The role of the early-life gut microbiome in childhood asthma

Asthma is a chronic disease affecting millions of children worldwide, and in severe cases requires hospitalization. The etiology of asthma is multifactorial, caused by both genetic and environmental factors. In recent years, the role of the early-life gut microbiome in relation to asthma has become apparent, supported by an increasing number of population studies, in vivo research, and intervention trials. Numerous early-life factors, which for decades have been associated with the risk of developing childhood asthma, are now being linked to the disease through alterations of the gut microbiome. These factors include cesarean birth, antibiotic use, breastfeeding, and having siblings or pets, among others. Association studies have highlighted several specific microbes that are altered in children developing asthma, but these can vary between studies and disease phenotype. This demonstrates the importance of the gut microbial ecosystem in asthma, and the necessity of well-designed studies to validate the underlying mechanisms and guide future clinical applications. In this review, we examine the current literature on the role of the gut microbiome in childhood asthma and identify research gaps to allow for future microbial-focused therapeutic applications in asthma.

Mechanism of action of genistein on breast cancer and differential effects of different age stages

CONTEXT

Genistein, a soy-derived isoflavone, exhibits structural similarities with 17β-estradiol and demonstrates antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and estrogenic properties. Despite its low bioavailability limiting its clinical application, it shows potential for breast cancer prevention and treatment.

OBJECTIVE

This review aims to summarize the pharmacological effects and molecular mechanisms of genistein in breast cancer, focusing on its therapeutic potential, strategies to overcome bioavailability limitations, and its role in personalized medicine. Differential impacts among population subgroups are also discussed.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases. Studies were selected based on their focus on genistein's mechanisms of action, strategies to enhance its bioavailability, and interactions with other therapies.

RESULTS

Genistein exerted anticancer effects by modulating estrogen receptor β (ERβ), inhibiting angiogenesis, arresting the cell cycle, and inducing apoptosis. Its antioxidant properties help mitigate tumor-associated oxidative stress. Bioavailability enhancement strategies, such as nanoparticle and lipid-based formulations, show promise. Age-dependent effects were evident, with distinct responses observed in prepubertal, menopausal, and postmenopausal populations, underscoring its potential for personalized therapies. Furthermore, genistein influences epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation and miRNA expression, bolstering its anticancer efficacy.

CONCLUSION

Genistein is a promising candidate for breast cancer therapy, particularly for personalized treatment. Strategies to enhance bioavailability and further clinical research are essential to optimize its therapeutic potential and evaluate its efficacy in combination therapies.

The gut-eye axis: from brain neurodegenerative diseases to age-related macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration is a serious neurodegenerative disease of the retina that significantly impacts vision. Unfortunately, the specific pathogenesis remains unclear, and effective early treatment options are consequently lacking. The microbiome is defined as a large ecosystem of microorganisms living within and coexisting with a host. The intestinal microbiome undergoes dynamic changes owing to age, diet, genetics, and other factors. Such dysregulation of the intestinal flora can disrupt the microecological balance, resulting in immunological and metabolic dysfunction in the host, and affecting the development of many diseases. In recent decades, significant evidence has indicated that the intestinal flora also influences systems outside of the digestive tract, including the brain. Indeed, several studies have demonstrated the critical role of the gut-brain axis in the development of brain neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Similarly, the role of the "gut-eye axis" has been confirmed to play a role in the pathogenesis of many ocular disorders. Moreover, age-related macular degeneration and many brain neurodegenerative diseases have been shown to share several risk factors and to exhibit comparable etiologies. As such, the intestinal flora may play an important role in age-related macular degeneration. Given the above context, the present review aims to clarify the gut-brain and gut-eye connections, assess the effect of intestinal flora and metabolites on age-related macular degeneration, and identify potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic strategies. Currently, direct research on the role of intestinal flora in age-related macular degeneration is still relatively limited, while studies focusing solely on intestinal flora are insufficient to fully elucidate its functional role in age-related macular degeneration. Organ-on-a-chip technology has shown promise in clarifying the gut-eye interactions, while integrating analysis of the intestinal flora with research on metabolites through metabolomics and other techniques is crucial for understanding their potential mechanisms.

Mixture analysis of associations between environmental and workplace toxins and liver damage and telomere length, stratified by race/ethnicity

This study aimed to identify the worst "bad actors" in mixtures of pollutants contributing to liver damage and shorter telomeres in the U.S. population, using weighted quantile sum (WQS) modeling with stratification by race/ethnicity. We conducted a comprehensive cross-sectional analysis of mixtures of pollutants in National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey datasets: (1) 33,979 adults with blood levels of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury, including subsets with measurements of per-/polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)/polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs); and (2) 7360 adults with measurements of telomeres, Cd, and Pb. Multivariable-adjusted WQS regression examined associations between WQS mixture indices and liver injury (alanine aminotransferase (ALT)-elevation), advanced liver-fibrosis (LF), and telomere length. WQSmetal indices were associated with advanced-LF in all racial/ethnic groups. The top contributor was Cd in the total population and in non-Hispanic Whites (NHW), while Pb was the top contributor in non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB). The WQSmetal-PCB-PCDD/F index was associated with ALT-elevation, with PCB126, Cd and Pb as main contributors; the odds ratio (OR) per decile was 1.50 (95 % CI, 1.26-1.78), while the OR per decile of the WQSmetal-PFAS index was 1.03 (95 % CI, 0.98-1.05), not significant. WQSmetal indices were associated with shorter telomeres. Cd was main contributor associated with advanced-LF in NHW, while Pb was the major bad actor in NHB, suggesting that NHB may be especially susceptible to Pb toxicity. Metals were associated with shorter telomeres. Metal and PCB/PCDD/F mixtures were associated with ALT-elevation. Heavy metals and organic chemicals may contribute to liver-related morbidity and healthcare disparities.

A small-scale data driven and graph neural network based toxicity prediction method of compounds

Toxicity prediction is crucial in drug discovery, helping identify safe compounds and reduce development risks. However, the lack of known toxicity data for most compounds is a major challenge. Recently, data-driven models have gained attention as a more efficient alternative to traditional in vivo and in vitro experiments. In this paper, we propose a small-scale, data-driven toxicity prediction method based on Graph Neural Network (GNN). We introduce a joint learning strategy for multiple toxicity types and construct a graph-based model, JLGCN-MTT, to improve prediction accuracy. In addition, we integrate a transfer learning strategy that leverages data from multiple toxicity types, allowing the model to make reliable predictions even when data for a specific toxicity type is limited. We conducted experiments using data from 3566 compounds in the Tox21 dataset, which contains 12 types of toxicity-related bioactivity data. The experimental results show that JLGCN-MTT outperforms traditional machine learning methods and single-task GNN in all 12 toxicity prediction tasks, with AUC improving by over 10% in 11 tasks. For small-scale data with 50, 100, and 300 training samples, the AUC improved in all cases, with the highest improvement of 11% observed when the sample size was 50. These results demonstrate that the small-scale, data-driven toxicity prediction method we propose can achieve high prediction accuracy.

Suppression of global protein synthesis and hepatocellular carcinoma cell growth by Benzimidazoisoquinoline, 4,11-Dichloro-BBQ

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor best known for mediating biological responses to a wide range of xenobiotics, such as dioxins and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Recently, AhR has emerged as an important player in cancer biology, with the potential for therapeutic applications through targeted modulation of its activity in specific cancer types. In this study, we report that 4,11-dichloro-BBQ (DiCl-BBQ), a benzimidazoisoquinoline, exhibits AhR-mediated antiproliferative activity in HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells. DiCl-BBQ was found to decrease cell growth at nanomolar concentrations, and this antiproliferative effect persisted even after the compound's removal. Using inducible shRNA expression system, we demonstrated that the inhibitory effect of DiCl-BBQ was significantly reduced following AhR knockdown. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that DiCl-BBQ halted cell division and induced G1 cell cycle arrest in an AhR-dependent manner. Proteomic profiling identified the top four enriched pathways following DiCl-BBQ exposure: metabolism of RNA, translation, ribonucleoprotein complex biogenesis, and carboxylic acid metabolic processes. Notably, DiCl-BBQ caused a dramatic downregulation of translation-associated proteins, with this response diminished in AhR-depleted cells. Consistently, global protein synthesis was significantly repressed in DiCl-BBQ-treated cells. Together, these results indicate that DiCl-BBQ effectively inhibits HepG2 cells growth by inducing G1 cell cycle arrest and downregulating the protein translation machinery in an AhR-dependent manner.

Effect of methoxychlor on liver function, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidants in experimental rats

Background

Methoxychlor (MXC), a widely used pesticide, poses significant toxicological risks to various biological systems. It is an environmental contaminant and the only organochlorine pesticide still using instead of DDT. Endocrine disruption of MXC is also under investigation.This study aimed to investigate the effects of MXC on antioxidant status, lipid peroxidation, and liver metabolism in experimental rats.

