Dopaminergic and serotoninergic systems as preferential targets of the pyrethroid tefluthrin exposure in the rat brain

The monoaminergic systems dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) play important roles in neuromodulation, such as motor control, cognitive, affective, and neuroendocrine functions. In the present research study, we addressed the hypothesis that exposure to Type I pyrethroid tefluthrin may specifically target the dopaminergic and serotoninergic systems. Tefluthrin could modify brain monoamine neurotransmitters, DA and 5-HT levels as well as dopaminergic and serotoninergic signaling pathways. Adult male Wistar rats were treated with tefluthrin [2.2, 4.4 and 5.5 mg/kg bw, equivalent to 1/10, 1/5 and 1/4 of the acute oral rat lethal dose 50 (LD50) value] by oral gavage, six days. After last dose of tefluthrin, DA and 5-HT and metabolites levels were determined in brain regions (striatum, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex and hypothalamus). Tefluthrin induced a decrease of DA, 5-HT and metabolites contents, in a brain regional- and dose-related manner. The major decreases in DA and 5-HT contents were observed in prefrontal cortex tissue. Here, we studied that in vivo exposure to tefluthrin may alter DA and 5-HT neurotransmission in prefrontal cortex. Transcripts related to (i) dopaminergic [dopamine transporter 1 (Dat1), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopamine receptors (Drd1, Drd2)], (ii) serotoninergic [serotonin transporter (SERT), tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2), serotonin receptors (5-HT1A, 5-HT2A)] and (iii) DA and 5-HT degradation [monoamine oxidases (MAOA, MAOB)] signaling pathways were investigated. Results showed that tefluthrin induced down-regulation of transcripts responsible for the synthesis and action of DA (TH, Drd1, Drd2) and 5-HT (SERT, TPH2). In contrast, tefluthrin treatment induced up-regulation of genes involved in DA transporter (Dat1), 5-HT receptors (5-HT1A, 5-HT2A) and monoamine oxidases (MAOA, MAOB). Given the integral roles of mitochondrial dysfunction and dopaminergic and serotoninergic alterations as hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases, our data suggest that tefluthrin may be a candidate for pesticides contributing to neurodegenerative disorders pathogenesis by causing damage to the DA and 5-HT systems.

Antimicrobial sensitisers: Gatekeepers to avoid the development of multidrug-resistant bacteria

The resistance of multidrug-resistant bacteria to existing antibiotics forces the continued development of new antibiotics and antibacterial agents, but the high costs and long timeframe involved in the development of new agents renders the hope that existing antibiotics may again play a part. The "antibiotic adjuvant" is an indirect antibacterial strategy, but its vague concept has, in the past, limited the development speed of related drugs. In this review article, we put forward an accurate concept of a "non-self-antimicrobial sensitisers (NSAS)", to distinguish it from an "antibiotic adjuvant", and then discuss several scientific methods to restore bacterial sensitivity to antibiotics, and the sources and action mechanism of existing NSAS, in order to guide the development and further research of NSAS.

Oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage in lambda-cyhalothrin toxicity: A comprehensive review of antioxidant mechanisms

Lambda-cyhalothrin, also known as cyhalothrin, is an efficient, broad-spectrum, quick-acting pyrethroid insecticide and acaricide and the most powerful pyrethroid insecticide in the world. However, there is increasing evidence that lambda-cyhalothrin is closely related to a variety of toxicity drawbacks (hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity and reproductive toxicity, among others) in non-target organisms, and oxidative stress seems to be the main mechanism of toxicity. This manuscript reviews the oxidative and mitochondrial damage induced by lambda-cyhalothrin and the signalling pathways involved in this process, indicating that oxidative stress occupies an important position in lambda-cyhalothrin toxicity. The mechanism of antioxidants to alleviate the toxicity of lambda-cyhalothrin is also discussed. In addition, the metabolites of lambda-cyhalothrin and the major metabolic enzymes involved in metabolic reactions are summarized. This review article reveals a key mechanism of lambda-cyhalothrin toxicity-oxidative damage and suggests that the use of antioxidants seems to be an effective method for preventing toxicity.

Oxidative stress, the blood-brain barrier and neurodegenerative diseases: The critical beneficial role of dietary antioxidants

In recent years, growing awareness of the role of oxidative stress in brain health has prompted antioxidants, especially dietary antioxidants, to receive growing attention as possible treatments strategies for patients with neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). The most widely studied dietary antioxidants include active substances such as vitamins, carotenoids, flavonoids and polyphenols. Dietary antioxidants are found in usually consumed foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and oils and are gaining popularity due to recently growing awareness of their potential for preventive and protective agents against NDs, as well as their abundant natural sources, generally non-toxic nature, and ease of long-term consumption. This review article examines the role of oxidative stress in the development of NDs, explores the 'two-sidedness' of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) as a protective barrier to the nervous system and an impeding barrier to the use of antioxidants as drug medicinal products and/or dietary antioxidants supplements for prevention and therapy and reviews the BBB permeability of common dietary antioxidant suplements and their potential efficacy in the prevention and treatment of NDs. Finally, current challenges and future directions for the prevention and treatment of NDs using dietary antioxidants are discussed, and useful information on the prevention and treatment of NDs is provided.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) as a functional food: Is it beneficial or not?

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has attracted great attention in recent years as a popular class of functional food that is broadly used. It refers to a group of geometric and positional isomers of linoleic acid (LA) with a conjugated double bond. The main natural sources of CLA are dairy products, beef and lamb, whereas only trace amounts occur naturally in plant lipids. CLA has been shown to improve various health issues, having effects on obesity, inflammatory, anti-carcinogenicity, atherogenicity, immunomodulation, and osteosynthesis. Also, compared to studies on humans, many animal researches reveal more positive benefits on health. CLA represents a nutritional avenue to improve lifestyle diseases and metabolic syndrome. Most of these effects are attributed to the two major CLA isomers [conjugated linoleic acid cis-9,trans-11 isomer (c9,t11), and conjugated linoleic acid trans-10,cis-12 isomer (t10,c12)], and their mixture (CLA mix). In contrast, adverse effects of CLA have been also reported, such as glucose homeostasis, insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis and induction of colon carcinogenesis in humans, as well as milk fat inhibition in ruminants, lowering chicken productivity, influencing egg quality and altering growth performance in fish. This review article aims to discuss the health benefits of CLA as a nutraceutical supplement and highlight the possible mechanisms of action that may contribute to its outcome. It also outlines the feasible adverse effects of CLA besides summarizing the recent peer-reviewed publications on CLA to ensure its efficacy and safety for proper application in humans.

