Davor Zeljezic

Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety of a feed additive consisting of vitamin B2/riboflavin produced with Eremothecium ashbyi CCTCCM 2019833 intended for use as a nutritional additive (functional group:...

Background: The safety of oral hygiene products is a growing concern, particularly regarding the toxicity of specific ingredients used in their formulations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of dentists, physicians, pharmacists, and the general public regarding ingredients in oral hygiene products, especially f...

Hydra is known for its natural occurrence, anatomical simplicity, intricate physiology, regenerative capacity, and ease of maintenance and manipulation in laboratory environments. It has proven to be a valuable model organism in various disciplines. Its applications range from developmental biology, stem cell research, animal physiology to environm...

Green agronomy promotes the implementation of natural and naturally derived substances in crop protection. In the present study, we evaluated the endocrine-disrupting potential of the allelopathic herbicide tembotrione in Wistar rats by studying the hormone status of offspring from the treated dams. Three doses of tembotrione (0.0004, 0.0007, and 4...

The aim of this paper was to evaluate whether symbiotic cooperation between green hydra (Hydra viridissima) and photoautotrophic alga gives higher resistance of the preservation of DNA integrity compared to brown hydra (Hydra oligactis). Norflurazon concentrations were 0.061 or 0.61 mg/L and UV-B light 254 nm, 0.023mWcm− 2 applied separately or sim...

In this study, we aimed to document the freshwater symbiotic interactions along with the impact of the abiotic environment and anthropogenic effects on the functionality of freshwater organisms. Symbiotic green hydra (Z) and free-living brown hydra (S), either separately or both species together, were treated with the herbicide norflurazon in conce...

The freshwater water flea (Daphnia magna Straus, 1820) is prey for numerous predators. Yet it possesses a wide range of strategies to defend itself against predation. The aim of this work is to investigate the defensive mechanisms employed by D. magna to reduce predation by the coelenterate Hydra viridissima, and two planarians, Polycelis felina an...

Aims/Objectives: The aim of this cross-sectional observational study was to investigate cytogenetic damage to the buccal mucosa in non-smokers and consumers of traditional combustible tobacco products and non-combustible alternatives. Methods: A total of 160 participants were divided into four groups according to the type of product used, including...

The microcosm is a laboratory method frequently used in ecological studies related to population and food web interactions and environmental dynamics. It simultaneously brings into interaction different species in the same controlled laboratory experimental area and provides an opportunity for modeling and reconstruction of relationships in the nat...

Objectives The aim of the study was to assess the biocompatibility of modern composite and amalgam dental fillings. Material and Methods The research was conducted on 150 healthy patients between the ages of 10 and 20 who had amalgam and composite fillings between 6 and 12 months. Under in vivo conditions, a swab of buccal cells near the fillings...

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (produced by Pseudonocardia autotrophica DSM 32858) for all pigs, all poultry for fattening and ornamental birds and other poultry species. The production strain P. au...

Symbiosis is an evolutionary strategy that provides biological advantages. The most complex cooperation between symbiotic organisms is endosymbiosis, as it is the symbiosis between green hydra ( Hydra viridissima Pallas, 1766) and unicellular photoautotrophic alga. We aimed to evaluate whether this symbiotic cooperation bestows higher resistance to...

The additive RONOZYME® Hiphos (GT/L) contains 6-phytase produced with a genetically modified strain of the filamentous fungus Aspergillus oryzae, it is currently authorised for poultry, pigs for fattening, weaned piglets and sows. The applicant has requested to change the production strain, substituting strain A. oryzae DSM 22594 for A. oryzae DSM...

Symbiosis is an evolutionary strategy that may provide biological advantages. The most complex and tight cooperation between symbiotic organisms is achieved in endosymbiosis, as it is the symbiosis between green hydra ( Hydra viridissima Pallas, 1766) and unicellular photoautotrophic alga. We aimed to evaluate whether this symbiotic cooperation bes...

To contribute new information to the pyrethroid pesticide α-cypermethrin toxicity profile, we evaluated its effects after oral administration to Wistar rats at daily doses of 2.186, 0.015, 0.157, and 0.786 mg/kg bw for 28 days. Evaluations were performed using markers of oxidative stress, cholinesterase (ChE) activities, and levels of primary DNA d...

