Sulfur mustard (SM) is an alkylating agent that induces apoptosis and necrosis in cells. Fas-Fas ligand (FasL) interaction could induce apoptosis as well. In this study, it was hypothesized that apoptosis might play an important role in the pathogenesis of SM-induced lung injury via Fas-FasL signaling pathway. In a case-control study, Fas and FasL levels, caspase-3 activity and percent of apoptotic cells were measured in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid of patients 20 years after exposure to sulfur mustard and compared with the control group. 
Results show that Fas and FasL levels were significantly higher in BAL fluid cells in patients group compared with the control (<svg style="vertical-align:-0.1575pt;width:50.349998px;" id="M1" height="9.7875004" version="1.1" viewBox="0 0 50.349998 9.7875004" width="50.349998"  xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"    >
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</svg>). No significant differences were observed between mild and moderate-severe groups. BAL fluid cells caspase-3 activity was not significantly different among the mild, moderate-severe, and control groups. The data suggest that Fas-FasL-induced apoptosis was impaired in BAL fluid cells of SM-exposed patients which might be one of the initiators of pathogenesis in SM-induced lung injury in these patients. 


Gila Pirzad

Mahvash Jafari

Sasan Tavana

Homayoon Sadrayee

Saeid Ghavami

Arezoo Shajiei

Mostafa Ghanei

The Role of Fas-FasL Signaling Pathway in Induction of Apoptosis in Patients with Sulfur Mustard-Induced Chronic Bronchiolitis

Several cases of poisoning resulting in human fatalities and stemming from the ingestion of coral reef crabs have been reported from the Indo-Pacific region. We assessed the toxicity of the unidentified xanthid crab collected from the Camotes Sea off the eastern coast of Cebu Island, central Visayas region of Philippines from the food hygienic point of view. All seven specimens, which were identified with <i  >Demania cultripes</i>, collected in 2006 were toxic to mice irrespective of the season of collection and induced paralytic symptoms typical of tetrodotoxin (TTX) and paralytic shellfish poison (PSP). The activity was expressed in mouse unit (MU) being defined as the amount of TTX to kill a 20&#x2009;g ddY male mice in 30&#x2009;min after <i  >i.p.</i> injection. Toxicity scores for viscera and appendages of specimens were <svg     style="vertical-align:-0.3003pt;width:74.362503px;" id="M1" height="11.4" version="1.1" viewBox="0 0 74.362503 11.4" width="74.362503"  xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg">
	
		
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</svg> (mean &#xb1; S.D.) and <svg     style="vertical-align:-0.3003pt;width:58.049999px;" id="M2" height="11.4" version="1.1" viewBox="0 0 58.049999 11.4" width="58.049999"  xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg">
	
		
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</svg>&#x2009;MU/g, respectively. The highest individual toxicity scores observed for viscera and appendages were 52.1 and 7.7&#x2009;MU/g, respectively. The frequency of toxic samples was 100&#x25;. Toxin profiles as determined by high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorescent detection analysis (HPLC-FLD) revealed that TTX was the main toxic principle accounting for about 90&#x25; of the total toxicity along with 4-<i  >epi</i> TTX and 4,9-anhydroTTX. Furthermore, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed mass fragment ion peaks at <svg     style="vertical-align:-2.22495pt;width:29px;" id="M3" height="14.85" version="1.1" viewBox="0 0 29 14.85" width="29"  xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg">
	
		
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</svg> 376, 392 and 407, which were characteristic of the quinazoline skeleton (C9-base) specific to TTX. In addition, only a small amount of PSP containing gonyautoxins1&#x2013;4 and hydroxysaxitoxin was detected. To our knowledge, this is the first report presenting evidence of occurrence of TTX and PSP in the xanthid crab <i  >D. cultripes</i> inhabiting waters surrounding Cebu Island. From food hygienic point of view, people in coastal areas should be warned of the potential hazard of this crab in order to prevent its intentional or accidental consumption.

