Asthma is a long-term inflammatory disease of the airways of the lungs. It is characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction, and easily triggered bronchospasms. Symptoms include episodes of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. These may occur a few times a day or a few times per week. Depending on the person, asthma symptoms may become worse at night or with exercise.Asthma is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental ...

asthma

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Author: Sylvia Marinova, PhD student in in the "Genomic Stability" lab at BAS

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While allergies are often defined as the "epidemic of the 21st century", they are definitely not new to humanity. It is likely that under certain circumstances our immune systems have always reacted to simple stimuli, leading to the appearance of typical symptoms such as skin irritations, sneezing, runny nose, red and tearful eyes, shortness of breath, etc. Such reactions are found described in ancient documents from China, Rome, Egypt and Greece. And even if they have existed for a long time, our understanding of them is relatively new and still a very hot topic in research.

What-are-allergies

What are allergies

What-are-allergies_0_0

An allery is our body reaction to normally harmless substances such as pollen, dust, some foods, latex, insect stings, etc. These substances are perceived by our organism as "foreign" and are called allergens. Therefore, our body attempts to protect itself and fight off the alien invader by triggering a whole sequence of responses.

What-are-allergies_0_1

Allergens stimulate our body and it produces special IgG antibodies. They in turn bind to immune system cells that store a substance called histamine and give them a signal to release it. Histamine recognises receptors on the surface of cells in affected tissues and binds to them. This leads to an inflammatory process and an increase in blood flow.

What-are-allergies_0_2

What is the result? Let's say you have an allergy to pollen and spring has come. Your body recognizes pollen as a potentially dangerous foreign agent, and this is where histamine comes to the rescue.&nbsp;It causes the cells in the nose to produce more mucus, which results in increased secretions and nasal congestion. This can make you sneeze or irritate your throat and cause a cough. Here come the antihistamines - drugs that block the action of histamine and help us get rid of unpleasant symptoms. But for them a little later.

History-of-histamine

History of histamine

History-of-histamine_1_0

We have clarified what histamine is and how it causes all the unpleasant manifestations of allergies. But how did it come to his discovery and understanding of its physiological function?

History-of-histamine_1_1

As science develops in the 19th century, a series of experiments were also done by some scientists that laid the groundwork for scientific discoveries related to allergic reactions&nbsp; <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Histamine_and_the_antiallergic_antihistamines_a_history_of_their_discoveries_10444205" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.1]</a>.

History-of-histamine_1_2

In 1902, two French scientists studying the action of certain substances known to cause serious reactions in humans showed that the first dose of injecting animals with them was harmless. On the other hand, a second dose of the same injection after a certain period of time leads to a very serious, often fatal reaction. This reaction they called anaphylaxis. Despite this serious progress, they believed that anaphylaxys is triggered by poisons.

History-of-histamine_1_3

It wasn't until 1904 that scientists realized that the substances that cause allergies were harmless before something made the body recognize them as foreign, and in 1906 the link between hay fever and pollen was found.

History-of-histamine_1_4

In the same period, the substance histamine was isolated for the first time.&nbsp;Over time, scientists have established many of its functions in different parts of the body, until they conclude that it is a normal part of our bodies. In addition, its role as a mediator of anaphylaxis (excessive reaction of the immune system to an allergen), as well as that in the secretion of gastric juice. All this leads to a growing interest in this compound and in-depth work in search of its antagonist - ostensibly another substance that has the opposite function. These antagonists are called antihistamines.

A-brief-history-of-antihistamines

A brief history of antihistamines

A-brief-history-of-antihistamines_2_0

The task of searching for antihistamines began to be carried out seriously at the Pasteur Institute in Paris by Daniel Beauvais, who later received the Nobel Prize for pioneering work in this field<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Histamine_pharmacology_from_Sir_Henry_Dale_to_the_21st_century_30341770" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> [ref.2]</a>.

A-brief-history-of-antihistamines_2_1

Thus, the first antihistamine approved for human use reached the market in 1944.&nbsp;Although newer and newer antihistamines continue to be synthesized, the mechanism of action remains unknown for some time. This makes scientists wonder what is the effect of both histamine and antihistamines.

