Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate.

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety reviewed newly available studies since their original assessment in 2002, along with updated information regarding product types and concentrations of use, and confirmed that Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate is safe as a cosmetic ingredient in the practices of use and concentration as described in this report.

Effects of plant growth retardant daminozide (Alar) on neuromuscular co-ordination behavior in Drosophila melanogaster.

Daminozide (alar), a plant growth retardant, is used in different fruit orchard to make fruits attractive and reduce pre-harvest losses. Previously data demonstrated that acute daminozide exposure affected reproductive fitness and produced neurodegeneration in Drosophila melanogaster. The goal of this study was to determine whether continuous exposure to daminozide affects neuromuscular co-ordination in D. melanogaster as manifested in various behavioral responses. Fruit flies were exposed to 200 or 400 mg/L concentration of daminozide for two successive generations. Treated D. melanogaster were examined for the behaviors indicative of neuromuscular coordination and cognitive abilities, that include climbing, social interaction, adult grooming, migration, flight, male aggression, and adult courtship. Aberrant behavioral responses were noted among treated D. melanogaster of both sexes as evidenced by the following parameters: reduction in flight duration, abnormal social interaction, altered copulatory acts, and over-aggressiveness. Data suggest that daminozide produces impairment in neuromuscular coordination and cognitive ability in Drosophila, which was reflected as altered behavioral patterns. As Drosophila is considered as a reliable in vivo model utilized in toxicity testing, our findings may help us to anticipate and monitor potential daminozide-induced toxicity in animals and humans.

Optimization, in vitro release and toxicity evaluation of novel pH sensitive itaconic acid-g-poly(acrylamide)/sterculia gum semi-interpenetrating networks.

BACKGROUND: In recent era, pH sensitive polymeric carriers that combines the materials engineering and medicine is gaining researcher's attention as they maximizes drug concentration at site of absorption and reduces side effects for e.g. orally administered cetirizine HCl (CTZ HCl) upsets the stomach and furthermore shows high intestinal absorption. Thus, development of pH sensitive hydrogels with sufficient mechanical strength will be good candidate to address this issue. METHODS: Here, we developed pH sensitive itaconic acid-g-poly(acrylamide)/sterculia gum (IA-g-poly(AM)/sterculia gum) semi-interpenetrating network (semi-IPN) by free radical polymerization technique for intestinal delivery of CTZ HCL. RESULTS: Optimized formulation (I5) with 6% w/w IA showed negligible swelling at pH 1.2, and maximum swelling at pH 7.4. Solid state characterization of optimized formulation showed successful development of semi-IPN structure and incorporation of drug without any noticeable drug-carrier interaction. In vitro release study showed biphasic pH dependent release of CTZ HCl, where initial burst release was observed at acidic pH followed by sustained release at basic pH. Acute oral toxicity and histopathological studies confirmed the non-toxic nature of IA-g-poly(AM)/sterculia gum. CONCLUSION: Conclusively, developed biocompatible semi-IPN hydrogels with sufficient pH sensitivity and mechanical strength could serve as a potential carrier for intestinal delivery of CTZ HCL to maximize its absorption and reduce side effects.

Enhanced marine monitoring and toxicity study of oil spill dispersants including Corexit EC9500A in the presence of diluted bitumen.

Observations made for the analysis of the oil spill dispersant tracer dioctyl sulfosuccinate (DOSS) during LC50 toxicity testing, highlighted a stability issue for this tracer compound in seawater. A liquid chromatography high-resolution quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC/QToF) was used to confirm monooctyl sulfosuccinate (MOSS) as the only significant DOSS breakdown product, and not the related isomer, 4-(2-ethylhexyl) 2-sulfobutanedioate. Combined analysis of DOSS and MOSS was shown to be applicable to monitoring of spill dispersants Corexit® EC9500A, Finasol OSR52, Slickgone NS, and Slickgone EW. The unassisted conversion of DOSS to MOSS occurred in all four oil spill dispersants solubilized in seawater, although differences were noted in the rate of MOSS formation. A marine microcosm study of Corexit EC9500A, the formulation most rapid to form MOSS, provided further evidence of the stoichiometric conversion of DOSS to MOSS under conditions relevant to real world dilbit spill. Results supported combined DOSS and MOSS analysis for the monitoring of spill dispersant in a marine environment, with a significant extension of sample collection time by 10 days or longer in cooler conditions. Implications of the unassisted formation of MOSS and combined DOSS:MOSS analysis are discussed in relation to improving dispersant LC50 toxicity studies.

