Day 3 :
Keynote Forum
Christian Pellevoisin
Episkin Academy, France
Keynote: Reconstructed skin models and methods for hazard and risk assessment of chemicals and cosmetics
Biography:
Christian Pellevoisin, after a PhD in neuroscience at the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research, had a temporary teaching position at the University of Tours, France. He joined L’Oréal in 2000 at the Life Science Research Center where he introduces computer tools for in vitro toxicology. He was in charge in 2004 of scientific communication in the field of alternative methods and tissue engineering. In 2011 he joined EPISKIN, a subsidiary of L’Oréal, dedicated to development and production of reconstructed human epithelia. He is in charge of EPISKIN Academy, a transversal program to support the use 3D models for efficiency and safety assessment and to relay EPISKIN commitments to 3Rs by training scientists, students and future stakeholders to the scientific and regulatory challenges of alternative to animal testing. He wrote several scientific publications and is Member of ISO technical committee 194 for biological and clinical evaluation of medical devices.
Abstract:
In 2003, the 7th Amendment to the Cosmetics Directive introduced in Europe the regulatory framework for the phasing out of animal testing for cosmetics purposes. Since 2013, this testing and marketing ban fully entered in force and is now part of the European Cosmetic Regulation. Following this European regulation, we observe outside Europe a strong trend for a progressive shift to non-animal methods for safety of ingredients and cosmetics products. Mechanistic approaches to replace the animal are based on in silico, in chemico and in vitro assays that can inform on one or more key events of adverse outcome pathways (AOP). To be as predictive as possible of human being, such individual in vitro test systems rely more and more on cells of human origin with a 3D organization which better mimic the vivo situation. To this point of view, Reconstructed Human Epidermis (RHE) presents several advantages that make it an alternative method of choice for evaluating some safety endpoints. To date, several alternative methods in toxicology have been developed based upon in vitro skin: Skin penetration, skin corrosion/irritation, phototoxicity and genotoxicity. However, an in vitro alternative method must be validated before being recognized by the concerned regulatory bodies. Today, two alternative methods based on in vitro skin models have been validated as full replacement methods to animal, the OECD-TG 431 for in vitro skin corrosion and the OECD-TG 439 for in vitro skin irritation of chemicals. Moreover, two other methods based on human reconstructed epidermis and full thickness models have been submitted for validation in the field of sensitization and genotoxicity.
Keynote Forum
Sahar Y Issa
Alexandria University, Egypt
Keynote: A novel solution for ongoing medicolegal problem: Online traceable authenticated reliable result (OTARR) - Unique electronic application from Dammam Poison Control Center
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 Medical Director, supervising Emergency Toxicology, Molecular Toxicology and 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 development of online computerized medical record database has in general complied with the actual needs and conditions in the modern healthcare system to deal with tremendously increasing medical emergencies. As poisoning is a known grave medical emergency, from here came the need to initiate and update OTARR (Online Traceable Authenticated Reliable Result); a pioneer computerized toxicological database in the medically revolutionized Saudi Kingdom. Dammam Poison Control Center (DPCC) has medicolegal intimate services; and the result of analysis and consultation should be secure, concise, fast and at the same time comprehensive. OTARR is a novel online multi - purpose web application that is freely available on both intra (Ministry of Health network), and internet as a toxicology and medicolegal secure resource.
- Young Research Forum
Location: Dubai, UAE
Session Introduction
Mohd Salim Reshi
Jiwaji University, India
Title: Acetaminophen induced hepatotoxicity: Preventive effect of gold nanoparticles
Biography:
Mohd Salim Reshi completed his PhD from School of Studies in Zoology, Jiwaji University, Gwalior. He was awarded JRF and SRF from UGC, New Delhi, India. He has been awarded MP Young Scientist award and many other awards in several conferences and symposia. He is working on nanoparticles in hepatoprotection and cancer prevention. His areas of research interest are Pharmacology, Toxicology, Hepatoprotection, Nanomedicine and Cancer Prevention.
Abstract:
Statement of the problem: Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) exhibit amazing physical, chemical and biological properties and have been widely used in medical applications like bio-imaging, drug delivery and photonics. The present study was aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of AuNPs to protect the hepatotoxicity induced by acetaminophen (APAP).
Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: Female Albino rats of Wistar strain were administered with APAP at a dose of 20 mg/kg p.o (5 days/week for 4 weeks). Animals were treated with AuNPs at a dose of 100 µg/kg p.o. and silymarin at a dose of 50 mg/kg p.o. for 2 days/week for 4 weeks.
