Developing Xenopus embryos recover by compacting and expelling single wall carbon nanotubes

Toxicity of amine-functionalized single-carbon nanotube (NH2 f-SWCNT) to Channel Catfish (Ietalurus Punetaus): Organ pathologies, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis

The rapid development of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in the field of fish disease control and prevention raises concerns about the toxicity and safe use in fish. This study was performed to assess the effect on histological changes, oxidative stress related markers in response to various concentrations of amine-functionalized single carbon nanotubes (NH₂ f-SWCNT) (1, 10 and 100 mg kg^-1 fish) in Channel Catfish (Ietalurus Punetaus) for up to 10 days. Moreover, pro-inflammatory cytokine genes and apoptotic genes were analyzed to obtain a better understanding of molecular mechanism of NH₂ f-SWCNT induced toxicity. As a result, intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of NH₂ f-SWCNT caused dose-dependent and time-dependent injuries in the sampled tissues. In comparison with the control groups, decrease of catalase (CAT) activity and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and increase of malondialdehyde (MDA) and lactin dehydrogenase (LDH) were observed in all treatments. Real-time PCR assay showed inflammatory response with dose-dependent increase of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and transient increase of interleukin 1β (IL-1β) in the liver. NH₂ f-SWCNT administration induced increase of p38 as well as caspase-3 in all treatments compared to the control groups, indicating the involvement of p38-MAPK cascade and caspase-3 cascade in liver cell apoptosis. Overall, we conclude that NH₂ f-SWCNT exert effects by direct injury and indirectly oxidative stress, resulting in inflammation and apoptosis, which provides data for understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying the toxicity of CNTs in fish.

Natural Products from Madagascar, Socio-Cultural Usage, and Potential Applications in Advanced Biomedicine: A Concise Review

Natural products endowed of biological activity represent a primary source of commodities ranging from nutrition to therapeutic agents, as well as cosmetic tools and recreational principles. These natural means have been used by mankind for centuries, if not millennia. They are commonly used all over the world in socio-economical contexts, but are particularly attractive in disadvantaged areas or economically emerging situations all over the world. This is very likely due to the relatively easy recovery of these bioactive principles from the environment, at a low if any cost, as well as ease of administration and the general popular compliance concerning their consumption/ingestion. In this concise review, we focus on some popular bioactive principles of botanical origin which find a wide use in the Madagascan populations. However, due to space limitations, only some of the most common and largely diffused principles in this country are considered. Finally, a possible nanotechnological administration is discussed in the case where a potential therapeutic usage is envisaged.

Xenopus in revealing developmental toxicity and modeling human diseases

The Xenopus model offers many advantages for investigation of the molecular, cellular, and behavioral mechanisms underlying embryo development. Moreover, Xenopus oocytes and embryos have been extensively used to study developmental toxicity and human diseases in response to various environmental chemicals. This review first summarizes recent advances in using Xenopus as a vertebrate model to study distinct types of tissue/organ development following exposure to environmental toxicants, chemical reagents, and pharmaceutical drugs. Then, the successful use of Xenopus as a model for diseases, including fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, autism, epilepsy, and cardiovascular disease, is reviewed. The potential application of Xenopus in genetic and chemical screening to protect against embryo deficits induced by chemical toxicants and related diseases is also discussed.

Structural, luminescence and geno/cytoxicity study of carbon dots derived from Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill

Carbon dots derived from nopal significantly increase the number of micronuclei in mouse erythrocytes and inhibit mouse bone marrow cell proliferation.

Dispersed single wall carbon nanotubes do not impact mitochondria structure or function, but technical issues during analysis could yield incorrect results

Mitochondria, which generate cellular energy, are not influenced by purified carbon nanotubes. Many traditional biological assays to determine mitochondria function give false results because of nanotube surface activity and optical interference.