The probiotic SLAB51 as agent to counteract BPA toxicity on zebrafish gut microbiota -liver-brain axis

Dysregulation of gut barrier and microbiota in Asiatic hard clams (Meretrix petechialis) exposed to environmentally relevant bisphenol A

Bisphenol A (BPA), recognized as an endocrine disruptor, is widely present in various aquatic ecosystems. Marine bivalves constitute a significant portion of molluscan diversity and occupy a crucial niche in marine ecosystems. Nonetheless, toxicological studies focusing on the dysregulation of the intestinal barrier and microbiota in marine bivalves under BPA exposure still need to be refined and deepened. This research aims to assess the toxicity of BPA at concentrations of 1, 10, 100 μg/L on the intestinal tissues of Meretrix petechialis, focusing on behavioral responses, intestinal morphology, intestinal oxidative stress and antioxidant homeostasis, intestinal barrier function and intestinal microbial community. Our results demonstrated that BPA exposure caused behavioral changes in M. petechialis, significantly increased the number of buried clams and decreased the ingestion rate. Furthermore, BPA exposure disrupted the intestinal structure and induced inflammation and immune dysregulation in clams. Immunofluorescence staining showed that BPA disrupted the distribution of occludin and ZO-1 proteins in the intestine and significantly reduced their expression. Mucus secretion and tight junction genes were downregulated, which may be attributed to BPA-induced oxidative stress and the dysregulation of antioxidant homeostasis in the intestine. Besides, 16S rRNA sequencing revealed BPA not only influenced the beta diversity of intestinal bacteria but also the overall composition of the intestinal microbiome, with potential effects on metabolism predicted by PICRUSt2. Taken together, our results indicated that higher concentrations of BPA may pose safety concerns and enhanced our comprehension of the toxicological processes responsible for BPA-related intestinal toxicity in marine bivalves.

The impact of glyphosate at regulatory "safe" levels on reproductive health: cellular and molecular disruptions on male germ line

Glyphosate, a widely used herbicide in both agricultural and non-agricultural practices, has become pervasive in the environment, leading to significant human and animal exposure. Despite growing evidence of its potential endocrine-disrupting and reproductive toxicity, European regulatory agencies continue to affirm its safety. This study examines the effects of glyphosate on male reproductive health by exposing adult zebrafish to dietary glyphosate at doses within European safety thresholds. After 21 days of exposure, testicular samples were analysed using a combined approach involving transcript analysis, targeted metabolomics and proteomics, epigenetics, as well as immunohistochemistry. At 0.5 mg/kg body weight(bw)/day (the acceptable daily intake, ADI), glyphosate impaired germ cell differentiation and triggered cell-specific changes in histone acetylation within the male germline. Higher exposure levels of 50 mg/kg bw/day (the no observed adverse effect level, NOAEL) induced metabolomic and proteomic disruptions linked to impaired steroidogenesis, DNA damage in germ cells, and alterations in testicular architecture, culminating in reduced reproductive capacity. Interestingly, minimal testicular effects observed at 5 mg/kg bw/day highlighted the non-monotonic dose-response relationship to glyphosate. These findings unveil critical molecular and cellular disruptions caused by glyphosate and emphasize its potential reproductive risks, even at doses considered "safe" by regulatory standards. This research contributes to ongoing discussions surrounding sustainable agricultural practices and public health policies, calling for a re-evaluation of glyphosate safety thresholds.

Mitigation of PFOA-Induced Developmental Toxicity in Danio rerio by Bacillus subtilis var. natto: Focus on Growth and Ossification

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a persistent environmental contaminant that resists biological degradation and accumulates in organisms. It disrupts zebrafish embryo development, affecting their heartbeat rate and locomotion. Meanwhile, probiotics are known to enhance the development and ossification of zebrafish embryos. In this study, we examined the toxic effects of PFOA on growth and bone formation in zebrafish and the potential of the probiotic Bacillus subtilis var. natto to counteract its toxicity. Larvae were exposed to 0, 50, or 100 mg/L PFOA from hatching to 21 days post-fertilization (dpf), with or without dietary probiotic supplementation (107 CFU/larva/day), and they were sampled at 7, 14, and 21 dpf. PFOA exposure reduced standard length at 21 dpf, while the co-administration of probiotics mitigated these effects. Craniofacial cartilage defects appeared in larvae exposed to 50 mg/L PFOA at 7 and 14 dpf, while 100 mg/L PFOA impaired bone development at 7 dpf. Probiotics counteracted these abnormalities. PFOA also delayed ossification, correlating with the downregulation of col10a1a, runx2b, and cyp26b1, while the probiotic treatment restored normal ossification. These findings improve our understanding of PFOA's detrimental effects on zebrafish growth and bone formation while demonstrating the protective role of probiotics against PFOA-induced developmental toxicity.

