Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the most common malignancies and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Its prognosis remains poor for patients with several grades of this disease. This underscores the need for alternative modalities, such as herbal medicines, to treat this disease. A commonly used plant that appears to be of high medicinal value is Thymus vulgaris L. However, the effects of this plant on the malignant behavior of human CRC cells remains poorly investigated. This study was undertaken to determine the anticancer efficacy of T. vulgaris extract (TVE) in CRC cells. Our results show that TVE inhibits proliferation in a concentration- and time-dependent fashion. This decreased proliferation was concomitant with increased apoptotic cell death as evidenced by increased caspase3/7 activity. Moreover, TVE also decreased adhesion to fibronectin in a concentration-dependent manner. The migratory and invasive capacities of HCT116 cells were significantly inhibited by TVE. Taken together, these data suggest that the TVE inhibits malignant phenotype of colon cancer cells. Therefore, T. vulgaris could have an anticancer effect and that some of its bioactive compounds may prove to be effective treatment modalities for human CRC.

Qataris are increasingl y becoming interested in spor t shooting at indoor and outdoor areas where lead (Pb) contamination can become an environmental health hazard, especiall y since high salinit y and low organic matter content in the deser t environment limit natural Pb weathering. Up to date, no information is available as to the impacts of Pb pellets on the environment in Qatar. Therefore, there is a need to determine Pb contamination levels at shooting ranges in Qatar. In this study, the concentrations of Pb in soils and dust collected from indoor, semi-outdoor, and outdoor ranges were assessed. L ead was extracted from soil and dust samples using the open acid digestion method, then its concentrations were determined by an ICP-MS. A baseline data on the health status of shooters was carried out using a 12-questions sur vey questionnaire. Results showed that indoor ranges were the most contaminated, having the highest Pb levels (619,309 ppb) at 25 m indoor firing ranges. The Pb levels in outdoor shooting ranges were also found to be relativel y high, especiall y at 76 m site (148,557 ppb). O verall, the concentrations of Pb were determined to be significantl y (p˂0.05) higher in indoor ranges than those of outdoor and semi-outdoor ranges. The results of the sur vey data indicated that 25% and 15% of par ticipants suffer from anemia and reduction in their mental capacit y, respectivel y, based on self-repor t. This might be associated with their recreational exposure to Pb; however, the cause and effect can onl y be established through controlled c linical studies. O verall, these results indicate that there is a c lear need for improving the situation in especiall y indoor shooting ranges by using lead-free ammunition, wearing personal protective equipment or installing better ventilation in indoor facilities.