Low-dose ionizing radiation (LDIR) at a dose reported in the radiation hormesis effect and adaptive response enhances antioxidant abilities and DNA repair abilities. In this study, we investigated the effects of radiation at 0.1–3 Gy on apoptosis induced by serum removal. Irradiation of 1 Gy at the timing of apoptosis induction improved cell viability. The inhibitory effect on apoptosis was strongly observed at 1 Gy of radiation rather than 0.1 Gy, which is the dose reported in the radiation hormesis effect and adaptive response. To study the effect of irradiation on cell cycle and DNA damage repair system, we investigated the activation of cyclin A and the phosphorylation of KAP1, and results showed that the irradiation decreased cyclin A and activated KAP1, suggesting cell cycle arrest and the activation of DNA damage repair system after the irradiation. Next, we investigated the increased phosphorylation of p38 and Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK), stress response factors, that occurs during the progression of apoptosis by serum removal, and results showed that 1 Gy of irradiation increased p38 but decreased JNK. We investigated the effect of the irradiation on the regulation of DUSP1, which is a substrate specificity for MAPK, and results showed that the irradiation maintained the expression level for the transient induction of DUSP1 expression by serum removal. The results suggest that in LDIR at 1 Gy, apoptosis was suppressed by the activation of DNA damage repair signaling and crosstalk signaling between the p38 and JNK pathways mediated by DUSP1 induction.

Methylmercury (MeHg) exposure during pregnancy is a concern because of its potential health risks to the fetus. Wheat bran (bran), which is the outer layer of wheat kernel, is used as a functional substance in food for specified health uses in Japan. In the present study, we examined the effect of bran on the accumulation and excretion of Hg in mice to evaluate its potential use for reducing the health risk of MeHg. Female BALB/cByJ mice were administered MeHg chloride (4 mg Hg/kg, p.o.). Immediately after administration, the mice were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0%, 5%, or 15% bran, and urine and feces were collected for 14 days. The bran groups had lower total Hg levels in all tissues including the brain compared with the control group, but the effects were significant only in the blood and brain of mice on the 15% bran diet. Urinary Hg excretion in the bran groups was markedly higher than in the control group, although there was no difference in the excretion between the bran groups. Moreover, fecal Hg excretion in the bran groups was substantially higher than in the control group and was dose-dependent. These results suggest that bran intake after MeHg exposure may enhance Hg excretion both in urine and feces and decrease tissue Hg levels. In conclusion, dietary bran might be useful for reducing Hg burden in humans ingested MeHg in food.

Diabetes mellitus and brain toxicity are closely linked, and oxidative stress, obesity, insulin resistance, and glucose toxicity can affect the brain. Orexin-A, also known as hypocretin-1, through its activated receptor, participates in many physiological processes. Orexin-A has been associated with feeding behavior, obesity, and pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. We have recently established that high-dose thiamine in obese diabetic Otsuka Long–Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats leads to reduced obesity and metabolic disorders. Additionally, we found that plasma orexin-A levels in OLETF rats can be modulated by thiamine supplementation under conditions of oxidative stress. Here, we focused on orexin-A in obese diabetic OLETF rats, which at 58 weeks of age and as expected, showed an increase in body weight and blood glucose levels. Plasma orexin-A was measured by ELISA and tended to be higher in obese diabetic OLETF rats than in non-obese diabetic control rats. We evaluated hypocretin receptor 1 (Hcrtr1, also orexin-A receptor) gene expression in the brain of diabetic OLETF rats by reverse transcription (RT)- polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and show that, compared to controls, diabetic OLETF rats exhibited greater orexin-A receptor gene expression in the brain. The results presented here are expected to provide a better understanding of the role of orexin-A and its contribution to brain toxicity in obese diabetic rats.

Valacyclovir, a prodrug of acyclovir, may cause adverse drug reactions, so called acyclovir encephalopathy. The acyclovir encephalopathy may not be explained simply by acyclovir blood concentrations, because recent reports suggest the involvement of 9-carboxymethoxymethylguanine (CMMG), a major metabolite of acyclovir. The present study demonstrates changes in serum concentrations of acyclovir and CMMG in a patient with suspected acyclovir encephalopathy. A 63-year-old male was prescribed loxoprofen and valacyclovir for herpes zoster. Seven days after the start of medication, he showed signs of confusion. The next morning, he was emergently transported to hospital for a suspected stroke. There was no stroke lesion but evidence of acute kidney injury, so the patient was given emergency dialysis. With daily hemodialysis sessions performed for three days, the serum concentrations of acyclovir and CMMG decreased, and his state of consciousness improved accordingly.The metabolite CMMG, as well as acyclovir, is efficiently removed by hemodialysis and symptoms of acyclovir encephalopathy improved with decreased serum concentrations. Therefore, if other organic diseases can be ruled out in a patient with suspected acyclovir encephalopathy, it is advisable to introduce hemodialysis immediately.

