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.

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.

Contributions of the joint FAO/WHO expert committee on food additives to international food safety: celebrating the 100th meeting of the committee

The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) is an international scientific committee that carries out safety and risk assessments on substances that are intended to be added to food or may be present in food. It advises the Codex Alimentarius Commission and the member countries of the Food and Agricultural Organization and the World Health Organization. In 2025, JECFA has its 100th meeting. This paper reviews the work of JECFA since its inception in 1956. The Committee has evaluated over 660 food additives, 105 enzymes, 2500 flavourings, 11 groups of natural toxicants, 12 metals, 25 groups of synthetic chemical contaminants, and residues of 115 veterinary drugs. The Committee has made major contributions internationally on risk assessment methodology for food safety, including the setting of health-based guidance values for chemicals in food, the evaluation of genotoxic and carcinogenic contaminants in food, benchmark dose analysis, use of body burden comparisons, and global approaches to dietary exposure assessment. JECFA advice is independent and based on objective, state-of-the-science assessment of the evidence. Its advice and evaluations are a freely available online resource and play a pivotal role in ensuring the protection of consumer health and enabling the international trade of safe food.

Glycyrrhetinic acid triggers lipid peroxidation-related cell death in tobacco BY-2 cells

Glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), a triterpenoid saponin from licorice (Glycyrrhiza species) exerts diverse biological activities in animal cells, including anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antitumor effects. However, the effects of GA on plant cells remain largely unexplored. In this study, we investigated the effects of GA on tobacco BY-2 cells, a plant cell culture system that serves as a useful model for studying cell death in highly proliferative plant cells. Treatment of BY-2 cells with GA resulted in a significant increase in cell death in a manner dependent on both concentration and time. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying GA-induced cell death, we evaluated mitochondrial membrane potential and lipid peroxidation using fluorescent probes. GA treatment caused a marked decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, along with an increase in lipid peroxidation levels. These findings suggest that GA induces cell death in plant cultured cells, accompanied by mitochondrial dysfunction and lipid peroxidation. Our results provide new insights into the biological activity of GA in plant cells and suggest the involvement of mitochondrial and lipid peroxidation-related pathways in GA-induced cell death.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in rivers of Southwestern Nigeria: sources, seasonal distribution, and assessment of human health risks

This study investigated the pollution of polychlorinated diphenyl (PCB) in six major rivers in Southwest Nigeria. Twenty-five PCB compounds were determined using high-resolution gas chromatography coupled with an electron capture detector (GC-ECD). Total PCB (∑PCBs) concentrations varied from 21.92 to 186.17 ng/L during the dry season and 35.22 to 262.32 ng/L during the wet season. Mean concentrations of coplanar PCBs were between 12.84 and 97.41 ng/L across all locations and seasons. Low halogenated PCBs are dominant, accounting for 61.2 % of the total, and show a consistent distribution of homologs. A 3-dimensional principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that most PCBs in the rivers come from similar sources. The ∑PCB concentrations exceeded the USEPA standard of 14 ng/L, posing risks to aquatic life and human health and necessitating further investigation. The Toxic Equivalent Concentration (TEQ) ranged from 0.165 to 1.826, with PCB 126 as the main driver with the highest toxic potency. The estimated hazard index (HI) values for ingestion were between 9.97 × 10-5 and 1.50 × 10-2 for both children and adults, while dermal exposure values ranged from 9.17 × 10-6 to 6.74 × 10-4. However, cancer risk (CR) from water consumption was significant (>10-6) for both age groups, and CR from dermal exposure was substantial (10-6 < CR < 10-4) only for adults. The TEQ, HI, and CR levels indicate that PCB contamination in Nigerian rivers poses significant health risks.

What we know about açaí by-products and topical formulations: A review

Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart. and Euterpe precatoria), a native Brazilian Amazon fruit, holds significant cultural, nutritional, and economic importance, generating millions of dollars annually. During the processing of açaí, various by-products are generated, including seeds, fiber, leaves, roots, oil, and seed flour. The pulp, which is the edible part, represents 20 % of the fruit. These by-products, mainly seeds and fibers, cause serious environmental and public health damage. Therefore, it is essential to align production with the sustainable use of these residues to develop high-value-added products. Considering the composition of the fruit and its by-products, the development of pharmaceutical and cosmetic products emerges as a promising alternative, offering both environmental benefits and strong consumer appeal. It was found that açaí by-products have several biological activities, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, healing, anti-aging, and sunscreen effects. These properties derive from their bioactive compounds, such as anthocyanins, flavonoids, phytosterols, and fatty acids. Therefore, their diverse range of biological activities and favorable characteristics, including low cost, sustainability, safety, and efficacy, açaí by-products represent a viable alternative for incorporation into topical pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations. Most studies focus primarily on seeds and fiber, with limited research on leaves, roots, oil, and seed flour, and even fewer on final products. This highlights the need for further investigations to fully explore the potential of açaí by-products in high-value applications.

Release characteristics of POPs during preheating and sintering processes of ceramsite produced with the contaminated sediment

The ceramsite sintering using contaminated sediment or sewage sludge is an effective stratagem for resource utilization and the removal of organic pollutants. However, the release of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) during the ceramsite production is generally overlooked, leading to the excessive POPs emission in exhaust gas. This study explored the release characteristics of typical pollutants in both the solid and gas phases during preheating and sintering processes of ceramsite production under the different field conditions, including polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). Compared with preheating duration and moisture content in the raw ceramsite, preheating temperature was the main factor influencing the removal of POPs during the preheating process (150-300 ℃). Although the residual POPs in the preheated ceramsite could be effectively eliminated by the high temperature (>700 ℃) in the sintering processes, the POPs level in gas phase was generally elevated to some extent. The removal ratio of PCDD/Fs could reach up to 62.8 % and 99.9 % in the preheated and sintered ceramsite, respectively, which were comparable to those for OCPs (71.2 % and 99.7 %). By contrast, they were 21.4 % and 94.1 % for PAHs, respectively. POPs in the exhaust gas emitted during the preheating process accounted for more than 20 % of the overall emissions, which could not be overlooked during the field production. Concerning the energy consumption and efficiency, preheating temperature of 150-200 ℃ and sintering temperature of 900 ℃ were recommended for sintering ceramsite.