Manabu Asakawa

Gloria Gomez-Delan

Shintaro Tsuruda

Michitaka Shimomura

Yasuo Shida

Shigeto Taniyama

Mercy Barte-Quilantang

Jo Shindo

Toxicity Assessment of the Xanthid Crab <i>Demania cultripes</i> from Cebu Island, Philippines

This study was designed to determine the sequence of events leading to cardiopulmonary effects following acute inhalation of diesel engine exhaust in rats. Rats were exposed for 2&#x2009;h to diesel engine exhaust (1.9&#x2009;mg/m<sup  >3</sup>), and biological parameters related to antioxidant defense, inflammation, and procoagulation were examined after 4, 18, 24, 48, and 72&#x2009;h. 
This in vivo inhalation study showed a pulmonary anti-oxidant response (an increased activity of the anti-oxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase and an increase in heme oxygenase-1 protein, heme oxygenase activity, and uric acid) which precedes the inflammatory response (an increase in IL-6 and TNF-<svg     style="vertical-align:-0.1638pt;width:9.7749996px;" id="M1" height="7.9499998" version="1.1" viewBox="0 0 9.7749996 7.9499998" width="9.7749996"  xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg">
	
		
			<g transform="matrix(.017,-0,0,-.017,.062,7.675)"><path id="x1D6FC" d="M545 106q-67 -118 -134 -118q-24 0 -40 37.5t-30 129.5h-2q-47 -72 -103 -119.5t-108 -47.5q-47 0 -76 45.5t-29 119.5q0 113 85 204t174 91q47 0 70 -33.5t43 -119.5h3q32 47 80 140l55 13l10 -9q-47 -80 -138 -201q17 -99 27.5 -136t22.5 -37q23 0 69 61zM333 204&#xA;q-14 98 -31 149.5t-50 51.5q-49 0 -94 -70t-45 -164q0 -55 15.5 -86t40.5 -31q70 0 164 150z" /></g>

		
	
</svg>). In addition, increased plasma thrombogenicity and immediate anti-oxidant defense gene expression in aorta tissue shortly after the exposure might suggest direct translocation of diesel engine exhaust components to the vasculature but mediation by other pathways cannot be ruled out. This study therefore shows that different stages in oxidative stress are not only affected by dose increments but are also time dependent.

Ingeborg M. Kooter

Miriam E. Gerlofs-Nijland

A. John F. Boere

Daan L. A. C. Leseman

Paul H. B. Fokkens

Henri M. H. Spronk

Kim Frederix

Hugo ten Cate

Ad M. Knaapen

Hendrik J. Vreman

Flemming R. Cassee

Diesel Engine Exhaust Initiates a Sequence of Pulmonary and Cardiovascular Effects in Rats

This study analyzed the changes in metallothionein-like proteins (MTLPs) and Energy Reserves (ERs) in hepatopancreas and abdominal muscle of the white prawn <i>Penaeus vannamei</i>. Realistic metal concentration exposure for 10 days to Ni and Pb in solution revealed that juvenile prawns partially induce MTLP in hepatopancreas after Pb exposure. Ni was distributed equally between soluble and insoluble fractions, while Pb was present only in the insoluble fraction, suggesting different detoxification strategy. No changes in lipids and glycogen concentration were detected under these experimental conditions in both tissues analyzed. MTLP could not be considered as a suitable indicator for lead exposure in hepatopancreas.

Gabriel Nunez-Nogueira

Catherine Mouneyrac

Alice Muntz

Laura Fernandez-Bringas

Metallothionein-Like Proteins and Energy Reserve Levels after Ni and Pb Exposure in the Pacific White Prawn <i>Penaeus vannamei</i>

Pyrrolizidine alakloids (PAs) are known to cause hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD). Outbreaks have occurred in Western Afghanistan since 1974, the latest in February 2008. We conducted an outbreak investigation using a case-control design. Sixty-seven cases of VOD were compared with 199 community controls. Consumption of bread was strongly associated with disease (adjusted odds ratio: 35.8 [95%CI: 7.6–168.2]). Toxic doses of PA were found in plant extracts and in samples of wheat flour taken from the study area.  Compared to wheat flour there was 1000 times less PA in milk and whey and in water samples the PA content was zero. Although direct analysis was not possible, contaminated wheat flour used to make bread was the likely source of PA causing the outbreak. Eating a more varied diet including meat and fruit may be protective. Prevention and control measures will rely on community awareness and agricultural interventions to ensure safety of the food supply.

