The effect of Roundup on embryonic development, early foxr1 and hsp70 gene expression and hatching of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.).

The effects of herbicide Roundup (based on glyphosate) on the embryonic development, survival and hatching of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) larvae and alteration in foxr1 and hsp70 gene expression were determined. The eggs (obtained from 6 females) were fertilised and incubated in water containing 0; 1 or 10 µl L-1 of Roundup formulation. During early embryonic development (24 and 48 h post-fertilisation - hpf), Roundup caused a statistically important decrease in the embryonic survival rate of common carp. Moreover, retardation of the hatching rate was observed in the group treated with the higher concentration of Roundup at 81 to 99 hpf. At the end of the experiment (99 hpf), an important increase in number of deformed larvae was observed in both groups treated with Roundup in comparison to the control group (52.06; 16.02 and 5.08%, respectively). Significant differences in transcript of the gene foxr1 were found in Roundup-intoxicated groups in comparison to the controls. In the case of hsp70 transcripts, no important changes in exposed groups were observed. These results showed that even small, environmentally relevant amount of Roundup present in the aquatic environment is able to affect the early life stages of common carp and change the transcripts of foxr1, which may have an adverse effect on the later proper development of the reproductive system.

Prophylactic vitamin D in the elderly.

A cross-section of an elderly population was assessed in a double-blind trial for the effects of prophylactic vitamin D. The subjects who completed the trial were assessed clinically, by physiotherapy tests of muscle function and by biochemical analysis, before and after a course of vitamin D or placebo. A significant fall in serum phosphate was found in the placebo group but not in the vitamin D group. The fall was maximal between the months of October and March which correspond to maximum and minimum amounts of circulating 25-hydroxy-vitamin D during the year. No difference in muscle function between treated and untreated groups was shown. Two out of 63 individuals on vitamin D developed hypercalcaemia. It is concluded that, although there appears to be improvement in the phosphate status of treated patients over the short term of this trial, hypercalcaemia after vitamin D administration precludes the continuous prophylactic use of vitamin D at the levels employed in this trial.