Formation pathways, migration characteristics, and inhibition mechanism of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in hazardous waste incinerators: A comprehensive pilot-scale study

Recent studies on hazardous waste incinerators (HWIs) and municipal solid waste incinerators (MSWIs) indicate that HWs have a greater impact on the variability of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDD/F) emissions than MSWs. Scholars have reported excessive PCDD/F emission in many HWIs, with divergent views on the dominant PCDD/F formation mechanisms. However, studies addressing PCDD/F formation mechanisms and migration characteristics from different HW materials in HWIs remains limited. This study incinerated various HWs in a pilot-scale HWI, providing insights into the formation pathways and migration characteristics of PCDD/Fs in HWIs. De novo synthesis, chlorophenol pathways, dibenzo-p-dioxin chlorination, and chlorobenzene pathways were identified as dominant PCDD/F formation mechanisms in HWIs, with precursor synthesis playing a key role in excessive emissions. A notable memory effect, marked by the absorption of low-chlorinated PCDD/Fs, was observed. The extensive formation and deposition of PCDD/Fs, along with the memory effect, can exacerbate the pressure of PCDD/F emission in HWIs. NaSCN and CaO effectively inhibited precursor synthesis in HWIs, reducing emissions. This study identified key factors influencing PCDD/F formation and migration in HWIs and proposed effective strategies for low emissions, aiding HWI operations.

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.

Phytoestrogens as potential anti-osteoporosis nutraceuticals: Major sources and mechanism(s) of action

By 2050, the global aging population is predicted to reach 1.5 billion, highlighting the need to enhance the quality of life of the elderly population. Osteoporotic fractures are projected to affect one in three women and one in five men over age 50. Initial treatments for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women include antiresorptive agents such as bisphosphonates, strontium ranelate, estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). However, these do not rebuild bone, limiting their effectiveness. Denosumab, an FDA-approved antiresorptive monoclonal antibody, also has drawbacks including high costs, biannual subcutaneous injections, slow healing, impaired bone growth and side effects like eczema, flatulence, cellulitis, osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) and an increased risk of spinal fractures after discontinuation of treatment. Nutraceuticals, particularly phytoestrogens, are gaining attention for their health benefits and safety in osteoporosis prevention, management and treatment. Phytoestrogens are plant metabolites similar to mammalian estrogens and include isoflavones, coumestans, lignans, stilbenes, and flavonoids. They interact with estrogen receptor isoforms ERα and ERβ, acting as agonists or antagonists based on concentration and bioavailability. Their tissue-selective activities are particularly significant: anti-estrogenic effects in reproductive tissues may lower the risk of hormone-related cancers (such as ovarian, uterine, breast and prostate), while estrogenic effects on bone could contribute to the preservation of bone mineral density.Phytoestrogens are, thus, used in managing breast and prostate cancers, cardiovascular diseases, menopause and osteoporosis. The present review focuses on the botanical origin, classification, sources and mechanism(s) of action of major phytoestrogens, their potential in prevention and management of osteoporosis and the requirement for additional clinical trials to achieve more definitive outcomes in order to confirm their efficacy and dosage safety.

Performance of oral Bosentan-loaded SNEDDS and S-SNEDDS tablets: Biodistribution in mice, echocardiography and histology studies in pulmonary arterial hypertension rat model

Bosentan monohydrate (BOS) is the most preferred molecule for treating the rare pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) disease. BOS shows low solubility and high variability when administered orally. This study evaluated the pharmacodynamic biodistribution, echocardiography, and histology results of BOS-loaded SNEDDS and BOS-loaded S-SNEDDS tablets. Pharmacodynamic biodistribution studies were conducted with male Balb/c mice (8 weeks old, 18-20 g) after oral administration. XenoLightTM DiR and VivoTag® 680XL fluorescent dyes were used to monitor biological distribution and absorption with the In Vivo Imaging System® (IVIS®). Pharmacodynamic echocardiography and histology studies were carried out with Wistar rats (8-10 weeks old, 250-300 g). The PAH rat model was successfully induced with monocrotaline (MCT), which is one dose (60  mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected. The reference drug (Tracleer® 125 mg tablet) and BOS-loaded SNEDDS and S-SNEDDS tablets were administered as 50 mg/kg; 2 mL per os to the treatment groups. Pharmacodynamic biodistribution studies showed that real-time biodistribution in the body, ex-vivo region of interest (ROI) values of organs, and total fluorescence emission were increased (p < 0.05). It has been confirmed that the formulations enter the systemic circulation via the lymphatic system, do not have a first-pass effect in the liver, and show no emission in the liver. The echocardiographic study was performed for up to 14 days and no difference was found between the treatment groups which are the reference tablet (Tracleer®), BOS-loaded SNEDDS, and BOS-loaded S-SNEDDS tablet (p > 0.05). Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining were done for the histology studies. These studies showed that the BOS-loaded formulations have a similar therapeutic effect on histopathological phenomena in lung and liver tissues. As the histological evaluation results, lower-dose formulations were found to be more effective than the same dose reference tablet in terms of improvements in histological parameters (p < 0.05). Comprehensive and comparative in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that BOS-loaded formulations could be an alternative oral drug delivery system for PAH treatment compared to the reference product.