Trans fatty acids (TFAs) are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and have been suggested to play roles in various metabolic diseases, including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The present study aimed to assess the influence of TFAs on the development of NASH lesions. Male Harlan Sprague Dawley rats were fed a choline-deficient, methionine-lowered, L-amino acid-defined (CDAA) diet with or without TFAs for two, four, and 13 weeks. The CDAA diet caused hepatic steatosis, macrophage infiltration, and fibrosis. Further, it increased serum activities of aspartate and alanine aminotransferase, and upregulated inflammation- and fibrosis-related genes in the liver. TFAs enhanced or tended to enhance the serum ALT activity but did not affect other outcomes. In the present study using the CDAA rat model, NASH lesions were clearly induced; however, the effect of TFAs was minimal. In conclusion, TFAs may be a risk factor for NASH by enhancing hepatocellular injury. With the composition and amount used in the present study, TFAs did not affect hepatic steatosis, chronic inflammation, or fibrosis in rats fed with the CDAA diet. To assess the risk of TFAs for NASH, more comprehensive studies are warranted, using other compositions and/or amounts of TFAs.

To evaluate the effects of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) on a host immune system, we assayed them using a murine model of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. MWCNT suspended in solution were intranasally administered to mice on days 1, 3, and 5 before RSV infection. On day 5 post-infection, the levels of representative inflammatory markers (interferon-γ, chemokines CCL3 and CCL5) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were significantly increased in RSV-infected mice due to MWCNT exposure compared to the control. A histopathological analysis confirmed the exacerbation of the pneumonia. However, significant histopathological changes were not observed in mock-infected mice in this study. Some alveolar macrophages engulfing the MWCNT aggregates were localized in the inflammatory cells in the lung tissues, but RSV-positive cells immunohistopathologically stained with an anti-RSV antibody were observed apart from those cells. Thus, intranasal treatment with MWCNT should affect the pulmonary immune response against RSV, exacerbating RSV infection in mice.

Two zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) with different physicochemical properties (ZnO(α) and ZnO(Σ)) were examined in THP-1 cells to investigate their effects on cellular immunomodulation and cytotoxicity. THP-1 cells were cultured in the presence of ZnO(α) or ZnO(Σ) for 48 hr, and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and immune cell surface antigens was examined. ZnO(α) and ZnO(Σ) reduced cell viability in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, with the latter being more potent. ZnO(α) and ZnO(Σ) increased the expression of CD54, IL-8, and TNF-α to the same extent between 24 and 48 hr. While ZnO(Σ) was more potent at effective concentrations, this potency was comparable between ZnO(α) and ZnO(Σ) when normalized to their cytotoxic concentrations (LC₅₀, LC₂₅, or LC₅). It was considered that there was a potency shift that is associated with cytotoxicity and physicochemical properties, in immunomodulatory activities in THP-1 cells between ZnO NPs.

Releasing human pharmaceuticals to the environment is an emerging ecotoxicological concern. In this study, we examine the feasibility of evaluating the algal chronic toxicity of human pharmaceuticals using quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) models and a category approach. We constructed an ecotoxicology database of human pharmaceuticals using publicly available information, such as regulatory agency reports and scientific papers. We created an algal chronic toxicity dataset using this database, and predicted the No Observed Effect Concentrations (NOEC) of human pharmaceuticals using ECOlogical Structure-Activity Relationship (ECOSAR) and KAshinhou Tool for Ecotoxicity (KATE) QSAR models. Almost half of query substances were applicable to the QSAR models, and the feasibility was confirmed with high concordant predictions—predicted/measured ratios were in the range of 0.01–100 in 92.9% and 79.1% of applicable substances in ECOSAR and KATE, respectively—and false predictions (predicted/measured ratios > 100) that could lead to significant underestimation of toxicity were rarely observed. Two case studies of diphenhydramine and lamotrigine demonstrated that detailed evaluation of target and reference substances in the corresponding chemical class could increase the reliability and accuracy of prediction results of KATE. Grouping of substances based on pharmacology revealed some category classes with a toxicological concern. Finally, a workflow model to assess algal toxicity of human pharmaceuticals was proposed based on these evaluations including QSAR predictions and category approach.

