Effect of the duration of use of aluminum cookware on its metal leachability and cytogenotoxicity in Allium cepa assay.

Aluminum cookware are widely used in many parts of the world. Data is increasing on the leaching of toxic metals from aluminum cookware into food and drink. In the present study, cytogenotoxicity of water boiled in three different aluminum pots (new, 3-year-old, and 6-year-old) in onion root tip's dividing cells was evaluated using the Allium cepa assay. The concentrations of Pb, As, Cd, Cu, Ni, and Al in the samples were also analyzed. Onion bulbs were grown in the boiled water samples, while tap water served as the control. Cytological and genetic analyses were carried out after 48 h, while analysis of inhibition of root length was carried out after 72 h. The results showed a significant (p < 0.05) cell proliferation and root growth inhibition compared with the control, which is dependent on the duration of use of the aluminum pots. The boiled water samples also caused modification of the root morphology as well as chromosomal aberrations which include sticky chromosomes, anaphase bridge, and disturbed spindle. The highest cytogenotoxicity was observed in the 6-year-old aluminum pot and the least in the new aluminum pot. Pb, As, Cd, Cu, Ni, and Al analyzed in the samples, with the highest concentrations in the 6-year-old aluminum pot, were believed to be responsible for the cytogenotoxicity observed in the A. cepa assay. The data of this study are indications that the aluminum pot-boiled water contains substances with the potential to be cytotoxic and cause mutations in somatic cells of A. cepa.

67-year-old woman • excessive flatulence • persistent heartburn • chronic cough • Dx?

► Excessive flatulence, belching, and bloating ► Persistent heartburn ► Chronic cough.

Recurrent Type III Kounis Syndrome: Will Anti-Immunoglobulin E Drug Be Another Option?

Kounis syndrome was recognized as the concurrence of acute cardiovascular events with hypersensitivity reactions. We report a case of Kounis syndrome type III (coronary thrombosis) variant in a 48-year-old man who had experienced recurrent acute myocardial infarctions after scallion-induced hypersensitivity reactions. After appropriate antithrombotic, antihistamine, and reperfusion strategies, the patient was found to have elevated levels of immunoglobulin E and chronic urticaria. Upon administration of omalizumab, there was an improvement of chronic urticaria, a decrease in immunoglobulin E levels, and resolution of the ischemic attacks.

Testicular and spermatotoxic potential of methanol extract of red cultivar Allium cepa in rats.

Background In both human and animals, especially in food and companion animal breeding farms, infertility is normally a challenge of great concern. Males have been found to be solely responsible for about 20-30% of infertility cases. Allium cepa (Onion), being one of the highly consumed spices worldwide, is usually overlooked as a possible reproductive toxicant. Most research on A. cepa document its medicinal effects. This study focused on toxicity potential of A. cepa to the male reproductive system. Spermatozoa morphological characteristics and testicular histopathology of male Wistar rats were accessed following administration of A. cepa methanol extract for 14 and 28 days. Methods The rats (55) were divided into groups A, B and C of 25, 25 and 5 rats, respectively. Group C served as the control and was administered distilled water (10 ml/kg), while groups A and B were subdivided into five groups of five rats each. Group A and B were administered A. cepa extract at various graded doses for 14 days and 28 days, respectively. Results The results revealed significantly increased (p < 0.05) percentage spermatozoa abnormalities, with significantly lower spermatozoa concentration, mass activity and percentage sperm motility when compared with the control group. Conclusions Conclusively, excessive (>100 mg/kg) and prolonged (>7 days) consumption or administration of Allium cepa (onion), including nutraceutical preparations of A. cepa has spermatotoxic effect and may damage germinal epithelial cells of the testicles. Toxicity of A. cepa is dose-dependent and beneficial effects may be maximized at doses ≤100 mg/kg for ≤7 consecutive days.

Alliaceous migraines.

