Is Dance Closer to Physical Activity or Spirituality? A Philosophical Exploration.

Dancing is inevitably associated with kinesthetics of the body, including movements, gestures, poses, jumps, turnings, transferring body weight, etcetera. Thus, dance is a manifestation of an amateur or the skilled behavior of a fully trained athletic performance. At the same time, dance is accompanied by emotions as an effect of expression, narration of choreography. Dance is also pre-planned and designed to produce numerous styles and techniques. It is a unique type of improvisation. However, in certain situations, styles and techniques that will be discussed below, the dancing body can bring the dancer closer to his/her emotionality and even spirituality. Thus, the aim of this philosophical exploration is to analyze the impact of spirituality on dance performance.

Lutein and zeaxanthin - radio- and chemoprotective properties. Mechanism and possible use.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are naturally occurring xanthophylls, mainly present in green, leafy vegetables and egg's yolk. Their presence is connected with blue spectrum light absorbance, including UV. This property, and fact, that these xanthophylls are accumulated by human eye's macula, leads to eye's protective functions of them including protection from age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Also, antioxidative features of lutein and zeaxanthin are boosting overall health of human body. Numerous studies proves anti-inflammatory and protective attributes of these compounds, based on many, different mechanisms. One of them is regulating redox potential in cells, and impact on expression of linked genes. In preventing of eye diseases, an important gene that is regulated by lutein and zeaxanthin is the Nrf2 gene, whose increased activity leads to optimizing the cellular response to reactive oxygen species (ROS) and preventing related diseases. Other research confirms antiproliferative properties of mentioned compounds in case of certain human cancer cell lines. There are e.g.: HepG2 (hepatitis cancer), MCF-7 (breast cancer), which treated in vitro with lutein solution showed reduction of cell growth. Lutein alone, during in vivo studies conducted on mice, exhibited also radioprotective properties, positively affecting the vitality of animals. Lutein provides also increasing of tolerance to UV radiation, reducing inflammatory processes in the skin and preventing oncogenesis. Low intake of lutein and zeaxanthin, associated with "western diet", rich in simple carbohydrates and processed food, common in developed countries, including Poland, is linked with diabetes and obesity incidence. Assuming, lutein and zeaxanthin significantly affect the well-being of the human body, and their appropriate amount in diet can help reduce risk of many diseases. For supplementation, the optimized dosage of these xanthophylls includes doses of 10 mg for lutein and 2 mg for zeaxanthin, and it is recommended to consume along with fats or meals rich in fats.

Effects of genistein supplemented before or after irradiation on DNA injury in human lymphocytes in vitro.

Background: Ionizing radiation (IR) carry adequate energy to ionize or remove electrons from an atom. Particles interact with water to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). Genistein (GEN) is a naturally occurring phytoestrogen and the basic isoflavonoid in soybeans and soybean-enriched products and is believed to have the strongest antioxidant activity. Objective: The study aimed at the investigation if application of GEN at different time prior or past irradiation may ameliorate or reduce injury of DNA in human lymphocytes. Material and Methods: The isolated lymphocytes were exposed to X-irradiation (0.5; 1 Gy). GEN (1 µM/ml; 10 µM/ ml) was appended to attempts at various times prior or past irradiation (1 h prior, immediately prior, immediately past, 1 h past). We joined each X-rays dose with each GEN dose. After 1h of incubation DNA damages were examined using Comet assay. Results: Combination of 1 µM/ml of GEN given 1 h before irradiation with low or high dose markedly decreased induced by irradiation DNA injury. Higher dose of GEN applied immediately before or after irradiation markedly extended the frequency of DNA injury generated by irradiation. The result of application 1 µM/ml GEN 1 h after irradiation was not significantly different compared to control. The effect of 1 Gy + 10 µM/ml GEN was not significantly lower compared to each agent alone. Conclusions: Only a very low concentration of GEN applied before irradiation, may be considered as a potential radiomitigator/radioprotector. High doses of GEN work as a radiosentitizer and may potent the effects of radiotherapy.

