Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

Cureus 2018 Nov 1;10(11):e3534. Epub 2018 Nov 1.

Pulmonology and Critical Care, Abington Hospital - Jefferson Health, Abington, USA.

Patients admitted with the presumed coingestion of beta-blockers (BBs) and calcium channel blockers (CCBs) should be initially managed in accordance with standardized resuscitation protocols (the airway, breathing, and circulation (ABC) approach). Additionally, more specific interventions should be promptly attempted. Intravenous glucagon and calcium salts have long been used in the treatment of BB and CCB toxicities. Read More

JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2018 Dec 29;4(12):1491-1500. Epub 2018 Aug 29.

Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Cardio-Oncology Program, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.

Ibrutinib, a novel and potent Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for a variety of B-cell lymphomas. However, its use is associated with an increased incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF), ranging from 4% to 16%. We reviewed the original clinical trials that led to the approval of ibrutinib, as well as several other prospective and retrospective studies, to better appreciate the incidence of ibrutinib-associated AF. Read More

Toxins (Basel) 2018 Dec 12;10(12). Epub 2018 Dec 12.

Postgraduate Program in Genetics and Applied Toxicology, Lutheran University of Brazil, Canoas, RS 92425⁻900, Brazil.

Phα1β, a purified peptide from the venom of the spider , and its recombinant form CTK 01512-2 are voltage-dependent calcium channel (Ca) blockers of types N, R, /Q, and L with a preference for type N. These peptides show analgesic action in different pain models in rats. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute intrathecal toxicity of the native and recombinant Phα1β toxin in Wistar rats. Read More

Hum Exp Toxicol 2018 Dec 9:960327118817099. Epub 2018 Dec 9.

Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt.

Liver is a precious organ to maintain body life. Hepatotoxicity is a worldwide health problem that is still a challenge for research. Although countless pharmaceutical drugs and herbal compounds were screened for their hepatoprotective effects, the death from hepatotoxicity is increasing. Read More

J Biol Chem 2018 Nov 30. Epub 2018 Nov 30.

Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences,, Hokkaido University, Japan.

Venomous snakes have endogenous proteins that neutralize the toxicity of their venom components. We previously identified five small serum proteins (SSP-1-SSP-5) from a highly venomous snake belonging to the family Viperidae as inhibitors of various toxins from snake venom. The endogenous inhibitors belong to the prostate secretory protein of 94 amino acids (PSP94) family. Read More

Food Chem Toxicol 2019 Jan 25;123:337-348. Epub 2018 Oct 25.

University of Navarra, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition, E-31008, Pamplona, Spain; IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, E-31008, Pamplona, Spain. Electronic address:

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a potent rodent nephrocarcinogen; being males more sensitive than females. The objective was to study the response between sexes at gene expression level (whole genome transcriptomics) in kidneys of F344 rats treated with 0.21 or 0. Read More

Food Chem Toxicol 2019 Jan 11;123:374-384. Epub 2018 Nov 11.

Key Laboratory of Post-Harvest Handling of Fruits, Ministry of Agriculture/ Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510650, China.

Ochratoxin A (OTA) and citrinin (CTN) are important mycotoxins, which often coexist in food and feed stuff. In this study, individual and combinative cytotoxicity of OTA and CTN were tested in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells via MTT assay, and synergistic cytotoxic effects were found following co-treatment with OTA and CTN, manifested by significant accumulation of HEK293 cells in S and G2/M stages. Transcriptomic and sRNA sequencing were performed to explore molecular signatures mediating individual or combinative cytotoxicity. Read More

Reproduction 2018 Dec;156(6):463-476

Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.

For artificial insemination (AI) to be successful, it is essential that sperm delivery be perfectly timed relative to ovulation, as sperm lifespan is limited due to oxidative metabolism induced by capacitation. Extending the window of sperm capacitation could therefore increase sperm lifespan, prolong sperm-fertilizing competence and increase AI efficiency. Hyperpolarization of sperm is a crucial step in capacitation and is induced by activation of the potassium calcium-activated channel subfamily U member 1 (KCNU1, also named Slo3 or KSper). Read More

Toxicon 2018 Dec 3;156:23-27. Epub 2018 Nov 3.