Cancer Metabolism: The Role of ROS in DNA Damage and Induction of Apoptosis in Cancer Cells

Cancer is a huge challenge for people worldwide. High reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels are a recognized hallmark of cancer and an important aspect of cancer treatment research. Abnormally elevated ROS levels are often attributable to alterations in cellular metabolic activities and increased oxidative stress, which affects both the development and maintenance of cancer. Moderately high levels of ROS are beneficial to maintain tumor cell genesis and development, while toxic levels of ROS have been shown to be an important force in destroying cancer cells. ROS has become an important anticancer target based on the proapoptotic effect of toxic levels of ROS. Therefore, this review summarizes the role of increased ROS in DNA damage and the apoptosis of cancer cells caused by changes in cancer cell metabolism, as well as various anticancer therapies targeting ROS generation, in order to provide references for cancer therapies based on ROS generation.

Bifurcaria bifurcata extract exerts antioxidant effects on human Caco-2 cells

The present research study investigated the potential protective effect of Bifurcaria bifurcata extract on cell viability and antioxidant defences of cultured human Caco-2 cells submitted to oxidative stress induced by tert-butylhydroperoxide (tert-BOOH). Aqueous extracts were firstly characterized in terms of total phenolic contents. Concentrations of reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA), generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO) production, antioxidant enzymes activities [NADPH quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1) and glutathione S-transferase (GST)], caspase 3/7 activity and gene expression linked to apoptosis, proinflammation and oxidative stress signaling pathways were used as markers of cellular oxidative status. B. bifurcata extract prevented the cytotoxicity, the decrease of GSH, the increase of MDA levels and the ROS generation induced by tert-BOOH. B. bifurcata extract prevented the significant decrease of NQO1 and GST activities, and the significant increase of caspase 3/7 activity induced by tert-BOOH. B. bifurcata extract also caused an over-expression of GSTM2, Nrf2 and AKT1 transcriptors, as well as reduced ERK1, JNK1, Bax, BNIP3, NFκB1, IL-6 and HO-1 gene expressions induced by tert-BOOH suggesting an increase in cellular resistance against oxidative stress. The results of the biomarkers analyzed show that treatment of Caco-2 cells with B. bifurcata extract enhance antioxidant defences, which imply an improved cell response to an oxidative challenge. B. bifurcata extract possesses strong antioxidant properties and may be a potential effective alternative to oxidant agents in the functional food industry.

The potential of CD38 protein as a target for autoimmune diseases

Cluster of differentiation 38 (CD38) is a multifunctional cell surface protein involved in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) homeostasis in types of cells and tissues, which can be found in many immune cells and non-immune cells. Previous studies have shown that CD38 plays an important role in regulating innate immunity. Recently, many studies have revealed the importance of CD38 in autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), multiple sclerosis (MS), type 1 diabetes (T1D) and inflammatory bowel disease, among others. In this report, we will briefly discuss the complex immunological functions of CD38 and focus on recent advances in the role of CD38 in the development and pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, as well as their potential as therapeutic targets for systemic diseases, intending to make a comprehensive understanding of CD38 and its promising therapeutic potential in these systemic diseases.

The "steric-like" inhibitory effect and mechanism of doxycycline on florfenicol metabolism: Interaction risk

Most of the studies on doxycycline (DOX) and florfenicol (FF) remain focused on the improvement of antimicrobial activity and antimicrobial spectrum, and there is no relevant report on whether there is interaction between the two drugs after the combination. This research study evaluated the effect of DOX on FF metabolism in vitro and its mechanisms. The findings of this study showed that DOX inhibits FF metabolism in two ways. Firstly, DOX significantly inhibits the expression of CYP3A29, leading to the slower metabolism of FF; secondly, DOX affects the binding of FF to R106 and R372 by competing for the R372 and/or by a "steric-like effect", thus slowing down FF metabolism, which may increase the residual concentration of FF in edible tissues of food producing animals.

Tefluthrin: metabolism, food residues, toxicity, and mechanisms of action

Tefluthrin is a Type I pyrethroid insecticide widely used all over the world. Residues of tefluthrin in various agricultural and animal-derived products may be related to potential human health risks. Tefluthrin metabolism in mammals involves hydrolysis of the ester bond to form cyclopropane acid and 4-methylbenzyl alcohol moieties, followed by oxidation. In this review manuscript, we provide crucial information regarding the toxicity of pyrethroids and propose natural antioxidants for amelioration poisoning in humans and animals. We call for the rational use of tefluthrin as an agrochemical product and for greater attention to the residual toxicity caused by tefluthrin in primary and succeeding crops. This greater attention is required given the global use of tefluthrin.

Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase protects against deoxynivalenol-induced growth inhibition by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokine expression

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is an inevitable contaminant in cereals for infants. Indeed, children's growth retardation caused by widespread DON pollution has become a global problem that cannot be ignored. Accumulating evidence has shown that DON stunts growth in children through pro-inflammatory cytokines. An exogenous increase of methylnicotinamide, a metabolite produced by nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), has anti-inflammatory effects, but it is not clear whether NNMT has the same effect, and the role of NNMT in DON-induced inflammation and growth impairment remains indistinct. The present research reports that NNMT is an inflammatory self-protective factor in DON-exposed L02 cells. DON promoted the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, DON increased NNMT to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-11 and IL-6, and thus increased IGF-1 and cell viability, alleviating the cell growth inhibition induced by DON. Interestingly, NNMT negatively regulated the expression of IL-1β through Sirtuin type 1 (SIRT1). Collectively, these findings provide new mechanistic insights into the toxicity of DON-induced growth retardation and inflammatory responses in children.

Toxicity induced by ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin: oxidative stress and metabolism

Ciprofloxacin (CIP) (human use) and enrofloxacin (ENR) (veterinary use) are synthetic anti-infectious medications that belong to the second generation of fluoroquinolones. They have a wide antimicrobial spectrum and strong bactericidal effects at very low concentrations via enzymatic inhibition of DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, which are required for DNA replication. They also have high bioavailability, rapid absorption with favorable pharmacokinetics and excellent tissue penetration, including cerebral spinal fluid. These features have made them the most applied antibiotics in both human and veterinary medicine. ENR is marketed exclusively for animal medicine and has been widely used as a therapeutic veterinary antibiotic, resulting in its residue in edible tissues and aquatic environments, as well as the development of resistance and toxicity. Estimation of the risks to humans due to antimicrobial resistance produced by CIP and ENR is important and of great interest. Moreover, in rare cases due to their overdose and/or prolonged administration, the development of CIP and ENR toxicity may occur. The toxicity of these fluoroquinolones antimicrobials is mainly related to reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress (OS) generation, besides metabolism-related toxicity. Therefore, CIP is restricted in pregnant and lactating women, pediatrics and elderly similarly ENR do in the veterinary field. This review manuscript aims to identify the toxicity induced by ROS and OS as a common sequel of CIP and ENR. Furthermore, their metabolism and the role of metabolizing enzymes were reported.

