Optimization of concentrations and exposure durations of commonly used positive controls in the in vitro alkaline comet assay.

Endogenous and exogenous factors cause DNA damage through chemical changes in the genomic DNA structure. The comet assay is a versatile, rapid, and sensitive method for evaluating DNA integrity at the individual cell level. It is used in human biomonitoring studies, the identification of DNA lesions, and the measurement of DNA repair capacity.

Design of Polymeric Nanoparticles for Theranostic Delivery of Capsaicin as Anti-Cancer Drug and Fluorescent Nitrogen-Doped Graphene Quantum Dots.

In recent years, multifunctional nanocarriers that provide simultaneous drug delivery and imaging have attracted enormous attention, especially in cancer treatment. In this research, a biocompatible fluorescent multifunctional nanocarrier is designed for the co-delivery of capsaicin (CPS) and nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (N-GQDs) using the pH sensitive amphiphilic block copolymer (poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)-b-poly(ε-caprolactone), PEtOx-b-PCL). The effects of the critical formulation parameters (the amount of copolymer, the concentration of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) as a stabilizing agent in the inner aqueous phase, and volume of the inner phase) are evaluated to achieve optimal nanoparticle (NP) properties using Central Composite Design.

Analytical studies on some pesticides with antifungal effects: Simultaneous determination by HPLC, investigation of interactions with DNA and DNA damages.

A simple, and fast method was developed for the simultaneous determination of five fungicides, namely thiram (THR), epoxiconazole (EPO), hexaconazole (HEX), tebuconazole (TEB), and diethofencarb (DIE), in different matrices by HPLC-UV. Parameters influencing the peak shape and resolution, such as the composition of mobile phase, pH and concentration of buffer solution, and column temperature, were examined and optimized. The proposed method was validated in terms of linearity, sensitivity, precision, and accuracy.

Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture studies: a review of the field of toxicology.

Traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture employed for centuries is extensively used in toxicological studies. There is no doubt that 2D cell culture has made significant contributions to toxicology. However, in today's world, it is necessary to develop more physiologically relevant models.

Cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest in human Sertoli cells exposed to boric acid.

Background: Boron, which is used in a range of industries worldwide, is an essential micronutrient for plants and "probably essential" for humans. Conflicting reports have been published regarding the toxicity of boron compounds. Moreover, boric acid and sodium borates are classified as toxic to development and reproduction in the European Union-Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulation (EU-CLP Regulation).

Toxicological Evaluation of Bisphenol A and Its Analogues.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is known as one of the oldest synthetic compounds with endocrine disrupting activity. It is commonly used in the production of epoxy resins, polycarbonates, dental fillings, food storage containers, baby bottles, and water containers. BPA is associated with various health problems such as obesity, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, renal diseases, behavior disorders, breast cancer, tooth development disorders, and reproductive disorders.

Evaluation of oxidative stress and immune parameters of boron exposed males and females.

There is growing evidence that boron (B) and B compounds are essential nutrients for animals and humans. Besides, B compounds have been suggested to treat inflammation and oxidative stress. As a part of our "Boron Project II" on B-exposed persons in Bandırma and Bigadic (Turkey) between 2014 and 2017, anti-oxidant/pro-oxidant and inflammatory parameters were assessed.

Occupational exposure of dental technicians to methyl methacrylate: Genotoxicity assessment.

Dental technicians may be chronically exposed to methyl methacrylate (MMA), used in the production of dental prostheses. We have studied whether occupational exposure to MMA affects genotoxicity biomarkers such as 8-OHdG formation, comet assay, and buccal micronucleus frequency. MMA exposure was assessed via ambient air analysis.

Evaluation of the DNA damage in lymphocytes, sperm and buccal cells of workers under environmental and occupational boron exposure conditions.

Industrial production and use of boron compounds have increased during the last decades, especially for the manufacture of borosilicate glass, fiberglass, metal alloys and flame retardants. This study was conducted in two districts of Balıkesir; Bandırma and Bigadic, which geographically belong to the Marmara Region of Turkey. Bandırma is the production and exportation zone for the produced boric acid and some borates and Bigadic has the largest B deposits in Turkey.