A-brief-history-of-antihistamines_2_2

They suggest that it is a receptor that is recognized by histamine and explain the action of antihistamines as molecules that also bind to these receptors and physically inhibit the action of histamine and therefore its action. Because existing antihistamines affected allergies, but not all other histamine functions, they even went further - they suggested that there were several histamine receptors in our bodies. And really - today we know about four histamine receptors.

Antihistamines-for-everything?

Antihistamines for everything?

Antihistamines-for-everything?_3_0

Since there are four histamine receptors found , which are located throughout our body and are associated with many physiological functions, it seems antihistamines also have many potential actions. Let's look at the different receptors and how antihistamines work.

Antihistamines-for-everything?_3_1

The first open receptor is called H1. It is on it that the first antihistamines obtained have acted. Today we know that it is found in cells throughout our body and is involved in allergic reactions and inflammation.&nbsp; Most instantaneous skin reactions such as itching, erythema, edema are associated with the action of this receptor, as well as sneezing, runny nose, cough . Therefore,these drugs are prescribed both for allergies&nbsp;and colds . H1 is also detected in the brain and it is known that its has stimulating and arousing action there. This also explains the side effects of the first generation of antihistamines that target those receptors and can reach the brain. As a results patients experience drowsiness. That is why the same active ingredient is also sold as a sleeping drug.

Antihistamines-for-everything?_3_2

A second generation of antihistamines, such as loratadine, also targets H1 but cannot reach the brain and is therefore sold as a cure for allergic reactions, but without the side effect of drowsiness. Another second-generation drug is famotidine. It is already targeting the next histamine receptor - H2. Activation of this receptor leads to stimulation of the secretion of gastric acid and mucus in the respiratory tract <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2018.01873/full" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.3]</a> . Since antihistamines against it block these functions, they are also used for the treatment of gastritis and acids.

Antihistamines-for-everything?_3_3

The latest discovered receptors are H3 and H4. H3 is found in abundance in nerve cells in the brain. It is important for maintaining energy metabolism, cognitive abilities, sleep, etc. H3 antagonists are used to treat obesity, insomnia, improve cognitive abilities. H4 in turn is found mainly in cells of the immune system, but also in the spleen, mucous membrane of the small intestine, lungs, central nervous system, etc. This type of receptor is involved in complex reactions of the immune system and inflammation. Antihistamines against it are potentially a new treatment for asthma and various allergies.

Antihistamines-for-everything?_3_4

In conclusion, we can say that research in the field of histamines and antihistamines is still very relevant and there is a huge scope for development. The more we understand about the functions of different receptors and the connections between them, the more opportunities are opened up.

Antihistamines - a cure-all?

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 Antihistamines - a cure-all?

Силвия Маринова

Author: Ivelina Yankova, Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences

What-is-biological-aging-and-how-does-it-differ-from-chronological-aging?

What is biological aging and how does it differ from chronological aging?

What-is-biological-aging-and-how-does-it-differ-from-chronological-aging?_0_0

What-is-biological-aging-and-how-does-it-differ-from-chronological-aging?_0_1

From the moment of birth of each person, his minutes, hours, days, years that he has been present in this world begin to be counted. This count takes into account chronological aging. Over time, everyone's appearance changes, and it's interesting how some people in their 50s look younger than others in their 30s. This difference in appearance is caused by biological aging. Although some people are of young chronological age, they may seem aged from the aging of the organism itself. As you know, the body is a dynamic system of cells and molecules, and as with various diseases, it can "cure" biological aging. This does not mean that biological aging can be stopped, but by changing our habits, we can help our body slow down or even go back a few biological years.

Telomeres-–-the-units-of-our-biological-time

Telomeres – the units of our biological time

Telomeres-–-the-units-of-our-biological-time_1_0

Telomeres-–-the-units-of-our-biological-time_1_1

Let's talk first about the causative agent of biological ageing – telomeres. Although there are many factors that play a role in the aging process, scientists believe telomeres are key to this process.

Telomeres-–-the-units-of-our-biological-time_1_2

Telomeres are a repetitive sequence of five nucleotides (the building blocks of DNA and RNA) – TTAGGG. They are found on the most extreme parts of chromosomes (our DNA, very densely packaged in threadlike structures). If we take a DNA chain from one cell and stretch it, it will be 182.88 cm long. If we take DNA from all our cells and stretch it, it will reach 107.826 trillion kilometers in length – "the same as about 150,000 two-way trips to the moon" (ref.1).&nbsp; Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes in almost every cell of the body and 32.7 trillion cells in the human body overall (ref.2). It's amazing how such a large structure as DNA is packed in such a tiny space - chromosomes that are 0.001 to 0.02 mm long on average.

