V Sutiak’s research while affiliated with St. Elizabeth College of Health and Social Work and other places

Bisphenol A (BPA) [2,2-bis-(4-hydroxyphenyl) propane] is an important industrial agent, made by combining acetone and phenol, that is used extensively as a monomer in the production of polycarbonate plastics and as a precursor of epoxy resins. Micronucleus assays have served as an index of cytogenetic damage in in vivo and in vitro studies. We studied the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of BPA on bovine peripheral lymphocytes in vitro. Lymphocyte cultures from two donors were exposed to four different concentrations of BPA (1 × 10(-4), 1 × 10(-5), 1 × 10(-6), and 1 × 10(-7) mol.L(-1)) for 48 h. The highest concentration of BPA (1 × 10(-4) mol.L(-1)) resulted in a significant increase in the number of micronuclei in comparison with the negative control (67.50 ± 2.121/1,000 binucleated cells versus 36.0 ± 5.657/1,000 binucleated cells in the DMSO control, P = 0.018). BPA did not affect the nuclear division index at any treatment concentrations. The present results thus demonstrate a significant genotoxic effect by BPA on bovine peripheral lymphocytes in vitro, only at the highest concentration.

Bisphenol A (BPA), 2, 2,-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl) propane, CAS No. 80-05-7, is an industrial chemical that is made by combining acetone and phenol. Food is acknowledged to be a main source of exposure to BPA as a consequence of BPA migration from food containers. Several studies have reported BPA migrations from can surface coatings or plastics into foods and food-simulating liquids at high temperatures, and with repeated use of plastic products. Evaluation of BPA confirmed a no-observable adverse effect level (NOAEL) of 5 mg/kg/body weight/day and established a maximum total daily intake (TDI) of 0.05 mg/kg body weight. A metabolism of BPA is characterized mainly by phase II conjugation reactions in the gastrointestinal tract and in the liver. The presence of BPA in the environment can cause serious health problems (endocrine disruptions, neurotoxic, genotoxic and other problems). However, there are controversial opinions about BPA. Based on current knowledge of literature the need for further experimental studies in addressing health of human and animal populations living in different ecosystems may be still useful.

Chromosomal aberrations have been used as important cytogenetic biomarkers to study the mutagenic effects of different chemicals in vivo and in vitro. Chromosomal aberrations were evaluated in cultures of sheep lymphocytes in vitro exposed to the fungicide tolylfluanid. Lymphocyte cultures from three donors were exposed to four different concentrations of fungicide (1.10(-4) M(.)L; 1.10(-5) M(.)L; 1.10(-6) M(.)L; 1 × 10(-7) M(.)L). Chromosomal analysis showed a significant (P = 0.018 and 0.038 respectively, Anova test, P < 0.05, Tukey test) increase in the frequency of aberrant cells (ABC) in cultures treated with the highest negative experimental concentrations of tolylfluanid (1.10(-4) M(.)L; 1.10(-5) M(.)L) compared to control. Significantly increased numbers of chromatid breaks (7.67 ± 0.58% against 1.67 ± 2.08%, P = 0.009, Anova test, P < 0.05, Tukey test) and chromatid gaps (7.67 ± 1.15% against 2.67 ± 0.58%, P = 0.003, Anova test, P < 0.05, Tukey test) were observed in ovine cultures treated with the highest experimental concentration of tolylfluanid (1.10(-4) M(.)L). Tolylfluanid induced also chromosomal exchanges (P = 0.038, and 0.016 respectively, Anova test, P < 0.05, Tukey test) in ovine cultures treated with the highest experimental concentrations of tolylfluanid (1.10(-4) M(.)L; 1.10(-5) M(.)L). The mitotic index has not shown any statistical differences between the various treatments and control groups. Our results suggest a significant genotoxic effect of tolylfluanid only at the highest concentration in sheep peripheral lymphocytes in vitro.

Dichlofluanid is a halogenated sulfonamide derivative from the group of aryl (dichlorofluoromethyltio) fungicides. It was used as a fungicide and acaricide in approved agricultural pesticides from 1965. Nowadays it is not included in any of the lists for European re-assessment of active ingredients under Directive 91/414/EEC. On the other hand, it has been used in aquaculture and as a booster biocide in antifouling products, especially tin-free products, to control the growth of algal, weed and animal fouling on moving or stati objects in water. Furthermore, following the review of dichlofluanid in Product type 8 (Wood preservatives) under the Biocidal Products Directive 98/8/EC, the European Commission has agreed that this active substance will enter into Annex I of the Directive on 1 March 2009. In this regard exposure to dichlofluanid is possible during its application, but it is also detected in harbours and marinas in many European countries. In this chapter the toxic effects of dichlofluanid to humans and animals are summarized.