Radon - occurrence and impact on the health.

Radon is noble, monatomic, radioactive, heavier than the air gas. It is colorless, odorless, tasteless. It exists in natural environment as a result of the decay of radium, and emits mainly alpha radiation and less beta radiation. Residential radon concentrations vary widely by geographic area. The higher concentration of radon is expected globally in the grounds where uranium, radium and thoron are present. Radon may gather in caves, tunnels, mines as well as in other lowestlying spaces, such as basements, and cellars. In accordance with Atomic Law (2000), the reference level for the average annual concentration of radioactive radon in rooms intended for human habitation is 300 Bq/m3. The most dangerous damages caused by ionizing radiation i.e. radon and its derivatives are changes to DNA, which may disturb the functions of cells and in the consequence lead to induction of cancer of respiratory tract, mainly of lungs and also leukaemia. So, the main consequence of exposure to high amount of radon are cancers of respiratory system. Radon enters the human organism mainly through inhaled atmospheric air. Moreover, radon significantly increased a risk of induction cancer in smokers and vice versa, smoking promotes the development of lung cancer after the exposure to radon and its derivatives. Radon may also have beneficial effect on the human body. Therefore it is used in medicine; mainly in radonbalneotherapy i.e. bath treatments, rinsing the mouth and inhalation. Beneficial effects of radon confirms the validity of the theory of radiation hormesis, which assumes that low doses of radiation may stimulate the repair of DNA damage by activation of protective mechanisms, which neutralize free radicals.

The effect of lycopene supplementation on radiation-induced micronuclei in mice reticulocytes in vivo.

Lycopene (LYC) is a natural pigment present in tomatoes and other red fruits and vegetables including red carrots, red peppers, watermelons, pink grapefruits, apricots, pink guavas, and papaya. There is some evidence that LYC may provide protection against mutations induced by ionizing radiation. The study aimed to investigate whether the genetic material of reticulocytes (RET) could be protected from radiation-induced damage by LYC. Mice were treated with LYC [0.15 mg/kg bodyweight (bw), 0.30 mg/kg bw], acute and fractionated irradiation (0.5 Gy, 1 Gy applied daily), or with both agents (0.5 Gy + 0.15 mg/kg bw LYC, 0.5 Gy + 0.30 mg/kg bw LYC, 1 Gy + 0.15 mg/kg bw LYC, 1 Gy + 0.30 mg/kg LYC). LYC supplementation was started at 24 h or 1 week after the first irradiation. Irradiation significantly enhanced the frequency of micronuclei (MN) in RET. LYC treatment at a dose of 0.15 mg/kg bw 24 h after starting fractionated radiation at 1 Gy significantly decreased (41-68%, p < 0.0125) the level of MN in peripheral blood and bone marrow RET. LYC supplementation at 0.30 mg/kg bw did not significantly alter the frequency of MN in peripheral blood, but significantly increased the frequency of bone marrow RET MN. LYC treatment on day 8 following the first radiation exposure showed results similar (92-117%, p > 0.24) to those obtained with irradiation alone. Lycopene may act as a radiomitigator but must be administered at low doses and as soon as possible after irradiation. Contrary, combined exposure with high doses of irradiation and LYC may enhance the mutagenic effect of irradiation.

The effect of preconceptional exposure of F0 male mice to di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate on the induction of reproductive toxicity in F2 generation.

The aim of the study was the estimation of the effects of 8 weeks exposure mature and pubescent male mice to DEHP on the prenatal development of the offspring F2 generation. The F1 offspring, of males exposed for whole cycle of spermatogenesis to DEHP (2000 mg/kg bw or 8000 mg/kg bw) and unexposed females, at 8-9 weeks of age were caged males with females from the same group, but from different litter. Eight weeks preconceptional exposure of mature F0 males to 2000 mg/kg bw DEHP induced the significantly higher number of dead fetuses in the F2 offspring; however, the effect on the sperm count and quality of F1 males was not seen. Contrary, after such exposure of pubescent males not significantly decrease in the number of live implants was noted. Results showed that the subchronical, preconceptional exposure of F0 males to DEHP did not influence strongly on the F2 generation of the offspring. Our study did not confirm higher sensitivity germ cells of pubescent males to harmful effects induced by DEHP. The developmental effect was present as the enhanced number of dead implants of F2 generation after exposure of mature F0 males and slight reduction in the number of live fetuses following the exposure of immature males. It may confirm ability to male mediated developmental toxicity.

