Article
Environmental Sciences
M. Chase Lawson, Joshua A. Cullen, Clifton C. Nunnally, Gilbert T. Rowe, David N. Hala
Summary: Information on the levels of PAHs and PCBs in the deep-sea (>= 200 m) is limited. This study measured the body-burdens of these contaminants in various deep-sea organisms in the Gulf of Mexico, showing a similar pattern of bioaccumulation across taxa. The exposure to PAHs and PCBs is likely attributed to contaminated particulate organic matter consumed by the sampled epibenthic megafauna.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Tommy Landberg, Maria Greger
Summary: This study found that Salix viminalis can effectively reduce the levels of heavy metals, arsenic, PCBs and PAHs in industrial soil. After 10 years of treatment, a significant percentage of various contaminants were removed from the soil. The reduction in contaminants was observed as early as the first year of Salix cultivation, but the rate of reduction slowed down over time.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tianhao Du, Anna Bogush, Paul Edwards, Peter Stanley, Ana T. Lombardi, Luiza C. Campos
Summary: This study investigated the role of indigenous algae in removing metals from acid mine drainage and found that metals such as Zn, Cu, and Cd can be adsorbed onto and accumulated in the algae, while Pb and Fe are mainly bioaccumulated in the algae. Indigenous algae can serve as a biogeochemical barrier for metal accumulation and can be used as bioindicators for assessing water pollution.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Manuela Macri, Marta Gea, Irene Piccini, Luca Dessi, Alfredo Santovito, Simona Bonelli, Tiziana Schiliro, Sara Bonetta
Summary: Atmospheric pollution and particularly PM poses a significant threat to the environment and human health. In this study, the suitability of a wild cabbage butterfly species (Pieris brassicae) as a bioindicator organism to assess the genotoxic effects of PM10 collected from different sites was evaluated. The results showed that all PM extracts induced significant DNA damage in exposed larvae compared to controls, suggesting that butterflies like P. brassicae could be used as sensitive bioindicators to investigate air quality and PM genotoxicity.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ji-Eun Seo, Kelly Davis, Pritpal Malhi, Xiaobo He, Matthew Bryant, John Talpos, Susan Burks, Nan Mei, Xiaoqing Guo
Summary: Non-human primates (NHPs) have been crucial in various studies due to their physiological and genetic similarity to humans. This study isolated primary hepatocytes from rhesus macaques and compared their sensitivity and specificity in detecting genotoxic/carcinogenic compounds with primary human hepatocytes. Despite differences in CYP450 enzyme activities, the results showed that PMHs can be a reliable surrogate for PHHs in evaluating genotoxic hazards.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Flavia Tasmin Techera Antunes, Emanuelle Sistherenn Caminski, Jaqueline Nascimento Picada, Andrea Pereira Regner, Eliane Dallegrave, Alessandra Hubner de Souza
Summary: The study found that subacute treatment with a low dose of 3-NP did not show genotoxic or mutagenic effects.
Article
Ecology
Funda Turan, M. Bertan Yilmaz, M. Lutfi Yola, Aysegul Ergenler, N. Seda Ilgaz, Hale Oksuz
Summary: Heavy metal contamination poses a serious risk to aquatic organisms and humans in coastal and marine ecosystems. This study investigates the genetic damage caused by trace metal accumulations in Liza aurata, a bio-indicator species, in the Payas coast of Iskenderun Bay. The results show high DNA damage frequency in L. aurata due to pollutants, as well as excessive accumulation of Cd, Pb, Fe, and Cu. The study also highlights the successful use of electrochemical techniques in determining trace metal concentrations in mullet and the importance of L. aurata as a sentinel organism for biomonitoring coastal ecosystems.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mariana Martinez-Perez, Francisco Arenas-Huertero, Josefina Cortes-Eslava, Ofelia Morton-Bermea, Sandra Gomez-Arroyo
Summary: The study evaluated the toxic effects of heavy metals on the plant Robinsonecio gerberifolius exposed in different sites in Mexico City, showing an increase in genotoxicity and induction of oxidative stress. The presence of toxic HM in the atmosphere of Mexico City and its metropolitan area was confirmed through the analysis of alpha- and ss-carotenoids and miR398 levels in the exposed plants.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Natividad Isabel Navarro Pacheco, Radka Roubalova, Jiri Dvorak, Oldrich Benada, Dominik Pinkas, Olga Kofronova, Jaroslav Semerad, Martin Pivokonsky, Tomas Cajthaml, Martin Bilej, Petra Prochazkova
Summary: CuO nanoparticles showed negative impact on the earthworm's immune effector cells, leading to decreased viability and phagocytic function, as well as elevated levels of lipid peroxidation subproduct. The observed effects were mainly caused by dissolved Cu2+ ions derived from nanoparticles, and effective parameters such as oxidative stress and genotoxicity could provide valuable insights for environmental assessment.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-NANO
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kumsal Kocadal, Fehmi Burak Alkas, Onur Kenan Ulutas, Mehmet Ali Kurt, Dilek Battal, Semra Sardas, Ilker Etikan, Sahan Saygi
Summary: The study indicates that copper and iron are enriched in Gemikonagi, while arsenic is enriched in Tepebasi. Exposure to certain elements leads to an increase in micronuclei frequency and Comet Assay statistics. The enrichment of heavy metals may be a generalized issue throughout Cyprus.
