Subcutaneous administration of biotherapeutics: current experience in animal models.

In recent years, many peptide- and protein-based biotherapeutics have been approved for subcutaneous (SC) delivery. The mechanisms and factors affecting the uptake and distribution of such large molecules following SC administration are not well understood. This review outlines the factors influencing uptake, transport, distribution and species differences following the SC administration of biotherapeutics; improved understanding of these factors will facilitate the appropriate selection of animal models and improve predictivity for the bioavailability of drugs in humans.

Review of the evidence regarding the carcinogenicity of hexavalent chromium in drinking water.

Recent analyses have revealed that 38% of municipal sources of drinking water in California have detectable levels of hexavalent chromium. This observation provided new impetus to characterize the carcinogenic risk associated with oral exposure to hexavalent chromium in drinking water. Notwithstanding the well-characterized increases in cancer associated with inhalation exposure to this chemical, the marked reduction of hexavalent chromium to trivalent chromium in the stomach suggests that exposure to hexavalent chromium in drinking water may not pose a carcinogenic risk.

Polybrominated diphenylether levels among United States residents: daily intake and risk of harm to the developing brain and reproductive organs.

Data on Polybrominated diphenylether (PBDE) concentrations in individual U.S. women were compiled.

Carcinogenicity of the chlorination disinfection by-product MX.

3-Chloro-4-(dichloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-2(5H)-furanone, better known by its historical name 'mutagen X' or MX, is a chlorination disinfection byproduct that forms from the reaction of chlorine and humic acids in raw water. MX has been measured in drinking water samples in several countries at levels that ranged from non-detectable to 310 ng/L. Although the concentration of MX in drinking water is typically 100- to 1000-fold lower than other common chlorinated by-products of concern (e.

A perspective on the potential health risks of PBDEs.

The polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs) are a class of chemicals widely used as flame retardants. Concentrations of PBDEs in some human and marine mammal populations are increasing. The toxicological endpoints of concern for environmental levels of PBDEs are likely to be thyroid hormone disruption, neurodevelopmental deficits and cancer.