Health Aspects of the Pre-Departure Phase of Migration

In the second article in a six-part PLoS Medicine series on Migration & Health, Brian Gushulak and Douglas MacPherson discuss the pre-departure phase of migration and the specific health risks and policy needs associated with this phase

Evaluation of the Cytotoxic Effects of Humid Lightweight Coal Ash derived from the Disposal of Waste on Normal Human Keratinocyte and Endothelial Cell Lines in 2-D and 3-D Culture

The presence of waste in the environment has frequently been indicated as a significant risk to human health. Therefore, landfill sites and the disposal of urban solid and non-hazardous waste by incineration are subject to much environmental monitoring, in addition to the regulations already in place. However, little action has been taken, and consequently no specific legislation exists, in relation to the assessment of the real biological risk of various substances, including chemical mixtures and ashes, derived from the incineration processes. This study assessed the cytotoxic potential of humid lightweight coal ash (LA) derived from incineration processes and waste management, on two cell lines: NCTC 2544 normal human keratinocytes and HECV endothelial cells. To reach this goal and to assess more-realistic methods for animal replacement, we employed different in vitro experimental approaches: acute and longer exposure to LA, by direct and indirect contact (0\u20132mg/ml and 16mg, respectively), both in 2-D and 3-D cultures. In 2-D HECV cultures, we observed a decrease in the viability index, but only during direct contact with LA doses higher than 0.1mg/ml. Moreover, some striking differences in cytotoxicity were observed between the 2-D and 3-D models. Taken together, these observations indicate that, for studying pollutant toxicity during longer exposure times, 3-D cultures in direct contact with the pollutant seem to offer a more suitable approach \u2014 they mimic the in vivo behaviour of cells more realistically and under strictly controlled conditions. Thus, in readiness for possible forthcoming European regulations, we believe that the proposed study, even in its preliminary phase, can provide new advice on the assessment of the toxic and biological potential of particular chemical compounds derived from waste management processes

ANTI-TUMOR EFFECTS OF LIPOPEROXIDES IN VITRO

The oxidant/antioxidant status of patients could influence tumor growth and proliferation and subsequently overall survival. Lipid hydroperoxides (LOOHs) accumulate, not in young and proliferating cells, but in aging cells, suggesting that this intracellular increasing should restore the capability of tumour cells to age and die. Potential antitumoral effects of LOOHs, were verified in vitro on a human bladder (5637), and normal endothelial (HECV) cell lines by analysis of proliferation rate, oxidative markers and several molecules involved into neoplastic progression. LOOH exposure may exhibit different effects on cancer and normal cell proliferation, and the mechanism on the growth inhibitory activity of LOOHs seems to be associated to the reduction of APRIL and other proangiogenic factors

2D- compared 3D- human cell models: cytotoxic effects of humid lightweight coal ash derived from the disposal of waste

2D- compared 3D- human cell models: cytotoxic effects of humid lightweight coal ash derived from the disposal of wast

Multidisciplinary approach to assess the biological potential of bioactive green extracts from exhaust organic matrices, obtained by microwave irradiation

we have assessed in vitro the biological potential of essential waters (EWs) from grapes, apple and raspberry residues recovered from exhaust plant matrices from the alimentary industry. The aqueous extracts were obtained by a microwaves assisted extraction (MAE), allowing to recover the inner water phases of the plants with different water-soluble principles in order to gain new bioactive compounds with potential nutraceutical and cosmeceutical properties. To assess safety and biological potentials of new green extracts, normal human keratinocytes were exposed for 24 and 48 hours to 0.05-1% (v/v) grapes, apple and raspberry EWs in order to evaluate basic their toxic effects, in terms of viability and proliferation indexes (MTT and NRU tests, and DNA content) as well antioxidant potential (in terms of iron-reducing capacity, by a commercial kit), and pro/anti-inflammatory activity (genic expression of proinflammatory cytokines, such IL-1\u3b1 and IL-8). The obtained results highlight the innovation and originality of our approach in order to recover, worn-out plant matrices, new non toxic aqueous extracts enriched in watersoluble bioactives. Their antioxidant potential together with their null cytotoxicity assessed by means of in vitro studies confirm their interest as new eco-sustainable cosmeceutical and nutraceutical ingredients Taking into account several points of the Green Chemistry Principles in compliance with the 3R policy, this preliminary multidisciplinary project represents a useful tool for the industries involved in a Global Responsible Care Program

Cytostatic effects of increased lipoperoxide levels on malignant cells is dependent by ros-mediated modulation of angiogenesis and proliferation markers

Exposure to LOOHs shows to inhibit growth activity in 5637 and HECV cells. \u2022 In HECV exposed to CM from untreated 5637, prolifer ation rate resulted marked increased; exposure to CM derived from LOOH-treated 5637 (CM LOOH) evidenced a significant reduction of HECV proliferation. \u2022 Underlying the growth inhibitory effect of LOOHs on 5637 cells, APRIL protein expression evidenced a dose dependent decrease until 72 h. \u2022 \ub0 and TBARs levels, During LOOH treatments, 5637 and HECV evidenced an increase of both O as indexes of oxidative stress, in a time dependent way. 2 \u2022 In HECV exposed to CM LOOH, iNOS gene expression resulted decreased with time/dose dependent way. \u2022 5637 culture during LOOH treatments showed a significant reduction of VEGF and Hsp70 mRNA expressions. \u2022 In HECV CM LOOH, Hsp70 gene expression decreased significantly. \u2022 During exposure to LOOHs, 5637, HECV and HECV CM LOOH evidenced a time-dose constant increase cleavage of PARP. These preliminary data suggest that LOOH exposure may exhibit different effects on cancer and normal cell proliferation. In our experimental model, LOOH growth inhibitory activity seems to be related to reduction of proliferation and angiogenic markers, such as APRIL, iNOS, Hsp70 and VEGF