An Oncometabolite Isomer Rapidly Induces a Pathophysiological Protein Modification.

Metabolites regulate protein function via covalent and noncovalent interactions. However, manipulating these interactions in living cells remains a major challenge. Here, we report a chemical strategy for inducing cysteine S-succination, a nonenzymatic post-translational modification derived from the oncometabolite fumarate. Using a combination of antibody-based detection and kinetic assays, we benchmark the in vitro and cellular reactivity of two novel S-succination "agonists," maleate and 2-bromosuccinate. Cellular assays reveal maleate to be a more potent and less toxic inducer of S-succination, which can activate KEAP1-NRF2 signaling in living cells. By enabling the cellular reconstitution of an oncometabolite-protein interaction with physiochemical accuracy and minimal toxicity, this study provides a methodological basis for better understanding the signaling role of metabolites in disease.

Stimulus-Responsive Polyzwitterionic Surfaces Made from Itaconic Acid: Self-Triggered Antimicrobial Activity, Protein Repellency, and Cell Compatibility.

A functional monomer carrying a carboxylate and a protected primary ammonium group is synthesized from itaconic acid. When copolymerized with dimethyl acrylamide and 4-methacryloyloxybenzophenone, cross-linkable polyzwitterions are obtained. These are converted to surface-attached polyzwitterion networks by simultaneous UV-triggered C,H insertion reactions. The resulting polyzwitterion-coated substrates were studied by surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy measurements, ζ potential and various biological assays. They were (expectedly) protein repellent, yet at the same time (and unexpectedly) cell-adhesive and antimicrobially active. This was attributed to stimulus-responsiveness of the polyzwitterion (confirmed by the ζ potential measurements), which enables charge adjustment at different pH values. When protonated, the polyzwitterions become amphiphilic polycations and, in this state, kill bacteria upon contact like their parent structures (polymer-based synthetic mimics of antimicrobial peptides, SMAMPs).

Genes regulating wing patterning in Drosophila melanogaster show reduced expression under exposure of Daminozide, the fruit ripening retardant.

In our previous study we demonstrated that the fruit ripening retardant Daminozide or Alar causes change in life history traits, distortion of adult wing structure, DNA damage in brain cells and mutagenic effects in fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. As a continuation of the previous study the present work is designed to explore the metabolic modification of Daminozide following ingestion, the effects of Daminozide on the expression of genes which are pivotal for wing development and molecular interactions of Daminozide with those proteins involved in wing patterning. We demonstrated through reporter gene construct assay using X-gal staining method and transgenic Drosophila melanogaster stocks that the vestigial, wingless and decapentaplegic genes in wing imaginal disc from 3rd instar larvae exhibited reduced expression when exposed to Daminozide in compare to control larvae. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) of those genes confirmed that exposure to Daminozide reduces the transcription level of those genes. In silico approach with molecular docking study revealed Daminozide may bind and interfere with the optimal functioning of expressed wing signaling proteins.

Effects of In Utero and Lactational Exposure to New Generation Green Plasticizers on Adult Male Rats: A Comparative Study With Di(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate.

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), a widely used plasticizer, is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant and may act as an endocrine disruptor. Early life exposures to DEHP may result in anti-androgenic effects, impairing the development of the male reproductive tract. However, data on the long-lasting consequences of such DEHP exposures on adult male reproductive function are still rare and discrepant. Previously, we identified 2 novel plasticizers, 1,4-butanediol dibenzoate (BDB) and dioctyl succinate (DOS), as potential substitutes for DEHP that did not reproduce classically described endocrine disrupting phenotypes in prepubertal male offspring after maternal exposure. Here, we investigated the consequences of in utero and lactational exposure to BDB and DOS on adult male rat reproductive function in a comparative study with DEHP and a commercially available alternative plasticizer, 1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester (DINCH). Timed pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were gavaged with vehicle or a test chemical (30 or 300 mg/kg/day) from gestation day 8 to postnatal day 21. While DEHP exposure (300 mg/kg/day) significantly increased epididymal weight in the adult, exposure to DINCH, BDB, or DOS did not affect reproductive organ weights, steroid levels, or sperm quality. Using a toxicogenomic microarray approach, we found that adult testicular gene expression was affected by exposure to the higher dose of DEHP; transcripts such as Nr5a2, Ltf, or Runx2 were significantly downregulated, suggesting that DEHP was targeting estrogen signaling. Lesser effects were observed after treatment with either DINCH or BDB. DOS exposure did not produce such effects, confirming its potential as a responsible substitute for DEHP.

