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Menegola E, Battistoni M, Bacchetta R, Metruccio F, Di Renzo F. Evaluation of temperature- and ethanol-related developmental degree variations by a new scoring system (FETAX-score) applicable to Frog Embryo Teratogenicity Assay: Xenopus. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 128:108632. [PMID: 38971262 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
The aim of the present work is to propose a new quantitative assessment method (FETAX-score) for determining the degree of Xenopus laevis embryo development intended for use in embryotoxicity studies. Inspired by a similar scoring system used to evaluate developmental delays (young-for-age phenotypes) in rat embryos cultured in vitro, the FETAX-score was established by considering seven morphological features (head, naris, mouth, lower jaw, tentacles, intestine, anus) that are easily evaluable in tadpoles during the late stages of development at the conclusion of the test. Given that X. laevis development is temperature-dependent and that temperatures below 14°C and above 26°C are teratogenic, the FETAX-score was tested in embryos maintained at 17, 20, 23 and 26°C. No abnormalities were observed in any group, while the total score was temperature-related, suggesting that the FETAX-score is sensitive to moderate distress that does not influence general morphology. Intestine and anus were the least sensitive structures to temperature variations. To assess the applicability of the FETAX-score in developmental toxicological studies, we evaluated FETAX-score in tadpoles exposed during the morphogenetic period to Ethanol (Eth) at concentrations of 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 % v/v. Gross malformations were observed only in tadpoles from the Eth 2 % group. By contrast, data analysis of the other Eth groups showed dose-related reductions in the FETAX-score. Tentacles were the most sensitive structures to Eth-related delays. These results support the use of the FETAX-score to quantitatively assess developmental deviations in FETAX embryotoxicity studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Menegola
- Dept of Environmental Science and Policy Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - M Battistoni
- Dept of Environmental Science and Policy Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - R Bacchetta
- Dept of Environmental Science and Policy Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - F Metruccio
- ICPS, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | - F Di Renzo
- Dept of Environmental Science and Policy Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy.
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Vaidya T, Hoffman L, Chapas A. Evaluating Common Ingredients Contained in Dietary Acne Supplements: An Evidence-Based Review. THE JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND AESTHETIC DERMATOLOGY 2024; 17:34-41. [PMID: 38495547 PMCID: PMC10941853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Objective Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition treated with various medications targeting different aspects of its pathogenesis. Though increasing in popularity, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not evaluate the safety or efficacy of dietary supplements marketed for the treatment of acne, calling into question the veracity of their labels. This review aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of ingredients in popular acne supplements. Methods A comprehensive review was conducted on 13 popular supplements marketed for acne, found through a Google search. Their ingredients, prices, ratings, and existing literature on efficacy and safety were analyzed. A literature review was performed regarding the most common ingredients contained in these supplements. Results The most common ingredients in acne supplements were probiotics, diindolylmethane (DIM), vitamin A, vitamin B complex, and zinc. Despite the increasing popularity of dietary supplements, including those for skin health and acne, the absence of FDA regulation and evidence-based data raises concerns about their safety and efficacy. The safety of acne supplement ingredients raises significant worries, with reported cases of thrombotic events and adverse effects, even during pregnancy. The lack of standardized labeling and clear dosing information further complicates the understanding and potential risks of these supplements. Additionally, there is a potential for interactions with other medications, yet this information is often not provided on the product labels. Limitations A Google search was used to identify popular acne supplements. Search engine algorithms determine the ranking and presentation of results based on various factors, such as popularity, keywords, as well as user preferences and location, thus posing a potential sampling bias. Conclusion It is crucial to exercise caution and prioritize evidence-based information when counseling patients regarding the use of acne supplements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toral Vaidya
- Dr. Vaidya is with the Weill Cornell Department of Dermatology in New York, New York
| | - Lauren Hoffman
- Drs. Hoffman and Chapas are with UnionDerm in New York, New York
| | - Anne Chapas
- Drs. Hoffman and Chapas are with UnionDerm in New York, New York
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Zahn N, James-Zorn C, Ponferrada VG, Adams DS, Grzymkowski J, Buchholz DR, Nascone-Yoder NM, Horb M, Moody SA, Vize PD, Zorn AM. Normal Table of Xenopus development: a new graphical resource. Development 2022; 149:dev200356. [PMID: 35833709 PMCID: PMC9445888 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Normal tables of development are essential for studies of embryogenesis, serving as an important resource for model organisms, including the frog Xenopus laevis. Xenopus has long been used to study developmental and cell biology, and is an increasingly important model for human birth defects and disease, genomics, proteomics and toxicology. Scientists utilize Nieuwkoop and Faber's classic 'Normal Table of Xenopus laevis (Daudin)' and accompanying illustrations to enable experimental reproducibility and reuse the illustrations in new publications and teaching. However, it is no longer possible to obtain permission for these copyrighted illustrations. We present 133 new, high-quality illustrations of X. laevis development from fertilization to metamorphosis, with additional views that were not available in the original collection. All the images are available on Xenbase, the Xenopus knowledgebase (http://www.xenbase.org/entry/zahn.do), for download and reuse under an attributable, non-commercial creative commons license. Additionally, we have compiled a 'Landmarks Table' of key morphological features and marker gene expression that can be used to distinguish stages quickly and reliably (https://www.xenbase.org/entry/landmarks-table.do). This new open-access resource will facilitate Xenopus research and teaching in the decades to come.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christina James-Zorn
- Xenbase, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation, 3333 Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Virgilio G. Ponferrada
- Xenbase, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation, 3333 Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Dany S. Adams