Telomeres-–-the-units-of-our-biological-time_1_3

In adolescence, the body develops fastest, which means that the cells in our body are constantly multiplying. Therefore, the chromosomes in these cells replicate - the newly formed cell copies the chromosomes of the cell from which it originated. With each replication of chromosomes, parts of DNA are lost, and in order to not lose genes that are vital to us, we have evolved to have telomeres. Telomeres protect our genetic information and bear the consequences of reproduction, losing nucleotides at each cell division. Upon reaching maturity, some cells stop constantly dividing, but others are doomed to shorten telomeres throughout life.&nbsp;

Why-does-length-matter?

Why does length matter?

Why-does-length-matter?_2_0

Why-does-length-matter?_2_1

Telomere shortening is a natural biological process that creates a multiplication limit for each cell. This is good on the one hand, because if each cell could multiply constantly, cancer disease would be even more common. But on the other hand, this natural limit of cell reproduction leads to the natural end of our lives. When telomeres shorten to the maximum, then the cell sends signals that cease its reproduction and it oldens. When that happens, the cell stops functioning and it just sits there.

Why-does-length-matter?_2_2

Unfortunately, occupying space isn't the only thing it does. Since in such a case, the DNA of the specific cell is no longer protected, it begins to signal for help. However, immune squads of cells and molecules that rush to help are not allowed into the inside of the cell. Then a proinflammatory environment is formed around the ageing cell, and over time adjacent cells and tissues are also damaged, giving the onset of chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation is a big topic in itself, but it is important to note that it is the cause of a number of diseases nowadays, such as heart and brain diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, cancer, etc.

Why-does-length-matter?_2_3

Why-does-length-matter?_2_4

Over time, the cells get old, and that's normal. The question is, how fast are they ageing? The faster they age, the faster we get older. Therefore, if you have long telomeres, it means that your cells age more slowly and you are biologically young.

Why-does-length-matter?_2_5

Humans are born with a certain length of telomeres. Some inherit their parents' short telomeres, and at birth they are doomed to a shorter life. In others, it is reversed – they are born with long telomeres and are expected to have a longer life. But the picture here, like everything else in life, is not black and white. Yes, it matters what telomeres you start your life with, but that doesn't mean you can't turn things around. This is where telomerase comes into play.

What-is-telomerase-and-how-can-it-prolong-our-lives?

What is telomerase and how can it prolong our lives?

What-is-telomerase-and-how-can-it-prolong-our-lives?_3_0

What-is-telomerase-and-how-can-it-prolong-our-lives?_3_1

Most cells in the body have a multiplication limit after which they get old. However, there are cells that multiply for life, such as the immune cells lymphocytes, germ cells and stem cells, from which all other cells in the body originate.

What-is-telomerase-and-how-can-it-prolong-our-lives?_3_2

In order for them to function properly for the rest of their lives, they must have long telomeres. To help with that, telomerase runs to the rescue. That is an enzyme that elongates telomeres when they become short and thus prolongs the life and replicative potential of cells (ref.3). Of course, every good thing brings with it bad consequences. In this case, telomerase is an ideal tool that cancer cells use to multiply. This is why, in order to age more slowly using the telomerase, there needs to be found a way to balance the positive and negative effects that this enzyme creates.

What-can-we-change-in-our-daily-lives-to-rejuvenate?

What can we change in our daily lives to rejuvenate?

What-can-we-change-in-our-daily-lives-to-rejuvenate?_4_0

What-can-we-change-in-our-daily-lives-to-rejuvenate?_4_1

The length of telomeres is not only affected by telomerase. The environment, as for everything else, is just as important to the health of our telomeres. Daily stress, unhealthy eating, alcohol and cigarette intake, poor sleep – these are all things that accelerate the shortening of telomeres. In a pilot study in 2013, prostate cancer patients showed a significant elongation of telomeres in those patients who changed their lifestyle – they began to eat whole foods, low in fat, with fruits and vegetables; started moving more during the day, reduced stress in their lives and found support and understanding in social groups (ref. 4).

