Teratogenic Properties Research Articles

Degradation of benzo[a]pyrene by Pleurotus ostreatus PO-3 in the presence of defined fungal and bacterial co-cultures.

Benzo[a]pyrene, a high molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon possesses carcinogenic, teratogenic, and mutagenic properties. The present study focuses on benzo[a]pyrene degradation by Pleurotus ostreatus PO-3, characterization and identification of metabolites produced and the extent of degradation in the presence of axenic culture of P. ostreatus PO-3 and defined co-cultures of the basidiomycete with bacteria and non-basidiomycete fungi. Thin-layer chromatography revealed that P. ostreatus PO-3 transformed benzo[a]pyrene to polar metabolites. Following degradation, appearance of numerous peaks in the mass spectrum indicated that benzo[a]pyrene degradation was a result of the metabolic activity of P. ostreatus PO-3. A degradation product corresponding to the m/z 284.2 was detected which could possibly be BaP-quinone, resulting from the oxidation of benzo[a]pyrene. Compared to the axenic culture of P. ostreatus PO-3 (64.3%), co-cultures of P. ostreatus PO-3 and Penicillium chrysogenum MTCC 787 and P. ostreatus PO-3 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa MTCC 1688 could degrade 86.1 and 75.1% of benzo[a]pyrene, respectively. Thus it could be inferred from the present investigation that the combined catabolic activities of P. ostreatus PO-3 with bacteria and non-basidiomycete fungi can produce synergistic effects to enhance BaP degradation. The increase in the generation of polar metabolites as degradation products from the recalcitrant parent compound advocates the potential application of P. ostreatus PO-3 in benzo[a]pyrene bioremediation.

Occurrence of ochratoxin A in roasted coffee samples commercialized in Portugal

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin with nephrotoxic, teratogenic, carcinogenic and immunotoxic properties that can frequently be found in ground roasted coffee. The aim of the present study was to assess the presence of ochratoxin A in arabica and robusta ground roasted coffee from several countries, as well as determine the levels of this mycotoxin contamination in roasted coffee commercialized in Portugal. It was also performed a laboratory validation method for the analysis of OTA in coffee using high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FD). Recoveries of OTA from ground roasted coffee spiked samples ranged between 95.5 and 109.8%. The limits of detection and quantification in coffee were 0.266 and 0.500 μg/kg, respectively. The result on OTA contamination indicates that there were slight differences between arabica and robusta coffee samples from different origins. The mean of ochratoxin A contamination detected in the coffee from Portuguese market was 1.84 and 1.45 μg/kg for roasted and ground roasted coffee, respectively; while, a maximum of 10.31 μg/kg was found. These results demonstrate how important is the purpose of monitoring and evaluation of OTA levels in coffee, since this mycotoxin is widely distributed in food and up to now without successful methodologies to prevent coffee contamination.

The role of lipopeptide biosurfactant on microbial remediation of aged polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)-contaminated soil

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been recognised as priority pollutants due to their carcinogenic, mutagenic and teratogenic properties. Bioremediation of PAHs is limited by low bioavailability of soil-bound PAHs due to their low aqueous solubility, high hydrophobicity and strong sorption to soil. The purpose of this study was to investigate the biodegradation enhancement potential of a heavy molecular mass lipopeptidal biosurfactant produced by Bacillus cereus SPL-4 on an aged wood treatment plant soil heavily contaminated with PAHs. In the laboratory scale batch treatments conducted (concentration of 6745.5mgkg−1, sum of 13PAHs) the high molecular weight PAHs removal rate was significantly enhanced in the biosurfactant supplemented microcosms than in the surfactant free controls. In the microcosms supplemented with 0.2 and 0.6% (w/w) lipopeptide, 51.2% of 4-ring and 55% of 5- and 6-ring PAHs; 64.1% of 4-ring and 79% of 5- and 6-ring PAHs were removed respectively, compared to 29% of 4-ring and 25.5% of 5- and 6-ring PAHs removal in the surfactant free control after 64daysof incubation. However, there was no statistically significant change in the degradation rates of low molecular weight PAHs in surfactant amended and surfactant free controls. Fitting the experimental data to two compartment model showed that the biosurfactant addition at 0.2 and 0.6% (w/w) increased the fast degradation fraction to 34.2 and 63% respectively, compared to 6% at the surfactant free controls. The degradation of 5 and 6 ring PAHs was significantly enhanced (p<0.05) in the higher surfactant dosage compared to the lower dosage. The results suggest that biosurfactant assisted degradation by microbial consortium may be a promising practical bioremediation strategy for aged PAH-contaminated soils.

