Search

The amount of harmful xenobiotics in ecosystems is constantly increasing due to the high availability and use of detergents, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, solvents, and crude oil. Chemicals such as phenol, monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, aliphatic hydrocarbons, and organophosphorus compounds are extremely stable at low temperatures due to their increased density and lower bioavailability. One of the effective methods of environmental cleaning may be bioremediation, based on the biological decomposition of contaminants, that is their transformation by microorganisms into less harmful or harmless forms. Mainly mesophilic bacteria were used in this direction, but research shows that also psychrophilic and psychrotrophic fungi and yeasts can efficiently biodegrade xenobiotics. This ability is attributed, among others, to species of the genera: Alternaria, Aspergillus, Geomyces, Lecanicillium, Mortierella, Mucor, Penicillium, Candida, Cryptococcus, Exophiala, Pichia, Rhodotorula, Schizoblastosporion, Solicoccozyma, Trichosporon and Yarrowia. These microorganisms are potential candidates for bioremediation of pollutants, despite the fact that for some species the enzyme complex involved in the degradation of xenobiotics has not been investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Zywnosc is the property of Polish Society of Food Technologists - Scientific Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aim of this study was to determinate the actual contamination of selected area of Slovakia, in view of its environmental character referred both to the suitability or unsuitability of the use of milk from this area, to other food processing. This article deals with analysis of the content of selected compounds in soil, feed and milk, at the cow and sheep farms. Village in Eastern Slovakia, Tulčík, was the area of investigation. This area is characterized as an area with mild disturbance of environment. 11 compounds have been analyzed (calcium, selenium, cadmium, arsenic, polychlorinated biphenyls – congeners 138, 153, 180, and pesticides - p,p´ DDE, Endosulfan I., Beta-HCH, aflatoxin M1). Samples of soil were collected once a year (spring season), samples of feeds and milk were collected two-times a year (spring and autumn season). Analysis of samples was performed in Eurofins Bel/Novamann (Nové Zámky, Slovak Republic). Analyses were performed by routine methods, according to the valid methodologies. Levels of compounds were obtained and then results have been compared with the most acceptable limits in according to applicable legislation. At both farms, 73.08% (38 samples) of analyzed compounds were below the limit of quantification (LOQ) and 26.92% (14 samples) of compounds were quantifiable. The most significant differences between monitored farms were recorded in soil (27 720 mg·kg-1 Ca), feed (27 620 mg·kg-1 Ca) and milk (960 mg·kg-1 Ca). The high content of calcium in soil and feed did not affect the content of calcium in milk. The results showed that the content of toxic elements, polychorinated biphenyls, pesticides and aflatoxin M1 in analyzed area of Eastern Slovakia was very low and under the limit of quantification. It can be concluded, that the use of milk from this area for direct use or for dairy products is appropriate and poses no health risk to the consumers.

In this paper presents results of acute toxicity of resistant to biodegradable compounds. The investigated compounds can be found in the aqueous environment. The experiments were conducted using Vibrio fischeri luminescent bacteria for eight compounds: phenol (pH-OH), chlorophenol (2-CP), dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP), diclofenac (DCF), amoxicillin (AMX),ibuprofen (IBF), methylparaben (MeP), benzylparaben (BeP). Based on receive results defined whether chemical compound is toxic or not to Vibrio fischeri. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungi possess many features useful to environmental engineering, which gives them an advantage over bacteria. Their ability to decompose many complex organic compounds, including xenobiotics, such as difficult to biodegrade polycyclic aromatic compounds, polychlorinated hydrocarbons, dioxins, pesticides and explosive residues has been documented. Parasitic fungi species play an important role as natural regulators of plant population size, while symbiotic species are essential to proper development and growth of many plant species. The enormous taxonomic, genetic and functional diversity of fungi constitutes a rich source of organisms useful in bioremediation process. The literature review demonstrated that various types of fungi could be employed in remediation of soil-water environment as well as in treatment of wastewater and waste gases. However, most often current studies on fungal applications are carried out on a laboratory scale. At the current stage, as demonstrated by semi-technical and field-scale experiments, practical use of fungi in environmental engineering systems is not economically justified. Maintenance of dominance of fungal strains with high degradation activity in open purification systems in competition with indigenous microorganisms remains an open problem. Great promises are held out for simultaneous use of fungal and bacterial environments in treatment systems, as their biodegradation effectiveness may complement