The aim of this study was to investigate the genotoxic potential of low doses of chlorpyrifos (CPF) on blood and bone marrow cells in adult male Wistar rats. CPF was administered by oral gavage at daily doses of 0.010, 0.015, and 0.160 mg/kg of body weight (bw) for 28 consecutive days. Positive control (PC) was administered 300 mg/kg bw/day of ethy...

Objectives: Although titanium-based implants are considered bioinert, it has been found that they are subject to corrosion and wear. This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of two implant systems in gingival epithelial cells. Material and methods: Gingival swabs were taken three times from 91 subjects. The first swab was...

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products of Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of the product containing endo-1,4-β-xylanase produced by Komagataella phaffii DSM 33574 (Xylamax) as a zootechnical additive in chickens for fatte...

Ochratoxin A (OTA) and citrinin (CTN) are nephrotoxic mycotoxins often found together in grain. The aim of this study was to measure their accumulation in the kidney and liver of adult male Wistar rats, see how it would be affected by combined treatment, and to determine if resveratrol (RSV) would decrease their levels in these organs. The rats rec...

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the occurrence of chromo-somal abnormalities through the frequency of micronuclei and other genomic damage markers in patients with chronic generalized periodontitis and without periodontal disease. Micronucleus assay was performed in exfoliated gingival epithelial cells of 35 patients with g...

This paper assessed the potential of trans-placental and -lactational genotoxicity and oxidative stress induction of tembotrione, a naturally derived allelopathic herbicide. Several treatment protocols were applied to measure primary DNA damage by alkaline comet assay in leucocytes and liver. To address the oxidative stress induction, TBARS, ROS, S...

Aim: The main purpose of this study was to assess the genotoxic and cytotoxic effect of fissure sealants on buccal epithelial cells. Material and methods: The study was conducted on 45 patients (27 girls and 18 boys), seven to 16 years of age (age mean 12.09 ± 2.20). Buccal swabs were collected before (T0), seven (T1), 30 (T2) and 90 days (T3) c...

Manufacture of lead-containing products has long been associated with various health risks. To get an insight into the related genotoxic risks, we conducted a biomonitoring study in 50 exposed workers and 48 matched controls using a battery of endpoints that sensitively detect the extent of genome instability in peripheral blood lymphocytes. The le...

The food enzyme cellulase (4-(1,3;1,4)-β-d-glucan 4-glucanohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.4) is produced with the non-genetically modified Penicillium funiculosum strain Lzc35 by Danisco US Inc. The cellulase is intended to be used in distilled alcohol production, baking and brewing processes. Since residual amounts of total organic solids (TOS) are removed b...

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake. The author’s first and last names were interchanged in the published version of this article. The corrected author names are given in this article.

The potential of low doses of the chloro-triazine herbicide terbuthylazine to induce DNA damage and impair activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) was evaluated in kidney and parenchymal and non-parenchymal liver cells of adult male rats. In a 28-day study, terbuthylazine was applied daily by oral gavage at doses: 0.004, 0.4 and 2.29 mg/kg bw/day....

Imidacloprid is a neonicotinoid insecticide that acts selectively as an agonist on insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. It is used for crop protection worldwide, as well as for non-agricultural uses. Imidacloprid systemic accumulation in food is an important source of imidacloprid exposure. Due to the undisputable need for investigations of im...

Tembotrione is a rather novel pesticide, usually used for post-emergence weed control. Even though its use is rapidly growing, it is not followed by an adequate flow of scientific evidence regarding its toxicity towards non-target organisms. We evaluated the potential of low doses of tembotrione to induce oxidative stress and cytogenetic damage in...

Abstract The food enzyme triacylglycerol lipase (triacylglycerol acylhydrolase EC 3.1.1.3) is produced with the genetically modified Ogataea polymorpha strain DP‐Jzk33 by Danisco US Inc. The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism and recombinant DNA. It is inte...