Genomic and in silico analyses of CRBN gene and thalidomide embryopathy in humans

Thalidomide causes Thalidomide Embryopathy (TE), but is largely used to treat several conditions. Investigations with Cereblon, a thalidomide target protein encoded by CRBN gene, have helped to understand thalidomide therapeutic and teratogenic properties. We sequenced CRBN-thalidomide binding region in 38 TE individuals and 136 Brazilians without congenital anomalies, and performed in silico analyses. Eight variants were identified, seven intronic and one in 3′UTR. TE individuals had rare variants in higher frequency than the non-affected group (p=0.04). The genotype rs1620675 CC was related to neurological anomalies in TE individuals (p=0.004). Bioinformatics analysis suggested this genotype leads to potential alterations in splicing sites and binding to transcription factors. Comparison of the Cereblon-thalidomide binding domains in mammals demonstrated that CRBN is highly conserved across species. All the variants require evaluation in functional assays in order to understand their role in Cereblon-thalidomide binding and complex interactions that lead to TE.

The bacterial catabolism of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: Characterization of three hydratase-aldolase-catalyzed reactions

Summary Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are highly toxic, pervasive environmental pollutants with mutagenic, teratogenic, and carcinogenic properties. There is interest in exploiting the nutritional capabilities of microbes to remove PAHs from various environments including those impacted by improper disposal or spills. Although there is a considerable body of literature on PAH degradation, the substrates and products for many of the enzymes have never been identified and many proposed activities have never been confirmed. This is particularly true for high molecular weight PAHs (e.g., phenanthrene, fluoranthene, and pyrene). As a result, pathways for the degradation of these compounds are proposed to follow one elucidated for naphthalene with limited experimental verification. In this pathway, ring fission produces a species that can undergo a non-enzymatic cyclization reaction. An isomerase opens the ring and catalyzes a cis to trans double bond isomerization. The resulting product is the substrate for a hydratase-aldolase, which catalyzes the addition of water to the double bond of an α,β-unsaturated ketone, followed by a retro-aldol cleavage. Initial kinetic and mechanistic studies of the hydratase-aldolase in the naphthalene pathway (designated NahE) and two hydratase-aldolases in the phenanthrene pathway (PhdG and PhdJ) have been completed. Crystallographic work on two of the enzymes (NahE and PhdJ) provides a rudimentary picture of the mechanism and a platform for future work to identify the structural basis for catalysis and the individual specificities of these hydratase-aldolases.

Detoxification of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Arabidopsis thaliana involves a putative flavonol synthase

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are environmental contaminants with cytotoxic, teratogenic and carcinogenic properties. Bioremediation studies with bacteria have led to the identification of dioxygenases (DOXs) in the first step to degrade these recalcitrant compounds. In this study, we characterized the role of the Arabidopsis thaliana AT5G05600, a putative DOX of the flavonol synthase family, in the transformation of PAHs. Phenotypic analysis of loss-of-function mutant lines showed that these plant lines were less sensitive to the toxic effects of phenanthrene, suggesting possible roles of this gene in PAH degradation in vivo. Interestingly, these mutant lines showed less accumulation of H2O2 after PAH exposure. Transgenic lines over-expressing At5g05600 showed a hypersensitive response and more oxidative stress after phenanthrene treatments. Moreover, fluorescence spectra results of biochemical assays with the recombinant His-tagged protein AT5G05600 detected chemical modifications of phenanthrene. Taken together, these results support the hypothesis that AT5G05600 is involved in the catabolism of PAHs and the accumulation of toxic intermediates during PAH biotransformation in plants. This research represents the first step in the design of transgenic plants with the potential to degrade PAHs, leading to the development of vigorous plant varieties that can reduce the levels of these pollutants in the environment.

High-sensitivity chemiluminescent immunoassay investigation and application for the detection of T-2 toxin and major metabolite HT-2 toxin.