each other. Improvement of strains by the in vitro methods and screening tests to isolate strains with broader metabolic abilities are necessary in order to take full advantage of the specific benefits of fungi. Similarly, use of immobilized fungal enzymes in bioremediation offers good prospects for the future. Development of molecular techniques will allow for reduction of persistently high costs of enzyme production, purification and immobilization on appropriate carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bagmut I. Yu., Zharova N. V., Popova T. M., Zhukov V. I., Stetsenko S. O. Express experimental evalution of mutagenic activity of complex phoshorus-containing organic mixtures = Експрес-експериментальна оцінка мутагенної активності складних фосфоровмісних органічних сумішей = Экспресс-экспериментальная оценка мутагенной активности сложных фосфоросодержащих органических смесей Journal of Education, Health and Sport. 2016;6(10):443-454. eISSN 2391-8306. DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.164190 http://ojs.ukw.edu.pl/index.php/johs/article/view/3971 The journal has had 7 points in Ministry of Science and Higher Education parametric evaluation. Part B item 755 (23.12.2015). 755 Journal of Education, Health and Sport eISSN 2391-8306 7 © The Author (s) 2016; This article is published with open access at Licensee Open Journal Systems of Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz, Poland Open Access. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial License which permits any noncommercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author(s) and source are credited. This is an open access article licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) which permits unrestricted, non commercial use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the work is properly cited. This is an open access article licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) which permits unrestricted, non commercial use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the work is properly cited. The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests regarding the publication of this paper. Received: 02.09.2016. Revised 24.09.2016. Accepted: 30.10.2016. UDK 579.695 EXPRESS EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION OF MUTAGENIC ACTIVITY OF COMPLEX PHOSPHORUS-CONTAINING ORGANIC MIXTURES I. Yu. Bagmut, N. V. Zharova, T. M. Popova, V. I. Zhukov, *S. O. Stetsenko Kharkiv Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education; *Kharkiv National Medical University Summary Researching the mutagenic activity of organic phosphorus-containing mixtures of Esherichia Coli bacteria strain trp A 223 and the continuous cells culture of murine myeloma X63 also detected the presence of weak mutagenic properties in this group of xenobiotics. The concentrations of all compounds 400 and 1000 mg/l have bacteriostatic effect, and their lower concentrations in the range from 10 to 80 mg/l stimulate the mutagenic activity. Phosphorus-containing organic compounds can inhibit the synthesis of proteins, RNA and DNA in cell culture Vero depending on the concentration. Key words: xenobiotics, carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, atherogenesis, suppression of immune deficiency, reproductive function, Esherichia Coli, cells culture of murine myeloma X63. ЕКСПРЕС-ЕКСПЕРИМЕНТАЛЬНА ОЦІНКА МУТАГЕННОЇ АКТИВНОСТІ СКЛАДНИХ ФОСФОРОВМІСНИХ ОРГАНІЧНИХ СУМІШЕЙ І. Ю. Багмут, Н. В. Жарова, Т. М. Попова, В. І. Жуков, * С. О. Стеценко Харківська медична академія післядипломної освіти; *Харківський національний медичний університет, м. Харків Резюме Дослідження мутагенної активності фосфорвмісних органічних сумішей на бактеріях Esherichia Coli штам trp A 223 і перевиваємій культурі клітин мишачої мієломи Х63, виявили наявність слабких мутагенних властивостей досліджуваних ксенобіотиків. Всі сполуки в концентраціях 400 і 1000 мг/л володіють бактеріостатичним ефектом, а в більш низьких концентраціях в діапазоні від 10 до 80 мг/л вони стимулюють мутагенну активність. В залежності від концентрації, фосфорвмісні органічні сполуки здатні пригнічувати синтез білків, РНК і ДНК в культурі клітин Vero. Ключові слова: ксенобіотики, канцерогенез, мутагенез, атерогенез, пригнічення імунологічної недостатності, репродуктивна функція, бактерії Esherichia Coli, клітини мишачої мієломи Х63. ЭКСПРЕСС-ЭКСПЕРИМЕНТАЛЬНАЯ ОЦЕНКА МУТАГЕННОЙ АКТИВНОСТИ СЛОЖНЫХ ФОСФОРОСОДЕРЖАЩИХ ОРГАНІЧЕСКИХ СМЕСЕЙ И. Ю. Багмут, Н. В. Жарова, Т. М. Попова, В. И. Жуков, *С. О. Стеценко Харковская медицинская академия последипломного образования; *Харковский национальный медицинский университет, г. Харьков Резюме . Исследования мутагенной активности фосфосодержащих органических смесей на бактериях Esherichia Coli штамм trp A 223 и перевиваемой культуре клеток мышиной миеломы Х63 выявили наличие слабых мутагенных качеств исследованных ксенобиотиков. Все соединения в концентрациях 400 і 1000 мг/л обладают бактериостатическим эффектом, а в больших концентрациях в диапазоне от 10 до 80 мг/л они стимулируют мутагенную активность. В зависимости от концентрации, форсфорсодержащие органические соединения способны угнетать синтез белков, РНК и ДНК в культуре клеток Vero. Ключевые слова: ксенобиотики, канцерогенез, мутагенез, атерогенез, угнетение иммунологической недостаточности, репродуктивная функция, бактерии Esherichia Coli, клетки мышиной миеломы Х63.

