AuNPs with Cynara scolymus leaf extracts rescue arsenic-induced neurobehavioral deficits and hippocampal tissue toxicity in Balb/c mice through D1R and D2R activation.

The present study was designed to evaluate whether AuNPs (gold nanoparticles) synthesized with the Cynara scolymus (CS) leaf exert protective and/or alleviative effects on arsenic (As)-induced hippocampal neurotoxicity in mice. Neurotoxicity in mice was developed by orally treating 10 mg/kg/day sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) for 21 days. 10 µg/g AuNPs, 1.6 g/kg CS, and 10 µg/g CS-AuNPs were administered orally simultaneously with 10 mg/kg As. CS and CS-AuNPs treatments showed down-regulation of TNF-α and IL-1ß levels. CS and CS-AuNPs also ameliorated apoptosis and reduced the alterations in the expression levels of D1 and D2 dopamine receptors induced by As. Simultaneous treatment with CS and CS-AuNPs improved As-induced learning, memory deficits, and motor coordination in mice assessed by water maze and locomotor tests, respectively. The results of this study provide evidence that CS-AuNPs demonstrated neuroprotective roles with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects, as well as improving D1 and D2 signaling, and eventually reversed neurobehavioral impairments.

Chlorogenic Acid Attenuates Doxorubicin-Induced Oxidative Stress and Markers of Apoptosis in Cardiomyocytes via Nrf2/HO-1 and Dityrosine Signaling.

(1) Background: Doxorubicin (DOX) is extensively used for cancer treatments; however, its clinical application is limited because of its cardiotoxic adverse effects. A combination of DOX and agents with cardioprotective properties is an effective strategy to ameliorate DOX-related cardiotoxicity. Polyphenolic compounds are ideal for the investigation of novel cardioprotective agents. Chlorogenic acid (CGA), an essential dietary polyphenol found in plants, has been previously reported to exert antioxidant, cardioprotective, and antiapoptotic properties. The current research evaluated CGA's in vivo cardioprotective properties in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity and the probable mechanisms underlying this protection. (2) Methods: CGA's cardioprotective properties were investigated in rats that were treated with CGA (100 mg/kg, p.o.) for fourteen days. The experimental model of cardiotoxicity was induced with a single intraperitoneal (15 mg/kg i.p.) injection of DOX on the 10th day. (3) Results: Treatment with CGA significantly improved the DOX-caused altered cardiac damage markers (LDH, CK-MB, and cTn-T), and a marked improvement in cardiac histopathological features accompanied this. DOX downregulated the expression of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways, and the CGA reversed this effect. Consistently, caspase-3, an apoptotic-related marker, and dityrosine expression were suppressed, while Nrf2 and HO-1 expressions were elevated in the cardiac tissues of DOX-treated rats after treatment with the CGA. Furthermore, the recovery was confirmed by the downregulation of 8-OHdG and dityrosine (DT) expressions in immunohistochemical findings. (4) Conclusions: CGA demonstrated a considerable cardioprotective effect against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. One of the possible mechanisms for these protective properties was the upregulation of the Nrf2/HO-1-dependent pathway and the downregulation of DT, which may ameliorate oxidative stress and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. These findings suggest that CGA may be cardioprotective, particularly in patients receiving DOX-based chemotherapy.

Renoprotective Effect of Taxifolin in Paracetamol-Induced Nephrotoxicity: Emerging Evidence from an Animal Model.

BACKGROUND: Taxifolin (TXF) is a flavonoid found abundantly in citrus/onion. Encouraging results on its renoprotective effect have been reported in a limited number of drug-induced nephrotoxicity animal models. The present study aimed to evaluate for the first time the potential renoprotective effects of TXF in a paracetamol (PAR)-induced nephrotoxicity rat model. METHODS: Rats were divided into three equal groups (n = 6 animals per group). Group 1 (PAR group, PARG) received PAR diluted in normal saline by gavage (1000 mg/kg). Group 2 (TXF group, TXFG) received TXF diluted in normal saline by gavage (50 mg/kg) one hour after PAR administration. Group 3 (control group, CG) received normal saline. Twenty-four hours after PAR administration, all animals were sacrificed using high-dose anesthesia. Blood samples were collected and kidneys were removed. RESULTS: The serum blood urea nitrogen, creatinine levels and serum malondialdehyde levels were significantly increased in the PARG. The serum glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and total glutathione levels were significantly higher in the TXFG. At the same time, the kidneys of the PARG animals demonstrated tubular epithelium swelling, distension and severe vacuolar degeneration. The kidneys of the TXFG animals showed mildly dilated/congested blood vessels. CONCLUSIONS: The TXF renoprotective effects are promising in preventing PAR-induced nephrotoxicity, mainly through antioxidant activity, and warrant further testing in future studies.

