Spirulina-based carbon materials as adsorbents for drinking water taste and odor control: Removal efficiency and assessment of cyto-genotoxic effects

The sensory quality of drinking water, and particularly its taste and odor (T&O) is a key determinant of consumer acceptability, as consumers evaluate water by their senses. Some of the conventional treatment processes to control compounds which impart unpleasant T&O have limitations because of their low efficiency and/or high costs. Therefore, there is a great need to develop an effective process for removing T&O compounds without secondary concerns. The primary objective of this study was to assess for the first time the effectiveness of spirulina-based carbon materials in removing geosmin (GSM) and 2-methylisoborneol (2-MIB) from water, two commonly occurring natural T&O compounds. The efficiency of the materials to remove environmentally relevant concentrations of GSM and 2-MIB (ng L-1) from ultrapure and raw water was investigated using a sensitive headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC/MS) method. Moreover, the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of the spirulina-based materials were assessed for the first time to evaluate their safety and their potential in the treatment of water for human consumption. Based on the results, spirulina-based materials were found to be promising for drinking water treatment applications, as they did not exert geno-cytotoxic effects on human cells, while presenting high efficiency in removing GSM and 2-MIB from water.

Evidence on the genotoxic and ecotoxic effects of PFOA, PFOS and their mixture on human lymphocytes and bacteria

Considering that the PFOA and PFOS are widely spread chemicals with harmful effects in human and environmental health as well as the increasing interest of the scientific community in the implications that might present especially when they co-exist, this study aims to assess their harmful impacts, both individually and as a mixture on human lymphocytes and aquatic microorganisms. The cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay was used to examine their potential for cytotoxicity and genotoxicity towards human cells, and Microtox assay using Aliivibrio fischeri assay was used to estimate the environmental risk. Regarding the human lymphocytes, the tested concentrations ranged between 250 and 1000 μg L-1, for all cases. PFOA increased slightly the frequency of micronuclei (MN) but without statistical significance. In the case of PFOS, our results showed a dose-dependent increase in the frequency of micronuclei which showed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) at 1000 μg L-1, which is the highest studied concentration. Regarding the CBPI index, statistically significant (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, and p < 0.001 respectively) differences were observed at all studied concentrations of PFOS, compared to the control. The mixture was found to be more cytotoxic and genotoxic than the individual tested compounds, causing a higher decrease at the CBPI index even in lower concentrations and increase at the MN frequencies. Aliivibrio fischeri was exposed to various concentrations in the range of 0.5 μg L-1- 20 mg L-1, for 5 and 15 min and significant increase in the inhibition percentage at the highest tested concentration of their mixture after 15 min was observed.

New insights into the size-independent bioactive potential of pristine and UV-B aged polyethylene microplastics

The present study investigates the morphological, physicochemical, and structural changes occurred by the UV-B aging process of low-density polyethylene microplastics (LDPE MPs), as well as the bioactive potential of both pristine and UVaged MPs towards healthy peripheral blood lymphocytes. Specifically, LDPE MPs (100-180 μm) prepared by mechanical milling of LDPE pellets, were UV-B irradiated for 120 days (wavelength 280 nm; temperature 25 °C; relative humidity 50 %) and further examined for alterations in their particle size and surface, their functional groups, thermal stability, and crystallinity (by means of SEM, FTIR spectroscopy, XRD patterns, and TGA measurements, respectively). In parallel, isolated human peripheral blood lymphocytes were treated with different concentrations (25-500 μg mL-1) of either pristine or aged MPs (UVfree and UV120d LDPE MPs) for assessing the cytogenotoxic (by means of trypan blue exclusion test and the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay using cytochalasin-B) and oxidative effects (using the DCFH-DA staining) in both cases. According to the results, UVfree and UV120d-LDPE MPs, with a size ranging from 100 to 180 μm, can differentially promote cytogenotoxic and oxidative alterations in human lymphocytes. In fact, UVfree LDPE MPs not being able to be internalized by cells due to their size, could indirectly promote the onset of mild oxidative and cytogenotoxic damage in human peripheral lymphocytes, via a dose-dependent but size-independent manner. The latter is more profound in case of the irregular-shaped UV120d-LDPE MPs, bearing improved dispersibility and sharp edges (by means of cracks and holes), as well as oxygen-containing and carbonyl groups. To our knowledge, the present findings provide new data regarding the bioactive behavior of pristine and UV-B aged LDPE MPs, at least in the in vitro biological model tested, thus giving new evidence for their size-independent and/or indirect mode of action.

Phytochemical Profile and Evaluation of the Antioxidant, Cyto-Genotoxic, and Antigenotoxic Potential of Salvia verticillata Hydromethanolic Extract

This study comprises the phytochemical characterization, the evaluation of the total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AA), and the investigation of the cyto-genotoxic and antigenotoxic potential of hydromethanolic extract derived from Salvia verticillata L. leaves. HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS and HPLC-DAD were used for the characterization of the extract and determination of the major ingredients. Afterwards, the TPC and AA were determined. The cytotoxic and genotoxic effect of the extract on cultured human lymphocytes at concentrations of 10, 25, and 50 μg mL-1 was investigated via the Cytokinesis Block MicroNucleus (CBMN) assay. Moreover, its antigenotoxic potential against the mutagenic agent mitomycin C (MMC) was assessed using the same assay. The hydromethanolic extract comprises numerous metabolites, with rosmarinic acid being the major compound. It had a high value of TPC and exerted significant AA as shown by the results of the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) and Radical Scavenging Activity by DPPH• assays. A dose-dependent cytotoxic potential was recorded, with the highest dose (50 μg mL-1) exhibiting statistically significant cytotoxicity. None of the tested concentrations induced significant micronuclei (MN) frequencies, indicating a lack of genotoxicity. All tested concentrations reduced the MMC-mediated genotoxic effects, with the two lowest showing statistically significant antigenotoxic potential.

Different isoforms of parabens into marine environment: Biological effects on the bacterium Aliivibrio fischeri and the marine mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis

Different isoforms of alkyl esters of p-Hydroxybenzoic acid, also known as parabens, are of great concern due to their widespread presence into the aquatic environment, their high concentrations in wastewater discharges, as well as their ability to induce adverse effects on aquatic organisms. Considering the imperative need for assessing their fate and risk to aquatic environment, the present study investigated the biological effects of two isoforms of parabens, methyl- (MeP) and propyl- (PrP), on the bacterium Aliivibrio fischeri (using the Bioluminescence Inhibition/Microtox® bioassay) and the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis (in terms of mussel mortality, cellular, oxidative and genotoxic stress indices). The assessment of MeP and PrP behavior into aquatic media (artificial sea water/ASW and 2 % NaCl), primarily performed by UHPLC-UV-MS analysis, showed only a slight hydrolysis of PrP to 4-Hydrobenzoic acid (4-HBA). Furthermore, exposure of both species to different concentrations of each paraben revealed differences among their toxic potential, as well as their ability to cause cellular, oxidative and genotoxic effects on hemocytes of challenged mussels. Interestingly, the Microtox® bioassay showed that PrP mediated toxicity in A. fischeri were more pronounced than MeP, as revealed by the estimated toxic endpoints (in terms of concentration that promote 50 % of bioluminescence inhibition, EC50). Similarly, in challenged mussels, a significant disturbance of mussel hemocytes' lysosomal membrane integrity, as well as enhanced levels of superoxides, nitric oxides, lipid peroxidation byproducts, and micronuclei formation were observed. These findings are of great interest, since MeP and PrP differential toxic potential, as well their ability to induce pre-pathological alterations in marine species, like mussels, give new evidence for their risk to aquatic biota.