OBJECTIVE: To report a migraineur with osmophobia and trigger to garlic and onion aroma. BACKGROUND: While odors serve as a trigger in 70% of migraineurs, alliaceous aromas have been described only rarely. Furthermore, nor has more than one type of alliaceous odor acted as a trigger in the same individual. Neither has migraine with aura been described as precipitated by such aromas. A patient experiencing migraines with aura, triggered almost exclusively by alliaceous aromas, is described. CASE STUDY: 32-year-old woman; 5 years previously felt nasal pruritis upon eating a red onion dip. Shortly thereafter, the mere aroma of raw onions caused a sensation of her throat closing along with an associated panic attack. Over the intervening years, upon exposure to onions and garlic aroma she experienced a fortification spectra and visual entopia, followed by a bipareital, crushing level 10/10 headache, burning eyes and nose, lacrimation, perioral paresthesias, generalized pruritis, nausea, fatigue, sore throat, dysarthria, confusion, dyspnea, palpitations, presyncopal sensations, hand spasms, tongue soreness, neck pain, phonophobia, and photophobia. These would persist for 1 hour after leaving the aroma. She was unresponsive to medication and would wear a surgical mask when out. The patient also experienced chemosensory complaints: dysosmias every few months; phantosmias of food or cleaning products every month for a minute of level 5/10 intensity; pallinosmia of onion or garlic odor for 30 minutes after exposure; and metallic pallinugeusia after eating with metal utensils. RESULTS: Neurological exam normal except for bilateral positive Hoffman reflexes. CHEMOSENSORY TESTING: Quick Smell Identification Test 3/3 and Brief Smell Identification Test 12/12 were normal. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography with and without contrast normal. Allergy skin test was positive for garlic and onion. Nose plug and counter stimulation with peppermint prevented the onset of headaches and associated symptoms. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of migraines with aura triggered by more than one alliaceous compound in the same individual. Possible mechanisms include odor induced, emotional change, vasomotor instability, trigeminal-induced neurogenic inflammation, and allergic response. In alliaceous and odor-induced migraines, a trial of counter stimulation and nose plugs is warranted.

Aberraciones cromosomales en bulbos de cebolla Allium cepa inducidas pormoléculas híbridas 4-aminoquinolínicas / Chromosomal aberrations in Allium cepa onion bulbs induced by 4-aminoquinoline hybrid molecules

Se estudiaron las propiedades toxicológicas de los trescompuestos híbridos quinolin-tiazolidinona (FR-72 y FR-121), y acridinepoxiisoindolindiona(FR-154) aplicándolos en el test de las raíces debulbos de cebolla Allium cepa. Las moléculas FR-72, FR-121 y FR-154 fueron sintetizadas de novo según protocolos experimentalesdescritos. Los bulbos de Allium cepa (2n = 16) limpios y sanos,previamente sumergidos en el agua destilada, se secaron con papeltoalla y se colocaron directamente en los tubos de ensayo llenos conla sustancia a evaluar. Los experimentos se realizaron a temperaturaambiente 20 ± 2°C y se mantuvieron en oscuridad. El periodo deexposición de los bulbos fue de 120 horas y las raíces que se utilizaronpara el montaje de genotoxicidad eran en promedio de 2 a 2.5 cmde longitud. La evaluación del comportamiento de las tres moléculasquinolínicas sobre la inhibición del crecimiento promedio de las raícesde bulbos de cebolla Allium cepa se realizó con los tres parámetrosde bioactividad (CE50, IM, ACs) en diferentes concentraciones. Lassustancias evaluadas pueden considerarse aneugénicas, ya que actúana nivel de estructuras celulares y moleculares e impiden la fijación delas fibras del huso acromático, por ende ocasionan el desplazamientode cromosomas en anafase o pérdidas de cromosomas, llegandoincluso a ser inductoras de la apoptosis al sobrepasar la capacidadhomeostática de la célula. El análisis preliminar indicó que la moléculaFR-121 a concentración 10-6 M y la molécula FR-154 a concentración10-3 M resultaron ser potentes agentes fitotóxicos provocando diversasaberraciones claustogénicas y aneugénicas...

The toxicological properties of three hybridcompounds, quinoline-thiazolidinone (FR-72 and FR-121)and acridin-epoxyisoindolindione (FR-154) were studiedby applying named compounds to the test of the rootsof Allium cepa onion bulbs. Molecules FR-72, FR-121 andFR-154 were synthesized de novo according to describedsynthetic protocols. Clean and healthy bulbs of Alliumcepa (2n = 16), previously immersed in distilled water,were dried with paper towels and placed directly into testtubes filled with the test substance. The experiments werecarried out at room temperature 20 ± 2°C and were keptin darkness. The period of exposure of bulbs was 120hours; the roots used for the genotoxicity evaluation wereon average of 2 to 2.5 cm in length. The evaluation of theeffect of the three quinolinic molecules on the growthof onion roots of Allium cepa bulbs was achieved usingdifferent concentrations of the three growth parameters(EC50, IM, ACs) The evaluated substances performedaneugenic actions, operating at cellular and molecularstructure level and preventing the fixing of mitoticspindle fibers, causing the movement of chromosomesin the anaphase or loss of chromosomes, even inducingapoptosis by exceeding the homeostatic capacity of thecell. The preliminary analysis indicated that molecule FR-121 at 10-6 M concentration and molecule FR-154 at 10-3M concentration, proved to be potent phytotoxic agentscausing various claustogenic and aneugenic aberrations...