Advancing athletic assessment by integrating conventional methods with cutting-edge biomedical technologies for comprehensive performance, wellness, and longevity insights.

In modern athlete assessment, the integration of conventional biochemical and ergophysiologic monitoring with innovative methods like telomere analysis, genotyping/phenotypic profiling, and metabolomics has the potential to offer a comprehensive understanding of athletes' performance and potential longevity. Telomeres provide insights into cellular functioning, aging, and adaptation and elucidate the effects of training on cellular health. Genotype/phenotype analysis explores genetic variations associated with athletic performance, injury predisposition, and recovery needs, enabling personalization of training plans and interventions. Metabolomics especially focusing on low-molecular weight metabolites, reveal metabolic pathways and responses to exercise. Biochemical tests assess key biomarkers related to energy metabolism, inflammation, and recovery. Essential elements depict the micronutrient status of the individual, which is critical for optimal performance. Echocardiography provides detailed monitoring of cardiac structure and function, while burnout testing evaluates psychological stress, fatigue, and readiness for optimal performance. By integrating this scientific testing battery, a multidimensional understanding of athlete health status can be achieved, leading to personalized interventions in training, nutrition, supplementation, injury prevention, and mental wellness support. This scientifically rigorous approach hereby presented holds significant potential for improving athletic performance and longevity through evidence-based, individualized interventions, contributing to advances in the field of sports performance optimization.

Artichoke (Cynara Scolymus) Methanolic Leaf Extract Alleviates Diethylnitrosamine-Induced Toxicity in BALB/c Mouse Brain: Involvement of Oxidative Stress and Apoptotically Related Klotho/PPARγ Signaling.

(1) Background: Various epidemiological studies suggest that oxidative stress and disrupted neuronal function are mechanistically linked to neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), including Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). DNA damage, oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and eventually, cell death such as NDs can be induced by nitrosamine-related compounds, leading to neurodegeneration. A limited number of studies have reported that exposure to diethylnitrosamine (DEN), which is commonly found in processed/preserved foods, causes biochemical abnormalities in the brain. Artichoke leaves have been used in traditional medicine as a beneficial source of bioactive components such as hydroxycinnamic acids, cynarine, chlorogenic acid, and flavonoids (luteolin and apigenin). The aim of this study is to investigate the favorable effects of exogenous artichoke (Cynara scolymus) methanolic leaf extract supplementation in ameliorating DEN-induced deleterious effects in BALB/c mouse brains. (2) Methods: This study was designed to evaluate DEN (toxicity induction by 100 mg/kg) and artichoke (protective effects of 0.8 and 1.6 g/kg treatment) for 14 days. All groups underwent a locomotor activity test to evaluate motor activity. In brain tissue, oxidative stress indicators (TAC, TOS, and MDA), Klotho and PPARγ levels, and apoptotic markers (Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3) were measured. Brain slices were also examined histopathologically. (3) Results: Artichoke effectively ameliorated DEN-induced toxicity with increasing artichoke dose. Impaired motor function and elevated oxidative stress markers (decreasing MDA and TOS levels and increasing TAC level) induced by DEN intoxication were markedly restored by high-dose artichoke treatment. Artichoke significantly improved the levels of Klotho and PPARγ, which are neuroprotective factors, in mouse brain tissue exposed to DEN. In addition, caspase-3 and Bax levels were reduced, whereas the Bcl-2 level was elevated with artichoke treatment. Furthermore, recovery was confirmed by histopathological analysis. (4) Conclusions: Artichoke exerted neuroprotective effects against DEN-induced brain toxicity by mitigating oxidant parameters and exerting antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects. Further research is needed to fully identify the favorable impact of artichoke supplementation on all aspects of DEN brain intoxication.

Cerebrolysin Alleviating Effect on Glutamate-Mediated Neuroinflammation Via Glutamate Transporters and Oxidative Stress.

