Day 1 :
Keynote Forum
Aristidis Tsatsakis
University of Crete, Greece
Keynote: Current status and Challenges for Toxicology and Risk Analysis in 21st Century: Integrating Epidemiology Experimental and Computational Data in Real Life Exposures
Biography:
Professor Aristidis Michael Tsatsakis is the Director of the Department of Toxicology and |Forensic Sciences of the Medical School at the University of Crete and the University Hospital of Heraklion. He is teaching the toxicology course for medical students for 30 years and specialization toxicology topics for postgraduate programs in few universities and supervised numerous PhDs. He received his PhD in Chemistry from Mendeleev University in Moscow 1986 and defended the title of Doctor of Science in Biology in University of Friendship of Nations in Moscow 2004. Prof Tsatsakis has written over 360 peer reviewed publications in prestigious journals, is holder of several patents and has given numerous lecturers as keynote and plenary speaker in international congresses. He has coordinated as PI over 40 scientific research and technology national, EU and international projects and established worldwide collaborations.
Abstract:
Linking xenobiotic chemical exposure to health effects and diseases has been the subject of many experimental and epidemiological studies, though this issue remains a matter of permanent discussion and controversy. This issue is complicated by the multiple mechanisms of xenobiotic toxicity often involved, the uncertainties related to long term and low dose xenobiotic exposure, and the reliable identification of exposed and control groups. Exposure scenarios simulating real life is a complex issue as effects from multiply chemicals must be considered as a web of interactions that produce variety of mechanisms of effects and subsequently of health outcomes. In this respect linear –monomodal but also nonlinear effects can be seen in the range of low and/or high concentrations of exposures. Evaluating exposure effects is considered a multifactorial task that needs an integrated and systematic approach not only for long term actions but often for acute or sub chronic actions. Since such evaluations are highly work load and time consuming a sophisticated approach to identify the dominant actions and effects are in need. Real life is a variability and diversity of exposures the overall effect of which are pending on the certain case. Chemicals in general have a major impact on human and ecosystem health and highlighting the increasing need for effective and integrated means of risk assessment and exposure evaluation in human populations and biological ecosystems is crucial. This is not a trivial task and requires not only biomonitoring and exposure assessment but also combination of risk assessment with regulatory measures and actions. Harmonization in study methodologies by implementing OECD’s adverse outcome pathway (AOP) approach and systematic dealing with confounders is required for a better characterization of exposure and understanding of the effects. Thus, the complex issue of links between chemical exposures and health problems and diseases is associated with multiple factors that are due to the expanding numbers of the chemical categories being present simultaneously or sequentially, the variety of mechanisms, mode of actions, adverse outcome pathways and effects involved but also on a large number of con-founders and also not less important to be encountered susceptibility due to genetics and epigenetics. Several epidemiological studies but also in vivo and in vitro experimental works showed that big majority of man produced consumer products even for dietary or life style purposes were found to act as endocrine disruptors, neuro developmental toxicants, immune toxicants and carcinogens in animals and humans. The general population experiences uncontrolled multi-chemicals exposure from many different sources at doses around or well below regulatory limits. Therefore, traditional chronic toxicity evaluations for a single chemical could possibly miss to identify adequately all the risks. For this an experimental methodology that has the ambition to provide at one strike multi-answers to multi-questions is hereby proposed: a long-term toxicity study of non-commercial chemical mixtures, consisting of common everyday life chemicals (pesticides, food additives, life-style products components) at low and realistic dose levels around the regulatory limits and with the simultaneous investigation of several key endpoints, like genotoxicity, endocrine disruption, target organ toxicity including the heart and systemic mechanistic pathways, like oxidative stress. In real life, the consumer is exposed to complex mixtures of chemicals via food and water consumption and via commercial products. Risk assessments, in general, however, focus on individual compounds. Therefore, the current regulatory approach does not assess overall risk in a highly relevant manner. This study will evaluate the cumulative toxicity of mixtures of different classes of pesticides alone and mixtures of different classes of pesticides together with food additives and common consumer product chemicals in more realistic doses after long term exposure. If the hypothesis of an increased risk or even a new hazard not currently identified from cumulative exposure to multiple chemicals were shown to be true, this will provide further information to public authorities and research communities supporting the effort to replace today’s single-compound risk assessment with a more robust cumulative risk assessment paradigm. Taking into consideration most recent aspects for risk assessment of individuals, where exposure assessment is personalized, we can realize the grounds and causation of the incomprehensible and hazy picture we face in our toxicology evaluations and the timely disagreement in facts among governmental and other international and authorial regulatory organizations throughout the world. It is a fact that as we expand the sphere of our knowledge in general we simultaneously expand the borders of our knowledge with ignorance. Being highly respectable to Socrates I suggest that the above sentence takes a step forward and clarifies for the public the deep meaning of the Socrates statement‘’ I know nothing except the fact of my ignorance.
