Do lead (Pb) content of lipsticks expose a health risk to children? A risk assessment study.

BACKGROUND: Lead (Pb) content in lipsticks and potential life-long exposure of which might cause severe effects in consumers are an important concern for public. Thus, studies emphasize that lead exposure has no safe levels. METHODS: From 10 different brands, in total, 25 solid, gloss and creamy lipsticks are deployed from Turkish markets that are also categorized in two different price ranges. In order to evaluate the blood Pb levels in children, the United States Environmental Protection Agency's 'Exposure Uptake Biokinetic Model' is utilized. To assess the health risk of chronic usage both for children and adults, oral daily systemic exposure levels are calculated with the worst-case scenario and are compared with Maximum Allowable Dose Level for lipsticks. For lifetime risk assessment, exposure is assumed to start by age 7, and four different exposure scenarios have been deployed. RESULTS: The mean lead content of lipsticks shows significant statistical differences between the high- and low-priced lipstick groups. Daily level and total risk for lifetime Pb exposure from deployed lipsticks are below the acceptable risk levels but long-worn usage of products with routine monitoring of metal content is crucial for sensitive and unintended exposure groups.

Evaluation of possible neuroprotective effects of virgin coconut oil on aluminum-induced neurotoxicity in an in vitro Alzheimer's disease model.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurological disorder that affects various cognitive functions, behavior, and personality. AD is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, including exposure to aluminum (Al). Virgin coconut oil (VCO) may have potential as a natural neuroprotectant against AD. Aim of this study was to determine neuroprotective effects of VCO on Al-induced neurotoxicity in an in vitro AD model. SH-SY5Y cells were initially cultured in normal growth medium and then differentiated by reducing fetal bovine serum content and adding retinoic acid (RA). Later, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was added along with RA. The differentiation process was completed on the seventh day. Study groups (n = 3) were designed as control group, VCO group, Al group, Al-VCO group, Alzheimer model (AD) group, AD + Al-exposed group (AD+Al), AD + VCO applied group (AD + VCO) and AD + Al-exposed + VCO applied group (AD + Al + VCO). Specific markers of AD (hyperphosphorylated Tau protein, amyloid beta 1-40 peptide, and amyloid precursor protein) were measured in all groups. In addition, oxidative stress parameters (total antioxidant capacity, lipid peroxidase, protein carbonyl, and reactive oxygen species) and neurotransmitter-related parameters (dopamine, dopamine transporter acetylcholine, and synuclein alpha levels, acetylcholinesterase activity) were measured comparatively in the study groups. VCO reduced amyloid beta and hyperphosphorylated Tau protein levels in the study groups. In addition, oxidative stress levels decreased, and neurotransmitter parameters improved with VCO. Our study shows that VCO may have potential therapeutic effects in Alzheimer's disease and further experiments are needed to determine its efficacy.

Assessment of Commercially Safflower Oils (Carthami Oleum Raffinatum) in Terms of European Pharmacopoeia Criteria and Their Weight Control Potentials.

Objectives: Safflower oils, which are sold commercially, are in demand with food, cosmetics, and health-promoting claims. In this study, safflower oil samples belonging to 11 different brands were evaluated in terms of European Pharmacopoeia Criteria 7.0. Additionally, in vitro weight control potential of all samples was investigated. Materials and Methods: Samples to be analyzed were purchased from pharmacies, herbal, online, and cosmetics stores. Acid and peroxide values of 11 safflower samples and analysis of their fatty acids by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were carried out according to the "Carthami oleum raffinatum" monograph registered in the European Pharmacopeia 7.0. To test the effects of all samples on weight control, their inhibitory effects on carbohydrate-digesting enzymes (α-glucosidase and α-amylase) were evaluated using spectrophotometric methods. Results: Out of 11 oil samples, only two of them had acid and peroxide values below the reference value. According to GC analysis, safflower oil samples are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (linoleic acid) (67.10-99.53%) of total fatty acids in its content are oleic, linoleic, palmitic, and stearic acids. Saturated fatty acids were 0.58 to 12.18% of the total fatty acid methyl esters in oils. When evaluated in terms of the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes that hydrolyze carbohydrates, the results showed that safflower oil samples had no inhibitory activity on these enzymes. Conclusion: It has been determined in this report that many safflower oil samples on the market do not meet the quality criteria recommended in European Pharmacopoeia 7.0. It was observed that safflower oil did not show any inhibitory effect on these two enzymes, which is considered a rational approach for weight control.

Evaluation of Marketed Almond Oils [Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb] in Terms of European Pharmacopoeia Criteria.

Objectives: Almond oil marketed for health benefits and cosmetic purposes should be in compliance with the European Pharmacopoeia (EP) criteria. Therefore, in this study, 17 almond oil samples sold in pharmacies, herbal shops, online, and cosmetics stores were analyzed in terms of "almond oil" monograph criteria, which have been mentioned in EP 7.0. Materials and Methods: In this study, 17 almond oil samples sold in pharmacies, herbal, online, and cosmetics stores were analyzed in terms of "almond oil" monograph criteria, which have been mentioned in EP 7.0. Appearance, acidity value, and peroxide value of each sample were determined and the ingredients were identified by thin layer chromatography. Fatty acids were analyzed by gas chromatographic method using flame ionization detector. Results: It was determined that two of the 17 samples complied with EP 7.0 criteria. Conclusion: Almond oil, which is currently marketed according to the manufacturer's own marketing and quality criteria, is excluded from the Turkish Food Codex Standards. Our research has shown that most of the products do not comply with the EP standards. For this reason, it should be ensured that almond oil is listed in this codex and urgent arrangements should be made for quality control analysis.