T-2 toxin is a widely distributed mycotoxin in cereals. HT-2 toxin is the major metabolite, which is also a contaminant in cereals. T-2 toxin and HT-2 toxin have been identified as having carcinogenic, hepatotoxic, teratogenic and immunotoxic properties. To reduce the risk of contamination, a rapid, highly sensitive and inexpensive assay for the detection is required. In this study a high-sensitivity chemiluminescent enzyme-linked immunoassay (CL-ELISA) of T-2 toxin and HT-2 toxin was developed. With the help of the chemiluminescent substrate, this protocol showed a highly sensitive character with an IC50 as low as 33.28 ng mL-1 and 27.27 ng mL-1 for T-2 and HT-2, respectively. In addition, this method had no cross-reaction with other structurally related mycotoxins. These results indicated that the developed CL-ELISA could be applied for the detection of T-2 toxin and HT-2 toxin in actual samples without complicated steps. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Teratogenic Nephrotoxicity induced by aluminium

The intensified growth of the modern industry has been accompanied by an increased utilization of metals in the processing of manufactured goods, foods and drugs. The mobilization of many trace elements has resulted in a growing concern about the effects of these substances on various biological processes especially about their possible effects on early mammalian development Hardness of drinking water has positively been correlated to lethal congenital malformations. Chemical agents and pharmaceutical drugs play a very important role in the teratogenesis. Amongst other trace elements or environmental chemicals, aluminium has been reported to have teratogenic properties in chick and rats. So the present study was carried out to establish the role of aluminium containing compounds in producing intra-uterine growth retardation and defected renal development, when the pregnant mothers use these compounds for various periods during pregnancy.

Use of 3,3',5,5' tetramethylbenzidine as new electrochemical indicator of DNA hybridization and its application in genossensor

Electrochemical tools are important biosensor platforms for disease diagnosis, due to their speediness, easiness, low cost and portability. However, for DNA detection, the use of indicators and/or intercalators is necessary to improve electrochemical sensitivity.Currently, ethidium bromide (EthBr) is the cheapest and most used DNA intercalators, but presents carcinogenic and teratogenic properties. Other indicators may be important for DNA photonic detection, and besides being more expensive, they behave similarly to EthBr.This investigation shows for the first time the use of tetramethylbenzidine(TMB) as a new remarkable non-carcinogenic DNA indicator for genosensing purposes, which may be used for nucleic acid detection of microorganisms, based on complementarity of base-pairing between probe and target molecules.The results indicate that TMB can be used as a new electrochemical indicator readily applicable in genosensors, which is able to detect the hybridization of single stranded DNA probe with its complementary target strand. An additional advantage of TMB, beside its non-genotoxicity, is the electrochemical reduction property, which prevents interference of serum components and other oxidative samples in the electrochemical analysis.

Lagos lagoon sediment organic extracts and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons induce embryotoxic, teratogenic and genotoxic effects in Danio rerio (zebrafish) embryos.

An expansion of anthropogenic activity around Lagos lagoon, Nigeria, has raised concerns over increasing contaminants entering the lagoon’s ecosystem. The embryotoxicity, teratogenicity and genotoxicity of sediment organic extracts from four sampling zones around Lagos lagoon, Ilaje, Iddo, Atlas Cove and Apapa, as well as the dominant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) identified in water measured during the wet season (naphthalene, phenanthrene, pyrene, benzo[a]pyrene and a mixture of these), were assessed with Danio rerio embryos. Embryos were exposed to varying concentrations of toxicants from 0–72 h post-fertilization (hpf). Embryotoxicity at 72 hpf showed a dose-dependent increase in mortality upon exposure to extracts from all zones, except Atlas Cove. Similarly, higher levels of teratogenic effects, such as increased oedema, and haemorrhage and developmental abnormalities resulted from exposure to extracts from Ilaje, Iddo and Apapa zones. Treatment with single PAHs revealed that significant levels of detrimental effects were obtained only for phenanthrene. The modified comet assay revealed that the oxidative damage to DNA was generally low (<12 %) overall for all sediment extracts, but was significantly elevated with Ilaje and Iddo sediment extracts when compared with solvent controls. Oxidative damage was observed with the single PAHs, phenanthrene and benzo[a]pyrene, as well as with the PAH mixture. This study highlights that Lagos lagoon sediment extracts have teratogenic, embryotoxic and genotoxic properties, which are likely due to the high molecular weight PAHs present in the extracts, some of which are known or are suspected human carcinogens.

