Publications by authors named "Ana Camean"

Anatoxin-a (ATX-a) is a cyanotoxin whose toxicological profile has been underinvestigated in comparison to other cyanotoxins such as microcystins (MCs) or cylindrospermopsin (CYN). However, its wide distribution, occurrence, and toxic episodes justify more attention. It is classified as a neurotoxin, but it has also been reported to affect other organs and systems.

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Dodecyl amine functionalized reduced graphene oxide (DA-rGO) and [2-(methacryloyloxy) ethyl] trimethylammonium chloride functionalized rGO (MTAC-rGO) have been developed and characterised for their further use in the food packaging industry as food contact materials. But before their application, an authorization procedure is required in which their safety plays a key role. Therefore, the aim of this work was to evaluate their toxicity with focus on two different toxicity mechanisms: genotoxicity and immunotoxicity.

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The rabbit farming industry is growing due to the rising demand for healthy, sustainable meat. Rabbit meat's nutritional benefits and low environmental impact appeal to health-conscious consumers. To enhance economic sustainability, efforts focus on reducing disease susceptibility and antibiotic use through improved biosecurity and natural additives, such as organosulphur compounds from plants, which have shown promise in studies for boosting productivity and health.

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The potential endocrine disruption activity of cyanotoxins, particularly their effects on estrogen and androgen receptors (ER, AR), remains poorly understood. In the present study, the potential agonistic/antagonistic estrogenic and androgenic activities of MC-LR and CYN have been determined for the first time with validated OECD Test Guidelines No. 455 and 458, respectively.

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Lichens are symbiotic organisms with unique secondary metabolism. Various metabolites from lichens have shown antimicrobial activity. Nevertheless, very few studies have investigated the antimicrobial potential of the volatile compounds they produce.

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Article Synopsis
  • - Functionalized graphene materials, like DA-rGO and MTAC-rGO, are considered for use as nanofillers in food packaging due to their ability to enhance the properties of the resulting products.
  • - Toxicity evaluations of these materials showed decreased cell viability and oxidative stress in Caco-2 and HepG2 cell cultures when exposed to concentrations above 100 μg/mL.
  • - Both materials exhibited increased cytotoxicity after undergoing an in vitro digestion process, highlighting potential risks associated with their use in food contact applications, warranting further research.
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  • Cylindrospermopsin (CYN) is a toxic cyanotoxin that may enhance the toxicity of other contaminants like arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd), prompting research into their combined effects on human immune cells.
  • Tests showed that both As and Cd reduced the viability of immune cell lines Jurkat and THP-1, with specific exposure concentrations noted for each contaminant.
  • The study also found that CYN, when combined with As or Cd, affected the expression of cytokines, indicating complex interactions that suggest a necessary reevaluation of risk assessments for environmental contaminants.
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In Morocco, red fruit production has thrived, primarily utilizing hydroponic methods to control crops, increase fruit yield and quality, and avoid soil-related problems. However, the irrigation of these expansive hydroponic farms relies heavily on water sourced from dams, many of which are contaminated with Microcystins (MCs). To address this contamination issue, ongoing research is focused on discovering effective and cost-efficient biological solutions for eliminating MCs.

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The pregnane X receptor (PXR) is a nuclear hormone receptor that plays a pivotal role in regulating gene expression in response to various ligands, particularly xenobiotics. In this context, the aim of this study was to shed light on the ligand affinity and functions of four NR1J1 paralogs identified in the marine mussel , employing a dual-luciferase reporter assay. To achieve this, the activation patterns of these paralogs in response to various toxins, including freshwater cyanotoxins (Anatoxin-a, Cylindrospermopsin, and Microcystin-LR, -RR, and -YR) and marine algal toxins (Nodularin, Saxitoxin, and Tetrodotoxin), alongside natural compounds (Saint John's Wort, Ursolic Acid, and 8-Methoxypsoralene) and microalgal extracts (, LEGE 95046, and LEGE 91351 extracts), were studied.

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Background: Sulforaphane (SFN) is a dietary isothiocyanate, derived from glucoraphanin, present in cruciferous vegetables belonging to the Brassica genus. It is a biologically active phytochemical that acts as a nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) inducer. Thus, it has been reported to have multiple protective functions including anticancer responses and protection against a toxic agent's action.

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Anatoxin-a (ATX-a) is a potent neurotoxin produced by several species of cyanobacteria whose exposure can have direct consequences, including neurological disorders and death. The increasing prevalence of harmful cyanobacterial blooms makes the detection and reliable assessment of ATX-a levels essential to prevent the risk associated with public health. Therefore, the aim of this review is to compile the analytical methods developed to date for the detection and quantification of ATX-a levels alone and in mixtures with other cyanotoxins and their suitability.

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Propyl-propane thiosulfonate (PTSO), an antioxidant organosulfur compound present in the genus , has become a potential natural additive for food and feed, as well as a possible biopesticide for pest control in plants. A toxicological assessment is necessary to verify its safety for livestock, consumers, and the environment. As part of the risk assessment of PTSO, this study was designed to explore its potential reproductive toxicity in mice following the OECD 416 guideline.