What-can-we-change-in-our-daily-lives-to-rejuvenate?_4_2

These positive effects on telomeres have been proven in many other studies and statistics. For example, mothers who have chronically ill children have shorter telomeres than mothers whose children are healthy. Children who grew up in a violent environment also have shorter telomeres, compared to children who grew up in a harmonious and cohesive family (ref. 5). People who exercise regularly have longer telomeres than people who don't exercise (ref.6). A meta-analysis of 36 groups and 36,000 participants in 2013 showed that women had longer telomeres than men (ref. 7), although there are studies that found no significant link between sex and telomere length.

What-can-we-change-in-our-daily-lives-to-rejuvenate?_4_3

Interesting is the relationship between the length of telomeres in different ethnicities. A study done in 2014 showed that black participants had longer leukocyte telomeres during childbirth, as opposed to white study participants. After some time, however, in adulthood, the opposite is noted – blacks have shorter telomeres of leukocytes than whites. This indicates a higher rate of telomere shortening in blacks (ref.8).

What-can-we-change-in-our-daily-lives-to-rejuvenate?_4_4

What-can-we-change-in-our-daily-lives-to-rejuvenate?_4_5

In any case, the stress on our organism, whether caused by a fast and stressful daily life, lack of sleep, poor nutrition or other causes, is a major cause of early biological aging. Removing the stress of everyday life can be the golden ticket to slower ageing.

Conclusion

Conclusion_5_0

Our biological age is not determined by how long we have lived in this world, but by how we live. How we account for how many biological years we are is done by taking into account how long our telomeres are. The longer they are, the younger our organism is. While it is inevitable (at least for now) that telomeres shorten over time and therefore they age, there are ways in which we can significantly delay this process. The enzyme telomerase, which some cells use to prolong their telomeres, is a good target for studies. Nevertheless, the risks of activating the telomerase in aged cells are high, and much research is needed to establish a safe way of utilizing the telomerase. Fortunately, there are other, much easier and more accessible methods for prolonging telomeres and rejuvenating the body, which can be summarized under one expression - a healthy lifestyle.

Conclusion_5_1

Telomeres and our biological age

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 Telomeres and our biological age

Ивелина Янкова

Author: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

The broadleaf plantain (Plantago major) is best known for its ability to accelerate wound healing. It's also called white man's foot or greater plantain. The plant is widespread in Europe, Asia and America and is often found in gardens and other urban grasslands.

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The plantain is not distinguished by bright colors or large size, but despite its modest appearance, it hides a great healing potential, which extends beyond the treatment of wounds.

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Some of the properties attributed to it by folk medicine have been confirmed by recent research, including:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">wound healing,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">antipyretic action (to lower fever),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">cough suppression (antitussive),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">against infections,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">anti-haemorrhagic and haemostatic action,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">anti-inflammatory,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">diuretic,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">laxative,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">astringent.</li>
</ul>

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In this article you will learn more about the traditional use of plantain in Iranian traditional medicine, as well as the modern evidence of its healing properties. The information is taken from the article Plantago major in Traditional Persian Medicine and modern phytotherapy: a narrative review, 2018, Electronic physician [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Plantago_major_in_Traditional_Persian_Medicine_and_modern_phytotherapy_a_narrative_review_29629064" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>].

Plantain-Use-According-to-Iranian-Folk-Medicine

Plantain Use According to Iranian Folk Medicine

Plantain-Use-According-to-Iranian-Folk-Medicine_0_0

The use of plantain for the treatment of various diseases dates back thousands of years. The earliest known account of the plantain is in "De materia medica", which was written by the Greek pharmaco-botanist Dioscurid in the 1st century (40-90 A.D.). The book is an encyclopedia of herbal treatment and pharmacopoeia from around the world.

