PMID: 

Environ Toxicol. 2019 Jul 16. Epub 2019 Jul 16. PMID: 31313480

Abstract Title: 

Phthalate plasticizer di(2-ethyl-hexyl) phthalate induces cyclooxygenase-2 expression in gastric adenocarcinoma cells.

Abstract: 

The phthalate plasticizer, di(2-ethyl-hexyl) phthalate (DEHP), and its derived metabolites are common anthropogenic environmental toxins, which are known to act as endocrine disruptors. Numerous studies have associated DEHP with disruption of sex hormones, abnormal development of reproductive organs, allergies, and inflammation. Its role in promoting inflammation has been reported by both human epidemiological and animal studies. In stomach tissue, chronic inflammation is known to accompany mucosal damage, and pave the way to gastritis, stomach ulcers, and ultimately gastric cancer. Eastern Asian populations possess the highest gastric cancer incidences in the world. Coincidentally, East Asia is one of the world's major sites for plastics manufacture and export. Thus, possible correlations between DEHP, a common plasticizer, and gastric cancer are of great interest. Our study revealed several critical findings. First, even at very low dosage, mimicking the residual plasticizer exposure, detrimental effects of DEHP on gastric cells can be detected. Second, gastric cells treated with DEHP increased cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in a time-dependent manner. Third, promoter deletion studies revealed a critical role of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) for COX-2 gene responses. Finally, our results indicated that a low concentration of DEHP is able to trigger COX-2 activation via the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) and NF-κB signaling pathway. Taken together, we demonstrate that very low doses of DEHP enhance the expression ofthe prototypical inflammatory gene, COX-2, in gastric cancer cells via ERK1/2 and NF-κB activation. This study provides important insights into the inflammatory process and damages associated with phthalate plasticizers exposure.

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PMID: 

Food Res Int. 2019 Sep ;123:286-297. Epub 2019 May 3. PMID: 31284979

Abstract Title: 

Anti-tumor potential of cell free culture supernatant of Lactobacillus rhamnosus strains isolated from human breast milk.

Abstract: 

Lactobacilli rhamnosus has been characterized as a probiotic and plays an important role in human health by stimulating the supplement of nutrients, preventing the colonization of pathogens, and influencing the immune system. This study investigated the anticancer activity of the three Lactobacillus rhamnosus strains SHA111, SHA112, and SHA113 isolated from human breast milk. The cell-free supernatant of a liquid culture of the three strains showed excellent antioxidant activities against DPPH free radicals, superoxide anion radicals, and hydroxyl radicals; furthermore, significant anticancer activity was found on cervix cancer cells (HeLa) via cytotoxicity and induction of apoptosis. RT-qPCR and western blot analysis showed the induction of apoptosis was achieved via the up-regulation of BAD, BAX, Caspase3, Caspase8, Caspase9, and down-regulation of BCL-2 genes in HeLa cells. The results suggest that these strains have potential anticancer capability.

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PMID: 

Biotech Histochem. 2015 ;90(7):535-43. Epub 2015 May 19. PMID: 25985826

Abstract Title: 

Can prenatal exposure to a 900 MHz electromagnetic field affect the morphology of the spleen and thymus, and alter biomarkers of oxidative damage in 21-day-old male rats?

Abstract: 

We investigated the effects of a 900 Megahertz (MHz) electromagnetic field (EMF), applied during the prenatal period, on the spleen and thymus of 21-day-old male rat pups. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control and EMF groups. We applied 900 MHz EMF for 1 h/day to the EMF group of pregnant rats. Newborn male rat pups were removed from their mothers and sacrificed on postnatal day 21. Spleen and thymus tissues were excised and examined. Compared to the control group, thymus tissue malondialdehyde levels were significantly higher in the group exposed to EMF, while glutathione levels were significantly decreased. Increased malondialdehyde and glutathione levels were observed in splenic tissue of rats exposed to EMF, while a significant decrease occurred in superoxide dismutase values compared to controls. Transmission electron microscopy showed pathological changes in cell morphology in the thymic and splenic tissues of newborn rats exposed to EMF. Exposure to 900 MHz EMF during the prenatal period can cause pathological and biochemical changes that may compromise the development of the male rat thymus and spleen.

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PMID: 

J Ethnopharmacol. 2019 Jul 17 ;243:112100. Epub 2019 Jul 17. PMID: 31325603

Abstract Title: 

Bioactivity-guided isolation of flavonoids from Urtica dioica L. and their effect on endometriosis rat model.