College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Construction of Functional Molecules and Their Bioanalytical Applications, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China. Electronic address:

Deoxynivalenol (DON), Fumonisin B (FB) and Aflatoxin B (AFB) have strong toxicity to humans and exist widely in grain and food. It is necessary to screen these mycotoxins to guarantee food safety. In order to develop a rapid, simple, low-cost and simultaneous-detection method, composites of antibody-nano-Au-particles, DON-BSA, FB-BSA, and AFB-BSA were prepared to establish a lateral flow assay based on competitive inhibition. Read More

Drug Dev Res 2018 Nov 5. Epub 2018 Nov 5.

Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico.

Preclinical Research & Development Previously, we described tracheal rat rings relaxation by several flavonoids, being 6-hydroxyflavone (6-HOF) the most active derivative of the series. Thus, its mechanism of action was determined in an ex vivo tracheal rat ring bioassay. The anti-asthmatic effect was assayed in in vivo OVAlbumin (OVA)-sensitized guinea pigs. Read More

Clin Case Rep 2018 Oct 30;6(10):1982-1988. Epub 2018 Aug 30.

Emergency and Critical Care Department BluePearl Veterinary Partners New York New York.

Lamotrigine is a sodium and calcium channel blocker, used to treat seizures in people. Dogs metabolize Lamotrigine to a cardiotoxic metabolite that causes severe, often fatal ventricular arrhythmias. This report documents the successful treatment of refractory Lamotrigine cardiotoxicity in a dog, using intralipid emulsion therapy. Read More

Clin Pharmacokinet 2018 Sep 27. Epub 2018 Sep 27.

Department of Pharmacy, Radboud university medical center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.

Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are known victims (substrate) and perpetrators (cause) of drug-drug interactions (DDIs). These DAAs are used for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections and are highly effective drugs. Drugs used for cardiovascular risk management are frequently used by HCV-infected patients, whom also are treated with DAAs. Read More

Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018 Nov 24;235(11):3339-3350. Epub 2018 Sep 24.

Department of Physiology, University of Saskatchewan, GD30.7, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada.

Rationale: Currently available antipsychotics are unsatisfactory given their side effects and limited efficacy for the cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia. Many currently available drugs, such as haloperidol, are T-type calcium channel antagonists in addition to their well-established antagonism of dopamine D2 receptors. Thus, preclinical research into the effects of T-type calcium channel antagonists/blockers in behavioral assays related to schizophrenia may inform novel therapeutic strategies. Read More

Biocontrol Sci 2018 ;23(3):85-96

Faculty of Environment Engineering, University of Kitakyushu.

Studies have reported that cell density, ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, and redox reactions, can induce bioluminescence in bacteria. Conversely, the relationship between seawater components and luminescence is not well understood. The efficacy of marine luminous bacteria as biosensors, and their reactivity to fungicides (for example postharvest pesticides) are also unknown. Read More

J Clin Neurophysiol 2018 Nov;35(6):515-517

Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.A.

EEG triphasic waves are usually seen in the setting of metabolic encephalopathies, but may also occur secondary to medication toxicity. There are few reports of medications causing continuous triphasic waves, and only rare reports in the literature show an association between these discharges and pregabalin toxicity. Here, we describe triphasic waves in a patient with underlying white matter lesions, as well as pregabalin toxicity, secondary to renal insufficiency. Read More

Pharm Nanotechnol 2018 ;6(2):116-123

Chemical Engineering Department, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, United States.

Background: Patients undergoing chemotherapy can develop resistance not only to the administered drug, but also to many other unrelated types of drugs, a phenomenon known as multidrug resistance. One of the most common mechanisms of multidrug resistance is an elevated expression of drug efflux pumps. Codelivery of an efflux pump inhibitor with a chemotherapeutic can increase the killing of multidrug-resistant cancer cells. Read More

Pflugers Arch 2018 Sep 11. Epub 2018 Sep 11.

Laboratory of Electrophysiology and Muscular Contraction, Superior Institute of Biomedical Sciences, State University of Ceará, Campus of Itaperi, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.

