Detection of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in smoked buffalo mozzarella cheese produced in Campania Region, Italy

BACKGROUND

Smoked mozzarella is obtained through traditional smoking techniques or the use of liquid smoke. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) may be produced during the organic matrix combustion. The aim of this study was to evaluate benzo[a]pyrene (B(a)P), benzo[a]anthracene (B(a)A), benzo[b]fluoranthene (B(b)FA), benzo[k]fluoranthene (B(k)FA), benzo[ghi]perylene (B(g,h,i)PE), chrysene (CHR), dibenz[a,h]anthracene (DB(a,h)A) and indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene (IP) in smoked buffalo mozzarella produced in Campania, evaluating also the influence of the different smoking techniques. Milk and mozzarella of the same batch, before and after smoking, were collected. The detection method was basic hydrolysis, clean-up with silica and detection by HPLC equipped with a fluorescence detector.

RESULTS

For milk, only 30% was contaminated. In non-smoked products the medians were >LODs only for B(a)A and CHR. In smoked mozzarellas the highest median was 0.37 ng g(-1) wet weight (CHR).

CONCLUSION

It was found that the consumption of this typical food of Campania does not represent a risk for consumers, considering that the incidences on EFSA dietary intake were always lower than 1.5% for mozzarella cheese and lower than 3% for smoked mozzarella cheese.

Spatial distribution and partitioning of organophosphates pesticide in water and sediment from Sarno River and Estuary, Southern Italy

The organophosphates pesticide (OPP) pollution in the Sarno River and its environmental impact on the Gulf of Naples (Tyrrhenian Sea, Central Mediterranean Sea) were estimated. Nine selected OPPs (diazinon, dimethoate, malathion, chlorpyrifos, dichlorvos, fenitrothion, methidathion, tolclofos-methyl, azinphos-methyl) were determined in the water dissolved phase (DP), suspended particulate matter (SPM) and sediment samples. Total OPP concentrations ranged from 5.58 to 39.25 ng L(-1) in water (as the sum of the DP and SPM) and from 0.19 to 3.98 ng g(-1) in sediment samples. Contaminant discharges of OPPs into the sea were calculated in about 48,064.08 g year(-1), showing that this river should account as one of the main contribution sources of OPPs to the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Bisphenol A contamination in soft drinks as a risk for children's health in Italy

Bisphenol A (BPA) was determined in sugary carbonated, non-carbonated and milk-based beverages, through HLPC-fluorescence detection and confirmed by LC-MS/MS, in a selection of brands that are mostly consumed by Italian children. The daily intake was determined through the WHO budget method (BM). BPA was found at detectable levels in 57% of carbonated beverages, in 50% of non-carbonated and in 100% of milk-based beverages. The median concentrations were 1.24 µg l(-1) (range = < LOD-4.98 µg l(-1)) in canned carbonated beverages and 0.18 µg l(-1) (< LOD-1.78 µg l(-1)) in non-canned carbonated beverages. In non-carbonated beverages, median concentrations were 0.80 µg l(-1) (< LOD-2.79 µg l(-1)) and 0.18 µg l(-1) (< LOD-3.58 µg l(-1)), respectively, for canned and non-canned beverages; in milk-based products the BPA median concentration was 3.60 µg l(-1) (1.00-17.65 µg l(-1)). BPA daily intake from sugary drink consumption in children ranged from 0.008 to 1.765 µg kg(-1) bw day(-1). The median exposure values for the 'best' and 'worst' cases were 0.16% and 0.47% respectively of the EFSA t-TDI for BPA (4 µg kg(-1) bw day(-1)), and 10.59% and 35.30% of the t-TDI when the maximum levels were considered.

Exposure to di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate, di-n-butyl phthalate and bisphenol A through infant formulas

Phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA) are ubiquitous contaminants identified as endocrine disruptors. Phthalates are worldwide used as plasticizers, in particular to improve the mechanical properties of polymers such as polyvinyl chloride. Because they are not chemically bound to the polymer, they tend to leach out with time and use. Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP) are the two most common phthalates. BPA is an estrogenic compound used to manufacture polycarbonate containers for food and drink, including baby bottles. It can migrate from container into foods, especially at elevated temperatures. Diet is a predominant source of exposure for phthalates and BPA, especially for infants. The aim of this study was to test the presence of DEHP, DnBP, and BPA in infant formulas. DEHP, DnBP, and BPA concentrations were measured in 22 liquid and 28 powder milks by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection and high performance liquid chromatography with fluorimetric detection, respectively. DEHP concentrations in our samples were between 0.005 and 5.088 μg/g (median 0.906 μg/g), DnBP concentrations were between 0.008 and 1.297 μg/g (median 0.053 μg/g), and BPA concentrations were between 0.003 and 0.375 μg/g (median 0.015 μg/g). Concentrations of the investigated contaminants in liquid and powder milks were not significantly different, even though samples were packed in different types of containers. These data point out potential hazards for infants fed with baby formulas. Contamination seems more related to the production of formulas than to a release from containers.