Keynote Forum
Wojciech Wasowicz
Institute of Occupational Medicine, Poland
Keynote: Selenium and human health: Interactions with heavy metals
Biography:
Wojciech Wasowicz, PhD, is Full Professor at Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine. Head of the Biological and Environmental Monitoring Department, he has a background in biochemistry, analytical chemistry and toxicology. He has wide experience with toxicology of metals and its interactions with microelements, oxidative stress markers, and antioxidant enzymes related to human health. The next field of interest is potential protective role of some antioxidants against chemicals. He shows great scientific activity confirmed by numerous publications, grants awarded by realization of scientific plan and active participation in symposia, conferences and scientific meetings organized in Poland (Polish Society of Toxicology) and abroad (EUROTOX, IUTOX), and has given numerous lectures as keynote and plenary speaker in international congresses. His work has hitherto resulted in 170 scientific papers published mainly in journals of international recognition.
Abstract:
The function of selenium (Se) as trace element for animals and humans has been known for several decades. Se is an essential microelement at low levels of intake and produces toxic symptoms when ingested at level only three to five times higher than those required for adequate intake. It is generally accepted that blood Se depends on dietary intake. According to some epidemiological data, low Se intake may be associated with higher cancer incidence and also implicated in cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and asthma. Beneficial role of Se is related to its role in the antioxidative system i.e. antioxidative enzymes (glutathione peroxidases; thioredoxine reductases) and several selenoproteins (i.e. selenoprotein P). In recent years, most attention was paid to Se in the context of cancer incidence reduction, which was demonstrated in animal studies and human clinical trials in relation to human cancer. Epidemiological studies, including retrospective, prospective and also intervention ones, show that a low Se level, may increase the risk of certain cancers. However, it should be noted that there is also a relatively large number of studies, in which no effect of Se on cancer has been observed. From epidemiological point of view Se interaction with heavy metals raises a large interest. Although antagonistic influence of selenium on bioaccumulation of mercury, cadmium and arsenic in experimental animals is well known, interaction mechanism between those elements in humans has remained unexplained. However, in many cases the doses and character of exposure in experimental animals differed from dose observed in human exposure. To sum up, selenium is important element for human health; however, relationship between Se and toxic elements should be taken into account. This kind of research may prove to have not only scientific as well as practical value.
Keynote Forum
Swamy K B
Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Malaysia
Keynote: “Synsepalum dulcificum†(Miracle fruit): A future potential anti-hyperglycemic and other herbal medicinal plants that protect the health of Kuala Terengganu people in Malaysia
Biography:
Swamy K B has been awarded PhD by Andhra University, India. He has taken his Master’s Degree in Clinical Anatomy from Andhra Medical College, India, DMCh (Maternal & Child Health) and Medical Degree (MBBS) from IGNOU, New Delhi. He has expertise in Human Genetics, Reproductive & Developmental Anatomy and also in Herbal Medicine. He has been the Genetic Counselor for many institutions, with prestigious grants from Malaysia. He has conducted many researches on Herbal Medicine and Diabetes, on “Brain size and Intelligence Quotient (IQ)”. He has been the former Founder, Anatomist, Professor and Head of the Department for many Medical Schools in India as well as in Malaysia. He is an international Editorial Board Member for many reputed journals like Anatomical Society of India (ASI). Recently, he has been unanimously elected as an Executive Board Member for ASI and an Organizing Committee Member for the upcoming “9th Euro-Global Summit on Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology” to be held through June 22-24, 2017 at Paris, France.
