Journal of Environmental Pathology Toxicology and Oncology 

About: Journal of Environmental Pathology Toxicology and Oncology is an academic journal published by Begell House. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Cancer & Apoptosis. It has an ISSN identifier of 0731-8898. Over the lifetime, 1236 publications have been published receiving 20535 citations.

Oxidative mechanisms in the toxicity of chromium and cadmium ions.

Abstract: Chromium and cadmium are widely used industrial chemicals. The toxicities associated with both metal ions are well known. However, less information is available concerning the mechanisms of toxicity. The results of in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate that both cations induce an oxidative stress that results in oxidative deterioration of biological macromolecules. However, different mechanisms are involved in the production of the oxidative stress by chromium and cadmium. Chromium undergoes redox cycling, while cadmium depletes glutathione and protein-bound sulfhydryl groups, resulting in enhanced production of reactive oxygen species such as superoxide ion, hydroxyl radicals, and hydrogen peroxide. These reactive oxygen species result in increased lipid peroxidation, enhanced excretion of urinary lipid metabolites, modulation of intracellular oxidized states, DNA damage, membrane damage, altered gene expression, and apoptosis. Enhanced production of nuclear factor-kappaB and activation of protein kinase C occur. Furthermore, the p53 tumor suppressor gene is involved in the cascade of events associated with the toxicities of these cations. In summary, the results clearly indicate that although different mechanisms lead to the production of reactive oxygen species by chromium and cadmium, similar subsequent mechanisms and types of oxidative tissue damage are involved in the overall toxicities.

Nanoparticles in Daily Life: Applications, Toxicity and Regulations.

Abstract: At nanoscale, man-made materials may show unique properties that differ from bulk and dissolved counterparts. The unique properties of engineered nanomaterials not only impart critical advantages but also confer toxicity because of their unwanted interactions with different biological compartments and cellular processes. In this review, we discuss various entry routes of nanomaterials in the human body, their applications in daily life, and the mechanisms underlying their toxicity. We further explore the passage of nanomaterials into air, water, and soil ecosystems, resulting in diverse environmental impacts. Briefly, we probe the available strategies for risk assessment and risk management to assist in reducing the occupational risks of potentially hazardous engineered nanomaterials including the control banding (CB) approach. Moreover, we substantiate the need for uniform guidelines for systematic analysis of nanomaterial toxicity, in silico toxicological investigations, and obligation to ensure the safe disposal of nanowaste to reduce or eliminate untoward environmental and health impacts. At the end, we scrutinize global regulatory trends, hurdles, and efforts to develop better regulatory sciences in the field of nanomedicines.

The Role of Zinc in Life: A Review

Abstract: Zinc is a common element in human and natural environments and plays an important part in many biological processes. Zinc, which is defined as an essential trace element, or a micronutrient, is essential for the normal growth and the reproduction of all higher plants and animals, and of humans. In addition, it plays a key role during physiological growth and fulfills an immune function. It is vital for the functionality of more than 300 enzymes, for the stabilization of DNA, and for gene expression. This review summarizes the role and manifestations of zinc in the environment and its importance for human health and metabolism, as well as its physiological role. Toxicity, teratogenicity, carcinogenicity, and immunological functions of zinc are outlined with particular reference to the properties of zinc as an antioxidant, and its role in cancer prevention.

A Review of Molecular Events of Cadmium-Induced Carcinogenesis

Abstract: Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic, heavy industrial metal that poses serious environmental health hazards to both humans and wildlife. Lately, Cd and Cd containing compounds have been classified as known human carcinogens and epidemiological data show causal associations with prostate, breast and lung cancer. The molecular mechanisms involved in Cd-induced carcinogenesis are poorly understood and are only now beginning to be elucidated. The effects of chronic exposure to Cd have recently become of great interest due to the development of malignancies in Cd-induced tumorigenesis in animal. Briefly, various in vitro studies demonstrate that Cd can act as a mitogen, stimulate cell proliferation, inhibit apoptosis and DNA repair, and induce carcinogenesis in several mammalian tissues and organs. Thus, the various mechanisms involved in chronic Cd exposure and malignant transformations warrant further investigation. In this review, we will focus on recent evidence of various leading general and tissue specific molecular mechanisms that follow chronic exposure to Cd in prostate, breast and lung transformed malignancies. In addition, this review considers less defined mechanisms such as epigenetic modification and autophagy, which are thought to play a role in the development of Cd-induced malignant transformation.

Photodynamic therapy of microbial infections: state of the art and perspectives.

Abstract: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is coming of age as an efficient alternative treatment for microbial infections, a problem which is presently aggravated by the increasingly widespread diffusion of antibiotic-resistant microbial strains. In particular, the use of red light-absorbing photosensitizers as photodynamic antimicrobial agents is characterized by various favorable features, including: (a) the broad spectrum of antimicrobial action of selected phenothiazines, porphyrins, and phthalocyanines, which promote the photosensitized inactivation of Gram(+) and Gram(-) bacteria, fungi, mycoplasma, and parasites by using one phototherapeutic protocol and mild irradiation conditions; (b) porphyrins/phthalocyanines display no appreciable toxicity in the dark at photochemically active doses; (c) microbial cell death is primarily a consequence of membrane photodamage through a typically multitarget process, which minimizes the risk of both the onset of mutagenic processes and the selection of photoresistant cells; (d) such photosensitizers act with essentially identical efficiency against both wild and antibiotic-resistant strains, whereas no selection of photoresistant microbial pathogens has been observed; (e) a combination between antibiotic-based and photodynamic therapy is possible. A typical example of phthalocyanine-sensitized photoinactivation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is provided. At present, antimicrobial PDT appears to be especially convenient for the treatment of localized infections, such as oral candidosis, periodontitis or chronic wounds.