1,8-Cineole is a cyclic monoterpenoid used in folk medicine for treatment of numerous respiratory diseases and other infections. 1,8-Cineole has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and myorelaxant effects, as well as low toxicity. In the present study, the effects of 1,8-cineole on contractility and voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC) in tracheal smooth muscle were investigated. Read More

AAPS PharmSciTech 2018 Oct 5;19(7):3228-3236. Epub 2018 Sep 5.

Pharmacy School, Jinzhou Medical University, 40 Songpo Road, Linghe District, Jinzhou, 121000, Liaoning Province, China.

In this study, mesoporous SnO (MSn) with a three-dimensional mesoporous structure was prepared using MCM-48 as the template in order to increase the oral bioavailability and dissolution rate of insoluble drugs. The model drug, nitrendipine (NDP), was loaded into the MSn by the adsorption method. The structural features of MSn were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and N adsorption (desorption) analysis. Read More

Food Chem Toxicol 2018 Nov 1;121:374-386. Epub 2018 Sep 1.

Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 4404 Nydalen, NO-0403 Oslo, Norway.

Post-smolt Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) were fed with standard feed added one of five concentrations of either pure deoxynivalenol (DON; 0.5-6 mg/kg) or pure ochratoxin A (OTA; 0.2-2. Read More

Int J Biol Macromol 2018 Dec 28;120(Pt A):683-692. Epub 2018 Aug 28.

College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Nutritional and Metabolic Disorders in Domestic Animals and Fowls, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, Jiangsu Province, China. Electronic address:

Recent studies have highlighted the immune stress caused by ochratoxin A (OTA), but little attention was paid to its alleviation. In the present study, the protective effects of astragalus polysaccharide (APS) against OTA-induced immune stress in vitro and in vivo and its mechanism/(s) involved were investigated. The in vitro results showed that APS (20 μg/ml) induced a significant decrease in cytotoxicity, apoptosis and pro-inflammatory cytokine expressions elevated by OTA (1. Read More

Phytomedicine 2018 Aug 18;47:174-183. Epub 2018 Apr 18.

Cardiovascular Research Group; Department of Pharmacy, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, University Road, Abbottabad, KPK 22060, Pakistan. Electronic address:

Background: Calamintha vulgaris L., has been used medicinally in the management hypertension.

Purpose: To investigate the antihypertensive mechanisms of extract of C. Read More

BMJ Case Rep 2018 Aug 27;2018. Epub 2018 Aug 27.

Emergency Department, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.

Cardiovascular instability associated with calcium channel blocker toxicity comprises a small percentage of overdose presentations, yet they are associated with a high mortality rate. We detail the management of a 64-year-old man who took an intentional overdose of 840 mg nimodipine. We include the treatment he received and highlight the scarcity of evidence behind the use of gastric decontamination, calcium, glucagon, intravenous lipid emulsion, high-dose insulin therapy, sodium bicarbonate, vasopressors and methylene blue in calcium channel blocker toxicity. Read More

Pharmacotherapy 2018 Nov 4;38(11):1130-1142. Epub 2018 Oct 4.

Purdue University College of Pharmacy, West Lafayette, Indiana.

Both calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and β blockers (BBs) are associated with fatal substance exposures within the United States. Cases of overdose with these agents have the potential to be both complex and difficult to manage. A variety of pharmacologic treatment options are available for clinicians to use to help mitigate harm from these poisonings. Read More

Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2018 Nov 21;48(6):943-957. Epub 2018 Aug 21.

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, 1717 South Philo Road, Suite 36, Urbana, IL 61802, USA. Electronic address:

The widespread use and availability of calcium channel blockers in human and veterinary medicine pose a risk for inadvertent pet exposure to these medications. Clinical signs of toxicosis can be delayed by many hours after exposure, with lethargy, hypotension, and cardiac rhythm changes as the predominant signs. Prompt decontamination and aggressive treatment using a variety of modalities may be necessary to treat patients exposed to calcium channel blockers. Read More

J Toxicol Sci 2018 ;43(8):493-506

Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

We used motion field imaging to characterize the conduction and contraction of a sheet of cardiomyocytes derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPS-CMs). A hiPS-CMs sheet of 2.8 mm × 2. Read More

Environ Toxicol Chem 2018 Nov;37(11):2835-2850

Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA.

