High dilutions of euphorbia tirucalli L. (aveloz) modify the viability and glycolytic metabolism of cell lines Altas Diluciones de Euphorbia tirucalli L. (arbusto de goma) modifican la viabilidad y metabolismo glucol -tico de l -neas celulares Altas dilui § μes de Euphorbia tirucalli L. (aveloz) modificam a viabilidade e o metabolismo glicol -tico de linhas celulares

The latex of Euphorbia tirucalli L. (Aveloz) is popularly used to treat cancers from diverse sources such as: breast, prostate, lung and kidney. Furthermore, high dilutions of this latex (latex-HDs) have been successfully used in the treatment of tumors, although the mechanisms involved in this antitumoral activity are not yet known. The present study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic effects of latex-HDs in 2 human cell lines, including non-tumoral melanocytes (MelanA line) and human breast cancer cells (MCF7 line). Latex-HDs were obtained through the interaction of two procedures: 1:100 dilution in mass and agitation, using 2 solvents, water and 70% ethanol in homeopathic preparations 5, 15 and 30cH, following the Brazilian Homeopathic Pharmacopeia. Cell lines were incubated with 1 % and 10 % of latex-HDs for 24 hours. Controls treated with similar preparations without latex were incubated under the same conditions. Cell viability was analyzed by MTT assay and morphological features were assessed by May-Grunwald-Giemsa method. Cell ultrastructure was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. Metabolic alterations were detected by spectrophotometric assay for the enzyme 6-phosphofructo-1-kinase (PFK-1) activity. 1% of ethanolic latex-HDs induced no alterations in MelanA cells viability, however Aveloz 15cH induced an increase in MCF7 cells viability. After aqueous treatment, MelanA cells viability decreased in almost all systems, whereas in MCF7 cells, an increase was detected in dynamized water systems and Aveloz 15CH. However, only water 15cH increased cell viability in comparison to control and non-dynamized water. No alterations in MCF7 morphology and ultrastructure were visualized through light microscopy or electronic microscopy, respectively. Interesting results were detected when we studied the glycolytic metabolism of both cells, giving support to evidences showing that HDs interfere in the metabolism of cell lines. Further studies are needed to better understand the mechanisms involved in this in vitro biological response to HDs. Keywords: Euphorbia tirucalli L.; Aveloz; PFK-1; High Dilutions; Cell metabolism. Altas dilui § μes de Euphorbia tirucalli L. (aveloz) modificam a viabilidade e o metabolismo glicol -tico de linhas celulares Resumo O l tex de Ephorbia tirucalli L. (aveloz) usado popularmente no tratamento de diversos tipos de c ￠ncer incluindo mama, pr 3stata, pulm ￡o e rim. Al m do mais, altas dilui § μes desse l tex (latex-HDs) t am sido utilizadas com sucesso no tratamento de tumores, e