Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs caused an outbreak of inflammation and oxidative stress with changes in the gut microbiota in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Performance evaluation of a new sponge-based moving bed biofilm reactor for the removal of pharmaceutical pollutants from real wastewater

Pharmaceutical pollutants, a group of emerging contaminants, have attracted outstanding attention in recent years, and their removal from aquatic environments has been addressed. In the current study, a new sponge-based moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) was developed to remove chemical oxygen demand (COD) and the pharmaceutical compound Ibuprofen (IBU). A 30-L pilot scale MBBR was constructed, which was continuously fed from the effluent of the first clarifier of the Southern Tehran wastewater treatment plant. The controlled operational parameters were pH in the natural range, Dissolved Oxygen of 1.5-2 mg/L, average suspended mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS), and mixed liquor volatile suspended solids (MLVSS) of 1.68 ± 0.1 g/L and 1.48 ± 0.1 g/L, respectively. The effect of hydraulic retention time (HRT) (5 h, 10 h, 15 h), filling ratio (10%, 20%, 30%), and initial IBU concentration (2 mg/L, 5 mg/L, 10 mg/L) on removal efficiencies was assessed. The findings of this study revealed a COD removal efficiency ranging from 48.9 to 96.7%, with the best removal efficiency observed at an HRT of 10 h, a filling ratio of 20%, and an initial IBU concentration of 2 mg/L. Simultaneously, the IBU removal rate ranged from 25 to 92.7%, with the highest removal efficiency observed under the same HRT and filling ratio, albeit with an initial IBU concentration of 5 mg/L. An extension of HRT from 5 to 10 h significantly improved both COD and IBU removal. However, further extension from 10 to 15 h slightly enhanced the removal efficiency of COD and IBU, and even in some cases, removal efficiency decreased. Based on the obtained results, 20% of the filling ratio was chosen as the optimum state. Increasing the initial concentration of IBU from 2 to 5 mg/L generally improved COD and IBU removal, whereas an increase from 5 to 10 mg/L caused a decline in COD and IBU removal. This study also optimized the reactor's efficiency for COD and IBU removal by using response surface methodology (RSM) with independent variables of HRT, filling ratio, and initial IBU concentration. In this regard, the quadratic model was found to be significant. Utilizing the central composite design (CCD), the optimal operating parameters at an HRT of 10 h, a filling ratio of 21%, and an initial IBU concentration of 3 mg/L were pinpointed, achieving the highest COD and IBU removal efficiencies. The present study demonstrated that sponge-based MBBR stands out as a promising technology for COD and IBU removal.

Enzymatic degradability of diclofenac ozonation products: A mechanistic analysis

The treatment of waterborne micropollutants, such as diclofenac, presents a significant challenge to wastewater treatment plants due to their incomplete removal by conventional methods. Ozonation is an effective technique for the degradation of micropollutants. However, incomplete oxidation can lead to the formation of ecotoxic by-products that require a subsequent post-treatment step. In this study, we analyze the susceptibility of micropollutant ozonation products to enzymatic digestion with laccase from Trametes versicolor to evaluate the potential of enzymatic treatment as a post-ozonation step. The omnipresent micropollutant diclofenac is used as an example, and the enzymatic degradation kinetics of all 14 detected ozonation products are analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC-HRMS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS2). The analysis shows that most of the ozonation products are responsive to chemo-enzymatic treatment but show considerable variation in enzymatic degradation kinetics and efficiencies. Mechanistic investigation of representative transformation products reveals that the hydroxylated aromatic nature of the ozonation products matches the substrate spectrum, facilitating their rapid recognition as substrates by laccase. However, after initiation by laccase, the subsequent chemical pathway of the enzymatically formed radicals determines the global degradability observed in the enzymatic process. Substrates capable of forming stable molecular oxidation products inhibit complete detoxification by oligomerization. This emphasizes that it is not the enzymatic uptake of the substrates but the channelling of the reaction of the substrate radicals towards the oligomerization of the substrate radicals that is the key step in the further development of an enzymatic treatment step for wastewater applications.

Long-term dietary exposure to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs diclofenac and ibuprofen can affect the physiology of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) on multiple levels, even at "environmentally relevant" concentrations

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of emerging environmental contaminants, the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) diclofenac (DCF) and ibuprofen (IBP), on physiological functions in juvenile common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Fish were exposed for 6 weeks, and for the first time, NSAIDs were administered through diet. Either substance was tested at two concentrations, 20 or 2000 μg/kg, resulting in four different treatments (DCF 20, DCF 2000, IBP 20, IBP 2000). The effects on haematological and biochemical profiles, the biomarkers of oxidative stress, and endocrine disruption were studied, and changes in RNA transcription were also monitored to obtain a comprehensive picture of toxicity. Fish exposure to high concentrations of NSAIDs (DCF 2000, IBP 2000) elicited numerous statistically significant changes (p < 0.05) in the endpoints investigated, with DCF being almost always more efficient than IBP. Compared to control fish, a decrease in total leukocyte count attributed to relative lymphopenia was observed. Plasma concentrations of total proteins, ammonia, and thyroxine, and enzyme activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were significantly elevated in either group, as were the activities of certain hepatic antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase) in the DCF 2000 group. The transcriptomic profile of selected genes in the tissues of exposed fish was affected as well. Significant changes in plasma total proteins, ammonia, ALT, and ALP, as well as in the transcription of genes related to thyroid function and the antioxidant defense of the organism, were found even in fish exposed to the lower DCF concentration (DCF 20). As it was chosen to match DCF concentrations commonly detected in aquatic invertebrates (i.e., the potential feed source of fish), it can be considered "environmentally relevant". Future research is necessary to shed more light on the dietary NSAID toxicity to fish.