Abstract:
Introduction: The study of previous researchers Ali et al. (1992) revealed the prevalence of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and deviated glucose tolerance among the Aborigines (0.3%, 4.7%) and Malays (4.4%, 11.3%) respectively. A variety of studies indicated that Malays have a relatively high prevalence of type 2 diabetes compared with other Asian ethnic groups.
Aim: The aim of the study is to evaluate the frequency of herbal medicine usage among the Terengganu population in Malaysia by conducting a research through systematic-survey analysis to know how frequently and for what common diseases the herbal medicine was used.
Materials & Methods: 1520 respondents (male and female), ages between 14 and above 70 years were selected by systematic random sampling from 5 directional areas of Kuala Terengganu state in Malaysia. The statistical analysis was done by using SPSS 21.0 package.
Results: According to our analytical study, 68.82% of population was using herbal medicine and 31.18% were using western and other systems of medicine. The purpose of using traditional medicine for the curative purpose was 43.98% (n=460), preventive 30.31% (n=317), sexual health (10.99%, n=115), cosmetic reason 6.50% (n=68) and for others (8.22%, n=86). For the curative purposes, 57.39% respondents used it for curing hypertension (n=264), diabetes (13.48%, n=62), arthritis and heart failure (9.35%, n=43), peptic ulcer and other diseases (3.48%, n=16), bronchial asthma (1.3%, n=6) and cancer and renal stones (1.09%, n=5). We also identified to our surprise, 99 medicinally used plants in Terengganu among which Synsepalum dulcificum (Miracle fruit) was extensively used by people as an anti-diabetic herbal medicine.
Discussion: Our present study revealed that 68.82% of the population in Terengganu preferred herbal medicine than other systems of medication to use.
Conclusion: Our results coincided with the WHO statement that 70% of the world population prefer herbal medicine as the treatment for their ailments.
Keynote Forum
Swamy K B
Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Malaysia
Keynote: “Synsepalum dulcificum†(Miracle fruit): A future potential anti-hyperglycemic and other herbal medicinal plants that protect the health of Kuala Terengganu people in Malaysia
Biography:
Swamy K B has been awarded PhD by Andhra University, India. He has taken his Master’s Degree in Clinical Anatomy from Andhra Medical College, India, DMCh (Maternal & Child Health) and Medical Degree (MBBS) from IGNOU, New Delhi. He has expertise in Human Genetics, Reproductive & Developmental Anatomy and also in Herbal Medicine. He has been the Genetic Counselor for many institutions, with prestigious grants from Malaysia. He has conducted many researches on Herbal Medicine and Diabetes, on “Brain size and Intelligence Quotient (IQ)”. He has been the former Founder, Anatomist, Professor and Head of the Department for many Medical Schools in India as well as in Malaysia. He is an international Editorial Board Member for many reputed journals like Anatomical Society of India (ASI). Recently, he has been unanimously elected as an Executive Board Member for ASI and an Organizing Committee Member for the upcoming “9th Euro-Global Summit on Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology” to be held through June 22-24, 2017 at Paris, France.
Abstract:
Introduction: The study of previous researchers Ali et al. (1992) revealed the prevalence of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and deviated glucose tolerance among the Aborigines (0.3%, 4.7%) and Malays (4.4%, 11.3%) respectively. A variety of studies indicated that Malays have a relatively high prevalence of type 2 diabetes compared with other Asian ethnic groups.