Environmental boron exposure does not induce DNA damage in lymphocytes and buccal cells of females: DNA damage in lymphocytes and buccal cells of boron exposed females.

Boron (B) compounds are essential for plants and animals and beneficial for humans in nutritional amounts. I animals and humans increasing evidence have shown beneficial effects on B compounds on nutrition and on antioxidant status. The genotoxic effects of environmental B exposure in women living in boron-rich and boron-poor areas was examined in this study.

Is There an Association Between Extreme Levels of Boron Exposure and Decrease in Y:X Sperm Ratio in Men? Results of an Epidemiological Study.

Objectives: A negative association between Y:X sperm ratio and high levels of boron exposure was suggested in an epidemiological study conducted in boron mining areas of China. That study, however, was criticized by many authors due to some weaknesses in the study design. The present epidemiological study was designed to corroborate or refute the above-mentioned negative association between boron exposure and Y:X sperm ratio in men.

Boron-exposed male workers in Turkey: no change in sperm Y:X chromosome ratio and in offspring's sex ratio.

Boron-associated shifts in sex ratios at birth were suggested earlier and attributed to a decrease in Y- vs. X-bearing sperm cells. As the matter is pivotal in the discussion of reproductive toxicity of boron/borates, re-investigation in a highly borate-exposed population was required.

Evaluation of FSH, LH, testosterone levels and semen parameters in male boron workers under extreme exposure conditions.

Boric acid and sodium borates are currently classified in the EU-CLP regulation as "toxic to reproduction" under "Category 1B", with hazard statement of H360FD. However, so far field studies on male reproduction in China and in Turkey could not confirm such boron-associated toxic effects. As validation by another independent study is still required, the present study has investigated possible boron-associated effects on male reproduction in workers (n = 212) under different boron exposure conditions.

Synthesis & Anticancer Evaluation of New Substituted 2-(3,4- Dimethoxyphenyl)benzazoles.

Background: The benzazole nucleus is found in many promising small molecules such as anticancer and antibacterial agents. Bendamustine (Alkylating agent), Nocodazole (Mitotic inhibitor), Veliparib (PARP inhibitor), and Glasdegib (SMO inhibitor) are being clinically used as anticancer therapeutic which bear benzimidazole moiety. Based on the principle of bioisosterism, in the present work, 23 compounds belonging to 2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)benzazoles and imidazopyridine series were synthesized and evaluated for their anticancer and antimicrobial activities.

Birth weights of newborns and pregnancy outcomes of environmentally boron-exposed females in Turkey.

Boric acid and sodium borates are currently classified as being toxic to reproduction under "Category 1B" with the hazard statement of "H360 FD" in the European CLP regulation. This has prompted studies on boron-mediated reprotoxic effects in male workers in boron mining areas and boric acid production plants. By contrast, studies on boron-mediated developmental effects in females are scarce.

Protective Effect of Boric Acid on Oxidative DNA Damage In Chinese Hamster Lung Fibroblast V79 Cell Lines.

Objective: Many studies have been published on the antioxidative effects of boric acid (BA) and sodium borates in in vitro studies. However, the boron (B) concentrations tested in these in vitro studies have not been selected by taking into account the realistic blood B concentrations in humans due to the lack of comprehensive epidemiological studies. The recently published epidemiological studies on B exposure conducted in China and Turkey provided blood B concentrations for both humans in daily life and workers under extreme exposure conditions in occupational setting.

Is Boric Acid Toxic to Reproduction in Humans? Assessment of the Animal Reproductive Toxicity Data and Epidemiological Study Results.

Boric acid and sodium borates are classified as toxic to reproduction in the CLP Regulation under "Category 1B" with the hazard statement of "H360FD". This classification is based on the reprotoxic effects of boric acid and sodium borates in animal experiments at high doses. However, boron mediated reprotoxic effects have not been proven in epidemiological studies so far.