Faizullah Kakar

Zarif Akbarian

Toby Leslie

Mir Lais Mustafa

John Watson

Hans P. van Egmond

Mohammad Fahim Omar

Jawad Mofleh

An Outbreak of Hepatic Veno-Occlusive Disease in Western Afghanistan Associated with Exposure to Wheat Flour Contaminated with Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids

Isoflavones have generated much attention due to their potential positive effects in  various diseases. Phytoestrogens especially equol can be found in bovine milk, as feed ration for dairy cows is comprised of plants containing phytoestrogens. The aim of this study was to analyze the changes in hepatic gene expression after dietary intake of milk high and low in isoflavones. In addition to pelleted feed female NMRI mice were offered water, water added either 17<svg style="vertical-align:-2.29482pt;width:8.8500004px;" id="M1" height="13.425" version="1.1" viewBox="0 0 8.8500004 13.425" width="8.8500004"  xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg">
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</svg>-estradiol, equol, Tween 80, and milk high and low in isoflavone content for a week. Gene expression was analyzed using an array qPCR kit. It was revealed that Tween 80 and 17<svg style="vertical-align:-2.29482pt;width:8.8500004px;" id="M2" height="13.425" version="1.1" viewBox="0 0 8.8500004 13.425" width="8.8500004"  xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg">
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</svg>-estradiol upregulated both phase I and phase II genes to the same extent whereas equol alone, high and low isoflavone milk did not alter the expression of phase I genes but decreased the expression of phase II genes. This study shows that dietary isoflavones can regulate the transcription of especially phase II liver enzymes which potentially could give rise to an increase in reactive oxygen metabolites that may contribute to the development of cancer.

Mette T. Skaanild

Tina S. Nielsen

The Influence of Bovine Milk High or Low in Isoflavones on Hepatic Gene Expression in Mice

Asbestos-induced mutagenicity in the lung may involve reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) released by alveolar macrophages. With the aim of proposing an alternative in vitro mutagenesis test, a coculture system of rat alveolar macrophages (NR8383) and transgenic Big Blue Rat2 embryonic fibroblasts was developed and tested with a crocidolite sample. Crocidolite exposure induced no detectable increase in ROS production from NR8383, contrasting with the oxidative burst that occurred following a brief exposure (1 hour) to zymosan, a known macrophage activator. In separated cocultures, crocidolite and zymosan induced different changes in the gene expressions involved in cellular inflammation in NR8383 and Big Blue. In particular, both particles induced up-regulation of iNOS expression in Big Blue, suggesting the formation of potentially genotoxic nitrogen species. However, crocidolite exposure in separated or mixed cocultures induced no mutagenic effects whereas an increase in Big Blue mutants was detected after exposure to zymosan in mixed cocultures. NR8383 activation by crocidolite is probably insufficient to induce in vitro mutagenic events. The mutagenesis assay based on the coculture of NR8383 and Big Blue cannot be used as an alternative in vitro method to assess the mutagenic properties of asbestos fibres.

Yves Guichard

Laurent Gat&#233;

Christian Darne

Marie-Claire Bottin

Cristina Langlais

Jean-Claude Micillino

Mich&#232;le Goutet

Schmit Julien

Binet St&#233;phane

In Vitro Study of Mutagenesis Induced by Crocidolite-Exposed Alveolar Macrophages NR8383 in Cocultured  Big Blue Rat2 Embryonic Fibroblasts

The objective of the study is to investigate whether the <i  >Hibiscus aethiopicus</i> L. plant has neutralization activity against venoms of two clinically important snakes. The <i  >H. aethiopicus</i> was dried and extracted with water. Different assays were performed to evaluate the plant's acute toxicity and its anti-snake venom activities. The results showed that <i  >H. aethiopicus</i> extract alone had no effect on the viability of C<sub  >2</sub>C<sub  >12</sub> muscle cells, but significantly (<svg     style="vertical-align:-0.1638pt;width:50.549999px;" id="M1" height="11.375" version="1.1" viewBox="0 0 50.549999 11.375" width="50.549999"  xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg">
	