A narrative review of phthalates: From environmental release to kidney injury

Plastic products play an indispensable role in human daily lives, largely due to their low cost and unrivaled convenience. Phthalates (PAEs) are the most significant plastic additives due to their distinctive properties and are extensively utilized and produced in large quantities. Nevertheless, given their inability to form covalent bonds with plastics, these compounds are prone to leaching from plastic surfaces. As a result, the use of plastics in various industries has become a major source of PAEs in the environment, leading to increased risks to humans. The kidneys, which play a central role in the excretion of PAEs, are considered one of the primary target organs for PAEs accumulation and toxicity. A growing body of evidence supports an association between exposure to PAEs and adverse effects on the kidney. In environments, PAEs are often exposed simultaneously with other contaminants that may directly or indirectly modify the toxic effects of PAEs. This review focuses on the adverse effects of PAEs exposure on the kidney and their mechanisms of action, as well as the interactions between PAEs and other contaminants on the kidney. This review underscores the necessity for future toxicological studies to prioritize the mechanisms of renal injury caused by co-exposure to PAEs and other pollutants. The employment of advanced technologies, including network toxicology and molecular docking techniques, is imperative to enhance comprehension of the potential toxicity associated with co-exposures.

Targeting the kynurenine pathway in gliomas: Insights into pathogenesis, therapeutic targets, and clinical advances

Gliomas, the most prevalent primary brain tumors, continue to present significant challenges in oncology due to poor patient prognosis despite advances in treatment such as immunotherapy and cancer vaccines. Recent research highlights the potential of targeting tryptophan metabolism, particularly the kynurenine pathway (KP) and combinatorial approaches with immunotherapies, as a promising strategy in cancer research. The key enzymes of the kynurenine pathway, such as IDO1, IDO2, and TDO, and metabolites like kynurenine, kynurenic acid, and quinolinic acid, are implicated in fostering an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and promoting glioma cell survival. In glioblastoma, a highly aggressive glioma subtype, elevated IDO and TDO expression correlates with reduced survival rates. KP metabolites, such as kynurenine (KYN), 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK), kynurenic acid (KYNA), and quinolinic acid (QUIN), are involved in modulating immune responses, oxidative stress, neuroprotection, and neurotoxicity. This review synthesizes recent findings on the kynurenine pathway involvement in glioma pathogenesis, examining potential therapeutic targets within this pathway and discussing ongoing clinical trials that draw attention to treatments based on this pathway. Furthermore, it highlights novel findings on the post-translational modifications of kynurenine pathway enzymes and their regulatory roles, presenting their potential as therapeutic targets in gliomas.

CRISPR screens and quantitative proteomics reveal remodeling of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor-driven proteome through PARP7 activity

PARP7 is an enzyme that uses donor substrate NAD+ to attach a single ADP-ribose moiety onto proteins related to immunity, transcription, and cell growth and motility. Despite the importance of PARP7 in these processes, PARP7 signaling networks remain underresearched. Here, we used genome-wide CRISPR screens and multiplex quantitative proteomics in distinct lung cancer cell lines treated with a PARP7 inhibitor to better understand PARP7 molecular functions. We find that manipulating the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) transcriptional activity mediates PARP7 inhibitor sensitivity and triggers robust changes to the AHR-controlled proteome (AHR-ome). One of the striking features of such AHR-ome remodeling was the downregulation of filamins A and B concurrent with the induction of the corresponding E3 ubiquitin ligase ASB2. We also show that suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) crosstalks to AHR. Inhibition of PARP7 in SOCS3 knockout cells leads to reduced viability compared to wild-type cells treated with a PARP7 inhibitor. Our results reveal signaling interplay between PARP7, AHR, and SOCS3 and establish an invaluable resource to study the role of PARP7 in the regulation of AHR signaling and innate immunity through its ADP-ribosyl transferase activity.

Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor alleviates Sjögren's syndrome by promoting Bregs differentiation

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is involved in the regulation of inflammation and maintenance of immune homeostasis. However, the role of AhR in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, especially in Sjögren's syndrome (SS) remains unclear. Sjögren's syndrome mice model induced by using salivary gland proteins and Complete Freund's Adjuvant, we found that after activation of AhR with 6-formylindolo [3,2-b] carbazole (FICZ), salivary gland lymphocyte infiltration and saliva flow rates were significantly alleviated. And the percents and numbers of GCB cells, plasma cells (PC), and plasmablast cells (PBC) were significantly decreased but the percents of regulatory B cells (Bregs) were significantly increased in model mice treated with FICZ. Moreover, the proportions of Th1 and Th17 cells were also reduced after being treated with FICZ. Indeed, these changes were recovered in B-cell-specific AhR knock-out mice. Overall, our study provides a new strategy that AhR activation alleviates Sjögren's syndrome by promoting Bregs differentiation thereby inhibiting both humoral and cellular immunity responses, which provides new insights for the future therapy of Sjögren's syndrome.

PARP-1 as a novel target in endocrine-resistant breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Several mechanisms are involved in the resistance to endocrine therapy (ET) in estrogen receptor (ERα)-positive breast cancer (BC), including acquired mutations of ERα gene (ESR1). For example, the frequent mutation, Y537S, was shown to trigger a constitutively active receptor leading to reduced affinity for both agonist and antagonist ligands. The development of more comprehensive therapies remains a challenge in BC patients exhibiting activating mutations in ERα. Here, we show that Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) may be considered as a novel therapeutic target in ERα-positive BC.

METHODS

ERα wild type or Y537S mutated MCF7 and T47D BC cell lines were used as model systems. Immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, gene silencing, real-time PCR, promoter assays, chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) as well as cell viability, colony and cell cycle assays served to investigate the involvement of PARP-1 in BC progression. The growth of MCF7 ERα Y537S cells injected into the mammary ducts of NSG mice and treated with the ERα antagonist lasofoxifene or the PARP-1 inhibitor niraparib was monitored by luminescence imaging, weight measurement, and histological analysis. RNA sequencing studies were performed on the above-described xenograft tumors. METABRIC dataset was used to evaluate the clinical significance of PARP-1 and the biological role of the PARP-1-associated genes in ERα-positive BC patients.

