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- Muncke, Jane, et al.
(author)
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Impacts of food contact chemicals on human health : a consensus statement
- 2020
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In: Environmental Health. - : BioMed Central (BMC). - 1476-069X. ; 19:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Food packaging is of high societal value because it conserves and protects food, makes food transportable and conveys information to consumers. It is also relevant for marketing, which is of economic significance. Other types of food contact articles, such as storage containers, processing equipment and filling lines, are also important for food production and food supply. Food contact articles are made up of one or multiple different food contact materials and consist of food contact chemicals. However, food contact chemicals transfer from all types of food contact materials and articles into food and, consequently, are taken up by humans. Here we highlight topics of concern based on scientific findings showing that food contact materials and articles are a relevant exposure pathway for known hazardous substances as well as for a plethora of toxicologically uncharacterized chemicals, both intentionally and non-intentionally added. We describe areas of certainty, like the fact that chemicals migrate from food contact articles into food, and uncertainty, for example unidentified chemicals migrating into food. Current safety assessment of food contact chemicals is ineffective at protecting human health. In addition, society is striving for waste reduction with a focus on food packaging. As a result, solutions are being developed toward reuse, recycling or alternative (non-plastic) materials. However, the critical aspect of chemical safety is often ignored. Developing solutions for improving the safety of food contact chemicals and for tackling the circular economy must include current scientific knowledge. This cannot be done in isolation but must include all relevant experts and stakeholders. Therefore, we provide an overview of areas of concern and related activities that will improve the safety of food contact articles and support a circular economy. Our aim is to initiate a broader discussion involving scientists with relevant expertise but not currently working on food contact materials, and decision makers and influencers addressing single-use food packaging due to environmental concerns. Ultimately, we aim to support science-based decision making in the interest of improving public health. Notably, reducing exposure to hazardous food contact chemicals contributes to the prevention of associated chronic diseases in the human population.
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- Su, Changqing, et al.
(author)
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Gene-Viral Cancer Therapy Using Dual-Regulated Oncolytic Adenovirus with Antiangiogenesis Gene for Increased Efficacy.
- 2008
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In: Molecular Cancer Research. - 1557-3125. ; 6, s. 568-575
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Conditionally replicative adenovirus (CRAD) represents a promising approach for cancer therapy. Several CRADs controlled by the human telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter have been developed. However, because of their replicative capacity, the importance of cancer specificity for CRADs needs to be further emphasized. In this study, we have developed a novel dual-regulated CRAD, CNHK500-mE, which has its E1a and E1b gene controlled by the human telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter and the hypoxia response element, respectively. It also carries a mouse endostatin expression cassette controlled by the cytomegalovirus promoter. These properties allow for increased cancer cell targeting specificity and decreased adverse side effects. We showed that CNHK500-mE preferentially replicated in cancer cells. Compared with a replication-defective vector carrying the same endostatin expression cassette, CNHK500-mE-mediated transgene expression level was markedly increased via viral replication within cancer cells. In the nasopharyngeal tumor xenograft model, CNHK500-mE injection resulted in antitumor efficacy at day 7 after therapy. Three weeks later, it led to significant inhibition of xenograft tumor growth due to the combined effects of viral oncolytic therapy and antiangiogenesis gene therapy. Pathologic examination showed that most cancer cells were positive for adenoviral capsid protein and for apoptotic terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling in the CNHK500-mE-treated tumor tissues, and the microvessels in these tumor tissues were diminished in quantity and abnormal in morphology. These results suggest that, as a potential cancer therapeutic agent, the CNHK500-mE is endowed with higher specificity to cancer cells and low cytotoxicity to normal cells. (Mol Cancer Res 2008;6(4):OF1-8).
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