Punica granatum L. protects mice against hexavalent chromium-induced genotoxicity

This study investigated the chemoprotective effects of Punica granatum L. (Punicaceae) fruits alcoholic extract (PGE) on mice exposed to hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)]. Animals were pretreated with PGE (25, 50 or 75 mg/kg/day) for 10 days and subsequently exposed to a sub-lethal dose of Cr(VI) (30 mg/kg). The frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes in the bone marrow was investigated and the Cr(VI) levels were measured in the kidneys, liver and plasm. For the survival analysis, mice were previously treated with PGE for 10 days and exposed to a single lethal dose of Cr(VI) (50 mg/kg). Exposure to a sub-lethal dose of Cr(VI) induced a significant increase in the frequency of micronucleated cells. However, the prophylactic treatment with PGE led to a reduction of 44.5% (25 mg/kg), 86.3% (50 mg/kg) and 64.2% (75 mg/kg) in the incidence of micronuclei. In addition, the 50 mg/kg dose of PGE produced a higher chemoprotective effect, since the survival rate was 90%, when compared to that of the non-treated group. In these animals, reduced amounts of chromium were detected in the biological materials, in comparison with the other groups. Taken together, the results demonstrated that PGE exerts a protective effect against Cr(VI)-induced genotoxicity

7th Drug hypersensitivity meeting: part two

No abstract availabl

Biofortification with nanoparticles and zinc nitrate plus chitosan in green beans: effects on yield and mineral content

Approximately 33% of the world's population is affected by Zinc (Zn) deficiency, making it the fifth leading cause of human disease and mortality. An innovative strategy to this problem in the food diet is biofortification. Therefore, the use of nanotechnology emerges as a possible way to achieve the optimal development of plants in a sustainable and precise way. The objective of the present study was to increase the Zn content in bean plants cv. ‘Strike’, through the application of nanoparticles versus Zn nitrate plus chitosan. Two sources of Zn were applied via foliar: Zn nanoparticles and Zn nitrate at doses of 0, 25, 50 and 100 ppm with and without chitosan. The results indicate that the application of Zn favours the biofortification process, finding increases for all the treatments used. The treatments that stood out were Zn nitrate plus chitosan at 50 and 100 ppm, which increased the Zn content in fruits by more than 110%. The application of Zn nanoparticles at 25 ppm and Zn nitrate at 50 ppm favoured biomass accumulation and production. Furthermore, the addition of chitosan helped biomass and yield, especially when combined with Zn nitrate. Finally, indicate that a greater number of studies are required regarding the use of nanoparticles and chitosan in horticulture to determine with certainty their effect on the physiology and nutrition of plants

Inflammatory response in human alveolar epithelial cells after TiO NPs or ZnO NPs exposure: Inhibition of surfactant protein A expression as an indicator for loss of lung function.

The increasing use of metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs) as TiO2 NPs or ZnO NPs has led to environmental release and human exposure. The respiratory system, effects on lamellar bodies and surfactant protein A (SP-A) of pneumocytes, can be importantly affected. Exposure of human alveolar epithelial cells (A549) induced differential responses; a higher persistence of TiO2 in cell surface and uptake (measured by Atomic Force Microscopy) and sustained inflammatory response (by means of TNF-α, IL-10, and IL-6 release) and ROS generation were observed, whereas ZnO showed a modest response and low numbers in cell surface. A reduction in SP-A levels at 24 h of exposure to TiO2 NPs (concentration-dependent) or ZnO NPs (the higher concentration) was also observed, reversed by blocking the inflammatory response (by the inhibition of IL-6). Loss of SP-A represents a relevant target of MONPs-induced inflammatory response that could contribute to cellular damage and loss of lung function

Asphalt Mixes Processed with Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA) as Partial Replacement of the Natural Aggregate

Materials play a fundamental role in any branch of civil engineering. From ancient times to the present day, society has required enormous amounts of construction materials, which implies an excessive exploitation of the natural environment. The present research work consisted in the design and development of asphalt mixes with a partial substitution of the natural aggregate (NA) by means of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA). The mix was designed with the Marshall methodology, considering the next percentages of substitution and addition by mass: 90% NA and 10% RCA; 80% NA and 20% RCA; 70% NA and 30% RCA. The mixtures were elaborated and analysed under the international standards and the Mexican regulation of the Communications and Transport Ministry, to determine the best option regarding their performance. The materials were characterized according to the current regulations and later employed in the mixes design. A total of 38 specimens were elaborated for each mixture, determining the optimum asphalt content; after that, mechanical tests were performed to analyse and determine the best results. In the aftermath of the examination of all mixtures, we concluded that the 70%AN/30%RCA is the best alternative option according to its performance and numeric results, complying with the cited regulations, and allowing a lower content of asphalt during the process