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Titanium is the only metal to which osteoblasts can adhere and on which they can grow and form bone tissue in vivo, resulting in a strong bond between the implant and living bone. This discovery provides the basis for the universal medical application of Ti. However, the biochemical mechanism of bond formation is still unknown. We aimed to elucidate the mechanism of bond formation between collagen, which constitutes the main organic component of bone, and TiO2, of which the entire surface of pure Ti is composed. We analysed the binding between the soluble collagen and TiO2 by chromatography with a column packed with Ti beads of 45 µm, and we explored the association between collagen fibrils and TiO2 (anatase) powders of 0.2 µm. We ran the column of chromatography under various elution conditions. We demonstrated that there is a unique binding affinity between Ti and collagen. This binding capacity was not changed even in the presence of the dissociative solvent 2M urea, but it decreased after heat denaturation of collagen, suggesting the contribution of the triple-helical structure. We propose a possible role of periodically occurring polar amino acids and the collagen molecules in the binding with TiO2., Graphical Abstract

Background: Maternal lipid intake in the early postnatal period has a long-term effect on the possibility of fatty liver formation in children; besides, the importance of lipid consumption during lactation for children's health has been suggested. Green tea extract (GTE) contains abundant catechins, and it has been reported to improve lipid metabolism and prevent fatty liver. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of maternal GTE intake during lactation on hepatic lipid accumulation in adult male rats exposed to a continuous high-fat (HF) diet from the foetal period. Methods: Pregnant Wistar rats received diets containing 13% (control-fat, CON) or 45% (high-fat, HF) fat. CON-fed mothers received the same diet during lactation, whereas HF-fed mothers received either HF diet alone or HF diet supplemented with 0.24% GTE. At weaning, male offspring were divided into three groups, i.e. CON/CON/CON, HF/HF/HF (HF-offspring) or HF/HF+GTE/HF (GTE-offspring), and were fed until 51 weeks. Results: A significant hepatic triglyceride (Tg) accumulation was observed in the HF-offspring when compared with the other offspring. This is presumed to be caused by the promotion of Tg synthesis derived from exogenous fatty acid due to a significant increase in diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 1 and a decrease in Tg -expenditure caused by decreasing microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTTP) and long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase. On the other hand, attenuated hepatic Tg accumulation was observed in the GTE-offspring. The levels of the hepatic lipid metabolism-related enzymes were improved to the same level as the CON-offspring, and particularly, MTTP was significantly increased as compared with the HF-offspring. Conclusion: This study indicates the potential protective effects of maternal GTE intake during lactation on HF diet-induced hepatic lipid accumulation in adult male rat offspring and the possible underlying mechanisms.

Exposure to cadmium (Cd) is a risk factor to health impairments, wherein its cytotoxicity is attributed to induction of oxidative stress. Usage of anti-oxidants, however, can help lessen the damaging effects of Cd. The effect of Cd interaction with low concentration of dietary anti-oxidants, L-ascorbic acid and (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), to PC12 cellular mechanisms was examined. The expected toxicity of Cd was observed on PC12 cells but addition of L-ascorbic acid ameliorated this effect. On the other hand, addition of EGCG was able to increase the cytotoxicity of Cd and to decrease the protective effect of L-ascorbic acid against Cd. Increase in LDH activity and decrease in free sulfhydryl levels indicated cell membrane damage and oxidative stress, respectively, in Cd- and EGCG-Cd-treated cells. Downregulation of pro-apoptotic proteins (pro-caspase-9, p53, and ERK1) was observed in cells treated with Cd alone and EGCG-Cd, while upregulation of autophagy-linked proteins (p62 and pBeclin1) was found on L-ascorbic acid-Cd combination treatments. These findings indicate that Cd causes cells to undergo an autophagy-enhanced cell death; low-concentration EGCG and L-ascorbic acid promotes cell survival individually; however, interaction of EGCG with Cd showed enhancement of Cd toxicity and antagonism of L-ascorbic acid efficiency.

Previously we have discovered that titanium (Ti) binds with bone phosphoproteins SIBLING protein family, by using a Ti beads chromatography. Furthermore, we showed that the isolated bone phosphoproteins remarkably enhanced bone formation when we coated the Ti device with them and implanted into rat calvaria. Therefore, we have called the Ti-binding bone phosphoproteins as “the implant proteins.” This discovery encouraged us to create a new biomolecule that can simulate the functions of the implant proteins. Since significant characteristics of the implant proteins are the presence of multiple phosphate groups and the occurrence of single cell-adhering RGD sequence, we decided for the first place to phosphorylate chitin and collagen to see whether they acquire or increase Ti-binding ability. Results showed that more than 70% of phosphorylated chitin bound with Ti, and phosphorylated collagen enhanced about 7% of its Ti-binding ability. These modified biomolecules, P-chitin and P-collagen will become highly useful for new development of Ti-related bone regenerative medicine.

BACKGROUND: There is concern that DNA damage may occur in skin cells due to UV irradiation. In this study, we investigated whether extracts from grape skin, which should be discarded, can suppress DNA damage caused by UV radiation. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the effectivity of GSE in diminishing UV-induced cytotoxicity in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) cells. METHODS: The polyphenol content in GSE was carried out using the HPLC instrument. UV dose was selected by measurement of cell viability, and ELISA results of DNA photoproduct. Optimum extracts condition of grape skin selected by DNA photoproduct content as well as at this condition; Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and cytochrome c gene expressions were evaluated by Western blotting. RESULTS: In this study, we confirmed that GSE protect against DNA damage-induced cell death. Condition for 80% EtOH for 24 h at 60 °C was suitable to extract for grape skin. Red grape skin (Zweigelt) was more effective than white grape skin (Niagara) in preventing (before irradiation) and repairing (after irradiation). UV-induced upregulation of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and cytochrome c expression were reduced by GSE treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated a promising potential of GSEs in skin therapeutics application.