- Lucell Diagnostics Inc, 16 Stearns Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Julia Grzymkowski
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Daniel R. Buchholz
- Department of Biology Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
| | - Nanette M. Nascone-Yoder
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Marko Horb
- National Xenopus Resource, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA
| | - Sally A. Moody
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Peter D. Vize
- Xenbase, Department of Biological Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Aaron M. Zorn
- Xenbase, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation, 3333 Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
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Predictive assays for craniofacial malformations: evaluation in Xenopus laevis embryos exposed to triadimefon. Arch Toxicol 2022; 96:2815-2824. [PMID: 35748892 PMCID: PMC9352603 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-022-03327-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Craniofacial defects are one of the most frequent abnormalities at birth, but their experimental evaluation in animal models requires complex procedures. The aim of the present work is the comparison of different methodologies to identify dose- and stage-related craniofacial malformations in Xenopuslaevis assay (R-FETAX, where the full cartilage evaluation, including flat mount technique, is the gold standard for skeletal defect detection). Different methods (external morphological evaluation of fresh samples, deglutition test, whole mount cartilage evaluation and Meckel–palatoquadrate angle measurements) were applied. Triadimefon (FON) was selected as the causative molecule as it is known to induce craniofacial defects in different animal models, including the amphibian X.laevis. FON exposure (0–31.25 μM) was scheduled to cover the whole 6-day test (from gastrula to free swimming tadpole stage) or each crucial developmental phases: gastrula, neurula, early morphogenesis, late morphogenesis, tadpole. Dose-dependent effects (fusions among craniofacial cartilages) were evident for groups exposed during the morphogenetic periods (neurula, early morphogenesis, late morphogenesis); gastrula was insensitive to the tested concentrations, tadpole group showed malformations only at 31.25 μM. The overall NOAEL was set at 3.9 μM. Results were evaluated applying benchmark dose (BMD) approach. The comparison of relative potencies from different methods showed deglutition as the only assay comparable with the gold standard (cartilage full evaluation). In conclusion, we suggest deglutition test as a reliable method for a rapid screening of craniofacial abnormalities in the alternative model X.laevis. This is a rapid, inexpensive and vital test allowing to preserve samples for the application of further morphological or molecular investigations.
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Gomes CDC, Passos TS, Morais AHA. Vitamin A Status Improvement in Obesity: Findings and Perspectives Using Encapsulation Techniques. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13061921. [PMID: 34204998 PMCID: PMC8228342 DOI: 10.3390/nu13061921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The association between obesity and vitamin A has been studied. Some studies point to the anti-obesity activity related to this vitamin, carotenoids with provitamin A activity, and carotenoid conversion products. This performance has been evaluated in respect of adipogenesis, metabolic activity, oxidation processes, secretory function, and oxidative stress modulation, showing a new property attributed to vitamin A in preventing and treating obesity. However, vitamin A and its precursors are highly sensitive and easily degraded when subjected to heat, the presence of light, and oxygen, in addition to losses related to the processes of digestion and absorption. In this context, encapsulation presents itself as an alternative capable of increasing vitamin A’s stability in the face of unfavorable conditions in the environment, which can reduce its functionality. Considering that vitamin A’s status shows a strong correlation with obesity and is an innovative theme, this article addresses the associations between vitamin A’s consumption and its precursors, encapsulated or not, and its physiological effects on obesity. The present narrative review points out those recent studies that demonstrate that vitamin A and its encapsulated precursors have the most preserved functionality, which guarantees better effects on obesity therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila de Carvalho Gomes
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Biosciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078 970, Brazil;
| | - Thais Souza Passos
- Department of Nutrition, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078 970, Brazil;
| | - Ana Heloneida Araújo Morais
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Biosciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078 970, Brazil;
- Department of Nutrition, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078 970, Brazil;
- Postgraduate Program in Nutrition, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078 970, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-(84)991061887
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Zamil DH, Burns EK, Perez-Sanchez A, Parke MA, Katta R. Risk of Birth Defects From Vitamin A "Acne Supplements" Sold Online. Dermatol Pract Concept 2021; 11:e2021075. [PMID: 34123566 DOI: 10.5826/dpc.1103a75] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Dietary supplements are popular among US consumers and claim to address a variety of conditions, including acne. Acne supplements containing vitamin A are of particular interest, due to the potentially teratogenic effects of vitamin A doses over 10,000 IU. Objective This study examined dosage, pregnancy risks, and labeling of vitamin A-containing acne supplements available online. Methods An Internet search of acne supplements sold online was conducted between March and May 2020. Supplement labels and websites were analyzed for vitamin A content and pregnancy warnings, and then divided into categories based on dosage and teratogenic risk. Results A total of 49 acne supplements was found, and of these 26 (53%) contain vitamin A. Three supplements are likely teratogenic, 4 contain vitamin A doses exceeding the daily level of intake that meets the nutritional needs of most people, and 15 have an unknown teratogenic risk. Among the 6 supplements with over 10,000 IU vitamin A, 2 have no pregnancy warning at all, including the supplement with the highest vitamin A dose found in this study. Conclusions Dietary supplements are not subject to the same stringent regulations as drugs, and as such, consumers may be unaware of pregnancy risks. Furthermore, FDA requirements on labeling of vitamin A supplements may lead to consumer confusion regarding dosage. As such, we encourage stricter labeling requirements for vitamin A-containing supplements, including pregnancy warnings for high-dose supplements and clearer dosage labeling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ariadna Perez-Sanchez
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | | | - Rajani Katta
- McGovern Medical School at University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
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