Avaliação da irritação da membrana corioalantóide (CAM) de ovos embrionados de galinha frente à exposição a complexos de Rutênio

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases are a group of chronic conditions, often asymptomatic, that affect the heart and blood vessels. They are a significant global public health problem, representing the leading cause of death in Brazil and worldwide. Factors such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction contribute to the progression of these diseases. In this context, compounds that release nitric oxide (NO), such as ruthenium complexes, stand out for their therapeutic potential, since NO acts in the regulation of blood pressure, vasodilation, and vascular protection. However, there are still no drugs based on these compounds approved for clinical use, and it is essential to investigate the toxicological profile of this class of molecules in order to advance the development of more effective and safer drugs to treat these conditions that are so prevalent in our society. Thus, this study employed an experimental approach to evaluate the toxicity of two ruthenium complexes, FOR0603 and FOR0803, using an alternative methodology to animal testing, applying the Hen's Egg Test on Chorioallantoic Membrane (HET-CAM). 200 µL of the test substances were applied to the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of embryonated chicken eggs and observed for 300 seconds for classic signs of irritation, marked by coagulation, lysis and haemorrhage of blood vessels, and the exact moment, in seconds, when each event began was recorded to be applied in a formula that determines the degree of irritation of the CAM. A total of 20 eggs were used, distributed into 5 groups of 4 eggs each, divided into control groups (NaOH 0.1 M (+), PBS (-) and DMSO 3%) and experimental groups (FOR0603 and FOR0803, both with a concentration of 100 μM). The results found indicated that FOR0603 and FOR0803 did not cause irritation in CAM. Nevertheless, further studies on the toxicological profile of these compounds are necessary in order to establish a more complete toxicity assessment and advance clinical trials.