We examined the changes in the heart of rats at the early stages of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes, and whether azuki bean extract (ABE) could influence these changes. The experimental diabe...

Although native and modified cyclodextrins (CDs) are somewhat effective in environmental applications, there is a continued interest in understanding their distinct role in various applications and effectiveness. This review highlights the tremendous efforts that have been made to enhance the efficiency of CDs for challenging environmental applications such as treating multi-pollutant mixtures or elucidating sorption mechanisms. To overcome these limitations, the modification of CDs using cross-linking agents has attracted attention due to their distinctive abilities to interact with a variety of environmental pollutants. The interest in new CD derivatives has resulted in the creation of many novel materials, including cross-linked polymers or hydrogels, effective cross-linkers, CD-based composites, CD-immobilized supports, CD-based membranes, and molecularly impregnated functional materials. Some basic questions concerning the effectiveness of these CD classes still warrant clarification. In this review, we present the first comprehensive outline of environmental remediation strategies using CDs and CD derivatives to accomplish the following objectives: (i) to provide an overview of the diverse environmental applications of CD and its derivatives, (ii) to provide up-to-date and useful information about their synthesis, features, and characterization (iii) and to understand their contribution to the remediation of heavy metals and organic pollutants from a comparative point of view. Finally, modified CDs are shown to be effective, non-toxic, and degradable in comparison with native CD, especially epichlorohydrin cross-linked CD (ECP) gels, which are considered pioneers among CD derivatives.

Lead (Pb) is one of the greatly toxic heavy metals that can enter into the biological system through food chain and induce serious health impairments. Lead ion (Pb (II)) can be released in the environment through natural and anthropogenic sources. Among different types of remediation techniques, adsorption is one of the most well-accepted techniques due to its economic feasibility and versatility as well. Herein, the removal of Pb (II) was examined using chitosan-activated carbon-polyvinyl alcohol (CS-AC-PVA) composite beads. Results demonstrated that CS-AC-PVA composite beads have more potential to adsorb Pb (II) from the aqueous solution than lone chitosan (CS), activated carbon (AC), and chitosan-activated carbon composite beads. Moreover, CS-AC-PVA composite beads showed 44% more adsorbent capacity than CA-AC beads. The adsorption capacity of CS-AC-PVA composite beads for Pb (II) showed highest adsorption at 25 °C which is increased with increasing concentrations and decrease with increasing temperature. The equilibrium data is well described by Freundlich isotherm labeling chemical interaction via multiple adsorption sites. Thus, this hybrid CS-AC-PVA composite bead is proven as potential adsorbent for environmental remediation for Pb (II) from the aqueous solution.

Arsenic is a well-recognized environmental contaminant that occurs naturally through geogenic processes in the aquifer. More than 200 million people around the world are potentially exposed to the elevated level of arsenic mostly from Asia and Latin America. Many adverse health effects including skin diseases (i.e., arsenicosis, hyperkeratosis, pigmentation changes), carcinogenesis, and neurological diseases have been reported due to arsenic exposure. In addition, arsenic has recently been shown to contribute to the onset of non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. The mechanisms involved in arsenic-induced diabetes are pancreatic β-cell dysfunction and death, impaired insulin secretion, insulin resistance and reduced cellular glucose transport. Whereas, the most proposed mechanisms of arsenic-induced hypertension are oxidative stress, disruption of nitric oxide signaling, altered vascular response to neurotransmitters and impaired vascular muscle calcium (Ca2+) signaling, damage of renal, and interference with the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). However, the contributions of arsenic exposure to non-communicable diseases are complex and multifaceted, and little information is available about the molecular mechanisms involved in arsenic-induced non-communicable diseases and also no suitable therapeutic target identified yet. Therefore, in the future, more basic research is necessary to identify the appropriate therapeutic target for the treatment and management of arsenic-induced non-communicable diseases. Several reports demonstrated that a daily balanced diet with proper nutrient supplements (vitamins, micronutrients, natural antioxidants) has shown effective to reduce the damages caused by arsenic exposure. Arsenic detoxication through natural compounds or nutraceuticals is considered a cost-effective treatment/management and researchers should focus on these alternative options. This review paper explores the scenarios of arsenic contamination in groundwater with an emphasis on public health concerns. It also demonstrated arsenic sources, biogeochemistry, toxicity mechanisms with therapeutic targets, arsenic exposure-related human diseases, and onsets of cardiovascular diseases as well as feasible management options for arsenic toxicity.

α-Lipoic acid (ALA) and its reduced form dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) are endogenous dithiol compounds with significant antioxidant properties, both of which have the potential to detoxify cells. In this study, ALA (250 μM) and DHLA (50 μM) were applied to reduce metal (As, Cd, and Pb)-induced toxicity in PC12 and Caco-2 cells as simultaneous exposure. Both significantly decreased Cd (5 μM)-, As (5 μM)-, and Pb (5 μM)-induced cell death. Subsequently, both ALA and DHLA restored cell membrane integrity and intracellular glutathione (GSH) levels, which were affected by metal-induced toxicity. In addition, DHLA protected PC12 cells from metal-induced DNA damage upon co-exposure to metals. Furthermore, ALA and DHLA upregulated the expression of survival-related proteins mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin), Akt (protein kinase B), and Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) in PC12 cells, which were previously downregulated by metal exposure. In contrast, in Caco-2 cells, upon co-exposure to metals and ALA, Nrf2 was upregulated and cleaved PARP-1 (poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1) was downregulated. These findings suggest that ALA and DHLA can counterbalance the toxic effects of metals. The protection of ALA or DHLA against metal toxicity may be largely due to an enhancement of antioxidant defense along with reduced glutathione level, which ultimately reduces the cellular oxidative stress.