Synthesis and In Vitro Activity of Polyhalogenated 2-phenylbenzimidazoles as a New Class of anti-MRSA and Anti-VRE Agents.

A series of novel polyhalogenated 2-phenylbenzimidazoles have been synthesized and evaluated for in vitro antistaphylococcal activity against drug-resistant bacterial strains (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium. Certain compounds inhibit bacterial growth perfectly. 11 was active than vancomycin (0.

The fruit extract of Berberis crataegina DC: exerts potent antioxidant activity and protects DNA integrity.

Background: Dried fruits of Berberis crataegina (Berberidaceae) have been frequently consumed as food garniture in Turkish cuisine, while its fruit paste has been used to increase stamina and in particular to prevent from cardiovascular dysfunctions in Northeastern Black Sea region of Turkey. This study investigated this folkloric information in order to explain the claimed healing effects as well as to evaluate possible risks.

Methods: Total phenolic, flavonoid and proanthocyanidin contents and antioxidant capacity of the methanolic fruit extract were evaluated through several in vitro assays.

Protective effect of boric acid on lead- and cadmium-induced genotoxicity in V79 cells.

The toxic heavy metals cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) are important environmental pollutants which can cause serious damage to human health. As the metal ions (Cd(2+) and Pb(2+)) accumulate in the organism, there is special concern regarding chronic toxicity and damage to the genetic material. Metal-induced genotoxicity has been attributed to indirect mechanisms, such as induction of oxidative stress and interference with DNA repair.

Synthesis and potent antistaphylococcal activity of some new 2-[4-(3,4-dimethoxyphenoxy)phenyl]-1,N-disubstituted-1H-benzimidazole-5-carboxamidines.

A series of new 2-[4-(3,4-dimethoxyphenoxy)phenyl]-1,N-disubstituted-1H-benzimidazole-5-carboxamidines (23-33) have been synthesized and evaluated for their potential antistaphylococcal activity. Cytotoxic effects of the compounds were investigated by the neutral red uptake (NRU) cytotoxicity test. Most of the compounds exhibited good MICs values against Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant S.

DNA integrity in patients undergoing hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy.

Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy is successfully applied for a wide variety of diseases. However, recent studies in humans undergoing (HBO) therapy have revealed that HBO is able to induce oxidative DNA damage especially in lymphocytes while the biological significance of this outcome is still not clear. HBO mediated DNA damage in lymphocytes has been determined by using the alkaline version of the comet assay in order to detect DNA strand breakages in patients undergoing HBO therapy.

Assessment of DNA integrity (COMET assay) in sperm cells of boron-exposed workers.

An extension of a male reproductive study conducted in a boric acid/borate production zone at Bandırma, Turkey, is presented. The relation between DNA-strand breaks (COMET assay, neutral and alkaline version) in sperm cells and previously described sperm quality parameters was investigated in boron-exposed males. A correlation between blood boron levels and mean DNA-strand breaks in sperm was weak, and DNA-strand breaks in sperm were statistically not different between control and exposed groups.

Reproductive toxicity parameters and biological monitoring in occupationally and environmentally boron-exposed persons in Bandirma, Turkey.

Boric acid and sodium borates have been considered as being "toxic to reproduction and development", following results of animal studies with high doses. Experimentally, a NOAEL (no observed adverse effect level) of 17.5 mg B/kg-bw/day has been identified for the (male) reproductive effects of boron in a multigeneration study of rats, and a NOAEL for the developmental effects in rats was identified at 9.

Cytogenetic monitoring of coal workers and patients with coal workers' pneumoconiosis in Turkey.

Occupational exposure to coal dust causes coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP), which is a chronic inflammatory and fibrotic lung disease. Recently, chronic inflammation has been accepted as a crucial factor in the pathogenesis of neoplasia. The chronic inflammation provides dynamic setting for oxidative stress and formation of free radicals.