Methods

Male Wistar rats were divided into control and treatment groups, with the latter receiving 150 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg body weight (BW) of MXC via oral administration for 30 days. Liver function was assessed by measuring circulating biomarkers, including Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Aspartate Transaminase (AST), and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP). Oxidative damage was evaluated by determining Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS), hydroperoxide (HYP), and other lipid peroxidation markers. Key enzymes involved in antioxidant defense mechanisms were also analyzed in the liver of experimental animals.

Results

Our results demonstrated a significant increase in ALT, AST, and ALP levels in the serum of rats exposed to MXC, indicating impaired liver function. This was accompanied by elevated lipid peroxidation, further emphasizing oxidative stress. Moreover, the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, GPx, and CAT were markedly reduced in the MXC-exposed groups compared to the controls, suggesting a compromised antioxidant defense system.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that methoxychlor exposure disrupts liver function and induces oxidative stress by enhancing lipid peroxidation, thereby depleting natural antioxidant defenses. This study highlights the potential hepatotoxic effects of methoxychlor and underscores the role of oxidative stress in mediating its toxicity.

Loss of aryl hydrocarbon receptor reduces pancreatic tumor growth by increasing immune cell infiltration

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a devastating disease which remains poorly understood. Increasing evidence suggests that the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) plays a role in the pathogenesis of several cancers; however, its role in PDAC is unclear because AHR exhibits both pro- and anti-tumor activities. Here we evaluated the role of AHR in CR705 and K8484 murine PDAC cells in vitro and CR705 cells in vivo. Loss of Ahr did not affect cell proliferation compared with Cas9 control cells and no differences in tumor development between CR705Cas9 and CR705AhrKO cells were observed in immunocompromised mice. Conversely, tumors from CR705AhrKO cells grew more slowly than tumors from CR705Cas9 cells in immune competent mice. RNA sequencing identified 1279 genes upregulated and 586 genes downregulated in CR705AhrKO tumors compared with CR705Cas9 tumors. Pathway analysis identified immunoregulatory interactions, interferon signaling, and chemokine signaling among the top upregulated pathways. Increased infiltration of CD45+ cells and higher numbers of CD8+ T cells and F4/80+ cells were observed in CR705AhrKO tumors. Ahr deficiency in macrophages (LysMCre) or lymphocytes (RorcCre) did not alter tumor development of CR705Cas9 cells compared with Ahrfl/fl mice. CR705AhrKO tumors in RorcCre mice, but not in LysMCre mice had significantly lower tumor weights normalized to body weights compared with CR705AhrKO tumors in WT mice. These findings show that Ahr loss in CR705 pancreatic cancer cells is sufficient to induce proinflammatory gene responses that contribute to increased immune cell infiltration and reduced tumor growth.

Regulation of in vitro human hematopoietic differentiation by dioxin-like compounds

Certain dioxin-like compounds (DLCs) pose health concerns. However, their impact on human hematopoiesis has not been explored. Role of 2,3,4,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran (PeCDF), 3,4,4',5-tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB81), and 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB126) in lineage specification from human cord-blood derived CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) was investigated. We compared these DLCs in relation to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Over a 28-day period, HSPCs were cultured in vitro in the presence of TCDD and DLCs at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 50 nM. Cells were collected every 7 days for analysis. TCDD, PeCDF, PCB-126, and PCB-81 reduced percentage of CD10+ lymphoid progenitors and CD10 protein expression in a concentration-dependent manner. PeCDF was more potent than TCDD, and PCB81 had higher potency than PCB126. TCDD and PeCDF also induced reduction in CD34 expressing cells and CD1c+ dendritic cells, and an increase in promyelocytes at multiple time-points. These changes were mediated through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). With increasing concentrations of TCDD and PeCDF, there was a trend towards decreases in CD41+ megakaryocyte progenitors and increases in CD14+ monocytes. This study demonstrated that these DLCs altered human HSPC differentiation process towards specific myeloid hematopoietic lineages at the expense of lymphoid progenitors, similar to TCDD, which may lead to reduced immune competence. Lineages that were most sensitive to developmental modulation by DLCs were identified. Interestingly, the relative potency of these DLCs in eliciting these effects in humans was different from the compounds' relative toxicological profiles as reported in murine studies, with important implications for human risk assessment for these compounds.

Dioxin and PCB levels in sea trout with ulcerative disease syndrome

This paper reports concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in fish with symptoms of ulcerative disease syndrome (UDS) and in healthy fish collected from the Słupia River in northwestern Poland. Altogether 174 samples from sea trout were analyzed using an isotope dilution technique with high-resolution gas chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry. The levels determined in material collected from healthy and diseased fish did not raise concerns for human health. All results were below the maximum permitted levels established in European Commission Regulation No 2023/915. However, considering instead fish health, dioxins and PCBs could have a negative effect at the levels detected. The highest concentration of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs (DL- PCBs) was found in diseased sea trout muscles and was 6.19 pg World Health Organization Toxic Equivalents (WHO-TEQ) g-1 fresh weight (f.w.). The most-accumulated dioxin congeners were 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorinated dibenzofuran (TCDF) and 2,3,4,7,8-pentachlorinated dibenzofuran (PeCDF). The most abundant DL-PCBs were PCB-118 and PCB-105, and among non-dioxin like PCBs they were PCB-153, PCB-138, and PCB-101. The polluted sea trout environment and exposure to a mixture of chemical pollutants may increase the incidence of disease. The presence of dioxins and PCBs in their bodies may disrupt the functioning of their immune system. Also the time of spawning, when the fish are exhausted, may affect the increase in the incidence of UDS.

Potential of capsaicin as a combinatorial agent to overcome chemoresistance and to improve outcomes of cancer therapy

Capsaicin (CAPS), a bioactive alkaloid derived from chili peppers, has garnered significant interest for its potential role as a combinatorial and chemosensitizing agent in cancer therapy. Numerous preclinical studies have demonstrated that CAPS enhanced the efficacy of various anticancer agents by promoting apoptosis, modulating autophagy and inhibiting angiogenesis, tumor growth, and metastasis. Additionally, CAPS modulated critical regulators of chemoresistance, such as P-glycoprotein (P-gp), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway, thereby contributing to the reversal of multidrug resistance (MDR). Moreover, when administered in combination with chemotherapeutic agents, CAPS has been shown to improve treatment efficacy at lower drug concentrations. Given its multitargeted mechanism of action, CAPS represents a promising adjunct to conventional cancer therapies. However, due to its lipophilic nature, the development of optimized formulation strategies is essential to enhance its bioavailability and ensure consistent therapeutic outcomes. In conclusion, CAPS holds significant potential as a combinatorial and chemosensitizing agent, helping to overcome chemoresistance and enhance treatment outcomes across various malignancies. These promising findings warrant further preclinical and clinical investigations.

Regulatory effect of curcumin on CD40:CD40L interaction and therapeutic implications

Natural compounds have garnered significant attention as potential therapeutic agents due to their inherent properties. Their notable qualities, including safety, efficacy, favorable pharmacokinetic properties, and heightened effectiveness against certain diseases, particularly inflammatory conditions, make them particularly appealing. Among these compounds, curcumin has attracted considerable interest for its unique therapeutic properties and has therefore been extensively studied as a potential therapeutic agent for treating various diseases. Curcumin exhibits diverse anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects. Curcumin's immune system regulatory ability has made it a promising compound for treatment of various inflammatory diseases, such as psoriasis, atherosclerosis, asthma, colitis, IBD, and arthritis. Among the signaling pathways implicated in these conditions, the CD40 receptor together with its ligand, CD40L, are recognized as central players. Studies have demonstrated that the interaction between CD40 and CD40L interaction acts as the primary mediator of the immune response in inflammatory diseases. Numerous studies have explored the impact of curcumin on the CD40:CD40L pathway, highlighting its regulatory effects on this inflammatory pathway and its potential therapeutic use in related inflammatory conditions. In this review, we will consider the evidence concerning curcumin's modulatory effects in inflammatory disease and its potential therapeutic role in regulating the CD40:CD40L pathway.

