A Common Feature of Pesticides: Oxidative Stress-The Role of Oxidative Stress in Pesticide-Induced Toxicity

Assessing the impact of imidacloprid, glyphosate, and their mixtures on multiple biomarkers in Corbicula largillierti

Pesticide mixtures are frequently utilized in agriculture, yet their cumulative effects on aquatic organisms remain poorly understood. Aquatic animals can be effective bioindicators and invasive bivalves, owing to their widespread distribution, provide an opportunity to assess these impacts. Glyphosate and imidacloprid, among the most prevalent pesticides globally, are frequently detected in freshwater systems in South America. This study aims to understand the cumulative effects of pesticide mixtures on aquatic organisms, using invasive Corbicula largillierti clams from a natural stream in northwestern Argentina. We conducted 48-hour exposure experiments using two concentrations of imidacloprid (20 and 200 μg L-1 a.i), two concentrations of glyphosate (0.3 and 3 mg L-1 a.i), and two combinations of these pesticides (both at low and high concentrations, respectively), simulating the direct contamination of both pesticides based on their agronomic recipe and observed values in Argentine aquatic environments. Clam metabolism was assessed through the examination of multiple oxidative stress parameters and measuring oxygen consumption rate as a proxy for standard metabolic rate (SMR). Our findings revealed that imidacloprid has a more pronounced effect compared to glyphosate. Imidacloprid significantly decreased clam SMR and cellular levels of reduced glutathione (GSH). However, when both pesticides were present, also cellular glycogen and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) were affected. Proteins and glutathione S-Transferase (GST) activity were unaffected by either pesticide or their mixture at the assayed concentrations, highlighting the need to test several stress parameters to detect toxicological impacts. Our results indicated additive effects of imidacloprid and glyphosate across all measured parameters. The combination of multiple physiological and cytological biomarkers in invasive bivalves offers significant potential to enhance biomonitoring sensitivity and obtain insights into the origins and cellular mechanisms of chemical impacts. These studies can improve pollution regulatory policies and pesticide management.

Enhancing spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) resilience in pesticide-contaminated soil: Role of pesticide-tolerant Ciceribacter azotifigens and Serratia marcescens in root architecture, leaf gas exchange attributes and antioxidant response restoration

This study unveils the detoxification potential of insecticide-tolerant plant beneficial bacteria (PBB), i.e., Ciceribacter azotifigens SF1 and Serratia marcescens SRB1, in spinach treated with fipronil (FIP), profenofos (PF) and chlorantraniliprole (CLP) insecticides. Increasing insecticide doses (25-400 μg kg-1 soil) significantly curtailed germination attributes and growth of spinach cultivated at both bench-scale and in greenhouse experiments. Profenofos at 400 μg kg-1 exhibited maximum inhibitory effects and reduced germination by 55%; root and shoot length by 78% and 81%, respectively; dry matter accumulation in roots and shoots by 79% and 62%, respectively; leaf number by 87% and leaf area by 56%. Insecticide application caused morphological distortion in root tips/surfaces, increased levels of oxidative stress, and cell death in spinach. Application of insecticide-tolerant SF1 and SRB1 strains relieved insecticide pressure resulting in overall improvement in growth and physiology of spinach grown under insecticide stress. Ciceribacter azotifigens improved germination rate (10%); root biomass (53%); shoot biomass (25%); leaf area (10%); Chl-a (45%), Chl-b (36%) and carotenoid (48%) contents of spinach at 25 μg CLP kg-1 soil. PBB inoculation reinvigorated the stressed spinach and modulated the synthesis of phytochemicals, proline, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide anions (O2•-), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed recovery in root tip morphology and stomatal openings on abaxial leaf surfaces of PBB-inoculated spinach grown with insecticides. Ciceribacter azotifigens inoculation significantly increased intrinsic water use efficiency, transpiration rate, vapor pressure deficit, intracellular CO2 concentration, photosynthetic rate, and stomatal conductance in spinach exposed to 25 μg FIP kg-1. Also, C. azotifigens and S. marcescens modulated the antioxidant defense systems of insecticide-treated spinach. Bacterial strains were strongly colonized to root surfaces of insecticide-stressed spinach seedlings as revealed under SEM. The identification of insecticide-tolerant PBBs such as C. azotifigens and S. marcescens hold the potential for alleviating abiotic stress to spinach, thereby fostering enhanced and safe production within polluted agroecosystems.