BIOLOGICAL TRACE ELEMENT RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jose Silvestre Delgadillo-Diaz de Leon, Gustavo Emilio Santos-Medrano, Roberto Rico-Martinez, Isidoro Rubio-Franchini, Daniel Robles-Vargas
Summary: The study assessed the genotoxic effect of three heavy metals on three zooplanktonic species using the comet assay. Mercury caused the greatest DNA damage, while cadmium and lead showed low genotoxicity. The comet assay proved to be a reliable technique for DNA damage screening in planktonic organisms.
POLISH JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Asmat Saleem Siddiqui, Noor Us Saher
Summary: This study investigated concentrations of eight metals in sediment and Dotillid crab in three tidal creeks in Karachi, Pakistan, finding substantial differences in metal concentrations among the creeks. The results showed notable spatial variations in metal accumulation in crabs, with some metals showing strong bioaccumulation. Additionally, significant correlations were found between metal levels in sediments and crabs, suggesting a potential indicator of metal pollution by the crab species Ilyoplax frater.
SN APPLIED SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Shri R. M. Pattar, Muniswamy David
Summary: The present study investigated the impact of the organophosphorus insecticide Triazophos (TAP) on the antioxidant status and DNA content of the freshwater fish Cyprinus carpio. TAP exposure led to oxidative stress in the livers of the fish, as indicated by changes in antioxidant levels and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. In addition, comet assays and micronucleus tests revealed DNA damage in the blood of the fish. These findings suggest that TAP has detrimental effects on antioxidant levels and genotoxicity in C. carpio.
VETERINARSKI ARHIV
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sushant Kumar Verma, Rakesh Soni, Priyanka Gupta
Summary: In this study, the genotoxic effect of the herbicide pretilachlor on Clarias batrachus was evaluated using the micronucleus test and comet assay. Fish exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of pretilachlor showed increasing genetic damage with higher herbicide concentrations, reaching a maximum at day 30 and decreasing to a minimum at day 60.
TOXICOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biology
Eduard A. Snegin, Anatoliy S. Barkhatov, Vladislav V. Kiselev, Sergei R. Yusupov, Elena A. Snegina
Summary: Anthropogenic pollution poses a serious threat to aquatic ecosystems, with DNA comet assay being widely used to assess DNA damage in organisms.
VESTNIK TOMSKOGO GOSUDARSTVENNOGO UNIVERSITETA-BIOLOGIYA
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alfina Grasso, Margherita Ferrante, Antonio Moreda-Pineiro, Giovanni Arena, Riccardo Magarini, Gea Oliveri Conti, Antonio Cristaldi, Chiara Copat
Summary: This study aims to quantify ZnO-NPs in canned seafood and estimate dietary exposure. ZnO-NPs were found with concentrations ranging from 0.003 to 0.010 mg/kg and sizes ranging from 61.3 to 78.6 nm. There was no clear bioaccumulation trend based on trophic level and size of seafood species. Dissolved Zn levels were comparable to total Zn levels, confirming the efficiency of alkaline digestion. ZnO-NPs have the potential to bioaccumulate in marine organisms, and seafood could be an important route of exposure.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2022)
Article
Toxicology
Hadi Monji, Amin Nematollahi, Chiara Copat, Margherita Ferrante, Aziz A. Fallah
Summary: The study found that the accumulation of metals and metalloids in Capoeta damascina fish could pose a threat to human health, but the high Se/Hg ratio helps mitigate the harmful effects of Hg. Adults consuming 7 meals per week or more should pay particular attention to the potential carcinogenic risks associated with the accumulation of As and Ni.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Massimo Caruso, Alfio Distefano, Rosalia Emma, Pietro Zuccarello, Chiara Copat, Margherita Ferrante, Giuseppe Carota, Roberta Pulvirenti, Riccardo Polosa, Gesualdo Antonio Missale, Sonja Rust, Giuseppina Raciti, Giovanni Li Volti
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the presence of metal- and plastic-derived contaminants in e-liquids and their cytotoxic effect on human bronchial epithelial cells. The results showed that e-liquid aerosol had significantly reduced cytotoxic effect compared to cigarette smoke, maintained mitochondria integrity, and did not produce reactive oxygen species.