The evaluation of developmental toxicity requires new methods that provide an alternative to animal use. In this study, we evaluated the effects of thalidomide exposure [upon nanosecond pulsed electric field (nsPEF) treatment] on the embryonic development of, teratogenic effects in, and gene expression levels in medaka embryos, to determine whether the adverse effects of thalidomide can be detected using medaka. Incorporation of thalidomide into medaka embryos led to malformations in individuals. The results obtained by microinjecting thalidomide into zebrafish embryos could be reproduced by medaka embryo electroporation. Furthermore, the teratogenic mechanism of thalidomide was confirmed at the genetic level. Medaka eggs, in addition to zebrafish, can be used to assess the effects of thalidomide. As the nsPEF method can efficiently incorporate of test chemicals into medaka eggs, it is suggested to have great potential for use as a high-throughput animal alternative evaluation system.

Gavage has been used for many years in mammalian toxicology and experimental animal biology, as a direct oral administration method. It has the advantage of providing an exact dosage per body weight; however, gavage is not considered applicable to small fish like zebrafish (Danio rerio), owing to the difficulty associated with handling. In this study, a new gavage method for zebrafish was developed to minimize stress and damage to their digestive tracts, without the need for anesthesia. This device allows us to hold the zebrafish firmly in a predetermined position without directly touching them. This method involves holding the fish with a novel device and uses a specific syringe for dosing the test substance into the digestive organs. An acute oral toxicity test of potassium dichromate was conducted in adult zebrafish to demonstrate the new gavage method. No mortality was observed in the vehicle (water) control group. Furthermore, the median lethal dose (LD₅₀) values of potassium dichromate in male and female zebrafish were 103 and 195 mg/kg body weight, respectively. These values are directly comparable to the values in rats.

We investigated the expression of miRNAs as a potential biomarker in the colon, rectum, plasma, and feces of the rat dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-colitis model. A 5% DSS solution with drinking water was administered to male SD rats for 1 week, followed by a 1-week off-dose period. In-life parameters were examined daily, and colon length and pathological changes were assessed post-mortem. A selected panel of miRNAs (miR-16-3p, miR-21-5p, miR-31a-5p, miR-34a-5p, miR-146b-5p, miR-155-5p, miR-181b-5p, miR-221-5p, and miR-223-3p) was also measured in the colon, rectum, plasma, and feces using digital polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A high disease activity index (DAI) and reduction in colon length were observed in DSS-treated rats. Erosion and inflammatory cell infiltration were evident in the colon and rectum after DSS treatment. These parameters tended to recover, and regenerative hyperplasia was observed in the rectum after the recovery period. After the end of the administration period, all nine selected miRNA levels showed lower expression in colonic and rectal tissues. miRNA levels, except miR-21-5p and miR-155-5p, were lower in both plasma and feces at 5% DSS group. In contrast, at the end of the recovery period, miRNA levels tended to increase in all samples. Particularly, a higher expression of miR-31a-5p, miR-181b-5p, and miR-223-3p was observed in feces. We suggest that the miRNAs from colon, rectum, plasma, and feces are potential quantitative and sensitive biomarkers in the rat DSS-colitis model. In particular, miR-31a-5p, miR-181b-5p, and miR-223-3p from feces could be used as non-invasive biomarkers to evaluate the reversibility in DSS-treated rats.

Inhalation exposure systems for small experimental animals are necessary evaluation tools of efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and safety when developing inhaled drugs. However, the development of inhalants is characterized by high technical barriers and costs. This project aimed to develop an aerosol generator specialized for a pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) formulation of ciclesonide (CIC), a prodrug-type corticosteroid for asthma. Our results showed that the developed aerosol generator achieved approximately 160 mg/m³ in mass concentration, by using 60 bottles of the pMDI within a one-hour inhalation exposure study. The CIC used in the study was 672 mg in total. The mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) was approximately 1 µm, with less than 2 in geometric standard deviation. Although the amount of test article used was less than 1 g, the aerosol generator achieved approximately 160 mg/m³ in mass concentration, and enough of the CIC was delivered to the rat lungs to allow the visualization of its spatial localization by desorption electrospray ionization–time-of-flight mass spectrometry imaging. We concluded that (i) the aerosol generator was able to drive pMDI accurately, and (ii) the CIC aerosol was delivered to the rodent under appropriate MMAD and concentration; the device’s performance as an excellent nonclinical inhalation exposure system was thus demonstrated. Furthermore, as the device is highly versatile, it would be possible to utilize it when conducting nonclinical inhalation studies at the optimal conditions for various pMDIs. In the future, aerosol generators could reduce costs and shorten the development period of inhaled drugs.

