scholarly journals Exposure to airborne gold nanoparticles: a review of current toxicological data on the respiratory tract

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara De Berardis ◽  
Magda Marchetti ◽  
Anna Risuglia ◽  
Federica Ietto ◽  
Carla Fanizza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gold Nanoparticles ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Engineered Nanoparticles ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Field Exposure ◽  
The Impact

AbstractIn recent years, the introduction of innovative low-cost and large-scale processes for the synthesis of engineered nanoparticles with at least one dimension less than 100 nm has led to countless useful and extensive applications. In this context, gold nanoparticles stimulated a growing interest, due to their peculiar characteristics such as ease of synthesis, chemical stability and optical properties. This stirred the development of numerous applications especially in the biomedical field. Exposure of manufacturers and consumers to industrial products containing nanoparticles poses a potential risk to human health and the environment. Despite this, the precise mechanisms of nanomaterial toxicity have not yet been fully elucidated. It is well known that the three main routes of exposure to nanomaterials are by inhalation, ingestion and through the skin, with inhalation being the most common route of exposure to NPs in the workplace. To provide a complete picture of the impact of inhaled gold nanoparticles on human health, in this article, we review the current knowledge about the physico-chemical characteristics of this nanomaterial, in the size range of 1–100 nm, and its toxicity for pulmonary structures both in vitro and in vivo. Studies comparing the toxic effect of NPs larger than 100 nm (up to 250 nm) are also discussed.

scholarly journals Seaweed Components as Potential Modulators of the Gut Microbiota

Marine Drugs ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (7) ◽  
pp. 358
Author(s):  
Emer Shannon ◽  
Michael Conlon ◽  
Maria Hayes
Keyword(s):  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Short Chain Fatty Acids ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Oral Bioaccessibility

Macroalgae, or seaweeds, are a rich source of components which may exert beneficial effects on the mammalian gut microbiota through the enhancement of bacterial diversity and abundance. An imbalance of gut bacteria has been linked to the development of disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease, immunodeficiency, hypertension, type-2-diabetes, obesity, and cancer. This review outlines current knowledge from in vitro and in vivo studies concerning the potential therapeutic application of seaweed-derived polysaccharides, polyphenols and peptides to modulate the gut microbiota through diet. Polysaccharides such as fucoidan, laminarin, alginate, ulvan and porphyran are unique to seaweeds. Several studies have shown their potential to act as prebiotics and to positively modulate the gut microbiota. Prebiotics enhance bacterial populations and often their production of short chain fatty acids, which are the energy source for gastrointestinal epithelial cells, provide protection against pathogens, influence immunomodulation, and induce apoptosis of colon cancer cells. The oral bioaccessibility and bioavailability of seaweed components is also discussed, including the advantages and limitations of static and dynamic in vitro gastrointestinal models versus ex vivo and in vivo methods. Seaweed bioactives show potential for use in prevention and, in some instances, treatment of human disease. However, it is also necessary to confirm these potential, therapeutic effects in large-scale clinical trials. Where possible, we have cited information concerning these trials.

scholarly journals The Impact of Acute or Chronic Alcohol Intake on the NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Alcohol-Related Liver Disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (24) ◽  
pp. 9407
Author(s):  
Aleksander J. Nowak ◽  
Borna Relja
Keyword(s):  
Liver Disease ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Related Liver Disease ◽  
The Impact

Ethanol misuse is frequently associated with a multitude of profound medical conditions, contributing to health-, individual- and social-related damage. A particularly dangerous threat from this classification is coined as alcoholic liver disease (ALD), a liver condition caused by prolonged alcohol overconsumption, involving several pathological stages induced by alcohol metabolic byproducts and sustained cellular intoxication. Molecular, pathological mechanisms of ALD principally root in the innate immunity system and are especially associated with enhanced functionality of the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) pathway. NF-κB is an interesting and convoluted DNA transcription regulator, promoting both anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory gene expression. Thus, the abundancy of studies in recent years underlines the importance of NF-κB in inflammatory responses and the mechanistic stimulation of inner molecular motifs within the factor components. Hereby, in the following review, we would like to put emphasis on the correlation between the NF-κB inflammation signaling pathway and ALD progression. We will provide the reader with the current knowledge regarding the chronic and acute alcohol consumption patterns, the molecular mechanisms of ALD development, the involvement of the NF-κB pathway and its enzymatic regulators. Therefore, we review various experimental in vitro and in vivo studies regarding the research on ALD, including the recent active compound treatments and the genetic modification approach. Furthermore, our investigation covers a few human studies.

