Action of the insecticide cyfluthrin on Ca2+ signal transduction and cytotoxicity in human osteosarcoma cells.

Cyfluthrin is a pyrethroid insecticide and common household pesticide. The effect of cyfluthrin on Ca2+-related physiology in human osteosarcoma is unclear. This study investigated the effect of cyfluthrin on cytosolic-free Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) and viability in MG63 human osteosarcoma cells. Cyfluthrin concentration-dependently induced [Ca2+]i rises. Cyfluthrin-induced Ca2+ entry was confirmed by the Mn2+-induced quench of fura-2 fluorescence. Cyfluthrin at concentrations of 10-100 µM induced [Ca2+]i rises. Ca2+ removal reduced the signal by approximately 50%. Cyfluthrin (100 µM) induced Mn2+ influx suggesting Ca2+ entry. Cyfluthrin-induced Ca2+ entry was inhibited 50% by protein kinase C (PKC) activator (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate) and inhibitor (GF109203X) and also by three inhibitors of store-operated Ca2+ channels: nifedipine, econazole, and SKF96365. In Ca2+-free medium, treatment with the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor thapsigargin (TG) completely inhibited cyfluthrin-evoked [Ca2+]i rises. Conversely, treatment with cyfluthrin abolished TG-evoked [Ca2+]i rises. Inhibition of phospholipase C (PLC) with 1-[6-[((17ß)-3-methoxyestra-1,3,5[10]-trien-17-yl)amino]hexyl]-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dion abolished cyfluthrin-induced [Ca2+]i rises. Cyfluthrin at 25-65 µM decreased cell viability, which was not reversed by pretreatment with the Ca2+ chelator 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid-acetoxymethyl ester. Together, in MG63 cells, cyfluthrin induced [Ca2+]i rises by evoking PLC-dependent Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum and Ca2+ entry via PKC-sensitive store-operated Ca2+ entry. Cyfluthrin also caused Ca2+-independent cell death.

Dietary administration of ß-caryophyllene and its epoxide to Sprague-Dawley rats for 90 days.

Two independent 90-day GLP-compliant studies were conducted in Sprague-Dawley rats with ß-caryophyllene or ß-caryophyllene epoxide, two common flavoring and fragrance materials. Dietary concentrations of ß-caryophyllene were 3500; 7000; and 21,000 ppm for males and 3500; 14,000; and 56,000 ppm for females. Dietary concentrations of ß-caryophyllene epoxide were 1750; 10,500; and 21,000 ppm. There were no deaths or clinical toxicity attributable to either substance administration. Statistically significant, dose-dependent reductions in body weight, body weight gain, food consumption, and food efficiency at the highest dietary concentrations of ß-caryophyllene, but not of ß-caryophyllene epoxide, were attributed to palatability issues. Neither ß-caryophyllene nor ß-caryophyllene epoxide influenced estrus cyclicity or sperm parameters. Macroscopic and microscopic findings were primarily related to changes in the kidneys of male rats, consistent with α2u-globulin nephropathy, and in the liver of male and female rats, including hepatocyte hypertrophy at the middle and high intake levels. These changes correlated with increased absolute and relative organ weights. Since the kidney findings were a species- and sex-specific effect, the NOAEL in each study was based on hepatocyte hypertrophy at the two highest dietary concentrations and were determined to be 222 mg/kg bw/day for ß-caryophyllene and 109 mg/kg bw/day for ß-caryophyllene epoxide.

Ca2+ movement and cytotoxicity induced by the pyrethroid pesticide bifenthrin in human prostate cancer cells.