Oxidative Stress and Metabolism: A Mechanistic Insight for Glyphosate Toxicology

Glyphosate (GLYP) is a widely used pesticide; it is considered to be a safe herbicide for animals and humans because it targets 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase. However, there has been increasing evidence that GLYP causes varying degrees of toxicity. Moreover, oxidative stress and metabolism are highly correlated with toxicity. This review provides a comprehensive introduction to the toxicity of GLYP and, for the first time, systematically summarizes the toxicity mechanism of GLYP from the perspective of oxidative stress, including GLYP-mediated oxidative damage, changes in antioxidant status, altered signaling pathways, and the regulation of oxidative stress by exogenous substances. In addition, the metabolism of GLYP is discussed, including metabolites,metabolic pathways, metabolic enzymes, and the toxicity of metabolites. This review provides new ideas for the toxicity mechanism of GLYP and proposes effective strategies for reducing its toxicity.

FARMACOCINÉTICA Y BIODISPONIBILIDAD ABSOLUTA DE MARBOFLOXACINA EN BÚFALOS (Bubalus bubalis)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetic behaviour and the absolute bioavailability of marbofloxacin (MFX) in adult water buffaloes and to estimate the pharmacokinetic parameters for calculating the therapeutic dose in this animal species. Six adult buffaloes (3 males and 3 females) where treated by intravenous (IV) and subcutaneous (SC) route with a 10% experimental MFX injectable formulation at the dose of 2 mg/kg. After administration blood samples were drawn at pre-established times and MFX plasma concentrations where determined by microbiologic method. The pharmacokinetic analysis was made by compartmental analysis. After IV administration MFX presented a clearance of 198.4 ± 21.0 mL.kg.h and a half-life of elimination of 7.64 ± 3.29 h. After SC administration marbofloxacin presented a half-life of elimination of 8.5 ± 2.42 h, reaching it maximum plasma concentration (1.67 ± 0.516 μg/mL) at 1.69 ± 0.231 h, with a bioavailability of 80.8 ± 11.2 %. The estimated values of clearance and bioavailability will be employed in further studies for calculating the therapeutic dose of MFX in water buffaloes.    

A proposed "steric-like effect" for the slowdown of enrofloxacin antibiotic metabolism by ciprofloxacin, and its mechanism

The results of monitoring over the years have shown that the mixing and coexistence of various low-level antibiotic residual pollutants has increased significantly, among which, the problems of enrofloxacin (ENR) and ciprofloxacin (CIP) were more prominent. At present, research studies on the metabolism of ENR or CIP are focused on the individual drugs, and there is no relevant research reporting on the effect of the combination of the two antibiotics on the metabolism of ENR. This research study evaluated the effect of CIP on ENR metabolism in pigs and its mechanism in vivo and in vitro. The results showed that CIP changed the pharmacokinetics of ENR through the inhibition of CYP3A29 and the "steric-like effect" of ENR binding to CYP3A29, which increased the residual concentration of ENR in pigs, a result that requires an extension of the withdrawal period. In order to ensure human health, the combined use of these two drugs, CIP and ENR, must be avoided in veterinary medicine in food producing animals.

Interaction Between Florfenicol and Doxycycline Involving Cytochrome P450 3A in Goats (Capra hricus)

When two drugs are combined, drug-drug interactions (DDI) often occur. Metabolic DDI usually occur due to inhibition of the metabolism of one drug by the other. This leads to an increase in the plasma concentration of the drug whose metabolism is inhibited. The objective of this research study was to verify the DDI risk of two antibacterial, florfenicol (FF) and doxycycline (DOX) due to metabolism. Because food containing residues of any pharmacologically active substance could potentially constitute a public health hazard, we selected a food producing animal, goat, goat liver microsomes and recombinant metabolic enzymes, for in vivo and in vitro metabolism studies. In vitro experiments showed that CYP3A was the key enzyme subfamily in FF metabolism, DOX slowed down FF metabolism and R440 was possibly the key amino acid in the metabolic interaction between FF and DOX. In vivo studies in the goats showed that DOX inhibited up-regulation of CYP3A24 gene expression produced by FF; in liver and kidney, DOX slightly slowed down FF metabolism. Quantitative prediction of DDI risk suggest that when DOX is used in combination with FF in veterinary medicine, may result in a clinical significant increase of FF plasma and tissue concentrations, resulting a prevalence of harmful tissue residues of medicinal products in the food chain. Through our experimentation, when DOX is used in combination with FF, the withdrawal period of FF in the kidney was extended by 1 day. Otherwise, an appropriate withdrawal period (20 days) of FF was established for FF and DOX combined use to ensure that the animal can be safely slaughtered for food.

The NO-dependent caspase signaling pathway is a target of deoxynivalenol in growth inhibition in vitro

DON is commonly found in foods and feeds; it presents health risks, especially an increase of growth inhibition in humans, particularly infants and young children. However, there are relatively few research studies devoted to the mechanism of DON-mediated growth retardation. Interestingly, our results showed that DON does not cause any significant production of ROS but results in a persistent and significant release of NO with iNOS increasing activity, mitochondrial ultrastructural changes and decreasing ΔΨm. Moreover, the significant decreases in GH production and secretion induced by DON were dose-dependent, accompanied by an increase of caspase 3, 8 and 9, IL-11, IL-lβ and GHRH. NO scavenging agent (haemoglobin) and free radical scavenging agent (N-acetylcysteine) partially reversed mitochondrial damage, and Z-VAD-FMK increased the levels of GH and decreased the levels of caspase 3, 8 and 9, while haemoglobin decreased the levels of caspase 3, 8 and 9, indicating that NO is the primary target of DON-mediated inhibition. Present research study firstly demonstrated that NO is a key mediator of DON-induced growth inhibition and plays critical roles in the interference of GH transcription and synthesis. The current research is conducive to future research on the molecular mechanisms of DON-induced growth inhibition in humans, especially children.

Brown marine algae Gongolaria baccata extract protects Caco-2 cells from oxidative stress induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide

Gongolaria baccata (S.G. Gmelin) is marine brown seaweed mainly found on the coasts of the Baltic Sea south to the Mediterranean Sea, Canary Islands, Mauritania and Western Sahara. Herein, we report the cell viability and protective effects attributed to molecular mechanisms underlying antioxidant response to survive oxidative stress injuries. Caco-2 cells were submitted to oxidative stress by treatment with tert-butylhydroperoxide (tert-BOOH). The extract prevented cell damage and enhanced activity of antioxidant defenses (NQO1 and GST activities and GSH levels) reduced by treatment with tert-BOOH. The increases of MDA levels, the amount of intracellular ROS and caspase 3/7 activity induced by tert-BOOH were prevented when cells were treated with the G. baccata extract. Moreover, G. baccata extract caused up-regulation of GSTM2, Nrf2, and AKT1 gene expressions, as well as G. baccata extract reduced significantly Bax, BNIP3, APAF1, ERK1, JNK1, MAPK1, P38, P53, NFκB1, TNFα, IL-6, IL-1β and HO-1 gene expressions related to apoptosis, proinflammation and oxidative stress induced by tert-BOOH. These results suggest that G.baccata extract protected the cells against oxidative damage and inflammation; protective effects that could be linked to their bioactive constituents. Hence, this brown seaweed G.baccata extract could be used for the development of functional foods and/or nutraceuticals.