Linking pesticide exposure to neurodegenerative diseases: An in vitro investigation with human neuroblastoma cells

Although many organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) have been banned or restricted because of their persistence and linkage to neurodegenerative diseases, there is evidence of continued human exposure. In contrast, registered herbicides are reported to have a moderate to low level of toxicity; however, there is little information regarding their toxicity to humans or their combined effects with OCPs. This study aimed to characterize the mechanism of toxicity of banned OCP insecticides (aldrin, dieldrin, heptachlor, and lindane) and registered herbicides (trifluralin, triallate, and clopyralid) detected at a legacy contaminated pesticide manufacturing and packing site using SH-SY5Y cells. Cell viability, LDH release, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and caspase 3/7 activity were evaluated following 24 h of exposure to the biocides. In addition, RNASeq was conducted at sublethal concentrations to investigate potential mechanisms involved in cellular toxicity. Our findings suggested that aldrin and heptachlor were the most toxic, while dieldrin, lindane, trifluralin, and triallate exhibited moderate toxicity, and clopyralid was not toxic to SH-SY5Y cells. While aldrin and heptachlor induced their toxicity through damage to the cell membrane, the toxicity of dieldrin was partially attributed to necrosis and apoptosis. Moreover, toxic effects of lindane, trifluralin, and triallate, at least partially, were associated with ROS generation. Gene expression profiles suggested that decreased cell viability induced by most of the tested biocides was related to inhibited cell proliferation. The dysregulation of genes encoding for proteins with anti-apoptotic properties also supported the absence of caspase activation. Identified enriched terms showed that OCP toxicity in SH-SY5Y cells was mediated through pathways associated with the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. In conclusion, this study provides a basis for elucidating the molecular mechanisms of pesticide-induced neurotoxicity. Moreover, it introduced SH-SY5Y cells as a relevant in vitro model for investigating the neurotoxicity of pesticides in humans.

Diesel exhaust particulate matter induces GC-1 spg cells oxidative stress by KEAP1-NRF2 pathway and inhibition of ATP5α1 S-sulfhydration

Diesel exhaust particle (DEP) exposure induces a variety of toxicological effects through oxidative stress and inflammation responses. This research investigated the mechanisms underlying DEP-induced GC-1spg cells oxidative stress by examining ROS accumulation, antioxidant defense systems activation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the Nrf2/Keap1/HO-1 pathway response. Subsequently, we further evaluated the ATP levels, ATP5α synthase activity and ATP5α synthase S-sulfhydrated modification in DEP-exposed GC-1 spg cells. The results showed that DEP exposure significantly inhibited cell proliferation and viability, increased intracellular ROS production, decreased MMP, down-regulated antioxidant capacity, activated the Nrf2/Keap1/HO-1 pathway. However, DEP-induced oxidative stress was partially alleviated by GSH and exogenous H2S. In addition, DEP exposure induced ATP depletion and ATP5α synthase inactivity in GC-1 spg cells, accompanied by ATP5α synthase S-sulfhydrated modification. In conclusion, our research showed that DEP may incapacitate mitochondria through oxidative stress injury, leading to GC-1 spg cells oxidative stress. This process may be associated with the reduction of ATP5α1 S-sulfhydrated modification. It provides a new perspective for the research of the mechanism related to male reproductive toxicity due to air pollution.

Biomonitoring urinary pesticide metabolites in preschool children by supported liquid extraction and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and their association with oxidative stress

Investigating pesticide exposure and oxidative stress in preschool children is essential for elucidating the determinants of environmental health in early life, with human biomonitoring of urinary pesticide metabolites serving as a critical strategy for achieving this objective. This study demonstrated biomonitoring of 2 phenoxyacetic acid herbicides, 2 organophosphorus pesticide metabolites, and 4 pyrethroid pesticide metabolites in 159 preschool children and evaluated their association with oxidative stress biomarker 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine. An enzymatic deconjugation process was used to release urinary pesticide metabolites, which were then extracted and enriched by supported liquid extraction, and quantified by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry with internal standard calibration. Dichloromethane: methyl tert‑butyl ether (1:1, v/v) was optimized as the solvent for supported liquid extraction, and we validated the method for linear range, recovery, matrix effect and method detection limit. Method detection limit of the pesticide metabolites ranged from 0.01 μg/L to 0.04 μg/L, with satisfactory recoveries ranging from 70.5 % to 95.5 %. 2,4,5-Trichlorophenoxyacetic acid was not detected, whereas the other seven pesticide metabolites were detected with frequencies ranging from 10.1 % to 100 %. The concentration of urinary pesticide metabolites did not significantly differ between boys and girls, with the median concentrations being 9.39 μg/L for boys and 4.90 μg/L for girls, respectively. Spearman correlation analysis indicated that significant positive correlations among urinary metabolites. Bayesian kernel machine regression revealed a significant positive association between urinary pesticide metabolites and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine. Para-nitrophenol was the pesticide metabolite that contributed significantly to the elevated level of oxidative stress.

Diazoxon exposure increases susceptibility to infection by Salmonella Typhimurium

Various exogenous factors, such as microbiological and chemical contamination condition food security. Salmonella Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) is the cause of salmonellosis. This bacterium utilizes phagocytosis to create bacterial reservoirs. On the other hand, exposure to chemical contaminants, such as pesticides, increases susceptibility to numerous infections. Therefore, this research aims to evaluate the effect of co-exposure to diazoxon and S. Typhimurium on the in vitro infection dynamics. For this purpose, human mononuclear cells were pre-exposed in vitro to diazoxon and then challenged with S. Typhimurium at 1, 8, and 24 h. Bacterial internalization, actin polymerization, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were analyzed. Obtained data show that mononuclear cells previously exposed to diazoxon exhibit greater internalization of S. Typhimurium. Likewise, greater ROS production and an increase in actin polymerization were observed. Therefore, in the proposed scenario, obtained data suggest that co-exposure to diazoxon and S. Typhimurium increases susceptibility to acquiring an illness.