Abstract: 

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Urtica dioica L. has been used traditionally for centuries. U. dioica leaves and roots are used as a blood purifier, emmenagogue, and diuretic, as well as to treat menstrual hemorrhage, rheumatism, and eczema. The present study aimed to evaluate the activity of U. dioica L. aerial parts in endometriosis rat model.MATERIALS AND METHODS: To evaluate the effects of the plant in endometriosis, n-hexane, ethyl acetate (EtOAc), and methanol (MeOH) extracts were prepared from the aerial parts of the plant and utilized in a rat surgical endometriosis model. In this model, adhesion scores of endometriotic implants and the spherical volumes of ectopic uterine tissues were evaluated. In addition to these parameters, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels of the peritoneal fluids were evaluated. Furthermore, histopathological studies were conducted on the endometriotic tissues.RESULTS: Post-treatment implant volumes and adhesion scores were significantly reduced in the reference and the MeOH extract treated groups. Significant differences were found between the peritoneal TNF-α, VEGF, and IL-6 levels of MeOH extract treated group and those of control group. Moreover, histopathological findings supported the biological activity results. Furthermore, isolation studies were conducted on the MeOH extract, which showed prominent activity in the rat endometriosis model. Rutin(1), isoquercetin (2), the mixture of kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside (nicotiflorin) (3a) and isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside (narcissin) (3b) (3), the mixture of kaempferol-3-O-glucoside (astragalin) (4a) and isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside (4b) (4) were isolated from the active fraction.CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that aerial parts of U. dioica exhibited promising activity in the endometriosis rat model due to its flavonoids.

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PMID: 

Int J Fertil Steril. 2015 Apr-Jun;9(1):129-36. Epub 2015 Apr 21. PMID: 25918601

Abstract Title: 

In vitro effect of cell phone radiation on motility, DNA fragmentation and clusterin gene expression in human sperm.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Use of cellular phones emitting radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) has been increased exponentially and become a part of everyday life. This study aimed to investigate the effects of in vitro RF-EMF exposure emitted from cellular phones on sperm motility index, sperm DNA fragmentation and seminal clusterin (CLU) gene expression.MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, a total of 124 semen samples were grouped into the following main categories: i. normozoospermia (N, n=26), ii. asthenozoospermia (A, n=32), iii. asthenoteratozoospermia (AT, n=31) and iv. oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT, n=35). The same semen samples were then divided into two portions non-exposed and exposed samples to cell phone radiation for 1 hour. Before and immediately after exposure, both aliquots were subjected to different assessments for sperm motility, acrosin activity, sperm DNA fragmentation and CLU gene expression. Statistical differences were analyzed using paired t student test for comparisons between two sub-groups where pAT>A>N groups, respectively (p

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PMID: 

J Food Biochem. 2019 Jul ;43(7):e12872. Epub 2019 May 6. PMID: 31353712

Abstract Title: 

Onion skin extract as a protective agent against oxidative stress in Saccharomyces cerevisiae induced by cadmium.

Abstract: 

Onion skin extract is a source of bioactive compounds demonstrating a high antioxidant activity. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of onion skin extract at the level of oxidative stress markers in Saccharomyces cerevisiae exposed to cadmium. The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidant enzymes activity, total content of glutathione, and the level of lipid peroxidation in yeast cells were determined. Research showed that onion skin extract protected the yeast cells from the occurrence of oxidative stress induced by cadmium. Cells treated with onion skin extract and cadmium were characterized by lower generation of ROS, antioxidant enzymes activity, lipid peroxidation, and higher level of glutathione content than cells treated with cadmium only. However, the protective effect was dependent on the onion skin extract concentration in yeast medium. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The presented studies are of comprehensive character regarding antioxidant properties of the onion skin extract, using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model organism. The research results give the opportunity to conduct further research on the use of onion skin extract in functional food or dietary supplements production, as a cellular protector against negative consequence of oxidative stress. It should also be mentioned that the major research material was onion skin which is a troublesome waste material for onion producers. Consequently, the study result will, to a certain extent provide an opportunity to increase interest in the problem of rational use of the waste material, according to a sustainable development idea.

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PMID: 

Metab Brain Dis. 2015 Oct ;30(5):1193-206. Epub 2015 Jun 3. PMID: 26033310

Abstract Title: 

Possible cause for altered spatial cognition of prepubescent rats exposed to chronic radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: 

The effects of chronic and repeated radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RFEMR) exposure on spatial cognition and hippocampal architecture were investigated in prepubescent rats. Four weeks old male Wistar rats were exposed to RF-EMR (900 MHz; SAR-1.15 W/kg with peak power density of 146.60 μW/cm(2)) for 1 h/day, for 28 days. Followed by this, spatial cognition was evaluated by Morris water maze test. To evaluate the hippocampal morphology; H&E staining, cresyl violet staining, and Golgi-Cox staining were performed on hippocampal sections. CA3 pyramidal neuron morphology and surviving neuron count (in CA3 region) were studied using H&E and cresyl violet stained sections. Dendritic arborization pattern of CA3 pyramidal neuron was investigated by concentric circle method. Progressive learning abilities were found to be decreased in RF-EMR exposed rats. Memory retention test performed 24 h after the last training revealed minor spatial memory deficit in RF-EMR exposed group. However, RF-EMR exposed rats exhibited poor spatial memory retention when tested 48 h after the final trial. Hirano bodies and Granulovacuolar bodies were absent in the CA3 pyramidal neurons of different groups studied. Nevertheless, RF-EMR exposure affected the viable cell count in dorsal hippocampal CA3 region. RF-EMR exposure influenced dendritic arborization pattern of both apical and basal dendritic trees in RF-EMR exposed rats. Structural changes found in the hippocampus of RF-EMR exposed rats could be one of the possible reasons for altered cognition.