		
			<g transform="matrix(.017,-0,0,-.017,.062,11.112)"><path id="x1D443" d="M619 482q0 -69 -40.5 -119t-96 -72.5t-118.5 -26.5h-44l-70 20l-31 -151q-14 -67 0.5 -83t89.5 -22l-5 -28h-287l8 28q65 7 81.5 22t29.5 83l79 398q12 56 0.5 70.5t-78.5 20.5l7 28h255q108 0 164 -43t56 -125zM524 478q0 141 -146 141q-25 0 -47 -8q-16 -6 -20.5 -13.5&#xA;t-10.5 -39.5l-43 -241q37 -13 83 -13q67 0 125.5 45t58.5 129z" /></g><g transform="matrix(.017,-0,0,-.017,15.582,11.112)"><path id="x3C" d="M512 -3l-437 233v51l437 233v-58l-378 -200v-2l378 -199v-58z" /></g><g transform="matrix(.017,-0,0,-.017,30.286,11.112)"><path id="x2E" d="M113 -12q-24 0 -39.5 16t-15.5 42q0 24 16 40.5t40 16.5t40 -16.5t16 -40.5q0 -26 -16 -42t-41 -16z" /></g><g transform="matrix(.017,-0,0,-.017,34.162,11.112)"><path id="x30" d="M241 635q53 0 94 -28.5t63.5 -76t33.5 -102.5t11 -116q0 -58 -11 -112.5t-34 -103.5t-63.5 -78.5t-94.5 -29.5t-95 28t-64.5 75t-34.5 102.5t-11 118.5q0 58 11.5 112.5t34.5 103t64.5 78t95.5 29.5zM238 602q-32 0 -55.5 -25t-35.5 -68t-17.5 -91t-5.5 -105&#xA;q0 -76 10 -138.5t37 -107.5t69 -45q32 0 55.5 25t35.5 68.5t17.5 91.5t5.5 105t-5.5 105.5t-18 92t-36 68t-56.5 24.5z" /></g><g transform="matrix(.017,-0,0,-.017,42.321,11.112)"><path id="x35" d="M153 550l-26 -186q79 31 111 31q90 0 141.5 -51t51.5 -119q0 -93 -89 -166q-85 -69 -173 -71q-32 0 -61.5 11.5t-41.5 23.5q-18 17 -17 34q2 16 22 33q14 9 26 -1q61 -50 124 -50q60 0 93 43.5t33 104.5q0 69 -41.5 110t-121.5 41q-53 0 -102 -20l38 305h286l6 -8&#xA;l-26 -65h-233z" /></g>

		
	
</svg>) protected muscle cells against the toxic effects of <i  >E. ocellatus</i> venom at 55, 150, and 300&#x2009;<svg     style="vertical-align:-3.56265pt;width:9.5625px;" id="M2" height="12.175" version="1.1" viewBox="0 0 9.5625 12.175" width="9.5625"  xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg">
	
		
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</svg>g/mL. The maximum protective effect of the extract was exhibited at 75&#x2009;<svg     style="vertical-align:-3.56265pt;width:9.5625px;" id="M3" height="12.175" version="1.1" viewBox="0 0 9.5625 12.175" width="9.5625"  xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg">
	
		
			<g transform="matrix(.017,-0,0,-.017,.062,7.675)"><use xlink:href="#x1D707"/></g>

		
	
</svg>g/mL. The extract significantly (<svg     style="vertical-align:-0.1638pt;width:58.712502px;" id="M4" height="11.375" version="1.1" viewBox="0 0 58.712502 11.375" width="58.712502"  xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg">
	
		
			<g transform="matrix(.017,-0,0,-.017,.062,11.112)"><use xlink:href="#x1D443"/></g><g transform="matrix(.017,-0,0,-.017,15.582,11.112)"><use xlink:href="#x3C"/></g><g transform="matrix(.017,-0,0,-.017,30.286,11.112)"><use xlink:href="#x2E"/></g><g transform="matrix(.017,-0,0,-.017,34.162,11.112)"><use xlink:href="#x30"/></g><g transform="matrix(.017,-0,0,-.017,42.321,11.112)"><use xlink:href="#x30"/></g><g transform="matrix(.017,-0,0,-.017,50.481,11.112)"><path id="x31" d="M384 0h-275v27q67 5 81.5 18.5t14.5 68.5v385q0 38 -7.5 47.5t-40.5 10.5l-48 2v24q85 15 178 52v-521q0 -55 14.5 -68.5t82.5 -18.5v-27z" /></g>

		
	
</svg>) inhibited the cytotoxic effects of <i  >E. ocellatus</i> venom at 300&#x2009;<svg     style="vertical-align:-3.56265pt;width:9.5625px;" id="M5" height="12.175" version="1.1" viewBox="0 0 9.5625 12.175" width="9.5625"  xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg">
	
		
			<g transform="matrix(.017,-0,0,-.017,.062,7.675)"><use xlink:href="#x1D707"/></g>

		
	
</svg>g/mL. All rabbits (<svg     style="vertical-align:-0.1638pt;width:44.400002px;" id="M6" height="11.125" version="1.1" viewBox="0 0 44.400002 11.125" width="44.400002"  xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg">
	