Bifenthrin, a commonly used pyrethroid pesticide, evokes various toxicological effects in different models. However, the effect of bifenthrin on cytosolic-free Ca2+ level ([Ca2+]i) and cytotoxicity in human prostate cancer cells is unclear. This study examined whether bifenthrin altered Ca2+ homeostasis and cell viability in PC3 human prostate cancer cells. [Ca2+]i in suspended cells were measured using the fluorescent Ca2+-sensitive dye fura-2. Cell viability was examined by 4-[3-[4-lodophenyl]-2-4(4-nitrophenyl)-2H-5-tetrazolio-1,3-benzene disulfonate] water soluble tetrazolium-1 assay. Bifenthrin (100-400 µM) concentration-dependently induced [Ca2+]i rises. Ca2+ removal reduced the signal by approximately 30%. In Ca2+-free medium, treatment with the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor 2,5-di-tert-butylhydroquinone (BHQ) abolished bifenthrin-evoked [Ca2+]i rises. Conversely, treatment with bifenthrin abolished BHQ-evoked [Ca2+]i rises. Inhibition of phospholipase C (PLC) with U73122 significantly inhibited bifenthrin-induced [Ca2+]i rises. Mn2+ has been shown to enter cells through similar mechanisms as Ca2+ but quenches fura-2 fluorescence at all excitation wavelengths. Bifenthrin (400 µM)-induced Mn2+ influx implicates that Ca2+ entry occurred. Bifenthrin-induced Ca2+ entry was inhibited by 30% by protein kinase C (PKC) activator (phorbol 12-myristate 13 acetate) and inhibitor (GF109203X) and three inhibitors of store-operated Ca2+ channels: nifedipine, econazole, and SKF96365. Bifenthrin at 175-275 µM decreased cell viability, which was not reversed by pretreatment with the Ca2+ chelator 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy) ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetra acetic acid-acetoxymethyl ester. Together, in PC3 cells, bifenthrin-induced [Ca2+]i rises by evoking PLC-dependent Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum and Ca2+ entry via PKC-sensitive store-operated Ca2+ entry. Bifenthrin also caused Ca2+-independent cell death.

Amitriptyline modulated Ca2+ signaling and induced Ca2+-independent cell viability in human osteosarcoma cells.

Amitriptyline is a widely used tricyclic antidepressant, which acts primarily as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. This study examined the effect of amitriptyline on Ca2+ homeostasis and its related mechanism in MG63 human osteosarcoma cells. Amitriptyline evoked cytosolic-free Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) rises concentration dependently. Amitriptyline-evoked Ca2+ entry was confirmed by Mn2+-induced quench of fura-2 fluorescence. This entry was inhibited by Ca2+ entry modulators nifedipine, econazole, SKF96365, the protein kinase C (PKC) activator phorbol 12-myristate 13 acetate but was not affected by the PKC inhibitor GF109203X. In Ca2+-free medium, treatment with the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor thapsigargin (TG) inhibited amitriptyline-evoked [Ca2+]i rises by 95%. Conversely, treatment with amitriptyline abolished TG-evoked [Ca2+]i rises. Inhibition of phospholipase C (PLC) with U73122 inhibited amitriptyline-evoked [Ca2+]i rises by 70%. Amitriptyline killed cells at 200-500 µM in a concentration-dependent fashion. Chelating cytosolic Ca2+ with 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane- N, N, N', N'-tetraacetic acid/AM did not reverse amitriptyline-induced cytotoxicity. Collectively, our data suggest that in MG63 cells, amitriptyline induced [Ca2+]i rises by evoking PLC-dependent Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum and Ca2+ entry via PKC-regulated store-operated Ca2+ entry. Amitriptyline also induced Ca2+-disassociated cell death.

Naproxen-induced Ca2+ movement and death in MDCK canine renal tubular cells.

Naproxen is an anti-inflammatory drug that affects cellular calcium ion (Ca(2+)) homeostasis and viability in different cells. This study explored the effect of naproxen on [Ca(2+)](i) and viability in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells (MDCK) canine renal tubular cells. At concentrations between 50 µM and 300 µM, naproxen induced [Ca(2+)](i) rises in a concentration-dependent manner. This Ca(2+) signal was reduced partly when extracellular Ca(2+) was removed. The Ca(2+) signal was inhibited by a Ca(2+) channel blocker nifedipine but not by store-operated Ca(2+) channel inhibitors (econazole and SKF96365), a protein kinase C (PKC) activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, and a PKC inhibitor GF109203X. In Ca(2+)-free medium, pretreatment with 2,5-di-tert-butylhydroquinone or thapsigargin, an inhibitor of endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) pumps, partly inhibited naproxen-induced Ca(2+) signal. Inhibition of phospholipase C with U73122 did not alter naproxen-evoked [Ca(2+)](i) rises. At concentrations between 15 µM and 30 µM, naproxen killed cells in a concentration-dependent manner, which was not reversed by prechelating cytosolic Ca(2+) with the acetoxymethyl ester of 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid acetoxymethyl. Annexin V/propidium iodide staining data suggest that naproxen induced apoptosis. Together, in MDCK renal tubular cells, naproxen induced [Ca(2+)](i) rises by inducing Ca(2+) release from multiple stores that included the endoplasmic reticulum and Ca(2+) entry via nifedipine-sensitive Ca(2+) channels. Naproxen induced cell death that involved apoptosis.