Glutamate, one of the most important excitatory neurotransmitters, acts as a signal transducer in peripheral tissues and endocrine cells. Excessive glutamate secretion has been shown to cause excitotoxicity and neurodegenerative disease. Cerebrolysin is a mixture of enzymatically treated peptides derived from pig brain including neurotrophic factors, like brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF). The present study investigated the protective effects of cerebrolysin on glutamate transporters (EAAT 1, EAAT 2) and cytokines (IL-1ß and IL-10) activity in glutamate-mediated neurotoxicity. Primary cortex neuron culture was exposed to glutamate and successively treated with various cerebrolysin concentrations for 24 and 48 h. Our data showed that cerebrolysin primarily protects neurons by decreasing glutamate concentration in the synaptic cleft. In addition, Cerebrolysin can decrease oxidative stress and neuron cell damage by increasing antioxidant activity and decreasing inflammation cytokine levels.

Cardiovascular adaptations and inflammation in marathon runners.

Long-distance running has become increasingly popular. Cardiovascular adaptations to exercise are relevant to the specific sports and this is also the case in long-distance running. Significant changes regarding inflammatory and endothelial markers along with indices of oxidative stress are observed in marathon and ultra-marathon runners. However, data linking inflammatory marker levels with cardiovascular adaptations to marathon running are limited. The aim of the present study was to describe the cardiovascular adaptations observed in a group of ultra-marathon runners and the association with a series of inflammatory and endothelial markers measured in their plasma. A total of 43 ultra-marathon runners were assessed by echocardiography and a treadmill exercise test. Blood samples were used for tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, C-reactive protein, creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and oxidative stress indice measurements. Ultra-marathon runners who presented augmented left ventricular (LV) end diastolic diameters >55 mm had higher ADMA values (1.07±0.07 vs. 0.99±0.08 µmol/ml, P<0.01) and lower CPK values (192.5±21.3 vs. 219.1±37.3 mg/dl, P<0.05) compared with those with normal LV diameters. Runners with a moderate and severe abnormal indexed LV mass >131 g/m2 had statistically significant higher TNF-α values compared with runners, with mildly elevated and a normal LV mass indexed (16.2±1.42 vs. 14.0+1.16 pg/ml, P<0.05). Runners with an abnormal left atrial volume index (LAVI; >29 ml/m2) had higher IL-6 values compared with runners with a normal LAVI (1.09+0.19 vs. 0.99±0.08 pg/ml, P<0.05). ROC curves analysis revealed that ADMA values were able to predict an abnormal LV diameter detected by echocardiography [P<0.05; area under the curve (AUC), 0.763], while TNF-α values could predict an abnormal LV mass in marathon runners (P<0.05; AUC, 0.78). On the whole, the present study demonstrates that, in ultra-marathon runners, cardiovascular adaptations to running are characterized by a specific pattern of changes in inflammatory and endothelial markers, which in turn can be used to predict the occurrence of the observed adaptations.

Deteriorated Vascular Homeostasis in Hypertension: Experimental Evidence from Aorta, Brain, and Pancreatic Vasculature.

Hypertension, as a primary risk factor for many fatal disorders, is prevalent in the elderly. There is wide literature on hypertension dealing with its biological and/or biochemical aspects; however, limited research is available on the multifactorial nature of hypertension from a mechanobiological standpoint. This study intended to study in parallel histopathological alterations and deviated protein expressions with the mechanical behavior of the hypertensive tissues. The Goldblatt (2K1C) method was chosen for induction of renovascular hypertension in rabbits. The microstructural and immunohistological characteristics of the aortic, pancreatic, and brain vasculature were investigated. The mechanical properties of the aortic tissue were also evaluated using biaxial tensile tests. Our findings indicated severe hypertrophy of the hypertensive vessels and declined content of intact smooth muscle cells. Most of the collagen I content of the wall was compromised and less functional type III collagen was highly expressed. Reversed collagen I to collagen III ratio was the main contributor to the hypertrophic and less stiff hypertensive vessel walls. The multifactorial nature of hypertension is illustrated, and smooth muscle cell detachment is identified as the sign of described degenerative cascades all along the arterial tree.

Cardiotoxicity of Chemical Substances: An Emerging Hazard Class.

