Suchergebnisse

Silver nanoparticles are used in a wide range of consumer products such as clothing, cosmetics, household goods, articles of daily use and pesticides. Moreover, the use of a nanoscaled silver hydrosol has been requested in the European Union for even nutritional purposes. However, despite the wide applications of silver nanoparticles, there is a lack of information concerning their impact on human health. In order to investigate the eVects of silver nanoparticles on human intestinal cells, we used the Caco-2 cell line and peptide-coated silver nanoparticles with deWned colloidal, structural and interfacial properties. The particles display core diameter of 20 and 40 nm and were coated with the small peptide L-cysteine L-lysine L-lysine. Cell viability and proliferation were measured using Promegas CellTiter-Blue-« Cell Viability assay, DAPI staining and impedance measurements. Apoptosis was determined by Annexin-V/7AAD staining and FACS analysis, membrane damage with Promegas LDH assay and reactive oxygen species by dichloroXuorescein assay. Exposure of proliferating Caco-2 cells to silver nanoparticle induced decreasing adherence capacity and cytotoxicity, whereby the formation of reactive oxygen species could be the mode of action. The eVects were dependent on particle size (20, 40 nm), doses (5-100 ++g/mL) and time of incubation (4-48 h). Apoptosis or membrane damage was not detected.

To assess the possible cardiovascular risks associated with energy drink (ED)consumption in Europe, a comprehensive literature research was performed in regard to (i)possible ED-induced dose-dependent cardiovascular outcomes, (ii)ED consumption patterns in Europe and (iii)the risks of EDs in combination with alcohol. The identified intervention studies primarily investigated acute ED effects in young healthy adults. Moderate consumption of EDs corresponding to an acute caffeine intake of up to 200 mg did not result in clinically relevant cardiovascular changes in young healthy adults. However, high intake of EDs (about 1 L)was associated with moderate to severe adverse effects in some participants (i.a. prolonged QTc interval, palpitations). Studies have indicated that on some occasions, a substantial proportion of ED consuming children and adolescents (12% in 16 EU Member States)drink EDs in high quantities (≥1 L). This could pose a possible health risk to this group since adverse effects by such high ED consumption have been observed already in young healthy adults. Among further measures that might be considered to minimize this identified risk, policy makers could develop information and educational programs with the aim of raising public awareness.