University of Zagreb

About: University of Zagreb is a education organization based out in Zagreb, Grad Zagreb, Croatia. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & European union. The organization has 21769 authors who have published 50267 publications receiving 783239 citations. The organization is also known as: Zagreb University & Sveučilište u Zagrebu.

Phenolic composition and antioxidant properties of some traditionally used medicinal plants affected by the extraction time and hydrolysis

Abstract: Polyphenolic phytochemicals in traditionally used medicinal plants act as powerful antioxidants, which aroused an increasing interest in their application in functional food development. The effect of extraction time (5 and 15 minutes) and hydrolysis on the qualitative and quantitative content of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity of six traditionally used medicinal plants (Melissa officinalis L., Thymus serpyllum L., Lavandula officinalis Miller, Rubus fruticosus L., Urtica dioica L., and Olea europea L.) were investigated. The content of total phenols, flavonoids, flavan-3-ols and tannins was determined by using UV/Vis spectrophotometric methods, whilst individual phenolic acids, flavones and flavonols were separated and detected by using HPLC analysis. Also, to obtain the relevant data on the antioxidant capacity, two different in vitro assays (ABTS and FRAP) were used. The extraction efficiency of phenolics, as well as the antioxidant capacity of plant extracts, was affected by both prolonged extraction and hydrolysis. The overall highest content of phenolic compounds was determined in hydrolized extract of blackberry leaves (2160 mg GAE/L), followed by the non-hydrolized extract of lemon balm obtained after 15 minutes of extraction (929.33 mg GAE/L). The above extracts also exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity, while extracts of olive leaves were characterized with the lowest content of phenolic compounds, as well as the lowest antioxidant capacity. The highest content of rosmarinic acid, as the most abundant phenolic compound, was determined in non-hydrolized extract of lemon balm, obtained after 15 minutes of extraction. The distribution of detected phenolic compounds showed a wide variability with regard to their botanical origin. Examined medicinal plants showed to be a valuable supplement to a daily intake of bioactive compounds.

Detection of micronuclei in haemocytes of zebra mussel and great ramshorn snail exposed to pentachlorophenol

Abstract: The frequency of micronuclei (MN) induced by pentachlorophenol (PCP) in haemocytes of zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha Pall. and great ramshorn snail, Planorbarius corneus L. was determined over a 14 days of exposure (sampling after 4, 7 and 14 days) under laboratory conditions. PCP doses for zebra mussel ranged from 10 to 150 μg/l, and for ramshorn snail from 10 to 450 μg/l. Micronuclei were detected after bisbenzimide fluorescent staining. Positive responses were observed in both species. The mean MN frequencies in treated mussels ranged between 0.69 and 7.50‰, and between 2.07 and 13.80‰ in treated snails. The spontaneous MN levels in mussels averaged from 0.5 to 2.75‰, and in snails from 1.56 to 2.00‰. Our results suggest that haemolymph of both species represent an appropriate test tissue in environmental genotoxicity assessment.

Reproductive toxicity of metals in men

Abstract: A combination of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors contributes to adverse effects on the reproductive health in men. Metals are pervasive in food, water, air, tobacco smoke, and alcoholic beverages. Experimental studies suggest that many metals have adverse effects on the male reproductive function. However, information about reproductive effects of human exposure to metals is scarce and/or inconsistent. This review summarises the information from epidemiological studies of the effects of metal exposure on reproductive function in men. Factors capable of affecting these relationships were identified and discussed. A particular attention is given to the studies considering influence of concomitant exposure to various metals. These studies have generally confirmed that even moderate- to low-level exposure to lead affects certain reproductive parameters, and that exposure to cadmium affects the prostate function and serum testosterone levels. Adverse effects of mercury, manganese, chromium and arsenic on semen quality and altered serum hormone are less well documented. There is no clear evidence that boron exposure may impair reproductive health in men. Only a few studies have investigated reproductive effects of concomitant exposure to several metals and controlled for potential confounders. Future studies should consider the contribution of combined exposure to various metals and/or other factors that may influence individual susceptibility to reproductive health impairment in men.

Analysis, Occurrence and Fate of Anthelmintics and their Transformation Products in the Environment

Abstract: There has been a great effort made in recent years to study the fate, the occurrence and the ecotoxicology of emerging pollutants in the environment, with a particular emphasis on pharmaceuticals. Anthelmintics comprise a large sector of the animal pharmaceutical industry. This article examines analytical methodologies for the analysis of anthelmintics and their transformation products (TPs) in the environment. It also gives a critical overview of the current knowledge on the fate and the ecotoxicology of anthelmintics and their TPs, if known.