Photocatalytic degradation of organic micropollutants under UV-A and visible light irradiation by exfoliated g-C3N4 catalysts

In the present study, the photocatalytic performance of exfoliated graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) catalysts, with enhanced properties and response in UV and visible light irradiation, was evaluated for the removal of selected contaminants i.e., diuron, bisphenol A and ethyl paraben. Commercial TiO₂ Degussa P25 was also used as a reference photocatalyst. g-C₃N₄ catalysts demonstrated good photocatalytic activity which in some cases is comparable to TiO₂ Degussa P25 leading to high removal percentages of the studied micropollutants under UV-A light irradiation. In contrast to TiO₂ Degussa P25, g-C₃N₄ catalysts were also able to degrade the studied micropollutants under visible light irradiation. For all the studied g-C₃N₄ under both UV-A and visible light irradiation, the overall degradation rate decreases in the order of bisphenol A > diuron > ethyl paraben. Among the studied g-C₃N₄, the chemically exfoliated catalyst (g-C₃N₄-CHEM) showed superior photocatalytic activity under UV-A light irradiation due to its enhanced characteristics, such as pore volume and specific surface area and ~ 82.0 in 6 min, ~75.7 in 15 min and ~ 96.3 % in 40 min removals were achieved for BPA, DIU and EP, respectively. Under visible light irradiation, the thermally exfoliated catalyst (g-C₃N₄-THERM) demonstrated the best photocatalytic performance and the degradation ranged from ~29.5 to 59.4 % after 120 min. EPR data revealed that the three g-C₃N₄ semiconductors generate mainly O₂^•-, whereas TiO₂ generates both HO^• and O₂^•-, the latter only under UV-A light irradiation. Nevertheless, the indirect formation of HO^• in the case of g-C₃N₄ should also be considered. Hydroxylation, oxidation, dealkylation, dechlorination and ring opening were the main degradation pathways. The process proceeded without significant alterations in toxicity levels. Based on the results, heterogeneous photocatalysis using g-C₃N₄ catalysts is a promising method for the removal of organic micropollutants without the formation of harmful transformation products.

Phytochemical Analysis and Genotoxicological Evaluation of Prickly Pear Peel Extracts

This study investigated the beneficial properties of prickly pear peel (PPP) extracts from Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. Extracts were obtained via the Soxhlet extraction method using methanol (P1), ethanol (P2) and ethanol-water (P3) as extraction solvents. Their total phenolic and flavonoid content (TPC and TFC, respectively) and their antioxidant activity (AA) were determined. The PPP extracts were characterized in detail using mass spectrometry techniques. Their cyto-genotoxic effect and antigenotoxic potential against mitomycin C were evaluated via the cytokinesis block micronucleus (CBMN) assay on human lymphocytes. Enhanced TPC, TFC and AA values were recorded for all the extracts. Moreover, P1 and P2 were cytotoxic only at the highest concentrations, whereas P3 was found to be cytotoxic in all cases. No significant micronucleus induction was observed in the tested extracts. The PPP extracts contain bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, carboxylic acids, alkaloids, fatty acids and minerals (mainly K, Si, Mg, Ca, P and Zn). The results showed that all three extracts exerted high antigenotoxic activity. Our findings confirm the beneficial and genoprotective properties of PPP extracts and further studies on the bioactive compounds of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. are recommended, as it constitutes a promising plant in pharmaceutical applications.

Beneficial properties of Drimia numidica leaf methanolic extract against the cytogenotoxic effects of mitomycin C on human lymphocytes

This study investigated the phytochemical profile of Drimia numidica leaf methanolic extract, as well as its cyto-genotoxic and cyto/genoprotective potential against mitomycin C (MMC) mediated effects on healthy human lymphocytes. Photosynthetic pigments, trace elements, and secondary metabolites were estimated and/or identified in methanolic extract of mature leaves, and the latter was further used for assessing its in vitro biological effects on MMC-free and/or MMC-treated human lymphocytes (at low, non-toxic concentrations of 0.001 and 0.01% v/v). The results showed that D. numidica leaf methanolic extract, being rich in carotenoids, phenolics, flavonoids, organic acids and bufadienolides, could be protective against MMC mediated cyto/genotoxic potential in healthy human lymphocytes. Biomolecules possessing antioxidant and antitumor potential, such as beta-carotene and lutein among others, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid and their derivatives, minerals such as Si, as well as apigenin- and luteolin-derived glycosides, either individual or in a mixture, could be beneficial rather than harmful, at least at the extract concentrations tested. Although further in vitro and in vivo studies are still needed for elucidating the beneficial (individual and/or additive/synergistic) role of those compounds, the results of the present study are quite promising, thus encouraging new challenges for the appropriate utilization of D. numidica leaf extract.

An overall assessment of the effects of antidepressant paroxetine on aquatic organisms and human cells

Paroxetine (PRX) is one of the most used antidepressants and an emerging contaminant with potential harmful effects to the environment and human health. The present study investigates in detail the toxic potential of PRX using a battery of bioassays on fresh- and marine species, marine bacteria, and human lymphocytes. All the tested organisms and human lymphocytes were exposed at concentrations ranging from μg L^-1 to mg L^-1. It was found that PRX can cause toxic effects to aquatic organisms at environmental relevant concentrations (μg L^-1 level). A significant effect of PRX was observed in all tested algal species especially at the first 24 h. However, differences in responses and sensitivities among the tested algal species were observed. The most sensitive organism was found to be Dunaliella tertiolecta with IC₅₀ = 0.092 mg L^-1 (72 h). In the case of Aliivibrio fischeri, EC₅₀ values were determined to be 16.65, 14.31 and 14.41 mg L^-1 for 5, 15 and 30 min of exposure, respectively. PRX also induced cytotoxic and genotoxic effects in human lymphocytes. A dose-dependent increase in micronucleus frequencies was occurred at all tested concentrations with a statistically significant increase in micronucleus frequencies at the medium to high PRX tested concentrations. The findings of the present study expand the available toxicity profile of PRX on aquatic organisms and the knowledge about the potential risk of PRX to induce genotoxic effects in cultured human lymphocytes.

Genotoxic and Toxic Effects of The Flame Retardant Tris(Chloropropyl) Phosphate (TCPP) in Human Lymphocytes, Microalgae and Bacteria

Tris(chloropropyl) phosphate (TCPP) is a characteristic and widely used organophosphorus flame retardant. TCPP is comprised of four isomers and the most abundant is tris(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate. TCPP can be released into the environment, with potential impacts on living organisms and humans due to its extensive industrial use. Aiming to assess the potential risks of TCPP on human health and the environment, its toxic and genotoxic effects-using organisms from different trophic levels, i.e., bacteria, green microalgae, and human cells-were investigated. TCPP exposure at nominal concentrations of 10, 20, 30 and 40 μg mL^-1 was studied to identify the potential risk of inducing genotoxic effects in cultured human lymphocytes. Treatment with 30 and 40 μg mL^-1 of TCPP induced marginally significant micronuclei (MN) frequencies as well as cytotoxic effects. Freshwater microalgae species treated with TCPP (0.5, 1, 10, 20 and 50 μg L^-1) showed different growth rates over time. All the tested microalgae species were adversely affected after exposure to TCPP during the first 24 h. However, differences among the microalgae species' sensitivities were observed. In the case of the freshwater species, the most sensitive was found to be Chlorococcum sp. The marine algal species Dunaliella tertiolecta and Tisochrysis lutea were significantly affected after exposure to TCPP. The effects of TCPP on Aliivibrio fischeri that were observed can classify this flame retardant as a "harmful" compound. Our results suggest a potential risk to aquatic organisms and humans from the wide utilization of TCPP and its consequent release into the environment. These results highlight that further research should be conducted to investigate the effects of TCPP individually and in combination with other organophosphorus flame retardants in various organisms. In addition, the concern induced by TCPP points out that measures to control the introduction of TCPP into the environment should be taken.

