acute toxicity assay. PgTeL caused an increase in HDL levels and decreased levels of triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL. The results provide several possibilities for the application of PgTeL in vivo, such as in formulations with antimicrobial potential.