With the advent of the CRISPR/Cas9 system, genome editing in various fields is advancing. Unintended mutation in off-target regions is a major problem of genome editing using the CRISPR/Cas9 system, and it is being reviewed. However, we found a high frequency and various unintended mutations in the “on-target” region when we generated a “knock-in” mouse with point mutation using this technique to develop a supernumerary rib model. Additionally, an inserted sequence of unknown origin was observed. Furthermore, these mutations were transferred to the next generation, even if tandem knock-in or large deletions occurred. These strongly suggest that a proper selection that meets the purpose is essential when considering the safety of foods and medicines using the genome-editing technology.

We have previously reported that the ubiquitin–proteasome system, which is a selective proteolytic system, plays an important role in determining sensitivity to methylmercury in various cultured cells. Deubiquitinating enzyme is a negative regulator of protein degradation through the ubiquitin–proteasome system. In the present study, we searched for deubiquitinating enzymes that affect sensitivity to methylmercury by RNA interference, and identified ubiquitin-specific protease 34 (Usp34) as a deubiquitinating enzyme that confers methylmercury resistance to HEK293 cells by suppressing gene expression.

Liposomal amphotericin B (L-AMB) causes renal dysfunction and hypokalemia, but little is known about the relationship between serum electrolyte levels before or after administration and renal dysfunction. The changes in serum electrolyte levels before and after administration in patients with L-AMB-induced renal dysfunction were examined. This study included 87 patients administered L-AMB at Kindai University Nara Hospital. The number of patients with G1 (serum creatinine (Scr) levels (mg/dL) > 1.07–1.605 in male and > 0.79–1.185 in female) and G2 (Scr level > 1.605–3.21 in male and > 1.185–2.37 in female) was 25 (28.7%) and 14 (16.1%), respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed the onset of G2 was significantly associated with baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), odds ratio (OR): 0.99, 95% confidential interval (95% CI): 0.95–1.02 and, baseline serum potassium levels, OR: 3.50, 95% CI: 1.16–12.06. Serum potassium levels were significantly higher in the G2 group than in the G0 group (Scr levels < 1.07 in male and < 0.79 in female) during the study period. These results indicated the changes in serum potassium levels are associated with renal dysfunction. Monitoring of serum potassium levels before and after administration may contribute to the evaluation of renal dysfunction in patients receiving L-AMB.

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is an aggressive form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease that presents with steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis and can progress to cirrhosis and cancer. Thus, methods for controlling this lifestyle-related disease are urgently needed. An extract of Siraitia grosvenorii (Luo-Han-Guo) (luohanguo extract (LE)) is widely used as a sweetener; its major bioactive constituents, mogrosides, have shown anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, exerting multiple pharmacological effects in various disorders. In the present study, we investigated the effects of LE on NASH induced in mice fed a choline-deficient, methionine-lowered, L-amino acid-defined, high-fat diet without trans fatty acids (CDAA-HF- T(−)). Mice were fed with CDAA-HF- T(−) and drinking water containing LE at concentrations of 0%, 0.2%, 0.6%, and 2% for 28 weeks. Our results showed that LE was not toxic under the experimental conditions evaluated. In the liver of mice fed CDAA-HF- T(−), LE did not affect steatosis or early phase events from macrophage recruitment to hepatocyte death but inhibited late phase events, the progression of inflammation, and fibrosis (mechanisms independent of transforming growth factor-β signaling). Sweeteners with beneficial biological functions, such as LE, may be useful for controlling lifestyle-related diseases, such as NASH, and promoting human health.