Investigation of the Genotoxicological Profile of Aqueous Betula pendula Extracts

Betula pendula belongs to the Betulaceae family and is most common in the northern hemisphere. Various birch species have exhibited antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer properties. In the present study, we investigated the genotoxic and cytotoxic activity as well as the antigenotoxic potential against the mutagenic agent mitomycin-C (MMC) of two commercial products, i.e., a Betula pendula aqueous leaf extract product (BE) and a Betula pendula product containing aqueous extract of birch leaves at a percentage of 94% and lemon juice at a percentage of 6% (BP) using the cytokinesis block micronucleus (CBMN) assay. The most prevalent compounds and elements of BE and BP were identified using UHPLC-MS and ICP-MS/MS, respectively. All mixtures of BE with MMC demonstrated a decrease in the MN frequencies, with the lowest and highest concentrations inducing a statistically significant antigenotoxic activity. BP lacked genotoxic potential, while it was cytotoxic in all concentrations. Its mixtures with MMC demonstrated statistically significant antigenotoxic activity only at the lowest concentration. UHPLC-MS and ICP-MS/MS showed the presence of various elements and phytochemicals. Our results reveal antigenotoxic and cytotoxic potential of both BE and BP, while the variations observed could indicate the importance of the interactions among different natural products and/or their compounds.

The overall assessment of simultaneous photocatalytic degradation of Cimetidine and Amisulpride by using chemical and genotoxicological approaches

Pharmaceutical Active Compounds (PhACs) are of particular interest among the emerging contaminants detected in the aquatic environment. Commonly, PhACs exist as complex mixtures in aquatic systems, causing potential adverse effects to the environment and human health than those of individual compounds. Based on the increasing interest in the contamination of water resources by PhACs, the photocatalytic degradation of Cimetidine and Amisulpride as a mixture in combination with their toxic and genotoxic effects before and after the treatment were evaluated for the first time. The toxic, genotoxic and cytotoxic effects were investigated using the Trypan Blue Exclusion Test and the Cytokinesis Block MicroNucleus (CBMN) assay in cultured human lymphocytes. The photocatalytic degradation of the PhACs was studied in ultrapure water and environmentally relevant matrices using UV-A and visible (Vis) irradiation and C-TiO₂ (TiO₂ Kronos vlp 7000) as photocatalyst. High removal percentages were observed for both compounds under UV-A and Vis irradiation in ultrapure water. In lake and drinking water a slower degradation rate was shown that could be attributed to the complex composition of these matrices. Scavenging experiments highlighted the significant role of h⁺ and O₂^●- in the degradation mechanisms under both irradiation sources. Oxidation, dealkylation and deamination were the main degradation pathways. Regarding the individual compounds, Amisulpride was found to be more cytotoxic than Cimetidine. No significant differences of the genotoxic effects during the treatment were observed. However, a slight increase in cytotoxicity was observed at the first stages of the process. At the end of the process under both UV-A and Vis light, non-significant cytotoxic/toxic effects were observed. Based on the results, heterogeneous photocatalysis can be considered as an effective process for the treatment of complex mixtures without the formation of harmful transformation products.

Investigation of the Genotoxic, Antigenotoxic and Antioxidant Profile of Different Extracts from Equisetum arvense L

The present study investigated the cyto-genotoxic and antigenotoxic effects of four different extracts of Equisetum arvense L. (common name: field horsetail) on human lymphocytes. Specifically, Soxhlet’s prepared extracts from E. arvense L., using different solvents (S1: methanol (MeOH)-, S2: ethanol (EtOH)-, S3: water-, and S4: ethanol/water (EtOH-W)-) were analyzed for (a) their total phenolic and flavonoid content (TPC and TFC, respectively), (b) their antioxidant activity (AA), via the DPPH, FRAP and ABTS assays, and (c) their cyto-genotoxic and/or protective efficiency against the mutagenic agent mitomycin C, via the Cytokinesis Block MicroNucleus assay. All extracts showed increased TPC, TFC, and AA values in almost all cases. S1, S3 and S4 demonstrated no cytotoxic potential, whereas S2 was cytotoxic only at the highest concentrations. Genotoxicity was not observed in the tested extracts. The highest antigenotoxic activity was observed for EtOH-W (S4) extract, which was found to be rich in flavonoids, flavonoid-O-glycosides, phytosterols, phenolic and fatty acids as well as in minerals and mainly in K, Ca, Mg, Si and P, as assessed by using various mass spectrometry techniques. Those findings confirm that E. arvense L. extracts could be valuable candidates for medicinal applications and pharmaceutical products, thus alleviating the effects of more conventional drugs.

Evaluation of the genetic damage to workers in a Greek shipyard

Shipyards are industrial areas where workers are likely exposed to environmental pollutants such as welding fumes, fine organic solvent and dye dust, that render the occupational environment a high risk one. Assessing the risk that workers are exposed to is a high critical factor in improving their working conditions. The present study aims to investigate the potential genetic damage to workers exposed to a harsh environment in a Greek shipyard. It is focused on assessing the percentage of induced micronuclei, as well as on changes in the various cell types of shipyard workers' oral mucosa epithelium by implementing the buccal micronucleus cytome assay. Exposed workers appeared with statistically significant induced micronuclei as compared to office employees. Statistically, significant cell lesions were detected and are related to workers' exposure to environmental conditions. The workers' smoking habit contributed as well to the observed buccal epithelial cell alterations. The observed data signify the high-risk workers are exposed; resulting in the shipyard's management the need to implement measures improving the working environment conditions and to reevaluate the workers' personal protective equipment requirements.

Chemical and biological tracking in decentralized sanitation systems: The case of artificial constructed wetlands

Given that the social and economic sustainability of rural areas is highly based on the protection of natural resources, biodiversity and human health, simple-operated and cost-effective wastewater treatment systems, like artificial constructed wetlands (CWs), are widely proposed for minimizing the environmental and human impact of both water and soil pollution. Considering that the optimization of wastewater treatment processes is vital for the reduction of effluents toxic potential, there is imperative need to establish appropriate management strategies for ensuring CW performance and operational efficiency. To this end, the present study aimed to assess the operational efficiency of a horizontal free water surface CW (HFWS-CW) located in a world heritage area of Western Greece, via a twelve-month duration Toxicity Identification Evaluation (TIE)-like approach, including both chemical and biological tracking tools. Conventional chemical tracking, by means of pH, conductivity, total COD, and nitrogen-derived components, like nitrates and ammonia-nitrogen, were monthly recorded in both influents and effluents to monitor whether water quality standards are maintained, and to assess potent CW operational deficiencies occurring over time. In parallel, Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET) bioassays were thoroughly applied, using freshwater algae and higher plant species (producers), crustaceans and rotifers (consumers), as well as human lymphocytes (in terms of Cytokinesis Block Micronucleus assay) to evaluate the acute and short-term toxic and hazardous potential of both influents and effluents. The integrated analysis of abiotic (physicochemical parameters) and biotic (toxic endpoints) parameters, as well as the existence of "cause-effect" interrelations among them, revealed that CW operational deficiencies, mainly based on poorly removal rates, could undermine the risk posed by treated sewage. Those findings reinforce the usage of WET testing, thus giving rise to the importance of applying appropriate water management strategies and optimization actions, like oxygen enrichment of surface and bottom of HFWS-CW basins, expansion of the available land, the enhancement of bed depth and seasonal harvesting of plants, for ensuring sewage quality, in favor of water resources protection and sustainable growth in rural areas.

The midterm differential effects of heat-not-burn and conventional cigarettes on coronary flow, vascular function and oxidative stress are independent of nicotine levels

Introduction

Heat-not-burn cigarette (HNBC) constitutes a non-combustible smoke product linked to reduced exposure to carbon monoxide (CO).

Methods

We compared the effects of HNBC to those of tobacco cigarette (TCig) on endothelial and coronary function as well as on nicotine levels, oxidative stress and platelet activation after 1 month of switching to HNBC.

We examined 75 smokers. Of those, 50 were switched to HNBC and 25 continued Tcig for 1 month.