MS4A3-HSP27 target pathway reveals potential for haematopoietic disorder treatment in alimentary toxic aleukia

Alimentary toxic aleukia (ATA) is correlated with consuming grains contaminated by Fusarium species, particularly T-2 toxin, which causes serious hurt to human and animal health, chiefly in disorders of the haematopoietic system. However, the mechanism of haematopoietic dysfunction induced by T-2 toxin and the possible target pathway for the treatment of T-2 toxin-induced haematopoietic disorder of ATA remains unclear. In this study, genomes and proteomics were used for the first time to investigate the key differential genes and proteins that inhibit erythroid differentiation of K562 cells caused by T-2 toxin, and it was found that heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) and membrane-spanning 4-domains, subfamily A, member 3 (MS4A3) may play an important role in erythroid differentiation. Meanwhile, MS4A3 interference can inhibit the occurrence of erythroid differentiation of K562 cells and promote the phosphorylation of HSP27. Moreover, the binding of HSP27 to MS4A3 in natural state can activate the phosphorylation site of HSP27 (Ser-83), while T-2 toxin can abolish the activation of phosphorylation site by inhibiting the expression of MS4A3. These findings for the first time demonstrated that the MS4A3-HSP27 pathway may function an efficient therapeutic target pathway for treating T-2 toxin elicited haematopoietic disorders of ATA.

A "Janus" face of the RASSF4 signal in cell fate

RASSF4 (Ras-association domain family 4) is a protein-coding gene, regarded as a tumor suppressor regulated by DNA methylation. However, RASSF4 acts as a "Janus" in cell fate: death and survival. This review article focuses on the regulatory mechanisms of RASSF4 on cell death and cell survival and puts forward a comprehensive analysis of the relevant signaling pathways. The participation of RASSF4 in the regulation of intracellular store-operated Ca²⁺ entry also affects cell survival. Moreover, the mechanism of inducing abnormal expression of RASSF4 was summarized. We highlight recent advances in our knowledge of RASSF4 function in the development of cancer and other clinical diseases, which may provide insight into the controversial functions of RASSF4 and its potential application in disease therapy.

Environmental impact assessment of COVID-19 therapeutic solutions. A prospective analysis

Several medicinal products for human use are currently under consideration as potential treatment for COVID-19 pandemic. As proposals cover also prophylactic use, the treatment could be massive, resulting in unprecedent levels of antiviral emissions to the aquatic environment. We have adapted previous models and used available information for predicting the environmental impact of representative medicinal products, covering the main groups under consideration: multitarget antiparasitic (chloroquines and ivermectin), glucocorticoids, macrolide antibiotics and antiviral drugs including their pharmacokinetic boosters. The retrieved information has been sufficient for conducting a conventional environmental risk assessment for the group of miscellaneous medicines; results suggest low concern for the chloroquines and dexamethasone while very high impact for ivermectin and azithromycin, even at use levels well below the default value of 1% of the population. The information on the ecotoxicity of the antiviral medicines is very scarce, thus we have explored an innovative pharmacodynamic-based approach, combining read-across, quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR), US EPA's Toxicity Forecaster (ToxCast) in vitro data, pharmacological modes of action, and the observed adverse effects. The results highlight fish sublethal effects as the most sensitive target and identify possible concerns. These results offer guidance for minimizing the environmental risk of treatment medication for COVID-19.

Cannabis, Cannabidiol Oils and Tetrahydrocannabinol-What Do Veterinarians Need to Know?

As cannabis-derived products have become more available, veterinarians are seeing more cases of toxicosis. In addition, animal owners are having an increasing interest in using these products for their pets. This review looks at the situation in Europe and North America, the different types of cannabis and cannabis-derived products with historical examples of use in animals, and the cannabis industry. The existing regulatory framework for use in humans and animals as medicines and/or supplements was examined. Finally, a review of the clinical indications for which medicinal cannabis is authorised, a discussion of toxicosis, and recommendations and warnings around medical cannabis use are presented.

Synthetic phenolic antioxidants: Metabolism, hazards and mechanism of action

Synthetic phenolic antioxidants can interact with peroxides produced by food. This paper reviews correlation between BHA, BHT and TBHQ metabolism and harms they cause and provides a theoretical basis for rational use of BHA, BHT and TBHQ in food, and also put some attention on the transformation and metabolic products of PG. We introduce BHA, BHT, TBHQ, PG and their possible metabolic pathways, and discuss possible harms and their specific mechanisms responsible. Excessive addition or incorrect use of synthetic phenolic antioxidants results in carcinogenicity, cytotoxicity, oxidative stress induction and endocrine disrupting effects, which warrant attention. BHA carcinogenicity is related to production of metabolites TBHQ and TQ, and cytotoxic effect of BHA is the main cause of apoptosis induction. BHT carcinogenicity depends on DNA damage degree, and tumour promotion is mainly related to production of quinone methylation metabolites. TBHQ carcinogenicity is related to induction of metabolite TQ and enzyme CYP1A1.

Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamic Efficacy Prediction Indexes and Monte Carlo Simulations of Enrofloxacin Hydrochloride Against Bacterial Strains That Induce Common Clinical Diseases in Broiler Chickens