Prenatal exposure to Bisphenol A sex-specifically disrupts prepulse inhibition and decreases parvalbumin-positive neurons in the prefrontal cortex of adult rats

Early-life exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) has adverse effects on neuronal development and behavioral performance; however, many aspects of its effects remain unknown. Here, we aimed to investigate whether prenatal exposure to BPA can induce psychotic-like behaviors and impair certain schizophrenia-related GABAergic markers, including GAD67, NRG1, ERbB4, and parvalbumin (PV), in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of adult offspring rats. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were orally administered BPA (0.25 and 2.5 mg/kg/day), ethinyl estradiol as a reference estrogen, or a vehicle during the pregnancy period. On postnatal days (PNDs) 62-63, male and female offspring were tested for prepulse inhibition (PPI) and locomotor activity, followed by tissue collection on PND 64. Both doses of BPA significantly decreased PPI in female offspring compared to the control group, while no significant changes were observed in male offspring. Moreover, in female offspring, a marked reduction in the density of PV-positive neurons in the PFC was observed in both BPA groups compared to the control group. In the locomotor activity test, neither sex showed significant changes. Meanwhile, the PFC expression of GAD67, NRG1, and ERbB4 genes did not show significant alterations in either male or female rats. Overall, this study demonstrates that prenatal BPA exposure disrupts PPI and decreases PV-positive neurons in the PFC of adult female rats. In other words, early neurodevelopment can be sex-specifically impaired by BPA, which may consequently increase susceptibility to schizophrenia in adulthood. Therefore, the detrimental effects of BPA on embryonic and fetal brain development should be considered in health policies related to pregnancy.

Gut microbiota in the development and progression of chronic liver diseases: Gut microbiota-liver axis

The gut microbiota (GM) is a highly dynamic ecology whose density and composition can be influenced by a wide range of internal and external factors. Thus, "How do GM, which can have commensal, pathological, and mutualistic relationships with us, affect human health?" has become the most popular research issue in recent years. Numerous studies have demonstrated that the trillions of microorganisms that inhabit the human body can alter host physiology in a variety of systems, such as metabolism, immunology, cardiovascular health, and neurons. The GM may have a role in the development of a number of clinical disorders by producing bioactive peptides, including neurotransmitters, short-chain fatty acids, branched-chain amino acids, intestinal hormones, and secondary bile acid conversion. These bioactive peptides enter the portal circulatory system through the gut-liver axis and play a role in the development of chronic liver diseases, cirrhosis, and hepatic encephalopathy. This procedure is still unclear and quite complex. In this study, we aim to discuss the contribution of GM to the development of liver diseases, its effects on the progression of existing chronic liver disease, and to address the basic mechanisms of the intestinal microbiota-liver axis in the light of recent publications that may inspire the future.

Exploring PANoptosis in head and neck cancer: A novel approach to cancer therapy

PANoptosis is a newly discovered complex programmed cell death (PCD) form. In the field of cancer research, PANoptosis is involved in multiple cell death pathways that affect tumor cell survival, proliferation, and response to treatment, serving as an innovative strategy for cancer therapy. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) impact the endocrine system, including cancer. However, research on their influence on head and neck carcinoma (HNSC) through PANoptosis genes remains limited. This study utilises transcriptomic and clinical data related to HNSC from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. We developed a risk model based on PANoptosis-related genes through LASSO Cox regression analysis. Finally, we utilized a Sankey diagram to depict the relationships between EDCs and key genes, identifying DSCAM, IL-6, and SYCP2 as critical predictors of HNSC PANoptosis. These essential genes identified 214 EDCs potentially influencing HNSC, including 3 (Aroclor 1242, Pentachlorobenzene, and Propanil) previously unreported to HNSC. These findings elucidate novel relationships between PANoptosis-related genes mediated by EDCs and the pathogenesis of HNSC.

Biodegradation of chemical contamination by lactic acid bacteria: A biological tool for food safety

Chemical pollutants such as mycotoxins and pesticides exert harmful effects on human health such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and cancer. Several strategies were applied for food decontamination, including physicochemical and biological strategies. The present review comprehensively discussed the recent efforts related to the biodegradation of eight food chemical contaminants, including mycotoxins, acrylamide, biogenic amines, N-nitrosamines, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, bisphenol A, pesticides, and heavy metals by lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Biological detoxification by LAB such as Lactobacillus is a promising approach to remove the risks related to the presence of chemical and environmental pollutants in foodstuffs. It is a safe, efficient, environmentally friendly, and low-cost strategy to remove hazardous compounds. LAB can directly decrease these chemical pollutants by degradation or adsorption. Also, it can indirectly reduce the content of these pollutants by reducing their precursors. Hence, LAB can contribute to reducing chemical pollutants in contaminated foods and enhance food safety.