Findings: APAP induced significant rise in hepatospecific markers which indicated the hepatocellular damage. APAP administration exhibited substantial oxidative stress, regulation of proinflamatory cytokines and cellular DNA damage. Biochemical analysis of antioxidant enzymes revealed significantly declined activities due to increased oxidative stress in APAP exposed rats. Treatment with AuNPs significantly ameliorated the APAP induced liver injury, oxidative stress and DNA damage, which can adversely affect the normal cellular functioning in rats. Our biochemical investigations were also supported by histological studies. The efficacy of AuNPs were comparable to the standard drug silymarin, data indicated a positive effect.
Conclusion & Significance: It is concluded that AuNPs showed remarkable amelioration against APAP induced toxicity. Thus it is concluded that AuNPs can be used for the development of hepatoprotective drug after further preclinical and clinical studies, which may raise a hope for the patients with hepatic disorders.
Lokesha L V
Veterinary College, Shivamogga, India
Title: Multi-residue analysis (GC-ECD) of some organochlorine pesticides in commercial broiler meat marketed in Shivamogga city, Karnataka state
Biography:
DR, LOKESHA, L.V. completed M.V.Sc., at the age of 26 years from KARNATAKA VETERINARY ANIMAL & FISHERIES SCIENCES, UNIVERSITY, BIDAR, KARNATAKA, INDIA. He worked on plant toxicology, “Toxicity studies of Ficus amplissima in Rabbits & Rats”. He joined Karnataka Veterinary Animal & Fisheries Sciences University as Assistant Professor, in the year 2011. Presently he is pursuing Ph.D., degree programme from Veterinary College, Bengaluru and working on Residue Toxicology. He has been associated with organizing two International Workshops on Comprehensive Toxicology-2015 and International seminar on leachables, extractables & residual solvents, as Treasurer.
Abstract:
Organochlorine (OC) insecticides are among the most important organotoxins and make a large group of pesticides. Physicochemical properties of these toxins, especially their lipophilicity, facilitate the absorption and storage of these toxins in the meat thus possessing public health threat to humans. The presence of these toxins in broiler meat can be a quantitative and qualitative index for the presence of these toxins in animal bodies, which is attributed to waste water of irrigation after spraying the crops, contaminated animal feeds with pesticides, and polluted air are the potential sources of residues in animal products. Fifty (50) broiler meat samples were collected from different retail outlets of Bengaluru city, Karnataka state, in ice cold conditions and later stored under -20oC until analysis. All the samples were subjected to Gas Chromatograph attached to Electron Capture Detector (GC-ECD, VARIAN make) screening and quantification of OC pesticides viz; Alachlor, Aldrin, Alpha-BHC, Beta-BHC, Dieldrin, Delta-BHC, o,p-DDE, p,p-DDE, o,p-DDD, p,p-DDD, o,p-DDT, p,p-DDT, Endosulfan-I, Endosulfan-II, Endosulfan Sulphate and Lindane (all the standards were procured from Merck). Extraction was undertaken by blending 50 g of meat sample with 50 g sodium sulphate anhydrous, 120 ml of n-hexane, 120 ml acetone for 15 mins, extract was washed with distilled water and sample moisture is dried by sodium sulphate anahydrous, partitioning was done with 25 ml petroleum ether, 10 ml acetonitrile and 15 ml n-hexane shaken vigorously for two minutes; sample cleanup was done with florisil column. The reconstituted samples (using n-hexane) (Merck chem) were injected to Gas Chromatograph–Electron Capture Detector (GC-ECD). The present study reveals that, among the 50 chicken samples subjected for analysis, 60% (15/50), 32% (8/50), 28% (7/50), 20% (5/50) and 16% (4/50) of samples were contaminated with DDTs, Delta-BHC, Dieldrin, Aldrin and Alachlor, respectively. DDT metabolites, Delta-BHC were the most frequently detected OC pesticides. The detected levels of the pesticides were below the levels of MRL (according to Export Council of India notification for fresh poultry meat).
Chhavi Uthra
Jiwaji University, India
Title: Mitigation of acrylamide induced toxicity by quercetin in rats
Biography:
Chhavi Uthra is pursuing PhD (Zoology) at School of Studies, Jiwaji University, Gwalior. She was awarded JRF and SRF (UGC Meritorious Fellowship), New Delhi. She is working with polyphenols against acrylamide intoxication. Her areas of research interest are Pharmacology, Toxicology and Hepatoprotection.
