Endpoints as human biomarkers in exposure assessment of triazoles fungicides.

Potential endpoint biomarkers were evaluated in the assessment of exposure to triazoles, in the southern region of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Volunteers were divided into three groups: occupationally exposed and rural residents (n = 21), non-occupationally exposed and rural residents (n = 35) and non-occupationally exposed and urban residents (n = 30). Of all endpoints evaluated, plasma concentration of androstenedione (p < 0.001) and glycine-conjugated bile acids presented statistical differences in the three studied groups (p < 0.05). However, our findings concerning oxidative stress and testosterone levels, plus that related to unconjugated and taurine conjugated bile acids, suggested that more studies are necessary to evaluate their potential as biomarkers for triazole exposure, as statistical significance was not attained between the groups. Our human population data contributes to the development of triazole exposure risk assessment with respect to these potential effect biomarkers, in potentially vulnerable groups and individuals.

Low-level laser therapy stimulates the oxidative burst in human neutrophils and increases their fungicidal capacity.

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is known to enhance mitochondrial electron transfer and ATP production; thus, this study asked whether LLLT could stimulate the oxidative burst in human neutrophils (PMN) and improve their ability to kill microorganisms. Blood from healthy human subjects was collected and PMN were isolated from the samples. PMN were treated in vitro with 660 nm or 780 nm CW laser light at 40 mW power and increasing energies up to 19.2 J and were subsequently incubated with Candida albicans cells. Generation of hydroxyl radicals, hypochlorite anions and superoxide anions by PMN were checked using fluorescent probes and chemiluminescence assays; a microbicidal activity assay against C. albicans was also performed. LLLT excited PMN to a higher functional profile, which was translated as superior production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increased fungicidal capacity. The most efficacious energy was 19.2 J and, interestingly, the 660 nm light was even more efficacious than 780 nm at increasing the respiratory burst of PMN and the fungicidal capacity. Human neutrophils (PMN) were stimulated in vitro with 660 nm or 780 nm CW laser light at 40 mW of power and a total energy of 19.2 J. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) excited PMN to a higher functional profile, which was translated as a superior production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydroxyl radicals (HO• ) and hypochlorite anions (ClO- ) (Figure) and increased fungicidal capacity against Candida albicans cells.