Insecticide as a precursor to prepare highly bright carbon dots for patterns printing and bioimaging: A new pathway for making poison profitable

Halophenols (HPs) inflict adverse impacts on human and environment due to their toxic, carcinogenic as well as teratogenic properties. Additionally, it is of great importance and urgency for the development of simple, efficient and inexpensive approaches to minimize the harm of HPs. Here we report an innovatively making poison profitable method to prepare carbon dots (C-dots) using 3-bromophenol residual as a precursor. The effects of solvent and carbonization temperature on the preparation of insecticide-based C-dots were investigated. The results indicate that higher organic solvent content in solution and higher carbonization temperature are in favor of the formation of C-dots with smaller size and higher quantum yields. Meanwhile, all C-dots displayed excellent water solubility and high photostability against ionic strengths and light illumination. The possible mechanisms of polymerization and carbonization of C-dots were rationally proposed, and the incompact framework structure of C-dots was reasonably inferred by room-temperature phosphorescence measurement. Also, a kind of low toxicity, good biocompatibility and photostability C-dots, which were synthesized via a lab-leveled mimetic insecticide residuals approach, were utilized as colorless inks for printing patterns and as fluorescence probe for bioimaging. This proposed approach opened up a potential prospect to efficiently utilize pesticide residuals and other hazardous chemicals for biolabeling and bioimaging.

Comparison of rapid solvent extraction systems for the GC–MS/MS characterization of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in aged, contaminated soil

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a major class of organic hydrocarbons with high molecular weight that originate from both natural and anthropogenic sources. Sixteen PAHs are included in the U.S Environmental Protection agency list of priority pollutants due to their mutagenic, carcinogenic, toxic and teratogenic properties. In this study, the development and optimization of a simplified and rapid solvent extraction for the characterisation of 16 USEPA priority poly aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in aged contaminated soils was established with subsequent analysis by GC–MS/MS.•Five different extraction solvent systems: dichloromethane: acetone, chloroform: methanol, dichloromethane, acetone: hexane and hexane were assessed in terms of their ability to extract PAHs from aged PAH-contaminated soils.•Highest PAH concentrations were extracted using acetone: hexane and chloroform: methanol. Given the greater toxicity associated with chloroform: methanol, acetone: hexane appears the best choice of solvent extraction system.•This protocol enables efficient extraction of PAHs from aged weathered soils.

Simultaneous detection of aflatoxin B1, deoxynivalenol, and fumonisin B1 in blood with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Mycotoxins, such as aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), deoxynivalenol (DON), fumonisin B1 (FMB1), ochratoxin A, T2 toxin, and zearalenone, are found in numerous vegetables. Mycotoxin accumulation in food and feed poses serious health risks to humans and animals because of carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic, and toxic properties. In addition, mycotoxins cause large economic losses in commercial crop production, food and feed processing, and animal husbandry worldwide. In this study, an analytical method for the simultaneous analysis of the levels of AFB1, DON, and FMB1 in cow blood with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was developed and validated. AOZTM and Myco6in1TM multitoxin immunoaffinity columns and an OasisTM reversed-phase solid-phase extraction Hydrophilic-Lipophilic-Balanced columns were used to purify and concentrate the blood samples. Extracts that contained AFB1, DON, and FMB1 had average recovery of 64.0%, 98.0%, and 89.9%, respectively. In conclusion, we used LC-MS/MS to detect several important toxicological mycotoxins in cow blood. The multimycotoxin method, which detected and quantified the levels of AFB1, DON, and FMB1 can be used in animal pilot studies to monitor simultaneous exposure to major mycotoxins.