Aim: The aim of the study is to evaluate the frequency of herbal medicine usage among the Terengganu population in Malaysia by conducting a research through systematic-survey analysis to know how frequently and for what common diseases the herbal medicine was used.
Materials & Methods: 1520 respondents (male and female), ages between 14 and above 70 years were selected by systematic random sampling from 5 directional areas of Kuala Terengganu state in Malaysia. The statistical analysis was done by using SPSS 21.0 package.
Results: According to our analytical study, 68.82% of population was using herbal medicine and 31.18% were using western and other systems of medicine. The purpose of using traditional medicine for the curative purpose was 43.98% (n=460), preventive 30.31% (n=317), sexual health (10.99%, n=115), cosmetic reason 6.50% (n=68) and for others (8.22%, n=86). For the curative purposes, 57.39% respondents used it for curing hypertension (n=264), diabetes (13.48%, n=62), arthritis and heart failure (9.35%, n=43), peptic ulcer and other diseases (3.48%, n=16), bronchial asthma (1.3%, n=6) and cancer and renal stones (1.09%, n=5). We also identified to our surprise, 99 medicinally used plants in Terengganu among which Synsepalum dulcificum (Miracle fruit) was extensively used by people as an anti-diabetic herbal medicine.
Discussion: Our present study revealed that 68.82% of the population in Terengganu preferred herbal medicine than other systems of medication to use.
Conclusion: Our results coincided with the WHO statement that 70% of the world population prefer herbal medicine as the treatment for their ailments.
Keynote Forum
Swamy K B
Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Malaysia
Keynote: “Synsepalum dulcificum†(Miracle fruit): A future potential anti-hyperglycemic and other herbal medicinal plants that protect the health of Kuala Terengganu people in Malaysia
Biography:
Swamy K B has been awarded PhD by Andhra University, India. He has taken his Master’s Degree in Clinical Anatomy from Andhra Medical College, India, DMCh (Maternal & Child Health) and Medical Degree (MBBS) from IGNOU, New Delhi. He has expertise in Human Genetics, Reproductive & Developmental Anatomy and also in Herbal Medicine. He has been the Genetic Counselor for many institutions, with prestigious grants from Malaysia. He has conducted many researches on Herbal Medicine and Diabetes, on “Brain size and Intelligence Quotient (IQ)”. He has been the former Founder, Anatomist, Professor and Head of the Department for many Medical Schools in India as well as in Malaysia. He is an international Editorial Board Member for many reputed journals like Anatomical Society of India (ASI). Recently, he has been unanimously elected as an Executive Board Member for ASI and an Organizing Committee Member for the upcoming “9th Euro-Global Summit on Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology” to be held through June 22-24, 2017 at Paris, France.
Abstract:
Introduction: The study of previous researchers Ali et al. (1992) revealed the prevalence of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and deviated glucose tolerance among the Aborigines (0.3%, 4.7%) and Malays (4.4%, 11.3%) respectively. A variety of studies indicated that Malays have a relatively high prevalence of type 2 diabetes compared with other Asian ethnic groups.
Aim: The aim of the study is to evaluate the frequency of herbal medicine usage among the Terengganu population in Malaysia by conducting a research through systematic-survey analysis to know how frequently and for what common diseases the herbal medicine was used.
Materials & Methods: 1520 respondents (male and female), ages between 14 and above 70 years were selected by systematic random sampling from 5 directional areas of Kuala Terengganu state in Malaysia. The statistical analysis was done by using SPSS 21.0 package.
Results: According to our analytical study, 68.82% of population was using herbal medicine and 31.18% were using western and other systems of medicine. The purpose of using traditional medicine for the curative purpose was 43.98% (n=460), preventive 30.31% (n=317), sexual health (10.99%, n=115), cosmetic reason 6.50% (n=68) and for others (8.22%, n=86). For the curative purposes, 57.39% respondents used it for curing hypertension (n=264), diabetes (13.48%, n=62), arthritis and heart failure (9.35%, n=43), peptic ulcer and other diseases (3.48%, n=16), bronchial asthma (1.3%, n=6) and cancer and renal stones (1.09%, n=5). We also identified to our surprise, 99 medicinally used plants in Terengganu among which Synsepalum dulcificum (Miracle fruit) was extensively used by people as an anti-diabetic herbal medicine.
