Detection and partial characterization of antimutagenic compounds from white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) cephalothorax

Mutations are the result of effects produced by mutagenic agents, which may be responsible for the generation of chronic-degenerative diseases such as cancer. The aim of this work was to detect and characterize compounds with antimutagenic activity in white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) cephalothorax. A serial extraction was carried out where different organic solvents, and its biological activity was evaluated. The antioxidant capacity was evaluated by DPPH and ABTS assay, where the methanol and water-soluble extracts had the highest antioxidant capacity. Antimutagenicity was evaluated by the Ames test, where the methanol-soluble extract showed the highest antimutagenic activity. The methanolic extract was fractionated by open column chromatography, the fractions obtained were determined antioxidant and antimutagenic activity and the ability to protect DNA from oxidative damage. Fraction H27 provided DNA the highest protection against the damage caused by H₂O₂. Partial chemical-characterization of fraction H27 suggests the presence of aromatic, hydroxylated, unsaturated compounds.