Pharmacokinetic parameters and efficacy prediction indexes (C_max/MIC₉₀ and AUC₀₋₂₄/MIC₉₀) of an enrofloxacin hydrochloride (ENR-HCl) veterinary product soluble in water were determined in healthy broiler chickens of both sexes after a single oral dose of ENR-HCl (equivalent to 10 mg ENR base/kg bw). Monte Carlo simulations targeting C_max/MIC₉₀ = 10 and AUC₀₋₂₄/MIC₉₀ =125 were also performed based on a set of MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) values of bacterial strains that induce common clinical diseases in broiler chickens and that showed to be susceptible to ENR-HCl. Plasma concentrations of ENR and its main metabolite ciprofloxacin (CIP) were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Plasma concentration-time curves were found to fit a non-compartmental open model. The ratio of the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) of CIP/ENR was 4.91%. Maximum plasma concentrations of 1.35 ± 0.15 μg/mL for ENR-HCl and 0.09 ± 0.01 μg/mL for CIP were reached at 4.00 ± 0.00 h and 3.44 ± 1.01 h, respectively. Areas under the plasma vs. time concentration curve in 24 h (AUC₀₋₂₄) were 18.91 ± 1.91 h × μg/mL and 1.19 ± 0.12 h × μg/mL for ENR-HCl and CIP, respectively. Using a microbroth dilution method, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC₉₀) values were determined for ENR-HCl for 10 bacterial strains (Mycoplasma gallisepticum, Mycoplasma synoviae, Avibacterium paragallinarum, Clostridium perfringens, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella ser. Enteritidis, Salmonella ser. Gallinarum, Salmonella ser. Pullorum, and Salmonella ser. Typhimurium), which are the most common causes of infectious clinical diseases in broiler chickens. In summary, the PK/PD ratios and Monte Carlo simulation were carried out for ENR-HCl in poultry, which due to its solubility was administered in drinking water. The PK/PD efficacy prediction indexes and Monte Carlo simulations indicated that the ENR-HCl oral dose used in this study is useful for bacterial infections in treating C. perfringens (Gram-positive), E. coli and S. ser. Enteritidis (Gram-negative) and M. gallisepticum bacteria responsible for systemic infections in poultry, predicting a success rate of 100% when MIC ≤ 0.06 μg/mL for E. coli and S. ser. Enteritidis and MIC ≤ 0.1 μg/mL for M. gallisepticum. For C. perfringens, the success rate was 98.26% for MIC ≤ 0.12. However, clinical trials are needed to confirm this recommendation.

The role of long noncoding RNA in lipid, cholesterol, and glucose metabolism and treatment of obesity syndrome

Obesity syndromes, characterized by abnormal lipid, cholesterol, and glucose metabolism, are detrimental to human health and cause many diseases, including obesity and type II diabetes. Increasing evidence has shown that long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides that are not translated into proteins, play an important role in regulating abnormal metabolism in obesity syndromes. For the first time, we systematically summarize how lncRNA is involved in complex obesity metabolic syndromes, including the regulation of lipid, cholesterol, and glucose metabolism. Moreover, we discuss lncRNA involvement in food intake that mediates obesity syndromes. Furthermore, this review might shed new light on a lncRNA-based strategy for the prevention and treatment of obesity syndromes. Recent investigations support that lncRNA is a novel molecular target of obesity syndromes and should be emphasized. Namely, lncRNA plays a crucial role in the development of obesity syndrome process. Various lncRNAs are involved in the process of lipid, cholesterol, and glucose metabolism by regulating gene transcription, signaling pathway, and epigenetic modification of metabolism-related genes, proteins, and enzymes. Food intake could also induce abnormal expression of lncRNA associated with obesity syndrome, especially high-fat diet. Notably, some nanomolecules and natural extracts may target lncRNAs, associated with obesity syndrome, as a potential treatment for obesity syndromes.

Targeting peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors: A new strategy for the treatment of cardiac fibrosis

Cardiac fibrosis is a pathogenic factor of many cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which seriously affects people's life, and health and causes huge economic losses. Increasing evidence has shown that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) can regulate the progression of cardiac fibrosis. For the first time, this review systematically summarizes the literature on cardiac fibrosis from the perspective of PPARs from 2010 to 2020. Moreover, the role of each PPARs in cardiac fibrosis was clarified in this scientific revision from the perspectives of pharmacologically active substances, known agonists, natural extract compounds, and nucleic-acid-based drugs in different CVD models. Furthermore, the combination of multiple PPARs on the treatment of cardiac fibrosis is discussed. This scientific review provides new ideas for targeting PPARs in the treatment of cardiac fibrosis and provides strategies for the development of new, safe, and effective pharmacological antagonists against cardiac fibrosis based on PPAR activity.

Protective effects of culture extracts (CB08035-SCA and CB08035-SYP) from Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus (strain CB08035) against oxidant-induced stress in human colon carcinoma Caco-2 cells

The present study investigated the effect of culture extracts (CB08035-SCA and CB08035-SYP) from Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus (strain CB08035) on cell viability and the potential protective effects attributed to molecular mechanisms underlying antioxidant response to survive oxidative stress injuries. Caco-2 cells were submitted to oxidative stress by treatment with tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BOOH). Both extracts prevented cell damage and enhanced activity of antioxidant defenses (NQO1 and GST activities and GSH levels) reduced by treatment with t-BOOH. Increased ROS and caspase 3/7 activity induced by t-BOOH were dose-dependently prevented when cells were treated with the extracts. CB08035-SCA caused up-regulation of Nrf2, AKT1 and Bcl-2 gene expressions. Moreover, CB08035-SCA and CB08035-SYP treatments reduced significantly Bax, BNIP3, APAF1, ERK1, JNK1, MAPK1, NFκB1, TNFα, IL-6, IL-1β and HO-1 gene expressions of apoptosis, proinflammation and oxidative stress induced by t-BOOH. CB08035-SCA and CB08035-SYP CPE extracts confer a significant protection against oxidative insults to cells. Our results show that culture extracts CB08035-SCA and CB08035-SYP from M. hydrocarbonoclasticus (strain CB08035) appeared to have antioxidant potential, based on their ability to protect antioxidant enzymes and mRNA gene expressions linked to apoptosis/oxidative pathways. These results suggest that culture extracts CB08035-SCA and CB08035-SYP can be a potential ingredient in the pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical industries.

Epigenetic upregulation of galanin-like peptide mediates deoxynivalenol induced-growth inhibition in pituitary cells

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is an unavoidable contaminant in human food, animal feeds, and agricultural products. Growth retardation in children caused by extensive DON pollution has become a global problem that cannot be ignored. Previous studies have shown that DON causes stunting in children through intestinal dysfunction, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) axis disorder and peptide YY (PYY). Galanin-like peptide (GALP) is an important growth regulator, but its role in DON-induced growth retardation is unclear. In this study, we report the important role of GALP during DON-induced growth inhibition in the rat pituitary tumour cell line GH3. DON was found to increase the expression of GALP through hypomethylationin the promoter region of the GALP gene and upregulate the expression of proinflammatory factors, while downregulate the expression of growth hormone (GH). Furthermore, GALP overexpression promoted proinflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-11 and IL-6, and further reduced cell viability and cell proliferation, while the inhibitory effect of GALP was the opposite. The expression of GALP and insulin like growth factor binding protein acid labile subunit (IGFALS) showed the opposite trend, which was the potential reason for the regulation of cell proliferation by GALP. In addition, GALP has anti-apoptotic effects, which could not eliminate the inflammatory damage of cells, thus aggravating cell growth inhibition. The present findings provide new mechanistic insights into the toxicity of DON-induced growth retardation and suggest a therapeutic potential of GALP in DON-related diseases.

