Genetically Engineered Human Kidney Cells for Real-Time Cytotoxicity Testing In Vitro.

Classic toxicology studies often utilize in vivo animal models. Newer approaches employing in vitro organ-specific cellular models have been developed in recent years to help accelerate the speed and reduce the cost of traditional toxicology testing. Toward the goal of supporting in vitro cellular model research with a regulatory application in mind, we have developed a 'designer' human kidney cell line called HK2-Vi that can fluorescently measure the cytotoxicity of potential toxins on proximal tubule cell viability in a direct exposure in vitro model.

A method to dissolve 3-MCPD mono- and di-esters in aqueous cell culture media.

Fatty acid esters of 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) are chemical contaminants found in a wide range of edible oils that are thermally processed during industrial manufacturing of infant formula and other lipid-containing foods in the United States. Rodent studies have unequivocally demonstrated a plethora of toxicological effects including reproductive, neurological and renal dysfunction. To determine if similar effects are observed in human organ systems, studies using human cell lines are conducted to assess concordance of the data collected.

Long-term in vitro effects of exposing the human HK-2 proximal tubule cell line to 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol.

3-Monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) is a food processing contaminant in the U.S. food supply, detected in infant formula.

In vitro toxicological assessment of free 3-MCPD and select 3-MCPD esters on human proximal tubule HK-2 cells.

Chloropropanols are chemical contaminants that can be formed during industrial processing of foods, such as lipids used in commercially available infant and toddler formula in the USA. Many researchers have studied the most common chloropropanol contaminant, 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD), as well as its lipid ester derivatives. A plethora of toxicological outcomes have been described in vivo, including effects on the heart, nervous system, reproductive organs, and kidneys.

Reproductive and Hormonal Factors in Relation to Lung Cancer Among Nepali Women.

Of the 1.8 million global incident lung cancer cases estimated in 2012, approximately 60% occurred in less developed regions. Prior studies suggest sex differences in lung cancer risk and a potential role for reproductive and hormonal factors in lung cancer among women.