RESULTS

We first demonstrated that the up-regulation of PARP-1 expression induced by estrogens is abrogated either by inhibiting or silencing ERα in MCF7 and T47D BC cells expressing ERα wild type or Y537S mutation. We then showed that PARP-1 is involved in the binding of ERα and its co-activator FoxA1 to the promoters of several target genes, as determined by ChIP-sequencing studies. Of note, the inhibition of PARP-1 prevented the proliferative effects mediated by ERα in BC cells expressing either wild type or Y537S ERα. In accordance with these findings, the growth of xenograft tumors derived from MCF7 ERα Y537S BC cells was significantly reduced using niraparib and lasofoxifene. Finally, RNA-sequencing analyses showed that ERα signaling is downregulated by niraparib compared to vehicle-treated tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, our results suggest that PARP-1 should be explored as a potential target in comprehensive therapeutic approaches in ET-resistant BC.

Diverse roles of stress-responsive RNP granules in oogenesis and infertility

Effectively responding to cellular stress (e.g., nutrient deprivation, oxidative stress) is essential for cell and organismal survival. A protective mechanism is especially critical in developing oocytes, where a prolonged quiescent state and the inability to divide render oocytes highly susceptible to accumulating stress that can result in cell death if unaddressed. Despite the common view that stress granules are the primary stress-responsive ribonucleoprotein granule, accumulating evidence shows that in ovaries, other ribonucleoprotein granules also uniquely mediate gene regulation in response to stress. Here, we review recent insights into ribonucleoprotein granule dynamics and ribonucleoprotein granule protein function during stress in the context of oogenesis among both invertebrates and vertebrates, with an emphasis on insights from Drosophila and mice. We also discuss roles for stress-responsive ribonucleoproteins in maintaining stem cell populations and complicating fertility treatments. By exploring how stress-induced ribonucleoprotein dynamics can impact oogenesis, both positively and negatively, we can better understand how stress contributes to reduced fecundity and infertility. We conclude by offering key research questions that can drive the next generation of insights.

Spatial distribution and potential ecological risk of traditional and emerging organic toxic substances in sediments along the Yangtze River, China

This study investigated 63 persistent toxic substances (PTSs) in surface sediments along the Yangtze River, analyzing contamination levels, spatial distribution, sources, and ecological risks. High PTS levels were observed in Nanjing due to organic pollution, with significant regional variations in styrene oligomers (SOs), alkylphenols (APs), and polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs) in Nantong, Changzhou, and Shanghai, respectively. These patterns were linked to local anthropogenic activities, with higher contamination in more densely populated and industrialized areas. PCBs persisted due to legacy products and combustion sources, while fresh inputs of SOs and APs were common. Hazard quotient (HQ) analysis revealed high risks in Nanjing (HQ ≥ 10) and moderate risks (1.0 ≤ HQ < 10) in Taizhou, Suzhou, and Nantong. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were the primary contributors to HQ, with SOs, APs, and PHCZs also impacting specific regions. This study highlights the need for continued monitoring and management of both traditional and emerging PTSs, emphasizing the growing environmental relevance of emerging contaminants along the Yangtze River.

ZBTB10 as a potential prognosis biomarker and correlates with the tumor immune microenvironment in stomach adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

ZBTB10 is a member of the zinc finger and bric-a-brac/tramtrack/broad (ZBTB) domain-containing protein family, reported to be associated with tumorigenesis and progression. However, its specific roles in oncogenesis, prognosis, and immune infiltration in stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) remain to be elucidated.

METHODS

We analyzed ZBTB10 mRNA and protein expression profiling in STAD tissues using various bioinformatics tools, including TIMER2, GEO, Human Protein Atlas (HPA) databases, and R software. Survival analysis was performed through the Kaplan-Meier plotter. UALCAN and TCGA databases were used to evaluate the association of ZBTB10 expression with clinicopathological characteristics. Genetic alterations of ZBTB10 in human tumor samples were analyzed using the cBioPortal database. The correlation between ZBTB10 expression and immune cell infiltration was assessed using the TISIDB and CIBERSORT algorithms. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway were applied to investigate the potential mechanism of ZBTB10 in STAD. Additionally, in vitro assays such as CCK-8, colony formation, and wound healing assays were performed to determine the biological role of ZBTB10 in STAD cells. Multiple immunohistochemistry (mIHC) was applied to characterize the association between immune cell infiltration and ZBTB10 expression in STAD tumor tissues.

RESULTS

Overall, ZBTB10 was differentially expressed in STAD compared to adjacent normal tissues, and higher ZBTB10 expression correlated with poorer overall survival (OS). Furthermore, GSEA and KEGG analysis suggested that ZBTB10 was predominantly involved in focal adhesion, PI3K-Akt signaling, and MAPK signaling pathways, suggesting its potential role in promoting tumor growth and progression. Moreover, based on the CIBERSORT algorithm, the expression of ZBTB10 was positively related to the levels of B cells, CD4 + T cells, M1 macrophages, and neutrophil cells. Meanwhile, ZBTB10 expression appeared to be negatively associated with tumor mutation burden (TMB) and microsatellite instability (MSI) in STAD, both of which influenced the efficacy of tumor immunotherapy. In vitro experiments demonstrated that ZBTB10 knockdown significantly inhibited tumor cell proliferation and invasion, and organoid area in STAD cell lines. The immune cell signature of CD45 was more prevalent with ZBTB10 expression in tumor tissue sections compared to adjacent normal tissues from STAD patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Upregulated ZBTB10 is significantly correlated with poor survival outcomes and immune infiltration in STAD, revealing that ZBTB10 may serve as a promising prognostic biomarker and a potential target for immunotherapy in STAD.