Discussion: Our present study revealed that 68.82% of the population in Terengganu preferred herbal medicine than other systems of medication to use.
Conclusion: Our results coincided with the WHO statement that 70% of the world population prefer herbal medicine as the treatment for their ailments.
- Toxicology and Risk Assessment | Experimental and Toxicologic Pathology | Toxicology Applications | Medicine Development and Safety Testing
Location: Dubai, UAE
Chair
Jirova Dagmar
National Institute of Public Health, Czech Republic
Co-Chair
Kristina Kejlova
National Institute of Public Health, Czech Republic
Session Introduction
Mukul P Pore
Intox Pvt. Ltd., India
Title: Alternatives to animal experimentation
Biography:
Mukul P Pore is one of the founders and is the Lifetime Director of INTOX Pvt. Ltd. which is a well known GLP Certified Contract research organization. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Toxicology (DABT), European Registered Toxicologist (ERT) and Fellow of Indian Society of Toxicology (FST). He has designed and conducted number of toxicology studies for diverse kind of products - pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, biotechnology products, speciality chemicals, vaccines, medical devices, industrial chemicals etc. during his experience of over 28 years in regulatory / descriptive toxicology. Since 1996, he has played an important role in establishing and bringing INTOX to international standard and repute. He is an Ad Hoc specialist for AAALAC International, USA (2010-2013; 2013-2016; 2016-2019). He is Member of many professional bodies/societies including Indian Society of Toxicology (STOX), Chinese Society of Toxicology, Japanese Society of Toxicology (JST), UK Registry of Toxicology and Laboratory Animal Scientists Association of India. He was nominated on ‘REACH Expert Committee” as “Expert in the field of Environment, Health and Safety” by Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Govt. of India (2015). He was nominated as Advisor of Editorial Board of “Toxicology International” Journal in 2009.
Abstract:
Thousands of new chemicals need to be evaluated every year for safety and efficacy. Millions of animals are used to test safety and effectiveness of a wide range of consumer products including drugs, cosmetics, household products, pesticides, industrial chemicals etc. Because of the widespread use of chemicals in everyday life, we are exposed to variety of natural and man-made chemicals. Every day one new chemical is being added. Use of animals in toxicity testing has increased immensely. These animal tests are time intensive and costly. Also there is a growing public criticism for the use of animals. If we do not experiment on animals, how will we derive our discoveries, our cures? Alternate methods therefore are an absolute necessity. There are various good reasons for development and validation of non-animal alternatives and testing strategies for toxicity testing considering all scientific, economic, logistical, ethical and legal aspects. Last decades, significant efforts have been undertaken to develop alternative methods to assess toxicity. A range of non-animal methods are available. These alternative test methods are developed and validated using Reduction, Replacement and Refinement – 3 R’s approach. Considerable progress in the development of alternative methods have been made in some fields such as – dermal toxicity, ocular toxicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity, carcinogenicity, hepatotoxicity, neurotoxicity and biological testing. Of these assays, some are scientifically validated while others are still under development. In this presentation, some important alternative assays will discuss in short. Advantages and limitations of these alternate methods will also be discussed.
Petr Mlejnek
Palacky University Olomouc, Czech Republic
Title: Cytotoxic agent, oxidative stress, N-acetylcysteine, cell death protection and overlooked chemistry behind
Biography:
Petr Mlejnek is currently working as an Associate Professor in Biology and Head of the Department of Anatomy at the Palacky University in Olomouc, Czech Republic. He completed his Master’s in Biochemistry from the University of J E Purkyne in Brno, Czech Republic and obtained his PhD degree in Biophysics from the Institute of Biophysics Academy of Science of the Czech Republic in Brno, Czech Republic. He is a Member of Scandinavian Society for Cell Toxicology and International Society for the Study of Xenobiotics. Currently, he and his research group are focused on the study of mechanisms of cell death in cancer cells and mechanisms of multidrug resistance in cancer cells.