Occurrence of ochratoxin A in grapes, juices and wines and risk assessment related to this mycotoxin exposure

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin with nephrotoxic, genotoxic, teratogenic and carcinogenic properties. The presence of this toxin in wines and juices occurs due to the development of toxigenic fungi in grapes. Studies have shown the presence of this toxic secondary metabolite in these beverages may results in economic losses to the winery as well as health problems for consumers. In Europe, several studies have been done in order to map the areas where the development of ochratoxigenic fungi is more favorable. However, in Brazil these studies are still incipient. The Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives of the World Health Organization (JECFA) established the safe tolerable intake of 112ng OTA per kg of body weight per week. To verify whether the population is exposed to OTA levels that pose a risk to health is necessary to compare the parameter of safe ingestion defined by JECFA with the levels of exposure to this toxin. Periodic monitoring of the OTA levels in food and beverage has been justified by some reasons including: (i) the toxic effects of this toxin, (ii) the recent publication of the Brazilian legislation establishing maximum limit for OTA, (iii) the introduction of grape juice in school meals and (iv) the recommendation of regular wine intake because of their functional properties.

Ligand-Specific Transcriptional Mechanisms Underlie Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor-Mediated Developmental Toxicity of Oxygenated PAHs.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are priority environmental contaminants that exhibit mutagenic, carcinogenic, proinflammatory, and teratogenic properties. Oxygen-substituted PAHs (OPAHs) are formed during combustion processes and via phototoxidation and biological degradation of parent (unsubstituted) PAHs. Despite their prevalence both in contaminated industrial sites and in urban air, OPAH mechanisms of action in biological systems are relatively understudied. Like parent PAHs, OPAHs exert structure-dependent mutagenic activities and activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and cytochrome p450 metabolic pathway. Four-ring OPAHs 1,9-benz-10-anthrone (BEZO) and benz(a)anthracene-7,12-dione (7,12-B[a]AQ) cause morphological aberrations and induce markers of oxidative stress in developing zebrafish with similar potency, but only 7,12-B[a]AQ induces robust Cyp1a protein expression. We investigated the role of the AHR in mediating the toxicity of BEZO and 7,12-B[a]AQ, and found that knockdown of AHR2 rescued developmental effects caused by both compounds. Using RNA-seq and molecular docking, we identified transcriptional responses that precede developmental toxicity induced via differential interaction with AHR2. Redox-homeostasis genes were affected similarly by these OPAHs, while 7,12-B[a]AQ preferentially activated phase 1 metabolism and BEZO uniquely decreased visual system genes. Analysis of biological functions and upstream regulators suggests that BEZO is a weak AHR agonist, but interacts with other transcriptional regulators to cause developmental toxicity in an AHR-dependent manner. Identifying ligand-dependent AHR interactions and signaling pathways is essential for understanding toxicity of this class of environmentally relevant compounds.

Determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in dry tea

Twenty-eight different tea samples sold in the United States were evaluated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection (FLD) for their contamination with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Many PAHs exhibit carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic properties and have been related to several kinds of cancer in man and experimental animals. The presence of PAHs in environmental samples such as water, sediments, and particulate air has been extensively studied, but food samples have received little attention. Eighteen PAHs congeners were analyzed, with percentage recovery higher than 85%. Contamination expressed as the sum of the 18 analyzed PAHs was between 101 and 1337 μg/kg on dry mass and the average contents in all of the 28 examined samples was 300 μg/kg on dry mass. Seven of the congeners were found in all samples with wide ranges of concentrations as follows: fluorene (7–48 μg/kg), anthracene (1–31 μg/kg), pyrene (1–970 μg/kg), benzo(a)anthracene (1–18 μg/kg) chrysene (17–365 μg/kg), benzo(a)pyrene (1–29 μg/kg), and indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene (4–119 μg/kg). The two most toxic congeners benzo(a)pyrene and dibenzo(a,h)anthracene were found at high concentrations only in Earl Grey Twinnings, Earl Grey Harney& Sons Fine Teas, and Chai Ultra Spice Black Tea Twinnings. Six PAH congeners are considered as suspected carcinogens (U.S.EPA), formed the basis of the estimation of the toxic equivalent (TEQ), Chai Ultra-Spice Black Tea Twinnings had the highest TEQ (110.9) followed by two grey tea samples, Earl Grey Harney & Sons Fine Tea (57.7) and Earl Grey Twinnings (54.5). Decaffeinated grey teas had the lowest TEQs, decaffeinated Earl Grey Bigelow (9.4) and Green Tea Honey Lemon Decaffeinated Lipton (9.6).