At baseline and at 1 month, we assessed a) coronary flow reserve (CFR) by echocardiography b) flow-mediated dilation (FMD) c) Cotinine blood levels, a stable metabolite of nicotine d) malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of oxidative stress and thromboxane B2 (TXB2), a marker of platelet activation e) the exhaled CO and the number of cigarettes and/or heat stick of HNBC used. Fagerstrom score, a marker of dependence from smoking habit was also calculated.

Results

Compared to Tcig smoking, switching to HNBC for 1-month improved CO (difference in CO between groups: 10.42 ppm; 95% CI 3.07 to 17.76, p=0.007), FMD (difference in FMD=4.3%; 95% CI: 1.23 to 7.51, p=0.009; and CFR (difference in CFR =0.98; 95% CI: 0.23 to 1.80, p=0.02). MDA and TXB2 concentration significantly decreased in subjects switching to HNBC compared to tobacco smokers (difference MDA=0.38 nmol/L; 95% CI 0.10 to 0.66, p=0.009, 45pg/mL; 95% CI 5.28 to 86.31, p=0.03). None of the aforementioned parameters changed in the control group at 1 month compared to baseline (p&gt;0.05).

Cotinine blood levels were similar between the TC cig and HNBC group both at baseline and after one month of use (p&gt;0.05). However, cotinine blood levels at baseline and 1 month correlated with the number cigarettes used at baseline (r=0.45 p=0.04) or the number of heat sticks used at one month (r=0.50, p=0.03) respectively, Baseline Fagerstrom score was also associated with number of heat sticks used at 1 month (r=0.48, p=0.04) and cotinine levels at baseline and at 1 month (p=0.50, p=0.03 and r=0.57, p=0.01 respectively).

Conclusions

HNBCs exert a less detrimental effect on vascular function platelet activation and oxidative stress than tobacco smoking that is independent of nicotine levels and is linked with the parallel reduction the exhaled of CO.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Effects of hormone replacement therapy on endothelial function, arterial stiffness and myocardial deformation in women with Turner syndrome

Background/Introduction

Turner syndrome (TS) is associated with increased cardiovascular risk.

Purpose

We investigated whether hormone replacement therapy (HRT) affects endothelial function, arterial stiffness and myocardial deformation in women with TS.

Methods

Twenty-five women with TS were studied in the estrogen phase of the HRT and two months after discontinuation of HRT. The following measurements were made: flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery, pulse wave velocity (PWV-Complior) and central systolic blood pressure (cSBP), carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), aortic (Ao) elastic indexes-namely Ao strain, distensibility, stiffness index and pressure strain modulus (Ep)-and left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) using speckle tracking echocardiography. Ten healthy female of similar age and BMI served as control group.

Results

Compared to controls, women with TS on HRT had higher PWV (9.1±2.4 vs. 7.5±0.5m/s), cSBP (130±15 vs. 121±6mmHg), cIMT (0.66±0.06 vs. 0.55±0.05mm), aortic stiffness index, Ep and LA strain, and lower FMD (7.2±4 vs. 10.5±2.3%), Ao strain, Ao distensibility and GLS (−18.8±2.7 vs. −21.9±1.5%) (P&lt;0.05 for all comparisons). Two months after discontinuation of HRT, all women increased FMD (11.7±6 vs. 7.2±4%) and reduced PWV (7.8±1.7 vs. 9.1±2.4m/s) and cSBP (123±14 vs. 130±15mmHg). There were no statistically significant changes in BMI, cIMT and GLS (P&gt;0.05 for all comparisons). The percent decrease of cSBP was associated with the percent decrease of PWV (r=0.54) and reversely related with the percent increase of FMD (r=−0.57) (P&lt;0.05 for all comparisons).

Conclusion

HRT in women with TS may deteriorate endothelial function contributing to increased arterial stiffness and central arterial blood pressure.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

PCB cause global DNA hypomethylation of human peripheral blood monocytes in vitro

We have recently reported significant associations between exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and alterations on genome-wide methylation of leukocyte DNA of healthy volunteers and provided evidence in support of an etiological link between the observed CpG methylation variations and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The present study aimed to elucidate the effects of PCB in human lymphocytes' methylome in vitro. Therefore, U937 cells and human peripheral blood monocytes (PBMC) were exposed in vitro to the dioxin-like PCB-118, the non-dioxin-like PCB-153, and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and thorough cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and global CpG methylation analyses were performed. All compounds currently tested did not show any consistent significant genotoxicity at all exposure periods and concentrations used. On the contrary, extensive dose-dependent hypomethylation was observed, even at low concentrations, in stimulated PBMC treated with PCB-118 and PCB-153 as well as a small but statistically significant hypomethylation in HCB-treated stimulated cells.

The Potential Risk of Electronic Waste Disposal into Aquatic Media: The Case of Personal Computer Motherboards

Considering that electronic wastes (e-wastes) have been recently recognized as a potent environmental and human threat, the present study aimed to assess the potential risk of personal computer motherboards (PCMBs) leaching into aquatic media, following a real-life scenario. Specifically, PCMBs were submerged for 30 days in both distilled water (DW) and artificial seawater (ASW). Afterwards, PCMBs leachates were chemically characterized (i.e., total organic carbon, ions, and trace elements) and finally used (a) for culturing freshwater (Chlorococcum sp. and Scenedesmus rubescens) and saltwater (Dunaliella tertiolecta and Tisochrysis lutea) microalgae for 10 days (240 h), (b) as the exposure medium for mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis (96 h exposure), and (c) for performing the Cytokinesis Block Micronucleus (CBMN) assay in human lymphocytes cultures. According to the results, PCMBs could mediate both fresh- and marine algae growth rates over time, thus enhancing the cytotoxic, oxidative, and genotoxic effects in the hemocytes of mussels (in terms of lysosomal membrane impairment, lipid peroxidation, and NO content and micronuclei formation, respectively), as well as human lymphocytes (in terms of MN formation and CBPI values, respectively). The current findings clearly revealed that PCMBs leaching into the aquatic media could pose detrimental effects on both aquatic organisms and human cells.

ZnO, Ag and ZnO-Ag nanoparticles exhibit differential modes of toxic and oxidative action in hemocytes of mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis

The present study investigates the cytotoxic and oxidative effects of custom-made nanoparticles (NPs) on hemocytes of Mytilus galloprovincialis, utilizing hemolymph serum (HS) as exposure medium. Specifically, hemocyte lysosomal membrane destabilization (in terms of neutral red retention time assay/NRRT), superoxide anion (O₂^-), nitric oxide (NO, in terms of nitrites) and lipid peroxidation content (in terms of malondialdehyde/MDA equivalents) were determined in cells treated for 1 h with different concentrations (0.1-50 μg mL^-1) of ZnO NPs, Ag NPs and ZnO-Ag NPs, as well as AgNO₃ and/or ZnCl₂ (bulk ions, respectively). According to the results, Ag NPs were more cytotoxic than ZnO-Ag NPs and/or ZnO NPs, while NRRT values observed in AgNO₃ treated cells were lower than those of ZnCl₂. Furthermore, high levels of both O₂^- and MDA were detected in cells treated with Ag NPs, ZnO-Ag NPs, and AgNO₃ at concentrations lower than 5 μg mL^-1, while high NO generation was observed only in cells treated with 5-25 μg mL^-1 of ZnO NPs or ZnCl₂. Despite the absence of data, regarding the formation of NP-serum protein corona complexes that could mediate NP surface energy and uptake efficiency, the current study firstly revealed that ZnO NPs, probably via their surface charge, particle agglomeration, and NP Zn⁺ release could promote an immune-related generation of O₂^- and NO via the respiratory burst stimulation, a process that is questioned in the case of Ag NPs and/or ZnO-Ag NPs. Moreover, ZnO-Ag NP interaction with biological membranes and their oxidative mode of action seemed to be regulated by the release and the antagonistic/synergistic response of its ionic counterparts (ZnO⁺ and Ag⁺), but further studies are needed to elucidate the oxidative mode of action of NP metal ions in complex NP mixtures.

