Monitoring of systemic exposure to plant protection products and DNA damage in orchard workers.

The systemic exposure of plum tree growers and operators to plant protection products (PPPs) and effects on DNA were assessed. Specifically, a GC-MS/MS method was developed and validated for the analysis of serum samples for the presence of seven active substances of PPPs. The analytical results verified the presence of myclobutanil, propargite, cypermethrin and deltamethrin in 7 out of 19 serum samples.

Platelet-activating factor and its basic metabolic enzymes in blood of naive HIV-infected patients.

Platelet-activating factor (PAF), a mediator of proatherosclerotic inflammatory processes, is also implicated in endothelial dysfunction during human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. We examined PAF metabolism in blood of naive male patients, 8 with early HIV infection (group A) and 17 just before treatment initiation (group B), versus 18 healthy age-matched males (group C). Statistical analysis was performed with 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) criterion and Pearson r test.

Changes of blood biochemistry in the rabbit animal model in atherosclerosis research; a time- or stress-effect.

Background: Rabbits are widely used in biomedical research and especially as animal models in atherosclerosis studies. Blood biochemistry is used to monitor progression of disease, before final evaluation including pathology of arteries and organs. The aim of the present study was to assess the consistency of the biochemical profile of New Zealand White rabbits on standard diet from 3 to 6 months of age, during which they are often used experimentally.

In vitro and in vivo effects of statins on platelet-activating factor and its metabolism.

Platelet activating factor (PAF) is implicated in cardiovascular disease (CVD). Statins are widely used in these situations. Therefore, we assessed their effect on the biological activities and metabolism of PAF.

Differential effect of Pistacia vera extracts on experimental atherosclerosis in the rabbit animal model: an experimental study.

Background: Lipid-enriched diets and oxidative stress are risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis. The effects of the methanolic (ME) and cyclohexane (CHE) extracts of the Pistacia vera nut, often included in the Mediterranean diet, were studied in the rabbit model of atherosclerosis.

Methods And Results: Twenty-four New Zealand White rabbits received atherogenic diet (Control Group), supplemented with ME (Group ME) or CHE (Group CHE) for 3 months.