RNAi-mediated knockdown of papilin gene affects the egg hatching in Nilaparvata lugens

BACKGROUND

The brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens, is one of the most destructive pests of rice. Owing to the rapid adaptation of BPH to many pesticides and resistant varieties, identifying putative gene targets for developing RNA interference (RNAi)-based pest management strategies has received much attention for this pest. The glucoprotein papilin is the most abundant component in the basement membranes of many organisms, and its function is closely linked to development.

RESULTS

In this study, we identified a papilin homologous gene in BPH (NlPpn). Quantitative Real-time PCR analysis showed that the transcript of NlPpn was highly accumulated in the egg stage. RNAi of NlPpn in newly emerged BPH females caused nonhatching phenotypes of their eggs, which may be a consequence of the maldevelopment of their embryos. Moreover, the transcriptomic analysis identified 583 differentially expressed genes between eggs from the dsGFP- and dsNlPpn-treated insects. Among them, the 'structural constituent of cuticle' cluster ranked first among the top 15 enriched GO terms. Consistently, ultrastructural analysis unveiled that dsNlPpn-treated eggs displayed a discrete and distorted serosal endocuticle lamellar structure. Furthermore, the hatchability of BPH eggs was also successfully reduced by the topical application of NlPpn-dsRNA-layered double hydroxide nanosheets onto the adults.

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrate that NlPpn is essential to maintaining the regular structure of the serosal cuticle and the embryonic development in BPH, indicating NlPpn could be a potential target for pest control during the egg stage. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Airborne Exposure to Pollutants and Mental Health: A Review with Implications for United States Veterans

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Inhalation of airborne pollutants in the natural and built environment is ubiquitous; yet, exposures are different across a lifespan and unique to individuals. Here, we reviewed the connections between mental health outcomes from airborne pollutant exposures, the biological inflammatory mechanisms, and provide future directions for researchers and policy makers. The current state of knowledge is discussed on associations between mental health outcomes and Clean Air Act criteria pollutants, traffic-related air pollutants, pesticides, heavy metals, jet fuel, and burn pits.

RECENT FINDINGS

Although associations between airborne pollutants and negative physical health outcomes have been a topic of previous investigations, work highlighting associations between exposures and psychological health is only starting to emerge. Research on criteria pollutants and mental health outcomes has the most robust results to date, followed by traffic-related air pollutants, and then pesticides. In contrast, scarce mental health research has been conducted on exposure to heavy metals, jet fuel, and burn pits. Specific cohorts of individuals, such as United States military members and in-turn, Veterans, often have unique histories of exposures, including service-related exposures to aircraft (e.g. jet fuels) and burn pits. Research focused on Veterans and other individuals with an increased likelihood of exposure and higher vulnerability to negative mental health outcomes is needed. Future research will facilitate knowledge aimed at both prevention and intervention to improve physical and mental health among military personnel, Veterans, and other at-risk individuals.

Role of Lactic Acid Bacteria in Insecticide Residue Degradation

Lactic acid bacteria are gaining global attention, especially due to their role as a probiotic. They are increasingly being used as a flavoring agent and food preservative. Besides their role in food processing, lactic acid bacteria also have a significant role in degrading insecticide residues in the environment. This review paper highlights the importance of lactic acid bacteria in degrading insecticide residues of various types, such as organochlorines, organophosphorus, synthetic pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, and diamides. The paper discusses the mechanisms employed by lactic acid bacteria to degrade these insecticides, as well as their potential applications in bioremediation. The key enzymes produced by lactic acid bacteria, such as phosphatase and esterase, play a vital role in breaking down insecticide molecules. Furthermore, the paper discusses the challenges and future directions in this field. However, more research is needed to optimize the utilization of lactic acid bacteria in insecticide residue degradation and to develop practical strategies for their implementation in real-world scenarios.

β-Hexachlorocyclohexane triggers neuroinflammatory activity, epigenetic histone post-translational modifications and cognitive dysfunction

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), which encompass pesticides and industrial chemicals widely utilized across the globe, pose a covert threat to human health. β-hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH) is an organochlorine pesticide with striking stability, still illegally dumped in many countries, and recognized as responsible for several pathogenetic mechanisms. This study represents a pioneering exploration into the neurotoxic effects induced by the exposure to β-HCH specifically targeting neuronal cells (N2a), microglia (BV-2), and C57BL/6 mice. As shown by western blot and qPCR analyses, the administration of β-HCH triggered a modulation of NF-κB, a key factor influencing both inflammation and pro-inflammatory cytokines expression. We demonstrated by proteomic and western blot techniques epigenetic modifications in H3 histone induced by β-HCH. Histone acetylation of H3K9 and H3K27 increased in N2a, and in the prefrontal cortex of C57BL/6 mice administered with β-HCH, whereas it decreased in BV-2 cells and in the hippocampus. We also observed a severe detrimental effect on recognition memory and spatial navigation by the Novel Object Recognition Test (NORT) and the Object Place Recognition Task (OPRT) behavioural tests. Cognitive impairment was linked to decreased expression of the genes BDNF and SNAP-25, which are mediators involved in synaptic function and activity. The obtained results expand our understanding of the harmful impact produced by β-HCH exposure by highlighting its implication in the pathogenesis of neurological diseases. These findings will support intervention programs to limit the risk induced by exposure to POPs. Regulatory agencies should block further illicit use, causing environmental hazards and endangering human and animal health.