Plantain-Use-According-to-Iranian-Folk-Medicine_0_1

Plantain-Use-According-to-Iranian-Folk-Medicine_0_2

Plantain finds the following applications in Iranian folk medicine:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">In neurological diseases such <a href="/p/iepiliepsiiata_koi_liechiebni_rastieniia_sa_izpolzvani_v_drievna_piersiia_d697132f_9082_456b_ac3a_9019ffa4be12" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">epilepsy</a> or ear pain;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">In diseases of the eyes;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Against inflammation in the oral cavity and toothache (gargling and rinsing);</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">In lung diseases such as asthma and tuberculosis;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">With gastrointestinal problems - bleeding, <a href="/p/profilaktika_klasichiesko_i_bilkovo_liechieniie_na_khiemoroidi_9e58f268_e51f_460a_8c66_6158a6575aac" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">hemorrhoids</a>, stomach ache, <a href="/p/7_bilki_koito_obliekchavat_loshoto_khranosmilanie_i_dispiepsiiata_60bc6c30_0949_4ed7_933c_460f9104d318" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">dyspepsia</a>, constipation;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">In <a href="/p/chierniiat_drob_nie_boli_koi_bilki_podobriavat_zdravieto_mu_pri_khiepatit_stieatoza_i_tsiroza_ed55df70_c2be_430d_93f0_29a2aece49ff" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">liver</a> and bile disease;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">In urogenital infections and pain in <a href="/p/kamni_v_bbrietsitie_koi_bilki_priechat_na_obrazuvanieto_im_i_kak_da_sie_khranim" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">the kidneys</a> and bladder;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">For the treatment of various wounds and burns.</li>
</ul>

Plantain-Use-According-to-Iranian-Folk-Medicine_0_4

Many of these and other healing properties are also confirmed by modern medicine. You will learn about some of them in the following lines.

Broadleaf-Plantain-and-The-Immune-System

Broadleaf Plantain and The Immune System

Broadleaf-Plantain-and-The-Immune-System_1_0

In low concentrations, plantain possesses immunomodulatory activity, increases the number of lymphocytes and the secretion of interferon-γ, but at high concentrations this property can be suppressed.

Broadleaf-Plantain-and-The-Immune-System_1_1

Plantain tea can aid the immune system in leukemia and viral infections. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/In_vitro_cytotoxic_antiviral_and_immunomodulatory_effects_of_Plantago_major_and_Plantago_asiatica_12856861" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.2</a>]

Plantain-in-Gastrointestinal-Problems

Plantain in Gastrointestinal Problems

Plantain-in-Gastrointestinal-Problems_2_0

The seeds of plantain secrete mucus substances that have a laxative and protective effect for the mucous membrane of the stomach. Seeds are recommended for inflammatory bowel diseases, e.g. ulcerative colitis.

Plantain-in-Gastrointestinal-Problems_2_1

On the other hand, leaf extract reduces the mobility of the duodenum and has astringent effect.

Plantain-in-Gastrointestinal-Problems_2_2

Plantain-in-Urticaria

Plantain in Urticaria

Plantain-in-Urticaria_3_0

Broadleaf plantain contains substances that suppress the production of prostaglandins, the movement of white blood cells and the release of histamine, and this is relevant for the suppression of urticaria.

Antibacterial-and-Antiparasite-Effects-of-Plantain

Antibacterial and Antiparasite Effects of Plantain

Antibacterial-and-Antiparasite-Effects-of-Plantain_4_0

Some types of plantain extracts have shown an effect against the Giardia parasite.

Antibacterial-and-Antiparasite-Effects-of-Plantain_4_1

Plantain extract in ethyl alcohol shows antibacterial activity against the bacteria E. coli and Bacillus cereus, and acetone extract is also effective against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Plantain extract also has good effectiveness against <a href="../../eng/p/home_remedies_for_vaginal_candidiasis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Candida albicans yeast</a>.

Plantain-Helps-Wound-Healing

Plantain Helps Wound Healing

Plantain-Helps-Wound-Healing_5_0

Broadleaf plantain is traditionally used to heal wounds. With tissue damage, whether from bacteria, physical trauma, chemical, heat or any other phenomenon, the body reacts with an inflammatory response, which is by its very nature a protective reaction. Inflammation is manifested by redness, fever, edema and pain in the affected tissue.

Plantain-Helps-Wound-Healing_5_1

Plantain contains polyphenols and in particular plantamajoside, which are considered the main significant compounds for wound healing. For this purpose, aqueous extract of plantain can be used.