SUMOylation of RAD51 upregulates GOLPH3 expression and promotes cisplatin resistance in colon cancer cells by Sp1 transcriptional activity

Platinum-based chemotherapy is a first-line treatment for colon cancer. Previous studies have shown that Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) overexpression drives platinum resistance in colon cancer and is associated with DNA damage repair (DDR). However, the mechanism by which DDR induces GOLPH3 expression remains unclear. This study investigates how RAD51 recombinase (RAD51) SUMOylation upregulates GOLPH3 expression and promotes platinum resistance in colon cancer. In DDP-resistant colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) cells, Specificity protein 1 (Sp1) and GOLPH3 were overexpressed, while N-myc downstream regulated 1 (NDRG1) was downregulated. Knockdown of Sp1 or GOLPH3 increased NDRG1 expression, inhibited COAD cell proliferation, promoted cell apoptosis, and enhanced cell sensitivity to cisplatin (DDP). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and bioinformatics analyses of COAD tissues revealed a positive correlation between RAD51, SUMO1 and Sp1 expression. Sp1 was found to increase DDP resistance by transcriptionally activating GOLPH3 expression. RAD51 was SUMOylated by SUMO1 at the K57 site, and this modification decreased COAD cell sensitivity to DDP by enhancing Sp1 transcriptional activity. Furthermore, RAD51 overexpression led to upregulation of GOLPH3 and downregulation of NDRG1, promoting cell proliferation, inhibiting apoptosis, and increasing resistance to DDP. Conversely, the RAD51 mutant did not affect GOLPH3 expression or platinum resistance in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, RAD51 SUMOylation at the K57 site enhances Sp1 transcriptional activity, thereby reducing colon cancer cell sensitivity to DDP by regulating GOLPH3 and NDRG1 expression. This discovery elucidates the molecular mechanism of DDR-induced GOLPH3 upregulation, offering a new perspective for overcoming DDP resistance in colon cancer.

Multigenerational exposure to trace concentrations of DDT residues in Wistar rats: Effects on biometric development and biochemical parameters

The Organochlorine Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its residues, Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (DDD) and Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), are Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) that bioaccumulate, persist in the environment, and magnify through the food chain. Chronic exposure is linked to oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, emphasizing the need to study its multigenerational impacts on health and development. This study investigated the effects of multigenerational exposure to DDT residues in Wistar rats. Pregnant females were provided water containing trace concentrations of p,p'-DDD (0.015 µM) and p,p'-DDE (0.006 µM) from the first day of gestation (PD0) until the end of the life cycle of two generations (F1 and F2). Biometric and biochemical evaluations were conducted at PND35 and PND105, including weight, naso-anal length, and abdominal circumference. Hepatic, renal, and adipose tissues were analyzed macro- and microscopically, along with biochemical analyses. Statistical analyses included ANOVA and generalized linear models. The hypothetical model confirmed that no significant variations occurred between generations, indicating that effects were driven by group, age, and sex differences. The analysis revealed that DDD/DDE synergism and female sex significantly influenced hepatic, renal, cerebral, and white adipose tissues. DDD/DDE exposure increased hepatic enzyme activity, reduced cerebral cholinesterase and renal antioxidants, and altered adipocyte mass. Age also influenced enzymatic activity and development, with notable differences between PND35 and PND105 in tissues and biometric indices. In conclusion, DDD/DDE exposure, particularly in females, significantly impacted hepatic, renal, cerebral, and adipose tissues. The results highlight that observed effects depend on group, age, and sex, emphasizing the risks associated with environmental contamination.

A review on the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks involved in inflammatory processes in Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that is the most frequent reason for dementia. Due to the increasing trend of aging in societies, it will place a large social and financial burden on society. Although beta amyloid plaques and the formation of neurofibrillary tangles are mentioned as the main events in this disorder, the exact molecular pathology and inflammatory regulatory networks involved in neuroinflammatory events, as a fundamental pathogenic mechanism remain unknown. Understanding these molecular network pathways in addition to helping to understand the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, can also help in the early diagnosis as well as the control of inflammatory processes that are involved in its progression. So, in this study, we intend to have an overview on the regulatory lncRNAs of Alzheimer's disease and their related miRNA and mRNAs, as well as the relationship of these regulatory pathways with inflammatory processes, so that we can provide a perspective for future studies in the field of diagnosis and possibly treatment of this disorder.

In silico studies to understand the interactions of flavonoid inhibitor with nsp12-RNA dependent RNA polymerase of SARS-CoV-2 and its homologs

Aim

COVID 19 continues to be a major health concern. RNA dependent RNA polymerase of SARS-CoV-2 which is crucial for replication is therefore a potential drug target.

Methodology

Based on experimental structures of RdRp from SARS-CoV-2, computational models were generated of its homologs from SARS-C o V-1, MERS and Bat. SARS CoV-2 RdRp was used for virtual screening at nucleotide binding site with molecule from COCONUT Natural Products database using Glide. Complexes with the top inhibitor molecule were modelled using Discovery Studio and Desmond suite of programs.

Results

SARS-CoV-2 RdRp has a minimum of 80 % sequence similarity with its homologs, with the secondary structural elements, catalytic residues and metal binding residues being conserved. Certain residue variations in SARS-CoV-2 RdRp seems to be responsible for the stability of the enzyme. Docking and simulation studies showed that a flavonoid molecule with Coconut ID: CNP0127177.0 (HHF318) has binding affinity in low nano-molar range against RdRp from SARS-CoV-2 which was comparable or better than currently used inhibitors. This affinity stems from cationic-π with Arg555, and π-stacking interactions with a nucleobase of RNA. Molecule also engages with other residues that are crucial for its functions. This flavonoid molecule has similar physio-chemical properties like ATP towards SARS-CoV-2 RdRp, and has low potency for human ATP binding proteins.

Conclusion

HHF318 is a potential inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 RdRp with good potency, specificity and pharmacokinetic properties for it to be developed as a drug candidate for COVID19.

Polyhalogenated carbazoles contamination in East China Sea sediments: Spatial distribution, source apportionment, and ecological risk assessment

Polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs), an emerging class of halogenated organic pollutants, have been widely detected in various environmental media, including sediments, soil, air, and organisms. The East China Sea (ECS) is a vital region for marine and fishery resource development in China, yet research on the pollution levels and sources of PHCZs in its sediments remains limited. This study reports the occurrence of seven PHCZs in the surface sediments of the ECS, with detection rates exceeding 90%. The concentrations of Σ7PHCZs ranged from 3.5 to 27 ng/g, with an average of 9.9 ng/g. The predominant congeners were 1368-BCZ and 3-ICZ. The sources of PHCZs included a non-specific source transported via terrestrial runoff (39%), industrial wastewater discharge (35%), and optoelectronic material pollution (26%), as identified by the positive matrix factorization model. The ecological risk assessment, based on TEQ, indicated a range of 0.18-5.0 pg TEQ/g across the study area. These findings highlight the potential ecological concerns associated with PHCZs in the ECS and emphasize the need for enhanced environmental monitoring and source mitigation efforts to reduce their potential environmental impacts.

Surface sediments as a sink and risk source for legacy POPs during waste management practices

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are globally recognized contaminants due to their persistence, bioaccumulative properties, and toxicity. Despite regulatory efforts, these compounds continue to enter the environment through improper waste management practices, including shipbreaking activities. This study investigates the PCB and PBDE contamination of marine sediments along a 30 km coastline in Aliağa, Türkiye, involving one of the world's largest shipbreaking yards. Sixteen surface sediment samples were analyzed for 46 PCB and 23 PBDE congeners. The results revealed Σ46PCBs ranging from 5.17 to 4750 ng/g and Σ23PBDEs from non-detectable to 5053 ng/g. Shipbreaking activities exhibited the highest concentrations, while the sediments sampled close to beaches had the lowest POP contamination. Source apportionment using principal component analysis (PCA) identified distinct contamination patterns, associating higher-chlorinated PCBs with shipbreaking and lower-chlorinated PCBs and PBDEs with land-based industrial emissions and urban runoff. Ecological risk evaluation showed that most sediment samples exceeded sediment quality guidelines, with some PCB and PBDE congeners posing moderate to high risks to benthic ecosystems. Particularly, PCBs 28 and 52 exhibited low to high risk for almost all sediment samples. This study emphasizes the urgent need for improved waste management practices, particularly for POP-containing materials, to mitigate ecological risks. Shipbreaking yards are identified as hotspots for legacy POP contamination, necessitating international collaboration and stricter enforcement of environmental regulations as shipbreaking operations encompass cross-country transfer of wastes. Findings highlight the critical importance of remediation strategies to protect marine environments.

Evaluation of multilayer co-extrusion film and other three plastic membranes as passive samplers for determination of polyhalogenated carbazoles in water

Passive sampling methods can provide valuable insights for monitoring hydrophobic organic compounds (HOCs) in aquatic environments. As the list of target HOCs expands, there is an increasing demand for passive samplers that can detect a broader range of these compounds. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a three-layer co-extruded polyethylene/ethylene vinyl acetate (TLC-EVA) film alongside three existing materials (polyethylene (PE), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)) for passive sampling of carbazole and five halogenated carbazoles (PHCZs), a group of dioxin-like chemicals, in water. The films were calibrated through batch experiments to determine the partition coefficients between the polymer and water (KPW). The performance of the samplers and the presence of PHCZs were evaluated through 7- and 14-day exposures in the Xiaoyi River, which flows through Qufu City, China. The logKPW values varied significantly among the compounds and were generally consistent across the four films, ranging from 2.73 to 4.14 for EVA, 2.65 to 4.21 for PE, 2.85 to 3.98 for PMMA, and 2.62 to 4.22 for PDMS. These findings indicate that the films can effectively function as passive samplers for PHCZs. Additionally, a comparison of logKPW results with physicochemical parameters (logKOW and logKOC) highlighted the negative impact of halogen substituents and steric hindrance on sorption, particularly for 1,3,6,8-tetrabromocarbazole. The passive sampling reached equilibrium within the 7-day exposure period, with all PHCZs detected in the river water. Increased concentrations at urban and wastewater treatment plant outlet sampling sites suggested specific sources of PHCZs. Our results advocate for the application of multilayer co-extrusion films as a novel material for passive sampling of HOCs.

