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Australian Family Physician Jun 2016Recent media coverage has raised public awareness regarding the safety of sunscreens containing zinc (ZnO) and titanium (TiO2) nanoparticles. In Australia, the rates of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Recent media coverage has raised public awareness regarding the safety of sunscreens containing zinc (ZnO) and titanium (TiO2) nanoparticles. In Australia, the rates of skin cancer are among the highest in the world, and sunscreen is a commonly used protective agent against harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. General practitioners (GPs) commonly manage skin cancer and may be faced with questions from patients regarding the safety of sunscreens.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this article is to explain the role of nanoparticles in sunscreen, clarify the results of the literature regarding safety, and provide GPs with knowledge to assist in sun-safety discussion with patients.
DISCUSSION
Current evidence suggests that the likelihood of harm from the use of sunscreens containing nanoparticles is low; however, further research into this area is required. Sunscreens have been proven to reduce rates of non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancers; hence, their use in prevention should be encouraged.
Topics: General Practice; Humans; Metal Nanoparticles; Skin Neoplasms; Sunscreening Agents; Titanium; Zinc Oxide
PubMed: 27622230
DOI: No ID Found -
Toxicology and Industrial Health Oct 2023Most of the literature has focused on titanium dioxide (TiO) nanoparticles (NPs) toxicity, showing the importance of oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and...
Most of the literature has focused on titanium dioxide (TiO) nanoparticles (NPs) toxicity, showing the importance of oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cell death in TiO-induced toxicity. For this purpose, in the current study, we investigated the protective role of antioxidant and mitochondrial/lysosomal protective agents to minimize TiO NPs-induced toxicity in human lymphocytes. Human lymphocytes were obtained from heathy individuals and treated with different concentrations (80, 160, and 320 µg/mL) of TiO NPs, and then human lymphocytes preincubated with butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), cyclosporin A (CsA), and chloroquine separately were exposed to TiO NPs for 6 h. In all the above-mentioned treated groups, adverse parameters such as cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), lysosomal membrane destabilization, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) were measured. The results showed that TiO nanoparticles induced cytotoxicity through ROS formation, MMP collapse, lysosomal damages, depletion of GSH, and lipid peroxidation. However, BHT as an antioxidant, CsA as a mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) pore sealing agent, and chloroquine as a lysosomotropic agent, significantly inhibited all the TiO NPs-induced cellular and organelle toxicities. Thus, it seems that antioxidant and mitochondrial/lysosomal protective agents are promising preventive strategies against TiO NPs-induced toxicity.
Topics: Humans; Antioxidants; Reactive Oxygen Species; Protective Agents; Lysosomes; Mitochondria; Glutathione; Chloroquine; Lymphocytes; Nanoparticles
PubMed: 37593903
DOI: 10.1177/07482337231196293 -
International Journal of Radiation... 2023With the development of nuclear technology and radiotherapy, the risk of radiation injury has been increasing. Therefore, it is important to find an effective...
PURPOSE
With the development of nuclear technology and radiotherapy, the risk of radiation injury has been increasing. Therefore, it is important to find an effective radiation-protective agent. In this study, we designed and synthesized a novel compound called compound , of which the radioprotective effect and mechanism were studied.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Before being exposed to ionizing radiation, mice were pretreated with compound . The 30-day mortality assay, hematoxylin-eosin staining, and immunohistochemistry staining assay were performed to evaluate the anti-radiation effect of the compound . TUNEL and immunofluorescence assays were conducted to study the anti-radiation mechanism of compound .
RESULTS
Compared to the IR + vehicle group, the 30-day survival rate of mice treated with 25 mg/kg of compound was significantly improved after 8 Gy total body irradiation. In the morphological study of the small intestine, we found that compound could maintain crypt-villus structures in the irradiated mice. Further immunohistochemical staining displayed that compound could improve the survival of Lgr5 cells, ki67 cells, and lysozyme cells. The results of TUNEL and immunofluorescence assays showed that compound could decrease the expression of apoptosis-related caspase-8/-9, γ-H2AX, Bax, and p53.
CONCLUSIONS
These results indicate that compound exerts its effects by maintaining structure and function of small intestine. It also reduces DNA damage, promotes crypt proliferation and differentiation. Moreover, it may enhance the anti-apoptotic ability of small intestinal tissue by inhibiting the activation of p53 and blocking the caspase cascade reaction. Compound can protect the intestinal tract from post-radiation damage, it is thus a new and effective protective agent of radiation.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53; Radiation Injuries, Experimental; Intestine, Small; Intestinal Mucosa; Radiation, Ionizing; Radiation-Protective Agents; Apoptosis; Mice, Inbred C57BL
PubMed: 35583501
DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2022.2074163 -
Journal of Radiological Protection :... Feb 2022Radioprotectors are agents that have the potential to act against radiation damage to cells. These are equally invaluable in radiation protection, both in intentional... (Review)
Review
Radioprotectors are agents that have the potential to act against radiation damage to cells. These are equally invaluable in radiation protection, both in intentional and unintentional radiation exposure. It is however, complex to use a universal radioprotector that could be beneficial in diverse contexts such as in radiotherapy, nuclear accidents, and space travel, as each of these circumstances have unique requirements. In a clinical setting such as in radiotherapy, a radioprotector is used to increase the efficacy of cancer treatment. The protective agent must act against radiation damage selectively in normal healthy cells while enhancing the radiation damage imparted on cancer cells. In the context of radiotherapy, plant-based compounds offer a more reliable solution over synthetic ones as the former are less expensive, less toxic, possess synergistic phytochemical activity, and are environmentally friendly. Phytochemicals with both radioprotective and anticancer properties may enhance the treatment efficacy by two-fold. Hence, plant based radioprotective agents offer a promising field to progress forward, and to expand the boundaries of radiation protection. This review is an account on radioprotective properties of phytochemicals and complications encountered in the development of the ideal radioprotector to be used as an adjunct in radiotherapy.