Psoriasis and skin pain: instrumental and biological evaluations

The prevalence of skin pain and the molecular mechanisms responsible for pain in psoriasis remain unclear. This study assessed skin pain in 163 patients (98 males, 65 females, range 18-81 years) with plaque psoriasis, evaluating: the subjective/objective features of this symptom compared with clinical severity of the disease; and the role of interleukin (IL)-33, (involved in both psoriasis and pain pathogenesis), in psoriasis-related pain. Clinical measures used were a questionnaire, plaque Physician Global Assessment (PGA) index, pressure algometry to measure pain threshold and tactile/thermal sensitivity test. IL-33 gene expression was examined in vivo (n = 12) in patients skin and through an ex vivo model of nociception using sodium dodecyl sulphate. Of the psoriatic patients 43.6% reported skin pain during the previous week; itchy, unpleasant, aching, sensitive, hot/burning, tender and cramping were the most reported qualities. Patients' pain threshold decreased with increasing PGA index and pain intensity. Sensitivity to touch/heat was reduced in lesional skin, compared with unaffected psoriatic skin. IL-33 expression was increased in lesional skin of patients reporting pain and in the ex vivo system. In conclusion, symptoms of skin pain should be taken into account in the management of psoriasis.

Multiple sclerosis following anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha therapy for psoriasis: first case in Italy?

The use of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) antagonists has greatly improved clinical management of psoriasis and other inflammatory diseases, but acute and chronic adverse reactions, including demyelination, are becoming increasingly recognized. We reported a case of multiple sclerosis in a 48-year-old Italian man with plaque psoriasis treated with etanercept. Through a literature review, we found a total of 35 psoriatic patients, including our case, in whom a demyelinating disease developed in course of TNF-α antagonists therapy. Since neurological disorders are rarely associated with the use of anti-TNF-α therapy in psoriatic patients, but have severe side effects, physicians should screen patients before starting therapy, excluding a positive anamnesis for demyelinating disease; if patients receiving anti-TNF-α drugs develop new or unusual neurological symptoms, the anti-TNF-α should be stopped and patients should be properly examined. Furthermore, therapies for demyelinating diseases that could exacerbate psoriasis manifestations should be carefully avoided.

Psoriasis in Children: A Review

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated, inflammatory systemic disease which targets primarily the skin. It presents a genetic basis, affecting 1 to 3% of the white population. Nevertheless, the existence of two psoriasis incidence peaks has been suggested (one in adolescence before 20 years of age and another in adulthood) onset may occur at any age, including childhood and adolescence, in which its prevalence ranges between 0.7% and 1.2%. As for adult psoriasis, pediatric psoriasis has recently been associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome, increased waist circumference percentiles, and metabolic laboratory abnormalities, warranting early monitoring and lifestyle modifications. In addition, due to psoriasis chronic nature and frequently occurring relapses, psoriatic patients tend to have an impaired quality of life, often requiring long-term treatment. Therefore, education of both pediatric patients and their parents is essential to successful and safe disease management. However, systemic treatment of children is challenging as the absence of standardized guidelines and the fact that evidence-based data form randomized controlled trials are very limited. This review shows an overview of the current understanding of the pathogenesis, comorbidities, differential diagnosis, treatment and prevention of pediatric psoriasis, also presenting with an emphasis on the necessity of an integrated treatment approach involving different specialists such as dermatologist, pediatricians, rheumatologists, etc.