Mechanisms of resveratrol-induced changes in cytosolic free calcium ion concentrations and cell viability in OC2 human oral cancer cells.

Resveratrol is a natural compound that affects cellular calcium (Ca(2+)) homeostasis and viability in different cells. This study examined the effect of resveratrol on cytosolic free Ca(2+) concentrations ([Ca(2+)]i) and viability in OC2 human oral cancer cells. The Ca(2+)-sensitive fluorescent dye fura-2 was used to measure [Ca(2+)]i, and water-soluble tetrazolium-1 was used to measure viability. Resveratrol evoked concentration-dependent increase in [Ca(2+)]i. The response was reduced by removing extracellular Ca(2+). Resveratrol also caused manganese-induced fura-2 fluorescence quench. Resveratrol-evoked Ca(2+) entry was inhibited by nifedipine and the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor GF109203X but was not altered by econazole, SKF96365, and the PKC activator phorbol 12-myristate 13 acetate. In Ca(2+)-free medium, treatment with the endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) pump inhibitor 2,5-di-tert-butylhydroquinone (BHQ) abolished resveratrol-evoked [Ca(2+)]i rise. Conversely, treatment with resveratrol inhibited BHQ-evoked [Ca(2+)]i rise. Inhibition of phospholipase C (PLC) with U73122 abolished resveratrol-evoked [Ca(2+)]i rise. At 20-100 µM, resveratrol decreased cell viability, which was not affected by chelating cytosolic Ca(2+)with 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid-acetoxymethyl ester. Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate staining data suggest that resveratrol at 20-40 µM induced apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner. Collectively, in OC2 cells, resveratrol induced [Ca(2+)]i rise by evoking PLC-dependent Ca(2+) release from the endoplasmic reticulum and by causing Ca(2+) entry via nifedipine-sensitive, PKC-regulated mechanisms. Resveratrol also caused Ca(2+)-independent apoptosis.

Celecoxib-induced increase in cytosolic Ca(2+) levels and apoptosis in HA59T human hepatoma cells.

Celecoxib has been shown to have antitumor effect in previous studies but the mechanisms are unclear. The effect of celecoxib on cytosolic Ca(2+) concentrations ([Ca(2+)]i) and viability in HA59T human hepatoma cells was explored. The Ca(2+)-sensitive fluorescent dye fura-2 was applied to measure [Ca(2+)]i. Celecoxib at concentrations of 10-50 µM induced a [Ca(2+)]i rise in a concentration-dependent manner. The response was reduced by 80% by removing Ca(2+). Celecoxib induced Mn(2+) influx, leading to quenching of fura-2 fluorescence. Celecoxib-evoked Ca(2+) entry was suppressed by nifedipine, econazole, SK&F96365, and protein kinase C modulators. In the absence of extracellular Ca(2+), incubation with the endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) pump inhibitor thapsigargin nearly abolished celecoxib-induced [Ca(2+)]i rise. Incubation with celecoxib abolished thapsigargin-induced [Ca(2+)]i rise. Inhibition of phospholipase C with U73122 abolished celecoxib-induced [Ca(2+)]i rise. At 1-50 µM, celecoxib inhibited cell viability by less than 20%, which was not reversed by chelating cytosolic Ca(2+) with 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N, N, N', N'-tetraacetic acid/acetoxy methyl (BAPTA/AM). Celecoxib (10-50 µM) also induced apoptosis. In sum, in HA59T hepatoma cells, celecoxib induced a [Ca(2+)]i rise by evoking phospholipase C-dependent Ca(2+) release from the endoplasmic reticulum and Ca(2+) entry via protein kinase C-sensitive store-operated Ca(2+) channels. Celecoxib also caused cell death via apoptosis.

Effect of diindolylmethane on Ca(2+) homeostasis and viability in MDCK renal tubular cells.

