Species-specific responses to di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate reveal activation of defense signaling pathways in California sea lion but not in human skeletal muscle cells in primary culture.

Higher antioxidant defenses in marine than terrestrial mammals allow them to cope with oxidative stress associated with diving-induced ischemia/reperfusion. Does this adaptation translate to inherent resistance to other stressors? We analyzed oxidative stress indicators in cells derived from human and California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) skeletal muscle upon exposure to di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). Human abdominal muscle biopsies were collected from healthy women undergoing planned cesarean surgery.

DEHP exposure impairs human skeletal muscle cell proliferation in primary culture conditions: preliminary study.

The plasticizer di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) inhibits differentiation, impairs glucose metabolism, and decreases mitochondrial function in murine muscle satellite cells; however, if these effects are translated to human cells is unknown. The goal of this study was to evaluate changes in morphology and proliferation of primary human skeletal muscle cells exposed to DEHP. muscle samples were obtained from healthy women undergoing programed cesarean surgery.

Dolphin leukocytes exhibit an attenuated cytokine response and increase heme oxygenase activity upon exposure to lipopolysaccharides.

Cetaceans exhibit physiological adaptations that allowed the transition to aquatic life, including a robust antioxidant defense system that prevents injury from repeated exposure to ischemia/reperfusion events associated with breath-hold diving. The signaling cascades that characterize ischemic inflammation in humans are well characterized. In contrast, cetaceans' molecular and biochemical mechanisms that confer tolerance to inflammatory events are poorly understood.

Spatial and Temporal Variability of Trace and Macro Elements in the Red Crab in the Pacific Coast of the Baja California Peninsula, Mexico.

The red crab, , is a decapod crustacean abundant off the Pacific coast of the Baja California Peninsula. This species is caught and used in preparing animal feed, such as flour, particularly for aquaculture. Levels of calcium (Ca), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), phosphorus (P), and zinc (Zn) were measured in red crabs collected from three geographic zones during three cruises in different seasons.

"Oxidative stress induced by phthalates in mammals: State of the art and potential biomarkers".

Background: Phthalates, plasticizers that are widely used in consumer products including toys, cosmetics, and food containers, have negative effects in liver, kidney, brain, lung and reproductive system of humans and other mammals.

Objectives: To summarize, describe and discuss the available information on the effects of phthalate exposure in mammals, with emphasis on oxidative stress, and to suggest potential biomarkers of the health risks associated with phthalate exposure.

Methods: An assessment of scientific journals was performed using the PRISMA model for systematic reviews.

Antibacterial effect of acetic acid during an outbreak of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in an ICU (II).

Introduction: Acetic acid (AA) has been commonly used in medicine as an antiseptic agent for the past 6000 years. This study evaluated the antibacterial effect of AA during an outbreak in an intensive care unit (ICU) facility in Baja California Sur, México.

Methodology: Thirty-five environmental samples were collected, subsequently, disinfection with AA (4%) was performed, and two days later the same areas were sampled inside the ICU facility.

Characterization of the Heme Oxygenase 1 From Bottlenose Dolphin (): Evidence of Changes in the Active Site and Purifying Selection.

Cetacea is a clade well-adapted to the aquatic lifestyle, with diverse adaptations and physiological responses, as well as a robust antioxidant defense system. Serious injuries caused by boats and fishing nets are common in bottlenose dolphins (); however, these animals do not show signs of serious infections. Evidence suggests an adaptive response to tissue damage and associated infections in cetaceans.

Mercury concentrations in Baja California Sur fish: Dietary exposure assessment.

Total mercury concentrations ([THg]) in muscle were determined in commercial finfish and elasmobranchs from Baja California Sur (BCS), Mexico to evaluate dietary Hg exposure for BCS communities, including the relationship of trophic ecology, length and mass with [THg] that might drive future consumption advice (e.g., recommend limited consumption of large fish for some species).

Development of a LAMP method for detection of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii during a hospital outbreak.

Introduction: Carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii (CRAB) represents a public health threat increasing worldwide. We assess the suitability of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method for on-site screening of CRAB in a hospital facility.

Antioxidant response to cadmium exposure in primary skeletal muscle cells isolated from humans and elephant seals.

Cadmium (Cd) occurs naturally; however, its concentration can increase with anthropogenic activities. Excess Cd increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and oxidative damage, which can lead to pathological conditions. Marine mammals accumulate Cd in the liver and the kidney; yet, there are no reports of Cd-associated tissue damage in whales, seals or dolphins.

Using carbon and nitrogen stable isotope modelling to assess dietary mercury exposure for pregnant women in Baja California Sur, Mexico.

Introduction: Previous studies of mercury (Hg) in pregnant women in the area of La Paz, Baja California Sur (BCS), Mexico found a proportion of individuals had concentrations of total Hg ([THg]) above some thresholds of concern set by health agencies. The [THg] were associated with fish and seafood consumption as well as other factors; although it was unclear which marine diet items could potentially be contributing to the concentrations observed.

Method: We examined [THg] and monomethylmercury concentration ([MeHg]) in the archived hair of 70 pregnant women from BCS as well as in diet items including fish, shellfish, and staple items (rice, beans, corn, and flour).

Micronutrient content and antioxidant enzyme activities in human breast milk.

Breast milk contains micronutrients that function as cofactors of antioxidant enzymes. High concentrations of iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) can increase the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study aimed to assess the relationship between the activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione S-transferase (GST)) and the concentration of the micronutrients Fe, Cu and zinc (Zn) in breast milk.

