RESUMEN
Copper deficiency can trigger various diseases such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's disease (PD) and even compromise the development of living beings, as manifested in Menkes disease (MS). Thus, the regulated administration (controlled release) of copper represents an alternative to reduce neuronal deterioration and prevent disease progression. Therefore, we present, to the best of our knowledge, the first experimental in vitro investigation for the kinetics of copper release from MOF-74(Cu) and its distribution in vivo after oral administration in male Wistar rats. Taking advantage of the abundance and high periodicity of copper within the crystalline-nanostructured metal-organic framework material (MOF-74(Cu)), it was possible to control the release of copper due to the partial degradation of the material. Thus, we simultaneously corroborated a low accumulation of copper in the liver (the main detoxification organ) and a slight increase of copper in the brain (striatum and midbrain), demonstrating that MOF-74(Cu) is a promising pharmacological alternative (controlled copper source) to these diseases.
RESUMEN
Globally, there is growing concern over the presence of lead (Pb) in foods because it is a heavy metal with several toxic effects on human health. However, monitoring studies have not been conducted in Mexico. In this study, we estimated the concentrations of Pb in the most consumed foods and identified those that exceeded the maximum limits (MLs) for Pb in foods established by the International Standards. Based on the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey, 103 foods and beverages were selected and purchased in Mexico City retail stores and markets. Samples were analyzed twice using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Values above the limit of quantification (0.0025 mg/kg) were considered to be detected. The percentage of detected values was 18%. The highest concentration was found in infant rice cereal (1.005 mg/kg), whole wheat bread (0.447 mg/kg), pre-cooked rice (0.276 mg/kg), black pepper (0.239 mg/kg), and turmeric (0.176 mg/kg). Among the foods with detected Pb, the levels in infant rice cereal, whole wheat bread, pre-cooked rice, and soy infant formula exceeded the MLs. The food groups with the highest percentages of exceeded MLs were baby foods (18%) and cereals (11%). Monitoring the concentration of contaminants in foods is essential for implementing food safety policies and protecting consumer health.
RESUMEN
Consumption of St. John's wort plant is high worldwide due to its various medicinal properties. However, herbal products containing St. John's wort may be contaminated with toxic metals. This is often related to contamination of both water and the atmosphere, lack of proper cultivation methods, and inadequate plant storage conditions, as well as a lack of stricter sanitary supervision. A safety assessment of copper (Cu), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) content in 23 products containing St. John's wort (pharmaceutical herbal products, food supplements and traditional herbal remedies) sold in the metropolitan area of Mexico City was conducted. The analysis of metals was determined using a graphite-furnace atomic absorption spectrometer. All herbal products were contaminated with Cu, Pb, Cd and As. The pharmaceutical herbal items showed less contamination by metals. The daily human intake (DHI) values for Pb exceeded the permissible limits in the group of traditional herbal remedies. The DHI calculation for As exceeded the permitted intake values for all items in the group of traditional herbal remedies, five food supplements and one pharmaceutical herbal product. The hazard indicator calculation of the non-carcinogenic cumulative risk values for traditional herbal remedies was greater than 1, suggesting a risk to human health.