DNA strand breaks in peripheral blood leucocytes of Polish blood donors.

Knowledge about the basal level of DNA damage in leucocytes of healthy control populations is essential before estimation of the effects of exposure to external agents in biomonitoring studies. The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of some lifestyle factors on baseline DNA damage in leucocytes of humans. The material consisted of the peripheral blood from 276 healthy volunteer blood donors. In addition to the standard blood donation questionnaire, they were asked about age, gender, occupation, radiological history, smoking habit, alcohol consumption, medicine use and pet ownership. The results showed marked intra-individual variability. Significant differences in DNA damage levels were observed between individuals in different age and sex groups, between smokers and non-smokers and between samples taken in different seasons of the year, with the highest DNA damage in those obtained in the summer. Significantly higher levels of DNA damage were noted in leucocytes of donors older than 29 years, in men compared with women and in male smokers. Significantly higher DNA strand breaks were observed in heavy smokers. A non-significantly higher level of DNA damage was observed in individuals subjected to radiological investigation and in those drinking alcohol, whereas lower levels were observed in leucocytes of pet owners and in donors taking medicines. Pet ownership influences the level of DNA damage and there is an interaction between this effect and that of smoking. The smoker/pet owners showed almost half the level of DNA damage of smokers without pets. The current results confirmed high intra-individual variability between the levels of DNA damage of individuals. The significant factors that influence the DNA damage in leucocytes are age, sex and smoking habit, especially in men and in heavy smokers. The finding of reduced DNA damage in the leucocytes of pet owners suggests the tendency towards a beneficial effect of such company.

Three generation study of reproductive and developmental toxicity following exposure of pubescent F0 male mice to di-n-butyl phthalate.

Humans are exposed to phthalates continuously throughout life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genotoxic effects induced in male mice following 8 weeks of subchronic exposure to di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) during their puberty and to investigate the possibility of transmission of mutations to subsequent generations via the sperm. Pzh:Sfis outbred male mice aged 4.5 weeks were exposed to DBP by gavage for 8 weeks, 3 days per week to doses of 1/16 LD50 or 1/4 LD50 each time. Six to seven males from each dosage group were sacrificed at 4, 8 and 12 weeks after the start of exposure for examination of sperm count and quality. Immediately after the end of exposure, the remaining males were caged for 1 week with two unexposed females each. Group of females were sacrificed 1 day before expected parturition, whilst other females were allowed to deliver and rear litters. F1 generation males at 8-9 weeks of age were caged with females from the same group, but from a different litter, for examination of prenatal development of the F2 generation. The remaining F1 generation males were sacrificed at the same age to check the sperm count and quality. Our results confirmed the toxic effects of DBP on the reproductive organs and germ cells of pubertally exposed males. The changes induced in male gametes might be transmitted to the next generation via the sperm. The most important effects were induced in the F1 generation. Exposure of F0 males to DBP induced skeletal malformations in surviving foetuses, caused significant mortality in postnatal life and a disturbance in the sex ratio (superior survival of females in F1), as well as increased frequency of DNA damage in the germ cells of F1 males. The present study did not confirm higher sensitivity to DBP of pubescent males compared to adult males, but the effects induced in the F1 generation differed from that after exposure of adult F0 males.

The evaluation of protective effect of lycopene against genotoxic influence of X-irradiation in human blood lymphocytes.