2-Azahypoxanthine (AHX) is a compound isolated from the agaricomycete Lepista sordida that forms fairy rings and 2-aza-8-oxohypoxanthine (AOH) is a metabolite of AHX in plants. In the present study, we assessed the safety of AOH for cosmetic applications via in vitro skin sensitization tests and human skin sensitization, phototoxicity, and photosensitization assays. In the tests, AOH did not induce skin sensitization in both human cell line activation test (h-CLAT) and KeratinoSens^TM methods. AOH also did not induce human dermal phototoxicity or photosensitivity. Moreover, in repeat insult patch tests, the compound did not induce any human skin reaction. Hence, we conclude that AOH is safe as a cosmetic ingredient. To the best of our knowledge, this investigation is the first to evaluate the safety of AOH on human skin.

The Hg, Cd, and Pb concentrations in marketed cigarettes from South Korea, Vietnam, Japan, Indonesia, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom (UK), Belgium, Italy, Finland, and France were investigated. The average Hg concentration in cigarettes marketed in Vietnam and Thailand had the highest trend. Meanwhile, there was more Cd found in cigarettes from Thailand, UK, and Belgium. The Pb concentrations in cigarettes from Belgium, UK, and Korea were higher than in others. In the health risk assessment in this study, the significant non-carcinogenic health risk (HI) values of Hg, Cd, and Pb were investigated. The results showed that the HI of Hg, Cd, and Pb were 4.12 × 10⁻², 4.07 × 10¹, and 9.78 × 10⁰, respectively. It indicated that only Cd and Pb had a significant HI. When the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) was estimated, the ILCRs for both Cd (7.32 × 10⁻⁴) and Pb (0.88 × 10⁻⁵) in cigarettes were higher than the acceptable limit. The acceptable and significant cancer risks for Pb and Cd, respectively were evaluated in cigarettes used in this study.

>The Japanese government requires risk assessment of chemicals under the Chemical Substances Control Law (CSCL). Toxicity data for polyoxymethylene (paraformaldehyde; CAS No.: 30525-89-4) for human health are insufficient though the chemical needs a screening assessment under the CSCL. Thus, polyoxymethylene was selected by the Safety Examination of Existing Chemicals and Safety Programmes of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) to assess repeated-dose and reproductive/developmental toxicity. A combined toxicity screening was conducted following the OECD TG422. Male and female rats were administered the test chemical once daily by gavage at doses of 0 (control), 20, 60, or 200 mg/kg bw from 14 days before mating for a total of 28 to 61 days. The 200 mg/kg bw/day dose caused a significant decrease in food consumption. Histopathological examination found ulcers in the forestomach and glandular stomach, and erosion and inflammatory cell infiltration in the submucosa of the glandular stomach at the end of dosing in both sexes. Inflammatory cell infiltration in the submucosa of the glandular stomach was also observed in both sexes after the recovery period. No reproductive and developmental toxicity was observed even at the highest dose. A no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for repeated-dose toxicity was 60 mg/kg bw/day, and a NOAEL for reproductive and developmental toxicity was 200 mg/kg bw/day, the highest dose tested.

In previous studies, we suggested that hypoglycemia induced by antidiabetic drugs causes testicular toxicity. In this study, we evaluated whether spontaneously hyperglycemic and diabetic rats (Goto-Kakizaki rats) treated with an antidiabetic drug showed testicular histopathological changes. TMG-123, a glucokinase activator, was given to the rats for 4 weeks at 12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg. The exposures of TMG-123 at 50 mg/kg were similar to those that caused hypoglycemia and testicular toxicity in SD rats, and the decrease in blood glucose levels on day 28 of dosing was similar to that in SD rats, which showed that the pharmacological action of TMG-123 was similar in both SD and Goto-Kakizaki rats. However, blood glucose levels in Goto-Kakizaki rats were originally much higher than those in SD rats, and hypoglycemia was not induced in the Goto-Kakizaki rats. The histopathological evaluation showed no testicular changes. These results corroborate our hypothesis.

