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Fungicides are specifically used for controlling fungal infections. Strobilurins, a class of fungicides originating from the mushroom Strobilurus tenacellus, act on the fungal mitochondrial respiratory chain, interrupting the ATP cycle and causing oxidative stress. Although strobilurins are little soluble in water, they have been detected in water samples (such as rainwater and drinking water), indoor dust, and sediments, and they can bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms. Strobilurins are usually absorbed orally and are mainly eliminated via the bile/fecal route and urine, but information about their metabolites is lacking. Strobilurins have low mammalian toxicity; however, they exert severe toxic effects on aquatic organisms. Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are the main mechanisms related to the genotoxic damage elicited by toxic compounds, such as strobilurins. These mechanisms alter genes and cause other dysfunctions, including hormonal, cardiac, neurological, and immunological impairment. Despite limitations, we have been able to compile literature information about strobilurins. Many studies have dealt with their toxic effects, but further investigations are needed to clarify their cellular and underlying mechanisms, which will help to find ways to minimize the harmful effects of these compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Lead (Pb) is a toxic pollutant, which can affect different tissues of the human body. The use of natural elements, as medicinal mushroom can reduce the toxic effects of Pb. Objective: We evaluated, through preclinical tests, the oral co exposures to mushroom Agaricus bisporus (Ab) by gavage and Pb in drinking water, and the capability of Ab be a protective agent for both pregnant rats and their fetuses. Methods: Female Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 5/group): Group I—Control; Group II—Ab 100 mg/kg; Group III—Pb 100 mg/L; Group IV—Ab +Pb −100 mg/kg +100 mg/L. Exposure was performed until the 19th day of gestation. On the 20th day, pregnant rats were euthanized, and the outcomes evaluated were weight gain; hematological profile; biochemical markers; oxidative stress markers; reproductive capacity; and embryo fetal development. Results: The characterization of mushrooms reveals them to be a valuable source of nutrients. However, Pb ingestion resulted in reduced weight gain and negative impacts on hematological and biochemical parameters. Fortunately, co administration of mushrooms helped to mitigate these negative effects and promote recovery. The mushroom also showed antioxidant activity, improving parameters of oxidative stress. In addition, Ab partially recovered the damage in fetal morphology and bone parameters. Conclusion: Our findings indicated that the co administration of Ab improved the toxicity caused by Pb, and the mushroom could be used as a natural alternative as a protective/chelator agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Two scaffolds of chitosan/sodium alginate/hydroxyapatite (Ch/NaAlg/Hap) 1:1:0.2 and 1:1:0.6 were evaluated in the prevention of bisphosphonate‐induced jaw osteonecrosis. Two groups of rats (n = 24, according to the euthanasia time: 15 or 30 days after the last Zoledronic acid (ZA) administration) were subdivided in four subgroups (n = 6): I – Control (saline + teeth extraction); II – ZA 0.6 mg/kg + teeth extraction; III – ZA + teeth extraction + scaffold 1:1:0.2; IV – ZA + teeth extraction + scaffold 1:1:0.6. Jaws were evaluated histologically and blood was evaluated for hematological and biochemical parameters. Histopathology showed significant osteonecrosis in AZ group. The scaffold's implantation, despite the inflammatory process, were able to prevent the osteonecrosis. In the 15‐day euthanasia group, an increase in red blood cells and platelets was observed in the subgroup II. Hemoglobin and hematocrit decreased in subgroup IV compared to II. Hepatic transaminases and creatinine concentration increased significantly in subgroup II. Calcium concentration increased in subgroup IV compared to II. In the 30‐day euthanasia group, no differences among the groups were observed for any parameter. Scaffolds proved to be efficient and safe to liver and kidney function. Some hematological parameters were altered by the scaffold, but returned to normal concentrations over time. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 1799–1808, 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]