Water resources in many arid to semi-arid regions are stressed by population growth and drought. Growing populations and climatic changes are influencing contaminant and water chemistry dynamics in urban inland waters, where flows can be dominated by, or even dependent on, wastewater effluent discharge. In these watersheds, interacting stressors such as dissolved oxygen and environmental contaminants (e. Read More

J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2018 Dec;33(1):1181-1193

a Laboratório de Avaliação e Síntese de Substâncias Bioativas (LASSBio®), Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas , Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil.

In this study, we synthesized a new congener series of N-sulphonylhydrazones designed as candidate ROCK inhibitors using the molecular hybridization of the clinically approved drug fasudil (1) and the IKK-β inhibitor LASSBio-1524 (2). Among the synthesized compounds, the N-methylated derivative 11 (LASSBio-2065) showed the best inhibitory profile for both ROCK isoforms, with IC values of 3.1 and 3. Read More

Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2018 10 22;391(10):1147-1156. Epub 2018 Jul 22.

Laboratory of Animal Biology, National Institute for Research and Development for Biology and Animal Nutrition, Calea Bucuresti no. 1, Balotesti, 077015, Ilfov, Romania.

Ochratoxin A (OTA) and aristolochic acid (AA) are toxins that can frequently contaminate cereals and cereals-based products. The present study has realized a comparison between the effect of OTA and AA on oxidative stress and inflammation in both the liver and kidney of pigs as major organs involved in the metabolism of xenobiotics. Fifteen pigs (five pigs/group) were randomly distributed in three groups (control, OTA, and AA) and were fed diets contaminated or not with 250 μg toxin/kg for 28 days. Read More

AAPS PharmSciTech 2018 Oct 20;19(7):2961-2970. Epub 2018 Jul 20.

Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

The purpose of the current study was to develop a novel liposomal formulation to improve the oral bioavailability of carvedilol, a Biopharmaceutics Classification System class II with poor aqueous solubility and extensive presystemic metabolism. Conventional and various surfactant-enriched carvedilol-loaded liposomes were prepared by thin film hydration technique and physicochemical properties of liposomes (including size, encapsulation efficiency, release behavior, and morphology) were evaluated. To assess the oral bioavailability, in vivo studies were carried out in eight groups of male Wistar rats (n = 6) and the drug plasma concentration was determined. Read More

Talanta 2018 Oct 2;188:593-599. Epub 2018 Jun 2.

Key Laboratory of Interfacial Reaction & Sensing Analysis in Universities of Shandong, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, PR China.

The accurate and rapid ochratoxin A (OTA) detection at early stage can prevent people from getting cancer to a great extent due to its strong liver toxicity and renal toxicity. The development of an efficient strategy to detect OTA without sophisticated instruments is highly desired, but still remains a severe challenge. In this communication, a sandwich type point-of-care testing (POCT) immunoassay is developed for OTA detection. Read More

Mol Med Rep 2018 Sep 16;18(3):2551-2560. Epub 2018 Jul 16.

Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, P.R. China.

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin that is produced by fungi in improperly stored food and animal feed. It exhibits nephrotoxic, hepatotoxic, embryotoxic, teratogenic, neurotoxic, immunotoxic and carcinogenic effects in laboratory and farm animals. In the present study, the hepatotoxicity of OPA was investigated in chicken primary hepatocytes. Read More

Environ Pollut 2018 Nov 3;242(Pt A):500-506. Epub 2018 Jul 3.

Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Science, Pb. 8146 Dep, 0033, Oslo, Norway.

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by varieties of fungi that contaminate food and feed resources and are capable of inducing a wide range of toxicity. In the current study, we investigated developmental and behavioural toxicity in zebrafish larvae after exposure to six different mycotoxins; ochratoxin A (OTA), type A trichothecenes mycotoxin (T-2 toxin), type B trichothecenes mycotoxin (deoxynivalenol - DON), and zearalenone (ZEN) and its metabolites alpha-zearalenol (α-ZOL) and beta-zearalenol (β-ZOL). Developmental defects, hatching time, and survival were monitored until 96 h post fertilisation (hpf). Read More

Pharm Biol 2018 Dec;56(1):344-350

a Department of ICU , Shengli Oilfield Central Hospital , Dongying , China.