Cadmium (Cd) toxic effects can overwhelm endogenous antioxidants and affect recuperation in fish. Thus, this study assessed antioxidative properties and ameliorating potentials of dietary supplemented garlic (D1), propolis (D2), and wakame (D3) on i) Cd bioconcentration, and ii) Cd induced toxicity during recuperation in Cd exposed Japanese medaka. In a 21-day exposure, control (0.0 mg Cd/L in water-C1) or Cd-treatment (0.3 mg Cd/L in water-T1) fish were fed medaka diets. Surviving fish in T1 were further depurated for 21-days and fed D1, D2, D3, or medaka diet (C2). Gill, liver, and muscle tissues were assessed weekly for Cd bioconcentration, metallothionein, (MT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total glutathione (GSH), and lipid peroxidation (LPO). Results showed reduced antioxidant activity by significantly increasing tissue Cd and LPO, and significantly reducing SOD activity and GSH content in gill and muscle upon Cd exposure. In contrast, D1, D2, and D3 diets significantly reduced tissue Cd and LPO, while increasing contents of MT and GSH, and SOD activity, significantly. Other condition indices in D1, D2 and D3 groups were also significantly higher than those in C2 groups. In conclusion, dietary supplementation significantly increased recuperation and tissue functions in fish, in the order D1 D2 D3C2.

Effective pandemic management requires understanding the level of community knowledge, attitude of people and preparedness towards COVID-19. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and preparedness toward COVID-2019 among Bangladeshi general people. A cross sectional survey was conducted from 20th March 2020 to 20th April 2020 among 1007 Bangladeshi adult people. A convenience sampling strategy was utilized and the data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Chi-square test was used to identify the gender differences regarding knowledge, attitude and preparedness towards COVID-19. Respondents predominately used social media to inform themselves about COVID-19 (68.10%) and female used social media more than male (p

Green synthesized silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) have demonstrated promising effects, including cytotoxicity and anticancer potential, in different cell lines. Therefore, in our previous study, Ag-NPs were synthesized from the reduction of AgNO3 using Brassica rapa var. japonica (Bj) leaf extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The synthesized Ag-NPs were spherical in shape, with a size range of 15-30 nm. They had phase-centered cubic structure with strong growth inhibition potential against some bacteria. In continuation with our previous study, in the present study, we aimed to investigate the autophagy-regulated cytotoxic effect of Ag-NPs against human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2 cells). We found that the Bj leaf aqueous extract facilitated Brassica silver nanoparticles (Brassica Ag-NPs)-induced NF-κB mediated autophagy in Caco-2 cells. Results showed that Ag-NPs reduced cell viability of Caco-2 cells by inducing oxidative stress and DNA damage. Therefore, to understand the mechanism underlying the death-promoting activity of Ag-NPs in Caco-2 cells, western blotting was performed. Western blot analysis showed decreased expression of NFκB and increased expression of IκB, which is a sign of autophagy initiation. In addition, autophagosome formation was accelerated by the activity of p53 and light chain 3 (LC3) II. In addition, inhibition of Akt and mTOR also played a pivotal role in autophagy formation. Finally, excessive expansion of autophagy promoted apoptosis, which subsequently resulted in necrosis. These findings support a novel cell death-promoting function of autophagy by Ag-NPs in Caco-2 cells.

Arsenic is a recognized highly toxic contaminant, responsible for numerous human diseases and affecting many millions of people in different parts of the world. Contrarily, curcumin is a natural dietary polyphenolic compound and the main active ingredient in turmeric. Recently it has drawn great attention due to its diverse biological activities, strong antioxidant properties and therapeutic potential against many human ailments. In this study, we aimed to explore the protective effects and the regulatory role of curcumin on arsenic-induced toxicity and gain insights into biomolecular mechanism/s. Arsenic (10 μM) treatment in PC12 cells for 24 h induced cytotoxicity by decreasing cell viability and intracellular glutathione level and increasing lactate dehydrogenase activity and DNA fragmentation. In addition, arsenic caused apoptotic cell death in PC12 cells, which were confirmed from flow cytometry results. Moreover, arsenic (10 μM) treatment significantly down-regulated the inhibition factors of autophagy/apoptosis; mTOR, Akt, Nrf2, ERK1, Bcl-x, Xiap protein expressions, up-regulated the enhanced factors of autophagy/apoptosis; ULK, LC3, p53, Bax, cytochrome c, caspase 9, cleaved caspase 3 proteins and eventually caused autophagic and apoptotic cell death. However, curcumin (2.5 μM) pretreatment with arsenic (10 μM) effectively saves PC12 cells against arsenic-induced cytotoxicity through increasing cell viability, intracellular GSH level and boosting the antioxidant defense system, and limiting the LDH activity and DNA damage. Furthermore, pretreatment of curcumin with arsenic expressively alleviated arsenic-induced toxicity and cell death by reversing the expressions of proteins; mTOR, Akt, Nrf2, ERK1, Bcl-x, Xiap, ULK, LC3, p53, Bax, cytochrome c, caspase 9 and cleaved caspase 3. Our findings indicated that curcumin showed antioxidant properties through the Nrf2 antioxidant signaling pathway and alleviates arsenic-triggered toxicity in PC12 cells by regulating autophagy/apoptosis.

