Journal of Chemical Health Risks
Volume:11 Issue: 2, Spring 2021

Breast cancer is a major cause of death among women worldwide. Accordingly, conventional medical treatments using high levels of cytotoxic drugs have some side effects for patients. Different secondary metabolites and enzymes from Shigella are considered in this case. This research aimed to study the effect of Shigella flexneri lysate on the induction of cell death in breast cancer cell line. For this purpose, Shigella lysate was prepared at different concentrations. 4T1 breast cancer cells were treated with different concentrations of bacterial lysate and sediment. The cell death was evaluated by PI color and cell viability was also measured by MTT assay. Analysis of bacterial lysate (IC50 250 μg/ml) for 24 hours has shown the cytotoxic effect on 4T1 breast cancer cells. Moreover, the sediment of bacteria (IC50 500 μg /ml) for 24 hours has shown a cytotoxic effect on 4T1 breast cancer cells. The cell death was confirmed using PI staining. Additionally, the bacterial lysate has shown a direct toxic effect on breast cancer cells. This protein may be used as a new therapy for cancer in future.

Chronic adrenergic and angiotensin-energic stimulation of the heart muscle is one of the main causes of the onset and development of heart failure. α2-AR is widespread in the cardiovascular system and can be further applied and introduced into the heart's regenerative cell therapy. This study's objective was to study the effect of α2-AR stimulation on the performance of an isolated heart in rats with a model of myocardial infarction. To study the mechanisms of MI, experiments were carried out according to the classical technique of H. Selye - ligation of the anterior branch of the left coronary artery and perfusion of a Langendorff heart with a model of myocardial infarction. We studied the parameters of myocardial activity by changes in heart rate, as well as the left ventricle pressure (LVP), and the CF (dp/dtmax)/(dp/dtmin) of the left ventricle. Coronary dilator activity was assessed by measuring the outflow of the perfusion solution through the coronary arteries. The amplitude of the left ventricle's pressure wave after application of the α2-AR agonist clonidine hydrochloride at a concentration of 10-6 M to the perfused solution increased by 44% (p≤0.05) from the initial values. The rate of contraction and the rate of relaxation of the left ventricular myocardium also increased by 20% (p≤0.05) and 37% (p≤0.05), respectively. The activation of α2-AR in adult rats' isolated hearts with a model of myocardial infarction caused a decrease in heart rate by 18% (p≤0.05) and CF by 2% (p≤0.05).

Trace metal levels in road deposited sediments (RDS) from paved roads in Enugu metropolis, southeastern Nigeria were evaluated. The study aimed at determining the level of heavy metals in the RDS, with the objectives of identifying the sources of these pollutants in the environment.  Thirty-two (32) RDS samples from 10 selected major roads in Enugu were collected for this study. The concentration of Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb was analyzed using a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The levels of physicochemical properties; pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total organic matter (TOM), and total organic carbon (TOC) was also established using standard procedures. The metal concentrations (mg/kg) were in the range; Cr (0.67 - 3.67), Mn (2.33 - 7.67), Fe (408.33 - 512.33), Co (3.00 - 61.75), Ni (39.67 - 193.67), Cu (11.50 - 90.00), Zn (1.00 - 31.67), Cd (0.00 - 1.33), and Pb (0.00 - 46.67). The pH, EC, TOC and TOM of the RDS samples range between 6.75-8.39, 556 - 578.67 μS/cm, 0.43 % - 3.49 % and 1.27 % - 10.35 % respectively. The relationships between the parameters were ascertained with correlation analysis. The likely source of these metals was recognized with principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis, deployed to identify the potential source of these metals in the RDS. The results suggested that Mn concentrations did not exceed the crustal level. However, elevated Pb and Cd levels were recorded in the RDS samples. The models showed good consistency, indicating average to considerable levels of contamination of most parts of the studied major roads. PCA result revealed that metals in the RDS originated from three main sources which include the crustal, vehicular, and industrial sources.

Hyperbilirubinemia is most common cause of readmission after early hospital discharge for healthy newborns. Phototherapy is the first line for treating neonate jaundice and preventing any complications. There is a lack of general agreement on whether continuous phototherapy is more effective than intermittent phototherapy. Traditional phototherapy is continuous phototherapy witch causes emotional disorder and inadequate breast feeding. In this research, we are trying to answer this question and also developing quality and quantity of neonatal jaundice treatment. In this clinical trial study, 82 healthy term neonate with jaundice admitted in the neonatal ward of Hajar hospital of Shahrekord city, Iran, were randomly designated into two groups (N=41): the first group treated with 1 hour turn on and 1 hour turn off phototherapy and the second group treated with 0.5 hour turn on and 3 hours turn off phototherapy. In both groups, total and direct bilirubin levels were measured per 12 hours. Serum sodium and potassium levels were measured before and after phototherapy. The average of phototherapy duration and admission duration was 2±0.8 days, and 2.9±1.4 days in the first and second groups, respectively. Mean admission duration in intermittent phototherapy was significantly lower than continuous phototherapy (p <0.0001). There was a significant reduction (p <0.0001) of serum sodium and potassium levels after intermittent phototherapy. Intermittent phototherapy decreases the admission duration and total sodium and potassium concentrations. Intermittent phototherapy (1 hour turn on and 1 hour turn off) is recommended.