Photodegradation process and mechanism of 2,3,6-trichloronaphthalene on kaolinite surfaces under ultraviolet-A irradiation: Role of fulvic acid and density functional theory calculations

Polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs), a class of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), pose significant environmental and health risks, with trichloronaphthalene being a predominant congener in atmospheric particulate matter. This study investigates the photodegradation of 2,3,6-trichloronaphthalene (CN-26) on kaolinite surfaces under ultraviolet-A (UV-A) irradiation, focusing on the impact of fulvic acid (FA), temperature, humidity, and pH. The photodegradation mechanism of CN-26 was inferred via radical quenching experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The optimized degradation rate of CN-26 was 75.57 % at 25 °C, 70 % humidity, and pH 7 when FA was added at a concentration of 30 mg kg-1. Based on the radical quenching experiments, •OH are the primary active species involved in the degradation of CN-26, followed by electrons. In the absence of FA, •OH contributed 82.21 %, while electronic was 17.79 %. Conversely, in the presence of FA, the contribution rates of •OH, and electronic are 68.32 % and 21.21 % respectively. DFT calculations indicated that the 6 C site of CN-26 exhibited the highest susceptibility to radical attack, with the highest FED2HOMO+FED2LUMO value (0.25273), corroborated by averaged local ionization energy (ALIE) analysis. In the analysis of the reaction of •OH with CN-26, the lowest transition state ΔrG value of 1.09 kcal mol-1 was observed for compound 6 C, indicating that this site is the most susceptible to •OH attack. The degradation products of CN-26 were detected using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and the possible photodegradation pathways were proposed, which included dechlorination, hydroxylation, and aromatic ring opening. This study would provide insights into the photochemical behaviors of PCNs.

Associations between blood levels of persistent organic pollutants and oxidative stress biomarkers among women in France in the 90's

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are a group of organic chemicals potentially toxic to human health. Induction of oxidative stress is one of the suspected mechanisms of action. The aims of this study were to model exposure-response functions between blood levels of a mixture of POPs and biomarkers of oxidative stress, to identify potential interactions between POPs, and to estimate the overall effect of the mixture. Levels of POPs and oxidative stress biomarkers were measured in the blood of 467 women from the French E3N cohort study, aged 45-73 years, collected between 1994 and 1999. In total, 41 POPs quantified in at least 75% of samples, and 3 antioxidant enzymes (Superoxide Dismutase 1 (SOD1), Superoxide Dismutase 2 (SOD2), and alpha-Glutathione S-Transferase (GSTα)) were included. A Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) model was fitted for each oxidative stress biomarker, including the 41 POPs as exposure variables and adjusting for potential confounders identified using a directed acyclic graph. Additionally, linear regression models including each POP biomarker separately adjusted for potential confounders were run. With the BKMR models, only two POPs biomarkers were found associated to SOD1 (PFPeS) and SOD2 (PCB-156). A greater number of POPs appeared associated to GSTα (oxychlordane, dieldrin, PFUnDA, PFHpA, PCB-28, PCB-153, PCB-180, PBDE-47, PBDE-100, and PBDE-153). Single-pollutant linear models also highlighted statistically significant associations in the same direction as the BKMR model. The BKMR models also highlighted non-linear cumulative effects, with overall negative trends for SOD1 and SOD2 and a positive trend for GSTα. These findings support that oxidative stress may be involved in the mechanisms linking the exposure of mixtures of POPs and related health effects. Further epidemiological studies on larger populations, as well as toxicological studies, are necessary to confirm these results.

Monitoring Macrophage Polarization in Infectious Disease, Lesson From SARS-CoV-2 Infection

The concept of macrophage polarization has been largely used in human diseases to define a typology of activation of myeloid cells reminiscent of lymphocyte functional subsets. In COVID-19, several studies have investigated myeloid compartment dysregulation and macrophage polarization as an indicator of disease prognosis and monitoring. SARS-CoV-2 induces an in vitro activation state in monocytes and macrophages that does not match the polarization categories in most studies. In COVID-19 patients, monocytes and macrophages are activated but they do not show a polarization profile. Therefore, the investigation of polarization under basic conditions was not relevant to assess monocyte and macrophage activation. The analysis of monocytes and macrophages with high-throughput methods has allowed the identification of new functional subsets in the context of COVID-19. This approach proposes an innovative stratification of myeloid cell activation. These new functional subsets of myeloid cells would be better biomarkers to assess the risk of complications in COVID-19, reserving the concept of polarization for pharmacological programme evaluation. This review reappraises the polarization of monocytes and macrophages in viral infections, particularly in COVID-19.

Indole metabolism and its role in diabetic macrovascular and microvascular complications

Tryptophan (Trp), an essential amino acid obtained through dietary sources, plays a crucial role in various physiological processes. The metabolism of Trp branches into three principal pathways: the serotonin pathway, the kynurenine pathway, and the indole pathway. The kynurenine and serotonin pathways are host pathways while the indole pathway is solely the result of bacterial metabolism. Trp metabolites extend their influence beyond protein biosynthesis to affect a spectrum of pathophysiological mechanisms including, but not limited to, neuronal function, immune modulation, inflammatory responses, oxidative stress regulation, and maintenance of intestinal health. This review focuses on indole derivatives and their impact on vascular health. Trp-containing dipeptides are highlighted as a targeted nutraceutical approach to modulate Trp metabolism, enhance beneficial metabolite production, and mitigate risk factors for vascular diseases. The importance of optimizing Trp intake and dietary strategies to harness the benefits of Trp-derived metabolites for vascular health is underscored, bringing to light the need for further research to refine these therapeutic approaches.

The crosstalk between non-coding RNAs and oxidative stress in cancer progression

As living standards elevate, cancers are appearing in growing numbers among younger individuals globally and these risks escalate with advancing years. One of the reasons is that instability in the cancer genome reduces the effectiveness of conventional drug treatments and chemotherapy, compared with more targeted therapies. Previous research has discovered non-coding RNAs' crucial role in shaping genetic networks involved in cancer cell growth and invasion through their influence on messenger RNA production or protein binding. Additionally, the interaction between non-coding RNAs and oxidative stress, a crucial process in cancer advancement, cannot be overlooked. Essentially, oxidative stress results from the negative effects of radicals within the body and ties directly to cancer gene expression and signaling. Therefore, this review focuses on the mechanism between non-coding RNAs and oxidative stress in cancer progression, which is conducive to finding new cancer treatment strategies.

Targeting hypoxia-mediated chemo-immuno resistance by a hybrid NBDHEX-Pt(IV) prodrug via declining nuclear STING1-promoted AhR-CIN in human lung squamous cell carcinoma

As found in human lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC), STING1 involved in ER-Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC) could coordinate immune responses to ectopic DNA triggered by DNA-targeted chemotherapy. ERGIC STING1 is considered to compete with nuclear STING1 to decline aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-chromosomal instability (CIN)-triggered chronic STING activation which could cause therapeutic resistance. Moreover, GSTP1 was proved to inhibit ERGIC-STING1 via promoting S-glutathione modification of STING1. Hence, a potent GSTP1-targeted Pt(IV) hybrid NBDHEX-DN604, was designed via conjugating a GSTP1 inhibitor NBDHEX to the axial position of Pt(IV) prodrug. As mentioned, hypoxia is mainly observed in malignant tumors and develops acquired drug resistance. In vitro bio-properties of hypoxic SK-MES-1/cDDP cells demonstrated that NBDHEX-DN604 could reverse chemo-immuno resistance via intercepting GSTP1 to activate ERGIC STING1, leading to the decrease of nuclear STING1. The mechanistic data indicated that NBDHEX-DN604 could elevate ERGIC STING1 to mitigate nuclear STING1-mediated AhR-TLS-CIN-chronic activation. Meanwhile, NBDHEX-DN604 was found to decline STING1-AhR-CIN to circumvent chemo-immuno resistance, resulting in predominant in vivo antitumor effect in HY-KLN-205/cDDP-inoculated BALB/c mice. The data provide a novel rationale for the mixed chemo-immunotherapy of NBDHEX-DN604 as a potent Pt(IV) therapeutic method for patients with resistant LUSC.