The modulatory effect of ellagic acid and rosmarinic acid on ultraviolet-B-induced cytokine/chemokine gene expression in skin keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells

Ultraviolet radiation (UV) induces an increase in multiple cutaneous inflammatory mediators. Ellagic acid (EA) and rosmarinic acid (RA) are natural anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory compounds found in many plants, fruits, and nuts. We assessed the ability of EA and RA to modulate IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, MCP-1, and TNF-α gene expression in HaCaT cells after UVB irradiation. Cells were treated with UVB (100 mJ/cm(2)) and simultaneously with EA (5 μM in 0.1% DMSO) or RA (2.7 μM in 0.5% DMSO). Moreover, these substances were added to the UVB-irradiated cells 1 h or 6 h before harvesting, depending on the established UVB-induced cytokine expression peak. Cytokine gene expression was examined using quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction. RA produced a significant reduction in UVB-induced expression of IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, and TNF-α when applied at the same time as irradiation. EA showed milder effects compared with RA, except for TNF-α. Both substances decreased IL-6 expression, also when applied 5 h after irradiation, and always produced a significant increase in UVB-induced IL-10 expression. Our findings suggest that EA and RA are able to prevent and/or limit the UVB-induced inflammatory cascade, through a reduction in proinflammatory mediators and the enhancement of IL-10, with its protective function.

Spatial distribution and partitioning of polychlorinated biphenyl and organochlorine pesticide in water and sediment from Sarno River and Estuary, southern Italy

The Sarno River is nicknamed "the most polluted river in Europe". The main goal of this study is to enhance our knowledge on the Sarno River water and sediment quality and on its environmental impact on the gulf of Naples (Tyrrhenian Sea, Central Mediterranean Sea) in order to become a useful assessment tool for the regional administrations. For these reasons, 32 selected polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and aldrin, α-BHC, β-BHC, δ-BHC, γ-BHC (lindane), 4,4'-DDD, 4,4'-DDE, 4,4'-DDT, dieldrin, endosulfan I, endosulfan II, endosulfan sulphate, endrin, endrin aldehyde, heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide (isomer B) and methoxychlor were determined in the water dissolved phase (DP), suspended particulate matter (SPM) and sediments. Total concentrations of PCBs ranged from 1.4 to 24.9 ng L(-1) in water (sum of DP and SPM) and from 1.01 to 42.54 ng g(-1) in sediment samples. The concentrations of total organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) obtained in water (sum of DP and SPM) ranged from 0.54 to 7.32 ng L(-1) and from 0.08 to 5.99 ng g(-1) in sediment samples. Contaminant discharges of PCBs and OCPs into the sea were calculated in about 1,247 g day(-1) (948 g day(-1) of PCBs and 326 g day(-1) of OCPs), showing that this river should account as one of the main contribution sources of PCBs and OCPs to the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Periungual and subungual pyogenic granuloma following anti-TNF-α therapy: is it the first case?

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) antagonists have advanced treatment of psoriasis and other chronic inflammatory diseases but are not free of adverse effects. Pyogenic granuloma is yet described in literature as a dermatological side effect of multiple drugs such as retinoids, antiretroviral, and antineoplastic drugs but, to the best of our knowledge, it has never been reported among the adverse skin reactions following anti-TNF-α therapy. We report on a 20-year-old Caucasian man with psoriatic arthritis who developed multiple eruptive periungual and subungual pyogenic granulomas following treatment with TNF-α antagonist etanercept.

Nicotinamide downregulates gene expression of interleukin-6, interleukin-10, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and tumour necrosis factor-α gene expression in HaCaT keratinocytes after ultraviolet B irradiation

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation has profound effects on human skin, causing sunburn, inflammation, cellular-tissue injury, cell death, and skin cancer. Most of these effects are mediated by a number of cytokines produced by keratinocytes. In this study we investigated whether nicotinamide (NCT), the amide form of vitamin B3, might have a protective function in reducing the expression of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α in UV-irradiated keratinocytes. HaCaT cells were treated with UVB in the presence or absence of NCT, and cytokine mRNA levels were examined by quantitative real-time PCR. NCT significantly downregulated IL-6, IL-10, MCP-1 and TNF-α mRNA expression, whereas it did not exert any significant effect on IL-1β or IL-8 expression. Because of its ability to decrease these cytokine mediators after UV exposure, NCT is a possible therapy to improve or prevent conditions induced or aggravated by UV light.

MCP-1 in psoriatic patients: effect of biological therapy

BACKGROUND

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) is a chemokine locally and systemically augmented in psoriasis. A single nucleotide polymorphism in MCP-1 promoter region -2518A→G is associated with higher gene expression.

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to evaluate MCP-1 plasma level in psoriatic patients and to relate any association in plasmatic and cutaneous MCP-1 with clinical improvement due to biological drugs.

METHODS

Blood samples were obtained from: (i) 30 Caucasian patients with psoriasis and 10 controls, for determining MCP-1 plasma concentrations and -2518A→G polymorphism occurrence, (ii) 16 psoriatic patients treated by anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) adalimumab/etanercept or by anti-CD-11 efalizumab, before and after 2 months of treatment. Moreover, biopsies were performed on lesional skin of five patients treated with anti-TNF-α. MCP-1 plasma concentration and cutaneous expression were determined by ELISA and qRT-PCR.