(1) Background: Human health risks and hazards from chemical substances are well regulated internationally. However, cardiotoxicity, is not defined as a stand-alone hazard and therefore there are no defined criteria for the classification of substances as cardiotoxic. Identifying and regulating substances that cause cardiovascular adverse effects would undoubtedly strengthen the national health systems. (2) Methods: To overcome the aforementioned gap, a roadmap is proposed for identifying regulatory criteria from animal studies and endorse legislation in order to classify substances as cardiotoxic. The roadmap consists of: (i) the identification of the appropriate animal species and strains; (ii) the identification of the lines of scientific evidence (e.g., histopathological, biochemical and echocardiographic indices etc.) from animal studies with relevance to humans; (iii) the statistical analysis and meta-analysis for each line of scientific evidence after exposure to well-established cardiotoxicants to humans (e.g., anthracyclines) in order to identify threshold values or range of normal and/ or altered values due to exposure; (iv) validation of the above described lines of evidence in animals exposed to other alleged cardiotoxic substances (e.g., anabolic androgen steroids (AAS) and pesticides); (v) establishment of mechanisms of action based on information of either known or alleged cardiotoxicants; and (vi) introduction of novel indices and in silico methods. (3) Results: Preliminary results in rats indicate a clear distinction from normal values to values measured in rats exposed to anthracyclines regarding left ventricle (LV) fractional shortening (FS) and LV ejection fraction (EF). A distinctive pattern is similarly observed for Creatine Kinase-Myocardial Band isoenzyme (CK-MB) and cardiac tissue glutathione (GSH). These findings are encouraging and indicate that there is room for targeted research to this end, and that these specific indices and biochemical markers should be further investigated in order to be developed to regulatory criteria. (4) Conclusions: Further research should be conducted by both the scientific and regulatory community that aims to clearly define the cardiotoxicity hazard caused by chemicals and develop a full set of scientific criteria.

Moderately elevated lipoprotein (a) levels are associated with an earlier need for percutaneous coronary intervention in recurrent cardiovascular disease.

A significant number of cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients, with the target lipid levels, as set by the guidelines, achieved, continue to remain at risk. In this setting, lipoprotein (Lp) a role in CVD prognosis is regaining interest. Although Lp(a) is related to the arteriosclerotic process, there is not currently an adequate amount of data for the inclusion of Lp(a) levels as a primary therapeutic target in the treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. In this framework, the current retrospective study aims to investigate the association of Lp(a) levels with the adverse cardiovascular (CV) events presented in a 10 year follow-up of CVD patients with dyslipidemia and its association with the major CV risk factors. A statistically significant reduction in Lp(a) levels was observed during the follow-up period (72.8±45.6 vs. 68.3±41.8 mg/dl; McNemar test; P<0.001). The vast majority of patients who suffered a new acute myocardial infarction during the follow up period had Lp(a) levels >30 mg/dl (24/28 patients, mean ± standard deviation Lp(a), 83.1±36.6 mg/dl, P=0.001). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis did not find statistically significant differences in a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) time occurrence during the follow-up period between patients with low (≤30 mg/dl) and high (>30 mg/dl) Lp(a) levels (log-rank P=0.305). On the other hand, when a second and third PCI conducted during the monitoring period were included in the Kaplan Meier analysis as events, the mean time for a PCI was significantly shorter (7.2%; P=0.01) for patients with Lp(a) levels >30 mg/dl. In conclusion, the current study reported that patients with high Lp(a) values are more prone to the occurrence of new myocardial infarction, while the Lp(a) cut-off value of 30 mg/dl was linked in CVD patients to an earlier need for PCI, especially in the most vulnerable group of patients with more than one (recurrent) revascularizations.

The prognostic role of micronutrient status and supplements in COVID-19 outcomes: A systematic review.

Micronutrients constitute an adjuvant treatment for respiratory viral infections. Since there is no effective antiviral therapy for COVID-19 yet, adjuvant intervention for the survival of critically ill patients may be significant. Search of the PubMed, CINAHL and Cochrane databases was carried out to find human studies investigating the prognostic role of micronutrient status and the effects of micronutrient supplementation intervention in COVID-19 outcomes of adult patients. Patients with certain comorbidities (diabetes mellitus type 2, obesity, renal failure, liver dysfunction etc.) or pregnant women were excluded. 31 studies (27 observational studies and 4 clinical trials) spanning the years 2020-2021, pertaining to 8624 COVID-19 patients (mean age±SD, 61 ± 9 years) were included in this systematic review. Few studies provided direct evidence on the association of serum levels of vitamin D, calcium, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus and selenium to patients' survival or death. Vitamin D and calcium were the most studied micronutrients and those with a probable promising favorable impact on patients. This review highlights the importance of a balanced nutritional status for a favorable outcome in COVID-19. Micronutrients' deficiency on admission to hospital seems to be related to a high risk for ICU admission, intubation and even death. Nevertheless, evidence for intervention remains unclear.