The Effect of Boron-Containing Nano-Hydroxyapatite on Bone Cells.

Metabolic diseases or injuries damage bone structure and self-renewal capacity. Trace elements and hydroxyapatite crystals are important in the development of biomaterials to support the renewal of bone extracellular matrix. In this study, it was assumed that the boron-loaded nanometer-sized hydroxyapatite composite supports the construction of extracellular matrix by controlled boron release in order to prevent its toxic effect. In this context, boron release from nanometer-sized hydroxyapatite was calculated by ICP-MS as in large proportion within 1 h and continuing release was provided at a constant low dose. The effect of the boron-containing nanometer-sized hydroxyapatite composite on the proliferation of SaOS-2 osteoblasts and human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells was evaluated by WST-1 and compared with the effects of nano-hydroxyapatite and boric acid. Boron increased proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells at high doses and exhibited different effects on osteoblastic cell proliferation. Boron-containing nano-hydroxyapatite composites increased osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells by increasing alkaline phosphatase activity, when compared to nano-hydroxyapatite composite and boric acid. The molecular mechanism of effective dose of boron-containing hydroxyapatite has been assessed by transcriptomic analysis and shown to affect genes involved in Wnt, TGF-ß, and response to stress signaling pathways when compared to nano-hydroxyapatite composite and boric acid. Finally, a safe osteoconductive dose range of boron-containing nano-hydroxyapatite composites for local repair of bone injuries and the molecular effect profile in the effective dose should be determined by further studies to validation of the regenerative therapeutic effect window.

A rapid tool for determination of titanium dioxide content in white chickpea samples.

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a widely used additive in foods. However, in the scientific community there is an ongoing debate on health concerns about TiO2. The main goal of this study is to determine TiO2 content by using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). To this end, different amounts of TiO2 was added to white chickpeas and analyzed by using LIBS. Calibration curve was obtained by following Ti emissions at 390.11nm for univariate calibration, and partial least square (PLS) calibration curve was obtained by evaluating the whole spectra. The results showed that Ti calibration curve at 390.11nm provides successful determination of Ti level with 0.985 of R2 and 33.9ppm of limit of detection (LOD) value, while PLS has 0.989 of R2 and 60.9ppm of LOD. Furthermore, commercial white chickpea samples were used to validate the method, and validation R2 for simple calibration and PLS were calculated as 0.989 and 0.951, respectively.

Detection and quantification of a toxic salt substitute (LiCl) by using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS).

The use of Li salts in foods has been prohibited due to their negative effects on central nervous system; however, they might still be used especially in meat products as Na substitutes. Lithium can be toxic and even lethal at higher concentrations and it is not approved in foods. The present study focuses on Li analysis in meatballs by using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). Meatball samples were analyzed using LIBS and flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. Calibration curves were obtained by utilizing Li emission lines at 610nm and 670nm for univariate calibration. The results showed that Li calibration curve at 670nm provided successful determination of Li with 0.965 of R2 and 4.64ppm of limit of detection (LOD) value. While Li Calibration curve obtained using emission line at 610nm generated R2 of 0.991 and LOD of 22.6ppm, calibration curve obtained at 670nm below 1300ppm generated R2 of 0.965 and LOD of 4.64ppm.

Synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy for determination of tahini adulteration.

In this study, a quick and simple method was developed for detection of tahini adulteration with sunflower oil. The synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy (SFS) data of oil samples were collected by scanning the excitation and emission monochromators simultaneously with 20, 40, 60 and 80nm wavelength intervals within the range of 250-600nm. Three different multivariate calibration methods, namely partial least squares (PLS) analysis, principal component regression (PCR), and multiple linear regression (MLR) were used for data analysis. Wavelength selection feature of the chemometric software was also used in order to determine the optimum range of each dataset collected at 20, 40, 60 and 80nm wavelength intervals. All regression methods with and without wavelength selection mode were applied to these each dataset individually. Application of wavelength selection mode adversely affected the root mean square error of cross validation (RMSECV) and root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) values and other quality parameters of all calibration and validation models which were built by using each dataset collected at 20, 40, 60 and 80nm wavelength intervals. Taking all parameters into consideration, the best results were obtained through the application of PLS analysis without wavelength selection mode on the SFS data collected at all wavelength intervals. The lowest detection limits of adulteration, 0.09% and 0.15% were obtained through the use of 40 and 80nm as wavelength intervals, respectively. RMSECV and RMSEP values were calculated as 0.74 and 1.26 for 40nm, and 0.65 and 0.81 for 80nm wavelength intervals.