The Influence of Mesotrione on Human Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Cells and Possibility of Its Toxicity Mitigation by Cichoric Acid

Mesotrione, as a widely used herbicide, is present in the environment in detectable amounts, causing serious damage. Here, we aimed to investigate the effect of mesotrione on Caco-2 cells and the possibility of its toxicity mitigation by cichoric acid. Therefore, we analyzed the cytotoxicity of both these compounds and the selected oxidative stress parameters, apoptosis and interaction of both the tested compounds with the cell membrane and their accumulation within the cells. In cytotoxicity studies, the stimulating activity of mesotrione was observed, and simultaneously, the inhibitory effect of cichoric acid was noticed. This effect was related to the results of oxidative stress analysis and apoptosis measurements. The activity level of key enzymes (glutathione peroxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase) in Caco-2 cells exposed to cichoric acid was higher as compared to that of the control. The treatment with mesotrione did not induce apoptosis in the Caco-2 cells. The penetration of the studied compounds into the Caco-2 cells was measured by using an HPLC methodology, and the results indicate mesotrione's high penetration capacity. The distribution of charge on the surface of the cell membranes changed under the influence of both compounds. Considering the mutual interactions of beneficial and potentially toxic food ingredients, it should be noted that, despite the observed favorable trend, cichoric acid is not able to overcome the toxic and cancer-stimulating effects of this pesticide.

Emerging and legacy contaminants on the Brazilian southern coast (Santa Catarina): A multi-biomarker approach in oysters Crassostrea gasar (Adanson, 1757)

Coastal environments, such as those in the Santa Catarina State (SC, Brazil), are considered the primary receptors of anthropogenic pollutants. In this study, our objective was to evaluate the levels of emerging contaminants (ECs) and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in indigenous Crassostrea gasar oysters from different regions of SC coast in the summer season (March 2022). Field collections were conducted in the São Francisco do Sul, Itajaí, Florianópolis and Laguna coastal zones. We analyzed the bioaccumulation levels of 75 compounds, including antibiotics (AB), endocrine disruptors (ED), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and pesticides. Furthermore, we assessed biomarker responses related to biotransformation, antioxidant defense, heat shock protection and oxidative damage in oysters' gills. Prevalence of ECs was observed in the central and southern regions, while the highest concentrations of POPs were detected in the central-northern regions of SC. Oysters exhibited an induction in biotransformation systems (cyp2au1 and cyp356a1, sult and GST activity) and antioxidant enzymes activities (SOD, CAT and GPx). Higher susceptibility to lipid peroxidation was observed in the animals from Florianópolis compared to other regions. Correlation analyses indicated possible associations between contaminants and environmental variables in the biomarker responses, serving as a warning related to climate change. Our results highlight the influence of anthropogenic activities on SC, serving as baseline of ECs and POPs levels in the coastal areas of Santa Catarina, indicating more critical zones for extensive monitoring, aiming to conserve coastal regions.

Exposure of the stingless bee Melipona scutellaris to imidacloprid, pyraclostrobin, and glyphosate, alone and in combination, impair its walking activity and fat body morphology and physiology

The stingless bee Melipona scutellaris performs buzz pollination, effectively pollinating several wild plants and crops with economic relevance. However, most research has focused on honeybees, leaving a significant gap in studies concerning native species, particularly regarding the impacts of pesticide combinations on these pollinators. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the sublethal effects of imidacloprid (IMD), pyraclostrobin (PYR), and glyphosate (GLY) on the behavior and fat body cell morphology and physiology of M. scutellaris. Foragers were orally exposed to the different pesticides alone and in combination for 48 h. Bees fed with contaminated solution walked less, moved slower, presented morphological changes in the fat body, including vacuolization, altered cell shape and nuclei morphology, and exhibited a higher count of altered oenocytes and trophocytes. In all exposed groups, alone and in combination, the number of cells expressing caspase-3 increased, but the TLR4 number of cells expressing decreased compared to the control groups. The intensity of HSP70 immunolabeling increased compared to the control groups. However, the intensity of the immunolabeling of HSP90 decreased in the IMD, GLY, and I + G (IMD + GLY) groups but increased in I + P-exposed bees (IMD + PYR). Alternatively, exposure to PYR and P + G (PYR + GLY) did not affect the immunolabeling intensity. Our findings demonstrate the hazardous effects and environmental consequences of isolated and combined pesticides on a vital neotropical pollinator. Understanding how pesticides impact the fat body can provide crucial insights into the overall health and survival of native bee populations, which can help develop more environmentally friendly approaches to agricultural practices.