Sex-dependent gene expression during puberty has potential mechanistic implications for the development of major depressive disorder

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a complex illness with heterogeneous symptom profiles, affecting 5% of the global population. Recent molecular studies across biological systems suggest that the manifestations of MDD are significantly shaped by sex. In response, this narrative review organizes up-to-date findings on sex-specific, MDD-related gene expression into multiple biological systems-primarily available from adult human and rodent studies. This adult-centric focus highlights a critical gap: when and how sex-dependent, MDD-associated gene expression patterns emerge, and contribute to adult manifestations. We identify puberty as a sensitive developmental window during which sex-dependent gene expression and regulatory patterns may emerge and carry their impacts into adulthood. We define this as a sex-specific framework established during puberty. To address the "how," we synthesize empirical evidence on the molecular mechanisms associated with the emergence and long-term influence of this framework. Finally, we explore how perturbations acting on this framework may further bifurcate expression patterns and ultimately give rise to the sex-divergent manifestations of MDD observed in adulthood. Overall, this review positions puberty as a key developmental window and calls for future sex-stratified functional genomic studies that span the pubertal timeline.

Computational discovery of novel aryl hydrocarbon receptor modulators for psoriasis therapy

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor involved in the regulation of many pathophysiological processes. Among these, immune system modulation, as well as regulation of skin homeostasis and inflammation, make it a promising target for psoriasis therapy. Tapinarof, an AhR agonist recently approved for psoriasis treatment, exerts its action through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and barrier-restoring effects. In this study, we employed a computational drug-discovery approach to identify novel AhR modulators with psoriasis therapeutic potential. We performed a multi-step similarity-based screening in PubChem. Molecular docking led to the identification of diverse chemical scaffolds with high docking scores and potential AhR activity, some belonging to chemical classes with known pharmacological relevance. The stability of the binding geometries of the most promising compounds of each family was then verified through molecular dynamics simulations and pharmacokinetic characteristics were predicted using ADMETlab 2.0 and SwissADME. Notably, several identified compounds suggest a possible interplay between AhR signaling and sirtuin modulation, highlighting a previously unexplored avenue in psoriasis therapy. Our findings underscore the potential of computational approaches in accelerating the discovery of novel AhR-targeting agents and provide a foundation for further experimental validation.

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.

In vivo gamete toxicology in the context of in vitro fertilization: a narrative review

IVF as a clinical method to surmount infertility has existed since the 1970s, and yet fertilization, embryo development, pregnancy, and live birth rates remain unacceptably low. Although a multitude of factors may contribute to stagnated success despite substantial advances in basic and applied IVF sciences, gamete quality is inarguably integral to IVF success rates. In this review, the authors will explore the role of environmental toxicology in impairing in vivo fertility and gamete quality prior to starting IVF that will influence downstream IVF success. In vivo contaminants of interest that may affect gamete potential in the context of IVF include heavy metals, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and airborne contaminants. By evaluating the current literature on reproductive toxicology and how toxic exposures may influence IVF, this review aims to provide a comprehensive reference of potential toxicological exposures for clinicians, to use in vitro and animal data to supplement correlative human studies with potential causative mechanisms, and to strengthen the case for patient assessment of toxicological risk.

Recent advancements of betulinic acid-based drug delivery systems for cancer therapy (2002-2023)

Betulinic acid, a compound classified as a pentacyclic triterpenoid, is found in abundance in a variety of medicinal plants and natural substances. Its broad spectrum of biological and medicinal properties, particularly its potent antitumor activity, has gained significant attention in recent years. The anticancer properties of betulinic acid are governed by mitochondrial signalling pathways and it exhibit selectivity for cancerous tissue, leaving non-cancerous cells and normal tissue unharmed. This characteristic is particularly valuable in chemo-resistant cases. Nevertheless, the medicinal potential of betulinic acid is hindered by its poor water solubility and short half-life, leading to sub-optimal effectiveness. This issue is being tackled by a variety of nano-sized drug delivery systems, such as polymeric nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles, polymeric conjugates, nanoemulsions, liposomes, nanosuspensions, carbon nanotubes, and cyclodextrin complexes. This article focuses on recent advances in nanoformulations that are tailored to the delivery of betulinic acid with enhanced effectiveness.

Suppression of adipose TGF-β1 by probiotics alleviates metabolic disturbance in experimentally induced PCOS

BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is critically characterized with metabolic and endocrine dysfunctions, precipitating metabolic syndrome and infertility in reproductive aged women. Adipose tissue dysfunction has been implicated in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome, including in PCOS individuals. Probiotics are healthy bacteria in the gut that regulate metabolic health. However, the impact of probiotics on adipose-driven metabolic syndrome has not been reported. The present study therefore hypothesized that probiotics would attenuates metabolic disturbance in experimental PCOS rat model, probably by suppression of TGF-β1.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eight-week-old female Wistar rats were randomly allotted into four groups (n = 5). Administration of letrozole (1 mg/kg p.o) for 21 days induced PCOS, thereafter the animals were treated with 3x109 CFU (p. o) of probiotics for six weeks.

RESULTS

Letrozole-induced PCOS rats were characterized with elevated circulating testosterone, and multiple ovarian cysts. In addition, rats with PCOS developed increased body weight, which was also accompanied with insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, and increased leptin, and decreased adiponectin and adipose TG, as well as elevated adipose lipase. Inflammatory markers (NF-kB, TNF-α) were elevated, while antioxidant defense (GSH) was depleted in PCOS animals. A significant increase in adipose TGF-β1, caspase-6 and HDAC2 levels was observed in PCOS rats when compared with the control. Immunohistochemical evaluation of adipose tissue also showed severe expression of NLRP3 in PCOS rats and these changes were accompanied by increased level of TGF-β1. However, treatment with probiotics reversed these aberrant systemic and adipose tissue changes in PCOS model.

