Psathyrella candolleana and Agaricus bisporus Extracts Provide Protection against DNA Oxidative Damage Induced by Doxorubicin.

In this study, the aqueous extracts of fruiting bodies of Psathyrella candolleana and Agaricus bisporus were assessed in vitro for their genotoxic potential. Extracts of these 2 fungi were tested with regard to their capacity to protect genetic material against DNA damage caused by the anticancer chemotherapy drug, doxorubicin. Using chromosomal aberration, micronucleus, and comet assays, the genotoxic and genoprotective potential of these 2 fungi was assessed using P. candolleana strain RM-0861 and A. bisporus strain AB-62. Genetic damage was determined by the chromosomal aberration assay, and evaluation of oxidative damage was performed in vitro by the micronucleus test and comet assay. A significant decrease in micronucleus formation was noted in comparison with the corresponding control. None of the mushroom extract treatments in this study displayed genotoxicity or cytotoxicity. Significantly, the greatest reductions of chromosomal aberration were found with the extracts of P. condolleana for all time periods tested. The extracts tested showed a marked anticlastogenic effect against DNA damage, as evidenced by a decrease in the frequency of total breaks. The data obtained suggest that extracts of these fungi are anticlastogenic under the conditions tested. These results indicate that mushroom extracts contain bioactive compounds that may prevent oxidative DNA damage induces by doxorubicin, as measured by chromosomal aberration, comet and micronucleus assay.