Cell differentiation and response to hormonal signals were studied in a 3D environment on an in-house generated mouse fibroblast cell line expressing a reporter gene under the control of estrogen responsive sequences (EREs). 3D cell culture conditions were obtained in a Rotary Cell Culture System; (RCCS™), a microgravity based bioreactor that promotes the aggregation of cells into multicellular spheroids (MCS). In this bioreactor the cells maintained a better differentiated phenotype and more closely resembled in vivo tissue.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFA major source of the wide presence of EDCs (Endocrine Disrupting Compounds) in water bodies is represented by direct/indirect discharge of sewage. Recent scientific literature reports data about their trace concentration in water, sediments and aquatic organisms, as well as removal efficiencies of different wastewater treatment schemes. Despite the availability of a huge amount of data, some doubts still persist due to the difficulty in evaluating synergistic effects of trace pollutants in complex matrices.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBMC Complement Altern Med
June 2007
Background: Maharishi Amrit Kalash (MAK) is an herbal formulation composed of two herbal mixtures, MAK-4 and MAK-5. These preparations are part of a natural health care system from India, known as Maharishi Ayur-Veda. MAK-4 and MAK-5 are each composed of different herbs and are said to have maximum benefit when used in combination.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIsoflavones are important dietary compounds that are consumed with the daily diet and elicit important biological actions. Here we report on the ability of genistein to partially accumulate in body depots of male mice, be released following fasting, and modulate the actions of estradiol and environmental estrogens in reproductive and nonreproductive target organs of estrogen-reporter mice (ERE-tK-luciferase). After the consumption of 50 mg/kg/day for 3 days, genistein accumulates in body compartments where it remains at functionally active levels for at least 15 days.
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