Effects of heat-not-burn compared to combustible cigarettes on coronary flow, myocardial work index and vascular function

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Aim/Introduction:

Heat-not-burn cigarette (HNBC) constitutes a non-combustible smoke product.

Purpose

We compare the effects of heat-not-burn and conventional cigarettes on coronary flow, myocardial and vascular function, platelet activation and oxidative stress.

Methods

We compared the effects of HNBC to those of tobacco cigarette (TCig), on arterial stiffness, oxidative stress, and platelet activation, acutely and after 1 month of switching to HNBC, as well as on endothelial, myocardial, and coronary function after 1 month of switching to HNBC. In the acute study, 50 smokers were randomized into smoking a single Tcig or an HNBC and after 60 minutes were crossed over to the alternate smoking (HNBC or Tcig). For the chronic phase, 75 smokers were examined. Of those, 50 were switched to HNBC and 25 continued Tcig for 1 month. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) and biomarkers [malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyls (PC), and thromboxane B2 (TXB2)] were assessed in the acute and chronic study. Myocardial deformation [global longitundinal strain (GLS), myocardial work index (GWI) and wasted myocardial work (GWW)], coronary flow reserve (CFR) by Doppler echocardiography, total arterial compliance (TAC), and flow-mediated dilation (FMD) were additionally assessed in the chronic study.

Results

Compared to baseline, TCig smoking acutely increased exhaled CO, PWV, MDA, and TxB2 (p &lt; 0.05), while no changes were observed after HNBC. Compared to resuming Tcig smoking, switching to HNBC for 1 month improved CO (mean change: -55% vs -2.4%), FMD ( +55% vs +15%), CFR (+46% vs +4%), TAC (+9% vs -0.5%), GLS (+6% vs +1%), GWW (-19% vs +0.5%), MDA (-19% vs 1 %), and TxB2 (-12% vs 4%) (p &lt; 0.05 for all comparisons).

Conclusions

HNBCs exert a less detrimental effect on vascular, cardiac and platelet function than combustible tobacco.

Differential effects of heat-not-burn and conventional cigarettes on coronary flow, myocardial and vascular function, platelet activation and oxidative stress

 

Heat-not-burn cigarette (HNBC) constitutes a non-combustible smoke product.

Methods

We compared the effects of HNBC to those of tobacco cigarette (TCig), on arterial stiffness, oxidative stress, and platelet activation, acutely and after 1 month of switching to HNBC, as well as on endothelial, myocardial, and coronary function after 1 month of switching to HNBC. In the acute study, 50 smokers were randomised into smoking a single Tcig or an HNBC and after 60 minutes were crossed over to the alternate smoking (HNBC or Tcig). For the chronic phase, 75 smokers were examined. Of those, 50 were switched to HNBC and 25 continued Tcig for 1 month. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) and biomarkers [malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyls (PC), and thromboxane B2 (TXB2)] were assessed in the acute and chronic study. Myocardial deformation [global longitundinal strain (GLS), myocardial work index (GWI) and wasted myocardial work (GWW)], coronary flow reserve (CFR) by echocardiography, total arterial compliance (TAC), and flow-mediated dilation (FMD) were additionally assessed in the chronic study.

Results

Compared to baseline, TCig smoking acutely increased exhaled CO, PWV, MDA, and TxB2 (p&lt;0.05), while no changes were observed after HNBC. Compared to resuming Tcig smoking, switching to HNBC for 1 month improved CO (mean change: −55% vs −2.4%), FMD (+55% vs +15%), CFR (+46% vs +4%), TAC (+9% vs −0.5%), GLS (+6% vs +1%), GWW (−19% vs +0.5%), MDA (−19% vs 1%), and TxB2 (−12% vs 4%) (p&lt;0.05 for all comparisons).

Conclusions

HNBCs exert a less detrimental effect on vascular, cardiac and platelet function than tobacco

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Hellenic Association of Lipidiology, Atherosclerosis and Vascular disease

Increased arterial stiffness during acute myocardial infarction results in adverse cardiac remodelling: a two year follow-up study

 

Increased arterial stiffness is associated with adverse cardiac events. However, it not clear whether increased arterial stiffness at the early phase of acute myocardial infraction (AMI) is associated with adverse left ventricular remodelling.

Methods

We examined 80 patients with STEMI (53±16 years, 80% male, 42% anterior AMI, LVEF=49±15%) after successful revascularisation by echocardiography 48h after admission and 2 years after the index event. We measured a) left-ventricular end-diastolic (LVEDV) and end-systolic volumes (LVESV) using the Simpson Method b) global longitundinal strain (GLS) by speckle tracking imaging c) carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV, augmentation index and central Aortic pressures by Complior apparatus d) The ratio of PWV/GLS as a marker of ventricular-arterial interaction.

Results

LVEDV and LVESV were decreased while GLS was improved after the 2-year follow-up period (from 103.3±30 to 89.1±37ml, p=0.004, 58.3±25 to 57.6±25, p=0.05, −16.1±4.7 to 17.5±3.2%, p=0.03 respectively). Baseline PWV, GLS and the ratio PWV/GLS were associated with the percent change of LVESV at 2 years (p=0.033, p=0.04 and p=0.035 respectively) after adjustment for type of MI (anterior vs other location), baseline troponin blood pressure and medication.

Patients with PWV &gt;10.6 m/s (upper tercile) had similar baseline LVESV (56.5±18 to 57.2±24 ml, p=0.8) but higher LVESV at 2 years follow-up (74.4±35 to 55.9±24 ml, p=0.03) resulting in a greater percent increase of LVESV compared to patients with baseline PWV &lt;10.6m/s (+26% vs −5% p=0.012).

Conclusion

Increased arterial stiffness in the early phase of AMI impairs ventricular-arterial coupling resulting in adverse LV remodeling despite successful revascularization.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Assessment of genetic effects and pesticide exposure of farmers in NW Greece

The present study aims at evaluating potential genotoxic and cytotoxic effects caused by the occupational exposure of farmers to pesticide mixtures in the Aitoloakarnania Prefecture (Greece). The aforementioned assessment was conducted through in vivo Cytokinesis Block Micronucleus assay (CBMN assay) in peripheral blood lymphocytes, in relation to chemical analysis of pesticide residues in blood samples. The exposure of the farmers' population studied to different combinations of pesticides induced significant differences in the frequencies of micronuclei (MN) compared to those of the control group. Furthermore, our results indicated a possible clastogenic and aneugenic effect of pesticides on the genetic material of the farmers exposed. Five pesticides (trifluralin, chlorpyriphos methyl, metolachlor, fenthion and dimethoate) and three metabolites (fenthion sulfone, fenthion sulfoxide and 4,4' DDE) were detected in the 62.5% of blood samples, with mean concentrations ranging from 0.4 ng/ml to 48 ng/ml. Since the farmers studied probably exhibit detectable levels of systematic exposure to the pesticides applied, continuous educational programs focused on the rational and safe use of pesticides, together with implementation of risk communication strategies among farmers are highly recommended.