The role of oxidative stress is one of the most important factors in the development of cancer. In this study, the catalase activity and total antioxidant capacity in NHL patients were measures and compared with those in healthy subjects. The population of this study consisted of 25 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, diagnosed based on pathological findings. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and catalase catalytic activity (CAT) were determined by spectrophotometry.  Based on the results, the CAT activity  was significantly lower and TAC was lower (0.29±0.04 vs. 2.69±0.15; P-value=0.01) in NHL patients than in healthy subjects. The findings showed that these markers could be used as a prognosis in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that oxidative stress may also be related to the NHL or increase the risk of disease.

This study aimed at evaluating the subchronic adverse effects of Counter 15FC (a terbufos -based pesticide formulation) in adult male Wistar albino rats, focusing on neurological, liver, kidney and reproductive functions. Five groups of animals were administered either vehicle (Control) or Counter 15FC at doses 0.1 - 3 mg/kg body weight (bwt) for 9 weeks. All surviving animals were sacrificed at the end of the treatment period, and their liver, kidneys and reproductive organs weighed. Testosterone levels, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) activities, biomarkers for liver function (alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase activities), kidney function (creatinine and uric acid) and total antioxidant capacity were assessed in serum. Oxidative stress markers (thiobarbituric acid reactive species, reduced glutathione levels and catalase activity) were determined in testicular and liver homogenates. Counter 15 FC at the dose of 3 mg/kg bwt induced tremors, seizures and death of 4 animals after 6 days of experiment. The pesticide formulation at 1 mg/kg bwt inhibited AChE and BuChE after 9 weeks. Moreover, the pesticide doses 0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg bwt inhibited testicular catalase activity, while other parameters investigated remained unchanged. Overall, results from this study suggest that exposure to Counter 15 FC can be fatal. The pesticide toxicity occurs at least in part through inhibition of cholinesterase and catalase activities in nervous system and testis, respectively.

These days, making use of synthetic dyes in producing and processing food, such as nuts, is enhancing due to customer attention. Considering that the application of this type of dyes is not permitted in accordance with the current regulations of the country, controlling nut products in terms of dye is required and overriding. In this study, sampling was performed randomly in 10 nut distribution centers at one-week intervals. Samples were tested respecting the type of dye. A Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC) method was applied to identify the types of dye. After conducting tests on different samples of nuts, it was recognized that different synthetic dyes such as tartrazine, quinoline yellow, and Ponceau 4R were used in the sample nuts. Of the 50 samples tested and analyzed, 23 samples (46%) had non-permitted synthetic dye, and 27 samples (54%) had permitted synthetic dye. The frequency distribution of synthetic dye among different nuts was significantly different. Furthermore, consumption of almond is associated with lower risk of permitted and non-permitted synthetic compared to pistachio (p < 0.05). Application of these types of dye, due to their glamorous appearance, will be significantly improved in the future. Therefore, with regard to the high consumption of synthetic dyes in food and their adverse effects on health, it seems that measures like increasing the level of awareness of producers and consumers about the effects of consumption or non-consumption of these compounds as well as continuous monitoring of units by health inspectors are necessary.

Unpleasant odor caused by sewage disposal in rivers, in areas where proper and adequate arrangements have not been made for wastewater treatment, is one of the obvious indicators of air pollution affecting a large population of people living in these areas. This study aimed at investigating the effects of odor-producing gases in the Gohar Rood river in Rasht, as one of the most polluted rivers in northern Iran, on human communities. In this research, the descriptive-analytical method has been used as a comparative analysis based on hierarchical weighting. The statistical population in the communities near and far from this river was 420 and 115 people, respectively. In order to analyze the studied variables, SPSS software, and statistical methods of independent t-test and Levene test were used. The results of a comparative study of the effects of unpleasant odor in communities near and far from this river using t-test of two independent groups and Levene test indicated that clinical symptoms (33.19; 50.86), anxiety symptoms and sleep disturbance (11.89; 17.12), social dysfunction (15.02; 23.13) and depressive symptoms (5.52; 7.16) of communities exposed to the unpleasant smell of this river were significantly higher than other communities (p <0.05). Therefore, people exposed to the unpleasant odor of Gohar Rood river were more dissatisfied with the living conditions in their surroundings and they had a worse quality of life.