CONCLUSION

The present results suggest the therapeutic benefit of probiotics against metabolic disturbance in PCOS model through suppression of TGF-β1-dependent pathway.

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.

Differences in the role of Gper1 in colorectal cancer progression depending on sex

To evaluate the role of 17β-oestradiol (E2) in the sex-dependent progression of colorectal cancer (CRC), the present study focused on E2 signalling mediated via the nuclear receptors [oestrogen receptor (ESR)1 and ESR2] and the membrane G protein-coupled oestrogen receptor 1 (Gper1) in males and females diagnosed with CRC. This study also investigated Gper1 signalling in the CRC cell lines DLD1 and LoVo, which differ in the p53 pathway. In cancer tissue, Gper1 becomes by far the most abundant E2 receptor due to an increase in Gper1 and a decrease in ESR2 expression. These changes are more prominent in males than in females. More pronounced differences in Gper1 expression between cancer and adjacent tissues were observed in males in lower stages compared with those in higher stages of disease and females. High expression of Gper1 was associated with worse survival in males without nodal involvement but not in females. The expression of E2 receptors in the CRC cell lines DLD1 and LoVo resembles that of human cancer tissue. Silencing of Gper1 (siGper1) caused an increase in the rate of metabolism in LoVo cells with wild-type tp53. In DLD1 cells with the mutated form of tp53, siGper1 did not exert this effect. High levels of Gper1 were associated with worse survival and could contribute to sex-dependent changes in the CRC prognosis. Tumour suppressor effects of Gper1 were, at least to some extent, dependent on signalling downstream of p53, which was more frequently deficient in males than in females. Overall, this suggests that up-regulation of Gper1 (or administration of a Gper1 agonist) would be more beneficial for patients with wild-type tp53.

From gene editing to tumor eradication: The CRISPR revolution in cancer therapy

Cancer continues to be a significant worldwide health concern, characterized by high rates of occurrence and death. Unfortunately, existing treatments frequently fall short of delivering satisfying therapeutic outcomes. Immunotherapy has ushered in a new era in the treatment of solid tumors, yet its effectiveness is still constrained and comes with unwanted side effects. The advancement of cutting-edge technology, propelled by gene analysis and manipulation at the molecular scale, shows potential for enhancing these therapies. The advent of genome editing technologies, including CRISPR-Cas9, can greatly augment the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. This review explores the mechanism of CRISPR-Cas9-mediated genome editing and its wide range of tools. The study focuses on analyzing the effects of CRISPR-induced double-strand breaks (DSBs) on cancer immunotherapy, specifically by gene knockdown or knockin. In addition, the study emphasizes the utilization of CRISPR-Cas9-based genome-wide screening to identify targets, the potential of spatial CRISPR genomics, and the extensive applications and difficulties of CRISPR-Cas9 in fundamental research, translational medicine, and clinical environments.

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.

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.

Research progress on estrogen receptor-positive/progesterone receptor-negative breast cancer

Breast cancer, which arises from the epithelial tissue of the breast, is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide. Its incidence and mortality rates have been increasing in both developed and developing countries. As a hormone-dependent cancer, breast cancer is classified into several molecular subtypes based on the expression of key markers: Estrogen Receptor (ER), Progesterone Receptor (PR), Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER-2), and Ki67. PR loss is associated with endocrine resistance and a poorer prognosis in breast cancer. Despite this, the underlying mechanisms of ER-positive/PR-negative (ER+PR-) breast cancer remain poorly understood. This study aims to review recent advancements in research on ER+PR- breast cancer, analyze its clinical characteristics and molecular mechanisms, and provide recommendations for more targeted therapeutic approaches.

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.

In vitro to in vivo evidence for chemical disruption of glucocorticoid receptor signaling

Glucocorticoids are steroid hormones that regulate stress homeostasis, metabolism, and inflammatory responses. Dysregulation of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is linked to diseases such as obesity, mood disorders, and immune dysfunction. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are widespread environmental contaminants known to interfere with hormone signaling, but their impact on glucocorticoid signaling remains unclear. While several GR-disrupting compounds have been identified in vitro, their in vivo effects remain largely unknown. In this study, we identified the agricultural agents dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and ziram as GR-disruptors in vitro. In vivo, corticosterone co-treatment with DDT or the GR antagonist RU-486 inhibited the expression of classic GR-regulated transcripts in the liver. Furthermore, chronic exposure to DDT or RU-486 significantly reduced circulating B lymphocyte populations. These findings underscore the need to translate in vitro discoveries into in vivo models to assess the clinical relevance of GR-disrupting compounds. Moreover, they highlight the potential for xenobiotic-induced GR disruption to impair metabolic and immune homeostasis, potentially increasing disease susceptibility.

Targeting the MAPK signaling pathway: implications and prospects of flavonoids in 3P medicine as modulators of cancer cell plasticity and therapeutic resistance in breast cancer patients