Topics: Plants; Radiation Exposure; Radiation Protection; Radiation-Protective Agents
PubMed: 35130534
DOI: 10.1088/1361-6498/ac5295 -
Molecular Biology Reports Dec 2023Neurological disorders result in not only a decline in the quality of life of patients but also a global economic burden. Therefore, protective medicine becomes more...
BACKGROUND
Neurological disorders result in not only a decline in the quality of life of patients but also a global economic burden. Therefore, protective medicine becomes more important for society. MK-801 is a chemical agent used to understand the etiology of behavioral disorders and brain degeneration in animal models. This study aims to determine whether N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is useful to treat brain degeneration caused by MK-801, an N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamate receptor antagonist.
METHODS AND RESULTS
Four groups were formed by dividing 24 male BALB/c mice into groups of six. The control group was given a saline solution (10 ml/kg-i.p.). MK-801 (1 mg/kg-i.p.) was given alone to one group, and it was given with NAC (100 mg/kg-i.p.) to another group, while the last group was given only NAC (100 mg/kg-i.p.). The administration of drugs lasted for fourteen days. After the behavioral tests (open field and elevated plus-maze), all animals were euthanised, and brain tissues were collected for real-time PCR, TAS-TOS analysis, hematoxylin-eosin, Kluver-Barrera, and TUNEL staining. In the MK-801 group, besides nuclear shrinkage in neurons, glial cell infiltration, vacuolization in cortical neurons, white matter damage, and apoptosis were observed.
CONCLUSION
In the mice given NAC as a protective agent, it was observed that behavioral problems improved, antioxidant levels increased, and nuclear shrinkage, glial cell infiltration, vacuolization in neurons, and white matter degeneration were prevented. Moreover, MBP expression increased, and the number of TUNEL-positive cells significantly decreased. As a result, it was observed that NAC may have a protective effect against brain degeneration.
Topics: Humans; Mice; Animals; Male; Acetylcysteine; Dizocilpine Maleate; Quality of Life; Antioxidants; Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists; Protective Agents
PubMed: 37971568
DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08881-9 -
Critical Reviews in Eukaryotic Gene... 2018Over the past few decades, caffeine has been well recognized as a stimulant whose effects can be detected particularly in the central nervous system. A stimulating... (Review)
Review
Over the past few decades, caffeine has been well recognized as a stimulant whose effects can be detected particularly in the central nervous system. A stimulating effect of caffeine has been found useful in treating patients with many neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is reported to be a rapidly increasing public health problem with lack of a remedial treatment. However, the assumed protective effects of caffeine against AD are of huge interest. This study substantiates caffeine's role as a potential prevention agent against AD through several epidemiological studies. More than 75% of available study reports support the opinion that caffeine has a favorable effect against cognitive decline and AD. Moreover, other studies have discussed the effect of caffeine drinking and concluded several positive effects on cognitive functioning. The present study, however, focuses more on the potential mechanisms by which caffeine diminishes effects as well as delays the onset of AD.
Topics: Alzheimer Disease; Caffeine; Central Nervous System Stimulants; Cognitive Dysfunction; Humans; Protective Agents
PubMed: 29773015
DOI: 10.1615/CritRevEukaryotGeneExpr.2018021391 -
Drug and Chemical Toxicology Jul 2018Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Lauraceae) is a food additive greatly used for its taste. However, recently this medicinal plant has been brought to attention due to... (Review)
Review
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Lauraceae) is a food additive greatly used for its taste. However, recently this medicinal plant has been brought to attention due to its medical effects. Cinnamon has constituents such as cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid that offers some health benefits including antioxidant and free-radical scavenging properties, lowering of blood glucose, anti-cholesterolemic, analgesic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-yeast, anti-secretagogue, and anti-gastric ulcer effects. This review summarizes various in vitro and animal studies on the protective effects of cinnamon against natural and chemical toxins. These studies consider the antidotal and/or protective effects of cinnamon and its major constituents against natural toxins and chemical-induced toxicities. It has been mentioned that cinnamon and its main constituents can ameliorate the toxicity of chemical toxins in liver, kidney, blood, brain, embryo, reproductive system, heart, spleen in part through antioxidant effect, radical scavenging, reducing lipid peroxidation, anti-inflammatory, fungistatic and fungicidal activities, modulation of CK-MB, LDH, TNF-α, IL-6, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and nuclear factor-ĸB (NF-ĸB) signaling pathways.