RESULTS

MCP-1 plasma level was significantly increased in psoriatic patients. -2518A→G polymorphism was similarly distributed in patients and controls and unrelated to MCP-1 plasma level or to Psoriasis Area and Severity Index. All patients receiving biological drugs showed significant clinical improvement. Anti-TNF-α therapy moderately reduced MCP-1 plasma concentration and robustly decremented MCP-1 expression in lesional skin.

CONCLUSION

MCP-1 should be a potential local inflammatory marker in psoriatic patients to assess disease severity and anti-TNF-α treatment efficacy.

Study on the influence of temperature, storage time and packaging type on di-n-butylphthalate and di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate release into packed meals

Ready-to-eat meals packed in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and aluminium dishes, supplied to patients in two hospitals in the Campania region (Italy), were studied to evaluate the probable migration of di-n-butylphthalate (DBP) and di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) from the packaging into the food. The influence of temperature, storage time and type of package on the migration process was considered, analysing the meals according to three time ranges, before the packaging (T(0)) and after 60 min (T(1)) and 120 min (T(2)) from packaging during the storage in thermostatic delivery carts. At T(0) in the meals sampled before packaging in PET dishes, mean levels of DBP and DEHP were 0.023 ± 0.002 µg/g and 0.069 ± 0.041 µg/g, respectively; the DBP level increased 230% and that of DEHP increased 208% by time T(0) versus T(2). In the meals sampled before packaging (T(0)) in aluminium dishes, the mean levels of DBP and DEHP were 0.030 ± 0.001 µg/g and 0.057 ± 0.015 µg/g, respectively. The significant increase in contaminant levels over storage times for meals packed in PET dishes demonstrates that from packages made of plastic materials the migration of phthalic acid esters into foods is possible. In meals packed in PET dishes, the highest DBP and DEHP increases were observed in the T(0) to T(1) range, which represented the time interval over which meals were kept hot, and mainly in the first ones, where the highest temperatures have been recorded.

Cadmium accumulation and antioxidant responses in Sparus aurata exposed to waterborne cadmium

Cadmium (Cd), a nonessential trace element, is rapidly accumulated by most living organisms and subsequently exerts its toxicity at different molecular levels. This study exposed gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) to waterborne 0.1 mg/l Cd for 11 days and investigated the Cd accumulation pattern, lipid oxidation, and response of antioxidant defences. At the end of the experiment, mean Cd concentrations in gills and liver, the organs most prone to metal accumulation, were 209.4 and 371.7 ng/g ww, respectively. Muscle did not show any Cd retention during the 11 days of exposure. In liver, the cytosolic fraction of the metal was chelated into the nontoxic form by metallothionein (MT), a specific Cd-inducible protein. Zn and Cu concentrations were not influenced by Cd exposure. Glutathione (GSH) concentrations and the antioxidant enzyme activities of GSH reductase and GSH peroxidase showed an overall decreasing trend. In addition, lipid and aqueous hydroperoxide levels did not show any significant variation. Oxidative stress indirectly generated by Cd seems to be compensated for by the different biochemical systems tailored to decrease cellular damage. In particular, the negative effects of Cd accumulation in tissues were probably counteracted by the induction of MT.

Children's exposure to Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate and dibutylphthalate plasticizers from school meals

Packed school meals for children 3-10 years old were studied to evaluate the levels of di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) and di-n-butylphthalate (DBP) and the influence of the packaging process on meal contamination, and their contribution to daily intake was estimated. The packaging consisted of polyethylene-coated aluminum (PE/Al) dishes thermally welded by a polyethyleneterephthalate-coated aluminum (PET/Al) foil. Foodstuffs before processing were analyzed, too. Total meals before packaging and after packaging were collected. It was found that 92% of foodstuffs employed in meal preparation contained DEHP, and 76% of them DBP, at detectable levels. In cooked foods before packaging the DEHP median concentration levels varied from 111.4 to 154.8 ng/g ww and those of DBP between 32.5 and 59.5 ng/g ww. In packed meals the DEHP median values ranged from 127.0 to 253.3 ng/g ww, and DBP median values varied from 44.1 to 80.5 ng/g ww. The mean increases of median concentrations of DEHP in cooked foods before and after packaging were 113 and 125% for DBP. For nursery and primary school children DEHP intake via school meals can raise on average the respective EFSA TDI by 18 and 12% and that of DBP by 50 and 30%.