Supervised Versus Unsupervised Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Patients with Pulmonary Embolism: A Valuable Alternative in COVID Era.

The aim of our study was to assess the effect of 8 weeks of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) during unsupervised PR (unSPRgroup) versus supervised PR (SPRgroup) on cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) parameters, sleep quality, quality of life and cardiac biomarkers (NT-pro-BNP). Fourteen patients with PE (unSPRgroup, n = 7, vs. SPRgroup, n = 7) were included in our study (age, 50.7 ± 15.1 years; BMI, 30.0 ± 3.3 kg/m2). We recorded anthropometric characteristics and questionnaires (Quality of life (SF-36) and Pittsburg sleep quality index (PSQI)), we performed blood sampling for NT-pro-BNP measurement and underwent CPET until exhausting before and after the PR program. All patients were subjected to transthoracic echocardiography prior to PR. The SPRgroup differed in mean arterial pressure at rest before and after the PR program (87.6 ± 3.3 vs. 95.0 ± 5.5, respectively, p = 0.010). Patients showed increased levels of leg fatigue (rated after CPET) before and after PR (p = 0.043 for SPRgroup, p = 0.047 for unSPRgroup) while the two groups differed between each other (p = 0.006 for post PR score). Both groups showed increased levels in SF-36 scores (general health; p = 0.032 for SPRgroup, p = 0.010 for unSPRgroup; physical health; p = 0.009 for SPRgroup, p = 0.022 for unSPRgroup) and reduced levels in PSQI (cannot get to sleep within 30-min; p = 0.046 for SPRgroup, p = 0.007 for unSPRgroup; keep up enough enthusiasm to get things done; p = 0.005 for SPRgroup, p = 0.010 for unSPRgroup) following the PR program. The ΝT-pro-BNP was not significantly different before and after PR or between groups. PR may present a safe intervention in patients with PE. The PR results are similar in SPRgroup and unSPRgroup.

Children and Parents' Awareness Regarding Potential Hazards Derived from the Use of Chemical Products in Greece.

Over the last decades, human activities prompted the high production and widespread use of household chemical products, leading to daily exposure of humans to several chemicals. The objective of this study was to investigate the frequency of chemicals' use by children and parents in Greece and estimate the level of risk awareness and understanding among them. A total of 575 parents and children were asked to answer an anonymous, closed-ended, validated, and self-administered questionnaire. One-third of the children and almost half of the parents participating in the study believed that commonly used chemical products do not pose any risk to human health or to the environment, despite the product labelling. The majority of both children (61.8%) and parents (70.6%) were informed about product safety via the product labelling. Around 20% in both groups could not differentiate between systemic toxicity and acute lethal effects depicted by pictograms on the label and milder hazards, such as skin irritation. Moreover, the information on hazard and precautionary statements appearing on the label was very poorly perceived. Therefore, as both children and parents seem not to clearly identify the hazards and risks arising from the use of everyday chemical products, targeted awareness policies should be implemented to support the safe use of household products.

Cognitive function of children and adolescent survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A meta-analysis.

Pediatric cancer and its treatment may have an impact on the neurocognitive functions of childhood cancer survivors (CCS). The aim of the present meta-analysis was to compare the intelligence quotient (IQ) scores between CCS of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and controls. A comprehensive electronic search identified original research articles that reported scores of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale (WISC; WISC-III, WISC-IV and WISC-R) for children and adolescents, aged 6-16 years at evaluation, survivors of ALL and healthy controls. The included CCS had completed anticancer treatment and were in remission at the time of assessment. A total of 16 studies were included in the meta-analysis, out of 128 extracted studies, and involved a total of 1,676 children and adolescents: 991 CCS (ALL) and 685 healthy controls. Among the studies, a random effects model revealed a moderate estimate of effect size [standardized mean difference (SMD), -0.78; 95% CI, -1.05 to -0.50], indicating that the WISC scores for total IQ were significantly lower in the CCS than in the controls. The mean total IQ range was 85.2-107.2 in the CCS and 88.4-114.1 in the controls. The difference in the mean total IQ between controls and CCS ranged from -13.8 to 20.6. As regards the WISC scores for verbal IQ, 11 studies were included. A random effects model revealed a moderate estimate of effect size (SMD, -0.71; 95% CI, -1.05 to -0.38), indicating that the WISC scores for verbal IQ were significantly lower in the CCS than in the controls. Among the 9 studies that had available data for performance IQ scores, a fixed effect model revealed a moderate estimate of effect size (SMD, -0.80; 95% CI, -1.09 to -0.52), indicating that the WISC scores for performance IQ were significantly lower in the CCS than in the controls. As the survival rates of children and adolescents with ALL are steadily increasing, regular, lifelong follow-up for neurocognitive late effects is imperative in order to improve their education and employment prospects and overall, their quality of life.