The use of amino acids and their derivates to mitigate against pesticide-induced toxicity

Exposure to pesticides induces oxidative stress and deleterious effects on various tissues in non-target organisms. Numerous models investigating pesticide exposure have demonstrated metabolic disturbances such as imbalances in amino acid levels within the organism. One potentially effective strategy to mitigate pesticide toxicity involves dietary intervention by supplementing exogenous amino acids and their derivates to augment the body's antioxidant capacity and mitigate pesticide-induced oxidative harm, whose mechanism including bolstering glutathione synthesis, regulating arginine-NO metabolism, mitochondria-related oxidative stress, and the open of ion channels, as well as enhancing intestinal microecology. Enhancing glutathione synthesis through supplementation of substrates N-acetylcysteine and glycine is regarded as a potent mechanism to achieve this. Selection of appropriate amino acids or their derivates for supplementation, and determining an appropriate dosage, are of the utmost importance for effective mitigation of pesticide-induced oxidative harm. More experimentation is required that involves large population samples to validate the efficacy of dietary intervention strategies, as well as to determine the effects of amino acids and their derivates on long-term and low-dose pesticide exposure. This review provides insights to guide future research aimed at preventing and alleviating pesticide toxicity through dietary intervention of amino acids and their derivates.

Essential oil from Piper tuberculatum Jacq. (Piperaceae) and its majority compound β-caryophyllene: mechanism of larvicidal action against Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) and selective toxicity

Synthetic insecticides have been the primary approach in controlling Aedes aegypti; however, their indiscriminate use has led to the development of resistance and toxicity to non-target animals. In contrast, essential oils (EOs) are alternatives for vector control. This study investigated the mechanism of larvicidal action of the EO and β-caryophyllene from Piper tuberculatum against A. aegypti larvae, as well as evaluated the toxicity of both on non-target animals. The EO extracted from P. tuberculatum leaves was majority constituted of β-caryophyllene (54.8%). Both demonstrated larvicidal activity (LC50 of 48.61 and 57.20 ppm, p < 0.05), acetylcholinesterase inhibition (IC50 of 57.78 and 71.97 ppm), and an increase in the production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in larvae after exposure to the EO and β-caryophyllene. Furthermore, EO and β-caryophyllene demonstrate no toxicity to non-target animals Toxorhynchites haemorrhoidalis, Anisops bouvieri, and Diplonychus indicus (100% of survival rate), while the insecticide α-cypermethrin was highly toxic (100% of death). The results demonstrate that the EO from P. tuberculatum and β-caryophyllene are important larvicidal agents.

Vitamin E alleviates pyraclostrobin-induced toxicity in zebrafish (Danio rerio) and its potential mechanisms

Strobilurin fungicides (SFs) are commonly used in agriculture worldwide and frequently detected in aquatic environments. High toxicity of SFs to aquatic organisms has caused great concerns. To explore whether vitamin E (VE) can relieve the toxicity caused by pyraclostrobin (PY), zebrafish were exposed to PY with or without VE supplementation. When co-exposure with VE (20 μM), the 96 h-LC50 values of PY to zebrafish embryos, adult, and the 24 h-LC50 value of PY to larvae increased from 43.94, 58.36 and 38.16 μg/L to 64.72, 108.62 and 72.78 μg/L, respectively, indicating that VE significantly decreased the toxicity of PY to zebrafish at different life stages. In addition, VE alleviated the deformity symptoms (pericardial edema and brain damage), reduced speed and movement distance, and decreased heart rate caused by 40 μg/L PY in zebrafish larvae. Co-exposure of PY with VE significantly reduced PY-caused larval oxidative stress and immunotoxicity via increasing the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and level of glutathione, as well as reducing the malondialdehyde production and the expression levels of Nrf2, Ucp2, IL-8, IFN and CXCL-C1C. Meanwhile, the expression levels of gria4a and cacng4b genes, which were inhibited by PY, were significantly up-regulated after co-exposure of PY with VE. Moreover, co-exposure with VE significantly reversed the increased mitochondrial DNA copies and reduced ATP content caused by PY in larvae, but had no effect on the expression of cox4i1l and activity of complex III that reduced by PY, suggesting VE can partially improve PY-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. In conclusion, the potential mechanisms of VE alleviating PY-induced toxicity may be ascribed to decreasing the oxidative stress level, restoring the functions of heart and nervous system, and improving the immunity and mitochondrial function in zebrafish.