Safety assessment of starch-based personal care products: Nanocapsules and pickering emulsions.

The safety profile of the ingredients used in topical dosage forms and its evaluation is an issue of utmost importance. A suitable equilibrium between safety and efficacy is crucial before promoting a dermatological product. The aim of this work was to assess the safety and biological effects of starch-based vehicles (St-BV) used in such products. The hazard, exposure and dose-response assessment were used to characterize the risk of each ingredient. The EpiSkin™ assay and human repeat insult patch tests were performed to compare the theoretical safety assessment to in vitro and in vivo data. The efficacy of the St-BV was studied using biophysical measurements in human volunteers during 28 days, showing that all ingredients and their combinations were safe for the consumer. Tissue viability determined using the EpiSkin™ testing reached values between 84.0 ±â€¯5.0% and 98.0 ±â€¯8.6% after application of St-BV, which were considered as non-irritant to the skin. These observations were confirmed by the in vivo studies where the St-BV did not induce any sensitization on the volunteers, being safe for human use. Moreover, St-BV increased skin hydration and microcirculation, emerging as an attractive alternative to chemical raw materials.

Photocatalytic processes assisted by artificial solar light for soil washing effluent treatment.

Contaminated soil has become a growing issue in recent years. The most common technique used to remove contaminants (such as metals) from the soil is the soil washing process. However, this process produces a final effluent containing chelating agents (i.e., ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid, also known as EDDS) and extracted metals (i.e., Cu, Fe, and Zn) at concentrations higher than discharge limits allowed by the Italian and Brazilian environmental law. Therefore, it is necessary to develop further treatments before its proper disposal or reuse. In the present study, soil washing tests were carried out through two sequential paths. Moreover, different artificial sunlight-driven photocatalytic treatments were used to remove Cu, Zn, Fe, and EDDS from soil washing effluents. Metal concentrations after the additional treatment were within the Brazilian and Italian regulatory limits for discharging in public sewers. The combined TiO2-photocatalytic processes applied were enough to decontaminate the effluents, allowing their reuse in soil washing treatment. Ecotoxicological assessment using different living organisms was carried out to assess the impact of the proposed two-step photocatalytic process on the effluent ecotoxicity. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.

Nanoparticle size and combined toxicity of TiO2 and DSLS (surfactant) contribute to lysosomal responses in digestive cells of mussels exposed to TiO2 nanoparticles.

The aim of this investigation was to understand the bioaccumulation, cell and tissue distribution and biological effects of disodium laureth sulfosuccinate (DSLS)-stabilised TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) in marine mussels, Mytilus galloprovincialis. Mussels were exposed in vivo to 0.1, 1 and 10 mg Ti/L either as TiO2 NPs (60 and 180 nm) or bulk TiO2, as well as to DSLS alone. A significant Ti accumulation was observed in mussels exposed to TiO2 NPs, which were localised in endosomes, lysosomes and residual bodies of digestive cells, and in the lumen of digestive tubules, as demonstrated by ultrastructural observations and electron probe X-ray microanalysis. TiO2 NPs of 60 nm were internalised within digestive cell lysosomes to a higher extent than TiO2 NPs of 180 nm, as confirmed by the quantification of black silver deposits after autometallography. The latter were localised mainly forming large aggregates in the lumen of the gut. Consequently, lysosomal membrane stability (LMS) was significantly reduced upon exposure to both TiO2 NPs although more markedly after exposure to TiO2-60 NPs. Exposure to bulk TiO2 and to DSLS also affected the stability of the lysosomal membrane. Thus, effects on the lysosomal membrane depended on the nanoparticle size and on the combined biological effects of TiO2 and DSLS.

ROLE OF NITRIC OXIDE METABOLITES WITHIN THE IMPACT OF THE SUB-TOXIC SUCCINAMIDES DOSES ON STATE OF HEMOSTASIS.