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Antonio Cristaldi, Maria Fiore, Gea Oliveri Conti, Eloise Pulvirenti, Claudia Favara, Alfina Grasso, Chiara Copat, Margherita Ferrante
Summary: Air pollution, particularly PM2.5, is a significant environmental problem that poses a risk to human health. Exposure to PM2.5 has been found to be associated with neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, vascular dementia, and multiple sclerosis. The association depends on factors such as age, PM2.5 levels, exposure time, other air pollutants, proximity to high traffic areas, and comorbidities. PM2.5 exposure promotes neuroinflammation processes and increases the expression of markers of neurodegenerative diseases. Although the specific cellular and molecular mechanisms are not fully understood, further studies are needed to investigate the link between PM2.5 and neurodegenerative diseases.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Margherita Ferrante, Zuccarello Pietro, Chaima Allegui, Fiore Maria, Cristaldi Antonio, Eloise Pulvirenti, Claudia Favara, Copat Chiara, Alfina Grasso, Missawi Omayma, Oliveri Conti Gea, Mohamed Banni
Summary: This study detected and quantified the presence of microplastics in several edible seafood from the south coast of the Mediterranean Sea, calculating the Estimated Daily Intakes for adults and children for each species. Results showed the highest level of microplastics in Mullus surmuletus and the lowest in Sardina pilchardus, with a range of microplastic diameters across different species.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Barbara Tomasello, Giuseppe Antonio Malfa, Rosaria Acquaviva, Alfonsina La Mantia, Claudia Di Giacomo
Summary: This study investigated the photoprotective activity of a phytocomplex derived from red oranges on human skin cells. The extract showed strong antioxidant properties, protecting cells from oxidative stress and DNA damage caused by UVA-B exposure. It also downregulated proinflammatory markers and MMPs, promoting the remodeling of the extracellular matrix through collagen and elastin expression. The red orange extract represents a safe and effective option for preventing photoaging.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rossella Salemi, Giuseppe Gattuso, Barbara Tomasello, Alessandro Lavoro, Agostino Gaudio, Massimo Libra, Salvatore Santo Signorelli, Saverio Candido
Summary: This study investigated the involvement of IL-6 trans-signaling in DVT and found a strong correlation between the Asp358Ala variant and sIL6-R levels. The high frequency of the Asp358Ala mutation and elevated IL-6 levels in DVT patients may explain the association between IL-6 overactivation and DVT outcome. These findings provide a proof of concept for targeting IL-6 trans-signaling as a new strategy for DVT adjuvant therapy.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giulia Ciarcia, Simone Bianchi, Barbara Tomasello, Rosaria Acquaviva, Giuseppe Antonio Malfa, Irina Naletova, Alfonsina La Mantia, Claudia Di Giacomo
Summary: Vitamin E has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, and acts as an immunomodulator. However, studies on its ability to prevent and control chronic diseases have yielded conflicting results. The metabolism of vitamin E and its interaction with gut microbiota may contribute to these divergent findings. Additionally, vitamin E serum levels, dietary intake, and/or supplementation are correlated with various non-communicable diseases.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marco Palella, Chiara Copat, Alfina Grasso, Antonio Cristaldi, Gea Oliveri Conti, Margherita Ferrante, Maria Fiore
Summary: This study investigated the opinions, knowledge, and attitudes toward vaccines among healthcare students at the University of Catania in Italy. It uncovered a lack of knowledge about vaccines as well as contrasting opinions and attitudes among future health professionals. Therefore, interventions are necessary to educate and intervene in the preparation of future healthcare providers.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Margherita Ferrante, Alfina Grasso, Gianluca Giuberti, Margherita Dall ' Asta, Edoardo Puglisi, Giovanni Arena, Angelo Nicosia, Maria Fiore, Chiara Copat
Summary: This study investigates the behaviour and biopersistence rate of metallic nanoparticles (Ag-NPs, TiO2-NPs, ZnO-NPs) naturally occurring in canned seafood during in vitro digestion. The findings show that agglomeration and dispersion occur depending on the digestive phase and sample matrix. Ag-NPs have lower biopersistence than ZnO and TiO2-NPs, but the investigated naturally occurring NPs cannot be considered readily degradable as their biopersistence rates exceed the recommended limit set by EFSA.