A different role of L-type antagonists for voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC) has been previously identified in different types of experimental and clinical pain in man and animals. Present study examined the role of VGCC blocker - diltiazem administered icv (0.25, 0.5, 1.0 and/or 2.0mg in toto) on the development of pain related symptoms, clinical signs, plasma catecholamine level and the inhibition of reticulo-rumen motility caused by 5min lasting mechanical duodenum distension (DD) in the sheep. Experimental DD was conducted by insertion (during surgery) of rubber balloon into the duodenum and the distension by 40ml of warm water. Duodenal distension resulted in a significant increase of behavioural pain responses, tachycardia, hyperventilation, inhibition of reticulo-rumen contractions rate (from 85% to 45% during 15-20min), an increase of plasma catecholamine concentration (over sevenfold increase of epinephrine during 2h following DD, two-times norepinephrine and 84% increase of dopamine). Diltiazem infusion given 10min before DD decreased intensity of visceral nocifensive responses such as: behavioural changes, tachycardia, hyperventilation, reticulo-rumen motility and efficiently prevented appearance of catecholamine release. These data demonstrated that the development and persistence of acute duodenal pain depends on the activation of Ca(2+) ion flux leading to neurotransmitters release and modulation of membrane excitability. It seems that diltiazem given icv 10min prior to DD (as a source of acute visceral pain), inhibited specific receptors α(1) subunits of VGCCs in target tissues, prevent depolarization of cell membranes and release of neurotransmitters responsible for pain sensitivity in sheep. The observed antinociceptive action of VGCCs type-L blockers suggests that these channels play a crucial role in the modulation of acute visceral pain in sheep.

The fungicide tolylfluanid (N -dichlorofluoromethylthio-N', N -dimethyl -N -p -tolylsulfamide), was investigated by cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay. Tolylfluanid at the lowest concentration (1 x 10(- 6)mol L(- 1))did not influence significantly the frequency of micronuclei in sheep lymphocyte cultures in comparison with control (32.33 +/- 3.51/1000 binucleated cells versus 30.33 +/- 2.82/1000 binucleated cells in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) control, P = 0.44). Higher tolylfluanid concentrations (1 x 10(- 4) and, 1 x 10(- 5) mol L(- 1)) resulted in a significant dose-dependent increase in the number of micronuclei in comparison with control (74.00 +/- 13.00/1000 binucleated cells and 52.67 +/- 10.12/1000 binucleated cells versus 30.33 +/- 2. 82/1000 binucleated cells in DMSO control, P = 0.005 and 0.02, respectively, ANOVA followed by Tukey test P < 0.05). Many of the treated cells also possessed multiple micronuclei. Tolylfluanid did not affect the nuclear division index at all treatment concentrations. Our in vitro results thus demonstrate that tolylfluanid had a significant genotoxic effect at only the highest concentration tested.

According to world statistics, dogs and cats are the species that owners most frequently seek assistance with potential poisonings, accounting 95–98% of all reported animal cases. Exposures occur more commonly in the summer and in December that is associated with the holiday season. The majority (>90%) of animal poisonings are accidental and acute in nature and occur near or at the animal owner's home. Feeding human foodstuff to pets may also prove dangerous for their health. The aim of this review was to present common food items that should not be fed (intentionally or unintentionally) to dogs, i.e. chocolate, caffeine, and other methylxanthines, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, avocado, alcohol, nuts, xylitol contained in chewing gum and candies, etc. Onion and avocado are toxic for cats, too. The clinical effects of individual toxicants and possible therapy are also mentioned. Knowing what human food has the potential to be involved in serious toxicoses should allow veterinarians to better educate their clients on means of preventing pet poisonings. It can be concluded that the best advice must surely be to give animal fodder or treats specifically developed for their diets.

The University of Veterinary Medicine (UVM) in Košice has two educational divisions, General Veterinary Medicine (GVM) and Food Hygiene (FH), where are students trained in all, in experimental work, in the therapy of diseases, pathological states of animals, in the supervision of veterinary hygiene, and control of good technology practices in the food industry. The educational curriculum includes pharmacology courses where students are instructed in the use of pharmaceuticals. In the courses students are presented with basic information about the composition and properties of drugs, especially those of conventional, but also of phytotherapeutic origin. Students are provided with basic information about Matricaria recutita L., Viscum album L. and other phytotherapeutic plants, and their preparations such as tinctures, infusions and others. These drugs are utilized in all, but predominantly in medium-sized animals (e.g. calves), and similarly in small animals (e.g. cats). Matricaria is mainly employed in antiphlogistics and spasmolytics, but also in carminative and cosmetic drugs. It contains active agents including chamazulenes, /-/-α-bisabolol, spiroethers, flavonoids, coumarins and others. Viscum contains agents such as choline, GABA and other amino acids, flavonoids, triterpenes, viscotoxin, histamine and other natural products. These agents exhibit efficacy in the gastrointestinal tract, brain, heart, and blood. Although these agents do not possess potent curative activity they can be employed as auxiliary and complementary drugs for symptomatic and palliative therapy of noninfective inflammation and some pathological states in animals. The objective of our paper is to inform interested parties on the education process of our students utilizing procedures of Microsoft methods.