Bis(4-chlorophenyl) sulfone (BCPS) concentrations found in Austrian freshwater fish and cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis) indicating trophic transport and biomagnification - A screening pilot-study.

Bis(4-chlorophenyl) sulfone (BCPS, CAS No. 80-07-9) is used as monomer for the production of several groups of polymers like polysulphones and polyethersulphones. Residual amounts of monomer remain in the polymer matrix and might migrate out from the polymer matrix. In the present study, freshwater fish and fish-eating birds were examined. Following fish species (top predators) were collected at two Austrian locations: Sander lucioperca, Silurus glanis, and Lota lota. Whole fish samples were analysed for BCPS. Levels in freshwater fish ranged between 1.3 and 9.3 ng/g fat. In addition, breast muscle and liver samples from six cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis) were investigated. BCPS levels in cormorants breast muscle were in the range of 4.3-40 ng/g fat (mean: 16.3 ng/g fat, n = 6) and 28-86 ng/g fat (mean: 53.5 ng/g fat, n = 6) in the liver samples. BCPS concentration in liver was 3.3-fold higher than in muscle tissue. One of the cormorants had ingested fish with a BCPS level of 5.5 ng/g fat; BCPS levels in the cormorant were 23 ng/g fat (breast muscle) and 28 ng/g fat (liver), suggesting biomagnification values (BMF) of 4.2 (fish/breast muscle) and 5.1 (fish/liver), respectively. A BMF value higher than 1 can be considered as an indication for very high biomagnification. Comparing the BCPS concentrations of cormorants' breast muscle from 2019 (mean: 16 ng/g fat) to the concentrations from 2001 to 2005 (mean: 8.9 ng/g fat), indicates that BCPS levels might be increasing in Europe.

Well-trained, healthy triathletes experience no adverse health risks regarding oxidative stress and DNA damage by participating in an ultra-endurance event.

Also physical exercise in general is accepted to be protective, acute and strenuous exercise has been shown to induce oxidative stress. Enhanced formation of free radicals leads to oxidation of macromolecules and to DNA damage. On the other hand ultra-endurance events which require strenuous exercise are very popular and the number of participants is continuously increasing worldwide. Since only few data exists on Ironman triathletes, who are prototypes of ultra-endurance athletes, this study was aimed at assessing the risk of oxidative stress and DNA damage after finishing a triathlon and to predict a possible health risk. Blood samples of 42 male athletes were taken 2 days before, within 20 min after the race, 1, 5 and 19 days post-race. Oxidative stress marker increased only moderately after the race and returned to baseline after 5 days. Marker of DNA damage measured by the SCGE assay with and without restriction enzymes as well as by the sister chromatid exchange assay did either show no change or deceased within the first day after the race. Due to intake during the race and the release by the cells plasma concentrations of vitamin C and α-tocopherol increased after the event and returned to baseline 1 day after. This study indicates that despite a temporary increase in some oxidative stress markers, there is no persistent oxidative stress and no DNA damage in response to an Ironman triathlon in trained athletes, mainly due to an appropriate antioxidant intake and general protective alterations in the antioxidant defence system.

Berberine and a Berberis lycium extract inactivate Cdc25A and induce alpha-tubulin acetylation that correlate with HL-60 cell cycle inhibition and apoptosis.

Berberis lycium Royle (Berberidacea) from Pakistan and its alkaloids berberine and palmatine have been reported to possess beneficial pharmacological properties. In the present study, the anti-neoplastic activities of different B. lycium root extracts and the major constituting alkaloids, berberine and palmatine were investigated in p53-deficient HL-60 cells. The strongest growth inhibitory and pro-apoptotic effects were found in the n-butanol (BuOH) extract followed by the ethyl acetate (EtOAc)-, and the water (H(2)O) extract. The chemical composition of the BuOH extract was analyzed by TLC and quantified by HPLC. 11.1 microg BuOH extract (that was gained from 1mg dried root) contained 2.0 microg berberine and 0.3 microg/ml palmatine. 1.2 microg/ml berberine inhibited cell proliferation significantly, while 0.5 microg/ml palmatine had no effect. Berberine and the BuOH extract caused accumulation of HL-60 cells in S-phase. This was preceded by a strong activation of Chk2, phosphorylation and degradation of Cdc25A, and the subsequent inactivation of Cdc2 (CDK1). Furthermore, berberine and the extract inhibited the expression of the proto-oncogene cyclin D1. Berberine and the BuOH extract induced the acetylation of alpha-tubulin and this correlated with the induction of apoptosis. The data demonstrate that berberine is a potent anti-neoplastic compound that acts via anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic mechanisms independent of genotoxicity.