Many studies suggest that exogenous antioxidants may protect cells against DNA damage caused with ionizing radiation. One of the most powerful antioxidants is lycopene (LYC), a carotenoid derived from tomatoes. The aim of this study was to investigate, using the comet assay, whether LYC can act as protectors/modifiers and prevent DNA damage induced in human blood lymphocytes, as well as to mitigate the effects of radiation exposure. In this project, LYC, dissolved in DMSO at a concentration of 10, 20 or 40 µM/ml of cell suspension, was added to the isolated lymphocytes from human blood at appropriate intervals before or after the X-irradiation at doses of 0.5, 1 and 2 Gy. Cell viability in all groups was maintained at above 70%. The results showed the decrease of DNA damage in cells treated with various concentrations of LYC directly and 1 h before exposure to X-rays compared to the control group exposed to irradiation alone. Contrary results were observed in cells exposed to LYC immediately after exposure to ionizing radiation. The studies confirmed the protective effect of LYC against DNA damage induced by ionizing radiation, but after irradiation the carotenoid did not stimulate of DNA repair and cannot act as modifier. However, supplementation with LYC, especially at lower doses, may be useful in protection from radiation-induced oxidative damage.

Maria Sklodowska-Curie, her life and work - the 150 anniversary of her birthday

Maria Sklodowska was born on November 7, 1867 in Warsaw (Poland). Her parents were teachers. Maria's mother has died in 1878 of tuberculosis. In 1893 and 1894, respectively, Maria was awarded master's degrees in physics and in mathematics from the Sorbonne University. In 1895 Maria married Pierre Curie. In 1897 their daughter Irene was born. Maria investigated rays emitted by uranium salts. She hypothesized that the radiation come from atom and called this phenomenon "radioactivity". In 1898, Maria and Pierre discovered new radioactive elements polonium and radium. In 1902 she isolated pure radium chloride and defined radium atomic mass. In June 1903, Maria supervised by Professor Lippmann was awarded her doctorate in physics from the Sorbonne University of Paris after presentation of the thesis "Investigation of radioactive bodies". In December 1903, Maria was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics, along with her husband Pierre and Henri Becquerel, for their work on radioactivity. In 1904, the daughter Eve was born. On 19 April 1906, Pierre was killed in a road accident in Paris. In 1910 Maria isolated radium as a pure metal. She also defined an international standard for radioactive emissions (curie), published her fundamental results on radioactivity and textbook of radiology. She also defined the international pattern of radium. In 1911, she won her second Nobel Prize, this time in Chemistry, for her discovery of radium and polonium. In 1914 she was appointed director in the Radium Institute in Paris. During World War I, Maria became the director of the Red Cross Radiology Service and set up France's first military radiology centre. In May 1932 she has attended the official opening ceremony of the Radium Institute in Warsaw. On 4 July 1934, Maria Sklodowska-Curie has died aged 66 years in Sancellemoz sanatorium (France) of aplastic anemia.

The effect of in vivo resveratrol supplementation in irradiated mice on the induction of micronuclei in peripheral blood and bone marrow reticulocytes.

The aim of the study was to investigate how coadministration of resveratrol (RSV) at different time after the start of irradiation influences the frequency of micronuclei (MN) in reticulocytes of bone marrow and peripheral blood, and if the RSV supplementation after termination of irradiation may influence the recovery process of damaged cells. Coadministration of RSV with 1-day delay after 1 Gy irradiation significantly decreased the levels of MN in bone marrow and in peripheral blood, whereas with 1-week delay, only in bone marrow reticulocytes. Above combined treatment did not improve the process of recovery. RSV supplementation with 1-day delay relatively to 0.5 Gy irradiation, significantly decreased the frequencies of MN, especially after coadministration with 28mg/kg bw of RSV. Coadministration of RSV since eighth day did not influence the frequencies of MN compared to irradiated cells. The recovery process in the presence of RSV proceeded faster. Supplementation of RSV following initiation of irradiation is beneficial in case of irradiation with lower doses. RSV should be supplemented as soon as possible. Supplementation of RSV after termination of irradiation significantly speed up the recovery. Current results confirmed the ability of RSV to mitigate the effect of irradiation.

Phthalates - widespread occurrence and the effect on male gametes. Part 1. General characteristics, sources and human exposure.