Inorganic polyphosphates with an average degree of polymerization of 150 (polyP₁₅₀) have been shown to improve mortality in a lipopolysaccharide model of sepsis in mice. We aimed to investigate the effects of polyP₁₅₀ in a mouse model of cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) peritonitis, which accurately reflects clinical sepsis, and elucidate its mechanism of action and suitability as a candidate for sepsis treatment. The present study demonstrated that treatment with polyP₁₅₀ significantly improved survival rate in mouse model of CLP peritonitis. polyP₁₅₀ inhibited a CLP-mediated increase in pulmonary vascular permeability as demonstrated by Evans blue dye assay. Pretreatment of polyP₁₅₀ in human vascular endothelial cells, HMEC-1 cells, showed inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-α-induced monocytic THP-1 cell adhesion and intercellular adhesion molecule 1/CD54 gene expression. These results suggest that polyP₁₅₀ ameliorates fatal sepsis by inhibiting expression of the cell adhesion molecule and the accumulation of leukocytes in the vascular endothelium, thereby suppressing the increase in vascular permeability. Our results in this study suggest that polyP₁₅₀ could be a candidate for novel sepsis treatments.

Movento® 240SC and Envidor® 240SC are new insecticide derivatives of tetramic acid belonging to a keto-enol pesticide family. However, few studies have reported genotoxic effects in nontarget organisms. In the present study, the genotoxic effects of Movento® 240SC and Envidor® 240SC on Drosophila melanogaster ovaries were analyzed using the alkaline comet assay. Simultaneously, we determined the LD₅₀ for both insecticides. Virgin females were exposed to food at three sublethal concentrations (11.2, 22.4, 37.3 mg/L) of Movento® 240SC and (12.3, 24.6, 41.1 mg/L) of Envidor® 240SC for 72 hr. As a negative control group, females were exposed to food without insecticides, and as a positive control group, females were exposed to 17.5 mg/L bleomycin under the same experimental conditions. We analyzed three genotoxic parameters, tail length, tail moment, and tail intensity, in ovarian cells. The results showed that 11.2 mg/L Movento® 240SC insecticide significantly increased the tail intensity mean in ovarian cells compared with the negative control. However, 22.4 and 37.3 mg/L Movento® 240SC significantly increased tail length and tail moment means compared with the negative control. Envidor® 240SC insecticide at 12.3, 24.6, 41.1 mg/L significantly increased the three genotoxic parameters in ovarian cells compared with the negative control. The LD₅₀ values of Movento® 240SC and Envidor® 240SC insecticides were 79.1 mg/L and 78.0 mg/L, respectively. The genotoxic response of the two keto-enol pesticides was dependent on the concentration of each pesticide. The results demonstrated that Movento® 240SC and Envidor® 240SC keto-enol insecticides are genotoxic agents in D. melanogaster ovaries.

Here, we established an ethanol extraction method and obtained extracts of Neopyropia yezoensis cultivated in three different locations (extracts A-C) in the Seto Inland Sea (Setonaikai). The effects of the extracts on 10 human cancer cells derived from seven different organs were investigated. Extract A exerted the strongest anti-proliferative effects on all types of cancer cells, including an endocrine therapy-resistant aggressive breast cancer model, LTED cells. We analyzed the effects of the extracts on MCF-7 (parental cells for producing LTED cells)/LTED cells, along with four established anti-proliferative agents (etoposide, LY2835219, paclitaxel, and trichostatin A) with different action mechanisms. The inhibitory effects of extract A on both breast cancer cells were comparable with those of paclitaxel, although the other agents showed a preferable reduction in MCF-7 cell viability. We provide evidence of the involvement of component(s), especially those of extract A of N. yezoensis, which exerted anti-proliferative effects on cancer cells.

Oscillatoxins E (1) and F (2) are cyanotoxins isolated from cyanobacteria in the genus Lyngbya. We recently reported the first total synthesis of these compounds and determined their cytotoxicity in various cancer cell lines. Their anti-proliferative activities were moderate, but 2 exhibited unique cell line selectivity. In order to understand their mode of action, in this study we evaluated the cytotoxicity of 1 and 2 under nutrient-depletion culture conditions. Interestingly, 2 exhibited stronger cytotoxicity in HHUA endometrial cancer cells, especially under FBS-starvation conditions. However, its toxicity was not increased in HHUA cells precultured in FBS-depleted medium. These results suggest that 2 is not selectively toxic to nutrient-starved cells and that FBS components such as albumin more strongly neutralized the cytotoxicity of 2 relative to 1. The protein composition of FBS varies by production lot, and the amount of FBS supplemented to culture medium is flexibly determined depending upon the cell line used and experimental objectives. Therefore, it is important to consider the detoxification activity of FBS to precisely evaluate the properties of oscillatoxins, including cytotoxic potency, cell line selectivity, and their respective structure–activity relationships.