Assessing the cyto-genotoxic potential of model zinc oxide nanoparticles in the presence of humic-acid-like-polycondensate (HALP) and the leonardite HA (LHA)

The present study investigates the potential cyto-genotoxic effects of model zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on human lymphocytes, with and/or without humic acids (HAs). Two types of HAs were studied, a natural well-characterized leonardite HA (LHA) and its synthetic-model, a humic-acid-like-polycondensate (HALP). The Cytokinesis Block Micronucleus (CBMN) assay was applied in cell cultures treated with different concentrations of ZnO NPs (0.5, 5, 10, 20 μg mL^-1) and under different concentrations of either HALP or LHA (ZnO NPs-HALP and ZnO NPs-LHA, at concentrations of 0.5-0.8, 5-8, 10-16, 20-32 and 0.5-2, 5-20, 10-40, 20-80 μg mL^-1, respectively). According to the results, ZnO NPs lacked genotoxicity but demonstrated cytotoxic potential. Binary mixtures of ZnO NPs-HAs (ZnO NPs-HALP or ZnO NPs-LHA) showed negligible alterations of micronuclei (MN) formation in challenged cells, with cytotoxic effects revealed only in case of cells treated with ZnO NPs-LHA at the concentration 5-20 μg mL^-1. Furthermore, no genotoxic phenomena were exerted neither by the ZnO NPs nor from their mixtures with HAs. These findings indicate [i] the cytotoxic activity of used ZnO NPs on human lymphocytes, and [ii] reveal the protective role of HAs against ZnO NPs mediated cytotoxicity.

Assessing the human risk and the environmental fate of pharmaceutical Tramadol

Tramadol (TRA) is a widely used human pharmaceutical and a well-established emerging pollutant and its potential genotoxic and cytotoxic effects on humans as well as its fate in aqueous systems demand full investigation. The present study is a multidisciplinary approach and provides important insights on the potential risks of Tramadol on humans accompanied by its photolytic transformation under simulated solar irradiation. The present study revealed that Tramadol can induce genotoxic and cytotoxic effects under the specific experimental conditions, significantly depended on the tested concentration. In addition, the photolytic transformation of Tramadol was investigated in detail under simulated solar irradiation in two different water matrices: ultrapure water (UW) and treated wastewater (WW). Differences in the degradation rates were observed between UW and WW, being slower in WW. The results showed that more than 70% of Tramadol was removed after 240 min in UW ([TRA] = 10 mg L^-1, I = 500 W m^-2). After this period, TOC removal was found to be about 40%. Transformation of N atoms into NO₃^- and NH₄⁺ followed a similar trend reaching up to 38% release. Τramadol degraded mainly by HO radicals and ¹O₂ through a self-sensitizing process while direct photolysis was also significant. Hydroxylation, demethylation and N-oxidation of the parent compound were found to be the main degradation pathways confirming the important role of HO and ¹O₂ in the photolytic process. Toxicity measurements showed a noticeable increase of the inhibition for Vibrio fischeri at the first stages which coincide with the formation of the major TPs.

P357 Remote ischemic post-conditioning may prevent cardiac remodeling within two years of STEMI by cardioprotective microRNA upregulation

Background

Remote ischemic post-conditioning attenuates ischemia-reperfusion injury in patients with STEMI. However, its biochemical mechanisms, including micro-RNA expression, and effects on cardiac remodeling have not been defined.

Methods

We examined 80 patients with STEMI and 20 healthy controls. All patients had been evaluated by cardiac echocardiography. The conditioning protocol utilised a single ischemic stimulus by brachial cuff inflation of both arms at 200mmHg for 5 minutes, while 20 patients underwent a sham conditioning procedure by way of cuff inflation omission after its placement. Blood samples were taken before and after the conditioning protocol; thus, the expression of microRNA-144,-150,-499 (cardioprotective action), -21, and -208 (remodeling stimuli) was quantified at baseline and after the ischemic conditioning procedure, by polymerase chain reaction. Additionally, cardiac remodeling was evaluated by repeat echocardiography after a 2-year follow-up period, in 40 patients.

Results

Our conditioning protocol resulted in a statistically significant increase in miR-144,-150, -499, -21, and -208 expression (55.9 vs 7.4/U6sn, p &lt; 0.001; 3.4 vs 1.8/U6sn, p &lt; 0.05, p = 0.01; 3.5 vs 1.6/U6sn, p &lt; 0.001; 2.1 vs 1.2/U6sn; 2.4 vs 1.9/U6sn) compared to baseline; none of the aforementioned measurements was affected by the sham procedure. Furthermore, both left-ventricular end-diastolic (LVEDV) and end-systolic volume (LVESV) were decreased after the 2-year follow-up period (from 99.3 ± 6.7 to 85.9 ± 5.7, p= 0.004, and from 55.3± 6.1 to 48.6± 5.2, p= 0.04, respectively). In addition, the increase in mir-144 and mir-499 was significantly correlated with a decrease in LVESV (r=-0.355, p &lt; 0.05; r=-0.368, p &lt; 0.05, respectively), while the increase in mir-499 was also significantly correlated with a decrease in LVEDV (r=-0.374, p &lt; 0.05) at follow-up.

Conclusion

Remote ischemic conditioning may prevent adverse myocardial remodelling within 2 years of the index ischemic event, likely by up-regulation of cardio-protective microRNAs expression.

P1588 micro rna expression profiling may predict cardiac remodeling after stemi

Background

MicroRNAs have been recognised as important modulators of cardiovascular function. However, their profiling in ischemic heart disease and contribution to cardiac remodeling has not been defined.

Methods

We examined 40 patients with STEMI and 20 healthy controls. MicroRNA expression profiling was carried out within 48 hours of the index ischemic event, measuring the expression of microRNA-144,-150,-499 (cardioprotective action), -21, and -208 (remodeling stimuli). In addition, every patient was evaluated by echocardiography, which was repeated after a 2-year follow-up period.

Results

Left-ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) and left-ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) decreased (from 57.7± 6.3 to 48.6± 5.2, p &lt; 0.05 and from 102.1± 7.1 to 85.9 ± 5.7, p &lt; 0.05, respectively) while the ratio of early mitral inflow velocity to mitral annular early diastolic velocity (E/e’) did not change (from 9.32± 0.6 to 9.56± 0.8, p= NS). Mir-208 and -499 expression within 48 hours of STEMI (1.91± 0.43/U6sn and 1.7± 0.48/U6sn respectively) were significantly positively correlated with a reduction in LVESV, LVEDV, and E/e’. In specific, mir-208 expression was associated with an absolute (r= -0.41, p &lt; 0.05) and a percent reduction (r=-0.45, p= 0.03) in LVEDV and an absolute reduction in E/E’ (r= 0.46, p &lt; 0.05), while mir-499 was associated with an absolute (r= -0.4, p &lt; 0.05) and percent reduction (p= -0.38, p &lt; 0.05) in LVESV. Mir-499 median value (1.78[1.292.01]) predicted reverse remodelling (LVESV reduction by &gt;15%) with satisfactory specificity (0.82).

Conclusion

Mir- 208 and -499 expression may contribute to cardiac remodeling after STEMI, while mir-499 could be used as a prognostic marker of reverse remodeling.

P940Effects of IQOS smoking on vascular function, coronary flow reserve, myocardial deformation and myocardial work index during one month of use

Background

IQOS smoking (heat-no burn smoke product) is proposed to reduce harm compared to conventional smoking. We examined its effects on vascular function, myocardial deformation and ventricular arterial coupling.