Abstract:
Statement of the Problem: Many cytotoxic agents induce cell death that is accompanied by Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production and by Glutathione (GSH) depletion. Not surprisingly, N-Acetylcysteine (NAC), well known antioxidant and precursor of GSH synthesis, prevents the ROS production, restores GSH level and prevents cells from death. Such effect of NAC is usually used as corroborative evidence that, cell death induced by studied cytotoxic agent is mediated by ROS production and/or by GSH depletion. Detailed analysis of many experimental systems, however, shows that such simple interpretation of results might be misleading. The purpose of this study is to describe the general experimental approach as to how to avoid misinterpretation of the results.
Methodology: A detailed LC/MS/MS analysis of the possible interactions between studied cytotoxic agent and NAC within cells and in the growth medium was made.
Findings: We studied various compounds that are known to induce ROS production and/or GSH depletion prior to cell death induction and whose cytotoxicity can be abrogated by NAC. LC/MS/MS analysis revealed that NAC covalently bound to these compounds usually by non-enzymatic reaction and converted them into nontoxic compounds: Agent-NAC or agent-2NAC.
Conclusion & Significance: NAC is a reactive compound that may directly interact with the studied cytotoxic agent, while converting it into non-cytotoxic compound covalently bound with NAC.
Sahar Y Issa
Alexandria University Faculty of Medicine, Egypt
Title: Baclofen systemic toxicity: Experimental histopathological and biochemical study
Time :
Biography:
Sahar Y Issa has completed her Doctorate degree in Clinical Toxicology & Forensic Medicine in 2008, from Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt and is a Lecturer of Clinical Toxicology & Forensic Medicine in the same University. She is currently a Consultant Toxicologist, and the Medical Director, supervising Emergency Toxicology, Molecular Toxicology, & Therapeutic Drug Monitoring units in Dammam Poison Control Center, MOH - Saudi Arabia. She has published more than 25 papers in reputed journals and serving as an Editorial Board Member of repute.
Abstract:
The study was performed on 30 healthy adult male Albino rats divided into four groups with five rats in each control group, and ten rats in either experimental groups (two experimental and two control groups). Five rats (negative control) were kept in a quite non-stressful environment, provided with food ad libitum and free access to water. Normal saline (1 ml) was given orally as placebo in the positive control group (n=5). Experimental group III, baclofen acute toxicity group (10 rats): Each animal received a single dose of LD50 of baclofen orally by gavage. It equals 145 mg/kg b wt. The rats were observed for acute toxicity manifestations as well as for LD50 deaths. Group IV, (baclofen dependent group 10 rats): Each animal received baclofen (1/10th LD50) in gradually increasing doses for one month. The levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine kinase (CK), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), cardiac troponin I (CTnl), prothrombin time (PT), in both baclofen treated groups showed significant elevation when compared to controls. There were brain, lung, gastric, hepatic, and renal histopathological changes in baclofen treated rats whose severity varied between the two experimental groups.
Sangeeta Shukla
Jiwaji University, India
Title: Phytotherapy: Transition of tradition to technology with special reference to anti-tuberculosis drugs
Biography:
Sangeeta Shukla is Vice Chancellor of Jiwaji University, Gwalior (MP) India. She has wide experience of research in the field of Biochemical Pharmacology, Environmental Toxicology and Reproductive Biology. She has been awarded fellowship from Welcome Trust, Indo-French Government Fellowship UK and many others. She has published 113 papers in SCI journals with good citation indices. She has also edited book and contributed chapters in books. In recognition of her efforts, she held international positions as Vice President for Asian Continent of International Centers for Trace Element Study for UNESCO, France including Council Member of ‘ISTERH. She has completed 20 Major Research Projects and supervised 21 PhD thesis and many dissertations of MPhil and MSc students.
