Serum Levels of Trace Elements (Magnesium, Iron, Zinc, Selenium, and Strontium) are Differentially Associated with Surrogate Markers of Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is attributed to inflammatory processes that accelerate atherosclerosis. Therefore, the exploration of novel biomarkers association is needed. This study investigated the associations between serum trace elements (Fe, Zn, Mg, Se, and Sr) and surrogate markers of CVD in 219 RA patients and compared them with those with metabolic disorders (MetD, n = 82) and control participants (n = 64).

In vitro neurotoxic potential of emerging flame retardants on neuroblastoma cells in an acute exposure scenario.

Since 2004, some legacy flame retardants (FRs) were restricted or removed from the European markets due to their concern on human health. Both organophosphorus FRs (OPFRs) and novel brominated FRs (NBFRs) have replaced them because they are presumably safer and less persistent emerging FRs (EFRs) and their exposure is currently occurring in indoor environments at high levels. Little is known about the neurotoxic potential risk of these EFRs in humans.

Long-Term Effects of Ionizing Radiation on the Hippocampus: Linking Effects of the Sonic Hedgehog Pathway Activation with Radiation Response.

Radiation therapy represents one of the primary treatment modalities for primary and metastatic brain tumors. Although recent advances in radiation techniques, that allow the delivery of higher radiation doses to the target volume, reduce the toxicity to normal tissues, long-term neurocognitive decline is still a detrimental factor significantly affecting quality of life, particularly in pediatric patients. This imposes the need for the development of prevention strategies.

Effect of radiotherapy on the expression of cardiovascular disease-related miRNA-146a, -155, -221 and -222 in blood of women with breast cancer.

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most important neoplasias among women. Many patients receive radiotherapy (RT), which involves radiation exposure of the thoracic zone, including the heart and blood vessels, leading to the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) as a long-term side effect. The severity of CVD-related pathologies leads research on assessing novel CVD biomarkers as diagnostic, prognostic or therapeutic agents.

Effect of Radiation on the Expression of CVD-related miRNAs, Inflammation and Endothelial Dysfunction of HUVECs.

Background/aim: Radiotherapy (RT) can lead to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Evidence suggests that radiation modulates miRNA levels. Our purpose was to assess the acute response to radiation-induced modulation of the expression of miRNA-146a, miRNA-155, miRNA-221, and miRNA-222, inflammatory response and endothelial dysfunction on endothelial cells.

In-vitro metabolomics to evaluate toxicity of particulate matter under environmentally realistic conditions.

In this pilot study three fractions of particulate matter (PM, PM, and PM) were collected in three environments (classroom, home, and outdoors) in a village located nearby an industrial complex. Time-activity pattern of 20 students attending the classroom was obtained, and the dose of particles reaching the children's lungs under actual environmental conditions (i.e.

Renal and hepatic effects following neonatal exposure to low doses of Bisphenol-A and Cs.

137-Cesium (Cs) is one of the most important distributed radionuclides after a nuclear accident. Humans are usually co-exposed to various environmental toxicants, being Bisphenol-A (BPA) one of them. Exposure to IR and BPA in early life is of major concern, due to the higher vulnerability of developing organs.

Environmental exposure to low-doses of ionizing radiation. Effects on early nephrotoxicity in mice.

Nuclear accidents of tremendous magnitude, such as those of Chernobyl (1986) and Fukushima (2011), mean that individuals living in the contaminated areas are potentially exposed to ionizing radiation (IR). However, the dose-response relationship for effects of low doses of radiation is not still established. The present study was aimed at investigating in mice the early effects of low-dose internal radiation exposure on the kidney.

Exposure to low doses of cesium and nicotine during postnatal development modifies anxiety levels, learning, and spatial memory performance in mice.

Radiation therapy is a major cause of long-term complications observed in survivors of pediatric brain tumors. However, the effects of low-doses of ionizing radiation (IR) to the brain are less studied. On the other hand, tobacco is one of the most heavily abused drugs in the world.

Age-related effects of X-ray irradiation on mouse hippocampus.

Therapeutic irradiation of pediatric and adult patients can profoundly affect adult neurogenesis, and cognitive impairment manifests as a deficit in hippocampal-dependent functions. Age plays a major role in susceptibility to radiation, and younger children are at higher risk of cognitive decay when compared to adults. Cranial irradiation affects hippocampal neurogenesis by induction of DNA damage in neural progenitors, through the disruption of the neurogenic microenvironment, and defective integration of newborn neurons into the neuronal network.

Behavioral effects in mice of postnatal exposure to low-doses of 137-cesium and bisphenol A.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is the most important plasticizer used in many household products such as polycarbonate plastics or epoxy resins. Public and scientific concerns exist regarding the possibility that the neonatal exposure to BPA may contribute to neurobehavioral disorders. On the other hand, there is little information on the effects of low doses of ionizing radiation during critical phases of postnatal brain development, as well as the combination of radiation and environmental chemicals.

Human exposure to PBDE and critical evaluation of health hazards.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are used in large quantities as flame-retardant additives in a number of commercial products. Biomonitoring data show that, in recent years, PBDE concentrations have increased rapidly in the bodies of wildlife and humans. Usually, PBDE levels in North America have been reported to be higher than those in Europe and Asia.