Role of nutraceutical against exposure to pesticide residues: power of bioactive compounds

Pesticides play a crucial role in modern agriculture, aiding in the protection of crops from pests and diseases. However, their indiscriminate use has raised concerns about their potential adverse effects on human health and the environment. Pesticide residues in food and water supplies are a serious health hazards to the general public since long-term exposure can cause cancer, endocrine disruption, and neurotoxicity, among other health problems. In response to these concerns, researchers and health professionals have been exploring alternative approaches to mitigate the toxic effects of pesticide residues. Bioactive substances called nutraceuticals that come from whole foods including fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices have drawn interest because of their ability to mitigate the negative effects of pesticide residues. These substances, which include minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and polyphenols, have a variety of biological actions that may assist in the body's detoxification and healing of harm from pesticide exposure. In this context, this review aims to explore the potential of nutraceutical interventions as a promising strategy to mitigate the toxic effects of pesticide residues.

Pesticides impacts on human health and the environment with their mechanisms of action and possible countermeasures

Pesticides are chemical constituents used to prevent or control pests, including insects, rodents, fungi, weeds, and other unwanted organisms. Despite their advantages in crop production and disease management, the use of pesticides poses significant hazards to the environment and public health. Pesticide elements have now perpetually entered our atmosphere and subsequently contaminated water, food, and soil, leading to health threats ranging from acute to chronic toxicities. Pesticides can cause acute toxicity if a high dose is inhaled, ingested, or comes into contact with the skin or eyes, while prolonged or recurrent exposure to pesticides leads to chronic toxicity. Pesticides produce different types of toxicity, for instance, neurotoxicity, mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, teratogenicity, and endocrine disruption. The toxicity of a pesticide formulation may depend on the specific active ingredient and the presence of synergistic or inert compounds that can enhance or modify its toxicity. Safety concerns are the need of the hour to control contemporary pesticide-induced health hazards. The effectiveness and implementation of the current legislature in providing ample protection for human health and the environment are key concerns. This review explored a comprehensive summary of pesticides regarding their updated impacts on human health and advanced safety concerns with legislation. Implementing regulations, proper training, and education can help mitigate the negative impacts of pesticide use and promote safer and more sustainable agricultural practices.

Comparative evaluation of neonicotinoids and their metabolites-induced oxidative stress in carp primary leukocytes and CLC cells

Neonicotinoids (NEOs) have been designed to act selectively on insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). However, nAChRs are also expressed in vertebrate immune cells, so NEOs may interfere with the immune system in exposed non-target animals. The present study shows that NEOs: imidacloprid and thiacloprid, and their main metabolites: desnitro-imidacloprid and thiacloprid amide, at sub-micromolar concentrations ranging from 2.25 to 20 μM, affect the immune cells of fish. This was found both in primary cultures of leukocytes isolated from the carp head kidney and in the continuous adherent carp monocyte/macrophage cell line. Moreover, the results revealed that the studied pesticides and metabolites generate oxidative stress in carp immune cells and that this is one of the most important mechanisms of neonicotinoid immunotoxicity. Significant increases were observed in the formation of ROS and malondialdehyde (MDA). The antioxidant status alteration was linked with decrease in antioxidant enzyme activity: superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and non-enzymatic antioxidant glutathione (GSH). Importantly, the metabolites: desnitro-imidacloprid and thiacloprid amide showed significantly higher cytotoxicity towards fish leukocytes than their parent compounds, imidacloprid and thiacloprid, which emphasizes the importance of including intermediate metabolites in toxicology studies.

The Comet Assay as a Tool in Human Biomonitoring Studies of Environmental and Occupational Exposure to Chemicals-A Systematic Scoping Review

Biomonitoring of human populations exposed to chemical substances that can act as potential mutagens or carcinogens, may enable the detection of damage and early disease prevention. In recent years, the comet assay has become an important tool for assessing DNA damage, both in environmental and occupational exposure contexts. To evidence the role of the comet assay in human biomonitoring, we have analysed original research studies of environmental or occupational exposure that used the comet assay in their assessments, following the PRISMA-ScR method (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews). Groups of chemicals were designated according to a broad classification, and the results obtained from over 300 original studies (n = 123 on air pollutants, n = 14 on anaesthetics, n = 18 on antineoplastic drugs, n = 57 on heavy metals, n = 59 on pesticides, and n = 49 on solvents) showed overall higher values of DNA strand breaks in the exposed subjects in comparison with the unexposed. In summary, our systematic scoping review strengthens the relevance of the use of the comet assay in assessing DNA damage in human biomonitoring studies.

Dynamics of the content of reactive oxygen species and the state of the glutathione system in the oral cavity during subchronic intoxication wuth the fungicide thiram and its antioxidant correction

Thiram is a dithiocarbamate derivative, which is used as a fungicide for seed dressing and spraying during the vegetation period of plants, and also as an active vulcanization accelerator in the production of rubber-based rubber products. In this study the content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the state of the glutathione system have been investigated in the oral fluid and gum tissues of adult male Wistar rats treated with thiram for 28 days during its administration with food at a dose of 1/50 LD50. Thiram induced formation of ROS in the oral cavity; this was accompanied by an imbalance in the ratio of reduced and oxidized forms of glutathione due to a decrease in glutathione and an increase in its oxidized form as compared to the control. Thiram administration caused an increase in the activity of glutathione-dependent enzymes (glutathione peroxidase, glutathione transferase, and glutathione reductase). However, the time-course of enzyme activation in the gum tissues and oral fluid varied in dependence on the time of exposure to thiram. In the oral fluid of thiram-treated rats changes in the antioxidant glutathione system appeared earlier. The standard diet did not allow the glutathione pool to be fully restored to physiological levels after cessation of thiram intake. The use of exogenous antioxidants resviratrol and an Echinacea purpurea extract led to the restoration of redox homeostasis in the oral cavity.