scholarly journals Influence of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles on Human Health and the Environment

Nanomaterials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 2354
Author(s):  
Mohammad Mamunur Rashid ◽  
Petra Forte Tavčer ◽  
Brigita Tomšič
Keyword(s):  
Human Health ◽  
Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Added Value ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Tio2 Nps ◽  
The Impact

Nanotechnology has enabled tremendous breakthroughs in the development of materials and, nowadays, is well established in various economic fields. Among the various nanomaterials, TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) occupy a special position, as they are distinguished by their high availability, high photocatalytic activity, and favorable price, which make them useful in the production of paints, plastics, paper, cosmetics, food, furniture, etc. In textiles, TiO2 NPs are widely used in chemical finishing processes to impart various protective functional properties to the fibers for the production of high-tech textile products with high added value. Such applications contribute to the overall consumption of TiO2 NPs, which gives rise to reasonable considerations about the impact of TiO2 NPs on human health and the environment, and debates regarding whether the extent of the benefits gained from the use of TiO2 NPs justifies the potential risks. In this study, different TiO2 NPs exposure modes are discussed, and their toxicity mechanisms—evaluated in various in vitro and in vivo studies—are briefly described, considering the molecular interactions with human health and the environment. In addition, in the conclusion of this study, the toxicity and biocompatibility of TiO2 NPs are discussed, along with relevant risk management strategies.

Modulation of Matrix Metalloproteinases by Plant-Derived Products

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nur Najmi Mohamad Anuar ◽  
Nurul Iman Natasya Zulkafali ◽  
Azizah Ugusman
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Natural Products ◽  
Matrix Metalloproteinases ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
In Vitro Models ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Extracellular Matrix Components

: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a group of zinc-dependent metallo-endopeptidase that are responsible towards the degradation, repair and remodelling of extracellular matrix components. MMPs play an important role in maintaining a normal physiological function and preventing diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Natural products derived from plants have been used as traditional medicine for centuries. Its active compounds, such as catechin, resveratrol and quercetin, are suggested to play an important role as MMPs inhibitors, thereby opening new insights into their applications in many fields, such as pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries. This review summarises the current knowledge on plant-derived natural products with MMP-modulating activities. Most of the reviewed plant-derived products exhibit an inhibitory activity on MMPs. Amongst MMPs, MMP-2 and MMP-9 are the most studied. The expression of MMPs is inhibited through respective signalling pathways, such as MAPK, NF-κB and PI3 kinase pathways, which contribute to the reduction in cancer cell behaviours, such as proliferation and migration. Most studies have employed in vitro models, but a limited number of animal studies and clinical trials have been conducted. Even though plant-derived products show promising results in modulating MMPs, more in vivo studies and clinical trials are needed to support their therapeutic applications in the future.

scholarly journals Pan-American Lancehead Pit-Vipers: Coagulotoxic Venom Effects and Antivenom Neutralisation of Bothrops asper and B. atrox Geographical Variants

Toxins ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 78
Author(s):  
Lachlan A. Bourke ◽  
Christina N. Zdenek ◽  
Edgar Neri-Castro ◽  
Melisa Bénard-Valle ◽  
Alejandro Alagón ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Evolutionary Biology ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Factor X ◽  
Clotting Factors ◽  
Bothrops Asper ◽  
Species Specific