Cinnamon effects on blood pressure and metabolic profile: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in patients with stage 1 hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: Cinnamon effect on blood pressure remains controversial. The present pilot study assessed cinnamon effect on blood pressure, and metabolic profile of stage 1 hypertension patients (S1HTN). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial was conducted between June and October 2019, in Mashhad, Iran. Study inclusion criteria comprised S1HTN diagnosis, based on 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). Subjects were randomly assigned to two groups: cinnamon group (capsule, 1500 mg/day, 90 days) and placebo group. On days 0 and 90, ABPM derived systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP, respectively), blood lipid profile, and fasting blood sugar (FBS) were recorded. RESULTS: The two groups did not differ significantly regarding vascular risk factors, educational status, lipid profile and blood pressure at baseline, except for lower HDL-c in cinnamon group (p=0.03). On day 90, there was no significant difference between two study groups for lipid profile and blood pressure. A statistically significant decrease in mean 24-hr SBP and mean day SBP was observed in the cinnamon group, while mean night SBP and mean night DBP were decreased significantly in the placebo group after 90 days. A statistically significant decrease in mean change of day value of SBP was found in the cinnamon group, compared to the placebo. On day 90, FBS remained practically unchanged but a significant increase in HDL-c (5.8 unit; p=0.01) and a significant decrease in LDL-c levels (17.7 unit; p=0.009) were observed in the cinnamon group compared to placebo group. CONCLUSION: Cinnamon caused a statistically significant decrease in mean ambulatory SBP but in a clinically moderate way, and lipid profile was significantly improved. Therefore, cinnamon might be considered a complementary treatment in subjects with S1HTN.

Cardioprotective effects of hesperidin on carbon monoxide poisoned in rats.

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning causes cardiotoxicity and so far, no definite antidote has been proposed to overcome CO-induced adverse outcomes. Hesperidin, a citrus flavonoid, has shown cardio-protective effects in cardiac ischemia/reperfusion models. This study investigated the protective effects of hesperidin against CO-induced cardiac injury. To induce CO poisoning, rats were exposed to CO at 3000 ppm for 60 min. On the exposure day and the four following days, hesperidin (at three different doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg/day) was administered intraperitoneally. A group of animals received normal saline and served as the control group. The electrocardiogram (ECG) was recorded and evaluated with special focus on S-T segment changes (depression or elevation), T-wave alterations, AV block and ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias. On day 6 (i.e., the day after the last injection day), the animals were sacrificed and the hearts were harvested and evaluated for necrosis using hematoxylin and eosin staining. In addition, Akt protein expression levels and BAX/BCL2 ratio were determined by western blotting. Our results showed that hesperidin decreased cardiac necrosis. In animals treated with hesperidin 100 mg/kg, Akt protein expression was increased, while the BAX/BCL2 ratio was significantly decreased. ECG changes were reversed in all groups 2 h following CO exposure, regardless of hesperidin administration. Overall, hesperidin decreased the deleterious cardiac effects of CO poisoning in rats.

Umbelliprenin relieves paclitaxel-induced neuropathy.

