Zearalenone Induces Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Modulates the Expression of Phase I/II Enzymes in Human Liver Cells.

Zearalenone (ZEN) is a mycotoxin produced by species; however, its mechanisms of action in human livers have not been fully elucidated. Thus, we investigated the toxic mechanisms of ZEN in human liver cells. HepG2 cells were treated with ZEN (0-40 μg/mL) for up to 24 h.

Piperlongumine decreases cell proliferation and the expression of cell cycle-associated proteins by inhibiting Akt pathway in human lung cancer cells.

Piperlongumine (PL) is an alkaloid of a pepper plant found in Southeast Asia. PL is known to induce selective toxicity towards a variety of cancer cell types. To explore the possible anti-lung cancer effects of PL, A549 cells were treated with PL (0-40 μM) for 24 h.

Arsenic downregulates tight junction claudin proteins through p38 and NF-κB in intestinal epithelial cell line, HT-29.

Arsenic is a naturally occurring metalloid that often is found in foods and drinking water. Human exposure to arsenic is associated with the development of gastrointestinal problems such as fluid loss, diarrhea and gastritis. Arsenic is also known to induce toxic responses including oxidative stress in cells of the gastrointestinal track.