We investigated the role of changes in the endogenous nitric oxide (NO) metabolism during the influence of succinic acid amides as biotransformation products of an anti-diabetic drug on the state of hemostasis. In experiment with rats, synthetic succinamides were applied in quanti- ties equimolar to the sub-toxic dose of the pharmaceutical substance. We investigated the indicators characterizing the state of platelet and coagulation hemostasis in the blood plasma, the content of the stable NO metabolites and the activity of nitrogen oxide synthase (NOS) in the liver homogenate, blood plasma and urine of rats. We found that sub-chronic succinamides introduction reduced the nitrite and nitrate anions concentration in the blood plasma (by 30-50 and 20-35% resp.), liver (by 16-19 and 14-18%) and urine (by 50-70 and 38-55%). These changes were essentially dependent on the reduction in the NOS activity (by 33%). The studied compounds showed a 1.5 fold increase in the coagulation potential of the blood plasma and cause a 20% boost in the aggregation of thrombocytes. Analysis of the pair correlation coefficients showed positive association of the changes in indicators of the NO metabolism and hemostasis. The obtained results suggest that the registered manifestation of the pro-coagulation and thrombogenic action of succinamides applied in the sub-toxic doses is partially determined by a drop of the vasoactive NO pool that in turn, occurs due to a decline of the NOS activity.

Transferrin receptor targeted PLA-TPGS micelles improved efficacy and safety in docetaxel delivery.

The aim of this work was to develop targeted polymeric micelles of poly-lactic acid-D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (PLA-TPGS), which are assembled along with D-alpha-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate-transferrin conjugate (TPGS-Tf), and loaded docetaxel (DTX) as a model drug for enhanced treatment of lung cancer in comparison to non-targeted polymeric micelles and DTX injection (Docel™). A549 human lung cancer cells were employed as an in vitro model to access cytotoxicity study of the DTX loaded polymeric micelles. The safety of DTX formulations were studied by the measurement of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and total protein levels in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid of rats after the treatments. The IC50 values demonstrated that the non-targeted and transferrin receptor targeted polymeric micelles could be 7 and 70 folds more effective than Docel™ after 24 h treatment with the A549 cells. Results suggested that transferrin receptor targeted polymeric micelles have showed better efficacy and safety than the non-targeted polymeric micelles and Docel™.

Synthesis and characterization of pH-responsive N-naphthyl-N,O-succinyl chitosan micelles for oral meloxicam delivery.

The aim of this study was to synthesize pH responsive chitosan and to evaluate the influence of drug-loaded micelle methods on loading efficiency, particle size and micelle stability. N-naphthyl-N,O-succinyl chitosan (NSCS) was successfully synthesized and meloxicam (MX) was loaded into the inner core of the NSCS micelles by physical entrapment methods (dialysis, O/W emulsion, dropping and evaporation) with a regular spherical shape (particle size 84-382nm). MX-loaded micelles by evaporation method showed the highest entrapment efficiency. The stability of the drug-loaded micelles depended on not only the methods but also the initial of drug. NSCS micelles are less toxic on Caco-2 cells. In acidic medium at 0-2h, percentage cumulative release of MX from MX-loaded micelles was similar to free drug. When the pH was adjusted to pH 6.8, the MX release was increased significantly. Therefore, this NSCS micelle would be desirable to develop MX carrier for oral drug delivery.

Anti-AIDS agents 90. novel C-28 modified bevirimat analogues as potent HIV maturation inhibitors.

In a continuing study of bevirimat (2), the anti-HIV-maturation clinical trials agent, 28 new betulinic acid (BA, 1) derivatives were designed and synthesized. Among these compounds, 17, with a C-28 MEM ester moiety, and 22, with a C-28 ethyl hexanoate, increased the anti-HIV replication activity compared with 2 by 2-fold while compounds 40, 41, 48, and 49, with C-28 piperazine or piperidine amide substitutions, increased the activity by 3- to 15-fold. The best new compound, 41, exhibited an anti-HIV IC(50) of 0.0059 µM compared with 0.087 µM for 2. All of the active compounds showed only antimaturation effects, as confirmed by TZM-bl assay, in blocking the HIV replication. The results suggest that proper C-28 substitutions can further enhance the antimaturation activity of 2 without any antientry effects. Thus, 41 may serve as a promising new lead for development of anti-AIDS clinical trial candidates.

The influence of EDDS on the metabolic and transcriptional responses induced by copper in hydroponically grown Brassica carinata seedlings.

