Investigation of genotoxic effects of rhododendron honey using three mammalian bioassays in vivo.
TL;DR: Rhododendron honey (RH) is obtained from the rhoddendron plants are grown in many regions around the world, causes poisoning in humans due to the grayanotoxin (GTX) compound in its structure as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Rhododendron honey (RH) is obtained from the rhododendron plants are grown in many regions around the world, causes poisoning in humans due to the grayanotoxin (GTX) compound in its structure. It i...
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TL;DR: In this article , the European Commission asked EFSA for a scientific opinion on the risks for human health of the presence of grayanotoxins (GTXs) in ‘certain honey’ from Ericaceae plants.
Abstract: Abstract The European Commission asked EFSA for a scientific opinion on the risks for human health of the presence of grayanotoxins (GTXs) in ‘certain honey’ from Ericaceae plants. The risk assessment included all structurally related grayananes occurring with GTXs in ‘certain’ honey. Oral exposure is associated with acute intoxication in humans. Acute symptoms affect the muscles, nervous and cardiovascular systems. These may lead to complete atrioventricular block, convulsions, mental confusion, agitation, syncope and respiratory depression. For acute effects, the CONTAM Panel derived a reference point (RP) of 15.3 μg/kg body weight for the sum of GTX I and III based on a BMDL10 for reduced heart rate in rats. A similar relative potency was considered for GTX I. Without chronic toxicity studies, an RP for long‐term effects could not be derived. There is evidence for genotoxicity in mice exposed to GTX III or honey containing GTX I and III, showing increased levels of chromosomal damage. The mechanism of genotoxicity is unknown. Without representative occurrence data for the sum of GTX I and III and consumption data from Ericaceae honey, acute dietary exposure was estimated based on selected concentrations for GTX I and III reflecting concentrations measured in ‘certain’ honeys. Applying a margin of exposure (MOE) approach, the estimated MOEs raised health concerns for acute toxicity. The Panel calculated the highest concentrations for GTX I and III below which no acute effects would be expected following ‘certain honey’ consumption. The Panel is 75% or more certain that the calculated highest concentration of 0.05 mg for the sum of GTX I and III per kg honey is protective for all age groups regarding acute intoxications. This value does not consider other grayananes in ‘certain honey’ and does not cover the identified genotoxicity.
TL;DR: In this article , the effect of M. uniflora extract on human breast cancer (MCF-7) cells was investigated via Raman spectroscopy. But, the experimental results were limited to a single cell type.
Abstract: Finding new pain management therapies will mitigate the effect addictive opioids have on our society. One folk medicine that shows promise as a pain management tool is Monotropa uniflora. M. uniflora is a member of the Ericaceae family of plants, many of which produce a neurotoxin called grayanotoxin (GTX). The primary purpose of the experiment is to determine if the alcohol extraction of M. uniflora affects MCF-7 cells in the same way as other Ericaceae family plants that produce GTX to explain the reaction people reportedly have with M. uniflora extract. Pre-vious studies concerning M. uniflora were studying antimicrobial activity of the ethanol extract, among other solvents. The physiological effects of M. uniflora extract on human cell culture have largely been unexplored in western literature. By studying the dosage effect of the ethanol extract in human breast cancer (MCF-7) cells, the activity of M. uniflora extract can begin to be characterized via Raman spectroscopy. Preliminary findings suggest that the M. uniflora ethanol extract effects the MCF-7 cells independently of the ethanol solvent. Additional analysis is continuing to expand effects across time to determine if the cells are metabolizing the extract and solvent dif-ferently. Comparing Raman characterization between M. uniflora extract with characterization of GTX in MCF-7 cells will give further evidence to determine whether M. uniflora produces GTX and lend to future research determining if either are safe alternatives to opioid analgesics.
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2,313 citations
TL;DR: A clear understanding of the mechanisms of action of flavonoids, either as antioxidants or modulators of cell signalling, and the influence of their metabolism on these properties are key to the evaluation of these potent biomolecules as anticancer agents, cardioprotectants, and inhibitors of neurodegeneration.
1,828 citations
TL;DR: The body has a hierarchy of defense strategies to deal with oxidative stress within different cellular compartments, and superimposed on these are gene-regulated defenses involving the heat-shock and oxidant stress proteins.
Abstract: Disturbance of the balance between the production of reactive oxygen species such as superoxide; hydrogen peroxide; hypochlorous acid; hydroxyl, alkoxyl, and peroxyl radicals; and antioxidant defenses against them produces oxidative stress, which amplifies tissue damage by releasing prooxidative forms of reactive iron that are able to drive Fenton chemistry and lipid peroxidation and by eroding away protective sacrificial antioxidants. The body has a hierarchy of defense strategies to deal with oxidative stress within different cellular compartments, and superimposed on these are gene-regulated defenses involving the heat-shock and oxidant stress proteins.
1,824 citations
TL;DR: The ways in which oxidative stress and oxidative damage can affect cell behaviour both in vivo and in cell culture are examined, using cancer as an example.
Abstract: The terms 'antioxidant', 'oxidative stress' and 'oxidative damage' are widely used but rarely defined. This brief review attempts to define them and to examine the ways in which oxidative stress and oxidative damage can affect cell behaviour both in vivo and in cell culture, using cancer as an example.
1,110 citations
TL;DR: The results suggest that sperm abnormalities might provide a rapid inexpensive mammalian screen for agents that lead to errors in the differentiation of spermatogenic stem cells in vivo and thus indicate agents which might prove to be mutagenic, teratogenic, or carcinogenic.
Abstract: The sperm of (C57BL X C3H)F1 mice were examined 1, 4, and 10 weeks after a subacute treatment with one of 25 chemicals at two or more dose levels. The fraction of sperm that were abnormal in shape was elevated above control values of 1.2-3.4% for methyl methanesulfonate, ethyl methanesulfonate, griseofulvin, benzo[a]pyrene, METEPA [tris(2-methyl-l-aziridinyl)phosphine oxide], THIO-TEPA [tris(l-aziridinyl)phosphine sulfide], mitomycin C, myleran, vinblastine sulphate, hydroxyurea, 3-methylcholanthrene, colchicine, actinomycin D, imuran, cyclophosphamide, 5-iododeoxyuridine, dichlorvos, aminopterin, and trimethylphosphate. Dimethylnitrosamine, urethane, DDT [1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane], 1,1-dimethylhydrazine, caffeine, and calcium cyclamate did not induce elevated levels of sperm abnormalities. The results suggest that sperm abnormalities might provide a rapid inexpensive mammalian screen for agents that lead to errors in the differentiation of spermatogenic stem cells in vivo and thus indicate agents which might prove to be mutagenic, teratogenic, or carcinogenic.
836 citations