Evaluating the role of kynurenine/tryptophan ratio as an indicator of disease activity in Indian patients with inflammatory bowel disease. A case-control study

BACKGROUND

Tryptophan (T), an essential amino acid, is primarily metabolized (∼90%) to kynurenine (K) by indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) mainly in intestinal cells. In inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), there is an increase in IDO1 activity which would increase Kynurenine levels and Kynurenine/Tryptophan (K/T) ratio. We hypothesize that alteration in K/T may be an indicator of disease severity in IBD.

METHODS

55 healthy controls (HC), 55 Ulcerative colitis (UC) (35 active and 20 remission) and 30 Crohn's disease (CD) (20 active and 10 remission) were enrolled from November 2020 to March 2023. Plasma Kyn & Trp were simultaneously estimated using ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography (UPLC). K/T ratio was correlated with disease activity and fecal calprotectin. In 25 patients follow-up samples were also collected with change in disease activity.

RESULTS

Median K/T ratio was significantly higher in patients with active disease as compared to those in remission and HC (p < .0001). A cut-off of ≤41 distinguished remission/healthy controls with a sensitivity of 92.73%, specificity of 76.36%, and an AUC of 0.9 (95% CI: 0.83-0.95, p < .001). The K/T ratio correlated with FC levels at a diagnostic cut-off of 250 µg/g. A significant reduction in K/T ratio with disease activity was noted in 80% of follow-up patients.

CONCLUSION

The K/T ratio with a cut-off of 41, correlated with the disease activity in 82% of patients, suggesting that the K/T ratio alters remarkably with disease activity in IBD patients. These findings can be further assessed for disease marker in a larger cohort of IBD patients.

Protective effects of ascorbic acid against anticancer drug-induced oxidative stress and genotoxic damage in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The widely used dietary antioxidant ascorbic acid (AA) is evident to possess protective effects against many chronic diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of AA on oxidative stress and genotoxic damage caused by 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), docetaxel (DOCE), and tamoxifen (TAMOX) in two proficient and four isogenic Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains. For this, we performed disc diffusion and comet alkaline assay using suitable standard drugs. The results suggest that 5-FU, DOCE, TAMOX, and their combinations induced significant oxidative damage (p < 0.001) in all S. cerevisiae strains. These anticancer drugs and their combinations also induced genotoxicity (p < 0.05) in the SODWT strain when compared to the negative control group. These drugs and their combinations augmented damage index (ID) and damage frequency (FD) in the comet assay. However, AA alone, as well as when co-treated with these anticancer drugs, significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the damaging effects (oxidative stress and genotoxicity) on all test strains. AA showed the highest damage modulation with TAMOX (ID = 51.4% and FD = 50%), followed by 5-FU + DOCE (ID = 43.5% and FD = 42.9%), DOCE (ID = 42.5% and FD = 39.1%), and 5-FU + TAMOX (ID = 37% and FD = 33.6%), respectively. Taken together, AA reduced oxidative stress caused by the inducer hydrogen peroxide and showed anti-genotoxic activities against 5-FU, DOCE, and TAMOX, and their combinations mediated genotoxic effects on S. cerevisiae strains. Further studies are necessary to understand the molecular interference of AA in cancer therapies.

Exploring DMT: Endogenous role and therapeutic potential

N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a naturally occurring amine and psychedelic compound, found in plants, animals, and humans. While initial studies reported only trace amounts of DMT in mammalian brains, recent findings have identified alternative methylation pathways and DMT levels comparable to classical neurotransmitters in rodent brains, calling for a re-evaluation of its biological role and exploration of this inconsistency. This study evaluated DMT's biosynthetic pathways, focusing on indolethylamine N-methyltransferase (INMT) and its isoforms, and possible regulatory mechanisms, including alternative routes of synthesis and how physiological conditions, such as stress and hypoxia influence DMT levels. This review considers the impact of endogenous regulatory factors on DMT synthesis and degradation, particularly under conditions affecting monoamine oxidase (MAO) efficiency and activity. We also examined DMT's potential roles in various physiological processes, including neuroplasticity and neurogenesis, mitochondrial homeostasis, immunomodulation, and protection against hypoxia and oxidative stress. DMT's lipophilic properties allow it to cross cell membranes and activate intracellular 5-HT2A receptors, contributing to its role in neuroplasticity. This suggests DMT may act as an endogenous ligand for intracellular receptors, highlighting its broader biological significance beyond traditional receptor pathways. The widespread evolutionary presence of DMT's biosynthetic pathways across diverse species suggests it may play essential roles in various developmental stages and cellular adaptation to environmental challenges, highlighting the neurobiological significance of DMT and its potential clinical applications. We propose further research to explore the role of endogenous DMT, particularly as a potential neurotransmitter.

Source apportionment of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin/furans and polychlorinated biphenyls in soil from the Gyirong Valley in the Himalayas

The Tibetan Plateau is an important area for persistent organic pollutants (POPs) research because of high-altitude condensation and global distillation. However, the sources of the POPs in remote regions have not been quantified, which is critical for global control of POPs. The Gyirong Valley in the Himalayas bordering Nepal serves as an important pathway for cross-border transport of POPs to the Tibetan Plateau. In this study, the occurrences of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin/furans (PCDD/Fs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) as typical POPs were investigated in surface soil samples collected along the Gyirong Valley. The PCDD/F and PCB congener profiles and positive matrix factorization were used to identify sources and quantify their contribution to PCDD/Fs and PCBs in the valley. The main source of PCDD/Fs was long-range atmospheric transport (LRAT), while the main sources of PCBs were domestic burning of coal and wood (27.3 %), LRAT (23.7 %), by-products from pigments, paints, and dyes (42.4 %) and industrial activities related to maintenance, disassembly or accidental releases of electrical equipment (6.5 %). A backward trajectory simulation indicated that the Indian monsoon played a dominant role in facilitating the transport of POPs from Nepal through the Gyirong Valley to the Tibetan Plateau. These results for the occurrences, distribution characteristics, and primary sources of PCDD/Fs and PCBs in the Himalayas will be helpful for POPs risk assessments and control in remote regions.

Phytochemicals for the prevention and treatment of pancreatic cancer: Current progress and future prospects

Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, owing to its aggressive nature and suboptimal treatment options, emphasizing the need for novel therapeutic approaches. Emerging studies have exhibited promising results regarding the therapeutic utility of plant-derived compounds (phytochemicals) in pancreatic cancer. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the potential of phytochemicals in the treatment and prevention of pancreatic cancer. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses was applied to collect articles for this review. Scholarly databases, including PubMed, Scopus and ScienceDirect, were queried for relevant studies using the following keywords: phytochemicals, phenolics, terpenoids, alkaloids, sulfur-containing compounds, in vitro, in vivo, clinical studies, pancreatic cancer, tumour, treatment and prevention. Aggregate results pooled from qualified studies indicate phytochemicals can inhibit pancreatic cancer cell growth or decrease tumour size and volume in animal models. These effects have been attributed to various mechanisms, such as increasing proapoptotic factors, decreasing antiapoptotic factors, or inducing cell death and cell cycle arrest. Notable signalling pathways modulated by phytochemicals include the rat sarcoma/mitogen activated protein kinase, wingless-related integration site/β-catenin and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin signal transduction pathways. Clinically, phytochemicals have been found to increase survival while being well-tolerated and safe, though research is scarce. While these promising results have produced great interest in this field, further in-depth studies are required to characterize the anticancer activities of phytochemicals before they can be utilized to prevent or treat pancreatic cancer in clinical practice. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue Natural Products and Cancer: From Drug Discovery to Prevention and Therapy. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v182.10/issuetoc.

Neonatal co-administration of the phytoestrogens genistein and daidzein disrupts sexual behavior and fertility

Phytoestrogens are non-steroidal compounds that, can act as agonists and/or antagonists by binding to estrogen receptors; consequently they can modify estrogen-dependent processes of neonatal sexual differentiation. Results of the analysis of the sexual behavior of experimental rats that received 6.8 mg of isoflavones/kg/day, showed significantly more mating activity, but fewer ejaculations (p < 0.01), and a lower copulatory efficiency than the control group. Aggressive behavior was prominent in the phytoestrogen-treated males (p < 0.05), but defensive behavior was infrequent. Phytoestrogens may interfere with the development of male and female traits by competing with estradiol in contexts of sexual behavior. Compared to the control group, the phytoestrogen-treated males exhibited delayed olfactory perception and uncertain preference. The ventrolateral area of the medial hypothalamus is influenced by neonatal neuro estrogens that can produce changes in differentiation, such as the aggressiveness manifested by the males. A probable explanation is that this is due to the inhibition of aromatase by isoflavones. Regarding fertility, the females impregnated by the control males had more offspring (12.2 ± 2.10), than those of the experimental males (4.02 ± 1.13, p < 0.01). Spermatozoa analysis showed a low concentration (p < 0.05) due to isoflavone treatment, with increased immaturity (p < 0.01) and more dead spermatozoa (p < 0.05). We conclude that neonatal administration of genistein and daidzein alters olfactory functions, aggressiveness, sexual behaviors, and fertility through changes in spermatozoa quality. The most notable effect was the decreased of fertility in experimental male demonstrated by the lower number of pregnant females and smaller litters.