FOOD AND CHEMICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Irina Naletova, Barbara Tomasello, Francesco Attanasio, Victor V. Pleshkan
Summary: Immunotherapy is an effective approach for cancer treatment. The use of metal-based compounds as low-toxicity adjuvants can enhance the immune response and improve the efficacy of immunotherapy.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Filippo Vaccari, Leilei Zhang, Gianluca Giuberti, Alfina Grasso, Francesca Bandini, Pascual Garcia-Perez, Chiara Copat, Luigi Lucini, Margherita Dall'Asta, Margherita Ferrante, Edoardo Puglisi
Summary: Metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) are pervasive environmental contaminants, especially in food preparations, and pose a growing concern for human health. This study investigated the impact of three common MNPs, zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium dioxide (TiO2), and silver (Ag), on the human gut metabolome and microbiome using in-vitro digestion and fermentation models. The results showed that MNPs could modulate the composition of gut microbial communities and disrupt metabolic pathways associated with protein metabolism. TiO2 nanoparticles specifically led to an increase in a proinflammatory lipid mediator and altered the relative abundance of certain bacterial species. Interestingly, lower concentrations of MNPs appeared to be less harmful, suggesting that MNP aggregation could mitigate adverse effects on living cells.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Claudia Di Giacomo, Giuseppe Antonio Malfa, Barbara Tomasello, Simone Bianchi, Rosaria Acquaviva
Summary: The tripeptide glutathione plays key roles in cell processes, such as differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. Imbalances in glutathione homeostasis contribute to the development and progression of diseases, including cancer. Natural compounds can regulate glutathione levels and function beyond their antioxidant properties, offering therapeutic potential for diseases where glutathione dysregulation is involved. However, more research is needed to understand the mechanisms and benefits of these compounds. This review focuses on phytochemical compounds, such as polyphenols, terpenoids, and glucosinolates, which have been extensively studied for their impact on glutathione-related processes.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francesco Bellia, Valeria Lanza, Irina Naletova, Barbara Tomasello, Valeria Ciaffaglione, Valentina Greco, Sebastiano Sciuto, Pietro Amico, Rosanna Inturri, Susanna Vaccaro, Tiziana Campagna, Francesco Attanasio, Giovanni Tabbi, Enrico Rizzarelli
Summary: A series of copper(II) complexes varying the molecular weight of Hyaluronic acid (Hy, x = 200 or 700 kDa) conjugated with carnosine (Car) were synthesized and characterized. The metal complexes showed excellent Cu, Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD1) mimicking activity. The presence of non-functionalized Hyaluronic acid OH groups enhanced the scavenger activity of the copper(II) complexes.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Regina Maria Chiechio, Angela Caponnetto, Rosalia Battaglia, Carmen Ferrara, Ester Butera, Paolo Musumeci, Riccardo Reitano, Francesco Ruffino, Giuseppe Maccarrone, Cinzia Di Pietro, Valerie Marchi, Luca Lanzano, Giovanni Arena, Alfina Grasso, Chiara Copat, Margherita Ferrante, Annalinda Contino
Summary: This research focuses on functionalizing lanthanide-doped nanoparticles to confer water solubility and biocompatibility. It investigates the toxicological properties of the nanoparticles and their internalization within cancer cells, revealing a strong correlation between fluorescence intensity and nanoparticle concentrations. The findings are of significant importance to the fields of nanotechnology and biomedical research.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