Background Previously we found that a group of phosphorylated proteins (SIBLINGs) in bone binds with the Ti-device, and increases the early bone formation around the Ti-implants remarkably. From these results, we explained the biochemical mechanism of a strong bond between living bone and Ti, which was discovered by Branemark and colleagues. For the clinical application of our findings, we need a large amount of these proteins or their substitutes. Objective We aimed to create a new molecule that equips with essential functions of SIBLINGs, Ti-binding, and bone enhancement around the Ti implant. Methods We chemically phosphorylated chitin and obtained a soluble form of phosphorylated chitin (P-chitin). In this solution, we immersed the Ti-devices of web-form (TW) which we previously developed and obtained the P-chitin coated TWs. Then we tested the P-chitin coated TWs for their calcification ability in vitro, and bone enhancing ability in vivo, by implanting them into rat calvaria. We compared the P-chitin coated TW and the non-coated TW in regard to their calcification and bone enhancing abilities. Results Ti-devices coated with phosphorylated-chitin induced a ten times higher calcification in vitro at 20 days, and four times more elevated amount of bone formation in vivo at two weeks than the uncoated Ti-device. Conclusions Phosphorylated chitin could be a partial substitute of bone SIBLING proteins and are clinically applicable to accelerate bone formation around the Ti implants, thereby achieving the strong bond between living bone and Ti.

It has been hypothesized that oxidative stress, which is an imbalance between endogenous levels of oxygen radicals and antioxidant defense systems, is the main cause of aging. Senescence-accelerated mouse prone 10 (SAMP 10), which is a strain of aging-promoting model mice, shows learning and memory impairment with age, and atrophy is observed in the cerebral cortex and limbic system. The oxygen radical production in SAM mice brain tissues increases with age. The slope of the age-dependent increase was steeper in SAMP10 than control mice. Antioxidant enzyme levels in the liver of SAMP10 were higher than those in the control mice at young age, but at old age, antioxidant enzyme levels were lower and/or similar to the levels of control mice. These results suggest that oxidative stress is strongly involved in the cause of senescence acceleration of SAMP10 and that SAMP10 is a model animal suitable for the study of normal aging.

At present, street-vended food (SVF) is becoming a serious public health concern due to the intervention of different pathogenic microorganisms. The lack of hygiene in the preparation of SVFs pose risk factors for foodborne disease outbreaks worldwide. This paper reviews the microbiological quality of SVFs between developed and developing countries to understand the similarity, gap and comparative nature of microbial promulgation. The microbial quality of 64 different types of SVFs in Bangladesh was tested and analyzed, and then compared with studies on SVFs in other countries. Most of the SVF samples from all examined places had a high microbial load (≥ 105) with identical sources and propagation characteristics. E. coli, Bacillus cereus and coliform bacteria had the highest prevalence in SVFs from Bangladesh. The presence of antibiotic-resistant microbes such as Enteriobacteriaceae and Salmonella in SVFs showed the greatest variable resistance response against a large groups of antimicrobials. Taken together, we found that the microbiological quality of SVFs and thereof the associated health problems are almost indistinguishable all over the world. Furthermore, the intervention options are very limited and are not really applied in practice. In addition, a single-focused intervention only partially succeeded. Thus, we have summarized potential options to regulate the quality of SVFs through proper hygiene practices.

Senescence-accelerated mice are known to display a variety of deficits and signs of accelerated aging, but the specific mechanisms involved in this process are still unclear. In this study, we examined the expression levels of antioxidant enzymes, transcription factors responsible for the regulation of expression of these enzymes, and mitochondrial proteins in the liver of SAMP10 and SAMR1 mice at 3 and 12 months of age using western blotting analysis. To investigate the amount of oxidative damage to DNA, levels of 8-OHdG were measured in the liver of these mice. At 3 months of age, the levels of catalase, Mn-SOD, GPx, UQCRC2 and COXIV were significantly upregulated in SAMP10 mice compared with that in SAMR1 mice. However, NDUFS3 levels were not significantly different at this young age. In contrast, the expression level of catalase was significantly lower, and the levels of phosphorylated FoxO-1a and UQCRC2 were significantly higher in SAMP10 mice compared to those in SAMR1 mice; however, at 12 months of age, there were no significant differences in Mn-SOD, GPx, total -FoxO-1a, COXIV, and NDUFS3 expression between the two groups of mice. The levels of 8-OHdG in the liver were markedly higher in 12-month-old SAMP10 mice than those in 3-month-old SAMP10 and SAMR1 mice. These results suggest that an increase in number of mitochondria or a collapse in the balance between the levels of complexes I and III results in an increase in the amount of ROS and induces the expression of antioxidant enzymes in the liver of SAMP10 mice at 3 months of age. Although young SAMP10 mice produce a large amount of ROS, they also produce suitable levels of antioxidant enzymes that decompose ROS; consequently accelerated aging does not occur in young SAMP10 mice. In addition to excessive ROS production which is an important cause of aging, the level of catalase was significantly lower in SAMP10 than that in SAMR1 mice. These results suggested that overexpression of ROS and a decrease in the levels of catalase resulted in the accelerated aging observed in older SAMP10 mice. Moreover, the level of phosphorylated FoxO-1a was increased in SAMP10 compared to that in SAMR1 mice though the total amount of FoxO-1a was not significantly different between the two groups in old age. These results suggest that some impairment in the regulation mechanism of FoxO-1a phosphorylation is responsible for abnormal catalase expression and that a significant decrease in the level of catalase with aging decisively affects the metabolic balance of ROS; thus, ROS that cannot be metabolized contributes to the accelerated aging of SAMP10 mice.