Kucheriavchenko M. O. Експертна прогностична оцінка параметрів токсичності і класу безпечності лапроксидів = Experts estimate parameters predictive of toxicity and safety class laprоxides. Journal of Education, Health and Sport. 2016;6(6):587-598. eISSN 2391-8306. DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.56729 http://ojs.ukw.edu.pl/index.php/johs/article/view/3647 The journal has had 7 points in Ministry of Science and Higher Education parametric evaluation. Part B item 755 (23.12.2015). 755 Journal of Education, Health and Sport eISSN 2391-8306 7 © The Author (s) 2016; This article is published with open access at Licensee Open Journal Systems of Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz, Poland Open Access. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial License which permits any noncommercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author(s) and source are credited. This is an open access article licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) which permits unrestricted, non commercial use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the work is properly cited. This is an open access article licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) which permits unrestricted, non commercial use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the work is properly cited. The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests regarding the publication of this paper. Received: 25.05.2016. Revised 25.06.2016. Accepted: 28.06.2016. УДК: 616-099-092.9:543.395 Експертна прогностична оцінка параметрів токсичності і класу безпечності лапроксидів М. О. Кучерявченко Харківський національний медичний університет, Україна Реферат Проведено обґрунтування експертної прогностичної токсикологічної характеристики нової групи речовин промисловості органічного синтезу – лапроксидів і класу їх безпечності для теплокровних тварин. Дослідженню піддавались лапроксиди з регламентованими фізико-хімічними властивостями: тригліцидиловий ефір поліоксипропілентріолу молекулярної маси 300 (Л-303), молекулярної маси 500 (Л-503), молекулярної маси 700 (Л-703) і олігоефірмоноепоксид молекулярної маси 500 (Л-512). Результати дослідження свідчать, що лапроксиди марок Л-303, Л-503, Л-703 відносяться до малотоксичних сполук, що мають відповідно середньолетальні дози для щурів та мишей 5,75 і 5,63; 8,5 і 7,8; 8,1 і 7,2 г/кг маси тварин. Середньолетальна доза лапроксиду Л-512 26,7 і 23,6 г/кг, відповідно, для щурів та мишей, вказує на практичну нетоксичність даного ксенобіотика. Всі марки лапроксидів не володіють видовою і статевою чутливістю та відносяться до слабокумулятивних сполук. Морфологічні дані вказують, що гостра токсифікація тварин епоксидвмісними олігоефірами порушує гемодинаміку переважно в головному мозку, печінці, нирках, селезінці, серці і викликає паренхіматозну дистрофію, що є важливою ознакою для прогнозування тривалої підгострої токсифікації. З урахуванням ДЛ50, Кк, ЕТ50 лапроксиди відносяться до IV класу безпечності. Ключові слова: ксенобіотики, олігоефіри, середньолетальні дози, кумулятивність. Experts estimate parameters predictive of toxicity and safety class laprоxides M. O. Kucheriavchenko Kharkov National Medical University, Ukrainе Abstract A substantiation expert predictive toxicological properties of the new materials industry chemicals - laproxides and safety for their class of warm-blooded animals. Research exposed laproxides of regulated physicochemical properties: triglycidyl ether of polyoxypropylene triol with molecular mass 300 (L-303), molecular mass 500 (L-503), molecular mass 700 (L-703) and olygo ether mono epoxide with molecular mass 500 (L-512). Doses of xenobiotics were selected so as to determine the lethal effects range DL0 – DL16 – DL50 – DL84 – DL100. The experiment was conducted on white rats, mice and guinea pigs. Xenobiotics oral