Polyhalogenated carbazoles in the environment: Analysis, origins, occurrence, and toxicity

Polyhalogenated carbazoles are a class of emerging organic compounds characterized by the substitution of one to eight hydrogen atoms in the carbazole structure with halogen atom(s). Polyhalogenated carbazoles originate from natural and anthropogenic sources and are widely distributed in the environment. They are persistent in the environment and present a range of toxic effects, notably dioxin-like activity. This review focused on recent progress in determining their distribution, analytical methodologies, toxicity, origins, and transformation in the environment, highlighting their potential ecological and health risks. It confirmed the critical need for ongoing research regarding their environmental behavior and fate, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the resulting environmental risks. This review also identified future research needs regarding these compounds.

PCDD/Fs in human tissues: A review of global biomonitoring data

This review investigates the concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in internal human organs and tissues - excluding blood - with a particular focus on adipose tissue studies conducted worldwide up to January 2025. A thorough analysis of published literature highlights significant geographical and temporal trends in human PCDD/F exposure, including potential associations between PCDD/F levels and various health conditions. Several research gaps are identified, and proposals for future studies are given. Studies from Europe, Asia, and North America demonstrated a general decline in tissue PCDD/F concentrations over recent decades, particularly from the 1970s to early 2000s, attributed to successful emission control measures. Adipose tissue PCDD/F levels were typically higher in industrialized regions, with occupational exposure studies showing significantly elevated concentrations compared to the general population. Notable regional variations were observed, with some Asian countries continuing to show relatively high PCDD/F levels despite the overall declining trend. The review also highlighted potential associations between PCDD/F exposure and various health conditions, including endometriosis and cryptorchidism, though causal relationships remain unclear. Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling studies estimate valuable insights into the distribution and accumulation of these compounds in human tissues. Research gaps identified include limited data from developing countries and other underrepresented regions. It is also important to acknowledge the variability in analytical methods and reporting units across the reviewed studies, which may complicate direct comparisons of results. This review emphasizes the importance of continued biomonitoring efforts, particularly in underrepresented regions, to track exposure trends and protect vulnerable populations.

Exogenous α-Synuclein Induces Oxidative Damage to Dopaminergic Neurons Through p-NMDAR2B/Nur77

Alpha-synuclein (α-syn) is a major pathological marker of Parkinson's disease (PD), and its abnormal expression and aggregation lead to dopaminergic neuron degeneration, in which oxidative stress plays an important role. However, the exact molecular mechanism by which α-syn causes PD remains unclear. In this study, exogenous α-syn, also known as α-syn preformed fibrils (α-syn PFFs), was used to construct in vivo and in vitro models of PD. Behavioral, Western blotting, biochemical, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, electron microscopy, etc. were used to investigate the pathological mechanism of PD induced by α-syn. We found that 6 months after striatum injection of α-syn PFFs, mice exhibited motor deficits. Meanwhile, the protein expression of pS129-α-syn (p-α-syn) and α-syn oligomer significantly increased, while the expression of TH significantly decreased, and the oxidative stress in the substantia nigra was aggravated. In addition, we found an increase in the protein expression of NMDAR2B and p-Tyr1472-NMDAR2B (p-NMDAR2B) and a decrease in the protein expression of Nur77. However, in α-syn PFFs-induced SH-SY5Y cells, we found that inhibiting p-NMDAR2B increased the protein expression of Nur77, while overexpression of Nur77 did not affect the expression of p-NMDAR2B. Inhibition of p-NMDAR2B and overexpression of Nur77 reversed α-syn PFF-induced oxidative stress, thus reducing mitochondrial damage and cytotoxicity. Therefore, we speculate that α-syn PFF-induced oxidative stress in dopaminergic neurons may be mediated by p-NMDAR2B/Nur77. Our study provides novel insights into the pathology mechanism underlying α-syn-induced PD.

Inhibition of sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 3 ameliorates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by suppressing macrophage M2 polarization

Pulmonary fibrosis is a devastating lung disease without effective treatment options. Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 3 (S1pr3), a receptor for the lipid signaling molecule sphingosine-1-phosphate, has been shown to mediate the development of pulmonary fibrosis, although the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. Here, we found increased expression of S1pr3 in the lung during the process of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice and specific overexpression of S1pr3 in the infiltrated M2 macrophages. We constructed LysM-Cre + /S1pr3 flox/flox mice, in which S1pr3 was conditionally depleted in myeloid cells, and this depletion protected mice from bleomycin-induced lung injury and fibrosis, with reduced M2 macrophage accumulation in the lung. Increased S1pr3 expression was found in bone marrow-derived macrophages after alternatively activated by IL4 ex vivo, while loss of S1pr3 attenuated IL-4-induced M2 polarization in bone marrow-derived macrophages by repressing the PI3K/Akt-Stat3 signaling pathway. Moreover, the S1pr3 inhibitors CAY10444 and TY52156 exerted protective effects on pulmonary fibrosis in mice. Taken together, our research showed that inhibition of S1pr3 ameliorates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by reducing macrophage M2 polarization via the PI3K/Akt-Stat3 signaling pathway, indicating that S1pr3 may be a potential target for pulmonary fibrosis treatment.

Characterization of the marine medaka AHRs and the comparison with those of Japanese medaka in response to dioxin and additional AHR ligands

The global water pollution now calls for precise risk assessment of chemicals, e.g., dioxins and the dioxin-like compounds (DLCs). The freshwater and marine medaka have been widely implemented in the toxicity testing, and perhaps give mechanistic information for comparative biology. The question that 'will they report equal results due to their close phylogenetic relation' has been raised, therefore, we explored their physiological and molecular responses to dioxin. As the mediator of the dioxin toxicity, the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) of marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma) has not been functionally characterized and might be species-specific. In terms of sensitivity to dioxin-2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), the EC50 values of omeAHR1a (0.16±0.12 nM), omeAHR1b (2.96±2.96 nM), omeAHR2a (0.44±0.30 nM), and omeAHR2b (9.00±6.88 nM) exhibit marked variations. The omeAHR2a and omeAHR1a display heightened sensitivity compared to the freshwater Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) counterparts olaAHR2a and olaAHR1a, respectively. The results indicate the in vitro sensitivity of AHR among species can vary by one or two orders of magnitude. Further mechanistic investigations using additional ligands and computational modeling reveal that: 1) most of omeAHR2a, olaAHR2a, dreAHR2, and hsaAHR interact with ligands in the affinity order of TCDD > PCB126 > BNF > indole, mirroring their AHR transactivation potency, but the docking poses and dynamics can vary; 2) one AHR subform's high sensitivity to dioxin-TCDD may extend to DLCs but not to other types of ligands. Beyond the in vitro study, the preliminary in vivo LC50 data indicate that marine medaka (LC50: 1.64 ng/L (95 % CI: 1.05-2.55 ng/L)) has similar sensitivity, and possibly slightly greater (not statistically determined yet), to TCDD in comparison with Japanese medaka (LC50: 3.42 ng/L (95 % CI: 1.37-6.48 ng/L)).These insights underscore the difference of AHR biology among species even the close relative species, and point out the necessity for meticulous consideration when evaluating the toxicity of compounds and when extending predictive toxicity assessments to more species.

Thiazolidinedione derivatives in cancer therapy: exploring novel mechanisms, therapeutic potentials, and future horizons in oncology

Thiazolidinedione derivatives have shown significant potential as targeted cancer therapies by leveraging their various mechanisms of action. These include suppressing cell proliferation, triggering apoptosis, and influencing signaling pathways associated with tumor development. Their multifaceted effects make them promising candidates for advancing cancer treatment strategies. They have shown significant promise as anti-cancer agents, particularly through their ability to inhibit lipogenesis pathways and apoptosis essential for cancer cell survival and proliferation. This review comprehensively examines the anti-cancer potential of thiazolidinedione derivatives by targeting key aspects of lipid metabolism, apoptosis, and various mechanistic pathways. This review provides an in-depth examination of the anti-cancer potential of TZD derivatives, focusing on their mechanisms of action, therapeutic applications, and future directions in oncology. The anti-tumor effects of TZDs primarily involve the stimulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), suppressing cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis, and inhibition of angiogenesis. Moreover, recent evidence highlights their ability to modulate non-PPAR-γ pathways, such as PI3K/Akt, NF-κB, and MAPK, further expanding their role in overcoming drug resistance and enhancing therapeutic outcomes. This review explores the preclinical (in vitro and in vivo) and clinical research investigating TZD derivatives efficacy in various cancer types. The insights underscore the significance of targeting lipogenesis as a novel anti-cancer strategy, positioning thiazolidinedione derivatives as potent candidates for future cancer therapeutics. As the oncology landscape evolves, TZD derivatives (rosiglitazone, pioglitazone, inolitazone, troglitazone, and 2,4-thiazolidinedione derivatives) represent a promising class of agents with the potential to contribute meaningfully to cancer treatment. By integrating existing knowledge with recent advancements, this study provides valuable insights into the role of thiazolidinedione derivatives in cancer treatment, paving the way for further research and clinical applications.