Methods

Thirty-seven current smokers (mean age 48±5 years, >20 cigarettes /day) without cardiovascular disease and 20 healthy subjects with similar age sex and risk factors participated in the study. All subjects were instructed to smoke only IQOS for one month. Measurements were performed at baseline and 1 month after smoking IQOS. we measured a) the aortic PWV (PWV) and central aortic systole blood pressure (SBPc) by Complior; b) the exhaled CO level (parts per million-ppm) as a smoking status marker; and c) brachial systolic (SBP)and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure and heart rate (HR) a) flow mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery b) coronary flow reserve (CFR) after adenosine infusion by Doppler echocardiography and c) global longitundinal strain (GLS) peak twisting and untwisting velocity and myocardial work index derived by pressure –myocardial strain loops by speckle tracking imaging PWV to GLS ratio was also used as a marker of ventricular arterial coupling

Results

At baseline exhaled CO, PWV, SBPc, FMD, PWV/GLS ratio, myocardial work index and peak untwisting velocity were higher and CFR was lower in smokers compared to controls (14.9±7 vs. 4.2±1 ppm, p<0.001, 8.7±1.4 vs 10.0±1.6 m/s, p<0.05; 118±16 vs 110±7 mmHg p<0.001, 6.9±2 vs 9.5±2% p<0.001, −0.61±0.21 vs. −0.45±0.11 m/sec%, p<0.001, 1926±284 vs 1826±300 mmHg% p=0.04, −122±36 vs −95±25 deg/sec, p=0.02, 2.5±0.9 vs. 3.1±0.8 p=0.001 respectively). In the chronic phase we observed a significant improvement of FMD, CFR, GLS, PWV/GLS, myocardial work index and peak untwisting velocity compared to baseline (12±2% vs. 6.9±2%, p=0.03; 3.2±0.6 vs. 2.5±0.9 p=0.001; −19.3±2.2% vs. −21.1±2.8%, p=0.001; −0.61±0.21 vs. −0.47±0.12 m/sec% p=0.03; 1926±284 vs 1830±343 mmHg% p=0.03, −122±36 vs −105±25 deg/sec, p=0.03, respectively) in parallel with reduction of the exhaled CO (14.9±7 vs. 6±4.9 ppm, p<0.001). HR remained unchanged throughout the study and there was a borderline reduction of central aortic systolic blood pressure (118±16 vs. 114±19 mmHg, p=0.048).

Conclusions

Replacement of conventional cigarettes with IQOS results in improved LV longitundinal myocardial deformation, LV untwisting and reduced LV myocardial work index possibly linked to the concomitant improvement of aortic elasticity, endothelial and coronary microcirculatory function and ventricular-arterial coupling within 1 month.

P1680High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and endothelial glycocalyx integrity in treated hypertensive patients

Background

Endothelial dysfunction indicates target organ damage in hypertensive patients. The integrity of endothelial glycocalyx (EG) plays a vital role in vascular permeability, inflammation and elasticity and finally to cardiovascular disease. We aimed to investigate the role of increased HDL cholesterol levels (HDL-C), which usually are considered protective against cardiovascular disease, in EG integrity in older hypertensive patients.

Methods

We studied 120 treated hypertensive patients older than 50 years were divided regarding HDL-C tertiles in group HDLH, (HDL-C >71 mg/dl, upper HDL-C tertile) and group HDLL, (HDL-C <71 mg/dl, two lower HDL-C tertiles). Increased perfusion boundary region (PBR) of the sublingual arterial microvessels (ranged from 5–9 micrometers) using Sideview Darkfield imaging was measured as a non-invasive accurate index of reduced EG thickness.

Results

PBR 5–9 was significantly decreased in group HDLH (p=0.04). In the whole population, HDL-C was inversely but moderately related with PBR 5–9 (r=−0.22, p=0.01). In a multiple linear regression analysis model, using age, BMI, smoking habit, HDL-C, LDL-C and office SBP, as independent variables, we found that BMI (β=0.25, p=0.006) independently predicted PBR 5–9 in the whole population.

Differences in PBR5-9 between HDL groups

Conclusions

In older hypertensive patients, HDL-C ranged between 71–101 mg/dl might moderately protect EG and subsequently endothelial function. Future studies in several groups of low or high risk hypertensives are needed in order to evaluate the beneficial role of extremely elevated HDL-C regarding cardiovascular risk evaluation as well as endothelial glycocalyx as a novel index of target organ damage in essential hypertension.

P5741Impaired arterial elastic properties and endothelial glycocalyx in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source

Background and purpose

Cardioembolism is a postulated mechanism of embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). We investigated endothelial glycocalyx, aortic elastic properties, oxidative stress, and their association left atrial (LA) function in ESUS and healthy individuals.

Methods

In 90 ESUS patients (age 50.4±13.2) and 90 controls with similar risk factors, we measured: a) perfused boundary region (PBR) of the sublingual arterial microvessels (range 5–25 micrometers), a marker inversely related with glycocalyx thickness, b) pulse wave velocity (PWV), central systolic blood pressure (cSBP) and augmentation index (AIx), c) LA volume and strain using speckle-tracking imaging, d) Malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyls (PC), as oxidative stress markers.

Results

Compared to controls, ESUS had higher PWV, PBR MDA, and PC levels as well as higher LA volume and reduced reservoir LA strain (p<0.05). PBR>1.18 μm of microvessel ranging from 5–9μm and PWV>10.2m/s were associated with ESUS on multivariable analysis (odds ratio: 2.374 and 5.429, p<0.05 respectively) and increased the c-statistic of the initial model from 0.54 to 0.71. In ESUS, glycocalyx damage (increased PBR) was related with increased PWV (p<0.01) which was linked with LA reservoir strain after controlling for age, sex, and risk factors [p=0.03]. Increased MDA and PC were related with glycocalyx damage, increased PWV (r=0.67 and r=0.52) AIx, central SBP and aortic atheroma (p<0.01).

Conclusions

Arterial function and endothelial glycocalyx are severely impaired in ESUS and are linked to LA dysfunction suggesting their contribution to ESUS pathogenesis.

Assessment of the toxic potential of rainwater precipitation: First evidence from a case study in three Greek cities

Considering the necessity to monitor rainwater quality and the limited existing data regarding wet precipitations' toxic potential, the toxic potential of rainwater (RW) samples collected in three cities of Western Greece (Corfu, Agrinion and Patras) during May, October, November, and December of 2014 were investigated. The relationship of the adverse effects obtained, against cytokinesis block micronucleus (CBMN) and Vibrio fischeri bioluminescence (Microtox) assays with the physicochemical characteristics, the heavy metal concentration levels of rainwater samples and the meteorological parameters governing the climatic conditions in each region, were studied in detail. All samples showed pH values in the range of 5.37-7.17, high concentrations of ΝΗ₄⁺ and the presence of SO₄^2- and NO₃^-. The metals Al, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Sb, Cd, were detected in most of the samples, with maximum concentrations ranging from 0.16 μg L^-1 (for Co) to 86.6 μg L^-1 (for Fe). The CBMN assay showed statistically significant rainwater cytotoxic activity at 5% (v/v) concentration in all cities during all months studied and at 10% (v/v) in Agrinion and Corfu in May. No genotoxic effect was induced at 5% (v/v) concentration of rainwater, except for Corfu city during November, whereas 10% (v/v) of rainwater led to statistically significant increase in micronuclei frequencies in all three cities. The highest (100%) and the lowest (14%) inhibitory effect exhibited by the rainwater in the Vibrio test were noticed at Corfu city during May and December, respectively. Considering the inter-relations obtained among the abiotic and biotic variables measured in all cases, conductivity, SO₄^2-, NH₄⁺, and total metal burden could be related with both CBMN and Microtox assays data, regardless of the site- and month-specific differences. The multidisciplinary approach presented here showed that the physicochemical profile of rainwater precipitation could be significantly related with the induction of adverse effects on biota.