The effect of the natural product diindolylmethane (DIM) on cytosolic Ca(2+) concentrations ([Ca(2+)]i) and viability in MDCK renal tubular cells was explored. The Ca(2+)-sensitive fluorescent dye fura-2 was applied to measure [Ca(2+)]i. DIM at concentrations 1-50 µM induced a [Ca(2+)]i rise in a concentration-dependent manner. The response was reduced partly by removing Ca(2+). DIM induced Mn(2+) influx leading to quenching of fura-2 fluorescence. DIM-evoked Ca(2+) entry was suppressed by nifedipine, econazole, SK&F96365 and protein kinase C modulators. In the absence of extracellular Ca(2+), incubation with the endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) pump inhibitor thapsigargin (TG) or 2,5-di-tert-butylhydroquinone (BHQ) greatly inhibited DIM-induced [Ca(2+)]i rise. Incubation with DIM abolished TG or BHQ-induced [Ca(2+)]i rise. Inhibition of phospholipase C with U73122 reduced DIM-induced [Ca(2+)]i rise by 50%. At 1, 10, 40 and 50 µM, DIM slightly enhanced cell proliferation. The effect of 50 µM DIM was reversed by chelating cytosolic Ca(2+) with 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid. In sum, in MDCK cells, DIM induced a [Ca(2+)]i rise by evoking phospholipase C-dependent Ca(2+) release from the endoplasmic reticulum and Ca(2+) entry via protein kinase C-sensitive store-operated Ca(2+) channels. DIM did not induce cell death.

Effect of phenethyl isothiocyanate on Ca2+ movement and viability in MDCK canine renal tubular cells.

The effect of the natural compound phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) on cytosolic Ca(2+) concentrations ([Ca(2+)](i)) and viability in MDCK renal cells is unknown. This study explored whether PEITC changed [Ca(2+)](i) in MDCK cells using the Ca(2+)-sensitive fluorescent dye fura-2. PEITC at 200-700 µM increased [Ca(2+)](i) in a concentration-dependent manner. The signal was reduced by removing extracellular Ca(2+). PEITC-induced Ca(2+) influx was inhibited by nifedipine, econazole, SK&F 96365 and protein kinase C modulators. In Ca(2+)-free medium, treatment with the endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) pump inhibitor thapsigargin (TG) or 2,5-di-tert-butylhydroquinone (BHQ) inhibited PEITC-induced rise in [Ca(2+)](i). Incubation with PEITC also inhibited TG or BHQ-induced rise in [Ca(2+)](i). Inhibition of phospholipase C with U73122 abolished PEITC-induced rise in [Ca(2+)](i). At 15-75 µM, PEITC decreased viability. The cytotoxic effect of PEITC was enhanced by chelating cytosolic Ca(2+) with 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid/acetoxymethyl ester. Annexin V-FITC data suggest that 20 and 50 µM PEITC induced apoptosis. At 10 and 15 µM, PEITC did not increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Together, in renal tubular cells, PEITC-induced rise in [Ca(2+)](i) by inducing phospholipase C-dependent Ca(2+) release from endoplasmic reticulum and Ca(2+) entry via store-operated Ca(2+) channels. PEITC induced apoptosis in a concentration-dependent, ROS/Ca(2+)-independent manner.

Effect of thimerosal on Ca(2+) movement and viability in human oral cancer cells.

The effect of thimerosal on cytosolic free Ca(2+) concentrations ([Ca(2+)](i) ) in human oral cancer cells (OC2) is unclear. This study explored whether thimerosal changed basal [Ca(2+)](i) levels in suspended OC2 cells using fura-2. Thimerosal at concentrations between 1and 50 microM increased [Ca(2+)](i) in a concentration-dependent manner. The Ca(2+) signal was reduced partly by removing extracellular Ca( 2+). Thimerosal-induced Ca(2+) influx was not blocked by L-type Ca(2+) entry inhibitors and protein kinase C modulators (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate [PMA] and GF109203X). In Ca(2+)-free medium, 50 microM thimerosal failed to induce a [Ca(2+)](i) rise after pretreatment with thapsigargin (an endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) pump inhibitor). Inhibition of phospholipase C with U73122 did not change thimerosal-induced [Ca(2+)](i) rises. At concentrations between 5 and 10 microM, thimerosal killed cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The cytotoxic effect of 8 muM thimerosal was potentiated by prechelating cytosolic Ca(2+) with the Ca(2+) chelator 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetate/acetomethyl (BAPTA/ AM). Flow cytometry data suggested that 1-7 microM thimerosal-induced apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner. Collectively, in OC2 cells, thimerosal-induced [Ca(2+)](i) rises by causing phospholipase C-independent Ca(2+) release from the endoplasmic reticulum and Ca(2+) influx through non-L-type Ca(2+) channels. Thimerosal killed cells in a concentration-dependent manner through apoptosis.