The emerging role of hypoxia and environmental factors in inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic and debilitating disorder characterized by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Despite extensive research, the exact cause of IBD remains unknown, hampering the development of effective therapies. However, emerging evidence suggests that hypoxia, a condition resulting from inadequate oxygen supply, plays a crucial role in intestinal inflammation and tissue damage in IBD. Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), transcription factors that regulate the cellular response to low oxygen levels, have gained attention for their involvement in modulating inflammatory processes and maintaining tissue homeostasis. The two most studied HIFs, HIF-1α and HIF-2α, have been implicated in the development and progression of IBD. Toxicological factors encompass a wide range of environmental and endogenous agents, including dietary components, microbial metabolites, and pollutants. These factors can profoundly influence the hypoxic microenvironment within the gut, thereby exacerbating the course of IBD and fostering the progression of colitis-associated colorectal cancer. This review explores the regulation of hypoxia signaling at the molecular, microenvironmental, and environmental levels, investigating the intricate interplay between toxicological factors and hypoxic signaling in the context of IBD, focusing on its most concerning outcomes: intestinal fibrosis and colorectal cancer.

Association of urinary chlorpyrifos, paraquat, and cyproconazole levels with the severity of fatty liver based on MRI

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to detect the urinary levels of chlorpyrifos, paraquat, and cyproconazole in residents living in Fuyang City and to analyze the correlation between these urinary pesticides levels and the severity of fatty liver disease (FLD).

METHODS

All participants' fat fraction (FF) values were recorded by MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging). First-morning urine samples were collected from 53 participants from Fuyang Peoples'Hospital. The levels of three urinary pesticides were measured using β-glucuronidase hydrolysis followed by a. The results were analyzed by using Pearson correlation analysis and binary logistic regression analysis to reveal the correlation between three urinary pesticides and the severity of fatty liver.

RESULTS

53 individuals were divided into 3 groups based on the results from MRI, with 20 cases in the normal control group, 16 cases in the mild fatty liver group, and 17 cases in the moderate and severe fatty liver group. Urinary chlorpyrifos level was increased along with the increase of the severity of fatty liver. Urinary paraquat level was significantly higher both in the low-grade fatty liver group and moderate & serve grade fatty liver group compared with the control group. No significant differences in urinary cyproconazole levels were observed among the three groups. Furthermore, urinary chlorpyrifos and paraquat levels were positively correlated with FF value. And chlorpyrifos was the risk factor that may be involved in the development of FLD and Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (ROC curve) analysis showed that chlorpyrifos and paraquat may serve as potential predictors of FLD.

CONCLUSION

The present findings indicate urinary chlorpyrifos and paraquat were positively correlated with the severity of fatty liver. Moreover, urinary chlorpyrifos and paraquat have the potential to be considered as the predictors for development of FLD. Thus, this study may provide a new perspective from the environmental factors for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of FLD.

Developmental toxicity and metabolomics analyses of zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos exposed to Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl

Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl (FEN) is an aryloxy phenoxy propionate herbicide that has been widely used in paddy fields. Previous studies have indicated that FEN is highly toxic to aquatic organisms, but little is known about the developmental effects of FEN. This study investigated acute and developmental toxicity, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, and metabolomic analyses in zebrafish embryos after 96 h of exposure. FEN exhibited high acute toxicity to zebrafish embryos and larvae. Exposure to FEN could reduce heartbeat and hatching rates and increase malformation rates in embryos. Oxidative damage was also caused in embryos. The results of metabolomics analysis showed that 102 differentially abundant metabolites were found in zebrafish embryos in the 0.05 mg/L FEN treatment group, and 60 differentially abundant metabolites were found in the 0.20 mg/L FEN treatment group. These differentially abundant metabolites mainly belonged to 9 metabolic pathways, of which folate pathways and ABC transport protein pathways had the greatest impact. These results suggested that FEN induced high acute and developmental toxicity in zebrafish embryos.

