American ginseng suppresses inflammation and DNA damage associated with mouse colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a dynamic, idiopathic, chronic inflammatory condition associated with a high colon cancer risk. American ginseng has antioxidant properties and targets many of the players in inflammation. The aim of this study was to test whether American ginseng extract prevents and treats colitis. Colitis in mice was induced by the presence of 1% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in the drinking water or by 1% oxazolone rectally. American ginseng extract was mixed in the chow at levels consistent with that currently consumed by humans as a supplement (75 p.p.m., equivalent to 58 mg daily). To test prevention of colitis, American ginseng extract was given prior to colitis induction. To test treatment of colitis, American ginseng extract was given after the onset of colitis. In vitro studies were performed to examine mechanisms. Results indicate that American ginseng extract not only prevents but it also treats colitis. Inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 (markers of inflammation) and p53 (induced by inflammatory stress) are also downregulated by American ginseng. Mucosal and DNA damage associated with colitis is at least in part a result of an oxidative burst from overactive leukocytes. We therefore tested the hypothesis that American ginseng extract can inhibit leukocyte activation and subsequent epithelial cell DNA damage in vitro and in vivo. Results are consistent with this hypothesis. The use of American ginseng extract represents a novel therapeutic approach for the prevention and treatment of UC

At-a-Glance - Furanyl-fentanyl overdose events caused by smoking contaminated crack cocaine - British Columbia, Canada, July 15-18, 2016

nul

Aperçu - Surdoses de furanyl-fentanyl causées par l'usage de crack contaminé — Colombie-Britannique (Canada), 15 au 18 juillet 2016

nul

Histamine food poisonings: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACTObjective: The aim of this study was to assess the mean of histamine concentration in food poisoning.Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis of reports published between 1959 and 2013.Study selection: Main criteria for inclusion of studies were: all report types that present outbreaks of "histamine poisoning' or "scombroid syndrome" from food, including histamine content and type of food. Health status of people involved must be nonpathological.Results: Fifty-five (55) reports were included, these studies reported 103 incidents. All pooled analyses were based on random effect model; histamine mean concentration in poisoning samples was 1107.21 mg/kg with confidence interval for the meta-mean of 422.62–2900.78 mg/kg; heterogeneity index (I2) was 100% (P < 0.0001); prediction interval was 24.12–50822.78 mg/kg. Fish involved in histamine poisoning was mainly tuna or Istiophoridae species. No clues of association between concomitant conditions (female sex, alcohol consumption, previous medication,..