Melittin-induced [Ca2+]i increases and subsequent death in canine renal tubular cells.

The effect of melittin on cytosolic free Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) and viability is largely unknown. This study examined whether melittin alters Ca(2+) levels and causes Ca(2+)-dependent cell death in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. [Ca(2+)](i) and cell death were measured using the fluorescent dyes fura-2 and WST-1 respectively. Melittin at concentrations above 0.5 microM increased [Ca(2+)](i) in a concentration-dependent manner. The Ca(2+) signal was reduced by 75% by removing extracellular Ca(2+). The melittin-induced Ca(2+) influx was also implicated by melittin-caused Mn(2+) influx. After pretreatment with 1 microM thapsigargin (an endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) pump inhibitor), melittin-induced Ca(2+) release was inhibited; and conversely, melittin pretreatment abolished thapsigargin-induced Ca(2+) release. At concentrations of 0.5-20 microM, melittin killed cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The cytotoxic effect of 0.5 microM melittin was nearly completely reversed by prechelating cytosolic Ca(2+) with BAPTA. Melittin at 0.5-2 microM caused apoptosis as assessed by flow cytometry of propidium iodide staining. Collectively, in MDCK cells, melittin induced a [Ca(2+)](i) rise by causing Ca(2+) release from endoplasmic reticulum and Ca(2+) influx from extracellular space. Furthermore, melittin can cause Ca(2+)-dependent cytotoxicity in a concentration-dependent manner.

Effect of riluzole on Ca2+ movement and cytotoxicity in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells.

Riluzole is a drug used in the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; however, its in vitro action is unclear. In this study, the effect of riluzole on intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells was investigated using the Ca2+ -sensitive fluorescent dye, fura-2. Riluzole (100-500 microM) caused a rapid and sustained increase of [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner (EC50 = 150 microM). Some 40 and 50% of this [Ca2+]i increase was prevented by the removal of extracellular Ca2+ and the addition of La3+, respectively, but was unchanged by dihydropyridines, verapamil and diltiazem. In Ca2+ -free medium, thapsigargin - an inhibitor of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Caz+ -ATPase--caused a monophasic [Ca2+]i increase, after which the increasing effect of riluzole on [Ca2+]i was attenuated by 70%; in addition, pre-treatment with riluzole abolished thapsigargin-induced [Ca2+]i increases. U73122, an inhibitor of phospholipase C (PLC), abolished ATP (but not riluzole)-induced [Ca2+]i increases. At concentrations of 250 and 500 microM, riluzole killed 40 and 95% cells, respectively. The cytotoxic effect of riluzole (250 microM) was unaltered by pre-chelating cytosolic Ca2+ with BAPTA. Collectively, in MDCK cells, riluzole rapidly increased [Ca2+]i by stimulating extracellular Ca2+ influx via an La3+ -sensitive pathway and intracellular Ca2+ release from the ER via, as yet, unidentified mechanisms. Furthermore, riluzole caused Ca2+ -unrelated cytotoxicity in a concentration-dependent manner.

Safrole-induced Ca2+ mobilization and cytotoxicity in human PC3 prostate cancer cells.

The effect of the carcinogen safrole on intracellular Ca2+ mobilization and on viability of human PC3 prostate cancer cells was examined. Cytosolic free Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i) were measured by using fura-2 as a probe. Safrole at concentrations above 10 microM increased [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner with an EC50 value of 350 microM. The Ca2+ signal was reduced by more than half after removing extracellular Ca2+ but was unaffected by nifedipine, nicardipine, nimodipine, diltiazem, or verapamil. In Ca2+-free medium, after treatment with 650 microM safrole, 1 microM thapsigargin (an endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor) failed to release Ca2+. Neither inhibition of phospholipase C with U73122 nor modulation of protein kinase C activity affected safrole-induced Ca2+ release. Overnight incubation with 0.65-65 microM safrole did not affect cell viability, but incubation with 325-625 microM safrole decreased viability. Collectively, the data suggest that in PC3 cells, safrole induced a [Ca2+]i increase by causing Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum in a phospholipase C- and protein kinase C-independent fashion, and by inducing Ca2+ influx. Safrole can decrease cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner.

Econazole induces increases in free intracellular Ca2+ concentrations in human osteosarcoma cells.