Protective role of Cecropin AD against LPS-induced intestinal mucosal injury in chickens

Introduction

Cecropin AD (CAD), a renowned antimicrobial peptide, has shown promising potential in treating various bacterial infections. This study investigates the protective effects of CAD against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intestinal adversities in chickens.

Methods

Sixty SPF-grade chicks were divided into groups and exposed to different dosages of CAD, followed by LPS administration. The study assessed the impact of CAD on intestinal mucosal injury markers, oxidative stress, and inflammation.

Results

LPS significantly increased Diamine oxidase (DAO) and D-lactate (D-LA) levels, both indicators of intestinal mucosal injury. CAD treatment substantially attenuated these elevations, particularly at higher dosages. Additionally, CAD markedly reduced oxidative stress in intestinal tissues, as shown by normalized antioxidant levels and decreased reactive oxygen species. Histological analysis supported these findings, showing better-preserved villi structures in CAD-treated groups. Furthermore, CAD significantly reduced IL-6 and IL-8 expression post-LPS stimulation and effectively regulated the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway, decreasing associated factors like NLRP3, Caspase-1, IL-1b, and IL-18.

Discussion

The study demonstrates CAD's therapeutic potential in alleviating LPS-induced intestinal injuries. The protective effects are primarily attributed to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidative actions and modulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway.

Eu3+ functionalized metal-organic framework for selective monitoring of emerging environmental pollutants non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as a new water pollutant emerging in recent years, has potential hazards to the environment. The difficult degradation characteristics of NSAIDs lead to long-term accumulation in the natural environment, which will inevitably cause incalculable damage to human health. In this work, for practical application considerations, MIL-53(Al) type MOF [Al(OH)(TDC)]‧1.5H₂O‧0.7DMF (MIL-53-TDC, TDC = 2,5-thiophene dicarboxylic acid) with good water stability is selected as the sensing main body. The ligand TDC was chosen for two reasons: one is as an antenna ligand, which can sensitize Eu³⁺ ions to emit characteristic fluorescence; the other is as binding site that the sulfur atoms on the thiophene ring can introduce Eu³⁺ ions through coordination. Thus, Eu³⁺ functionalized MIL-53-TDC hybrid materials (Eu@MIL-53-TDC) were developed as a fluorescence sensor for the detection of two kinds of NSAIDs, S-ibuprofen (S-IBP) and diclofenac (DCF). The concentration range of S-IBP and DCF detected by the prepared sensors is 0.001-0.07 mM (LOD = 0.5 μM) and 0.0005-0.1 mM (LOD = 0.2 μM), respectively. Moreover, this sensor not only can achieve rapid (3 min) and sensitive analysis of these two NSAIDs but also has a satisfactory recovery for the detection of S-IBP and DCF in serum and tap water.

Development and evaluation of a fish feed mixture containing the probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum prepared using an innovative pellet coating method

Introduction

Due to the intensification of fish farming and the associated spread of antimicrobial resistance among animals and humans, it is necessary to discover new alternatives in the therapy and prophylaxis of diseases. Probiotics appear to be promising candidates because of their ability to stimulate immune responses and suppress the growth of pathogens.

Methods

The aim of this study was to prepare fish feed mixtures with various compositions and, based on their physical characteristics (sphericity, flow rate, density, hardness, friability, and loss on drying), choose the most suitable one for coating with the selected probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum R2 Biocenol™ CCM 8674 (new nom. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum). The probiotic strain was examined through sequence analysis for the presence of plantaricin- related genes. An invented coating technology based on a dry coating with colloidal silica followed by starch hydrogel containing L. plantarum was applied to pellets and tested for the viability of probiotics during an 11-month period at different temperatures (4°C and 22°C). The release kinetics of probiotics in artificial gastric juice and in water (pH = 2 and pH = 7) were also determined. Chemical and nutritional analyses were conducted for comparison of the quality of the control and coated pellets.