Arsenic is well known toxicant responsible for human diseases including cancers. On the other hand, selenium is an essential trace element with significant chemopreventive effects, anticancer potentials and antioxidant properties. Although previous studies have reported antagonism/synergism between arsenic and selenium in biological systems, the biomolecular mechanism/s is still inconclusive. Therefore, to elucidate the molecular phenomena in cellular level, we hypothesized that co-exposure of selenium with arsenic may have suppressive effects on arsenic-induced cytotoxicity. We found that selenium in co-exposure with arsenic increases cell viability, and suppresses oxidative stress induced by arsenic in PC12 cells. Consequently, DNA fragmentation due to arsenic exposure was also reduced by arsenic and selenium co-exposure. Furthermore, western blot analyses revealed that simultaneous exposure of both metals significantly inhibited autophagy which further suppressed apoptosis through positively regulation of key proteins; p-mTOR, p-Akt, p-Foxo1A, p62, and expression of ubiquitin, Bax, Bcl2, NFкB, and caspases 3 and 9, although those are negatively regulated by arsenic. In addition, reverse transcriptase PCR analysis confirmed the involvement of caspase cascade in cell death process induced by arsenic and subsequent inhibition by co-exposure of selenium with arsenic. The cellular accumulation study of arsenic in presence/absence of selenium via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry confirmed that selenium effectively retarded the uptake of arsenic in PC12 cells. Finally, these findings imply that selenium is capable to modulate arsenic-induced intrinsic apoptosis pathway via enhancement of mTOR/Akt autophagy signaling pathway through employing antioxidant potentials and through inhibiting the cellular accumulation of arsenic in PC12 cells.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were successfully synthesized from the reduction of Ag+ using AgNO3 solution as a precursor and Brassica rapa var. japonica leaf extract as a reducing and capping agent. This study was aimed at synthesis of AgNPs, exhibiting less toxicity with high antibacterial activity. The characterization of AgNPs was carried out using UV–Vis spectrometry, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, fourier transform infrared spectrometry, field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, atomic absorption spectrometry, and transmission electron microscopy analyses. The analyses data revealed the successful synthesis of nano-crystalline Ag possessing more stability than commercial AgNPs. The cytotoxicity of Brassica AgNPs was compared with commercial AgNPs using in vitro PC12 cell model. Commercial AgNPs reduced cell viability to 23% (control 97%) and increased lactate dehydrogenase activity at a concentration of 3 ppm, whereas, Brassica AgNPs did not show any effects on both of the cytotoxicity parameters up to a concentration level of 10 ppm in PC12 cells. Moreover, Brassica AgNPs exhibited antibacterial activity in terms of zone of inhibition against E. coli (11.1 ± 0.5 mm) and Enterobacter sp. (15 ± 0.5 mm) which was higher than some previously reported green-synthesised AgNPs. Thus, this finding can be a matter of interest for the production and safe use of green-AgNPs in consumer products.

Graphical abstract, With the development of nanotechnology, silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) have become one of the most in-demand nanoparticles owing to their exponential number of uses in various sectors. The increased use of Ag-NPs-enhanced products may result in an increased level of toxicity affecting both the environment and living organisms. Several studies have used different model cell lines to exhibit the cytotoxicity of Ag-NPs, and their underlying molecular mechanisms. This review aimed to elucidate different properties of Ag-NPs that are responsible for the induction of cellular toxicity along with the critical mechanism of action and subsequent defense mechanisms observed in vitro. Our results show that the properties of Ag-NPs largely vary based on the diversified synthesis processes. The physiochemical properties of Ag-NPs (e.g., size, shape, concentration, agglomeration, or aggregation interaction with a biological system) can cause impairment of mitochondrial function prior to their penetration and accumulation in the mitochondrial membrane. Thus, Ag-NPs exhibit properties that play a central role in their use as biocides along with their applicability in environmental cleaning. We herein report a current review of the synthesis, applicability, and toxicity of Ag-NPs in relation to their detailed characteristics.

This study assesses qualitative and quantitative changes in groundwater resources and their impact on land subsidence in Can Tho, Vietnam, from 2000 to 2018. Can Tho city is characterized by scarce water resources and intense industrial, domestic, agricultural, and mining usage, creating water stress. The vertical compaction rates and thus land subsidence, resulting from a head drawdown in three aquifers, were calculated using 1D consolidation of compressible porous media . Experiments were conducted in 16 wells clusters consisting of a total of 48 shallow and deep wells. The three wells from every 16 well clusters from different aquifers, namely the Middle-Upper Pleistocene confined aquifer (qp 2-3), the Upper-Pleistocence (qp3 ), and a well in Holocene (qh), respectively, were examined. The Mann Kendal test with Sen's slope was performed and for most of the wells, negative values of Kendall's tau were found, which indicated decreasing trend of groundwater level. A significant change in groundwater level were also detected during the last eighteen years from 2000 to 2018. The results show significant downward trends of groundwater level for all of the wells of aquifer qp 3 and qp2-3 except for a few shallow wells. The trend of this dropdown groundwater level for these deep wells is highly associated with extraction rates. The average subsidence rate of 4.28 cm yr−1 were observed in the study area. Tra Noc Industrial zones (QT8, QT16) showed a high subsidence rate which ranges from 5 to 7 cm yr−1 . The calculated subsidence rates indicate the ongoing groundwater overexploitation , which might place Can Tho at risk of increased flooding and saltwater intrusion in the context of climate change and sea-level rise. The findings of this study call for effective policy strategies for sustainable water resource management to limit further land subsidence.