Econazole is an antifungal drug with different in vitro effects. However, econazole's effect on osteoblast-like cells is unknown. In human MG63 osteosarcoma cells, the effect of econazole on intracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) was explored by using fura-2. At a concentration of 0.1 microM, econazole started to cause a rise in [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner. Econazole-induced [Ca2+]i rise was reduced by 74% by removal of extracellular Ca2+. The econazole-induced Ca2+ influx was mediated via a nimodipine-sensitive pathway. In Ca2+ -free medium, thapsigargin, an inhibitor of the endoplasmic reticulum Ca+ -ATPase, caused a [Ca2+]i rise, after which the increasing effect of econazole on [Ca2+]i was abolished. Pretreatment of cells with econazole to deplete Ca2+ stores totally prevented thapsigargin from releasing Ca2+. U73122, an inhibitor of phospholipase C, abolished histamine (an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-dependent Ca2+ mobilizer)-induced, but not econazole-induced, [Ca2+]i rise. Econazole inhibited 76% of thapsigargin-induced store-operated Ca2+ entry. These findings suggest that in MG63 osteosarcoma cells, econazole increases [Ca2+]i by stimulating Ca2+ influx and Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum via a phospholipase C-independent manner. In contrast, econazole acts as a potent blocker of store-operated Ca2+ entry.

Effect of celecoxib on Ca2+ fluxes and proliferation in MDCK renal tubular cells.

The effect of celecoxib on renal tubular cells is largely unexplored. In Madin Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, the effect of celecoxib on intracellular CaCa2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and proliferation was examined by using the Ca(2 +)-sensitive fluorescent dye fura-2 and the viability detecting fluorescent dye tetrazolium, respectively. Celecoxib (> or =1 micro M) caused an increase of [CaCa2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner. Celecoxib-induced [CaCa2+]i increase was partly reduced by removal of extracellular CaCa2+. Celecoxib-induced CaCa2+ influx was independently suggested by MnCa2+ influx-induced fura-2 fluorescence quench. In Ca(2 +)-free medium, thapsigargin, an inhibitor of the endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2 +)-ATPase, caused a monophasic [CaCa2+]i increase, after which celecoxib only induced a tiny [CaCa2+]i increase; conversely, pretreatment with celecoxib completely inhibited thapsigargin-induced [CaCa2+]i increases. U73122, an inhibitor of phospholipase C, abolished ATP (but not celecoxib)-induced [CaCa2+]i increases. Overnight incubation with 1 or 10 micro M celecoxib decreased cell viability by 80% and 100%, respectively. These data indicate that celecoxib evokes a [CaCa2+]i increase in renal tubular cells by stimulating both extracellular CaCa2+ influx and intracellular CaCa2+ release and is highly toxic to renal tubular cells in vitro.

Use of headspace solid-phase microextraction and headspace sorptive extraction for the detection of the volatile metabolites produced by toxigenic Fusarium species.

An efficient methodology was developed to determine the growth of toxigenic Fusarium spp., based on headspace solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and stir bar sorptive extraction of the fungal volatile metabolites produced. SPME and headspace sorptive extraction (HSSE) were used to monitor the de novo production of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, such as trichodiene, a volatile marker and intermediate in the biosynthesis of trichothecenes. On growth media such as malt extract agar and potato dextrose agar, it was found that trichodiene was produced by toxigenic strains of Fusarium sambucinum and Fusarium sporotrichioides. It was the main volatile metabolite in the headspace extract of the cultures. On the other hand, deoxynivalenol producing Fusarium graminearum showed a completely different pattern of volatile sesquiterpenes and could easily be distinguished from a zearalenone producing strain of F. graminearum based on the headspace profile. Hence, it can be concluded that headspace analysis of volatile fungal metabolites by SPME and HSSE in combination with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry is a suitable monitoring technique to differentiate toxigenic strains of Fusarium.

Biotransformation of (R)-(+)- and (S)-(-)-citronellol by Aspergillus sp. and Penicillium sp., and the use of solid-phase microextraction for screening.