Discharge of dye-containing wastewater from various industries like textile, leather, paint, cosmetics etc. industries contributes to large amounts of pollution, leading to serious environmental problems such as quality deterioration of fresh water and endangering ecosystems' health. One of the conventional anti-fungal agent in aquaculture which should be eliminated from wastewaters prior to releasing it into natural water resources. Tremendous volumes of colored wastewater are generated in textile, leather, paint, cosmetics etc. industries, causing eternal damage to the water resources. Wastewaters released from dye production and application industries are responsible for water pollution. Untreated disposal of the colored water into receiving water body causes damage to aquatic life and human bodies. Due to the high toxicity of dyes at low concentrations, they must be treated before being discharged into the receiving body of water. Therefore, environmental legislation has imposed severe limits on the discharged effluents' concentrations from dyestuff manufacturing and textile industries.

Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) depends on controlling Aedes aegyptimosquitoes and larvae. Currently, larvicide control still uses temefos larvicide, though several studies have reported resistance. Insecticides from plants can be used as an alternative. One of the plants reported to have larvicide potency was Melaleuca leucadendraleaves. This study aimed to look at ethanol extract of M.leucadendra leaves activity in killing Aedes aegyptilarvae and LC50 values ​​after a 24-hour examination. This type of research was Experimental Design with Post-test Only Control Group Design. M. Leucadendra leaves was extracted through maceration process using ethanol 96%. The treatments consisted of 8 concentrations of 400mg/L (0.04%); 1000mg/L (0.1% ); 1600mg/L (0.16%); 2000mg/L (0.2%); 10,000mg/L (1%); 20,000mg/L (2%); 30,000mg/L (3%); 40,000mg/L (4%) and the control group (0%). Each concentration was replicated four times and used twentyof the third larvae A.aegypti. The results showed that M.leucadendra has a lethal ability against A.aegypti. There was a correlation between the extract concentration and the larva mortality (p=0.000; 95%). Extract concentration 0.04-0.2% of the extract caused mortality less than 3%, and the highest mortality (47.5%) reached by concentration 4%. The LOGIT test showed that the number of LC50 was 3.7% (37,600mg/L) with 95% significance. A high concentration (>1%) of extract M. leucadendra caused turbid, greenish-gray color, and unpleasant smell on the water. Regarding the WHO bioassay guideline, etahnol extract of M. leucadendra leaves was less effective in killing Aedes aegypti larvae, though it causes lethal effect A.aegypti.

The study's chief purpose is to investigate multicomponent reactions synthesis of triaryl-1h imidazoles using reductive-oxidative reactions by MnO2 - FeSO4 as a catalyst.Some novel substituted imidazoles have been synthesized using MCRs, one-pot synthesis, and MnO2/FeSO4 as a catalyst; the method involves the reaction of benzil, aromatic aldehyde, and ammonium acetate in the presence of MnO2/FeSO4 as a reductive-oxidative catalyst under mild conditions. the obtained compounds were nontoxic, excellent yields, and environmentally friendly. The compounds were elucidated  using IR and 1H-NMR spectra. To satisfy the aim of the study, Reactions have been performed simply by mixing 1,2-diketone with an aldehyde and ammonium acetate in the presence of the catalytic reagent of MnO2/FeSO4. The mixture was prepared by ground them together in a mortar with a pestle at room temperature for several minutes; after that, they purified by column chromatography, 2,4,5-triaryl substituted imidazole derivatives were obtained in excellent yields.

The current study was conducted to determines the concentration of four trace metals (Cd, Pb, Cu and Fe) in water (dissolved and particulate) phase, sediment (exchangeable and residual) and two species of aquatic plants Phragmites australis and Ceratophyllum demersium in Al-Garaf river of Al-Rafa district in south of Iraq. The samples of the study were collected during the autumn and winter in 2018-2019 from three stations within Al-Rafa district. An Atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used to measure the trace metals. The results showed that the concentrations in dissolved phase were (0.20, 0.60, 0.12 and 158.11) µg/l, while their concentrations in particulate phase were (14.34, 46.73, 17.76 and 2200.74) µg/g dry weight respective. For sediment, the mean concentrations of these metals in the exchangeable and residual phase were as follows (5.08, 0.035) (17.29, 2.71) (11.87, 13.23) and (622.18, 2366.02) µg/g dry weight. Higher concentrations of the present study were observed in Ceratophyllum demersum more than their concentration in Phragmites australis. The current study concluded that the concentrations of studied metals in particulate phase were greater than their concentrations in sediment and also higher than their concentrations in the two plants.