A novel strategy for the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, and chemoresistance of hepatocellular carcinoma: DNA methylation

The cancer mortality rate of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second highest in the world and the therapeutic options are limited. The incidence of this deadly cancer is rising at an alarming rate because of the high degree of resistance to chemo- and radiotherapy, lack of proper, and adequate vaccination to hepatitis B, and lack of consciousness and knowledge about the disease itself and the lifestyle of the people. DNA methylation and DNA methylation-induced epigenetic alterations, due to their potential reversibility, open the access to develop novel biomarkers and therapeutics for HCC. The contribution to these epigenetic changes in HCC development still has not been thoroughly summarized. Thus, it is necessary to better understand the new molecular targets of HCC epigenetics in HCC diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. This review elaborates on recent key findings regarding molecular biomarkers for HCC early diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Currently emerging epigenetic drugs for the treatment of HCC are summarized. In addition, combining epigenetic drugs with nonepigenetic drugs for HCC treatment is also mentioned. The molecular mechanisms of DNA methylation-mediated HCC resistance are reviewed, providing some insights into the difficulty of treating liver cancer and anticancer drug development.

Beauvericin: The beauty and the beast

Beauvericin (BEA) is a natural bioactive compound, with a dual nature. On the one hand, the peculiar characteristics of its molecule confer to BEA interesting properties, such as antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic, insecticidal and anticarcinogenic activities. On the other hand, it is a natural contaminant of food and feed commodities, and an emerging mycotoxin, but lacks a toxicological risk assessment evaluation for long term exposure. This review aims to provide a global and comprehensive overview on BEA from its biological activities, to its in vivo and in vitro toxicological effects covering the multifaceted nature of this substance.

The effects of combined intravenous cocaine and ethanol self-administration on the behavioral and amino acid profile of young adult rats

Under paradigms of combined intravenous cocaine and ethanol self-administration, the effects on behavior have been poorly explored. Numerous studies have found sex differences in amino acids profile and behavioral responses to each drug, yet few have focused on the interactions between cocaine and ethanol. The main objective of this work was to explore the acquisition and maintenance of intravenous self-administration behavior with a combination of cocaine and ethanol in male and female young adult rats. Likewise, the amino acids profile in blood plasma was quantified 48 hours after the last self-administration session. Male and female 52 days old Wistar rats were randomly assigned to one of 3 groups: i) saline control, ii) cocaine (1 mg/kg bodyweight/injection) and iii) cocaine and ethanol (1 mg + 133 mg/kg bodyweight/ injection). After 24 self-administration sessions carried out on a fixed-ratio-1 schedule, with a limit of 15 doses per session, 14 plasma amino acids were quantified by mean Capillary Electrophoresis technique. The curve of cocaine and ethanol combined self-administration was similar to that associated with cocaine administration alone, with females acquiring self-administration criterion before males. The self-administration of cocaine and ethanol altered the plasma concentration and relative ratios of the amino acid L-Tyrosine. In our intravenous self-administration model, females appeared more vulnerable to acquire abusive consumption of the cocaine and ethanol combination, which altered plasma L-Tyrosine levels.

Toxicologic evidence of developmental neurotoxicity of Type II pyrethroids cyfluthrin and alpha-cypermethrin in SH-SY5Y cells

We attempted to identify cellular mechanisms as an approach to screen chemicals for the potential to cause developmental neurotoxicity. We examine, in SH-SY5Y cells, whether apoptosis and oxidative stress via reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, caspase 3/7 activation, gene expression (Bax, Bcl-2, Casp-3, BNIP3, p53 and Nrf2) alterations and necrosis by release of cytosolic adenylate kinase (AK), underlie direct effects of the pyrethroids cyfluthrin and alpha-cypermethrin. We also determined transcriptional alterations of genes (TUBB3, NEFL, NEFH, GAP43, CAMK2A, CAMK2B, WNT3A, WNT5A, WNT7A, SYN1 and PIK3C3) linked to neuronal development and maturation. Our results indicate that cyfluthrin and alpha-cypermethrin have the ability to elicit concentration-dependent increases in AK release, cellular ROS production, caspase 3/7 activity and gene expression of apoptosis and oxidative stress mediators. Both pyrethroids caused changes in mRNA expression of key target genes linked to neuronal development. These changes might reflect in a subsequent neuronal dysfunction. Our study shows that SH-SY5Y cell line is a valuable in vitro model for predicting development neurotoxicity. Our research provides evidence that cyfluthrin and alpha-cypermethrin have the potential to act as developmental neurotoxic compounds. Additional information is needed to improve the utility of this in vitro model and/or better understand its predictive capability.

Use of human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells to evaluate glyphosate-induced effects on oxidative stress, neuronal development and cell death signaling pathways

Glyphosate-containing herbicides are the most used agrochemicals in the world. Their indiscriminate application raises some concerns regarding the possible health and environmental hazards. In this study, we investigated in human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y if oxidative stress, altered neurodevelopment and cell death pathways are involved in response to glyphosate and its metabolite aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) exposures. MTT and LDH assays were carried out to assess the glyphosate and AMPA cytotoxicity. Lipid peroxides measured as malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and caspase-Glo 3/7 activity were evaluated. The neuroprotective role of melatonin (MEL), Trolox, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and Sylibin against glyphosate- and AMPA-induced oxidative stress was examined. Glyphosate and AMPA effects on neuronal development related gene transcriptions, and gene expression profiling of cell death pathways by Real-Time PCR array were also investigated. Glyphosate (5 mM) and AMPA (10 mM) induced a significant increase in MDA levels, NO and ROS production and caspase 3/7 activity. Glyphosate exposure induced up-regulation of Wnt3a, Wnt5a, Wnt7a, CAMK2A, CAMK2B and down-regulation of GAP43 and TUBB3 mRNA expression involved in normal neural cell development. In relation to gene expression profiling of cell death pathways, of the 84 genes examined in cells a greater than 2-fold change was observed for APAF1, BAX, BCL2, CASP3, CASP7, CASP9, SYCP2, TNF, TP53, CTSB, NFκB1, PIK3C3, SNCA, SQSTMT, HSPBAP1 and KCNIPI mRNA expression for glyphosate and AMPA exposures. These gene expression data can help to define neurotoxic mechanisms of glyphosate and AMPA. Our results demonstrated that glyphosate and AMPA induced cytotoxic effects on neuronal development, oxidative stress and cell death via apoptotic, autophagy and necrotic pathways and confirmed that glyphosate environmental exposure becomes a concern. This study demonstrates that SH-SY5Y cell line could be considered an in vitro system for pesticide screening.

