Evaluation of cytotoxic and cytostatic effects in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by poissoner quantitative drop test.

Biological models have long been used to establish the cytotoxicity and cytostaticity of natural and/or synthetic chemical compounds. Current assay techniques, however, typically require the use of expensive technological equipment or chemical reagents, or they lack adequate testing sensitivity. The poissoner quantitative drop test (PQDT) assay is a sensitive, inexpensive and accurate method for evaluation of cytotoxicity and/or cytostatic effects of multiple chemical compounds in a single experiment.

Importance of the trans-sulfuration pathway in cancer prevention and promotion.

The trans-sulfuration pathway is a biochemical mechanism that links methionine metabolism to the biosynthesis of cellular redox-controlling molecules, like cysteine, glutathione, and taurine. While there is some knowledge about the metabolic intermediates and enzymes that participate in trans-sulfuration, little is known about the physiological importance of this mechanism. Deficiencies within the trans-sulfuration pathway induces (i) the generation of reactive species of oxygen (ROS) and halogens (RHS), (ii) homocyst(e)ine accumulation, and (iii) the synthesis of proinflammatory molecules by macrophages, and contribute to humans pathologies like atherosclerosis and tumor development.