The biotransformation of (R)-(+)- and (S)-(-)-citronellol by fungi was studied. For screening experiments, solid-phase microextraction (SPME) was used as analytical sampling technique. It was found that sporulated surface cultures of Aspergillus niger were able to convert the substrate into cis- and trans-rose oxides and nerol oxide. The relative contents in the headspace SPME extract of the three bioconversion products cis- and trans-rose oxide and nerol oxide were up to 54, 21 and 12%, respectively. Rose oxide is found in minor amounts in some essential oils, such as Bulgarian rose oil and geranium oil and contributes to its unique odor. It is one of the most important fragrance materials in perfumery in creating rosy notes. Other bioconversion products were 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-ol, limonene, terpinolene, linalool and alpha-terpineol. These bioconversion reactions were confirmed by sporulated surface cultures on larger scale and sampling by dynamic headspace sweep and steam distillation solvent extraction. The same conversions were noticed with A. tubingensis and Penicillium roqueforti. This bioconversion was enantioselective since more of the chiral cis- than trans-rose oxide was obtained (cisitrans ratio up to 95/5). Submerged liquid cultures of P. roqueforti yielded two unidentified metabolites after conversion of citronellol (yield up to 5%). The stability and acid-catalyzed conversion of citronellol was also investigated. No chemical oxidation or auto-oxidation products were detected in acidified liquid control broths up to pH 3.5. However, when control tests were run with solid media, acid-catalyzed conversion of the substrate to small amounts of cis- and trans-rose oxides, nerol oxide, linalool and alpha-terpineol was observed at pH 3.5 and when heat treatment (steam distillation solvent extraction) was applied.

Genotoxicity of melanoidin fractions derived from a standard glucose/glycine model.

Genotoxic compounds can act at various levels in the cell (causing gene, chromosome, or genome mutations), necessitating the use of a range of genotoxicity assays designed to detect these different types of mutations. The production of melanoidins during the processing and cooking of foods is associated with changes in their nutritional character, and the discovery of mutagenic substances in pyrolyzed protein and amino acids has raised concern about the safety of these foods. The aim of this work was to test melanoidin fractions in three different in vitro assays (Ames test, Vitotox test, and micronucleus test). These melanoidin fractions were produced from the condensation of glucose with glycine and their separation was conducted by dialysis. The crude reaction mixture (before dialysis) and both the LMW and HMW fractions obtained by dialysis showed no genotoxicity in these assays, despite being tested at concentrations much higher than those naturally found in food products. The LMW fraction, however, showed toxicity at these high concentrations. The volatile fraction produced in this reaction showed genotoxicity only in the Vitotox test, at high concentrations.

Sensory and instrumental evaluation of catnip (Nepeta cataria L.) aroma.

The present study investigates the composition of volatile constituents and sensory characteristics of catnip (Nepeta cataria L.) grown in Lithuania. Hydrodistillation, simultaneous distillation-solvent extraction, static headspace, and solid phase microextraction methods were used for the isolation of aroma volatiles. Geranyl acetate, citronellyl acetate, citronellol, and geraniol were the major constituents in catnip. Differences in the quantitative compositions of volatile compounds isolated by the different techniques were considerable. A sensory panel performed sensory analysis of the ground herb, pure essential oil, and extract; aroma profiles of the products were expressed graphically, and some effects of odor qualities of individual compounds present in catnip on the overall aroma of this herb were observed.

Monitoring and fast detection of mycotoxin-producing fungi based on headspace solid-phase microextraction and headspace sorptive extraction of the volatile metabolites.

Solid phase microextraction in combination with capillary GC-MS was used as monitoring technique for the collection and detection of the fungal volatile metabolite (+)-aristolochene by sporulated surface cultures of Penicillium roqueforti. A comparison was made between different toxigenic and nontoxigenic strains of P. roqueforti. Different growth conditions and media, such as malt extract agar, potato dextrose agar and sabouraud dextrose agar were compared. Whereas toxigenic strains produced large amounts of (+)-aristolochene, beta-elemene, valencene and germacrene A, nontoxigenic P. roqueforti strains showed a remarkably different headspace profile, in which ethyl-2-hexenoate, E-beta-caryophyllene, aromadendrene and beta-patchoulene were the predominant volatiles, apart from other sesquiterpene hydrocarbons present at lower concentrations. Stir bar sorptive extraction, was also applied in the headspace sampling mode, i.e. headspace sorptive extraction (HSSE) for the enrichment of fungal volatiles from sporulated surface cultures to differentiate between toxigenic and nontoxigenic fungi. Hence, it can be concluded that headspace analysis of volatile fungal metabolites by SPME and HSSE in combination with capillary GC-MS is a suitable monitoring technique for the fast detection of mycotoxin producing fungi.