Benzodiazepines are widely used psychoactive drugs, and have been detected in several clinical cases of accidental exposure and suicide. It was reported that benzodiazepine concentration was changed in post-mortem blood. However, there is no concrete evidence to reasonably explain why benzodiazepine concentration in post-mortem blood cannot be accurately determined. In this study, we showed that the concentrations of almost all types of benzodiazepines examined were significantly decreased in the presence of hemoglobin (Hb) in vitro. In particular, bromazepam was hardly recovered in its intact form. We detected bromazepam metabolites with Hb by liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-Q/TOF-MS). The mass spectra showed that bromazepam was metabolized into 3-hydroxybromazepam. Our results suggest that 3-hydroxybromazepam was formed via the Fenton reaction with the divalent iron ion in Hb. Furthermore, 3-hydroxybromazepam was also detected in post-mortem blood of autopsied subjects who intentionally ingested bromazepam, and its concentration increased with time after death. These results suggest that 3-hydroxybromazepam is a potential biomarker of bromazepam poisoning to estimate the amount of bromazepam ingested.

Flavones are belonging to flavonoids group and show diverse biological functions. Therefore, they have much attention as drugs for maintaining human health via contributing prevention and treatment of various diseases like cancers, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, ischemic stroke, inflammation diseases and cardiovascular diseases. On the other hand, human monoblastic leukemia U937 cells have been used as an excellent in vitro model system for macrophage development induced in response to various reagents such as all-trans retinoic acid (RA). Here, we investigated the effects of flavones (flavone and its hydroxy derivatives) on the RA-induced O₂^--generating activity of U937 cells. Very interestingly, at a concentration of 20 μM, 3’, 4’-dihydroxyflavone caused up-regulation of the RA-induced O₂^--generating activity (to ~ 170%) although flavone and other hydroxyflavone derivatives tested showed remarkable inhibitory effects on the RA-induced O₂^--generating activity. The promoting effects of 3’, 4’-dihydroxyflavone on the RA-induced O₂^--generating activity showed the maximum value at a concentration of 10 μM. Semiquantitative RT-PCR and immunoblotting revealed that 10 μM 3’, 4’-dihydroxyflavone up-regulates the RA-induced O₂^--generating activity via enhancing gene expression of gp91-phox (mRNA level: to ~ 160%, protein level: to ~ 200%) while 10 μM 5, 7-dihydroxyflavone and 10 μM 3’, 4’, 5, 7-tetrahydroxyflavone down-regulate the RA-induced O₂^--generating activity via inhibiting gene expression of gp91-phox and p47-phox. These findings also showed that there may be various risks involved in use of phytochemical mixtures.

This study reported acrylamide, a carcinogenic substance produced by the Maillard reaction, in dog food, as a part of understand the mechanism of canine carcinogenesis. These results indicated that the average concentrations of acrylamide in dry, retort, and canned dog food were 39.6, 11.0, and 10.7 ng/g, respectively. Among the three, dry dog food exhibited significantly higher concentration. The daily intake of acrylamide by dogs was calculated to be 590 ng/kg/day, which is approximately four times higher than that of humans.

Monascus Color Y-001, a natural food dye produced from Monascus purpureus fermentation, was administered orally by gavage to male and female SD rats for 90 days at doses of 0 (vehicle: 0.1% Tween 80, 10 mL/kg bw), 100, 300 and 1000 mg/kg/day. During the treatment period, there was no death, and test article effects on clinical signs were limited to reddish feces, soiled perineal region (reddish color) and salivation that were observed in both sexes at 300/1000 mg/kg/day. Prolongation in PT and APTT occurred in males at 1000 mg/kg/day, and the changes were without any evidence suggesting hemorrhage and/or hepatic dysfunction. Treatment-related histopathological findings were noted in thymus, liver and kidney, and were limited to the females at 1000 mg/kg/day. These findings included decreased cellularity in thymus with decreased thymus weights attributed to nonspecific stress, centrilobular hepatocellular hypertrophy with increase of liver weights attributed to adaptive change, and vacuolation of proximal tubules in kidneys accompanied with related parameter changes in urinalysis. From these results, the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) was judged to be 300 mg/kg/day both in male and female rats.