Phthalates are widely present in human environment. Widespead exposure to those agents, which are compounds of numerous daily use products, is unavoidable. In the current paper following phthalates benzylbutyl phthalate (BBP), di- n-butyl phthalate (DBP), di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), di-isononyl phthalate (DINP) are described. Phthalates mainly enter to the composition of plastic goods, like boxes and containers for storage of foods, toys, medical devices, and also cosmetics, personal care products, as well as paints, vanishes, printing inks. This paper describes the occurence of individual phthalates in the environment (water, air) and in different products. During production, transportation, manufacturing of goods and improper disposal, phthalates released into soil, water and air. For example indoor air included 13 mg/m3 phthalates, where 72 % of all constitutes DEP (2.29 mg/m(3)), BBP (3.97 mg/m(3)) and DEHP (2.43 mg/m(3)). Exposure to phthalates take place mainly by ingestion or inhalation air or through the skin. Presence of phthalates were observed in numerous food products and is connected with migration of those compounds from food storage containers to preserved food. They could mirgate to salivia during sucking and chewing of toys and this way increased exposure to of children. The results of studies regarding to concentration of phthalates in human tissues and excretions are also described. The level of phthalates were measured in numerous of human biological samples. For example, DEHP, DEP and DBP were detected at levels of 5.71 mg/L in blood serum, of 0.30 mg/L in semen and of 0.72 mg/kg in fat samples.

Phthalates - widespread occurrence and the effect on male gametes. Part 2. The effects of phthalates on male gametes and on the offspring.

UNLABELLED: The general exposure to endocrine disruptors, including phthalates, is considered as one of the reason diminished sperm count and deteriorated sperm quality, which may lead to infertility and higher incidence of congenital malformations of the genital tract. This article describes the effects of selected phthalates di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP); butylbenzyl phthalate (BBP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), di-isononyl phthalate (DINP) on the male gametes, reproduction and the offspring of exposed animals. Results of several papers in vitro showed that above mentioned phthalates are weakly estrogenic, whereas in vivo studies showed that they have rather antiandrogenic abilities. Review of papers regarding to laboratory animals confirmed that phthalates cause diminished sperm count, increased frequency of abnormal spermatozoa and DNA damage in germ cells, especially after chronic exposure and in case exposure of immature animals. Phthalates may induce in male gametes mutations leading to increased pre- and postnatal mortality of the offspring and to incidence of congenital malformations, growth retardation, delay in sexual development, shortening of anogenital distance in males, disturbances in sex ratio and diminished quality of semen in F1 generation. The sensitivity on mammalian life stages on phthalates seems to be as follows: fetal > peripubertal > adult. The human studies provided limited evidence of an association between phthalate exposure and semen quality. Concentration of phthalates in semen of men at the level from 0.08 to 1.32 mg/kg was related to declined semen quality and infertility. Majority of human data showed the connection of increased level of phthalates in urine and sperm quality, however on the basis results of other studies, the impact of environmental exposure on sperm parameters seems to be rather small. KEY WORDS: phthalates, sperm count and quality, pre- and perinatal exposure, mammalian and human effects.

Influence of Selected Extenders for Liquid Storage at 4 degrees C of Breeding Chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) Semen on Sperm DNA Integrity.

The influence of two commercial and two laboratory oriented extenders on survival rate and DNA integrity of chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) sperm was determined during liquid storage. Semen was collected using an electroejaculator from 6 adult male chinchillas. Ejaculates (n = 16) were diluted with extenders to obtain a concentration of 40 x 10 (3) sperm/5 µl. After dilution the semen samples were stored at 4"C. The percent motility, progressive motility, and morphology were assessed conventionally, whereas DNA integrity was evaluated by Single Cell Gel Electrophoresis (comet) assay at 0 (just after dilution), 24, 48 and 72 h. Conventional assessment of sperm quality showed that commercial extenders are characterized by the lowest sperm survival parameters out of the investigated extenders. In commercial extenders spermatozoa lost their capacity for progressive motility compared to laboratory extenders. After 24 h storage, from 21.67% to 30% of motile sperms were observed in commercial extender whereas total sperm motility was 63.33% (41.67% with progressive motility) in samples in which stallion semen extender was used. After 72 h storage, 10% of sperm were motile in stallion semen extender while no sperm movement was observed in tubes containing the commercial extender. Furthermore, a lower percentage of damaged spermatozoa in laboratory oriented extenders was demonstrated. It was also stated that along with the extended time of semen storage at 4 degrees C, commercial extenders lost their protective action. An analysis of DNA content in the heads of sperm cells and tail moment (TM) showed that the most useful extender for liquid preservation of chinchilla semen was the extender for stallions.