Results and discussion

The results showed a gradual and sufficient release of probiotics for a 24-hour period, from 10⁴ CFU at 10 mi up to 10⁶ at the end of measurement in both environments. The number of living probiotic bacteria was stable during the whole storage period at 4°C (10⁸), and no significant decrease in living probiotic bacteria was observed. Sanger sequencing revealed the presence of plantaricin A and plantaricin EF. Chemical analysis revealed an increase in multiple nutrients compared to the uncoated cores. These findings disclose that the invented coating method with a selected probiotic strain improved nutrient composition and did not worsen any of the physical characteristics of pellets. Applied probiotics are also gradually released into the environment and have a high survival rate when stored at 4°C for a long period of time. The outputs of this study confirm the potential of prepared and tested probiotic fish mixtures for future use in in vivo experiments and in fish farms for the prevention of infectious diseases.

A study to assess the health effects of an anticancer drug (cyclophosphamide) in zebrafish (Danio rerio): eco-toxicity of emerging contaminants

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is widely used for treating various kinds of cancer. Because of its high intake, metabolism and excretion, these anticancer medications have been detected in the aquatic environment. There is very limited data on the toxicity and effects of CP on aquatic organisms. The present study aims to assess the toxic effect of CP on certain oxidative stress biomarkers (superoxide dismutase-SOD, catalase-CAT, glutathione peroxidase-GPx, glutathione-GSH, glutathione S-transferases-GST and lipid peroxidation-LPO), protein, glucose, metabolising enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase-AST, alanine aminotransferase-ALT), and ion-regulatory markers (sodium ions-Na⁺, potassium ions-K⁺, and chloride ions-Cl^-), and histology in the gills and liver of Danio rerio at environmentally relevant concentrations (10, 100 and 1000 ng L^-1). Exposure to CP for 42 days led to a significant decrease in SOD, CAT, GST, GPx and GSH levels in the gills and liver tissues of zebrafish. The level of lipid peroxidation in the gills and liver tissues of zebrafish was significantly increased compared to the control group. Chronic exposure significantly changes protein, glucose, AST, ALT, Na⁺, K⁺ and Cl^- biomarkers. Fish exposed to different levels of CP showed necrosis, inflammation, degeneration and hemorrhage in the gills and hepatic tissues. The observed changes in the studied tissue biomarkers were proportional to both dose and time. In conclusion, CP at environmentally relevant concentrations causes oxidative stress, energy demand, homeostasis disturbances, and enzyme and histological alterations in the vital tissues of zebrafish. These alterations were similar to the toxic effects reported in mammalian models.

Ibuprofen: Toxicology and Biodegradation of an Emerging Contaminant

The anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen is considered to be an emerging contaminant because of its presence in different environments (from water bodies to soils) at concentrations with adverse effects on aquatic organisms due to cytotoxic and genotoxic damage, high oxidative cell stress, and detrimental effects on growth, reproduction, and behavior. Because of its high human consumption rate and low environmental degradation rate, ibuprofen represents an emerging environmental problem. Ibuprofen enters the environment from different sources and accumulates in natural environmental matrices. The problem of drugs, particularly ibuprofen, as contaminants is complicated because few strategies consider them or apply successful technologies to remove them in a controlled and efficient manner. In several countries, ibuprofen's entry into the environment is an unattended contamination problem. It is a concern for our environmental health system that requires more attention. Due to its physicochemical characteristics, ibuprofen degradation is difficult in the environment or by microorganisms. There are experimental studies that are currently focused on the problem of drugs as potential environmental contaminants. However, these studies are insufficient to address this ecological issue worldwide. This review focuses on deepening and updating the information concerning ibuprofen as a potential emerging environmental contaminant and the potential for using bacteria for its biodegradation as an alternative technology.

The antipsychotic drug olanzapine altered lipid metabolism in the common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.): Insight from the gut microbiota-SCFAs-liver axis

Olanzapine (OLA) is a common drug used to treat schizophrenia and has recently come under increasing scrutiny as an emerging contaminant. However, its impact on lipid metabolism in fish and its mechanisms of action are not well understood. In this study, common carp were exposed to 0, 10, 100, and 250 μM OLA for 60 days. The results indicated that OLA exposure increased weight gain, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides (TG) and decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL). In addition, lipids accumulated in the liver of the common carp. To explore the underlying mechanisms of action, gut microbiota, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), liver transcripts, and genes related to lipid metabolism were measured. It was discovered that OLA exposure altered the common carp gut microbiota composition and increased the abundance of SCFA-producing bacteria. Correspondingly, this study showed that OLA exposure increased the levels of SCFAs, which are highly relevant to the development of lipid accumulation. Transcriptome sequencing results indicated that OLA exposure could change lipid metabolism signalling pathways, including steroid biosynthesis, the PPAR signalling pathway, asglycerophospholipid metabolism, glycerolipid metabolism, and fatty acid metabolic pathways of the common carp. Additionally, OLA exposure interrupted lipid metabolism by means of significant upregulation of lipid synthesis-related genes, including pparγ, srebp1, and fas. OLA exposure also resulted in significant lipolysis-related gene downregulation, including cpt, lpl, hsl, and pparα. The results of this study indicated that contamination of aquatic environments with OLA alters lipid metabolism in common carp. In addition, the underlying mechanism might be due in part to the modulation of the gut microbiota-SCFA-PPAR signalling pathway.