OBJECTIVES: Umbelliprenin (UMB) is a prenylated coumarin that acts as an in vitro antioxidant and inhibits lipoxygenase managing the inflammation pathways, while in vivo it exerts anti-inflammatory activities. METHODS: In this study, neuropathic pain was induced by four intraperitoneal doses of 2 mg/kg per day of paclitaxel (PTX) on days 1, 3, 5 and 7. Here, 49 male mice were randomly divided in the following groups: sham (not treated animals), negative control (PTX-treated receiving normal saline), single-dose UMB 6.25, 12.5 and 25 mg/kg groups (PTX-treated receiving UMB 6.25, 12.5 and 25 mg/kg, respectively), prevention (PTX-treated receiving PTX along with UMB 12.5 mg/kg on days 1, 3, 5 and 7) and positive control group (PTX-treated receiving imipramine 10 mg/kg as acute treatment). Hot-plate test was done to assess response to heat. Finally, interleukin (IL)-6 levels in the sciatic nerve and lipid peroxidation in sera were assessed. KEY FINDINGS: Umbelliprenin was found equally effective for acute treatment with imipramine, when comparing the prevention group and the positive control group. Single, 25 mg/kg UMB effectively attenuated hyperalgesia, lipid peroxidation and IL-6 levels. CONCLUSIONS: Umbelliprenin alleviated neuropathic pain, and decreased serum IL-6 levels and oxidative stress. UMB deserves further investigations, especially in clinical settings.

[Corrigendum] What is considered cardiotoxicity of anthracyclines in animal studies.

Subsequently to the publication of this paper, the authors have realized that the name of the seventh listed author, Dimitrios Stagos, was spelt incorrectly (it appeared as 'Stagkos' in print). The corrected author list is shown above. The authors regret that the name of the seventh author on the paper was spelt incorrectly, and apologize to the readers for any inconvenience caused.[the original article was published in Oncology Reports 44: 798-818, 2020; DOI: 10.3892/or.2020.7688].

Safe use of chemicals and risk communication among dentists and dental students in Greece.

Use of chemicals, most often classified for intrinsic hazards, is rather common among dentists. To date, no data have been recorded in the European Union (EU) on dentists' awareness regarding the safe use of chemicals. In the EU regulatory framework, two Regulations with wide applications, namely Regulations (EC) 1907/2006 (REACH) and 1272/2008 (CLP), have been introduced to protect human health and the environment and clearly communicate hazards posed by chemicals to workers and consumers. The aim of this study was to assess the extent of comprehension of hazard communication of chemicals among Greek dentists. For this, a closed-ended, anonymous and validated questionnaire was initially distributed to a total of 300 Greek dentists, both professionals and university students, over a period of 4 months. The collected data from 240 final responders were subjected to statistical analysis (frequencies, percentages, chi-square (χ2) and significance (p < 0.05)). The vast majority (90%) of the interviewed dentists are not aware of the CLP. Main sources of information regarding chemical hazard and safe use was the supplier through direct communication (90%), while some dentists also consulted the product labels (39%) and the material safety data sheets (54%). Regarding hazard communication, the perceived information from the pictograms is confusing to the vast majority of the dentists (86%), especially for systemic hazards (carcinogenicity and/or reproductive toxicity). In addition, 88% of the professional dentists have not noticed any changes in the labelling of chemical products, which also shows the low input of labels to hazard communication. On the other hand, 90% of the responders always utilize personal protective equipment (PPE), although it is not clear whether this PPE is adequate. In conclusion, rising awareness campaigns are needed, in collaboration with universities and dental care professional associations, to inform dentists about the safe use of chemicals not only to ensure protection of their own health but also to contribute to environmental sustainability.

Investigation of the health effects on workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica during outdoor and underground construction projects.

Chronic exposure of workers to powder containing crystalline silica (Silicon dioxide; SiO2) can lead to chronic lung diseases (lung cancer, silicosis, etc.). Aim of this study was to evaluate the exposure of Greek construction workers to SiO2 and describe their pulmonary function. The study involved 86 outdoor and underground workers. Medical and professional history was obtained, and breath samples were collected at morning hours through a mask for the determination of SiO2 levels. Pulmonary function tests, radiological examination and evaluation of radiographs were also performed. Pulmonary function examination showed that the majority of the workers were within normal range (61.4%) while the rest were diagnosed with mild (26.5%) and more severe impairment (7.24%). Working conditions (underground-outdoor) were statistically significantly related to the categorization of pulmonary function (P=0.038). During radiological examination, the type of working activity/ conditions (underground-outdoor) were statistically significantly related to the categorization of these findings (P=0.044). Of the 69 employees, 52 did not present findings (75.4%) and 5 were diagnosed with findings specific to occupational diseases (7.23%). Environmental exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) was detected at 0.0125 mg/m3 in the workplace, which is not beyond the legal limits. Underground workers with more than 15 years of exposure to SiO2 are more likely to present chronic silicosis compared to the workers of outdoor activities.