The effect of temperature on bisphenol: an elution from dental resins.

AIM: Bisphenol A (BPA) elution from baby bottles into content has been of great public interest and debate in recent year. Uncontrolled BPA elution due to temperature increase may create a risk factor for human health. However, dental resins that are used in pediatric dentistry also have BPA derivatives. The aim of this study is to evaluate BPA elution from dental resins and to determine the effect of temperature increase on this elution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four dental resins containing BPA derivatives (Filtek Z250, Filtek Supreme XT, Fissurit FX, and Admira) and a control group (BPA free G-aenial) were used in this study. Each specimen was stored in 2 ml of 75% ethanol-water solution at 37°C. Water at a temperature of 59°C ± 1°C (preferred temperature of hot drinks) was added to the study samples at certain time intervals (1, 6, 24 hours and 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 days). The methanol samples were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Data was analyzed using multivariate and repeated measures analysis of variance (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The study samples generally eluted more BPA than the control samples (p < 0.05). The greatest amount of BPA for an individual time period was measured after 6 hours for the groups A to D; the same was found after 24 hours for group E. CONCLUSION: While the BPA elution levels evaluated in the study samples were more than control samples, all measured values were under the reference levels and the amounts do not constitute a risk. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Resin-based dental materials can act as a source of BPA (within safety margins), especially when they react with hot water.

Effects of Juniperus oxycedrus ssp. oxycedrus on tissue lipid peroxidation, trace elements (Cu, Zn, Fe) and blood glucose levels in experimental diabetes.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Juniperus oxycedrus L. (Cupressaceae) fruits and leaves are used internally and pounded fruits are eaten for diabetes in Turkey. AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the interrelationships between the levels of chosen trace elements (copper, iron, and zinc) and hepatic, renal lipid peroxidation (TBARS) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats treated with Juniperus oxycedrus ssp. oxycedrus (J.o.s.o.) leaf and fruit extracts for 10 days. MATERIALS AND METHODS: J.o.s.o. fruit and leaf extracts were administered in STZ-induced diabetic rats, at doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg. The blood glucose levels were measured in the 1st, 4th, 7th and 10th day of experiment. Fe, Cu, and Zn contents and lipid peroxidation levels of liver and kidney tissues were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and ultraviolet spectrophotometry, respectively. RESULTS: Treatment of diabetic rats with the J.o.s.o. fruit and leaf extracts decreased the blood glucose levels and both the levels of lipid peroxidation in liver and kidney tissues. J.o.s.o. extracts have augmented Zn concentrations in liver of STZ-induced diabetic rats. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicated that J.o.s.o. fruit and leaf extracts might be beneficial for diabetes and its complications.

The efficacy of a fluoride chewing gum on salivary fluoride concentration and plaque pH in children.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was therefore to study the influence of different chewing times on the salivary F concentration and on the recovery of plaque pH directly after a sucrose rinse on both the chewing and the non-chewing side. METHODS: For this purpose, one piece of sugar free chewing gum was chewed to 10 healthy subjects (aged 8-10 years, 5 male and 5 female children). Subjects refrained from toothbrushing for 3 days. On the fourth day, they rinsed for 1 min with 10 microl of a 10% sucrose solutions. After 8 min, chewing gum was given and started to chew for either 5, 10, 20, 30, 45 min or control (sucrose rinse). Thus, altogether six test sessions were repeated at one week intervals. Measurements of F concentration in saliva and pH of approximal plaque were carried out at two contralateral sites for up to 60 min. RESULTS: Higher salivary F concentrations were found on the chewing side than on the non-chewing side (expressed as) (p<0.05). But, the difference between the chewing and the non-chewing side was not obvious for the plaque pH (expressed as AUC) (p>0.05). Therefore, this study showed that: (1) the F concentrations in saliva after chewing a F containing chewing gum had only small numerical differences among the various chewing times, with the exception for 5 min. All chewing time periods showed statistically significant differences between chewing and non-chewing side. (2) The prolonged chewing time increased the plaque pH recovery after a sucrose rinse (p<0.05) but there was no statistically significant difference on both of the chewing and non-chewing side (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicated that a prolonged chewing time was favorable to the plaque pH recovery after a sucrose rinse and, to a certain extent, to the salivary fluoride concentration. Also it was shown that the F concentration in saliva was strongly dependent on which side the subject chewed on.

Determination of lead in dialysis concentrates using flow injection hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry.

Flow injection hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry (FI-HGAAS) was used for determination of lead in dialysis concentrates. The parameters such as acidity, concentration of oxidising and reducing agents and argon gas flow rate were investigated to reach the best peak height sensitivity. No significant background signal was observed at high salt concentrations. The detection limit, concentration giving a signal equal to three times standard deviation of the blank signal, was 0.7ngml(-1) for a 500mul injection volume. Precision of the measurements at the 20ngml(-1) level was 3.7% R.S.D. The dialysis concentrates analysed by FI-HGAAS were found to have 10-70ngml(-1) of lead. The same samples were analysed by ETAAS after removing the matrix using solid phase extraction with Chelex 100. The results were in agreement with those obtained by FI-HGAAS.