Tartrazine (TZ, also known as FD&C Yellow No. 5 or E102) is a synthetic, water-soluble yellow food dye widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Some studies have associated TZ with allergic reactions, especially among people with dye sensitivities or pre-existing allergies. Recent research also suggests a possible link between TZ consumption and the worsening of behavioral disorders, especially in children, including symptoms such as hyperactivity, irritability, restlessness, and sleep disturbances. Experimental studies in laboratory animals have highlighted potential risks associated with prolonged or high-dose exposure, including toxic effects on the nervous system and liver function. In addition, increasing evidence indicates that TZ can induce oxidative stress (OS) by increasing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can contribute to cellular damage and inflammation. Although the evidence remains inconclusive, there are recommendations to limit the intake of synthetic food dyes, especially in children’s diets. The purpose of this review is to examine the potential toxic effects on health of tartrazine by analyzing findings from experimental studies in cell cultures and laboratory animals, as well as correlations observed in humans. We focus on documented adverse reactions, including possible neurotoxic, hepatotoxic, oxidative, and behavioral effects. Through this, we aim to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the risks associated with exposure to this synthetic food dye.

Dietary salt intake is a long-debated issue. Increased sodium intake is associated with high blood pressure, leading to salt-sensitive hypertension. Excessive salt intake leads to arterial stiffness in susceptible individuals via impaired nitric oxide action and increased endothelin-1 expression, overactivity of the renal sympathetic nervous system and also via aldosterone-independent activation of the mineralocorticoid receptor. Salt restriction in such individuals reduces blood pressure (BP) values. The optimal level of salt restriction that leads to improved cardiovascular outcomes is still under debate. Current BP and dietary guidelines recommend low sodium intake for the general population. However, a specific category of patients does not develop arterial hypertension in response to sodium loading. In addition, recent research demonstrates the deleterious effects of aggressive sodium restriction, even in heart failure patients. This mini review discusses current literature data regarding the advantages and disadvantages of salt restriction and how it impacts the overall health status.

While chronic kidney disease-associated mineral and bone disorders (CKD-MBD) prevail in the endocrinological assessment of CKD patients, other endocrine abnormalities are usually overlooked. CKD is associated with significant thyroid, adrenal and gonadal dysfunction, while persistent and de novo endocrinological abnormalities are frequent among kidney transplant recipients (KTR). Low T3 levels prior to transplantation may help identify those at risk for delayed graft function and are often found in KTR. Thyroid surveillance after kidney transplantation should be considered due to structural anomalies that may occur. Despite the rapid recovery of gonadal hormonal secretion after renal transplantation, fertility is not completely restored. Testosterone may improve anemia and general symptoms in KTR with persistent hypogonadism. Female KTR may still experience abnormal uterine bleeding, for which estroprogestative administration may be beneficial. Glucocorticoid administration suppresses the hypothalamic-pituitary–adrenal axis in KTR, leading to metabolic syndrome. Patients should be informed about signs and symptoms of hypoadrenalism that may occur after glucocorticoid withdrawal, prompting adrenal function assessment. Clinicians should be more aware of the endocrine abnormalities experienced by their KTR patients, as these may significantly impact the quality of life. In clinical practice, awareness of the specific endocrine dysfunctions experienced by KTR patients ensures the correct management of these complications in a multidisciplinary team, while avoiding unnecessary treatment.

Tartrazine (TZ, also known as FD&C Yellow No. 5 or E102) is a synthetic, water-soluble yellow food dye widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Some studies have associated TZ with allergic reactions, especially among people with dye sensitivities or pre-existing allergies. Recent research also suggests a possible link between TZ consumption and the worsening of behavioral disorders, especially in children, including symptoms such as hyperactivity, irritability, restlessness, and sleep disturbances. Experimental studies in laboratory animals have highlighted potential risks associated with prolonged or high-dose exposure, including toxic effects on the nervous system and liver function. In addition, increasing evidence indicates that TZ can induce oxidative stress (OS) by increasing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can contribute to cellular damage and inflammation. Although the evidence remains inconclusive, there are recommendations to limit the intake of syn-thetic food dyes especially in children’s diets. The purpose of this review is to examine the potential toxic effects on health of tartrazine by analyzing findings from experimental studies in cell cultures and laboratory animals, as well as correlations observed in humans. We focus on documented adverse reactions, including possible neurotoxic, hepatotoxic, oxidative, and behavioral effects. Through this, we aim to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the risks associated with exposure to this syn-thetic food dye.

Cassida vittata Vill. is a major pest of sugar beet crops worldwide. This study evaluated the efficacy of Streptomyces sp. strains E23-2, E23-9, E23-3, and E25-12 in managing this pest under both laboratory bioassays (26 ± 2 °C, 60 ± 10% RH, and 12 h of photoperiod) and field conditions. In the laboratory bioassays, insecticidal and repellent activities were assessed using topical and leaf dip methods. The insecticidal activity test involved five concentrations of bacterial suspensions (10² to 10¹⁰ cfu. mL⁻¹ (Colony-Forming Units per milliliter)) against pest larvae and adults. Only E23-2 and E23-9 strains at concentrations of 10¹⁰ and 10⁸ cfu. mL⁻¹, exhibiting the highest insecticidal activity, were used for the field bioassay. Carbosulfan at 0.25 g/L served as a positive control. Results indicated E23-2’s high efficacy against C. vittata, with the lowest LC₅₀ values: 323.5 (larvae) and 5.1 × 10³ (adults) cfu. mL⁻¹ in topical contact, and 1.9 × 10³ (larvae) and 3.1 × 10⁴ (adults) cfu. mL⁻¹ in the leaf dip method. LT₅₀ values of 3 days for larvae and adults in the topical contact method supported E23-2’s efficacy. E23-2, at 10¹⁰ cfu. mL⁻¹, displayed notable repellency against C. vittata adults (RI = 84.9% at 48 h). In field trials, Henderson–Tilton adjusted rates revealed E23-2’s substantial reductions of 88.6% (larvae) and 85.9% (adults), aligning closely with Carbosulfan’s efficacy. Enzymatic analysis underscored the versatile biocontrol attributes of E23-2, E23-3, and E23-9, providing insights for targeted pest management strategies. Field conditions, notably temperature, can influence the establishment and efficacy of EP bacteria. Further field studies are imperative for a comprehensive understanding of these influencing factors.