U.V.A.C. MONITORING OF HEAVY METALS IN CONTROLLED MILK AND ITS PRODUCTS IN TURIN DURING 2007

The contamination of food by chemical is a worldwide public health concern and is a leading cause of trade problems internationally. Contamination may occur through environmental pollution of air, water and soil, such as heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Fe, Hg, Pb), PCB and dioxins, or through the intentional use of various pesticides and other agrochemicals. The AA controlled, during 2007, 26 samples of milk, 2 samples of dessert and 32 samples of cheese coming from UE to the area of the City of Turin. The collected demonstrate that the environmental situation is under control and the milk, dessert and cheese fully satisfy this health requisite

Microscopy and image analysis based approaches for the species-specific identification of bovine and swine bone containing material

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of image analysis measurements in combination with the official analytical method for the detection of constituents of animal origin in feedstuffs, in distinguishing between bovine and swine (bone containing) material. Authentic samples of controlled origin containing bovine or swine meat and bone meals were analysed by the microscopic method, in accordance with the official analytical method. Sediment fractions of each sample were observed with a compound microscope at X40. A total of 362 bone fragment lacunae images were recorded and processed through image analysis software, deriving 30 geometric variables for each lacuna. Results indicated that not only were most variables significantly (P<0.001) different between bovine and swine samples, but also that two thirds of the same variables were bigger in bovine than in swine. This information, however, does not seem to be so effective in practice since bovine and swine features and measurements overlapped. It can be concluded that the microscopic method even when combined with image analysis does not fit all the requirements for accurately identifying prohibited ingredients of animal origin. A combined approach with other methods is therefore recommended

Weight regain after a diet-induced loss is predicted by higher baseline leptin and lower ghrelin plasma levels

CONTEXT: Appetite-related hormones may play an important role in weight regain after obesity therapy. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to investigate the potential involvement of ghrelin, leptin, and insulin plasma levels in weight regain after a therapeutic hypocaloric diet. DESIGN: A group of obese/overweight volunteers (49 women and 55 men; 35 ± 7 yr; 30.7 ± 2.4 kg/m(2)) followed an 8-wk hypocaloric diet (-30% energy expenditure) and were evaluated again 32 wk after treatment. Body weight as well as plasma fasting ghrelin, leptin, and insulin concentrations were measured at three points (wk 0, 8, and 32). RESULTS: After the 8-wk hypocaloric diet, the average weight loss was -5.0 ± 2.2% (P < 0.001). Plasma leptin and insulin concentrations decreased significantly, whereas ghrelin levels did not markedly change. In the group regaining more than 10% of the weight loss, leptin levels were higher (P < 0.01), whereas ghrelin levels were lower (P < 0.05). No differences were observed in insulin levels. Weight regain at wk 32 was negatively correlated with ghrelin and positively associated with leptin levels at baseline (wk 0) and endpoint (wk 8). These outcomes showed a gender-specific influence, being statistically significant among men for ghrelin and between women for leptin. Moreover, a decrease in ghrelin after an 8-wk hypocaloric diet was related to an increased risk for weight regain (odds ratio = 3.109; P = 0.008) whereas a greater reduction in leptin (odds ratio = 0.141; P = 0.001) was related to weight-loss maintenance. CONCLUSIONS: Subjects with higher plasma leptin and lower ghrelin levels at baseline could be more prone to regain lost weight, and hormones levels could be proposed as biomarkers for predicting obesity-treatment outcomes

HEAVY METALS CONTAMINATION IN FISH OF THE LIGURIAN SEA

Aim of this investigation was to evaluate heavy metals contamination (mercury, cadmium and lead) in fish and shellfish from Ligurian Sea. 58 muscle samples (45 fish and 13 shellfish) were collected and analyzed. 20 samples exceeded the maximum residue limits (MRLs) set by regulation for mercury (16 fish and 4 shellfish samples), while only one fish sample was not consistent with the MRL for lead. Therefore, 35,8% of Ligurian fishing turned out to be not adequate and potentially harmful for consumers. In order to estimate the real risk for human health it is necessary to enforce this study, correlating the results with fish species and with the effective fish consumption

POLYCICLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBON CONTAMINATION IN WELS CATFISH (SILURUS GLANIS) CAUGHT IN THE PO RIVER BASIN

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POLYCICLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBON CONTAMINATION IN WELS CATFISH (SILURUS GLANIS) CAUGHT IN THE PO RIVER BASIN

Aim of this investigation was to evaluate IPA contamination in samples of Silurus glanis caught in Po river. N. 54 muscle samples were collected and analyzed. Five samples exceeded the maximum limit set by CE Regulation 1881/2006 for Benzo(a)pirene. Therefore, 10% of Silurus fished turned out to be not adequate and potentially harmful for consumers. In order to estimate the real risk for human health it is necessary to enforce this study, correlating the results with the effective fish consumption

Interplay of atherogenic factors, protein intake and betatrophin levels in obese–metabolic syndrome patients treated with hypocaloric diets

The present research evaluated circulating betatrophin levels in obese patients with metabolic syndrome features under energy-restricted weight-loss programs and in normal weight in order to stablish the putative interplay between the levels of this hormone, diet and metabolic risk factors linked to obesity and associated comorbidities

HEAVY METALS IN HONEY FROM PIEDMONT (ITALY)

Honey may be viewed as an environmental marker and can be an helpful tool to assess heavy metals contamination. In 2007-2009 we conducted a first screening on honey samples from Piedmont Region to evaluate Cadmium, Chromium and Lead content. Cd and Cr levels resulted lower than LOQ, while Pb levels, even if not concerning, are to keep under control