route using a metal probe introduced into the stomach. Observation of the animals was carried out 15 days. Recorded the time of death and the total amount of injected xenobiotics. Evaluation of the results is based on the average effective time of death of animals. The dead and the surviving animals were subjected to pathological autopsy. Cumulation studied on white rats by the method of Lim et al. To determine the cumulation first 4 day animals received 0.1 DL50 following 4 days - on 0,15 DL50 and so up to 24 days, enhancing every 4 days dose 1.5 times. The degree of cumulation is determined by the level coefficient cumulation (Сс). Results of the study indicate that laproxides L-303, L-503, L-703 belonging to the low-toxic compounds in accordance with the average lethal dose for rats and mice, 5.75 and 5.63; 8.5 and 7.8; 8.1 and 7.2 g/kg of animals. Average lethal dose laproxide L-512, 26.7 and 23.6 g/kg, respectively, for rats and mice indicates practical non-toxic xenobiotics. All brands of laproxides have not specific and gender sensitive and related to cumulative poorly compounds. Morphological data indicate that acute intoxication animals containing epoxide oligo ethers violates hemodynamic mainly in the brain, liver, kidney, spleen, heart. Xenobiotics causing parenchymatous dystrophy, which is an important feature for predicting prolonged subacute intoxication. Given the DL50, Сс and effective time Laproxides belong to class IV safety. Keywords: xenobiotics, olygo ether, medium lethal dose, cumulativeness. Реферат Проведено обгрунтування експертної прогностичної токсикологічної характеристики нової групи речовин промисловості органічного синтезу – лапроксидів і класу їх безпечності для теплокровних тварин. Дослідженню піддавалися лапроксиди з регламентованими фізико-хімічними властивостями: тригліцидиловий ефір поліоксипропілентріолу молекулярної маси 300 (Л-303), молекулярної маси 500 (Л-503), молекулярної маси 700 (Л-703) і олігоефірмоноепоксид молекулярної маси 500 (Л-512). Дози ксенобіотиків вибиралися таким чином, щоб визначити летальні ефекти в інтервалі ДЛ0 - ДЛ16 - ДЛ50 - ДЛ84 - ДЛ100. Експеримент було проведено на білих щурах, мишах та морських свинках. Ксенобіотики пероральним шляхом за допомогою металевого зонду вводилися у шлунок. Спостереження за тваринами велося 15 днів. Реєструвався час загибелі і сумарна кількість введеного ксенобіотика. Оцінка результатів проводилася на основі середньоефективного часу загибелі тварин. Загиблих і виживших тварин піддавали патоморфологічному розтину. Кумуляція вивчалася на білих щурах по методу Lim et al. Для її визначення перші 4 дня тварини отримували по 0,1 ДЛ50, наступні 4 дня – по 0,15 ДЛ50 і так до 24 днів, підвищуючі через кожні 4 дня дозу у 1,5 раза. Ступінь кумуляції визначалася по рівню коефіцієнта кумуляції (Кк): надкумулятивні речовини – Кк < 1; виразно кумулятивні – Кк від 1 до 3; помірно кумулятивні – Кк від 3 до 5; слабо кумулятивні – Кк > 5. Результати дослідження свідчать, що лапрксиди марок Л-303, Л-503, Л-703 відносяться до малотоксичних сполук, що мають відповідно середньолетальні дози для щурів та мишей 5,75 і 5,63; 8,5 і 7,8; 8,1 і 7,2 г/кг маси тварин. Середньолетальна доза лапроксиду Л-512 26,7 і 23,6 г/кг, відповідно, для щурів та мишей, вказує на практичну нетоксичність даного ксенобіотика. Всі марки лапроксидів не володіють видовою і статевою чутливістю та відносяться до слабокумулятивних сполук. Морфологічні дані вказують, що гостра токсифікація тварин епоксидвмісними олігоефірами порушує гемодинаміку переважно в головному мозку, печінці, нирках, селезінці, серці і викликає паренхіматозну дистрофію, що є важливою ознакою для прогнозування тривалої підгострої токсифікації. З урахуванням ДЛ50, Кк, ЕТ50 лапроксиди відносяться до IV класу безпечності. Ключові слова: ксенобіотики, олігоефіри, середьолетальні дози, кумулятивність.

Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) is a polymorphic enzyme, existing in multiple isoenzymes divided into several classes and localized in different organs. ADH plays a significant role in the metabolism of many biologically important substances, catalyzing the oxidation or reduction of a wide spectrum of specific substrates. The best characterized function of ADH is protection against excess of ethanol and some other exogenous xenobiotics and products of lipid peroxidation. The isoenzymes of alcohol dehydrogenase also participate in the metabolism of retinol and serotonin. The total alcohol dehydrogenase activity is significantly higher in cancer tissues than in healthy organs (e.g. liver, stomach, colorectum). The changes in activity of particular ADH isoenzymes in the sera of patients with different cancers (especially of the digestive system) seem to be caused by release of these isoenzymes from cancer cells, and may play a potential role as markers of this cancer. The particular isoenzymes of ADH present in the serum may indicate the cancer localization. Alcohol dehydrogenase may also be useful for diagnostics of non-cancerous liver diseases (e.g. viral hepatitis, non-alcoholic cirrhosis). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cytochromes P450 (P450) are a multigene family of enzymes possessing a central role in the oxidative metabolism of a wide range of xenobiotics, including anticancer drugs, and endogenous compounds. The activity of different P450 isoforms varies within specific tissues and cell types and is selectively regulated together with their gene expression. Moreover, differential expression of certain P450 isoforms' genes in tumor cells compared to normal tissues can be observed. This creates the potential for the use of these isozymes as tumor markers or selective prodrug activators. This article discusses the characteristics and function of five isoforms of cytochrome P450 (P450 1B1, P450 2W1, P450 2S1, P450 2R1, P450 2U1) that could be potential targets for tumor therapeutic and preventive strategies. These isoforms have been chosen because their level of expression in tumor tissues is definitely higher than in normal tissues [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The immobilization of enzymes on ultrafiltration flat membranes made from polyacrylonitryle modified with hydrazine hydrate and glutaraldehyde and their application to the removed mixture of five halogenacetic acids was examined. The solution contained 1 mg/dm³ of each acid. The experiment, during which 100% of xenobiotics was removed, lasted 6 hours and was carried out under experimentally determined conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to compare the prevalence of rapid and slow acetylation phenotype and genotype in patients with acute myeloblastic leukaemia with the prevalence of rapid and slow acetylation phenotype and genotype in the control group of healthy persons and investigate whether there is an association between genetically determined individual difference in the acetylation rate of drugs and xenobiotics, and the risk of developing acute myeloblastie leukaemia. Material and methods: The investigations involved 86 persons, including 25 patients suffering from acute myeloblastic laukaemia and 61 healthy individuals, who constituted a control group. NAT2 gene polymorphism was determined by means of PCR-RFLP method (polymerase chain reaction amplification and restriction fragment length polymorphism). The acetylation phenotype was determined using Bratton-Marshall method in Varley's modification. Results: Polish population of the Wrocłtaw region did not demonstrate any significant differences in the prevalence of individual phenotypes and genotypes of acetylation in comparison to other Caucasian populations. In patients with acute myeloblastie leukemia no statistically significant differences were found in the prevalence of individual phenotypes and genotypes of acetylation, except for NAT2*6 allele, in comparison to the control group of healthy persons. Conclusion: The results may suggest the lack of acetylation in the activation and conversion of xenobiotics as an important reason for acute myeloblastic leukemia. A statistically significant lower prevalence of NAT2*6 allele among AML patients in comparison to controls which suggest a decreased predisposition of acute myeloblastic leukaemia in this allele carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was the estimation of the influence of C3435T mutation in ABCB 1 gene on the risk of acute myeloblastic leukemia and the efficiency of its anticancer treatment. Material and methods: ABCB 1 polymorphism was estimated in 28 patients with AML. The control group consisted of 61 healthy volunteers. C3435T mutation in ABCB 1 gene was determined by PCR-RFLP method (polymerase chain reaction amplification and restriction fragment length polymorphism). Results: It was not observed a statistically significant predominance of a percentage of the main mutation at the ABCB1 3435 locus among patients with AML in comparison to healthy persons. Moreover, no statistically significant differences were found in the frequency of individual ABCBI genotypes among AML patients with a differentiated response to administered anticancer therapy. Conclusion: These results can indicate the lack of P-glicoprotein participation in the xenobiotics pharmacokinetics, which are regarded as reason of AML. Moreover they may suggest lack of the relationship between P-gp activity and the pharmacokinetics of daunorubicin, cylosine arabinoside, etoposide, drugs