Cancer drug resistance poses a significant challenge in oncology, primarily driven by cancer cell plasticity, which promotes tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and therapeutic evasion in many different cancers. Breast cancers (BCs) are a prominent example of that, with an estimated 2.3 million new cases and 670,000 BC-related deaths registered worldwide annually. Triple-negative BC is especially challenging for treatments demonstrating particularly aggressive disease course, an early manifestation of metastatic disease, frequent drug-resistant cancer types, and poor individual outcomes. Although chemosensitizing agents have been developed, their clinical utility in oncology remains unproven. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is considered a critical regulator of intracellular and extracellular signaling highly relevant for both - genetic and epigenetic modifications. Dysregulation of the MAPK signaling pathways plays a significant role in conferring chemoresistance in BC. Contextually, targeting the MAPK pathway represents a promising strategy for overcoming drug resistance and enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of anticancer agents in BC treatment. On the other hand, flavonoids, a prominent class of phytochemicals, are key modulators of MAPK signaling. Flavonoids interact with the ERK, JNK, p38, and ERK5 pathways of the MAPK signaling cascade and present a promising avenue for developing novel anti-cancer therapies and re-sensitizing agents for the treatment of BC. Compounds such as quercetin, kaempferol, genistein, luteolin, myricetin, EGCG, baicalein, baicalin, nobiletin, morin, delphinidin, acacetin, isorhamnetin, apigenin, silymarin, among others, have been identified as specific modulators of MAPK signaling, exerting complex downstream effects in BC cells increasing therewith drug efficacy and suppressing tumor growth and aggressivity. These properties reflect mechanisms of great clinical relevance to overcome therapeutic resistance in overall BC management. This article highlights corresponding mechanisms and provides clinically relevant illustrations in the framework of 3P medicine for primary (protection of individuals at high risk against health-to-disease transition) and secondary care (protection against metastatic BC progression). 3PM novelty makes good use of patient phenotyping and stratification, predictive multi-level diagnostics, and application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to the individualized interpretation of big data - all proposed for cost-effective treatments tailored to individualized patient profiles with clear benefits to patients and advanced BC management.

A workflow for human health hazard evaluation using transcriptomic data and Key Characteristics-based gene sets

Key characteristics (KCs) are properties of chemicals that are associated with different types of human health hazards. KCs are used for systematic reviews in support of hazard identification. Transcriptomic data are a rich source of mechanistic data and are frequently interpreted through "enriched" pathways/gene sets. Such analyses may be challenging to interpret in regulatory science because of redundancy among pathways, complex data analyses, and unclear relevance to hazard identification. We hypothesized that by cross-mapping pathways/gene sets and KCs, the interpretability of transcriptomic data can be improved. We summarized 72 published KCs across 7 hazard traits into 34 umbrella KC terms. Gene sets from Reactome and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were mapped to these, resulting in "KC gene sets." These sets exhibit minimal overlap and vary in the number of genes. Comparisons of the same KC gene sets mapped from Reactome and KEGG revealed low similarity, indicating complementarity. Performance of these KC gene sets was tested using publicly available transcriptomic datasets of chemicals with known organ-specific toxicity: benzene and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin tested in mouse liver and drugs sunitinib and amoxicillin tested in human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. We found that KC terms related to the mechanisms affected by tested compounds were highly enriched, while the negative control (amoxicillin) showed limited enrichment with marginal significance. This study's impact is in presenting a computational approach based on KCs for the analysis of toxicogenomic data and facilitating transparent interpretation of these data in the process of chemical hazard identification.

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.

Kaempferol, a widely ingested dietary flavonoid and supplement, enhances biological performance via hormesis, especially for ageing-related processes

Kaempferol is a polyphenol in various fruits and vegetables. It is also commercially developed and sold to consumers as a supplement. It has been extensively assessed in clinical trials for clinical utility based upon its numerous experimentally based chemopreventive properties. Kaempferol has been evaluated at the levels of molecule, cell, and individual animal, showing a broad spectrum of biological effects. Kaempferol-induced hormetic concentration responses are common, being reported in many cell types and biological models for numerous endpoints. While the hormetic effects of kaempferol are biologically diverse, there has been a strong focus on age-related endpoints affecting numerous organ systems and endpoints, indicating that kaempferol is a senolytic agent, showing similar properties as quercetin and fisetin. This paper offers the first integrated evaluation of kaempferol-induced hormetic dose responses, their quantitative characteristics, mechanistic explanations, extrapolative strengths or limitations, and related experimental design, biomedical, therapeutic, ageing, and public health, including ageing related applications.

Integrating Transcriptomic and Targeted New Approach Methodologies into a Tiered Framework for Chemical Bioactivity Screening

BACKGROUND

With thousands of chemicals in commerce and the environment, rapid identification of potential hazards is a critical need. Combining broad molecular profiling with targeted in vitro assays, such as high-throughput transcriptomics (HTTr) and receptor screening assays, could improve identification of chemicals that perturb key molecular targets associated with adverse outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to link transcriptomic readouts to individual molecular targets and integrate transcriptomic predictions with orthogonal receptor-level assays in a proof-of-concept framework for chemical hazard prioritization.

METHODS

Transcriptomic profiles generated via TempO-Seq in U-2 OS and HepaRG cell lines were used to develop signatures composed of genes uniquely responsive to reference chemicals for distinct molecular targets. These signatures were applied to 75 reference and 1,126 nonreference chemicals screened via HTTr in both cell lines. Selective bioactivity toward each signature was determined by comparing potency estimates against the bulk of transcriptomic bioactivity for each chemical. Chemicals predicted by transcriptomics were confirmed for target bioactivity and selectivity using available orthogonal assay data from the US Environmental Protection Agency ToxCast program. A subset of 37 selectively acting chemicals from HTTr that did not have sufficient orthogonal data were prospectively tested using one of five receptor-level assays.

RESULTS

Of the 1,126 nonreference chemicals screened, 201 demonstrated selective bioactivity in at least one transcriptomic signature and 57 were confirmed as selective nuclear receptor agonists. Chemicals bioactive for each signature were significantly associated with orthogonal assay bioactivity, and signature-based points-of-departure were equally or more sensitive than biological pathway altering concentrations in 95.4% of signature-prioritized chemicals. Prospective profiling found that 18 of 37 (49%) chemicals without prior orthogonal assay data were bioactive against the predicted receptor.

DISCUSSION

Our work demonstrates that integrating transcriptomics with targeted orthogonal assays in a tiered framework can support Next Generation Risk Assessment by informing putative molecular targets and prioritizing chemicals for further testing. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP16024.

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.