Foram estudadas as propriedades toxicológicas dos trêscompostos híbridos, quinolina-tiazolidinona (FR-72 e FR-121)e hidroacridin-epoxiisoindolindiona (FR-154) aplicando-os noteste das raízes de bulbos de cebola Allium cepa. As moléculas FR-72, FR-121 e FR-154 foram sintetizadas de novo de acordo com osprotocolos experimentais já descritos. Os bulbos de Allium cepa (2n= 16) limpos e sádios, previamente imersos em água destilada, foramsecos com papel toalha e colocados diretamente em tubos de ensaio,cheios com a substância de teste. Os experimentos foram realizadosà temperatura ambiente 20 ± 2°C e mantiveram-se na escuridão. Operíodo de exposição dos bulbos foi de 120 horas e as raízes usadaspara a montagem de genotoxicidade tinham, em média, de 2 a 2,5 cmde comprimento. A avaliação do comportamento das três moléculasquinolínicas sobre a inibição do crescimento médio das raízes debulbos de cebola Allium cepa foi realizada com os três parâmetrosde bioatividade (EC50, IM, ACs) em diferentes concentrações. Assubstâncias avaliadas podem se considerar aneugénicas, já queatuam ao nível de estruturas celulares e moleculares, e impedem oestabelecimento de fibras do fuso acromático, provocando assim odeslocamento dos cromossomos na anáfase ou perda de cromossomos,chegando, inclusive, a serem indutoras da apoptose ao ultrapassar acapacidade homeostática da célula. A análise preliminar indicou que amolécula FR-121 em concentração de 10-6 M e a molécula de FR-154em concentração de 10-3 M resultaram ser potentes agentes fitotóxicosprovocando várias aberrações claustogénicas e aneugénicas...

Volatile flavours in raw egg yolk of hens fed on different diets.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have suggested that the composition of lipophilic components of egg yolk is influenced by the feed. The aim of the present study was to isolate volatile flavours from egg yolk after different feeding trials using solvent extraction and thin layer high-vacuum distillation. The resulting aroma extract was analysed by various gas chromatographic techniques. Chickens were either fed with laying meal, laying meal plus cabbage and onion or laying meal plus rapeseed oil or held in free-range. RESULTS: The predominating odour impressions were described as onion-like. Comparing all analytical and sensory data of the flavour extracts, there were minimal differences among the respective samples. Free-range eggs contained fewer volatile compounds than the other samples, whereas rapeseed oil supplementation caused an enrichment of sulfur compounds. CONCLUSION: While data from gas chromatography/flame ionisation detection, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and gas chromatography/olfactometry were less conclusive, the results from sulfur-specific analysis using gas chromatography/flame photometric detection showed a considerable effect. However, because of the low abundance of sulfur compounds in the yolk, these differences are not expected to be perceivable by the consumer.

Occupational hypersensitivity pneumonitis due to molds in an onion and potato sorter.

A 42-year-old female non-smoking onion and potato sorter developed work-related shortness of breath, cough, fatigue and flu-like symptoms. The diagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis was based on patchy infiltrates in both lungs on high resolution computed tomography and lymphocytosis of 71% in a bronchoalveolar lavage sample with a CD4/CD8 ratio of 0.4. Exposure cessation and initial corticosteroid therapy resulted in complete recovery. IgG antibodies to Penicillium species and Fusarium solani cultivated from samples from the patient's workplace were detected in the patient's serum and cross-reactivity was demonstrated within Penicillium species, but also between Penicillium species and Aspergillus fumigatus. We conclude that occupational hypersensitivity pneumonitis due to molds may develop in onion and potato sorters.

Prevención de algunas enfermedades con el consumo del ajo y la cebolla / Prevention of some illnesses with the consumption of the garlic and the onion

Se hace un breve recuento sobre las propiedades del ajo y la cebolla y su consumo, en la prevención de algunas enfermedades

Painful sweating.

OBJECTIVE: The authors report a case of spontaneous and gustatory facial pain and sweating. METHODS: The patient had frequent episodes of pain, sweating, and flushing bilaterally in the hairless skin of the ophthalmic and maxillary distributions of the trigeminal nerve. Gustatory stimuli (e.g., orange juice, pickled onions) reliably evoked episodes, but episodes also frequently came on spontaneously. The problem had begun during adolescence, about the time of topical treatment and then electrocauteries for facial warts. The patient reported benefit from tricyclic antidepressants, guanethidine, and trospium chloride (an anti-cholinergic quaternary amine used in Europe for urinary urgency). There was no pain or excessive sweating in other body areas, nor pain with exercise. RESULTS: Administration of edrophonium IV evoked pain and sweating, and ganglion blockade by IV trimethaphan eliminated pain and sweating and markedly attenuated responses to edrophonium. Trospium chloride also prevented edrophonium-induced pain and sweating. Bicycle exercise produced the same increment in forehead humidity as in a spontaneous episode but did not evoke pain. Tyramine infusion did not bring on pain or sweating, whereas iontophoretic acetylcholine administration to one cheek evoked pain and sweating bilaterally. Topical glycopyrrolate cream eliminated spontaneous, gustatory, and edrophonium-induced episodes. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that facial pain and sweating can result from occupation of muscarinic cholinergic receptors after acetylcholine release from local nerves. The authors propose that after destruction of cutaneous nerves, aberrant regenerant sprouting innervates sweat glands, producing gustatory sweating as in auriculotemporal syndrome (Frey syndrome), and innervates nociceptors, producing pain.

