Evaluation of the effect of cannabidiol on the THLE-2 liver cell line exposed to lead

Environmental and soil pollution increase the likelihood of human exposure to toxic metals. Therefore, there is a need for new methods and substances to protect individuals against the harmful effects caused by toxic metals. The study is the first to aim at determining the protective effect of cannabidiol (CBD) against oxidative stress and inflammation induced by toxic metal exposure in Transformed Human Liver Epithelial-2 (THLE-2) cell lines representing healthy liver cells. The IC50 value was determined by exposing THLE-2 human liver healthy cell line to different molarities of lead (Pb) using the XTT kit. The protective efficacy of CBD was assessed by adding 5 μM CBD in addition to the Pb doses determined at IC50 levels to the Pb groups created in cell lines. The levels of GSH, MDA, MPO, CAT, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in cell lines were determined using ELISA kits. The inhibition of toxic metal entry into the cells by CBD was assessed through ICP-MS analysis. The IC50 value for Pb was determined as 10 μM in 2D cell lines and 25 μM in 3D cell lines. It was observed that the application of 5 μM concentration of CBD, along with the determined IC50 doses for Pb, increased the cell proliferation rate. Furthermore, the decrease in GSH and CAT levels and the increase in MDA, MPO, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels observed in cell lines treated only with Pb were reversed with the application of CBD. The ICP-MS analysis revealed that CBD reduced the cellular uptake of Pb. The reversal of oxidative stress and inflammation induced by Pb, the increase in cell proliferation, and the reduction in the cellular uptake of toxic metals by CBD can be considered as strong evidence for the protective use of CBD in Pb exposures.

Heavy metal and trace element concentrations in blood and follicular fluid affect ART outcome

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of heavy metal and trace element concentrations in blood and follicular fluid on assisted reproductive technology cycle outcome.

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective study was conducted between January 2012 and July 2012 in a university hospital infertility clinic. One hundred and one patients with unexplained infertility who underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection using GnRH-antagonist protocol were recruited. Concentrations of four toxic metals (Cd, Pb, Hg, As) and three trace elements (Cu, Zn, Fe) were measured both in blood and follicular fluid specimens. Patients were evaluated in two groups; the study group consisted of patients with ongoing pregnancy (n=20) and the reference group consisted of patients experienced assisted reproductive technology failure, miscarriage or biochemical pregnancy (n=81).

RESULTS

Demographics and cycle parameters were comparable between the groups except for median number of day 3 Grade A embryos. Statistically significant negative correlations were found between blood Pb levels and number of MII oocytes, implantation, clinical pregnancy and ongoing pregnancy rates. Results of the log binomial regression revealed 2.2% lower risk for ongoing pregnancy for each 1μg/dL higher blood Pb concentration while holding the other variables in the model constant (RR 0.978; 95% CI 0.956-0.998; P=.041). Also, the results revealed 71.9% lower risk for ongoing pregnancy for each 1μg/dL higher follicular fluid Cu concentration while holding the other variables in the model constant (RR 0.288; 95% CI 0.085-0.92; P=.039).

CONCLUSION

Blood concentrations of Pb and follicular fluid concentrations of Cu seem to have significant impacts on assisted reproductive technology cycle outcome.

The evaluation of arsenic and cadmium levels in biological samples of cases with lung cancer

INTRODUCTION

Chronic exposure to the toxic metals plays an important role among the causes of lung cancer beside of smoking. We aimed to evaluate the association between the histopathologic type of lung cancer and arsenic and cadmium levels in biological samples.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study in a single center was conducted through the years 2009-2013, including 72 patients with lung cancer, within a prospective study design. Biological samples (whole blood, scalp hair, urine) of subjects obtained before the treatment, and arsenic and cadmium levels were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The characteristics of lung cancer cases and metal levels were compared statistically (power: 0.74).

RESULTS

Fifty six (77.8%) of patients were non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), 16 (22.2%) were small cell lung cancer (SCLC) in 72 study subjects (7 F/65 M, mean age= 62.2 ± 8.7 years). According to TNM staging, 27 of NSCLC were stage IV, 14 of SCLC were extensive disease. In blood, scalp hair and urine samples of cases, mean arsenic levels were 23.1 ± 9.2 µg/L, 0.6 ± 0.3 µg/g and 3.6 ± 1.9 µg/L, while cadmium levels were 1.2 ± 0.8 µg/L, 0.3 ± 0.1 µg/L and 2.8 ± 1.6 µg/L, respectively. A significant negative correlation was found between blood and urine arsenic levels (r= -0.350; p= 0.025). Blood and hair cadmium levels were also significant positive correlated (r= -0.371; p= 0.017). Both of metal levels except of urine arsenic were higher in NSCLC patients than SCLC, without any statistical significance. No significance relation was found in terms of TNM staging and mortality (p> 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Any difference was observed between the arsenic and cadmium levels measured in biological samples and histopathological type, staging and mortality of patients with lung cancer in this study. We thought that further studies are needed.