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Article Synopsis
  • The rising interest in graphene derivatives stems from their diverse applications and potential oral entry into the population.
  • This study examines the biotransformation and toxicity of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) through simulated digestion, revealing agglomeration during the process.
  • Findings indicate that while undigested rGO is toxic to certain cells, digestion appears to mitigate toxicity, suggesting further research is needed on rGO's effects in the gastrointestinal tract.
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  • Anatoxin-a (ATX-a) is a cyanobacterial toxin that is globally found and raises concerns due to its toxicity, particularly when in combination with other cyanotoxins like cylindrospermopsin (CYN) which may influence risk assessments.
  • The study examined the mutagenicity and genotoxicity of pure ATX-a and an ATX-a/CYN mixture using various in vitro tests, including the bacterial reverse-mutation assay and the micronucleus test.
  • Results indicated that while ATX-a was not mutagenic on its own or with CYN, it did show genotoxic effects, particularly in specific experimental conditions, suggesting that the toxicity profile of cyanotoxin mixtures can differ significantly from that of individual toxins and
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The organosulfur compound propyl-propane thiosulfonate (PTSO), mainly found in Allium cepa, has a promising use in the agrifood industry. To confirm its safety for livestock, consumers, and environment, toxicological assessment is needed. In this regard, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are in the spotlight of research.

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Considering the increase in the use of graphene derivatives in different fields, the environmental and human exposure to these materials is likely, and the potential consequences are not fully elucidated. This study is focused on the human immune system, as this plays a key role in the organism's homeostasis. In this sense, the cytotoxicity response of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was investigated in monocytes (THP-1) and human T cells (Jurkat).

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The incidence and interest of cyanobacteria are increasing nowadays because they are able to produce some toxic secondary metabolites known as cyanotoxins. Among them, the presence of cylindrospermopsin (CYN) is especially relevant, as it seems to cause damage at different levels in the organisms: the nervous system being the one most recently reported. Usually, the effects of the cyanotoxins are studied, but not those exerted by cyanobacterial biomass.

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Propyl-propane-thiosulfonate (PTSO) is an organosulfur compound found inAllium spp. Due to its antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, PTSO has been proposed for applications in the agri-food sector, such as feed additive. However, its use with commercial purposes depends on its toxicity evaluation.

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Cylindrospermopsin (CYN) is a cyanotoxin with an increasing occurrence, and therefore it is important to elucidate its toxicity profile. CYN has been classified as a cytotoxin, although the scientific literature has already revealed that it affects a wide range of organs and systems. However, research on its potential immunotoxicity is still limited.

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Due to climate change and anthropogenic activities, the levels of pollution of aquatic and terrestrial environments have increased in the last decades. In this sense, the rise of cyanobacterial blooms, which release secondary metabolites with toxic properties, and the global use of pesticides for agricultural purposes have a negative impact on ecosystems. Thus, it would be interesting to study the concomitance of both types of toxicants in the same sample, since it is possible that they appear together.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study investigates the potential endocrine-disrupting effects of cyanotoxins, specifically microcystin-LR (MC-LR) and cylindrospermopsin (CYN), using a uterotrophic bioassay in ovariectomized rats to assess their oestrogenic properties.
  • Results showed no significant changes in uterine weight or hormone levels indicating oestrogenic activity, but there was a notable dose-dependent increase in progesterone levels in rats exposed to MC-LR.
  • Histological changes in the thyroid and elevated thyroid hormone levels (T3 and T4) were observed in both toxin-exposed groups, suggesting possible thyroid disruption effects, despite the lack of oestrogenic activity.
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  • Graphene materials, particularly graphene oxide (GO) and reduced-graphene oxide (rGO), have gained attention for potential use in food packaging, leading to concerns about their safety for consumers.
  • To assess the safety, in vitro tests were conducted according to European Food Safety Authority guidelines, including the mouse lymphoma assay and micronucleus test.
  • Results showed that while GO was not mutagenic, rGO exhibited mutagenic activity at higher concentrations, indicating the need for further research to fully understand its toxic properties.
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Microcystins (MCs) and cylindrospermopsin (CYN), although classified as hepatotoxins and cytotoxins, respectively, have been shown to also induce toxic effects in many other systems and organs. Among them, their potential endocrine disruption (ED) activity has been scarcely investigated. Considering the increasing relevance of ED on humans, mammals, and aquatic organisms, this work aimed to review the state-of-the-art regarding the toxic effects of MCs and CYN at this level.

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Article Synopsis
  • The issue of cyanotoxins like Anatoxin-a (ATX-a) is growing globally, but ATX-a has been less researched than other toxins like microcystins and cylindrospermopsin.
  • Studies done in lab conditions provide valuable insights into the toxin's effects, yet the World Health Organization finds the current toxicological data insufficient for formal guidelines.
  • There's an increasing amount of research about ATX-a, but more comprehensive studies are needed, especially focusing on natural conditions and additional toxic effects such as mutagenicity and immunotoxicity.
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  • * Refrigeration significantly reduced CYN levels in spinach after 48 hours (26% decrease) and 7 days (32% decrease), while MCs had an 80.3% reduction in lettuce but only 44% in spinach over a longer freezing period.
  • * The presence of CYN and MCs together showed less stability than when tested individually, indicating that the effectiveness of storage methods varies significantly based on the type of toxin and the specific
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