Begum Yurdakok-Dikmen

Measurement of selected polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in water via ultrasound assisted emulsification–microextraction (USAEME) using low-density organic solvents

Despite bans and restrictions for their adverse health effects including endocrine disruption, due to their stability in the environment, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are still of concern for their residues in several matrices. This study employed low-density ultrasound-assisted emulsification-microextraction (USAEME) to measure selected PCBs (28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153, and 180) in water samples for gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. Among tested solvents (isooctane, chloroform, hexane, and cyclohexane), 200 μL isooctane resulted in the highest yield for a 10 mL sample. The optimized method was validated and yielded recoveries of 87.29-92.83% with the limit of detection and limit of quantification (LOQ) values 3-12 ng/L and 10-40 ng/L, respectively. Twelve tap water samples collected in September 2014 were screened using this simple, rapid, and validated method. PCB concentrations in two samples were above the LOQ values; one sample contained 1,380 ng/L of PCB 118, 530 ng/L of PCB 138, and 152 ng/L of PCB 153, and the other contained 444 ng/L of PCB 138. Despite the city water supply being clean and the municipality employing all available measures to ensure clean water supply, the general public must be made aware of the regular maintenance of local water pipelines and storage tanks for the prevention of PCB contamination.

Determination of Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Marine Sediments by Ultrasound-Assisted Isolation and Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Microextraction and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry

ABSTRACT A new method is reported to determine polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in marine sediments using ultrasound-assisted extraction and dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. To optimize the method, acetone, acetonitrile, and methanol were characterized for extraction from the sediments. Acetone provided the highest yield. A lower-density solvent system was utilized with isooctane and acetone, and the upper solvent was characterized by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The optimized procedure was validated. Sediments were fortified with PCBs 28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153, and 180 at six concentrations from 0.25 to 8.0 ng g−1 and used to prepare matrix-matched calibration curves. Samples were analyzed using this optimized procedure. The linearity was satisfactory in all cases, with correlation coefficients from 0.9989 to 0.9995. The limits of detection and quantification were from 0.021 to 0.057 ng g−1 and 0.069 to 0.190 ng g−1, respectively. The recovery values at three fortified concentrations were 90.07–100.4% and the relative standard deviations were less than 7.6%. The reported extraction method uses a low-density, low-toxicity solvent; a sample syringe as the extraction device; and does not require additional purification after extraction from sediment. The protocol is sensitive, convenient, and ecofriendly and was used to determine PCBs in marines with satisfactory results.

Phthalate induced toxicity in prostate cancer cell lines and effects of alpha lipoic acid

OBJECTIVE The effects of dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, diisobutyl phthalate, di-n-butyl phthalate, benzylbutyl phthalate, di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate were investigated on human prostate cancer cell lines DU145 and PC3 in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS Standards of dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, di-isobutyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, benzyl butyl phthalate, and di-ethyl hexyl phthalate were used. Alpha lipoic acid was used as antioxidant compound. DU145 and PC3 human prostate carcinoma cells were used. MTT assay were used for cytotoxicity assay. RESULTS A low dose proliferative effect of phthalates in vitro was observed. With the hypothesis of the inhibition of aerobic glycolysis activity in cancer treatment, α-lipoic acid was applied to cells; where as a contrary to previous studies, no change in the cell proliferation was observed. In combination with ALA, at IC50 and lower doses, an increase of the cytotoxic effect was found for DIBP, DBP and BBP; while for DMP, DEP and DEHP, a decrease was observed for DU145 cells. In PC3 cells, a decrease was observed for DMP, DEP and DBPs; while no significant difference were observed for DEHP, DIBP and BBP. CONCLUSSION The present study demonstrates preliminary information regarding the low dose proliferative effects of phthalates in prostate cancer in vitro (Tab. 2, Fig. 2, Ref. 65).

Antileukemic effects of piperlongumine and alpha lipoic acid combination on Jurkat, MEC1 and NB4 cells in vitro

AIM OF STUDY This research indicated to evaluate the effects of piperlongumine (PL), a biologically active alkaloid, and alpha lipoic acid (ALA), a naturally occurring cofactor existed in multienzyme complexes regulating metabolism on leukemia cells. Excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can lead to oxidative stress, a state that has been observed in several hematopoietic malignancies, including acute and chronic myeloid leukemias. The importance of the association between oxidative stress and malignancy is not currently clear; however, there is evidence that tumor.derived ROS may promote cell survival, migration and metastasis, proliferation and even drug.resistance depending on the origin of the cancer. Increased oxidative stress in leukemic cells may represent a potential therapeutic target, although there are differing opinions on whether therapeutic strategies should aim to antagonize or further promote oxidative stress in leukemic cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS The effects of PL alone (5, 15, 30 μM) and in combination (30 μ M) with ALA (200 μ M) on Jurkat, NB4 and MEC1 leukemia cell lines were investigated through MTT, caspase-3 and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activities. RESULTS Inhibition of COX-2 and the induction of caspase.3 cleavage in Nb4 (acute promyelocytic leukemia) cells were found to be significant following PL application and synergistic effects with combination of ALA (inhibition of COX-2 as 23.74% and 3.55-fold increase of caspase-3). CONCLUSION PL and ALA may have a potential value as a therapeutic agent for patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia.

