Research Publications (Food Safety)

Exposure to cadmium (Cd), a toxic metal, is epidemiologically linked to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in humans. However, the role of Cd in NASH remains to be fully elucidated. This study employed a novel murine NASH model to investigate the effects of chronic low-dose Cd on hepatic pathology and its underlying mechanisms. NASH is characterized by lipid accumulation, extensive cell death, and persistent inflammation in the liver.

Occupational exposures to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been associated with numerous health complications including steatohepatitis and liver cancer. However, the potential impact of environmental/residential VOC exposures on liver health and function is largely unknown. To address this knowledge gap, the objective of this cross-sectional study is to investigate associations between VOCs and liver injury biomarkers in community residents.

by Jeremy D. Baker, Rikki L. Uhrich, Gerald C. Kraemer, Jason E. Love, Brian C. Kraemer

The opioid epidemic in the United States, along with a lack of adequate harm reduction services, has contributed to a sharp rise in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. Despite considerable evidence of the effectiveness of HCV treatment in people who inject drugs (PWID), and recommendations from clinical guidelines to prioritize treatment in PWID, there are multiple barriers to broad uptake of HCV treatment.

ABSTRACT

by Elspeth Ready, Patrick Habecker, Roberto Abadie, Bilal Khan, Kirk Dombrowski

Author(s): Juan E. Ortúzar, Onay B. Dogan, Gustavo Sotomayor, Constanza Jiménez, Jennifer Clarke, Rolando A. Flores, George M. Gray, John H. Rupnow, Bing Wang

Seaweed is a source of protein that can help overcome the anticipated challenges of a growing world population and the current challenges for finding alternatives for animal proteins in the Western diet. Thus far, data on the safety of seaweed for feed and food purposes in the Western world are scattered.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) has emerged as a global health concern during the last decade. In spite of a high mortality rate in pregnant women with fulminant hepatitis, no antiviral drugs or licensed vaccine is available in India. HEV-protease is a pivotal enzyme responsible for ORF1 polyprotein processing leading to cleavage of the non-structural enzymes involved in virus replication.

Publication date: Available online 12 January 2017
Source:

Author(s): Saeed Khalili, Abolfazl Jahangiri, Zahra Sadat Hashemi, Bahman Khalesi, Meysam Mardsoltani, Jafar Amani