The toxin composition of snake venoms and, thus, their functional activity, can vary between and within species. Intraspecific venom variation across a species’ geographic range is a major concern for antivenom treatment of envenomations, particularly for countries like French Guiana that lack a locally produced antivenom. Bothrops asper and Bothrops atrox are the most medically significant species of snakes in Latin America, both producing a variety of clinical manifestations, including systemic bleeding. These pathophysiological actions are due to the activation by the venom of the blood clotting factors Factor X and prothrombin, thereby causing severe consumptive coagulopathy. Both species are extremely wide-ranging, and previous studies have shown their venoms to exhibit regional venom variation. In this study, we investigate the differential coagulotoxic effects on human plasma of six venoms (four B. asper and two B. atrox samples) from different geographic locations, spanning from Mexico to Peru. We assessed how the venom variation of these venom samples affects neutralisation by five regionally available antivenoms: Antivipmyn, Antivipmyn-Tri, PoliVal-ICP, Bothrofav, and Soro Antibotrópico (SAB). The results revealed both inter- and intraspecific variations in the clotting activity of the venoms. These variations in turn resulted in significant variation in antivenom efficacy against the coagulotoxic effects of these venoms. Due to variations in the venoms used in the antivenom production process, antivenoms differed in their species-specific or geographical neutralisation capacity. Some antivenoms (PoliVal-ICP, Bothrofav, and SAB) showed species-specific patterns of neutralisation, while another antivenom (Antivipmyn) showed geographic-specific patterns of neutralisation. This study adds to current knowledge of Bothrops venoms and also illustrates the importance of considering evolutionary biology when developing antivenoms. Therefore, these results have tangible, real-world implications by aiding evidence-based design of antivenoms for treatment of the envenomed patient. We stress that these in vitro studies must be backed by future in vivo studies and clinical trials before therapeutic guidelines are issued regarding specific antivenom use in a clinical setting.

scholarly journals Antimalarial drugs—are they beneficial in rheumatic and viral diseases?—considerations in COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bogna Grygiel-Górniak
Keyword(s):  
Connective Tissue ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Inflammatory Diseases ◽  
Antiviral Drugs ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Viral Diseases ◽  
Cardiac Complications

AbstractThe majority of the medical fraternity is continuously involved in finding new therapeutic schemes, including antimalarial medications (AMDs), which can be useful in combating the 2019-nCoV: coronavirus disease (COVID-19). For many decades, AMDs have been widely used in the treatment of malaria and various other anti-inflammatory diseases, particularly to treat autoimmune disorders of the connective tissue. The review comprises in vitro and in vivo studies, original studies, clinical trials, and consensus reports for the analysis, which were available in medical databases (e.g., PubMed). This manuscript summarizes the current knowledge about chloroquine (CQ)/hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and shows the difference between their use, activity, recommendation, doses, and adverse effects on two groups of patients: those with rheumatic and viral diseases (including COVID-19). In the case of connective tissue disorders, AMDs are prescribed for a prolonged duration in small doses, and their effect is observed after few weeks, whereas in the case of viral infections, they are prescribed in larger doses for a short duration to achieve a quick saturation effect. In rheumatic diseases, AMDs are well tolerated, and their side effects are rare. However, in some viral diseases, the effect of AMDs is questionable or not so noticeable as suggested during the initial prognosis. They are mainly used as an additive therapy to antiviral drugs, but recent studies have shown that AMDs can diminish the efficacy of some antiviral drugs and may cause respiratory, kidney, liver, and cardiac complications.

scholarly journals Human Oligodendrocytes and Myelin In Vitro to Evaluate Developmental Neurotoxicity

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (15) ◽  
pp. 7929
Author(s):  
Megan Chesnut ◽  
Thomas Hartung ◽  
Helena Hogberg ◽  
David Pamies
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
In Vitro Models ◽  
Environmental Chemicals ◽  
Developmental Neurotoxicity ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Regulatory Guidelines ◽  
In Vitro Systems ◽  
Human Oligodendrocytes

Neurodevelopment is uniquely sensitive to toxic insults and there are concerns that environmental chemicals are contributing to widespread subclinical developmental neurotoxicity (DNT). Increased DNT evaluation is needed due to the lack of such information for most chemicals in common use, but in vivo studies recommended in regulatory guidelines are not practical for the large-scale screening of potential DNT chemicals. It is widely acknowledged that developmental neurotoxicity is a consequence of disruptions to basic processes in neurodevelopment and that testing strategies using human cell-based in vitro systems that mimic these processes could aid in prioritizing chemicals with DNT potential. Myelination is a fundamental process in neurodevelopment that should be included in a DNT testing strategy, but there are very few in vitro models of myelination. Thus, there is a need to establish an in vitro myelination assay for DNT. Here, we summarize the routes of myelin toxicity and the known models to study this particular endpoint.