Heavy metals are ubiquitous in the environment and nature, and even in trace amounts, chronic exposure to them can have negative health effects on humans. It is known that rice, in particular, easily accumulate cadmium (Cd). Cd can accumulate in the human body and affect human health. In Japan, rice is a staple food and a main leading source of Cd poisoning. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has been investigating the Cd content in brown rice sold in Tokyo since 1973 in order to prevent Cd poisoning in humans. A survey result from 2010 to 2018 stated that there was no sample that exceeded the maximum limit (0.4 ppm). Moreover, compared with past survey reports in Tokyo, the Cd content in brown rice has obviously decreased. In this survey, cadmium intake from brown rice was not particularly problematic in terms of food hygiene.

D-allulose is a non-caloric natural sugar with health benefits. A few clinical trials with continuous D-allulose intake have been reported; one indicated significant increase in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, though the study was not a randomized controlled trial. D-allulose is predicted to be widely used in the near future by various people; therefore, the influence of D-allulose on those who have high risk for LDL-C elevation needs to be determined. Here, the effects of D-allulose on LDL-C levels in patients with hypercholesterolemia under statin therapy were investigated in a randomized controlled trial. Twenty subjects were randomly assigned to two groups: 15 g D-allulose/day or 15 g erythritol/day (placebo); each subject consumed a daily test substance for 48 weeks. Clinical examinations were performed every eight weeks, from initial consumption until week 52. No significant increase in LDL-C was observed, although significant decrease was observed in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in the D-allulose group. HDL-C values stayed within the standard ranges during the consumption period, and the mechanism was reported to be anti-atherosclerotic. In terms of risk assessment, D-allulose did not affect all risk factors that were measured for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Taken together, these results suggested that long-term D-allulose consumption did not affect LDL-C values and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk in patients with hypercholesterolemia under statin therapy.

Liver X receptor (LXR)-alpha and LXR-beta are nuclear receptors activated by oxysterols. They exhibit differential expression patterns and may perform different functional roles. Here we show that LXR-alpha and LXR-beta mutually regulate the expression levels of their counter parts in the normal hepatocyte-derived cell line Fa2N-4. In addition, we demonstrate that ouabagenin (OBG), which was identified as a naturally occurring LXR ligand without causing hepatic steatosis, dramatically increases the expression of LXR-alpha in Fa2N-4 cells that overexpress LXR-beta. However, the expression level of sterol response element binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c), a known target of LXR-alpha, remains marginal in OBG-treated Fa2N-4 cells, in which LXR-alpha expression is upregulated by LXR-beta. Furthermore, we show that OBG stimulates the expression of Krüppel-like factor 15 (KLF15) that is known to form a repressive complex with LXR/RXR and corepressor RIP140, thereby reducing SREBP-1c expression. Thus, we propose a novel mechanism that OBG avoids the increase in the expression of SREBP-1c through the upregulation of KLF15.

The genotoxic potential of Monascus Color Y-001 was assessed using the standard battery of assays including the in vitro reverse mutation test in bacteria (Ames test), the in vitro chromosomal aberration test in mammalian cells and the in vivo micronucleus test in rats. The results of the Ames test, the chromosomal aberration test in CHL/IU cells with and without S9 mix (metabolic activation) and the in vivo bone marrow micronucleus test in rats were all negative. Therefore, it is concluded that Monascus Color Y-001 does not possess any genotoxic risk in humans.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs of ~22 nucleotides in length that play important roles in controlling a huge range of eukaryotic cell functions. Many studies have shown that abnormal expression levels of miRNAs are associated with many diseases and detrimental health effects caused by exposure to environmental pollutants and particulate matter. As a number of reports suggest that profiles of miRNAs in body fluids reflect physiological and pathological status, extracellular miRNAs, especially in plasma and serum, are being focused on as candidate disease biomarkers. Although these phenomena suggest that expression levels of plasma miRNAs can also be used as biomarkers for the detection of adverse health effects caused by exposure to environmental pollutants, there are still few studies on this subject. In the present study, we used diesel exhaust (DE) and filtered-DE (F-DE), which is DE with the particulate matter removed, as a model for environmental pollutant exposure and comprehensively analyzed alteration of the expression levels of plasma miRNAs in mice using a LNA miRNA microarray. MiRNA microarray analyses showed altered expression level of 5 plasma miRNAs (miR-1983, miR-720, miR-1957, miR-335-3p, and miR-1897-5p) in the DE-exposed group and F-DE-exposed group. The results show both the possibility that exposure to various environmental chemicals including DE alters plasma miRNAs and the potential for plasma miRNAs to be used as biomarkers of exposure to these chemicals.