Topics: Aflatoxin B1; Aflatoxins; Animals; Antidotes; Carbon Tetrachloride; Cinnamomum zeylanicum; Fumonisins; Humans; Lipopolysaccharides; Ochratoxins; Protective Agents
PubMed: 29319361
DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2017.1417995 -
International Journal of Molecular... Apr 2021Although ionizing radiation (radiation) is commonly used for medical diagnosis and cancer treatment, radiation-induced damages cannot be avoided. Such damages can be... (Review)
Review
Although ionizing radiation (radiation) is commonly used for medical diagnosis and cancer treatment, radiation-induced damages cannot be avoided. Such damages can be classified into direct and indirect damages, caused by the direct absorption of radiation energy into DNA and by free radicals, such as hydroxyl radicals (•OH), generated in the process of water radiolysis. More specifically, radiation damage concerns not only direct damages to DNA, but also secondary damages to non-DNA targets, because low-dose radiation damage is mainly caused by these indirect effects. Molecular hydrogen (H) has the potential to be a radioprotective agent because it can selectively scavenge •OH, a reactive oxygen species with strong oxidizing power. Animal experiments and clinical trials have reported that H exhibits a highly safe radioprotective effect. This paper reviews previously reported radioprotective effects of H and discusses the mechanisms of H, not only as an antioxidant, but also in intracellular responses including anti-inflammation, anti-apoptosis, and the regulation of gene expression. In doing so, we demonstrate the prospects of H as a novel and clinically applicable radioprotective agent.
Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Cognitive Dysfunction; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Gene Expression Regulation; Humans; Hydrogen; Immune System; Male; Neoplasms; Quality of Life; Radiation Injuries; Radiation-Protective Agents; Skin; Spermatozoa
PubMed: 33925430
DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094566 -
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology : JDD Sep 2018Melatonin is an endogenous hormone commonly associated with regulation of sleep. However, over the last two decades, research has elucidated a range of effects... (Review)
Review
Melatonin is an endogenous hormone commonly associated with regulation of sleep. However, over the last two decades, research has elucidated a range of effects associated with the compound, including anti-inflammatory, both direct and indirect antioxidant activity, tissue regenerative benefits, and preservation of mitochondrial function. Melatonin's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant support, coupled with its mitochondrial support, make it an intriguing target for use to support skin health. Human skin and hair follicles express functional melatonin receptors. They also engage in substantial melatonin synthesis. By supporting cutaneous homeostasis, melatonin and its metabolites are thought to attenuate carcinogenesis and possibly other pathological processes, including hyperproliferative/inflammatory conditions. The primary extrinsic driver of aging has been considered to be exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, which is well-established to contribute to sunburn, immunosuppression, skin aging, and carcinogenesis. Topically applied melatonin has been shown to reduce markers of reactive oxygen species formation and to reverse signs of skin aging. As the global population continues to age, photo-damage remains a significant cutaneous concern. While use of sunscreens and UV avoidance strategies are essential to mitigate skin cancer risks, the potential to protect the skin and improve the appearance of photo-damage through the use of topical antioxidant support is appealing. The evidence suggests that melatonin deserves consideration for topical use as an anti-aging and skin protective agent. It is shown to be both safe and effective when topically applied. J Drugs Dermatol. 2018;17(8):966-969.
Topics: Administration, Cutaneous; Antioxidants; Humans; Melatonin; Skin Aging; Sunscreening Agents
PubMed: 30235383
DOI: No ID Found -
Drug and Chemical Toxicology May 2020Biological and chemical agents cause dangerous effects on human health via different exposing ways. Recently, herbal medicine is considered as a biological and safe... (Review)
Review
Biological and chemical agents cause dangerous effects on human health via different exposing ways. Recently, herbal medicine is considered as a biological and safe treatment for toxicities. (milk thistle), belongs to the Asteraceae family, possesses different effects such as hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic activities. Several studies have demonstrated that this plant has protective properties against toxic agents. Herein, the protective effects of and its main component, silymarin, which is the mixture of flavonolignans including silibinin, silydianin and silychristin acts against different biological (mycotoxins, snake venoms, and bacterial toxins) and chemical (metals, fluoride, pesticides, cardiotoxic, neurotoxic, hepatotoxic, and nephrotoxic agents) poisons have been summarized. This review reveals that main protective effects of milk thistle and its components are attributed to radical scavenging, anti-oxidative, chelating, anti-apoptotic properties, and regulating the inflammatory responses.
Topics: Animals; Antidotes; Apoptosis; Chelating Agents; Free Radical Scavengers; Humans; Silybum marianum; Plant Extracts; Protective Agents
PubMed: 30033764
DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2018.1485687