Abstract:
Statement of Problem: Anti-tuberculosis drug (ATD)-induced hepatotoxicity is a major impediment for the effective treatment of tuberculosis (TB). All first-line anti-TB medications have adverse effects that interrupt the successful completion of TB treatment. This study was planned to investigate the evaluation of the protective role of phytotherapy (Phyllanthus amarus (PA) and Nigella sativa (NS) and their active principles, Phyllanthin and Thymoquinone) against liver injury caused by ATDs.
Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: Rats were treated with ATD for 8 weeks (3 days/week) as given for the treatment of TB. This was followed by phytotherapy for 8 weeks (3 days/week).
Findings: Administration of combined ATDs induced hepatotoxicity was evident from a significant elevation in the AST, ALT, ALP, bilirubin, albumin, cholesterol, urea, uric acid, creatinine, LPO and decreased activities of enzymes, i.e., SOD, CAT, GR, GPX and G6PDH in liver. ATD significantly increased TNF-α, IL6, IL10 and DNA damage and showed sharp depletion in CYP2E1 activity as assessed by estimating AH and AND activity. These altered variables were significantly reversed towards normal after treatment with phytotherapy. Histological studies (LM & EM) also supported biochemical findings confirming the effectiveness of therapeutic agents.
Conclusion & Significance: Results of this study strongly indicated protective effect of phytotherapy and thus, can be expected as promising protective agent in maintenance of normal hepatic function during treatment with ATD.
- Pharmacology | Applied Pharmacology | Pharmacological Testing | Environmental Pharmacology
Location: Dubai, UAE
Chair
Swamy K B
Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Malaysia
Session Introduction
Yasin I Tayem
Arabian Gulf University, Bahrain
Title: Rate of interaction between antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in a district hospital in Palestine
Biography:
Dr. Tayem received M.D. from Al-Quds University School of Medicine, Palestine in 2001 and Ph.D. in Clinical Sciences from the University of London, United Kingdom in 2006. He was an assistant professor of Pharmacology at the Al-Quds University from 2006 until 2012. Then he was a postdoctoral research fellow at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Maryland, USA. Since, 2013 he has been an assistant professor of pharmacology and therapeutics at the Arabian Gulf University in Bahrain. Dr. Tayem has published more than 17 articles. His research focuses on drug interactions, pharmacology education and language barrier in medical education in the Arab World.
Abstract:
Objectives: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antibiotics (ATBs) are commonly prescribed together. We aimed to describe the rate of interaction between these two drug groups in ambulatory prescriptions made at a district hospital in Palestine.
Methods: In this retrospective, cross-sectional study, we analyzed a random sample of outpatient prescriptions ordered over one year by the outpatient clinics and emergency room in Beit Jala Hospiatal, Bethlehem, Palestine. The orders which contained a combination of NSAIDs and ATBs were analyzed for the rate and significance of drug interactions between these two drug groups.
Results: Out of 2208 prescriptions screened, 91 orders contained a combination of NSAIDs and ATBs (4.1%) and were included in the study. Within the included prescriptions, 45 orders harbored potential drug interactions between the two drug groups (49.5%). Regarding the significance of these interactions, none of them was serious. However, 21 orders were rated to have significant interactions (46.7%) while 24 prescriptions had non-significant interactions (53.3%). The most common ATB which was found to cause significant interaction was ciprofloxacin (100%). On the other hand, aspirin was the most important NSAID to cause significant interaction (42.8 %) followed by diclofenac (38.1%).
Conclusions: Our data revealed a remarkably high rate of drug interactions between ATBs and NSAIDs. To minimize the potential harm as a result of this interaction, prescribers’ awareness of the importance of careful drug selection needs to be reinforced. This should ideally include providing training for physicians on the use of free online drug interaction checkers.