67 Current Status and Future Prospective of the Use of Plant Bioactive Compounds in Dairy and Beef Cattle

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 132-132
Author(s):  
Sergio Calsamiglia ◽  
Maria Rodriguez-Prado ◽  
Gonzalo Fernandez-Turren ◽  
Lorena Castillejos
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Essential Oils ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Rumen Fermentation ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Current Status ◽  
The Impact

Abstract In the last 20 years there has been extensive in vitro research on the effects of plant extracts and essential oils on rumen microbial fermentation. The main objectives have been to improve energy metabolism through a reduction in methane emissions and an increase in propionate production; and to improve protein metabolism by reducing proteolysis and deamination. While the positive results from in vitro studies has stimulated the release of commercial products based on blends of essential oils, there is limited in vivo evidence on the rumen fermentation and production performance effects. A literature search was conducted to select in vivo studies where information on rumen fermentation and animal performance was reported. For dairy cattle, we identified 37 studies of which 21 were adequate to test production performance. Ten studies reported increases and 3 decreases in milk yield. For beef cattle, we identified 20 studies with rumen fermentation profile and 22 with performance data. Average daily gain improved in 7 and decreased in 1 study. Only 1 out of 16 studies reported an improvement in feed efficiency. Data indicate that out of more than 500 products tested in vitro, only around 20 have been tested in vivo in different mixtures and doses. The use of statistical approaches will allow to describe the conditions, doses and responses in dairy and beef cattle performance. The search for postruminal effects offers another alternative use. Evidence for effects on the intestinal and systemic effects on the immune system and antioxidant status (i.e., capsicum, garlic, eugenol, cinnamaldehyde curcuma, catechins, anethol or pinene), and in the modulation of metabolic regulation (capsicum, cinnamaldehyde, curcuma or garlic) may open the opportunity for future applications. However, stability of the product in the GI tract, description of the mechanisms of action and the impact of these changes on performance needs to be further demonstrated.

scholarly journals The Occurrence and Biological Activity of Tormentic Acid—A Review

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (13) ◽  
pp. 3797
Author(s):  
Marta Olech ◽  
Wojciech Ziemichód ◽  
Natalia Nowacka-Jechalke
Keyword(s):  
Biological Activity ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Natural Sources ◽  
Anti Cancer ◽  
Biochemical Mechanisms ◽  
Tormentic Acid

This review focuses on the natural sources and pharmacological activity of tormentic acid (TA; 2α,3β,19α-trihydroxyurs-2-en-28-oic acid). The current knowledge of its occurrence in various plant species and families is summarized. Biological activity (e.g., anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, anti-cancer, anti-osteoarthritic, antinociceptive, antioxidative, anti-melanogenic, cytotoxic, antimicrobial, and antiparasitic) confirmed in in vitro and in vivo studies is compiled and described. Biochemical mechanisms affected by TA are indicated. Moreover, issues related to the biotechnological methods of production, effective eluents, and TA derivatives are presented.

scholarly journals Review: The endless nutritional and pharmaceutical benefits of the Himalayan gold, Cordyceps; Current knowledge and prospective potentials

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Waill Elkhateeb ◽  
Ghoson Daba
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Chemical Compounds ◽  
Food Supplement ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Protective Agent ◽  
Global Marketplace

Abstract. Elkhateeb WA, Daba GM. 2020. Review: The endless nutritional and pharmaceutical benefits of the Himalayan gold, Cordyceps; Current knowledge and prospective potentials. Biofarmasi J Nat Prod Biochem 18: 70-77. As a traditional medicine, Cordyceps has long been used in Asian nations for maintaining vivacity and boosting immunity. Numerous publications on various bioactivities of Cordyceps have been investigated in both in-vitro as well as in vivo studies. Nevertheless, the role of Cordyceps is still arguable whether it acts as food supplement for health benefits or a real healing drug that can be prescribed in medicine. The Cordyceps industry has developed greatly and offers thousands of products, commonly available in a global marketplace. In this review, focus will be on introducing the ecology of Cordyceps and their classification. Moreover, elucidation of the richness of extracts originated from this mushroom in nutritional components was presented, with description of the chemical compounds of Cordyceps and its well-known compounds such as cordycepin, and cordycepic acid. Furthermore, highlights on natural growth and artificial cultivation of famous Cordyceps species were presented. The health benefits and reported bioactivities of Cordyceps species as promising antimicrobial, anticancer, hypocholesterolemic, antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, organ protective agent, and enhancer for organ function were presented.

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