Abstract The food enzyme is a d‐xylose aldose‐ketose‐isomerase (EC 5.3.1.5) produced with the genetically modified Streptomyces rubiginosus strain DP‐Pzn37 by Danisco US Inc. Although the production strain contains antibiotic resistance genes, the food enzyme was shown to be free from viable cells of the production organism and its DNA. The food en...

DNA damage in the liver and kidney cells of adult male Wistar rats was studied using the comet assay after a 28-day oral administration of tembotrione at doses of 0.0007, 0.0013 and 0.7 mg/kg b.w./day [AOEL (acceptable operator exposure level), REL (residual exposure level) and 1000× AOEL]. As a descriptor of DNA damage, tail intensity was used. An...

Objectives: Whereas dental materials came in direct or close contact with oral tissue, it is a great concern about the biocompatibility of those materials. This study was performed to evaluate possible DNA damage to buccal cells exposed to dental materials. Methods: This prospective, longitudinal clinical study was conducted over a three months...

This study aimed to explore involvement of oxidative stress in sterigmatocystin (STC) toxicity in male Wistar rats. Animals were orally treated with a single STC dose (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg b.w.). Short-term treatment resulted in moderate oxidative stress determined by a significant increase of malondialdehyde (MDA; all STC doses) and catalase (CAT;...

Objectives This study assessed the frequency of nuclear morphological changes in gingival epithelial cells, as a biomarker for DNA damage, in individuals with periodontitis, before and after implementation of periodontal therapy, and compared the morphology to those with healthy periodontal tissues. Materials and methods Exfoliated gingival cells...

Abstract The food enzyme glucan 1,4‐α‐maltotetraohydrolase (EC 3.2.1.8) is produced with the genetically modified Bacillus licheniformis strain DP‐Dzf24 by Danisco US Inc. The production strain contains multiple copies of a known antimicrobial resistance gene. However, based on the absence of viable cells and DNA in the food enzyme, this is not con...

Abstract The food enzyme α‐amylase (1,4‐α‐d‐glucan glucanohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.1) is produced with the genetically modified Bacillus licheniformis strain DP‐Dzb44 by Danisco US Inc. The production strain of the food enzyme contains multiple copies of a known antimicrobial resistance gene. However, based on the absence of viable cells and DNA from th...

Abstract The food enzyme alpha‐amylase (4‐α‐d‐glucan glucanohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.1) is produced with a genetically modified strain of Bacillus subtilis strain NBA by DSM Food Specialities B.V. This α‐amylase is intended to be used in baking processes. The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns and the food enzyme is free from viab...

Abstract The food enzyme alpha‐amylase (4‐α‐d‐glucan glucanohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.1) is produced with a non‐genetically modified Aspergillus niger (strain DP‐Azb60) by Danisco US Inc. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism. The α‐amylase is intended to be used in baking processes. Based on the maximum use levels, dietary...

The study aimed to check whether ochratoxin A (OTA) and citrinin (CIT) increase DNA damage in the kidney and liver of male Wistar rats (alkaline comet assay), clarify the oxidative nature of DNA damage (hOGG1-modified comet assay), and verify whether resveratrol (RSV) could ameliorate OTA+CIT-induced genotoxicity. Rats were treated orally with OTA...

The food enzyme glucose oxidase (β-d-glucose:oxygen 1-oxidoreductase; EC 1.1.3.4) is produced with a genetically modified Aspergillus niger strain ZGL by DSM Food Specialties B.V. The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism and recombinant DNA. The glucose oxida...

Objectives: The present study addresses the effect of fluoride and sodium lauryl sulphate content of toothpaste on oral epithelial cells in vivo conditions. Subjects and method: Forty volunteers were assigned into two experimental groups, each of them applying the different brand of toothpaste. Every group has been using three different types of to...

Abstract The food enzyme alpha‐amylase (4‐α‐d‐glucan glucanohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.1) is produced with a genetically modified strain of Trichoderma reesei by Danisco US Inc. The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism and recombinant DNA. This α‐amylase is intended...

Terbuthylazine is a chloro-triazine herbicide that acts primarily as an inhibitor of photosynthesis. It is used mainly in the production of maize but is also applied in the cultivation of various fruits, and vegetables, as well as in forestry. We evaluated the in vivo effects of terbuthylazine following a 28- day oral administration in adult male W...