		
			<g transform="matrix(.017,-0,0,-.017,.062,10.862)"><path id="x1D45B" d="M495 86q-46 -47 -87 -72.5t-63 -25.5q-43 0 -16 107l49 210q7 34 8 50.5t-3 21t-13 4.5q-35 0 -109.5 -72.5t-115.5 -140.5q-21 -75 -38 -159q-50 -10 -76 -21l-6 8l84 340q8 35 -4 35q-17 0 -67 -46l-15 26q44 44 85.5 70.5t64.5 26.5q35 0 10 -103l-24 -98h2&#xA;q42 56 97 103.5t96 71.5q46 26 74 26q9 0 16 -2.5t14 -11.5t9.5 -24.5t-1 -44t-13.5 -68.5q-30 -117 -47 -200q-4 -19 -3.5 -25t6.5 -6q21 0 70 48z" /></g><g transform="matrix(.017,-0,0,-.017,13.305,10.862)"><path id="x3D" d="M535 323h-483v50h483v-50zM535 138h-483v50h483v-50z" /></g><g transform="matrix(.017,-0,0,-.017,28.008,10.862)"><use xlink:href="#x31"/></g><g transform="matrix(.017,-0,0,-.017,36.168,10.862)"><use xlink:href="#x30"/></g>

		
	
</svg>) and guinea pigs (<svg     style="vertical-align:-0.1638pt;width:44.400002px;" id="M7" height="11.125" version="1.1" viewBox="0 0 44.400002 11.125" width="44.400002"  xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg">
	
		
			<g transform="matrix(.017,-0,0,-.017,.062,10.862)"><use xlink:href="#x1D45B"/></g><g transform="matrix(.017,-0,0,-.017,13.305,10.862)"><use xlink:href="#x3D"/></g><g transform="matrix(.017,-0,0,-.017,28.008,10.862)"><use xlink:href="#x31"/></g><g transform="matrix(.017,-0,0,-.017,36.168,10.862)"><use xlink:href="#x30"/></g>

		
	
</svg>) were alive after the two weeks of given the lethal dosage 16&#x2009;g/Kg of the <i  >H. aethiopicus</i> extract herbal solution. No abnormal behaviour was observed of both groups of animals. All guinea pigs (<svg     style="vertical-align:-0.1638pt;width:36.237499px;" id="M8" height="11.125" version="1.1" viewBox="0 0 36.237499 11.125" width="36.237499"  xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg">
	
		
			<g transform="matrix(.017,-0,0,-.017,.062,10.862)"><use xlink:href="#x1D45B"/></g><g transform="matrix(.017,-0,0,-.017,13.305,10.862)"><use xlink:href="#x3D"/></g><g transform="matrix(.017,-0,0,-.017,28.008,10.862)"><path id="x33" d="M285 378v-2q65 -13 102 -54.5t37 -97.5q0 -57 -30.5 -104.5t-74 -75t-85.5 -42t-72 -14.5q-31 0 -59.5 11t-40.5 23q-19 18 -16 36q1 16 23 33q13 10 24 0q58 -51 124 -51q55 0 88 40t33 112q0 64 -39 96.5t-88 32.5q-29 0 -64 -11l-6 29q77 25 118 57.5t41 84.5&#xA;q0 45 -26.5 69.5t-68.5 24.5q-67 0 -120 -79l-20 20l43 63q51 56 127 56h1q66 0 107 -37t41 -95q0 -42 -31 -71q-22 -23 -68 -54z" /></g>

		
	
</svg>) treated with venoms alone (5&#x2009;mg/kg) died. However, all guinea pigs (<svg     style="vertical-align:-0.1638pt;width:44.400002px;" id="M9" height="11.125" version="1.1" viewBox="0 0 44.400002 11.125" width="44.400002"  xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg">
	
		
			<g transform="matrix(.017,-0,0,-.017,.062,10.862)"><use xlink:href="#x1D45B"/></g><g transform="matrix(.017,-0,0,-.017,13.305,10.862)"><use xlink:href="#x3D"/></g><g transform="matrix(.017,-0,0,-.017,28.008,10.862)"><path id="x32" d="M412 140l28 -9q0 -2 -35 -131h-373v23q112 112 161 170q59 70 92 127t33 115q0 63 -31 98t-86 35q-75 0 -137 -93l-22 20l57 81q55 59 135 59q69 0 118.5 -46.5t49.5 -122.5q0 -62 -29.5 -114t-102.5 -130l-141 -149h186q42 0 58.5 10.5t38.5 56.5z" /></g><g transform="matrix(.017,-0,0,-.017,36.168,10.862)"><use xlink:href="#x31"/></g>