Comparison of the effects of bisphenol A alone and in a combination with X-irradiation on sperm count and quality in male adult and pubescent mice.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is employed in the manufacturing of epoxy, polyester-styrene, and polycarbonate resins, which are used for the production of baby and water bottles and reusable containers, food and beverage packing, dental fillings and sealants. The study was designed to examine the effects of 8-week exposure (a full cycle of spermatogenesis) to BPA alone and in a combination with X-irradiation on the reproductive organs and germ cells of adult and pubescent male mice. Pzh:Sfis male mice were exposed to BPA (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) or X-rays (0.05 Gy) or to a combination of both (0.05 Gy + 5 mg/kg bw BPA). The following parameters were examined: sperm count, sperm motility, sperm morphology, and DNA damage in male gametes. Both BPA and X-rays alone diminished sperm quality. BPA exposure significantly reduced sperm count in pubescent males compared to adult mice, with degenerative changes detected in seminiferous epithelium. This may suggest a higher susceptibility of germ cells of younger males to BPA action. Combined BPA with X-ray treatment enhanced the harmful effect induced by BPA alone in male germ cells of adult males, whereas low-dose irradiation showed sometimes protective or additive effects in pubescent mice.

Lycopene - antioxidant with radioprotective and anticancer properties. A review.

UNLABELLED: Ionizing radiation may cause damage to living tissue by producing free radicals like reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS can randomly react with lipids, proteins and nucleic acids of cell causing oxidative stress and damage in these macromolecules, leading to pathogenesis of chronic diseases and age related and also cancer. The first line of defense from the damaging effects of ROS is antioxidants, which convert the oxidants to less reactive species. Lycopene (LYC) is an acyclic isomer of beta-carotene. It synthesized by plants or autotrophic bacteria but not by animals. Red fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes, watermelons, pink grapefruits, apricots, pink guavas and papaya contain LYC. This carotenoid has very strong antioxidant properties. The many studies confirm that dietary supplementation with LYC reduces risk of cancers of many organs, but also retard the growth of the tumors. LYC has also chemopreventive effects against other diseases such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, male infertility and inhibits the toxic action of other agents. Numerous in vitro and animal studies showed that LYC may provide protection against damages induced by ionizing radiation. It suggests that supplementation of LYC might be useful in diminishing of negative effect of cancer radiotherapy or in mitigating the effects of possible radiation accidents on human health. KEY WORDS: lycopene, antioxidants, anticarcinogenic agents, radioprotection.

Role of Omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) as modulatory and anti-inflammatory agents in noncommunicable diet-related diseases - Reports from the last 10 years.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Fatty acids are a fundamental component of the human diet, particularly polyunsaturated fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The importance of omega-3 fatty acids has been studied in the context of many diseases due to their pleiotropic effects, focusing on the anti-inflammatory effects of EPA and DHA. Currently, the results of these acids in noncommunicable diseases are being increasingly assessed in a broader context than just inflammation. However, the mechanisms underlying the modulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3 fatty acids remain the subject of intensive research. Therefore, we reviewed the literature covering articles from the last decade to assess not only the anti-inflammatory but, above all, the modulatory effect of EPA and DHA acids on noncommunicable diet-related diseases. METHODS: The PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases were searched for studies regarding the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on diet-related disorders from the last 10 years. RESULTS: The available research shows that EPA and DHA supplementation has a beneficial impact on regulating triglycerides, total cholesterol, insulin resistance, blood pressure, liver enzymes, inflammatory markers and oxidative stress. Additionally, there is evidence of their potential benefits in terms of mitochondrial function, regulation of plasma lipoproteins, and reduction of the risk of sudden cardiovascular events associated with atherosclerotic plaque rupture. CONCLUSIONS: Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (EPA, DHA) have many beneficial effects among patients with diet-related disorders. More well-designed randomised controlled trials are needed to fully determine the usefulness of EPA and DHA in treating and preventing noncommunicable diet-related diseases.