We investigated the effect of low-dose exposure to glyphosate on 3 months old male Wistar rats that received p.o. for 28-day doses of 0.1 mg kg-1 b.w. of the acceptable operator exposure level-(AOEL), 0.5 mg kg-1 b.w. consumers acceptable daily intake (ADI), 1.75 mg kg-1 b.w. of the chronic population-adjusted dose (cPAD), 10 mg kg-1 b.w. (100xAOEL...

Nucleoside analogues represent an important class of compounds of wide application range in antiviral and antitumor therapy. A regular procedure in early phases of new drugs development includes assessment of cytotoxicity and genotoxicity (mutagenicity). Here we report the synthesis of two novel C-5 hydroxypropyl pyrimidine nucleosides bearing side...

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate cytotoxic potencies of two light cured composite materials after heating on different temperatures and cured directly and through CAD/CAM overlay. Materials and methods: Composite materials (microfilled-hybrid Gradia Direct Posterior and Beautifil II) were heated in a Calset warming unit at three...

Purpose This is a cross‐sectional study to assess the incidence of micronuclei and other nuclear morphological changes in buccal epithelial cells of dental technicians. Materials and Methods The study was conducted on 45 dental technicians vs. 2 control groups: 50 dentists and 50 dental assistants. DNA damage was analyzed in exfoliated buccal muco...

The food enzyme acetolactate decarboxylase (α-acetolactate decarboxylase; EC 4.1.1.5) is produced with a genetically modified Bacillus licheniformis strain NZYM-JB by Novozymes A/S. The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism and recombinant DNA. This acetolacta...

The food enzyme maltogenic amylase (glucan 1,4-a-maltohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.133) is produced with a genetically modified Bacillus subtilis strain NZYM-OC by Novozymes A/S. The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production microorganism and recombinant DNA. This maltogenic amylas...

The food enzyme maltogenic amylase (glucan 1,4-α-maltohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.133) is produced with a genetically modified Bacillus subtilis strain NZYM-SO by Novozymes A/S. The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production microorganism and recombinant DNA. This maltogenic amylas...

The food enzyme is an endo-1,4-β-xylanase (EC 3.2.1.8) produced with a genetically modified strain of Aspergillus oryzae by Novozymes A/S. The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism and recombinant DNA. This xylanase is intended to be used in baking and cereal-...

In this study, the influence of anthropogenic pollution on the aquatic environment of Plitvice Lakes National Park (PLNP) was investigated during 2011–2012 using a combination of chemical and cytogenetic analyses. Four groups of major contaminants [(volatile organic compounds: benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX); persistent organochl...

Chlorpyrifos, imidacloprid, and α‐cypermethrin are some of the most widely used insecticides in contemporary agriculture. However, their low‐dose, nontarget genotoxic effects have not been extensively assayed. As one of the most relevant cancer biomarkers, we aimed to assess the aneuploidy due to chromosome missegregation during mitosis. To aim it...

Objectives: The aim was to compare cytotoxicity/genotoxicity of pre-heated composites polymerized through CAD/CAM overlays on isolated human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Material and methods: A microhybrid (Z100, 3M ESPE) and nanofilled composite (Filtek Supreme Ultra, 3M ESPE) were heated in a heating unit (Calset, AdDent Inc.) at different te...

The food enzyme endo-1,4-β-xylanase (EC 3.2.1.8) is produced with the genetically modified Bacillus subtilis strain LMG S-24584 by Puratos N. V. The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns. The Panel noted that, although the production strain was not detected in the food enzyme, recombinant DNA was present in all batches of the fo...

The food enzyme glucoamylase (glucan 1,4-α-glucosidase; EC 3.2.1.3) is produced with the genetically modified strain of Aspergillus niger by Novozymes A/S. The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism and recombinant DNA. This glucoamylase is intended to be used...

Tembotrione, a triketone herbicide used for post-emergence weed control in corn, as a potential endocrine disrupting chemical can disrupt reproductive and sexual development by affecting sex hormones. This could be especially detrimental during early development with adverse effects until adulthood. We evaluated the effects of tembotrione exposure...