Abstract:
Statement of the Problem: Acrylamide (AA), a neurotoxicant is produced in carbohydrate rich food products cooked at high temperature. Quercetin (QE) is a flavonoid, found in plants with medicinal properties. The present study was designed to investigate protective effects of QE against AA induced toxicity in rats.
Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: Female rats were exposed to AA at dose of 19.13 mg/kg p.o. for 28 days followed by the therapy of QE at the dose of 20 mg/kg p.o. for 07 days.
Findings: AA intoxication caused a significant elevation in serum transaminases, urea, uric acid, creatinine, lipid profile, bilirubin and decline in blood ALAD, haemoglobin, AChE activity in brain, GR and GPx in liver, kidney and brain. AA exposure depicts the alterations in AH and AND enzymatic activity, MLPO, inflammatory cytokines, DNA damage and histopathology. Treatment with QE significantly recouped all the altered variables towards normal.
Conclusion & Significance: Thus, it can be concluded that QE exhibits antioxidant property against AA mediated cellular insult.
Deepa Yadav
Jiwaji University, India
Title: Mass spectrometric imaging of rhizomes of Curculigo orchioides and their bioactivities
Biography:
Deepa Yadav is pursuing her PhD from School of Studies in Zoology, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. She was awarded JRF of MPCST, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. She has been awarded for best paper presentation by UGC-CRO Bhopal. She has published a book entitled Studies on T Cell Signalling Mechanisms. Her areas of research interest include Molecular Immunology, Pharmacology, Toxicology and Cancer Prevention.
Abstract:
Statement of the Problem: Medicinal plants provide a wide range of secondary metabolites and play important role in the treatment of serious disorders. Plants facilitate healing that is potent, profound and life affirming. The present study was aimed to determine the secondary metabolites, antibacterial activity and anti-proliferative activity of Curculigo orchioides.
Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: The secondary metabolites of Curculigo orchioides were identiï¬ed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Antibacterial activity was determined against bacterial strains Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus and antiproliferative activity was evaluated against hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2 cell line).
Findings: GC-MS analysis of alcoholic extract revealed the presence of pharmacologically active compounds like d-Lyxo-d-manno-nononic-1,4-lactone; 3',8,8'-Trimethoxy-3-piperidyl-2,2'-binaphthalene-1,1',4,4'-tetrone; 7-Methyl-Z-tetradecen-1-ol acetate; Paromomycin; Geranyl isovalerate; tert-Hexadecanethiol; 1,2-Propanediol, 3-(tetradecyloxy); n-Hexadecanoic acid; 9-Octadecenoic acid, (2-phenyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)methyl ester, trans and 2H-Cyclohepta[b] furan-2-one and 6-[1-(acetyloxy)-3-oxobutyl] -3,3a,4,7,8,8a-hexahydro-7-methyl-3-methylene. Alcoholic extract of Curculigo orchioides showed significant activity against bacterial pathogens and HepG2 cell lines.
Conclusion & Significance: The data obtained from GC-MS can be used to study the therapeutic efficacy of secondary metabolites, while alcoholic extract showed significant antibacterial and anti-proliferative activity.
Biography:
Samta Sharma is a Research Associate in an ICMR funded project. She has completed her Doctorate in Life Sciences. She has published scientific paper and a book, also has got awards in conferences.
Abstract:
Statement of the Problem: Behavioural impairments are the most empirical consequence of long-term mobile uses, but the underlying causes are still poorly understood. Until now no study has been proposed to investigate the underlying causes of behavioural effects induced by microwave exposure. Thus, the present study was undertaken to determine the influence of microwave radiation on redox status, oxidative stress, cholinesterase activity, DNA damage and cognitive alterations in rat brain.
Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: The study was carried out on 24 male Wistar rats, randomly divided into four groups (n=6 in each group): Group I consisted of sham exposed (control) rats, group II, III and IV consisted of rats exposed to microwave radiation (900 MHz) at different time duration 1h, 2h and 4h respectively (5 days/week). Rats were sacrificed and decapitated to isolate.