Context: Dihydromyricetin (DMY) has oxidation resistance, anti-inflammatory and free radical scavenging capabilities. The preventive effects of DMY for vascular hyporeactivity remain unclear.

Objective: This study investigates the preventive effects of DMY in vascular hyporeactivity. Read More

Biomed Pharmacother 2018 Oct 11;106:566-574. Epub 2018 Jul 11.

Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin-City, Nigeria.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a spectrum of metabolic disorders, arising from pathologic mechanisms, resulting in hyperglycaemia. Diabetes and hypertension frequently occur together and are leading risk factors for cardiovascular complications. This study examined the effects of amlodipine and valsartan on glibenclamide-treated streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Read More

Mycotoxin Res 2018 Nov 4;34(4):241-255. Epub 2018 Jul 4.

Bureau of Chemical Safety, Food Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0K9, Canada.

The presence of the mycotoxin ochratoxin A (OTA) in cereal grains is due to the growth of toxigenic Penicillium mold on stored crops. Human exposure to OTA is higher in infants, toddlers, and children than in adolescents and adults, based on exposure assessments of ng OTA consumed/kg body weight/day. Ochratoxin A is nephrotoxic and teratogenic in animals, but its effects on juveniles exposed during the reproduction and development period have not been studied. Read More

Environ Pollut 2018 Nov 21;242(Pt A):106-112. Epub 2018 Jun 21.

College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Nutritional and Metabolic Disorders in Domestic Animals and Fowls, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China. Electronic address:

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a frequent contaminant of feed and food worldwide. The toxicity of OTA on intestinal barrier was investigated in porcine intestinal epithelial cells (IPEC-J2). We observed that OTA induced intestinal barrier dysfunction as indicated by the reduction in transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and elevation in paracellular permeability to 4 kDa dextran. Read More

Molecules 2018 Jun 26;23(7). Epub 2018 Jun 26.

Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles iela 21, LV-1006 Riga, Latvia.

New amphiphilic 1,4-DHP derivative with remoted cationic moieties at positions 2 and 6 was synthesised to study DNA delivery activity. The results were compared with data obtained for cationic 1,4-DHP derivative , which is known to be the most efficient one among the previously tested 1,4-DHP amphiphiles. We analysed the effects of concentration, complexation media, and complex/cell contact time on the gene delivery effectiveness and cell viability. Read More

Life Sci 2018 Aug 22;207:436-441. Epub 2018 Jun 22.

Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Electronic address:

Aims: Clinical use of doxorubicin, an effective chemotherapeutic agent, has limited uses due to dose-dependent cardiac toxicity. It has been supposed that the production of free radicals and calcium ions overload can lead to cardiac toxicity. Magnesium is a cardioprotective drug which inhibits lipid peroxidation and reducing myocardial apoptosis. Read More

Int J Nanomedicine 2018 11;13:3411-3424. Epub 2018 Jun 11.

Department of Microbiological and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland.

Background: 1,4-Dihydropyridine (1,4-DHP) and its derivatives are well-known calcium channel blockers with antiarrhythmic and antihypertensive activities. These compounds exhibit pleiotropic effects including antimicrobial activities that rely on their positive charge and amphipathic nature. Use of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) as carriers of 1,4-DHP modulates their properties and enables improved formulations with higher efficacy and less toxicity. Read More

Alcohol Alcohol 2018 Sep;53(5):526-531

Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, 1 Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.

Aims: We have previously demonstrated that blockade of T-type calcium channels by the non-selective antagonist, ethosuximide (ETX), is effective at reducing electrographical and behavioral correlates of alcohol-withdrawal (WD) seizure. Here, we investigated whether blockade of these calcium channels with the selective antagonist TTA-P2 also reduces alcohol-WD seizure.

Short Summary: The non-specific T-type calcium channel antagonist, ETX, is protective against alcohol-WD seizure. Read More

Sensors (Basel) 2018 Jun 1;18(6). Epub 2018 Jun 1.

Institute for Clean Energy and Advanced Materials, Faculty of Materials and Energy, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.