Background Fructose intake has been correlated with increased prevalence of metabolic disorders including hypertension. In pregnant rats, fructose intake has been reported to have adverse effects on the health of its offspring. This study investigated the effects of gestational maternal fructose consumption and if supplementation with melinjo seed extracts to the maternal diet during lactation could benefit the offspring in later life. Methods Pregnant rats were randomly divided into three groups: untreated (CC), fructose-treated (FC), and fructose and melinjo-treated (FM). FC and FM groups received 100 g/L of D(-)-fructose solution by means of the drinking water during gestation while CC received normal drinking water. During lactation, CC and FC groups were given standard commercial laboratory diet, while the FM group was given commercial laboratory diet with 0.1% melinjo seed extracts. After weaning, the offspring were given normal drinking water and standard commercial diet until week 17. The blood pressure of the offspring was monitored until the 16th week. During week 17, the offspring were killed, and the kidneys were collected and analyzed. Results The level of renal phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (pAMPK) in FM of 17-week female offspring was significantly higher compared with FC and CC groups. Maternal fructose intake down-regulated the renal endothelial isoform of nitric oxide synthetase expression in FC and maternal melinjo seed extract consumption maintained renal endothelial isoform of nitric oxide synthetase expression in FM of 17-week female offspring. In addition, maternal melinjo seed extract intake during lactation lowered the systolic blood pressure in FM of 17-week female offspring. Conclusion Female offspring were more vulnerable to the effects of placental fructose and melinjo seed extracts, suggesting sex-specific sensitivities. In summary, our data show that melinjo seed extract consumption during lactation improved vasodilation and attenuated the development of hypertension in the 17-week female offspring of fructose-fed pregnant rats. Birth Defects Research 110:27-34, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A set of hydrochemical analysis, drinking water evaluation indices along with multivariate statistics and geostatistical model are applied to evaluate the groundwater quality of Gopalganj District, Bangladesh. A total of 46 groundwater samples are analyzed for the pre and postmonsoon seasons to assess the possible consumptive human health risk among the adults and children of the study area. It is found that most of the studied hydrochemical parameters (pH, EC, TDS, Na+, Cl−, HCO3 −, CO3 −, As, Mn, Fe, B, NO3 −, etc.) exceeded the limits stipulated by different standards for drinking water. From multivariate statistical analysis, high-salinity characteristic of groundwater resulting from seawater intrusion is observed. Spatial extensions of EC, Cl−, As, Fe, and Mn vary significantly around the study area. Strong, moderate, and weak spatial dependences are found for both seasons. The exponential semivariogram model is found to be dominant when considering the best-fit model analyzed for both seasons. In addition, mean Hazard Quotient and Hazard Index values based on As, Fe, Mn, B, NO3 −, and F− imply that the groundwater poses substantial health risk for both adults and children and fluctuates in accordance with seasonal variation. The carcinogenic risk among adults and children due to As is high in the study area during both seasons. The groundwater of the study area was characterized by high salinity possessing high level of noncarcinogenic as well as cancer-risk (As) vulnerability of the local community.

This study explores the adsorption capacity of carboxymethyl-β-cyclodextrin (CMβ-CD) functionalized chitosan (CS) impregnated with water-insoluble epichlorohydrin cross-linked β-cyclodextrin polymer (β-CDP) to yield CS-β-CDP-CMβ-CD composite beads for the removal of toxic Cd (II) ions from aqueous solutions. Characterization of the adsorbent was performed with XPS, FTIR, NMR, BET and SEM. The synergistic effect was expected and found at removing Cd (II) with a sorption capacity exceeding 378 mg g −1 (approximately 3.37 mmol g −1 ), which is higher than any other existing technology. The removal of Cd (II) was found maximum at pH 6.5. The rate reduction can be expressed by pseudo-second-order reaction kinetics. Thermodynamic parameters such as the enthalpy (Δ H 0 ), entropy (Δ S 0 ), and free energy change (Δ G 0 ) suggest the endothermic adsorption of Cd (II) in solution. The activation energy was calculated to be 65.62 kJ mol −1 indicating a chemisorption process. The regeneration and reusability of the adsorbent were found suitable for in situ application of this technology for Cd remediation. The Langmuir isotherm model, which is effective for analyzing equilibrium data, indicated both monolayer adsorption and chemisorption. The intraparticle diffusion model indicated both film diffusion and intraparticle diffusion as the rate limiting steps. Thus, the synthesized CS-β-CDP-CMβ-CD beads showed good adsorption selectivity for Cd (II) having excellent regeneration and reusability.