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PMID: 

J Food Biochem. 2019 Apr ;43(4):e12767. Epub 2019 Feb 5. PMID: 31353596

Abstract Title: 

Hydro-ethanol seed extract of Theobroma cacao exhibits antioxidant activities and potential anticancer property.

Abstract: 

Despite the nutritional value of Theobroma cacao seed (cocoa), the antiproliferative activity is yet to be fully elucidated. Therefore, the current study investigated the antioxidant and potential anticancer activities of the seed extract. The in-vitro free radical scavenging activity was evaluated via DPPH, nitric oxide, lipid peroxidation, and reducing power activity. The effect of the cocoa extract on mitotic cell division was determined using Allium cepa assay. The phytochemical screening of the seed extract revealed the presence of cardiac glycoside, phenol, tannin, steroid, terpinoid, alkaloid, saponin, and flavonoid at the following concentrations; 31.21 ± 0.57, 29.16 ± 0.43, 18.51 ± 0.06, 9.57 ± 0.08, 23.77 ± 0.08, 6.58 ± 0.04, 28.65 ± 0.13, and 22.16 ± 0.18 mg/100 g, respectively. The A. cepa assay revealed a significant influence of the extract on mitotic cell division in a concentration dependent manner, the antiproliferative effect suggests a potential anticancer property. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The Cocoa plant has been of great nutritional benefit over the years. The seeds (Theobroma cacao) is used for making varieties of chocolate food beverages, chocolate candies, confectioneries, and food thickening, however, the anticancer activity is still an area of deliberation. Theobroma cacao seed extract scavenged diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical, nitric oxide, lipid peroxidation at 50.03 ± 1.48% at a concentration of 60 µg/ml, 50.84 ± 0.88% at 40 µg/ml, and 50.79 ± 0.37% at 40 µg/ml, respectively. The reducing power activity was 0.329 ± 0.001 per 100 µg/ml. The Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy analysis showed the most abundant compound to be caffeine (98.09%). Mild quantities of hexa-decanoic acid, methyl extract were also detected. The hydro-alcohol extract of Theobroma cacao seeds exhibited high antioxidant and antimitotic activities, suggesting a possible cytotoxic potential against abnormal cell growth, such as cancer. This study substantiates its ethno-medicinal use in the prevention and control of cancer.

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PMID: 

Anat Histol Embryol. 2016 Jun ;45(3):197-208. Epub 2015 Jul 14. PMID: 26171674

Abstract Title: 

Effect of Mobile Phone Radiation on Cardiovascular Development of Chick Embryo.

Abstract: 

The biological effects on cardiovascular development of chicken embryos were examined after radiation exposure using mobile phone (900 MHz; specific absorption rate˜1.07 W/kg) intermittently 3 h per day during incubation. Samples were selected by morphological and histological methods. The results showed the rate of embryonic mortality and cardiac deformity increased significantly in exposed group (P 

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PMID: 

Int J Radiat Biol. 2019 Jul 22:1-23. Epub 2019 Jul 22. PMID: 31329007

Abstract Title: 

Effect of Long-term Occupational Exposure to Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields on Proinflammatory Cytokine and Hematological Parameters.

Abstract: 

: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) on proinflammatory cytokines and hematological parameters, among the employees of a power plant, which are one of the most important occupational groups exposed to ELF-EMFs extensively.: The studied population included 112 employees of a power plant as the exposed group and 138 unexposed employees who were enrolled based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The magnetic flux density and the strength of the electric field were determined by spot measurements and according to the IEEE C95.3.1 standard. Proinflammatory cytokines including serum interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α); and hematologic parameters of all subjects were measured.: The mean level of IL-1β and IL-6, white blood cell count (WBC) and red blood cell count (RBC), lymphocyte percentage (Lym%), Mean corpuscular volume (MCV), platelet count (PLT) and procalcitonin (PCT) were significantly more in the exposed group, than the unexposed group. The mean serum levels of IL-6, IL-1β and some of the hematological parameters including WBC, lymphocyte, RBC and haematocrit were higher in technicians which had the highest level of exposure to magnetic fields compared to other groups and these relations were linear.: Long-term exposure to ELF-EMFs probably affects immune responses, by stimulating the production of proinflammatory cytokines, and increasing some hematological parameters.

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