Shabana Anjum
Banaras Hindu University, India
Title: A possible role of oxytocin on spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis in mouse: An approach towards development of precocious puberty
Biography:
Shabana Anjum obtained her PhD degree from Banaras Hindu University. She has published 5 papers and book chapters in reputed international journals and has been awarded in National Conference on Society for Reproductive Biology and Comparative Endocrinology. She has presented many papers in national and international conferences.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of oxytocin (OT) treatment on the testis of mice. OT treatment produced significant changes in the spermatogenic and steroidogenic activity in the pre-pubertal mice. The mice treated with OT showed increased proliferation of germ cells as indicated by increased accumulation of spermatocytes and round spermatids in the seminiferous tubules. Dose-dependent increase in expression of Oxytocin Receptor (OT-R), Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) and Androgen Receptor (AR) proteins were observed in the testis of OT treated mice; when compared with the control further supports the role of OT in spermatogenesis. The pre-pubertal mice treated in vivo with increasing dose of OT showed significant increase in testosterone synthesis due to stimulatory effects of OT on testicular 3 beta HSD activity and increased expression of Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory protein (StAR) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH-receptor) proteins. Further, the in vitro study showed that OT, either alone or together with LH, also promotes testosterone synthesis and StAR level in the testis. The OT treatment also affects testicular expression of BCL-2 protein, which may be important for germ cell proliferation and survival. This study, thus suggests the role of OT in regulating testicular activity of pre-pubertal mice to attain precocious puberty.
Heba Handoussa
German University of Cairo, Egypt
Title: Natural products as drug leads for neurodegenerative diseases; Alzheimer and dementia
Biography:
Heba Handoussa has completed her PhD at German University, Cairo (GUC), Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology. She has a considerable experience in undergraduate teaching where she functions as an Assistant Professor of Pharmaceutical Biology. Her research areas are plant secondary metabolism analysis and familiarity with multiple mass spectrometers and techniques (i.e. GC/MS, LC/MSn), besides awareness of several spectroscopic techniques to identify, isolate and purify the bioactive phytochemical compounds, having responsibilities in postgraduate studies’ supervision of Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD theses in the same field. She has been probing novel bioactive molecules with possible anti-inflammatory, molecular targeted HCC therapy, anticancer, neuroprotective, antidiabetic and other pharmacological activities. She is the main author of several published articles in many reputable scientific journals in the field of Pharmacy and Reviewer in number of journals related to the field of Pharmacy.
Abstract:
Statement of the Problem: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and dementia are multifactorial neurodegenerative disorders driven by various pathogenic events with neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Phenolics are widely known for their different beneficial characteristics, they could be considered as promising therapeutic agents against neurodegenerative diseases.
Aim: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the potential effect of some Egyptian medicinal plants; Bauhinia variegate (Bv) and Egyptian Nutraceuticals; Corchorus olitorius (Co) & Majorana hortensis (Mh) to ameliorate neuroinflammation and amyloidogenesis accompanied by these neurodegenerative diseases.
Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: Several parameters were used to evaluate the phenolic content in these medicinal plants; cognitive impairment via assessment of neurobehavioral tests, neuroinflammation and oxidative stress which are characteristic features of neurodegenerative diseases.
Findings: Bauhinia variegata showed significant improvement in neurobehavioral even with the least dose studied; 50 mg/kg in Y-maze through enhancing mean % alternation by 57.55% and reduction in Aβ42 levels was observed with same dose of 39.89% and increment of superoxide-dismutase level by 80% while Corchorus olitorius & Majorana hortensis significantly improved recognition memory that was shown to be altered in the LPS group and COX-2 inflammatory markers were reduced by (CO) and (Mh) compared to the LPS group proven by immunohistochemistry investigation.
Conclusion & Significance: These findings suggest that phenolics within these medicinal plants may be useful in protection against dementia and neuroinflammation through enhancement of cognition and limiting neurodegeneration and modulating the proinflammatory pathway.
Recommendations: The high edible phenolics intake could be prophylactically protective against several neurodegenerative diseases.