Oxidative damage to proteins related to metals and antioxidant defenses in breastmilk.

Introduction: Breast milk contains molecules needed for the development of children; the integrity and function of these molecules is affected by the presence of pro-oxidants. Protein carbonyls are mainly produced as a result of the interaction of metals with reactive oxygen species (ROS), which may initiate a chain reaction that promotes molecular oxidation.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the association between the concentration of protein carbonyls with the concentration of trace elements (lead [Pb], cadmium [Cd] and selenium [Se]), superoxide radical (O2•-) production, and glutathione (GSH) content, as well with the activity of the main antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], glutathione peroxidase [GPx], glutathione reductase [GR] and glutathione S-transferase [GST]) in breast milk.

The Neuroprotective Effect of Erythropoietin in Rat Hippocampus in an Endotoxic Shock Model.

Background: Sepsis is characterized by an early systemic inflammation in response to infection. In the brain, inflammation is associated with expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g.

Plasma Hypoxanthine-Guanine Phosphoribosyl Transferase Activity in Bottlenose Dolphins Contributes to Avoiding Accumulation of Non-recyclable Purines.

Marine mammals are exposed to ischemia/reperfusion and hypoxia/reoxygenation during diving. During oxygen deprivation, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) breakdown implies purine metabolite accumulation, which in humans is associated with pathological conditions. Purine recycling in seals increases in response to prolonged fasting and ischemia.

Purine nucleoside phosphorylase and the enzymatic antioxidant defense system in breast milk from women with different levels of arsenic exposure.

Purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) is an ubiquitous enzyme which plays an important role in arsenic (As) detoxification. As is a toxic metalloid present in air, soil and water; is abundant in the environment and is readily transferred along the trophic chain, being found even in human breast milk. Milk is the main nutrient source for the growth and development of neonates.

Oxidative stress in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease of unknown etiology, characterized by articular inflammation. Oxidative damage induced by reactive oxygen species has been related to the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis in several studies, although results have been inconsistent and contradictory.

Objective: To determine oxidative stress markers in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

[Antioxidant defences in breast milk in relation to number of pregnancies and age of mothers].

Introduction: Breast milk is a specific combination of nutrients and immunologic factors; however, milk components may be exposed to oxidation processes, which can in turn be counteracted by antioxidant molecules such as vitamins and antioxidant enzymes, amongst others. Both antioxidant defences and oxidative damage can be affected by age, number of pregnancies and other factors.

Objective: To compare antioxidant defences and oxidative damage indicators in breast milk, according to age of women and number of pregnancies.

Interaction between mercury (Hg), arsenic (As) and selenium (Se) affects the activity of glutathione S-transferase in breast milk; possible relationship with fish and sellfish intake.

Breast milk is regarded as an ideal source of nutrients for the growth and development of neonates, but it can also be a potential source of pollutants. Mothers can be exposed to different contaminants as a result of their lifestyle and environmental pollution. Mercury (Hg) and arsenic (As) could adversely affect the development of fetal and neonatal nervous system.

Purine nucleoside phosphorylase and xanthine oxidase activities in erythrocytes and plasma from marine, semiaquatic and terrestrial mammals.

Purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) and xanthine oxidase (XO) are key enzymes involved in the purine salvage pathway. PNP metabolizes purine bases to synthetize purine nucleotides whereas XO catalyzes the oxidation of purines to uric acid. In humans, PNP activity is reported to be high in erythrocytes and XO activity to be low in plasma; however, XO activity increases after ischemic events.

[Lipid peroxidation and the response of the antioxidant defense system in the obese type 2 diabetic compared with the non-obese type 2 diabetic].

Introduction: Diabetes is associated with increased lipid peroxidation, quantified as the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). In parallel, the antioxidant defense system (ADS) reacts to diminish the oxidative damage.

Objective: To determine the levels of lipid peroxidation and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in obese type 2 diabetic (DM2) individuals compared to non-obese DM2 individuals.

Relationship between self-reported fish and shellfish consumption, carbon and nitrogen stable isotope values and total mercury concentrations in pregnant women (II) from Baja California Sur, Mexico.

Seafood is a valuable source of nutrients important for fetal development. However, seafood consumption is the main route of exposure to monomethyl mercury (MeHg) for humans. MeHg is highly bioavailable and potentially adversely affects fetal neurodevelopment.

Marine diet and tobacco exposure affects mercury concentrations in pregnant women (I) from Baja California Sur, Mexico.

Seafood provides essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and other nutrients to pregnant women and their fetus(es) while a diet rich in finfish can be a major pathway of monomethyl mercury (MeHg) exposure. We measured total mercury concentration ([THg]) in hair samples provided by 75 women in Baja California Sur (BCS) to assess its relationship with age, parity, tobacco smoke exposure, and diet based on survey methodologies. Generalized linear models (GLM) were used to explain the possible association of the different variables with [THg] in hair.

[Mercury concentration in breast milk of women from northwest Mexico; possible association with diet, tobacco and other maternal factors].

Objective: To determine THg levels in milk of women from Northwest Mexico and its potential association with maternal factors such as diet and tobacco smoke.

Method: The study was performed in 108 milk samples donated by women in Baja California Sur. Data were stratified into three groups of 36 donors by number of pregnancies.