[Anterior rhinomanometry as a diagnostic test in occupational allergy caused by Liliaceae]. / Rinomanometría anterior como test diagnóstico en alergia ocupacional por liliáceas.

UNLABELLED: The Liliacea family has been implicated as a cause of occupational rhinoconjunctivitis and bronchial asthma. We report a patient who presented symptoms when he manipulated spices including garlic and onion dusts. Nasal challenge test with active anterior rhinomanometry was used for the diagnosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Skin-prick tests with common inhalants, commercial spices, fresh Liliaceae and powdered spices diluted in saline solution (10 mg/ml) were performed. Immunoblot and specific IgE (CAP-Pharmacia) were determined. Control peak expiratory flow was monitored during a period at work in an area where spices were manipulated and in an area where they were transported. Nasal challenge test with garlic and onion powder was performed. The resulting nasal obstruction was measured as nasal airway resistance and was determined by rhinomanometry. RESULTS: Skin-prick tests were positive for onion, garlic powder and fresh Liliacea. Specific IgE were positive for garlic and onion. IgE immunoblotting showed very strong bands at 14 and 40 kD with garlic extract. Nasal challenge showed an increase in inspiratory nasal resistance which was higher than 100 % of the basal value for both onion extract and garlic.

Suspended onion particles and potential corneal injury in onion harvesters.

The authors suspected that suspended onion particles contributed to corneal ulcers in onion harvesters in southern Taiwan. In the present study, the authors used manikins to study suspended onion particles in fields in an effort to simulate typical conditions experienced by onion harvesters. An animal eye-exposure simulation study was also performed by the authors, who impacted suspended soil grains or onion particles onto the corneas of guinea pigs via aerosol generated from the Palas dispersion nozzle. The average size of 25.9 pm for suspended particles collected during the digging of onions was the largest one of those for various harvesting activities. Some onion skin flakes were found in samples obtained from gathering and packing activities; the typical flake size was approximately 3.5 x 2.5 mm2. The results of the animal study indicated that the size of soil grains has a demonstrable effect on the severity of corneal injury (p = .009). With respect to onion skin flakes, wind velocity was also associated significantly with the occurrence of corneal injury (p = .0004). A wind velocity threshold of 7 m/sec is recommended for the maintenance of safety, and if the wind speed exceeds this threshold level, workers should not engage in harvesting activities. Furthermore, use of appropriately designed goggles is necessary for the protection of onion harvesters who work in high-wind conditions.

[Assessment of phyto- and cytotoxic effects of heavy metals and aluminum compounds using onion apical root meristem]. / Otsenka fito- i tsitotoksicheskoi aktivnosti soedinenii tiazhelykh metallov i aliuminiia s pomoshch'iu kornevoi apikal'noi meristemy luka.

The effects of different concentrations (10(-6)-10(-3) M) of salts of six metals (cadmium, lead, nickel, aluminum, copper, and zinc) on the root growth of onion (Allium cepa L.) seedling and cell division, chromosome and nucleus morphology in root tip cells were studied. The obtained results showed that tested compounds inhibit the root growth, reduce the mitotic activity of meristem cells and cause the chromosome and nucleus irregularities. On the basis of these data two rows of metal salt toxicity were proposed--for effective concentrations (EC50) of toxic action: CuSO4 > CdCl2 > NiSO4 > Pb(CH3COO)2 > Al(NO3)3 > ZnSO4, and for sublethal and lethal effects of investigated substances: CuSO4 > Pb(CH3COO)2 > CdCl2 > ZnSO4 > NiSO4 > Al(NO3)3.

Influence of the onion as an essential ingredient of the Mediterranean diet on arterial blood pressure and blood fluidity.

Mediterranean diet has got a favourable effect on life expectancy. One of the crucial components of the diet are onions. In an open and a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, cross-over phase-I study a spontaneous pharmacological effect 5 h after administration of an onion-olive-oil maceration capsule formulation on arterial blood pressure could be demonstrated in apparently healthy subjects. In addition to a decrease in arterial blood pressure, a significant reduction in plasma viscosity and haematocrit were observed. These results are indicating a vasodilative effect of the onion-olive-oil-maceration product. The stickiness of the platelets was reduced. The effects were stronger in subjects with reduced blood fluidity compared to those subjects with normal rheological parameters.