In this 28 day-study, we evaluated the effects of herbicide glyphosate administered by gavage to Wistar rats at daily doses equivalent to 0.1 of the acceptable operator exposure level (AOEL), 0.5 of the consumer acceptable daily intake (ADI), 1.75 (corresponding to the chronic population-adjusted dose, cPAD), and 10 mg kg-1 body weight (bw) (corres...

Terbuthylazine belongs to the chloro-s-triazine group of herbicides and acts primarily as a photosynthesis inhibitor. The mechanisms of action related to its exposure, relevant both in animals and humans, are still insufficiently investigated. This comprehensive study focused on the outcomes of terbuthylazine exposure at cell level in vitro, and a...

The food enzyme is an α-amylase (4-α-d-glucan glucanohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.1) produced with a genetically modified Bacillus licheniformis strain NZYM-AN by Novozymes A/S. The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns. The food enzyme does not contain the production organism or recombinant DNA; therefore, there is no safety concern for...

The food enzyme is a glucose oxidase (beta-d-glucose:oxygen 1-oxidoreductase; EC 1.1.3.4) produced with a genetically modified strain of Aspergillus oryzae strain NZYM-KP by Novozymes A/S. The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns. The food enzyme does not contain the production organism or DNA; therefore, there is no safety con...

The food enzyme is an α-amylase (4-α-d-glucan glucanohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.1) produced with the genetically modified Bacillus licheniformis strain NZYM-AV by Novozymes A/S. The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns. The food enzyme does not contain the production microorganism or its DNA; therefore, there is no safety concern for...

The food enzyme is an alpha-amylase (4-alpha-D-glucan glucanohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.1), produced with the genetically modified Aspergillus niger strain NZYM-SB by Novozymes A/S. The food enzyme does not contain the production organism or its DNA; therefore, there is no safety concern for the environment. The alpha-amylase is intended for use in starch...

Humans have used insecticides since ancient times. The spectrum and potency of available insecticidal substances has greatly expanded since the industrial revolution, resulting in widespread use and unforeseen levels of synthetic chemicals in the environment. Concerns about the toxic effects of these new chemicals on non-target species became publi...

Pesticides are a highly diverse group of compounds and the most important chemical stressors in the environment. Mechanisms that could explain pesticide toxicity are constantly being studied and their interactions at the cellular level are often observed in well-controlled in vitro studies. Several pesticide groups have been found to impair the red...

The food enzyme considered in this opinion is aqualysin 1 (EC 3.4.21.111), produced from the genetically modified strain Bacillus subtilis LMGS 25520 by Puratos NV. The production strain was not detected in the food enzyme. Aqualysin 1 is intended to be used in baking processes. Based on the maximum use level recommended and individual consumption...

The food enzyme considered is a maltogenic amylase (glucan 1,4-α-maltohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.133) produced with the genetically modified Bacillus subtilis strain NZYM-SM by Novozymes A/S. The food enzyme contains neither the production organism nor recombinant DNA. The maltogenic amylase is intended for use in baking processes and starch processing fo...

Due to its high phenol content, strawberry tree honey possesses many beneficial health effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate potential DNA and cytoprotective effects of A. unedo honey after shortterm supplementation. Participants (six healthy men, aged 26-38) consumed 70 g of honey (from Pelješac peninsula, Croatia) dissolved in 200 mL of...

The food enzyme is an endo-1,4-β-xylanase (EC 3.2.1.8) produced with a genetically modified strain of Aspergillus niger (strain XEA), by DSM Food Specialities B.V. The food enzyme is intended to be used in baking and brewing processes. Based on maximum use levels recommended for the food processes and individual consumption data from the EFSA Compr...

A multimycotoxin analysis approach in grains results in frequent simultaneous findings of nephrotoxic mycotoxins ochratoxin A (OTA) and citrinin (CTN). The mechanism of CTN and OTA toxicities in biological systems is not fully understood but it is known that oxidative stress is involved. In this study, oxidative damage of DNA, lipids, and the conce...