To improve the knowledge about the use of plants for the removal of toxic metals from contaminated soils, metabolic and transcriptional responses of Brassica carinata to different forms of copper (Cu) were studied. Two-week-old hydroponically grown seedlings were exposed for 24 h to 30 µM CuSO4 or CuEDDS. CuSO4 appeared to be more toxic than CuEDDS as roots showed higher levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and increased relative leakage ratios (RLR), although the superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1) activity increased following both exposures. In CuSO4-exposed seedlings the higher toxicity was underlined by increased transcription of lipoxygenases (EC 1.13.11.12) and NADPH oxidases (EC 1.6.99.6) and by the higher Cu accumulation in both tissues compared to CuEDDS exposure. The presence of EDDS increased Cu translocation, which resulted 5-times higher than when exposed to CuSO4. Decreases in catalase (CAT, EC 1.11.1.6), ascorbate peroxidase (APX, EC 1.11.1.11) and glutathione reductase (GR, EC 1.6.4.2) activities together with increases of reduced glutathione (GSH) and tocopherols and a reduction of lipoic acid (LA) were observed in roots of CuSO4-exposed seedlings. On the contrary, CuEDDS exposure induced a general increase in enzyme activities and decreases in ascorbate (AsA) and tocopherol levels. In the primary leaves, in both exposures Cu differently affected the oxidative stress responses indicating that the cellular redox balance was anyway maintained. EDDS plays a crucial role in B. carinata tolerance to oxidative stress induced by Cu and might be proposed to improve the efficiency of Cu phytoextraction.

D282, a non-nucleoside inhibitor of influenza virus infection that interferes with de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis.

BACKGROUND: The discovery of novel influenza virus inhibitors remains an important priority in light of the emergence of drug-resistant viruses. Toward this end, a library of over 6,000 compounds was tested for antiviral activity. METHODS: Strains of influenza virus were evaluated by cytopathic effect (CPE) inhibition and virus yield reduction assays. Intracellular nucleoside triphosphate pools were analysed by strong anion exchange HPLC. Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase inhibition assays were conducted. Influenza virus-infected mice were treated for 5 days with D282. RESULTS: A non-nucleoside, 4-[(4-butylphenyl)amino]-2-methylene-4-oxo-butanoic acid (D282), was discovered that inhibited influenza A and B virus CPE by 50% at 6-31 µM (giving selectivity indices of >13 to >67, based on cytotoxicity of >400 µM in stationary cell cultures). Ribavirin (positive control) was active at 14-44 µM (yielding selectivity indices of >9 to >29, with >400 µM toxicity). D282 and ribavirin inhibited virus yield by 90% at 9.5 ±3.3 and 10.8 ±3.2 µM, respectively. The antiviral activity of D282 in vitro was reversed by addition of uridine, cytidine and orotic acid. D282 exhibited an uncompetitive inhibition of mouse liver dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (inhibitor constant [Ki] of 2.3 ±0.9 µM, Michaelis constant [Km] of 150 ±16 µM). Because cellular pyrimidine biosynthesis was inhibited, D282-treated cells had decreased uridine triphosphate and cytidine triphosphate levels. D282 (≤100 mg/kg/day) failed to prevent death of mice infected with influenza. CONCLUSIONS: D282 was active against influenza A and B viruses by inhibiting de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis. Although effective in vitro, the compound, like others in its class, was devoid of antiviral activity in infected mice.

Oxygenated hexylitaconates from a marine sponge-derived fungus Penicillium sp.

In the course of our search for bioactive metabolites from marine organisms, new hexylitaconic acid derivatives (1-4), along with (3S)-hexylitaconic acid (5), were isolated from a sponge-derived fungus Penicillium sp. Based on the NMR and MS data, the structures of compounds 1-4 were defined as α,ß-dicarboxylic acid derivatives, such as hexylitaconic acid and tensyuic acids which were previously reported as metabolite of Aspergillus niger, Penicillium striatisporum, or Apiospora montagnei. The isolated compounds were evaluated for cytotoxicity against a panel of five human solid tumor cell lines, and for anti-inflammatory activity gauged by their inhibitory effects on the production of major pro-inflammatory mediators (nitric oxide (NO), interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and IL-1ß) in murine macrophage cells. Compounds 1 and 4 showed weak inhibition of IL-1ß production at the concentration of 200 µM.