Oxidative stress and related gene expression effects of cyfluthrin in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells: Protective effect of melatonin

This study was designed to assess oxidative stress induction in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells in response to cyfluthrin exposure. Cell viability MTT assay was carried out to assess cyfluthrin cytotoxicity; IC₃₀ and IC₅₀ values for cyfluthrin were calculated to be 4.81 ± 0.92 μM and 19.39 ± 3.44 μM, respectively. Cyfluthrin induced a significant increase in ROS generation, lipid peroxides measured as malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) production and a significant decrease in NQO1 activity. The antioxidant activity of melatonin (MEL), Trolox, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and Sylibin against cyfluthrin-induced oxidative stress was examined. Cyfluthrin increased significantly gene expressions of apoptosis, proinflammation and oxidative stress (Bax, Bcl-2, Casp-3, BNIP3, AKT1, p53, APAF1, NFκB1, TNFα and Nrf2) mediators. In the most genes, the mRNA levels induced by cyfluthrin were partially reduced by MEL (1 μM). Cyfluthrin effects on gene expression profiling of oxidative stress pathway by Real-Time PCR array analysis showed that of the 84 genes examined, (fold change > 1.5) changes in mRNA levels were detected in 31 genes: 13 upregulated and 18 down-regulated. A fold change >3.0 fold was observed on upregulated CYBB, DUOX1, DUOX2, AOX1, BNIP3, HSPA1A, NOS2, and NQO1 genes. The greater fold change reversion (2.5 fold) by MEL (1 μM) was observed on cyfluthrin-upregulated CYBB, AOX1, BNIP3 and NOS2 genes. These results demonstrated that oxidative stress is a key element in cyfluthrin induced neurotoxicity as well as MEL may play a role in reducing cyfluthrin-induced oxidative stress.

Palm Oil on the Edge

Internationally recognized Spanish experts in the food industry, nutrition, toxicology, sustainability, and veterinary science met in Madrid on July 2018 to develop a consensus about palm oil (PO) as a food ingredient. Their aim was to provide a useful, evidence-based point of reference about PO. Scientific evidence about the role of PO in food safety, nutrition and sustainability was analyzed. Main conclusions were: (1) RSPO foundation responded to the environmental impact of palm crops. The Amsterdam Declaration pursues the use of 100% sustainable PO in Europe by 2020. Awareness about choosing sustainable products will help to maintain local economies and environments in the producing countries; (2) evidence shows that a moderate intake of PO within a healthy diet presents no risks for health. No evidence justifies any change fat intake recommendations; (3) food industry is interested in assuring safe, sustainable and high-quality products. The use of certified sustainable PO is increasing; and (4) there is no evidence associating PO consumption and higher cancer risk, incidence or mortality in humans. Tolerable daily intake (TDI) for toxic contaminants (2-and 3-monochloropropanediols (MCPDs), glycidyl esters (GEs)) have been established by JECFA and EFSA. Consequently, the European Commission has modified the Contaminants Regulation for GEs and it is still working on 3-MCPDs'.

Development and validation of an analytical method for the determination of 17β-estradiol residues in muscle of tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum Cuvier, 1818) by LC-MS/MS and its application in samples from a fish sexual reversion study

Tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum Cuvier, 1818) is the main native fish species farmed in Brazil, and 17β-estradiol (E₂) is a natural steroid hormone commonly used for the production of female fish monosex population, which, in tambaqui, shows a higher growth rate than the male. Thus, to assess whether the fish meat of treated tambaqui contains hormonal residue levels, a high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the determination of E₂ residues in fish muscle was developed and validated. A QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe) dispersive solid phase extraction method was used for the sample preparation. The chromatographic separation was performed in a Poroshel EC-18 reverse phase column. The mobile phase was a mixture of acetonitrile with 0.01% ammonium hydroxide (A) and water with 0.01% ammonium hydroxide (B). The ratio of A:B phases was 60:40 (v/v) used in an isocratic mode. The method validation was performed according to Commission Decision 2002/657/EC and Veterinary International Conference Harmonization (VICH GL49). Since matrix effects were observed, matrix-matched analytical curves are recommended for quantitation. The linearity, selectivity, intraday and interday precision, accuracy, decision limit, detection capability, and detection and quantitation limits of the method are reported. The limits of detection and quantitation were 0.3 ng/g and 1.0 ng/g, respectively. At these limits and slaughtering fish 7 months after the end of the treatment, the muscle of tambaqui did not show detectable hormone residue level. Thus, consumption of tambaqui edible tissue from fish treated with E₂ for the purpose of sexual reversion is unlikely to represent a risk associated with the exposure of human subjects as residue levels of this hormone are not detected in the fish muscle.

Optimization of florfenicol dose against Piscirickettsia salmonis in Salmo salar through PK/PD studies

Salmonid Rickettsial Septicemia (SRS) is the disease of greatest economic importance in the Chilean salmon farming industry, causing high mortality in fish during the final stage of their productive cycle at sea. Since current, commercially available vaccines have not demonstrated the expected efficacy levels, antimicrobials, most commonly florfenicol, are still the main resource for the treatment and control of this pathogen. The aim of this study was to determine the most appropriate single dose of florfenicol, administered through medicated feed, for the treatment of Piscirickettsia salmonis (P. salmonis), using pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) models. Previously, Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) of florfenicol were determined for 87 P. salmonis isolates in order to define the epidemiological cut-off point (CO_WT). The most commonly observed MIC was 0.125 μg mL^-1 (83.7%). The CO_WT value was 0.25 μg mL^-1 with a standard deviation of 0.47 log₂ μg mL^-1 and 0.36 log₂ μg mL^-1, for Normalized resistance interpretation (NRI) method and ECOFFinder method, respectively. A MIC of 1 μg mL^-1 was considered the pharmacodynamic value (PD) to define PK/PD indices. Three doses of florfenicol were evaluated in fish farmed under controlled conditions. For each dose, 150 fish were used and blood plasma samples were collected at different time points (0–48 hours). PK parameters were obtained from curves representing plasma concentrations as a function of time. The results of Monte Carlo simulation indicate that at a dose of 20 mg/Kg l.w. of florfenicol, administered orally as medicated feed, there is 100% probability (PTA) of achieving the desired efficacy (AUC_0-24h/MIC>125). According to these results, we suggest that at the indicated dose, the PK/PD cut-off point for florfenicol versus P. salmonis could be 2 μg mL^-1 (PTA = 99%). In order to assess the indicated dose in Atlantic salmon, fish were inoculated with P. salmonis LF-89 strain and then treated with the optimized dose of florfenicol, 20 mg/Kg bw for 15 days.