used in AML patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many toxic or carcinogenic substances reveal their harmful properties only when activated to a compound with high affinity to nucleophylic groups, which are present in proteins and nucleic acids. After binding to DNA these compounds may induce carcinogenic mutation of genetic material. Increased activation or reduced detoxication of potentially carcinogenic xenobiotics disturbs cellular equlibrium and leads to carcinogenesis. Flavonoids and furanocoumarines contained in grapefruit juice were known to inhibit activity of many enzymes and were shown to inhibit in vitro activity of isoenzyme CYP2D6 with genetically induced polymophism. The aim of this work was to assess the significance of grapefruit juice flavonoids and furanocoumarines as chemopreventive factors against toxic and carcinogenic activity of xenobiotics with genetically determined metabolism by determining their influence on cytochrome P450 isoenzyme CYP2D6 activity. Material and metod. The trial included 32 healthy volunteers taking in grapefruit juice (16), orange juice (8) or fresh water (8). Oxidative phenotype and genotype were determined by analytic methods. Phenotype tests conducted prior to and after commencement of 5 days long intake of correspondingly grapefruit juice, orange juice or water revealed differences in metabolic ratio (MR) values among groups. Results. Grapefruit juice drinkers had mean value of metabolic ratio (MR) increased by 34%. Conclusions. Our investigation have shown that regular grapefriut juice consumption may be cosidered only as supportive measure against toxic and carcinogenic influence of environmental factors and industrial polution such as combustion gases, cigarette smoke and other toxic substances, particularly in patients with high risk of cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the last decade, cDNA cloning has identified variuos familie of drug transporters . A diverse array of organic anions including endogenous substances, xenobiotics and drug metabolites are excreated from the body into the urine. The organic anion system is a complicated transport process recognizing a wide variety of substrates at the basolateral membranes of the proximal tubules. Various gene families of renal transporters including ion transporters OAT (organic anion transporter), OCT (organic cation transporter), SLC22A, OATP (organic anion transporting polipeptyde), MRP (multidrug resistance-associated protein). Organic have been identified. In this study recent advances in the study of kidney drug transporters were summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Medycyna Pracy is the property of Instytut Medycyny Pracy im. Jerzego Nofera and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Medycyna Pracy is the property of Instytut Medycyny Pracy im. Jerzego Nofera and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Molecular biology techniques have become widely used in toxicology, leading to the creation of a new science--molecular toxicology. The goal of molecular toxicology is to detect and study the changes induced by xenobiotics at the molecular level. The research scope of molecular toxicology includes examination of mutations in genomic DNA, differences in mRNA expression and study of genotype indicating individual sensitivity. The processes of activation and detoxification of xenobiotics, drugs and environmental carcinogens involve several enzymes (xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes--XMEs). Most of the chemicals entering our bodies, regardless of whether they have medical, pathogenic or carcinogenic properties, require metabolic activation by phase I enzymes (cytochrome P-450). In the next process the phase I products are usually detoxified by phase II enzymes, mainly by epoxide hydrolase, glutathione transferase, N-acetyltransferase or sulfotransferase. PCR techniques allow precise study of the effects of xenobiotics on cells and tissues by examining the level of activation of genes coding for phase I and II enzymes, or by testing the activity of other elements of the transcriptome. Studies of sensitivity of individual cells or tissues based on examination of mutation or gene polymorphism presence are also relevant. This paper presents the possibility of using various PCR techniques in toxicology and especially in the study of genetically determined sensitivity to xenobiotics. It also covers the possibilities of applying qPCR and qRT-PCR methods in the search for exposure biomarkers with particular emphasis on individual cytochrome P450 isoforms. Furthermore, it provides information about the possibility of implementing the differential display technique in the identification of new genes activated by toxic agents.

The aim of this study was to evaluate sperm morphology (teratozoospermia) and its effect on xenogenic human sperm-hamster oocyte penetration assay (HOPA). Sperm morphology assessment was performed in 140 infertile patients and 25 healthy individuals. According to Kruger's strict criteria teratozoospermia was diagnosed in 38 individuals out of 140 infertile males. HOPA assay was performed for 20 teratozoospermic patients and 10 healthy volunteers. No significant decrease in HOPA values was observed in cases of isolated teratozoospermia. The sperm anomaly severely influencing HOPA values was asthenozoospermia. We believe that evaluation of sperm morphology according to the strict criteria of Kruger should be applied for routine andrological practice which reflects rapidly changing 'normal' values of human semen.