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signalling: A double-edged sword guiding both cancer progression and cancer therapy

Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AHR) reported to be associated with major carcinogenic signalling cascades which cause cell proliferations, metastasis and invasion as well as immune imbalance. AHR Participates in cellular processes not only through genomic pathways to cause genomic alterations but also via nongenomic pathways to alter various cytoplasmic proteins. In addition, AHR senses a wide range of ligands that modulate its downstream mechanisms that are intricated in cancer induction and prevention. Thus, AHR functions as a two-sided sword where some AHR ligands contribute to enhance cancer whereas few are useful for cancer treatment. Therefore, AHR represent as a regulatory point in cancer progression and treatment. There is a need to reinvestigate the regulatory role of AHR in major intracellular pathways and to explore the potential of AHR ligand for the design of cancer therapeutics. This review emphasizes the interaction of AHR with pro-carcinogenic signalling pathways that modulate cancer induction and progression. Furthermore, it also discusses about the current discovery of AHR ligands for cancer initiation or inhibition. This information could be useful for development of therapeutic strategies for the management of cancer by targeting AHR.

Recent advances in targeting obesity, with a focus on TGF-β signaling and vagus nerve innervation

Over a third of the global population is affected by obesity, fatty liver disease (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease, MASLD), and its severe form, MASH (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis), which can ultimately progress to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recent advancements include therapeutics such as glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists and neural/vagal modulation strategies for these disorders. Among the many pathways regulating these conditions, emerging insights into transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling highlight potential future targets through its role in pathophysiological processes such as adipogenesis, inflammation, and fibrosis. Vagus nerve innervation in the gastrointestinal tract is involved in satiety regulation and energy homeostasis, and vagus nerve stimulation has been applied in weight loss and diabetes. This review explores clinical trials in obesity, novel therapeutic targets, and the role of TGF-β signaling and vagus nerve modulation in obesity-related liver diseases and HCC.

Development and adhesion evaluation of transdermal rotigotine patches utilizing 3D-printed skin-mimicking substrate, solid-state NMR, and ATR-FTIR techniques

Transdermal rotigotine patches, used to treat parkinson's disease, often face challenges in maintaining adequate adhesion, which is crucial for effective drug delivery. Adhesion performance is influenced by environmental conditions such as humidity and temperature, as well as skin characteristics like wrinkles and micro-delaminations that vary with age and sex. Standard adhesion tests using stainless steel (SS) substrates do not accurately mimic human skin, leading to overestimated adhesion strength. This study developed rotigotine matrix transdermal formulations with silicone pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) and evaluated their adhesion properties at 32 ± 1°C and 75 ± 5 % RH in a stability chamber. Moisture uptake over 24 h was measured using solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (SSNMR) spectroscopy and attenuated total reflectance-fourier transform infrared- (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. Adhesion tests, including probe tack and peel, were performed on SS and 3D-printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) substrates designed with micro-delaminations and wrinkles to simulate skin conditions. In vitro permeation testing (IVPT) studies demonstrated a flux of 10.48 ± 0.61 and 10.03 ± 0.57 μg/h/cm2 for formulations with and without mannitol, respectively. SSNMR and ATR-FTIR revealed significant moisture uptake, contributing to adhesion loss. Adhesion forces were significantly lower on ABS compared to SS, with further reductions observed on wrinkled and micro-delaminated surfaces, indicating that SS substrates overestimate adhesion results. This is the first study to combine SSNMR and skin-mimetic substrates for analyzing adhesion loss in transdermal patches, highlighting the potential of moisture-resistant agents like mannitol to enhance patch performance.

The role of aryl hydrocarbon receptor in antiviral immunity: a focus on RNA viruses

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-dependent transcriptional factor that is activated by a plethora of exogenous and endogenous compounds, including environmental pollutants, drugs, and microbial metabolites. The AhR plays an important role in modulating immunity. Current findings suggest that AhR activation serves as a mechanism for evasion of host antiviral immune response and promotes viral replication. This review will focus on AhR's role in RNA virus infection because they show high mutation rates compared with DNA viruses, and therefo pose one of the greatest threats to humans in terms of potential pandemic risk. Indeed, they include human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), influenza A virus (IAV), coronaviruses (CoVs), Zika virus, and others. Understanding the mechanisms by which AhR influences the immune response to these viruses is critical for developing effective therapeutic strategies. By focusing on the interplay between AhR signaling and RNA virus infections, this review aims to contribute to the growing body of knowledge regarding host-pathogen interactions and the implications for antiviral immunity.

Assessment of spatial distribution of organic contaminants and metallic compounds on a tropical island' coral reef fish communities

The New Caledonian archipelago is an important hotspot of marine biodiversity. Due to mining activities, urbanization, and industrialization, significant amounts of contaminants are discharged into the lagoon. This study analysed the concentrations, spatial distribution, and potential drivers of 14 metallic compounds and trace elements (MTEs) and 22 persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in ~400 coral reef fish sampled from various sites around New Caledonia, across a gradient from mining centers to remote, uninhabited locations. Boosted regression trees modelling explained between 61 and 86 % of the global variation in MTEs and POPs concentration. Fish body size emerged as the most important correlate of MTEs and POPs concentrations in coral reef fish. Monthly rainfalls were the second most important variable for POPs, whereas the reef area was the second variable explaining MTE concentrations. Our modelling approach allowed us to predict and map the distribution of concentrations at the fish community level for 17 contaminants (9 MTEs and 8 POPs). Predicted concentrations ranged from ~1.5 ng.g-1 (β-endosulfan) to ~11.5 μg.g-1 (Ni), and revealed a widespread contamination throughout the lagoon, from the coast to the barrier reef. Contamination by mining-related elements (Ni, Cr…) were clearly influenced by the surface area of mining registry and to lithology to a lesser extent, whereas Hg contamination strongly depended on biological variables. Our study is the largest of its kind at the archipelago scale, combining data on 36 contaminants in ~400 fish samples with a modelling framework offering insights into underlying processes and spatial data for policy use.

SQLE-catalyzed squalene metabolism promotes mitochondrial biogenesis and tumor development in K-ras-driven cancer

It is well known that activation of oncogenic K-ras alone is insufficient to drive tumor development and that additional factors are needed for full malignant transformation, but the metabolic pathways and regulatory mechanisms that facilitate K-ras-driven cancer development remain to be characterized. Here we show that SQLE, a key enzyme in cholesterol synthesis, is upregulated in K-ras-driven cancer and its high expression is correlated with poor clinical outcome. K-ras regulates SQLE expression in a biphasic manner through reactive oxygen species and MYC signaling. Surprisingly, the pro-oncogenic role of SQLE is not mediated by promoting cholesterol synthesis, but by metabolic removal of squalene and thus mitigating its suppressive effect on the PGC-1α-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis and metabolism. Genetic silencing of SQLE in pancreatic cancer cells causes an accumulation of cellular squalene, which binds to Sp1 protein and causes a formation of a tight Sp1-TFAP2E promoter DNA complex with a highly negative binding score. This aberrant squalene/Sp1/TFAP2E promoter complex hinders the expression of TFAP2E and its downstream molecule PGC-1α, leading to suppression of mitochondrial metabolism and an almost complete inhibition of tumor formation in vivo. Importantly, administration of pharmacological squalene to mice bearing pancreatic cancer xenografts could significantly inhibit tumor growth. Our study has revealed a previously unrecognized role of SQLE in regulating gene expression and mitochondrial metabolism to facilitate K-ras-driven cancer development, and identified SQLE as a novel therapeutic target for potential treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Effects of an aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligand on human trophoblast cell development

STUDY QUESTION

How does activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signaling affect human trophoblast cell development and differentiation?