Mitofusin 2 Mediates the Protective Effect of NR6A1 Silencing Against Neuronal Injury in Experimental Stroke Models

An abnormal increase in the expression of nuclear receptor subfamily 6 group A member 1 (NR6A1) in the hippocampus has been reported to result in depressive-like behavior in mice. However, the role of NR6A1 in the progression of neuronal death induced by ischemic stroke remains unknown. In this study, we observed an increase in NR6A1 in neurons in both in vivo and in vitro cerebral ischemic models. We found that knocking down NR6A1 in HT-22 neuronal cells subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) attenuated mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Conversely, NR6A1 overexpression exacerbated neuronal damage following OGD/R. NR6A1 hindered the transcription of mitonfusin 2 (MFN2), leading to a decrease in its expression. In contrast, MFN2 conferred the protective effect of NR6A1 silencing against both mitochondrial dysfunction and ER stress. In addition, NR6A1 silencing also attenuated brain infarction, ER stress, neuronal apoptosis, and loss of MFN2 in mice subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion. These findings indicate that NR6A1 is a promising target for the treatment of neuronal death following cerebral ischemia. Furthermore, these results confirm the involvement of MFN2 in the effects of NR6A1 silencing. Therefore, targeting NR6A1 has potential as a viable strategy for the treatment of ischemic stroke.

Interactions between ADGRF1 (GPR110) and extracellular matrix proteins govern its effects on tumorigenesis in HER2-positive breast cancer

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

We and others have previously shown that ADGRF1, an adhesion G protein-coupled receptor, is overexpressed and associated with poor survival in many cancers, including human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) breast cancer (BC). Also, we have reported the tumour-promoting function of ADGRF1 using preclinical models of HER2+ BC. In this study, we investigated the effect of ADGRF1 overexpression in an orthotopic in vivo model as well as downstream signalling of ADGRF1 in HER2+ BC.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

We utilized a doxycycline (Dox)-induced ADGRF1 overexpression system in HER2+ BC cell lines and performed various in vitro and in vivo studies. Following ADGRF1 overexpression in the presence/absence of Matrigel, laminin-111 or collagen-IV, we performed the mammosphere assay to assess the tumorigenicity of breast epithelial cells, as well as cAMP/IP1 assays and RNA-sequencing, to understand the receptor function and pharmacology. We conducted cross-linking-aided immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry to confirm the physical interaction between ADGRF1 and the extracellular matrix proteins present in Matrigel.

KEY RESULTS

We found that ADGRF1 switched from a tumour-promoting to tumour-suppressive function upon interaction with laminin-111. Interaction of ADGRF1 with laminin-111 resulted in inhibition of Gαs coupling and STAT3 phosphorylation, induction of senescence, increase in HER2 expression, and improvement of sensitivity to anti-HER2 drugs in HER2+ BC.

CONCLUSIONS

ADGRF1 switches from a tumour-promoting to tumour-suppressive function upon interaction with laminin-111, leading to improvements in sensitivity to anti-HER2 drugs. Leveraging ADGRF1 interactions with laminin-111 may allow the design of novel therapies against ADGRF1 in HER2+ BC.

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.

ECM, integrins, and DDRs: A nexus of cancer progression, therapy, and future directions

Collagen is the most abundant protein in mammals, significantly contributing to cancer progression. Cells express two primary well-conserved collagen receptors, integrins and discoidin domain receptors (DDRs), which bind collagen on distinct sites, suggesting that cancer cells must integrate both signals to decide their fate. The crosstalk between integrins and DDRs mediated by collagen binding produces dynamic, integrated signals that control tumor progression, therapeutic resistance, and cancer cell heterogeneity. This review will discuss the dynamic interplay among collagen, integrins, and DDRs in ECM remodeling during cancer progression and these receptors' crosstalk. In addition, we explored current and future directions for ECM receptor-targeted therapies, including nanotechnologies and precision medicine, to improve therapeutic outcomes by establishing a proper balance between integrins and DDRs in cancer.

A State of the Science Review of Human Health Effects of the Michigan Polybrominated Biphenyl Contamination after Five Decades

BACKGROUND

The Michigan Polybrominated Biphenyl (PBB) Registry, followed since 1976, was created after a 1973 chemical manufacturing mistake. The flame retardant PBB was accidentally mixed into animal feed and distributed to Michigan farms for nearly a year, exposing farm residents and animal product consumers.

OBJECTIVE

We synthesized knowledge to date on health effects of PBB exposure within the Michigan PBB Registry and describe research findings in the context of literature on other persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs).

METHODS

We reviewed literature published from 1973 to 2025 on human health effects of PBB following the Michigan contamination, using PubMed and Thompson Reuters (ISI) Web of Science databases. We excluded studies not in English; studies on exposures besides PBB; animal studies; reviews, abstracts, or letters to the editor; studies without a health outcome; and studies outside of Michigan or unrelated to the 1973 contamination. For each article, two researchers performed title and abstract screening, full article review, and data extraction.

RESULTS

We included 79 publications out of 601 identified and screened. Early studies did not find many health outcomes associated with PBB, possibly because of methodological limitations. More recent studies on long-term and multigenerational impacts found an increased breast cancer risk, accelerated pubertal development and earlier menarche for girls exposed in utero, urogenital problems and slower pubertal development in boys exposed in utero, lower estrone 3-glucuronide and follicle-stimulating hormone among women exposed in childhood, and increased miscarriage risk among daughters of exposed women. Epigenetic and metabolomic research reported altered pathways related to estrogenic effects and immune function as well as the epigenetic alterations of spermatogenic cells.

DISCUSSION

This unique community-academic partnership has produced insights into multigenerational consequences of EDC/POP exposures across the life course. The findings from this cohort underscore the broader relevance of critical windows of vulnerability, particularly during fetal development and childhood. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP15012.