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The use of CuO nanoparticles (NPs) has increased greatly and their potential effects on human health need to be investigated. Differentiated Caco‐2 cells were treated from the apical (Ap) and the basolateral (Bl) compartment with different concentrations (0, 10, 50 and 100 μg/mL) of commercial or sonochemically synthesized (sono) CuO NPs. Sono NPs were prepared in ethanol (CuOe) or in water (CuOw), obtaining CuO NPs differing in size and shape. The effects on the Caco‐2 cell barrier were assessed via transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) evaluation just before and after 1, 2 and 24 hours of exposure and through the analysis of cytokine release and biomarkers of oxidative damage to proteins after 24 hours. Sono CuOe and CuOw NPs induced a TEER decrease with a dose‐dependent pattern after Bl exposure. Conversely, TEER values were not affected by the Ap exposure to commercial CuO NPs and, concerning the Bl exposure, only the lowest concentration tested (10 μg/mL) caused a TEER decrease after 24 hours of exposure. An increased release of interleukin‐8 was induced by sono CuO NPs after the Ap exposure to 100 μg/mL and by sono and commercial CuO after the Bl exposure to all the concentrations. No effects of commercial and sono CuO NPs on interleukin‐6 (with the only exception of 100 μg/mL Bl commercial CuO) and tumor necrosis factor‐α release were observed. Ap treatment with commercial and CuOw NPs was able to induce significant alterations on specific biomarkers of protein oxidative damage (protein sulfhydryl group oxidation and protein carbonylation). Differentiated Caco‐2 cells were exposed from the apical and basolateral compartment to 0, 10, 50 and 100 μg/mL of sonochemical (synthesized in ethanol or in water) and commercial CuO nanoparticles (NPs), then trans‐epithelial electrical resistance (TEER), cytokine release and biomarkers of protein oxidation were investigated. TEER was affected mostly by the Bl exposure to sonochemical Cu NPs. CuO NPs also induced a significant (P <.05) release of interleukins 8 and 6, and alterations in biomarkers of protein oxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glyphosate (GLY) is a common herbicide used worldwide but its effect on ovarian function in mammals is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the potential endocrine disruptor effects of GLY on ovarian function evaluating cell proliferation, steroidogenesis and gene expression using bovine granulosa cells (GC) and theca cells as in vitro models. GC proliferation was impaired ( P < 0.05) after exposure to GLY at 0.5, 1.7 and 5 μg ml−1. GC progesterone production was not affected ( P ≥ 0.05) at all doses tested while estradiol production was inhibited ( P < 0.05) by GLY at 5 μg ml−1. At the same concentration GLY showed no effect ( P ≥ 0.05) on theca cell proliferation and steroidogenesis. At higher concentrations (0.01 and 0.3 mg ml−1), GLY had no significant effect ( P ≥ 0.05) on GC proliferation and steroidogenesis. These studies, for the first time, suggest that GLY may affect the reproductive system in cattle via direct action on ovarian function; however, further studies will be required to understand better the mechanism of action and to determine the in vivo reproductive effects of GLY. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last years, cholinesterase (ChE) and carboxylesterase (CbE) activities have been increasingly used in environmental biomonitoring to detect the exposure to anticholinesterase insecticides such as organophosphorates (OPs) and carbamates (CBs). The aim of this study was to determine ChE and CbE enzymatic activities present in liver and muscle of yellow-legged gulls (Larus michahellis), a seabird species considered suitable to monitor environmental pollution. In order to provide reference data for further biomonitoring studies, the influence of different factors, such as gender, age, sampling mode, and tissue, was considered in the present study. Our data report a statistically significant difference in CbE enzymatic activity comparing liver and muscle samples (P < 0.05) along with an age-related CbE activity in liver samples (P < 0.05). Moreover, according to our results, capture method might influence CbE and ChE activity in both liver and muscle samples (P < 0.05). These findings underline the importance to assess basal levels of ChE and CbE activity considering, among other factors, gender-, age- and organ-related differences and confirm the suitability of Larus michahellis as a sentinel species especially within an urban environment.