		
	
</svg>) treated with venom (5&#x2009;mg/kg) and the extract (400 to 1000&#x2009;mg/kg) survived. Guinea pigs (<svg     style="vertical-align:-0.1638pt;width:36.237499px;" id="M10" height="11.125" version="1.1" viewBox="0 0 36.237499 11.125" width="36.237499"  xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg">
	
		
			<g transform="matrix(.017,-0,0,-.017,.062,10.862)"><use xlink:href="#x1D45B"/></g><g transform="matrix(.017,-0,0,-.017,13.305,10.862)"><use xlink:href="#x3D"/></g><g transform="matrix(.017,-0,0,-.017,28.008,10.862)"><use xlink:href="#x33"/></g>

		
	
</svg>) treated with <i  >Naja n. nigricollis</i> venom alone (2.5&#x2009;mg/kg) and guinea pigs (<svg     style="vertical-align:-0.1638pt;width:44.400002px;" id="M11" height="11.125" version="1.1" viewBox="0 0 44.400002 11.125" width="44.400002"  xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg">
	
		
			<g transform="matrix(.017,-0,0,-.017,.062,10.862)"><use xlink:href="#x1D45B"/></g><g transform="matrix(.017,-0,0,-.017,13.305,10.862)"><use xlink:href="#x3D"/></g><g transform="matrix(.017,-0,0,-.017,28.008,10.862)"><use xlink:href="#x32"/></g><g transform="matrix(.017,-0,0,-.017,36.168,10.862)"><use xlink:href="#x31"/></g>

		
	
</svg>) venom with the extract (400 to 1000&#x2009;mg/kg) died. The <i  >H. aethiopicus</i> completely (100&#x25;) blocked the haemorrhagic activity of <i  >E. ocellatus</i> in the egg embryo at 3.3&#x2009;mg/mL of extract. These findings suggest that <i  >H. aethiopicus</i> may contain an endogenous inhibitor of venom-induced haemorrhage. 
                  

S. S. Hasson

A. A. Al-Jabri

T. A. Sallam

M. S. Al-Balushi

R. A. A. Mothana

Antisnake Venom Activity of <i>Hibiscus aethiopicus</i> L. against <i>Echis ocellatus</i> and <i>Naja n. nigricollis</i>

The search for cancer treatment continues to be a global effort. As part of this global effort, many natural products have been tested against cancer cell lines, mostly from tropically located plants. This study reports that extracts of <i>Atriplex confertifolia</i> (Torr. and Frem.) S. Watson (Chenopodiaceae), a native North American plant (also known as shadscale or saltbush), has significant bioactivity against human breast cancer cell lines MCF-7, MDA-MB 435, MDA-MB 231, and HeLa cells (cervical cancer cells). The bioactivity of <i>A. confertifolia</i> extracts on these cells lines was compared to an FDA-approved cancer drug (Onxol<sup>&#174;</sup>) and an industry-standard leukocyte control cell line. Active portions of the extracts were found primarily in the polar fractions of the plant. A dose-response curve of the extracts displayed significant cell death similar to Onxol<sup>&#174;</sup>. The plant extracts did not significantly inhibit the viability of the leukocyte cell line. In a timed study, over 90&#37; of cell lines MDA-MB 435 and HeLa died after 24 hours. Cell death appears to result from apoptosis.

Christopher J. Capua

Nick P. Hopson

C. Malcolm M. Stewart

G. Robert Johnston

Kim L. O&#39;Neill

G. Bruce Schaalje

Christopher M. Lee

Gary M. Booth

Cytotoxicity of <i>Atriplex confertifolia</i>

About this journal

<p><em>Journal of Toxicology</em> publishes papers in all areas of toxicological sciences, including the structure, function, and mechanism of agents toxic to humans and/or animals, as well as toxicological medicine, safety evaluation, and environmental health.</p>


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<p>Chief Editor, Professor You-Cheng Hseu, is based at China Medical University. His research focuses on the biology of free radicals, bioactivity in traditional Chinese medicines, and antioxidants and cosmeceutics.</p>


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Journal of Toxicology - Table of contents 2010

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Journal of Toxicology publishes papers in all areas of toxicological sciences, including the structure, function, and mechanism of agents toxic to humans and/or animals, as well as toxicological medicine, safety evaluation, and environmental health.

Journal of Toxicology