Findings: Microwave exposure resulted in a time dependent significant increase in oxidative stress markers viz. malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase (CAT) in microwave exposed groups in comparison to sham exposed group (p<0.05). But, the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) were found significantly decreased in microwave exposed groups (p<0.05). A significant alteration in redox status was observed in microwave exposed animals (p<0.05). Furthermore, significant depletion in cholinesterase activity and DNA damage was also observed in microwave exposed groups as compared to their corresponding values in sham exposed group (p<0.05).
Results: In conclusion, the present study suggests that microwave radiation induces oxidative stress, depleted redox status, DNA damage and reduces working memory in brain by exerting a time dependent effect.
Mohammed Al Sibani
Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany
Title: Evaluation of in vitro degradation rate of hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel cross-linked with 1, 4-butanediol diglycidyl ether (BDDE) using RP-HPLC and UV-Vis spectroscopy
Biography:
Mohammed Al Sibani completed his Master’s degree in 2008 from Huddersfield University, UK in the field of Analytical Chemistry. Currently he is a PhD candidate since July 2013 at the Department of Pharmacy, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Germany and his thesis topic is related to the enhancement of stability and viscoelastic properties of HA dermal fillers cross-linked with BDDE. He has worked as an Analysis and Application Technician in mass spectrometry lab at Nizwa University for the last 6 years.
Abstract:
A hyaluronic acid (HA) was cross-linked with 1, 4-butanediol diglycidyl ether to produce nine BDDE-HA hydrogels. The degradation rates of six hydrogels were evaluated by HPLC and UV-Visible spectroscopy. The percentage amount of N-acetyl glucosamine (NAG) obtained after one-day enzymatic digestion to the total amount obtained after complete digestion was an indicative of the degradation rate of each hydrogel. The results were calculated with 95% confidence interval and showed (62.6%±12.3 w/w), precision value % R.S.D=7.95, average recovery=81.0%, LOD=6.4 µg/ml for HPLC and (63.3±13.9 w/w), precision value %R.S.D=8.83, average recovery=83.1%, LOD=5.4 µg/ml for UV method. The two methods showed also good linearity with correlation coefficients (R2) of 0.998 and 0.9995 for HPLC and UV method, respectively. For a comparison purpose, the other three hydrogels were rated using the conventional weight loss method which showed relatively higher degradation rates with an average of (73.4%±5.7 w/w), %R.S.D=3.13. Statistical analysis revealed that there was no significant difference between HPLC and UV-Visible methods, however, these values differed significantly (p<0.05) from the value obtained from the weight loss method.
- Food Safety and Environmental Toxicology| Medical and Clinical Toxicology | Toxicology Testing
Location: Dubai, UAE
Session Introduction
Christian Khalil
Lebanese American University, Lebanon
Title: Characterization, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of landfill leachates: A comparative assessment between landfills throughout Lebanon
Biography:
Christian Khalil is a Professor of Environmental Toxicology. He is currently affiliated with Lebanese American University (LAU) in Lebanon. His other affiliations include the Faculty of Built Environment and Institute of Environmental Studies, at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), School of Business at Australian Catholic University (ACU) in Australia. He is also the Director of International Environmental Services (IES) training and consulting organization based in Sydney, Australia. He has a proven record of research by leading a number of research projects in the environmental toxicology arena. He enjoys a strong experience in consulting government and industry on toxicological and pollution matters. He has numerous publications in his areas of interests, environmental toxicology, management systems, environmental sustainability, work health and safety (WHS) and environmental pollution.
Abstract:
Statement of the Problem: Lebanon has been witnessing a waste crisis in the last few years due to the closure of a main landfill in Naameh as it exceeded storage capacity. The municipal waste crisis was years in the making because of the absence of a clear national municipal waste minimization, recycling and disposal strategies with the preferred option being landfills throughout the country. The disposition of municipal, medical, industrial and all wastes into landfills helped in short term waste disposal but created a new challenge in the form of leachates. The purpose of this study was to assess the toxicological and health impacts of leachates exposure by investigating a number of regulated and unregulated landfills scattered throughout the country.
Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: The study consisted of sampling leachates from numerous sites scattered throughout the country. Some of the leachates at some sites were subjected to biological treatment prior to disposal into the natural environment while in other sites they were disposed without any treatment. The leachates were collected by our team and subjected to chemical characterization using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry GC/MS and toxicological assessment using cytotoxicity and genotoxicity assays.
