Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and Health Services

About: Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and Health Services is a education organization based out in Tehran, Iran. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Medicine. The organization has 19456 authors who have published 33659 publications receiving 365676 citations.

Migration of styrene monomer from polystyrene packaging materials into foods: Characterization and safety evaluation

Abstract: Background Polystyrene (PS) is extensively used in diverse forms for packaging of many food products such as meat, dairy and bakery products. There is a potential migration of styrene monomer from PS packages into the foods which are in contact with them. Scope and approach This study aims at reviewing the representative styrene migration from PS packages material into the correspondence foods and discusses the addressed parameters affecting the styrene migration. The analytical methods for detecting styrene monomer in food products and PS packaging materials is also covered in this study. The possible safety and health issues related to the styrene monomer migration will be covered too. Key findings and conclusions: The quality of PS packaging material in terms of their styrene monomer residue level and the storage conditions of foods can greatly affect styrene migration. Also, the food characteristics such as fat content, pH, etc. can significantly affect styrene migration. Although styrene monomer is considered as a non-toxic compound, its migration into the foods can downgrade sensorial properties as well as resulting in health problems. In some cases, the presence of styrene in foods can make carcinogenic, hematological, cytogenetic, and neurotoxic issues.

Heavy metals determination in honey samples using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry.

Abstract: Honey contains a complex mixture of carbohydrates and other minor substances. Elements are minor constituents of honey that may threaten the human health in excess concentrations. So, determining the metals in honey helps its quality control as a food product. The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of some metals in Iranian honey. This study was performed in four regions of Ardabil, a province of Iran. Honey samples (n = 25) were digested in microwave oven by nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide, then analyzed using inductively coupled plasma– optic emission spectrophotometry (ICP-OES). No significant differences were observed in cadmium, zinc, nickel, and chromium levels between regions (P > 0.05). Zinc was the most abundant metal in honey samples (1481.64 μg/kg). Some metals had higher concentrations in the East region because of existence more industries there. The highest mean of lead level was 935.48 μg/kg in the East and the lowest was 205.4 μg/kg in the South region. The concentrations of metals were compared with recommended limits for foods. Some of them were higher than standard levels (lead) and some were lower than those (cadmium). Metals are released into the environment through their use in industrial processes and enter the food chain from uptake by plants from contaminated soil or water. Metals concentration in various places depends on many variables, leading to their different concentrations in honey. Some control measures like the quality control of food products, monitoring the soil in agricultural regions and limiting the use of fertilizers are recommended.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibitors and oxidative stress: An update.

Abstract: Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are therapeutic agents that have been used recently to reduce tubular absorption of glucose, leading to enhanced glycosuria, resulting in the reduction of blood glucose and improved diabetes control. Recent data suggest that SGLT2 inhibitors have antioxidant properties that may be key to the reduction in cardiovascular death found in clinical trials. Oxidative stress is involved in the development and progression of atherosclerosis, as well as underlying diabetes complications, and may result from either increased free-radical production, a reduction in antioxidative capacity, or a combination of both. In this report, we have reviewed the recent evidence of the impact that SGLT2 inhibition may have on improved oxidative stress by either amelioration of free-radical generation or potentiation of cellular antioxidative capacity, and its importance in the prevention of cardiovascular and diabetes complications.