Southern Bangladesh’s irrigation and drinking water is threatened by saline intrusion. This study aimed to establish an irrigation water quality index (IWQI) using a geostatistical model and multivariate indices in Gopalganj district, south-central Bangladesh. Groundwater samples were taken randomly (different depths) in two seasons (wet-monsoon and dry-monsoon). Hydrochemical analysis revealed groundwater in this area was neutral to slightly alkaline and dominating cations were Na+, Mg2+, and Ca2+ along with major anions Cl− and HCO3 −. Principal component analysis and Gibbs plot helped explain possible geochemical processes in the aquifer. The irrigation water evaluation indices showed: electrical conductivity (EC) >750 µS/cm, moderate to extreme saline; sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), excellent to doubtful; total hardness (TH), moderate to very hard; residual sodium bicarbonate, safe to marginal; Kelly’s ratio >1; soluble sodium percentage (SSP), fair to poor; magnesium adsorption ratio, harmful for soil; and IWQI, moderate to suitable. In addition, the best fitted semivariogram for IWQI, EC, SAR, SSP, and TH confirmed that most parameters had strong spatial dependence and others had moderate to weak spatial dependence. This variation might be due to the different origin/sources of major contributing ions along with the influence of variable river flow and small anthropogenic contributions. Furthermore, the spatial distribution maps for IWQI, EC, SSP, and TH during both seasons confirmed the influence of salinity from the sea; low-flow in the major river system was the driving factor of overall groundwater quality in the study area. These findings may contribute to management of irrigation and/or drinking water in regions with similar groundwater problems.

Water pollution and land use changes are exceeding the limit in the most important economic zone, Dhaka Export Processing Zone (DEPZ) in Bangladesh and have become a great threat to the environment. To understand this threat, the dissolved metal concentration was measured from Turag and Bangshi River near DEPZ. The land use changes of DEPZ was measured and analyzed using Bangladesh Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization (SPARRSO) and Landsat TM images through Arc GIS 10.1, ERDAS Imagine 9.1. The dissolved Pb, Cd, Ni and Zn concentration were found to be higher in compare with those of water standards except Cu at every sampling point. Elevated concentration of Cd and its corresponding enrichment factor (EF%) indicated accumulation possibility of metals in the river bed sediments. The principal component analysis result also showed the dominance of Cd ions along with Ni ions in the river water. pH was found to be the controlling factor of every dissolved metal in the rivers sourced from DEPZ. Alongside, the study represents that the land use pattern has been changed remarkably. Large volume of water has been converted into unplanned settlement and urbanization. Land use changes may lead drastic changes in the land quality, such as decreases in biodiversity, instability of ecosystem, decreased soil quality, loss of nutrients, planned and unplanned urbanization, and bare land. Comprehensive synoptic researches are required to monitor the water pollution caused by DEPZ into these rivers and to determine the exact land uses for monitoring further changes.

The study was designed to collect water samples over two seasons—wet-monsoon season (n = 96) (March–April) and dry-monsoon season (n = 44) (September–October)—to understand the seasonal variation in anion and cation hydrochemistry of the coastal rivers and estuaries contributing in the spatial trend in salinity. Hydrochemical examination of wet-monsoon season primarily revealed Ca–Mg–HCO3 type (66%) and followed by Na–Cl type (17.70%) water. In the dry-monsoon season, the scenario reversed with primary water being Na–Cl type (52.27%) followed by Ca–Mg–HCO3 type (31.81%). Analysis of Cl/Br molar ratio vs. Cl (mg/L) depicted sampling area affected by seawater intrusion (SWI). Spatial analysis by ordinary kriging method confirmed approximately 77% sample in the dry-monsoon, and 34% of the wet-monsoon season had shown SWI. The most saline-intruded areas in the wet-monsoon seasons were extreme south-west coastal zone of Bangladesh, lower Meghna River floodplain and Meghna estuarine floodplain and south-eastern part of Chittagong coastal plains containing the districts of Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar adjacent to Bay of Bengal. In addition, mid-south zone is also affected slightly in the dry-monsoon season. From the analyses of data, this study could further help to comprehend seasonal trends in the hydrochemistry and water quality of the coastal and estuarine rivers. In addition, it can help policy makers to obligate some important implications for the future initiatives taken for the management of land, water, fishery, agriculture and environment of coastal rivers and estuaries of Bangladesh.

Resveratrol (RSV) can protect against non-communicable diseases by improving cholesterol metabolism. However, it is unclear that effects of maternal RSV intake on health of adult offspring. In this study, we examined effects of maternal RSV intake during lactation on cholesterol metabolism in adult male rat offspring. Female Wistar rats were fed a control diet (CON) supplemented with or without RSV (20 mg/kg body weight/day) during their lactation period. Male offspring were weaned onto a standard diet and maintained on this diet for 36 weeks. As a result, plasma cholesterol level significantly decreased in RSV offspring compared to CON offspring. Furthermore, a decrease in hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase level and an increase in hepatic LDL-receptor level were observed in the RSV offspring. These results indicate that maternal RSV intake causes long-term decrease in plasma cholesterol level in the offspring through suppression of hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis and promotion of hepatic cholesterol uptake.

The Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD) is one of the largest rice-growing areas in Vietnam, and exports a huge amount of rice products to destinations around the world. Multi-dike protection systems have been built to prevent flooding, and have supported agricultural intensification since the early 1990s. Semi-dike and full-dike systems have been used to grow double and triple rice, respectively. Only a small number of studies have been conducted to evaluate the water quality in the VMD. This study aimed to analyze the spatiotemporal variation of water quality inside the dike-protected area. Surface water samples were collected in the dry and wet seasons at 35 locations. We used multivariate statistical analyses to examine various water quality parameters. The mean concentrations of COD, NH4+, NO3&minus, PO43&minus, EC, and turbidity were significantly higher in water samples inside the full-dike system than in water samples from outside the full-dike systems and inside the semi-dike systems in both seasons. High concentrations of PO43&minus, were detected in most of the primary canals along which residential, tourist areas and local markets were settled. However, NO3&minus, was mainly found to be higher in secondary canals, where chemical fertilizers were used for rice intensification inside the dike system. Water control infrastructures are useful for preventing flood hazards. However, this has an adverse effect on maintaining water quality in the study area.

