Lithium therapy effects on the reproductive system

The chemical properties of lithium (Li) make it an extremely active substance in the body. It is active in the form of Li+ ion, so all salts have the same pharmacological action. Li salts are used to treat manic-depressive disorders (bipolar affective disorders), depressive manic symptoms that include hurried speech, hyperactivity, little need for sleep, aggression, and cholera. Li is a mood stabilizer and reduces extreme behaviors by restoring the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain. The modifications of the cAMP signaling pathway, alterations in the phosphoinositol pathway, variations in the availability of GABA and glutamate are some described mechanisms of action of Li to achieve its antimanic and mood stabilizing effects. Thus, lithium exerts modifications on the circadian rhythm, neurotransmission processes in the central nervous system, and neuroendocrine functions.Li therapies have benefits that have not yet been overtaken by other drugs. However, there is also some resistance to using these drugs, partly due to the lack of knowledge of the real impact of its adverse effects although some of them are reversible with the discontinuation of treatment. However, less known and more controversial are the toxic effects of lithium therapy on the reproductive system and, therefore, on human sexual functions. Studies in human and laboratory animals on the effects of Li have demonstrated significant effects on the functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary gonadal axis. Therefore, this ion may alter human reproduction.Fil: Filippa, Veronica Palmira. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - San Luis; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de San Luis. Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia. Departamento de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas; ArgentinaFil: Mohamed, Fabian Heber. Universidad Nacional de San Luis. Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia. Departamento de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas; Argentin

Methods for Seafood Authenticity Testing in Europe

56 pages, 5 figuresSeafood authenticity is a key parameter for seafood quality, particularly in Europe where regulations provide a strict framework for seafood labeling. A wide variety of methods are commonly used in control laboratories (private or public) to identify seafood species, but emergent approaches for the development of new and fast DNA- and protein-based methods for species differentiation are also considered. To address the challenges in controlling further labeling requirements in the latest European legislation on seafood product traceability and labeling (Regulation (EU) 1379/2013), a review of the development of methods to identify fishing areas and to distinguish between wild and farmed fish, as well as an overview of the advanced methods that could be used for differentiation of fresh and frozen-thawed fish, is given. These methods will become increasingly important in the near future as the risk-based control of food authenticity is prescribed by the new EU control regulation (Regulation (EU) 2017/625)N