Genotoxic effects of bisphenol A on somatic cells of female mice, alone and in combination with X-rays.

Bisphenol A (BPA), a monomer used in the manufacture of epoxy, polycarbonate, and polystyrene resins, is a xenoestrogen present in many consumer products. We investigated the effects of 2-week exposure to BPA, either alone or in combination with X-rays, on the induction of DNA damage in somatic cells of female mice in vivo. The micronucleus and alkaline comet assays were used to evaluate genotoxicity. BPA induced DNA strand breaks in lung cells but not in bone marrow lymphocytes, liver, kidney, or spleen cells. Induction of micronuclei was observed only in polychromatic reticulocytes of peripheral blood. Levels of damage following combination exposure to ionizing radiation plus BPA depended on tissue, assay, and time.

Genotoxicity and reproductive toxicity of bisphenol A and X-ray/bisphenol A combination in male mice.

This study was designed to investigate the effects of 2 weeks of exposure of male mice to bisphenol A (BPA) alone or in a combination with X-rays on the sperm count and quality as well as induction of DNA strand breaks in somatic and germ cells. Pzh:SFIS male mice were exposed to X-rays (0.05 and 0.10 Gy) or BPA (5, 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg) or to a combination of both (0.05 Gy + 5 mg/kg body weight of BPA and 0.10 Gy + 10 mg/kg of BPA). Both X-rays and BPA administered alone decreased sperm count and quality. X-rays induced DNA strand breaks in spleen cells, whereas BPA induced DNA strand breaks in lymphocytes and in cells from spleen, kidneys, and lung and in germ cells. After combined exposure to both agents, sperm count and quality were similar as after exposure to each agent alone and significantly reduced, compared to control. Levels of DNA damage in somatic and germ cells after combined exposure to lower, as well as higher, doses were significantly reduced, compared to the effects of BPA alone. Results confirmed the mutagenic ability of BPA. Combined exposure to X-rays and BPA leads to the prevention of DNA damage in somatic and germ cells of mice.

Resveratrol as promising natural radioprotector. A review.

Public feelings concerning radiation are still controversy. The main sources of trouble seems to be the failure nuclear power plant and danger of terroristic attack, which may cause temporally enhanced level of radiation leading to harmful health effects. Since radiation induced cellular damage is attributed primarily to harmful effect of free radicals, molecules with direct free radical scavenging properties are particularly promising as radiation modifiers/protectors, i.e. agents which present prior to or shortly after radiation exposure alter to response of tissues to radiation. Unfortunately, some of known radioprotectors are toxic at doses required for radioprotection. Resveratrol (RSV), an natural polyphenol is produced in several plants in response to injury, stress, bacteria or fungi infection, UV-irradiation and exposure to ozone. It is present in human diet i.e. in fruits and in wine. RSV is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiviral, cardioprotective, neuroprotective and antiageing action and it has been shown to have chemopreventive effects with respect to several human disease such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and gastric ulcers. Depending on the dose, RSV may act as antioxidant or as pro-oxidant. RSV improves sperm count and motility in rodents and prevent DNA damage caused by cryptopreservation of human sperm. Moreover, RSV acting with other agents, inhibits the toxic action of them. There are evidences that RSV is able to modulate the behavior of cells in response to radiation induced damage. Minimalization of radiation induced damage to somatic and germ cells by RSV might be useful in cancer therapy to prevent the damage to normal cells as well as in case of radiological accidents.