We examined the changes in the heart of rats at the early stages of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes, and whether azuki bean extract (ABE) could influence these changes. The experimental diabetic rats received 0 or 40 mg/kg of ABE orally for 4 weeks, whereas the control group rats received distilled water. 8-Hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and expression of proteins associated with peroxisomal FA β-oxidation as well as oxidative stress markers were examined. The levels of peroxisomal ACOX1 and catalase of the diabetic groups were significantly higher than those in the control group. The levels of p62, phosphorylated-p62 (p-p62) and HO-1 in the STZ group were significantly higher than those in the control group, and the levels of p-p62, HO-1, and 8-OHdG were significantly lower by ABE administration. The STZ-induced early diabetes increases the levels of proteins related to peroxisomal FA β-oxidation and oxidative stress markers in hearts. ABE protects diabetic hearts from oxidative damage.

The enormous numbers of applications of TiO 2 nanoparticles (NPs) cause concern about their risk to the environment and human health. Consequently, motivated by the necessity of searching for new sources of TiO 2 NPs of low cytotoxicity with antibacterial activity, we synthesized TiO 2 NPs by a green route using a solution of titanium(iv) isopropoxide as a precursor and an aqueous extract of Artocarpus heterophyllus leaf as a reducing and surface modifying agent. We investigated their structure, shape, size, and magnetic properties, and evaluated their antibiotic application and cytotoxicity. The synthesized TiO 2 NPs were applied against two Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli and S. typhimurium) and two Gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus and B. subtilis) to observe their antibacterial activity; and eventually clear zones of inhibition formed by the TiO 2 NPs were obtained. Moreover, after exposing the synthesized TiO 2 NPs to HeLa cells (carcinoma cells) and Vero cells (normal cells), no toxic effect was found up to a dose of 1000 mg L -1 , indicating the safe use of the samples up to at least 1000 mg L -1 . However, toxic effects on HeLa cells and Vero cells were observed at doses of 2000 mg L -1 and 3000 mg L -1 , respectively. These results indicate the safe use of Artocarpus heterophyllus leaf extract mediated synthesized TiO 2 NPs in their potential applications. © 2019 The Royal Society of Chemistry.

Cadmium (Cd2+) is a heavy metal that can induce cytotoxicity leading to many chronic diseases. Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi L.) is a popular spice with diverse pharmacological properties. It is used for the remedy of many pathological conditions that could be manifested by Cd2+ exposure e.g. inflammatory, toxic, neurological, genital or respiratory tract disorders. To reduce the Cd2+-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis, PC12 cells were exposed/co-exposed to Cd2+ (5 or 10 μM) with/without non-toxic dose (240 μg/mL) of ethanolic extract of ajwain (AE) for 24 h. The cytotoxicity and apoptosis were evaluated by cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, glutathione levels, genomic DNA fragmentation and expressions of Bax, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, NF-КB, cytosolic cytochrome c and caspase-3. Cd2+ reduced the cell viability significantly 24 h after exposure; however, the co-exposure of AE with Cd2+ reduced the cell death. The co-exposure also raised up glutathione levels, and decreased LDH activity. AE lessened the DNA fragmentation caused by Cd2+. AE suppressed the Cd2+-induced increased expression of apoptotic protein Bax, and promoted suppressed expressions of anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2, Bcl-xL and NF-КB. Moreover, it reduced the cytosolic cytochrome c levels and the caspase-3 expressions increased by Cd2+. Thus, it was suggested that AE reduced cytotoxicity and apoptosis caused by Cd2+ in PC12 cells. It inhibited Cd2+-induced apoptosis through intrinsic pathway possibly boosting up the antioxidant defense. Therefore, AE can be a candidate for a potential agent against heavy metals and/or other toxicants. Additionally, this study validated the ethno-pharmacological therapeutic uses of ajwain in various pathological conditions.

Mercury (Hg) in its all forms, including inorganic Hg (iHg) is an environmental contaminant due to toxicity and diseases in human. However, a little is known about the underlying mechanisms responsible for iHg toxicity. Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element, recognized as an antioxidant and protective agent against metal toxicities. The purpose of this research was to investigate ameliorations of Se counter to iHg-mediated toxicity in PC12 cells. Cytotoxic assays have been shown that iHg (5 μM) caused oxidative stress and intrinsic apoptosis via ROS generation, oxidizing glutathione, damaging DNA, degrading cell membrane integrity, down-regulating mTOR, p-mTOR, akt and ERK1, and up-regulating cleaved caspase 3 and cytochrome c release in PC12 cells 48 h after incubation. Co-treatment of Se (5 μM) inhibited intrinsic apoptosis and oxidative stress induced by iHg (5 μM) via inhibiting ROS formation, boosting GPx contents, increasing reduced glutathione, limiting DNA degradation, improving cell membrane integrity, up-regulating mTOR, p-mTOR, akt, ERK1 and caspase 3, and down-regulating cleaved caspase 3 and cytochrome c leakage in PC12 cells. In conclusion, these results recommended that excessive ROS generation acts a critical role in iHg-influenced oxidative stress and co-treatment of Se attenuates iHg-cytotoxicity through its antioxidant properties.