SUMMARY ANSWER

AHR activation alters gene expression without impairing the ability of trophoblast cells to maintain a stem cell state or differentiate into essential cell types, such as extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells or syncytiotrophoblast (ST), while promoting the production of 2-methoxy estradiol (2ME), which may impact placental development.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

The placenta serves both as a nutrient delivery system and a protective barrier against environmental toxins. AHR signaling is known to mediate cellular responses to environmental pollutants, potentially affecting trophoblast cell function, but the specific impacts of AHR activation on these cells were not fully understood.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

This study utilized an in vitro model of human trophoblast stem (TS) cells to investigate the downstream effects of AHR activation. The study focused on both undifferentiated TS cells and cells undergoing differentiation.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Human TS cells were used as a model system. Researchers examined the effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) exposure in TS cells maintained in their stem state and in TS cells induced to differentiate into EVT cells or ST. The study assessed changes in gene expression, particularly focusing on CYP1A1 and CYP1B1, as well as the production of 2ME.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

AHR activation stimulated the expression of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1, key genes associated with AHR signaling, in both undifferentiated and differentiating trophoblast cells. While AHR activation did not impact the ability of the cell to remain in a stem state or differentiate, it increased the production of 2ME, which may influence placentation. These effects were dependent on AHR signaling.

LARGE SCALE DATA

n/a.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

This study was conducted in vitro, which may not fully replicate in vivo conditions. Further research is needed to confirm whether these findings apply to placental development in humans.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

The results suggest that AHR signaling activated by environmental pollutants could have a significant impact on placental development through mechanisms involving AHR activation. These findings may have broader implications for understanding how environmental factors affect fetal development.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This work was funded by the National Institutes of Health: ES028957, HD020676, ES029280, HD105734, HD112559, and the Sosland Foundation. The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Gene expression profiling of lncRNA-HOTAIR and lncRNA-MALAT1 in esophageal cancer: uncovering links to lifestyle factors and diagnostic significance

BACKGROUND

Esophageal cancer (EC) is the sixth most common cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Genetic and environmental factors could be affected in EC's onset and development. The potential involvement of lncRNA-HOTAIR and lncRNA-MALAT1 in EC has garnered significant attention in recent studies. Our investigation aimed to examine lncRNA-HOTAIR and lncRNA-MALAT1 gene expression changes in EC patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Our experimental study focused on 140 patients with malignant EC, comprising 70 paraffin-embedded tumor tissues (FFPE) blocks and 70 FFPE blocks with marginal tissue samples. The relative gene expression levels of lncRNA-HOTAIR and lncRNA-MALAT1 were measured using Real-Time PCR. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and 2-△△CT tests.

RESULTS

Our analysis revealed a significant increase in tumor expression compared to marginal tissues (P < 0.05). Besides, our research revealed a significant correlation between lncRNA-HOTAIR expression and hot drinks (P = 0.019), metastasis (P = 0.001), and the 5-year survival rate (P = 0.001). We found a significant correlation between lncRNA-MALAT1 expression and alcohol abuse (P = 0.039), hot drinks (P = 0.001), and metastasis (P = 0.039).

CONCLUSION

The findings indicate a potential carcinogenic effect of lncRNA-HOTAIR and lncRNA-MALAT1 gene expression alterations in EC patients. Also, studying the lncRNA genes can help us identify biomarkers, emphasizing the significance of early diagnosis and treatment.

Dietary Factors and Cognitive Function: with a Focus on Subjective Cognitive Decline

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW

Age-related cognitive decline is an important global challenge. Substantial evidence suggests that diet may prevent or delay cognitive aging. This narrative review examines recent literature on how dietary factors influence cognitive function, with a focus on subjective cognitive decline (SCD).

RECENT FINDINGS

Higher intakes of flavonoids, carotenoids, and plant-based protein were associated with lower odds of SCD. Berries, citrus fruits and juices, carotenoid-rich and green leafy vegetables, and beans/legumes were among the foods with the strongest inverse associations with SCD. Healthy dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean and MIND diet, may be beneficial for maintaining subjective cognitive function. Healthy choice of diet may play a role in lowering the risk of late-life SCD.

Historical trends of polychlorinated biphenyls and alkylphenols recorded in core sediments from the intertidal areas of the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea

Historical records of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and alkylphenols (APs) were reconstructed from intertidal zones of the Yellow and Bohai Seas over the past 80 years. Concentrations of PCBs (1.50-6.47 ng g-1 organic carbon (OC)) and APs (8.42-13.8 ng g-1 OC) in Dangjin, South Korea, peaked in the 1970s and subsequently declined. Conversely, levels in Tianjin and Dandong, China, have continued to increase in recent decades (PCBs: 0.53-6.1 ng g-1 OC; APs: 2.61-42.7 ng g-1 OC). These divergent trends align with regulatory enforcement: levels in South Korea declined following the implementation of regulations in 1979 and 2003, while the continued increase in China, despite regulation in 1974 and 2011, points to unregulated sources. Estimated fluxes of PCBs and APs from the intertidal zone to offshore areas decreased by approximately 83% and 57%, respectively. This study provides baseline data for assessing long-term pollution trends in intertidal environments.

Laminarin-mediated oral delivery of miRNA-223 for targeted macrophage polarization in inflammatory bowel disease

Intestinal inflammatory disorders, such as ulcerative colitis, are driven by excessive pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages, leading to tissue damage and chronic inflammation. MicroRNA-223 (miRNA-223) presents a promising therapeutic approach by shifting macrophage polarization from the M1 to the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype, thereby reducing inflammation. However, oral delivery of miRNA-223 is hindered by its instability in the harsh gastrointestinal (GI) environment and the challenge of targeting colonic macrophages. To overcome these obstacles, we developed an oral nanogene delivery system using laminarin, a natural β-1,3 glucan polysaccharide derived from kelp, as the primary delivery unit. miRNA-223 is encapsulated within peptide dendrimers, which are then coated with laminarin to enhance stability and enable targeted delivery via dectin-1 receptors on macrophages. This laminarin-mediated formulation protects miRNA-223 from degradation in the GI tract and facilitates its selective uptake by inflamed colonic macrophages. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that the laminarin-coated nanogene complex preserves miRNA-223 integrity, targets inflamed colonic regions, and promotes M2 polarization, resulting in reduced inflammation and improved outcomes in a colitis mouse model. This work highlights the potential of natural laminarin-based nanocarriers for effective oral miRNA delivery, offering a novel strategy for treating inflammatory bowel diseases through precise modulation of macrophage phenotypes.

Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM17938 Attenuates Neuroinflammatory Responses After Spinal Cord Injury by Modulating Tryptophan Metabolism

Spinal cord injury (SCI) disrupts gut flora and exacerbates neuroinflammation. Evidence supports the important role of the intestinal microbiota in SCI. This study evaluated the neuroprotective effect of Limosilactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) DSM 17938 on SCI and its potential anti-inflammatory mechanism. The intestinal microbiota was disorganised following SCI, with a significant decrease in the abundance of probiotic bacteria such as L. reuteri. L. reuteri DSM17938 treatment improved the spinal cord pathology and enhanced locomotor functional recovery in SCI-model rats. Moreover, it modulated tryptophan metabolism by promoting indole-3-carboxaldehyde production. In addition, L. reuteri DSM17938 inhibits polarization of M1 microglia and reduces the production of IL-6, IL-1 β, and TNF-α in spinal cord injury to alleviate neuroinflammation. It also activates aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) signalling via upregulating AhR and CYP1A1 expression, promoting tight junction protein synthesis. In summary, L. reuteri DSM17938 promotes SCI recovery by modulating tryptophan metabolism to activate AhR signalling and intestinal barrier repair to attenuate spinal cord M1 microglial activation and neuroinflammation, suggesting a strategy for clinical adjuvant SCI treatment.

Enhancing Transthyretin Binding Affinity Prediction with a Consensus Model: Insights from the Tox24 Challenge

Transthyretin (TTR) plays a vital role in thyroid hormone transport and homeostasis in both the blood and target tissues. Interactions between exogenous compounds and TTR can disrupt the function of the endocrine system, potentially causing toxicity. In the Tox24 challenge, we leveraged the data set provided by the organizers to develop a deep learning-based consensus model, integrating sPhysNet, KANO, and GGAP-CPI for predicting TTR binding affinity. Each model utilized distinct levels of molecular information, including 2D topology, 3D geometry, and protein-ligand interactions. Our consensus model achieved favorable performance on the blind test set, yielding an RMSE of 20.8 and ranking fifth among all submissions. Following the release of the blind test set, we incorporated the leaderboard test set into our training data, further reducing the RMSE to 20.6 in an offlineretrospective study. These results demonstrate that combining three regression models across different modalities significantly enhances the predictive accuracy. Furthermore, we employ the standard deviation of the consensus model's ensemble outputs as an uncertainty estimate. Our analysis reveals that both the RMSE and interval error of predictions increase with rising uncertainty, indicating that the uncertainty can serve as a useful measure of prediction confidence. We believe that this consensus model can be a valuable resource for identifying potential TTR binders and predicting their binding affinity in silico. The source code for data preparation, model training, and prediction can be accessed at https://github.com/xiaolinpan/tox24_challenge_submission_yingkai_lab.