HDL cholesterol levels and endothelial glycocalyx integrity in treated hypertensive patients

Endothelial dysfunction indicates target organ damage in hypertensive patients. The integrity of endothelial glycocalyx (EG) plays a vital role in vascular permeability, inflammation and elasticity, and finally to cardiovascular disease. The authors aimed to investigate the role of increased HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, which usually are considered protective against cardiovascular disease, in EG integrity in older hypertensive patients. The authors studied 120 treated hypertensive patients older than 50 years were divided regarding HDL-C tertiles in group HDL_H (HDL-C ≥ 71 mg/dL, upper HDL-C tertile) and group HDL_L (HDL-C < 71 mg/dL, two lower HDL-C tertiles). Increased perfusion boundary region (PBR) of the sublingual arterial microvessels (ranging from 5 to 9 µm) using Sideview Darkfield imaging (Microscan, Glycocheck) was measured as a non-invasive accurate index of reduced EG thickness. PBR 5-9 was significantly decreased in group HDL_H (P = 0.04). In the whole population, HDL-C was inversely but moderately related to PBR 5-9 (r = -0.22, P = 0.01). In a multiple linear regression analysis model, using age, BMI, smoking habit, HDL-C, LDL-C, and office SBP, as independent variables, the authors found that BMI (β = 0.25, P = 0.006) independently predicted PBR 5-9 in the whole population. In older hypertensive patients, HDL-C ranging between 71 and 101 mg/dL might moderately protect EG and subsequently endothelial function. Future studies in several groups of low- or high-risk hypertensives are needed in order to evaluate the beneficial role of extremely elevated HDL-C regarding cardiovascular risk evaluation as well as endothelial glycocalyx as a novel index of target organ damage in essential hypertension.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of the genotoxic and antigenotoxic potential of the major Chios mastic water constituents

Chios mastic products are well-known for their broad applications in food industry, cosmetics, and healthcare since the antiquity. Given our recent finding that Chios mastic water (CMW) exerts antigenotoxic action, in the present study, we evaluated the genotoxic as well as the antigenotoxic potential of the four major compounds of CMW, namely, verbenone, α-terpineol, linalool, and trans-pinocarveol. The cytokinesis block micronucleus (CBMN) assay in cultured human lymphocytes and the Drosophila Somatic Mutation And Recombination Test (SMART), also known as the wing spot test, were employed. None of the four major CMW's constituents or their mixtures showed genotoxic or recombinogenic activity in either of the assays used. Co-treatment of each of the constituents with MMC revealed that all except trans-pinocarveol exerted antigenotoxic potential. Moreover, co-administration of verbenone with linalool or α-terpineol presented statistically significant reduction of MMC-induced mutagenicity. In conclusion, the major CMW constituents were shown to be free of genotoxic effects, while some exerted antigenotoxic activity either alone or in combinations, suggesting synergistic phenomena. Our results provide evidence on the key antigenotoxicity effectors of the plant extract CMW.

Photodegradation of 2-chloropyridine in aqueous solution: Reaction pathways and genotoxicity of intermediate products

2-Chloropyridine, an important precursor of the chemical industry is also a persistent water pollutant. The genotoxicity of photolytically treated 2-chloropyridine aqueous solution to human lymphocytes initially increases and fluctuates during treatment finally reaching the control values after prolonged treatment. Intermediate products formed were identified; a kinetic scheme for their formation is presented. To identify the source of genotoxicity variations and the potential in vitro effects on human lymphocytes of the partially photo-treated aqueous solution, the genotoxicity of four (the only) commercially available intermediates, i.e., 1H-pyrrole-2-carboxaldehyde, 6-chloro-2-pyridinecarboxylic acid, 2,3-dichloropyridine and 2-pyridinecarbonitrile was measured; the obtained results were used for the reasoning on the variation of the solution genotoxic (including clastogenic as well as aneugenic) events and cytotoxic activity. It was found that 1H-pyrrole-2-carboxaldehyde and 6-chloro-2-pyridinecarboxylic acid were highly genotoxic even at the very low concentration measured here. Thus, they likely had a significant contribution to the photolytically treated solution genotoxicity. 2,3-Dichloropyridine was found to be genotoxic but only at concentrations higher than the ones measured in this work. Thus, it was not likely to have contributed to the solution genotoxicity. Finally, at the concentrations measured in this work 2-pyridinecarbonitrile was found to be only cytotoxic.

Assessing the environmental/human risk of potential genotoxicants in water samples from lacustrine ecosystems: The case of lakes in Western Greece

Lakes, representing major freshwater resources, play a crucial role for both humans and ecosystems. Based on the increasing international interest in the contamination of water resources by genotoxic compounds, the present study aimed to evaluate the genotoxic potential of surface water samples collected from the five (5) lakes (Amvrakia, Lysimachia, Ozeros, Trichonida, Kastraki) located in Aitoloakarnania regional unit (Western Greece). The genotoxic potential of surface water samples was evaluated by employing the Cytokinesis Block MicroNucleus (CBMN) assay in cultured human lymphocytes. In the former assay, lymphocytes were treated with 1, 2 and 5% (v/v) of surface water from each lake. Statistically significant differences (1.7 to 3.3 fold increase in MN frequencies vs. the control) were seen at the dose of 5% (v/v) in all studied lakes. At the dose of 2% (v/v) statistically significant differences (1.7 to 2.6 fold increase in MN frequencies vs. the control) were observed in all studied lakes except Trichonida lake. Finally, at the dose of 1% (v/v) statistically significant differences (2.3 and 2.5 fold increase in MN frequencies vs. the control) were observed in the Ozeros and Lysimachia lakes. The evaluation of the potential genotoxic effects and the analysis of the physicochemical parameters of lakes' surface water samples is a first step in our effort to evaluate the water quality, in terms of the presence and environmental/human risk of genotoxicants in the studied lake ecosystems. The present study showed for the first time the presence of genotoxic substances in surface waters of the studied lakes.

P673Improvement of arterial stiffness and myocardial deformation in patients with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus type 2 after optimization of antidiabetic medication

Background

Arterial stiffness is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study is to investigate the arterial stiffness and myocardial deformation in patients with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus type 2 before and after glycemic control by optimal medication.

Methods

In 50 patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes(age:52±10years)and 25 controls of similar age and sex and no atherosclerotic risk factors we measured at baseline and 6 months after glycemic control a) carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity(PWVc m/sec-Complior SP ALAM),central systolic blood pressure(cSBP -mmHg),augmentation index(AI%), of the aortic pulse wave(ArteriographTensioMed) b)S',E'(m/sec)andE'/A'of mitral annulus by Tissue Doppler c)LV longitudinal strain(GLS-%),systolic(LongSr-l/sec)and diastolic(LongSrE-l/sec)strain rate, twisting(Tw-deg),peak twisting(Tw)and untwisting(unTw-deg/sec)velocity using speckle tracking echocardiography.The degree of LV untwisting was calculated as the percentage difference between peak twisting and untwisting at MVO(%dp PeakTw-UntwMVO)and between peak twisting and untwisting at peak and end of the mitral inflow E wave d)perfusion boundary region(PBR- micrometers)of the sublingual arterial microvessels(ranged from 5-25 micrometers)using Sideview,Darkfield imaging(Microscan,Glycocheck).Increased PBR is considered an accurate index of reduced endothelial glucocalyx thickness because of a deeper RBC penetration in the glucocalyx e) Flow mediated dilatation(FMD) of the brachial artery and percentage difference of FMD (FMD%).

Results

Compared to controls,diabetics had higher PWVa(10.3±2.2 vs. 8.1±1.9), AI(27.9±15 vs. 19.4±14.7), PWVc(11.8±3.2 vs. 8.8±1.3),cSBP(136±20 vs. 119±18),PBR (2.1±0.2 vs 1.89±0.1)and lower GLS(-15±3 vs. -18±3),LongSr(-0.78±0.1 vs. -0.96±0.2),LongSrE(0.77±0.29 vs. 1.2±0.3),S',E' and E/A(p<0.05 for all comparisons). Baseline FMD was related with Untw at peak E%(r=0,65, p<0.05). Six months after the modification of antidiabetic medication all patients achieved glycaemic control and there was a reduction of PWVc(12.3±2.9 vs. 11.3±3.2,p<0.05) in parallel with a increase of Untw velocity (-73±27 vs. -98±43,p<0.05),Untw MVO%(20±9 vs. 30±2),Untw peak E% (40±14 vs. 50±16)and FMD%(7.8±3 vs. 13.6±11,p<0.01).Reduced PWVc was related with reduced SBP(r=0.62),cSBP(r=0.55)and increased LongsrE(r=-0.50), Untw at end E(r=-0.56)respectively(p<0.05 for all associations).

Conclusion

Glycaemic control after optimizing medical treatment improves arterial stiffness, LV myocardial strain, twisting and untwisting velocity in diabetics.