Findings: The study indicated significant high concentrations of Cadmium, Chromium, Copper, Aluminum, Manganese, Potassium, Sodium Nickel and Calcium in comparison to a previous study undertaken on the municipal wastes in Lebanon and published data from worldwide landfills. The leachates also posed significant toxicological and genotoxicological risks as identified by the in vitro assays conducted using human derived cells.
Conclusion & Significance: This study provided qualitative and quantitative knowledge of the volatile and semi-volatile compounds in leachates from numerous sites across Lebanon. Molecules related to cosmetics, medicines, pharmaceuticals, agri- food repellents, plastics were reported in the study. A significant toxic and genotoxic risks can be experimentally revealed by the identification of DEHA, Phthalic acid, mono-(2-ethylhexyl) ester and Tributylamine in untreated leachates dumped into the natural environment. Recommendations are made for biological treatment of leachates prior to disposal into the natural environment.
Vathsala P G
Indian Institute of Science, India
Title: Assessment of in vivo antimalarial activity of arteether and garlic oil combination therapy
Biography:
Vathsala P G has been working on combination therapy for malaria for more than two decades and completed her PhD from Indian Institute of Science. She is currently serving in Biology Division of Undergraduate Programme along with research activity. She has published 10 papers in reputed journals on antimalarial drugs.
Abstract:
Garlic (Allium sativum) is one of the popular herbal medicines used worldwide to reduce various risk factors associated with several diseases. Garlic contains a variety of effective compounds that exhibit anticoagulant, antioxidant, antibiotic, hypocholesterolaemic and hypoglycaemic as well as hypotensive activities. To evaluate antimalarial activity of garlic pearl oil and artemisinin in combination therapy, commercially available α-β arteether (E MALTM) and garlic pearl oil were tested for its antimalarial activity in Plasmodium berghei-infected mouse model. This study demonstrates, for the first time, the in vivo antimalarial activity of arteether and garlic pearl either as individual molecules or in combination at various dosage levels in Plasmodium berghei-infected mouse model of malaria. After 72 h (day 3) when the parasitemia was about 2-4%, infected mice were treated with single dose intramuscular injection of 750 μg of arteether in combination with three 100 μL oral doses of garlic pearl on day 3, day 4 and day 5 and showed 100% protection against malaria. Giemsa stained blood pictures showed inhibition of parasitemia in combination drug treated animals and the protection during recrudescence interval at arteether monotherapy. This approach shows that arteether and garlic pearl oil combination therapy gives complete protection in P. berghei-infected mice. There is a potential to decrease the dose of artemisinin and in developing low-cost antimalarial drug therapies and for the first time garlic appears to be an ideal antimalarial molecule especially for use in artemisinin combination therapy.
Biography:
Ravindra Tiwari has completed her Ph.D in 1987 from Osmania University. She has 38 years of experience in research, evaluation, teaching and administration in education institutions. She has memberships in Red Cross Society, Nirdosh Social Service Organization and MASI (Microwave Association Society of India). She is a Research Supervisor at Osmania University & JNTUH. She is currently working as a Principal at GIET, India.
Abstract:
Every living being on this planet is tuned into the earth’s electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and uses them for various purposes. Human bodies are essentially very sensitive electromagnetic systems; they also emanate electromagnetic fields around. Since last four decades the effects of electromagnetic fields on biological systems have been extensively investigated. The reports are controversial and inconclusive as well. There is hardly any study on estrogen hormone which plays a vital role in sustaining the homeostatic mechanism pertaining to DNA integrity. The aim of the study is to assess the effect of estrogen hormone on exposure to electromagnetic fields and light at night (LAN). Other parameters like oxidative stress and DNA damage and DNA integrity are also included in the present study to rule out the controversy prevailing regarding the influence of EMFs and LAN on the risk of breast cancer. Blood samples from 400 night shift working women were collected at 8 am and the serum was analyzed for estradiol hormone level by chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) method. DNA damage was studied in exposed and control subjects using single cell gell electrophoresis. Oxidative stress was estimated by measuring levels of plasma malonyl dialdehyde (MDA) and serum nitric oxide (NO). The analysis showed significant increase (p<0.0001) in estradiol hormone level in exposed, when compared to controls. There was a significant increase in DNA damage (p<0.05). The plasma MDA levels also demonstrated the same observation. Our findings lead us to summarize that electromagnetic fields and light at night (LAN) elevated the estrogen levels, which suggest that these increased levels and the DNA and oxidative stress could possibly be the risk factors in urbanized night shift female workers.