Mitigating Dietary Bisphenol Exposure Through the Gut Microbiota: The Role of Next-Generation Probiotics in Bacterial Detoxification

Bisphenols, such as bisphenol A and its analogs, which include bisphenol S, bisphenol F, bisphenol AF, and tetramethyl bisphenol F, are chemical contaminants commonly found in food that raise serious health concerns. These xenobiotics can potentially have harmful effects on human health. The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in metabolizing and neutralizing these substances, which is essential for their detoxification and elimination. Probiotic supplementation has been studied for its ability to modulate the gut microbiota's composition and function, enhancing detoxification processes. Next-Generation Probiotics (NGPs) may exhibit better properties than traditional strains and are designed for targeted action on specific conditions, such as obesity. By modulating inflammatory responses and reducing the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, they can significantly improve host health. Research on NGPs' ability to neutralize obesogenic bisphenols remains limited, but their potential makes this a promising area for future exploration. This review aims to understand the mechanisms of the chemical transformation of bisphenol through its interactions with the gut microbiota and the role of probiotics, particularly NGPs, in these processes. Understanding the interplay between bisphenols, gut microbiota, and NGPs may pave the way for strategies to counteract the negative health effects associated with daily and chronic exposure to bisphenols, which is crucial for food safety and consumer health protection.

Probiotics as Potential Tool to Mitigate Nucleotide Metabolism Alterations Induced by DiNP Dietary Exposure in Danio rerio

Diisononyl phthalate, classified as endocrine disruptor, has been investigate to trigger lipid biosynthesis in both mammalian and teleostean animal models. Despite this, little is known about the effects of DiNP exposure at tolerable daily intake level and the possible mechanisms of its toxicity. Probiotics, on the other hand, were demonstrated to have beneficial effects on the organism's metabolism and recently emerged as a possible tool to mitigate the EDC toxicity. In the present study, using a metabolomic approach, the potential hepatic sex-related toxicity of DiNP was investigated in adult zebrafish together with the mitigating action of the probiotic formulation SLAB51, which has already demonstrated its ability to ameliorate gastrointestinal pathologies in animals including humans. Zebrafish were exposed for 28 days to 50 µg/kg body weight (bw)/day of DiNP (DiNP) through their diet and treated with 109 CFU/g bw of SLAB51 (P) and the combination of DiNP and SLAB51 (DiNP + P), and the results were compared to those of an untreated control group (C). DiNP reduced AMP, IMP, and GMP in the purine metabolism, while such alterations were not observed in the DiNP + P group, for which the phenotype overlapped that of C fish. In addition, in male, DiNP reduced UMP and CMP levels in the pyrimidine metabolism, while the co-administration of probiotic shifted the DiNP + P metabolic phenotype toward that of P male and closed to C male, suggesting the beneficial effects of probiotics also in male fish. Overall, these results provide the first evidence of the disruptive actions of DiNP on hepatic nucleotide metabolism and mitigating action of the probiotic to reduce a DiNP-induced response in a sex-related manner.

Should Pregnant Women Consume Probiotics to Combat Endocrine-Disrupting Chemical-Induced Health Risks to Their Unborn Offspring?

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have become so pervasive in our environment and daily lives that it is impossible to avoid contact with such compounds, including pregnant women seeking to minimize exposures to themselves and their unborn children. Developmental exposure of humans and rodent models to bisphenol A (BPA) and other EDCs is linked to increased anxiogenic behaviors, learning and memory deficits, and decreased socio-sexual behaviors. Prenatal exposure to BPA and other EDCs leads to longstanding and harmful effects on gut microbiota with reductions in beneficial bacteria, i.e., gut dysbiosis, and such microbial changes are linked to host changes in fecal metabolites, including those involved in carbohydrate metabolism and synthesis, and neurobehavioral alterations in adulthood, in particular, social and cognitive deficits. Gut dysbiosis is increasingly being recognized as a key driver of a myriad of diseases, ranging from metabolic, cardiovascular, reproductive, and neurobehavioral disorders via the gut-microbiome-brain axis. Thus, EDCs might induce indirect effects on physical and mental health by acting as microbiome-disrupting chemicals. Findings raise the important question as to whether pregnant women should consume a probiotic supplement to mitigate pernicious effects of EDCs, especially BPA, on themselves and their unborn offspring. Current studies investigating the effects of maternal probiotic supplementation on pregnant women's health and that of their unborn offspring will be reviewed. Data will inform on the potential application of probiotic supplementation to reverse harmful effects of EDCs, especially BPA, in pregnant women unwittingly exposed to these compounds and striving to give their offspring the best start in life.

Unveiling the Journey from the Gut to the Brain: Decoding Neurodegeneration-Gut Connection in Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease, a classical motor disorder affecting the dopaminergic system of the brain, has been as a disease of the brain, but this classical notion has now been viewed differently as the pathology begins in the gut and then gradually moves up to the brain regions. The microorganisms in the gut play a critical role in maintaining the physiology of the gut from maintaining barrier integrity to secretion of microbial products that maintain a healthy gut state. The pathology subsequently alters the normal composition of gut microbes and causes deleterious effects that ultimately trigger strong neuroinflammation and nonmotor symptoms along with characteristic synucleopathy, a pathological hallmark of the disease. Understanding the complex pathomechanisms in distinct and established preclinical models is the primary goal of researchers to decipher how exactly gut pathology has a central effect; the quest has led to many answered and some open-ended questions for researchers. We summarize the popular opinions and some contrasting views, concise footsteps in the treatment strategies targeting the gastrointestinal system.