Deltamethrin toxicity: A review of oxidative stress and metabolism

Deltamethrin is widely used worldwide due to its valuable insecticidal activity against pests and parasites. Increasing evidence has shown that deltamethrin causes varying degrees of toxicity. Moreover, oxidative stress and metabolism are highly correlated with toxicity. For the first time, this review systematically summarizes the deltamethrin toxicity mechanism from the perspective of oxidative stress, including deltamethrin-mediated oxidative damage, antioxidant status, oxidative signaling pathways and modulatory effects of antagonists, synergists and placebos on oxidative stress. Further, deltamethrin metabolism, including metabolites, metabolic enzymes and pathways and deltamethrin metabolite toxicity are discussed. This review will shed new light on deltamethrin toxicity mechanisms and provide effective strategies to ensure pest control and prevention of human and animal poisoning.

Pyrethroid insecticide lambda-cyhalothrin induces hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes, oxidative stress and apoptosis in rats

This study aimed to examine in rats the effects of the Type II pyrethroid lambda-cyhalothrin on hepatic microsomal cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoform activities, oxidative stress markers, gene expression of proinflammatory, oxidative stress and apoptosis mediators, and CYP isoform gene expression and metabolism phase I enzyme PCR array analysis. Lambda-cyhalothrin, at oral doses of 1, 2, 4 and 8mg/kg bw for 6days, increased, in a dose-dependent manner, hepatic activities of ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (CYP1A1), methoxyresorufin O-demethylase (CYP1A2), pentoxyresorufin O-depentylase (CYP2B1/2), testosterone 7α- (CYP2A1), 16β- (CYP2B1), and 6β-hydroxylase (CYP3A1/2), and lauric acid 11- and 12-hydroxylase (CYP4A1/2). Similarly, lambda-cyhalothrin (4 and 8mg/kg bw, for 6days), in a dose-dependent manner, increased significantly hepatic CYP1A1, 1A2, 2A1, 2B1, 2B2, 2E1, 3A1, 3A2 and 4A1 mRNA levels and IL-1β, NFκB, Nrf2, p53, caspase-3 and Bax gene expressions. PCR array analysis showed from 84 genes examined (P<0.05; fold change>1.5), changes in mRNA levels in 18 genes: 13 up-regulated and 5 down-regulated. A greater fold change reversion than 3-fold was observed on the up-regulated ALDH1A1, CYP2B2, CYP2C80 and CYP2D4 genes. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) groups the expressed genes into biological mechanisms that are mainly related to drug metabolism. In the top canonical pathways, Oxidative ethanol degradation III together with Fatty Acid α-oxidation may be significant pathways for lambda-cyhalothrin. Our results may provide further understanding of molecular aspects involved in lambda-cyhalothrin-induced liver injury.

Acute and repeated dose (28 days) oral safety studies of phosphatidyl-hydroxytyrosol

Phosphatidyl-hydroxytyrosol, a carrier of hydroxytyrosol under the form of phospholipid with high antioxidant capacity, is being actively studied as a potential ingredient of functional foods and supplements. To support the safety, phosphatidyl-hydroxytyrosol has been examined in an acute and in a 28-day repeated dose oral toxicity studies in rats. Phosphatidyl-hydroxytyrosol administered in a single oral gavage dose of 2000 mg/kg of body weight (bw) resulted in no adverse events or mortality. In addition, phosphatidyl-hydroxytyrosol administered as a daily dose of 2000 mg/kg bw for 28 days by gavage resulted in no adverse events or mortality. No evidence or treatment related toxicity was detected during both studies. Data analysis of body weight gain, food consumption, clinical observations, blood biochemical, haematology, organ weight ratios and histopathological findings did not show significant differences between control and treated groups. It is concluded that phosphatidyl-hydroxytirosol orally administered to rats was safe and that no treatment-related toxicity was detected even at the high doses investigated in both acute (2000 mg/kg bw) and repeated dose (28-day) oral (2000 mg/kg bw) toxicity studies.

Ibero⁻American Consensus on Low- and No-Calorie Sweeteners: Safety, Nutritional Aspects and Benefits in Food and Beverages

International scientific experts in food, nutrition, dietetics, endocrinology, physical activity, paediatrics, nursing, toxicology and public health met in Lisbon on 2⁻4 July 2017 to develop a Consensus on the use of low- and no-calorie sweeteners (LNCS) as substitutes for sugars and other caloric sweeteners. LNCS are food additives that are broadly used as sugar substitutes to sweeten foods and beverages with the addition of fewer or no calories. They are also used in medicines, health-care products, such as toothpaste, and food supplements. The goal of this Consensus was to provide a useful, evidence-based, point of reference to assist in efforts to reduce free sugars consumption in line with current international public health recommendations. Participating experts in the Lisbon Consensus analysed and evaluated the evidence in relation to the role of LNCS in food safety, their regulation and the nutritional and dietary aspects of their use in foods and beverages. The conclusions of this Consensus were: (1) LNCS are some of the most extensively evaluated dietary constituents, and their safety has been reviewed and confirmed by regulatory bodies globally including the World Health Organisation, the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Food Safety Authority; (2) Consumer education, which is based on the most robust scientific evidence and regulatory processes, on the use of products containing LNCS should be strengthened in a comprehensive and objective way; (3) The use of LNCS in weight reduction programmes that involve replacing caloric sweeteners with LNCS in the context of structured diet plans may favour sustainable weight reduction. Furthermore, their use in diabetes management programmes may contribute to a better glycaemic control in patients, albeit with modest results. LNCS also provide dental health benefits when used in place of free sugars; (4) It is proposed that foods and beverages with LNCS could be included in dietary guidelines as alternative options to products sweetened with free sugars; (5) Continued education of health professionals is required, since they are a key source of information on issues related to food and health for both the general population and patients. With this in mind, the publication of position statements and consensus documents in the academic literature are extremely desirable.

Neurotransmitter changes in rat brain regions following glyphosate exposure

The effects of glyphosate oral exposure (35, 75, 150 and 800mg/kg bw, 6 days) on brain region monoamine levels of male Wistar rats were examined. Glyphosate-treated rats (35, 75, 150 and 800mg/kg bw, 6 days), had no visible injury, i.e., no clinical signs of dysfunction were observed. After last dose of glyphosate, serotonin (5-HT), dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) and its metabolites levels were determined in the brain regions striatum, hippocampus, prefrontal, cortex, hypothalamus and midbrain, by HPLC. Glyphosate caused statistically significant changes in the 5-HT and its metabolite 5-hydroxy-3-indolacetic acid (5-HIAA), DA and its metabolites 3,4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA), and NE and its metabolite 3-metoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethyleneglycol (MHPG) levels in a brain regional- and dose-related manner. Moreover, glyphosate, dose-dependent, evoked a statistically significant increase in 5-HT turnover in striatum and hypothalamus and in DA turnover in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, and a statistically significant decrease in NE turnover in prefrontal cortex and hypothalamus. The present findings indicate that glyphosate significantly altered central nervous system (CNS) monoaminergic neurotransmitters in a brain regional- and dose-related manner, effects that may contribute to the overall spectrum of neurotoxicity caused by this herbicide.