Plantain-Helps-Wound-Healing_5_2

Anti-cancer-Properties-of-Plantain

Anti-cancer Properties of Plantain

Anti-cancer-Properties-of-Plantain_6_0

Various studies have shown that both spirit and water extracts of plantain possess the property to inhibit the growth of certain cancer cell lines: melanoma (skin cancer), adenocarcinoma of the breast and kidney. [<a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/311913648_Evaluation_of_In_Vitro_Anticancer_Effect_of_Plantago_major_L_and_Plantago_lanceolata_L_Leaf_Extracts_from_Sivas" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.3</a>]

Anti-cancer-Properties-of-Plantain_6_1

According to one of the studies, the greatest potential to inhibit the growth of cancer cells have the seeds of broadleaf plantain, in particular on the following cancer cell lines: MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, HeLaS3, A549 and KB. They also suppress inflammatory cytokines tumornecortising factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1β and 6 (IL-1β, IL-6) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ).

Anti-cancer-Properties-of-Plantain_6_2

Extracts from the roots of the plant exhibit the same properties. However, the scientists who conducted this study offer the seeds of broadleaf plantain as a source of new drugs against oncological and inflammatory diseases. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Effects_of_Plantago_major_Extracts_and_Its_Chemical_Compounds_on_Proliferation_of_Cancer_Cells_and_Cytokines_Production_of_Lipopolysaccharide_activated_THP_1_Macrophages_28839362" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.4</a>]

Q&amp;A

Q&amp;A_7_0

What side effects can the intake of broadleaf plantain have?

Q&amp;A_7_1

In general, plantain is considered a safe herb, but an overdose can lead to anaphylaxis (suffocation due to an allergic reaction). In milder cases of side effects, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, anorexia, bloating, hypersensitivity or dermatitis may be observed.

Q&amp;A_7_2

How is broadleaf plantain used?

Q&amp;A_7_3

The usual dose is 3–5 grams of the powdered herb 1–3 times a day, but the most common dose in the form of tea (infusion) is 150 ml 3–4 times a day.

The Broadleaf Plantain: A Modest Plant with Great Healing Potential

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 The Broadleaf Plantain: A Modest Plant with Great Healing Potential

Rositsa Tashkova-Kacharova

Plastic is a constant companion in our lives - both a helpful friend and a mortal enemy. You will find it very difficult to live plastic-free in the modern world, even if you really want it. It is everywhere, even in our food, where it gets through plastic containers, utensils and packaging, not to mention the microplastic, which seems to be already found in every part of the world and every organism.

In April 2021, a group of scientists called for one of the commonly used ingredients of plastic products - phthalates (and especially ortho-phthalates) to be banned [<a href="https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/full/10.2105/AJPH.2020.306014" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>].

Phthalates are used to make plastic more flexible and hard to break. But there is alarming evidence that they have a significant negative impact on the nervous development of babies even as early as when the baby is still in the mother's womb. Later, the child is again surrounded by phthalates - in plastic toys, furniture, even packaged food and utensils.

Where-are-phthalates-hiding

Where are phthalates hiding

Where-are-phthalates-hiding_0_0

Phthalates are found in almost everything: food packaging, clothing, detergents, furniture, vinyl flooring, lubricants and adhesives, bath curtains, plastic car parts, rain and stainresistant products. Unfortunately, they are also found in cosmetics, including shampoo, soap, hairspray and nail polish.

Where-are-phthalates-hiding_0_1

Phthalates have the property of making fragrances durable, which is a desirable quality of cosmetic and detergents. Therefore, on the label they can be hidden simply under the name "fragrance".

Where-are-phthalates-hiding_0_2

Where-are-phthalates-hiding_0_3

Due to the widespread application of phthalates in cosmetics, women are subjected to much greater exposure to them, and given the role of a woman in carrying and breastfeeding the baby, as well as the passage of phthalates from the maternal organism into the fetus, the situation is very alarming.

Where-are-phthalates-hiding_0_4

Packaging of certain food products are among the main sources of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), as an example of foods that may be contaminated with it are dairy and fatty products and takeaway food.

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Phthalates can even be found in children's toys, in building materials and furniture, in PVC pipes, garden hoses - everywhere.

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It is therefore extremely difficult to avoid them ourselves and regulatory intervention is needed to prohibit their use.

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Phthalates can negatively affect children's brain development

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More than 30 studies on the impact of phthalates on the development of the baby in the womb have been conducted until 2019. In this year's report and a call to ban phthalates, scientists found the strongest links between phthalate exposure and:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Hyperactivity,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Aggression</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Disobedience,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Emotional reactivity,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Criminal behaviour,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder (ADHD). &nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>