Unio sp. primary cell culture potential in ecotoxicology research

Abstract Primary tissue cultures from Unio pictorum were developed for utilization in ecotoxicology studies. Cytotoxic effects of selected plasticizers (BPA, DiNP, DiDP, DMP) were tested on digestive gland, gonad, gill and mantle cells. DiNP on gill and BPA on digestive gland were the highest and lowest cytotoxic compounds (IC50 0.111, 170.718 ppt). Mantle cells were the most suitable, reliable and easy to maintain cells; for toxicity assays. Unio primary cell culture provide valuable tool for testing/screening effects of xenobiotics in vitro, have potential for further development in terms of potential cryopreservation and stability comply with the 3 R principle.

Determination of selected endocrine disruptors in organic, free-range, and battery-produced hen eggs and risk assessment

An increasing amount of evidence suggests that phthalic acid esters (PAE), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), and organochlorine pesticides (OCP) are related to mutagenic, carcinogenic, and endocrine disruptor effects (EDCs). These lipophilic compounds are highly resistant to breakdown processes, and consequently remain in the environment, followed by uptake into the food chain. Human exposure to lipophilic compounds results from the consumption of food containing EDCs, mainly foodstuffs of animal origin with a high fat content, since these contaminants accumulate in fatty tissues. Foodstuffs in which EDCs can accumulate include meat, fish, eggs, and milk. We investigated the contamination in edible eggs to determine whether relative differences in the contaminants’ residue levels appeared in three types of egg production (i.e., battery, free-range, and organic). The results showed that PAEs, especially dimethyl phthalate contamination, was the most abundant in the battery eggs, and the PCBs, PBDEs, and OCPs were the most abundant in the free-range eggs. The eggs were contaminated by more than one chemical, and as many as five contaminants (PCB180, PBDE47, dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, and di-n-butyl phthalate in battery eggs, and PCB138, PCB153, PCB180, diethyl phthalate, and di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate in organic eggs) were detected in the same egg. However, none of the chemicals detected were at the maximum limit of acceptable risk.

Effects of synthetic pyrethroids on RTG-2 cells

Abstract The cellular and subcellular effects of some synthetic pyrethroids (permethrin, cypermethrin, tetramethrin, and deltamethrin) on RTG-2 trout cell line were assessed. Mitochondrial function/cell viability and membrane integrity were measured by MTT and LDH release assays. Major morphological changes as evaluated by light and confocal microscopy were treated cells had fragmented morphology and condensed nuclei, fragmentations with hole formation in cytoskeleton, pyknotic nuclei and micronucleus formation, shrinkage of the cells and nuclei. Generation of cytoplasmic vacuoles, prominent induction of cellular pleomorphism, and hydropic degeneration were recorded as compared with controls showing fusiform cells and central nucleus by H&E staining.

Chapter 27 – Retinoids

Vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin, is necessary for the development and maintenance of the organism for differentiation, growth, embryonic development, and homeostasis. Many natural and synthetic compounds are developed as potential pharmacologic agents for use in treating ailments ranging from cancer to acne. The physiological role of vitamin A and retinoids in male and female reproduction is very complex and the relevant toxicity data are usually controversial. They are required for maintaining reproduction including spermatogenesis, oogenesis, conception, placenta formation, and embryogenesis. Deficiencies are accompanied by embryonic defects, yet excessive intake/intoxications induce teratogenic effects and skeletal disorders. Relationship between the toxicity of environmental contaminants, such as endocrine disruptors and retinoids, is yet to be elucidated through retinoid-dependent pathways.

Mycotoxins in Poultry

Mycotoxins, the toxic secondary metabolites of fungi, particularly produced by many species of Aspergillus, Fusarium and Penicillium, have affected animal and human health for over thousand years, whereas little has been discovered so far about these complex substances in poultry, which are generally very sensitive. Even though it varies by spe‐ cies and sex, some common effects are reduced feed intake, weight gain, feed efficiency, growth performance, immunity and hatchability along with increased mortality, organ damages (mainly kidney and liver), carcinogenicity, teratogenicity and decreased egg production. Besides their adverse health effects and the decrease in production rate, concerns over their importance in public health is still under debate. Decontamination approaches to reduce mycotoxins in feed are technologically diverse and based on chemical, biological and physical strategies. Chemical remediation strategies involve the conversion of mycotoxins via chemical reactions. Biological strategies involve vari‐ ous substances such as plant ingredients, enzymes and microorganisms. Physical pro‐ cesses include sorting, milling, dehulling, cleaning, heating, irradiation or combinational approaches. New strategies for the prevention and treatment of mycotoxicosis, including beneficial microorganisms/products, along with alternative treatments, including plant extracts/essential oils, are current hot topics in the poultry industry.

Chemical Contaminants in Poultry Meat and Products

Consumption of poultry meat and products has increased as a consequence of economic crisis, driven by several factors, while people keep away from high priced beef/lamb meat or meat products. Meanwhile, due to this increasing demand in industry resulting strict measures in disease control and environmental factors, these products may involve some chemical and natural compounds with hazardous properties at detectable or even very low concentrations. Among these compounds, residues are of concern, including veterinary drugs, environmental pollutants (such as dioxins, pesticides, and phthalates), natural contaminants (mycotoxins, etc), and/or phytosanitary substances accidentally contaminating poultry product during production or marketing stages. In order to keep the consumers safe from the harmful/undesirable effects due to these compounds, such as genotoxic, immunotoxic, carcinogenic, teratogenic, or endocrine disrupting effects, new strategies and concepts for poultry food security have been emerged and developed globally. This chapter includes detailed information on the residues of some potential chemical contaminants in poultry meat and products (eggs, etc.) along with risk analysis regarding their hazardous effects and detection in various matrices.