A label-free sensing platform is developed based on switching the structure of aptamer for highly sensitive and selective fluorescence detection of ochratoxin A (OTA). OTA induces the structure of aptamer, transforms into G-quadruplex and produces strong fluorescence in the presence of zinc(II)-protoporphyrin IX probe due to the specific bind to G-quadruplex. The simple method exhibits high sensitivity towards OTA with a detection limit of 0. Read More

Cell Mol Neurobiol 2018 Aug 30;38(6):1315-1320. Epub 2018 May 30.

National Centre for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.

Curcumin is one of the major compounds contained in turmeric, the powdered rhizome of Curcuma longa. Results obtained in various experimental models indicate that curcumin has the potential to treat a large variety of neuronal diseases. Excitotoxicity, the toxicity due to pathological glutamate receptors stimulation, has been considered to be involved in several ocular pathologies including ischemia, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. Read More

J Agric Food Chem 2018 Jun 1;66(23):5913-5923. Epub 2018 Jun 1.

College of Veterinary Medicine , Nanjing Agricultural University , Nanjing 210095 , Jiangsu Province , China.

Our previous studies showed that aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA) could trigger joint immune toxicity. Little is known about the combined effects of selenomethionine (SeMet) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on the joint toxicities of the two toxins. In this study, results showed that SeMet or NAC alone or in combination significantly alleviated the downswing of cell viability, glutathione production, and phagorytosis induced by AFB1 and OTA in porcine alveolar macrophages. Read More

Environ Pollut 2018 Oct 21;241:1-8. Epub 2018 May 21.

Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy; INBB, Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi, Consorzio Interuniversitario, 00136, Rome, Italy. Electronic address:

DiNP (Di-isononyl phthalate) has been recently introduced as DEHP (Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate) substitute and due to its chemical properties, DiNP is commonly used in a large variety of plastic items. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a lipid signaling system involved in a plethora of physiological pathways including the control of the reproductive and metabolic processes. In this study, the effects of DiNP on the ECS of zebrafish (male and female) gonads were analyzed. Read More

Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2018 Sep 16;315(3):F572-F582. Epub 2018 May 16.

Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut , Beirut , Lebanon.

Nephrotoxicity is a serious side effect for the immunosuppressant drug cyclosporine A(CSA). In this study, we tested the hypothesis that administration of calcium channel blockers such as verapamil or nifedipine ameliorates renal CSA-induced renal dysfunction. Furthermore, our study investigates the roles of inflammatory, oxidative, and fibrotic pathways in CSA-induced renal dysfunction. Read More

J Sci Food Agric 2018 Dec 25;98(15):5785-5794. Epub 2018 Jun 25.

Food Hygiene and Safety, Meat and Meat Products Research Institute, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain.

Background: Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin produced by several species of Aspergillus and Penicillium fungi. The presence of OTA in raisins is mainly related to black Aspergillus spp. contamination. Read More

Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue 2017 Aug;23(8):757-762

School of Animal Science and Technology / Research Institute of Reproductive Health, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong 266109, China.

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is found not only nephrotoxic, teratogenic, neurotoxic, and immunotoxic, but also reprotoxic for human and animals. In the recent decade, more attention has been paid to the impact of OTA on human reproduction and the studies of its underlying mechanisms. Many studies show that OTA affects the function of the reproductive system by acting as an endocrine disrupter and, as a testicular toxin, decreases sperm quality and even induces testis cancer. Read More

Food Chem Toxicol 2018 Jun 22;116(Pt B):379-387. Epub 2018 Apr 22.

University of Navarra, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition, c/Irunlarrea 1, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Spain. Electronic address:

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin considered the most powerful renal carcinogen in rodents and classified as a possible human carcinogen. Though its mechanism of action is still unknown, indirect DNA reactivity mediated by oxidative stress has been hypothesized to play an important role. Moreover, large sex-differences have been observed in carcinogenicity studies, male rats being more sensitive than females. Read More

Profiles Drug Subst Excip Relat Methodol 2018;43:255-319. Epub 2018 Mar 16.

Baqai Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Baqai Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan.

Tolfenamic acid (TA) is a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug and belongs to the group of fenamates. It is used as a potent pain reliever in the treatment of acute migraine attacks, and disorders like dysmenorrhea, rheumatoid, and osteoarthritis. TA has shown excellent in vitro antibacterial activity against certain ATCC strains of bacteria when complexed with bismuth(III). Read More