Neurobehavioral effects of concurrent exposure to cesium-137 and paraquat during neonatal development in mice.

As a result of nuclear power plants accidents such as Chernobyl or Fukushima, some people were exposed to external and internal ionizing radiation (IR). Human brain is highly sensitive to IR during fetal and postnatal period when the molecular processes are not completely finished. Various studies have shown that exposure to low doses of IR causes a higher incidence of cognitive impairment.

Human dietary exposure to uranium in catalonia, Spain.

The purpose of this study was to determine the daily dietary intake of uranium (U) by the general population of Catalonia, Spain. Uranium concentrations were measured in foods widely consumed by the population living in that autonomous community. Food samples were randomly acquired in 12 representative cities of Catalonia.

Effects of BDE-99 on hormone homeostasis and biochemical parameters in adult male rats.

In this study, we evaluated the effects of BDE-99 on hormone homeostasis, as well as in urinary and serum biochemical parameters of adult male rats. Animals (10 per group) received BDE-99 by gavage at single doses of 0, 0.6 and 1.

Effects of exposure to BDE-99 on oxidative status of liver and kidney in adult rats.

Little is known about the potential toxicity of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) on hepatic and renal tissues. In this study, we investigated the modifications in endogenous antioxidant capacity and oxidative damage in liver and kidney of rats by exposure to one of the most persistent PBDE congeners, the 2,2',4,4',5-pentabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-99). Adult male rats (10 per group) received BDE-99 by gavage at a single dose of 0, 0.

Behavioral effects and oxidative status in brain regions of adult rats exposed to BDE-99.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are used as flame retardants. Although developmental neurotoxicity of PBDEs has been already investigated, little is still known about their potential neurotoxic effects in adulthood. In this study, we assessed the oxidative damage in brain sections and the possible behavioral effects induced by exposure to 2,2',4,4',5-pentabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-99).

Lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in kidney and liver of rats treated with sulfasalazine.

Sulfasalazine (SASP) is a drug commonly used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). In this study, the changes in endogenous antioxidant capacity and oxidative damage in liver and kidney of SASP-treated rats were investigated. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were orally given 0, 300, or 600 mg SASP/kg body weight for 14 days.

Sulfasalazine induced oxidative stress: a possible mechanism of male infertility.

The mechanism of action of sulfasalazine (SASP) in male infertility is not well elucidated. For it, an oxidative stress-like mechanism inductor of infertility was hypothesized. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (20/group) were orally administered 0, 300, and 600mg SASP/kg body weight for 14 days.

Melatonin reduces uranium-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

The protective role of exogenous melatonin on U-induced nephrotoxicity was investigated in rats. Animals were given single doses of uranyl acetate dihydrate (UAD) at 5 mg/kg (subcutaneous), melatonin at 10 or 20 mg/kg (intraperitoneal), and UAD (5 mg/kg) plus melatonin (10 or 20 mg/kg), or vehicle (control group). In comparison with the UAD-treated group only, significant beneficial changes were noted in some urinary and serum parameters of rats concurrently exposed to UAD and melatonin.

Pro-oxidant effects in the brain of rats concurrently exposed to uranium and stress.

Metal toxicity may be associated with increased rates of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation within the central nervous system (CNS). Although the kidney is the main target organ for uranium (U) toxicity, this metal can also accumulate in brain. In this study, we investigated the modifications on endogenous antioxidant capacity and oxidative damage in several areas of the brain of U-exposed rats.

Exposure of pregnant rats to uranium and restraint stress: effects on postnatal development and behavior of the offspring.

The effects on postnatal development and behavior were assessed in the offspring of female rats concurrently exposed to uranium (U) and restraint stress. Adult female rats were administered uranyl acetate dihydrate (UAD) in the drinking water at doses of 0, 40 and 80 mg/(kg day) for 4 weeks before mating with untreated males, as well as during pregnancy and lactation. One-half of female rats in each group were concurrently subjected to restraint (2h/day).

Assessment of the pro-oxidant activity of uranium in kidney and testis of rats.

The pro-oxidant activity of uranium (U) was assessed in kidney and testes of male rats, tissues in which toxic effects of this metal are well established. Eight groups of Sprague-Dawley rats received uranyl acetate dihydrate (UAD) in the drinking water at 0, 10, 20, and 40 mg/kgday for 3 months. Rats in four groups were concurrently subjected to restraint during 2 h/day throughout the study.

Restraint stress does not enhance the uranium-induced developmental and behavioral effects in the offspring of uranium-exposed male rats.

The influence of stress on postnatal development and behavior was assessed in the offspring of male rats exposed to uranium (U). Eight groups of adult animals received uranyl acetate dihydrate (UAD) in the drinking water at doses of 0, 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg/day during 3 months. One half of rats in each group were concurrently subjected to restraint stress during 2 h per day throughout the study.

Combined action of uranium and stress in the rat. I. Behavioral effects.

The influence of restraint stress on uranium (U)-induced behavioral effects was assessed in adult male rats. Eight groups of animals received uranyl acetate dihydrate (UAD) in the drinking water at doses of 0, 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg/day during 3 months. Rats in four groups were concurrently subjected to restraint during 2 h per day throughout the study.