Anesthesia and pain management during pregnancy

During the perioperative and postoperative care of pregnant women it is prudent to pay close attention to the changed physiology of these patients. The main principles of care are the preservation of maternal and fetal homeostasis as well as avoidance of any substances with toxic effects on the fetus. In order to provide pregnant patients with good quality care, all relevant disciplines should be involved as early as possible. Modern anesthetic drugs can be used as they seem to be without teratogenic effects. Adequate perioperative surveillance and assessment of the fetus is also important.The mainstay of pain management during pregnancy is the World Health Organization (WHO) pain ladder. It is of the utmost importance to use only substances without teratogenic or fetotoxic properties. Considering non-opioid drugs, the use of paracetamol is a viable option, whereas non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) should only be used with rigorous restrictions. Tramadol is a first-line drug when using opioids with low potency, whereas morphine can be used as an opioid with a higher potency after careful consideration of the risk-benefit ratio. If possible anticonvulsives should not be used as an adjunct in pain management during pregnancy. The use of thoroughly investigated antidepressants seems to be a better alternative. Apart from drug therapy it is important to use all available conservative pain treatment options.

In silico and biological analysis of anti-androgen activity of the brominated flame retardants ATE, BATE and DPTE in zebrafish

The brominated flame retardants (BFRs) 1,2-dibromo-4-(1,2-dibromoethyl)cyclohexane (TBECH or DBE-DCBH) and allyl 2,4,6-tribromophenyl ether (ATE or TBP-AE) are alternative BFRs that have been introduced to replace banned BFRs. TBECH is a potential endocrine disrupter in human, chicken and zebrafish and in a recent study we showed that ATE, along with the structurally similar BFR 2,3-dibromopropyl 2,4,6-tribromophenyl ether (DPTE or TBP-DBPE) and its metabolite 2-bromoallyl 2,4,6-tribromophenyl ether (BATE or TBP-BAE) are potential endocrine and neuronal disrupters in human. In this study we analyzed ATE, BATE and DPTE for zebrafish androgen receptor (zAR) modulating properties. In silico analysis with two softwares, Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) and Internal Coordinate Mechanics (ICM), showed that ATE, BATE and DPTE bind to zAR. In vitro AR activation assay revealed that these three BFRs down-regulate 11-ketotestosterone (KT) mediated zAR activation. Exposure to 10μM DPTE resulted in reduced hatching success and like TBECH, BATE and DPTE at 10μM also had teratogenic properties with 20% and 50% back-bone curvature respectively. Gene transcription analysis in zebrafish embryos as well as in juveniles showed down-regulation of the androgen receptor and androgen response genes, which further support that these BFRs are androgen antagonists and potential endocrine disrupting compounds. Genes involved in steroidogenesis were also down-regulated by these BFRs. In view of this, the impact of these BFRs on humans and wildlife needs further analysis.

Hydroxyurea for sickle-cell anaemia in Africa: mind the gap.

Hydroxyurea for sickle-cell anaemia in Africa: mind the gap.

Biologic activity of humic substances from peat and sapropel

The article reviews papers researching the biologic activity of peat and sapropel-derived humic substances, published by domestic and foreign authors. Peat is an accumulation of mainly partially decayed vegetation decomposed by microorganisms, found at mires. Sapropel is natural organic minerals that are derived from freshwater body sediment and formed by decayed vegetation and animal residues, minerals of biochemical and chemical origin and mineral components. Humic substances are a specific group of macromolecular substances derived from peat and sapropel as a result of vegetation and animal residues deterioration. It was found that drugs based on humic substances have the broadest spectrum of biological properties that are already widely used in veterinary medicine and can be used in various spheres of medicine. In particular, medications containing humic substances affect the nonspecific and specific resistance of the organism, show antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, membranotropic, hepatoprotective properties, have the ability to enhance the metabolic processes activity in the body. Sodium humate stimulates the tumor regression, helps to prevent serotonin ulcers, increases the body’s resistance to hypoxic conditions. Humic substances are do not have any toxic, teratogenic, embryotoxic and carcinogenic properties, while at the same time they are able to positively influence the health status of animals, increasing their productivity. Positive effect of humic substances on plant adaptation to ionizing radiation and pesticides was shown. Plenty of research and favorable results provides a basis for the development of a new direction in pharmacy and pharmacology related to the creation of new domestic products based on peat and sapropel.