Pesticide screening of surface water and soil along the Mekong River in Cambodia

Widespread use of pesticides globally has led to serious concerns about environmental contamination, particularly with regard to aquatic and soil ecosystems. This work involved investigating concentrations of 64 pesticides in surface-water and soil samples collected in four provinces along the Mekong River in Cambodia during the dry and rainy seasons (276 samples in total), and conducting semi-structured interviews with local farmers about pesticide use. Furthermore, an ecological risk assessment of the detected pesticides was performed. In total, 56 pesticides were detected in surface water and 43 in soil, with individual pesticides reaching maximum concentrations of 1300 ng/L in the surface-water samples (tebufenozide) and 1100 ng/g dry weight in the soil samples (bromophos-ethyl). The semi-structured interviews made it quite evident that the instructions that farmers are provided regarding the use of pesticides are rudimentary, and that overuse is common. The perceived effect of pesticides was seen as an end-point, and there was a limited process of optimally matching pesticides to pests and crops. Several pesticides were used regularly on the same crop, and the period between application and harvest varied. Risk analysis showed that bromophos-ethyl, dichlorvos, and iprobenfos presented a very high risk to aquatic organisms in both the dry and rainy seasons, with risk quotient values of 850 for both seasons, and of 67 in the dry season and 78 in the rainy season for bromophos-ethyl, and 49 in the dry season and 16 in the rainy season for dichlorvos. Overall, this work highlights the occurrence of pesticide residues in surface water and soil along the Mekong River in Cambodia, and emphasizes the urgent need for monitoring and improving pesticide practices and regulations in the region.

Key Contributions of the Overexpressed Plutella xylostella Sigma Glutathione S-Transferase 1 Gene (PxGSTs1) in the Resistance Evolution to Multiple Insecticides

The overexpression of insect detoxification enzymes is a typical adaptive evolutionary strategy for insects to cope with insecticide pressure. In this study, we identified a glutathione S-transferase (GST) gene, PxGSTs1, that exhibited pronounced expression in the field-resistant population of Plutella xylostella. By using RNAi (RNA interference), the transgenic fly models, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) methods, we confirmed that the augmented expression of PxGSTs1 mediates the resistance of P. xylostella to various types of insecticides, including chlorantraniliprole, novaluron, λ-cyhalothrin, and abamectin. PxGSTs1 was found to bolster insecticide resistance in two ways: direct detoxification and enhancing antioxidative defenses. In addition, our findings demonstrated that pxy-miR-8528a exerts a pivotal influence on forming insecticide resistance in P. xylostella by downregulating PxGSTs1 expression. In summary, we elucidated the multifaceted molecular and biochemical underpinnings of PxGSTs1-driven insecticide resistance in P. xylostella. Our results provide a new perspective for understanding the insecticide resistance mechanism of P. xylostella.

The study of the protective effect of mitochondrial uncouplers during acute toxicity of the fungicide difenoconazole in different organs of mice

Pesticides represent a serious problem for agricultural workers due to their neurotoxic effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of pharmacological oxidative phosphorylation uncouplers to reduce the effect of the difenoconazole fungicide on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of various organs in mice. Injections of difenoconazole caused cognitive deficits in mice, and the protonophore 2,4-dinitrophenol (2,4-DNP) and Azur I (AzI), a demethylated metabolite of methylene blue (MB), prevented the deterioration of cognitive abilities in mice induced by difenoconazole. Difenoconazole increased the rate of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, likely through inhibition of complex I of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. After intraperitoneal administration of difenoconazole lungs, testes and midbrain were most sensitive to the accumulation of mtDNA damage. In contrast, the cerebral cortex and hippocampus were not tolerant to the effects of difenoconazole. The protonophore 2,4-DNP reduced the rate of ROS formation and significantly reduced the amount of mtDNA damage caused by difenoconazole in the midbrain, and partially, in the lungs and testes. MB, an alternative electron carrier capable of bypassing inhibited complex I, had no effect on the effect of difenoconazole on mtDNA, while its metabolite AzI, a demethylated metabolite of MB, was able to protect the mtDNA of the midbrain and testes. Thus, mitochondria-targeted therapy is a promising approach to reduce pesticide toxicity for agricultural workers.

Liver Cirrhosis of Unknown Etiology and Its Predictors in Eastern Ethiopia

Background

The global burden of liver cirrhosis is increasing, with 2.1 million incident cases and nearly 1.5 million deaths in 2019. Despite the enormous progress in our understanding of the etiology of liver cirrhosis, significant cases of the disease have been reported in Eastern Ethiopia due to unidentified causes. Hence, this study aimed to identify predictors of liver cirrhosis of unknown etiology in Eastern Ethiopia.

Methods

A score of 7 out of 11 possible points on the ultrasound-based cirrhosis scale was used as a diagnostic criterion to include 127 liver cirrhosis patients. The study participants' demographic, dietary, lifestyle, and clinical data were gathered using a structured questionnaire and standardized reporting forms. The associations between the outcome (known and unknown etiology) and independent variables were modeled using binary logistic regression analysis.

Results

The etiology of liver cirrhosis was known in only 23% of patients and attributed to hepatitis B virus (21%), hepatitis C virus (0.8%), and alcohol abuse (0.8%). Sorghum consumption as a staple food (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) =3.8; 95% CI: 1.2, 12.5), splenomegaly (AOR = 4.0; 95% CI: 1.1, 14.4), and a family history of liver disease (AOR = 0.24; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.91) were significantly associated with liver cirrhosis of unknown etiology.

Conclusion

Sorghum consumption was found to be the determinant factor of liver cirrhosis of unknown etiology, suggesting it as a possible source of exposure to aflatoxin B1.

Suspect screening and effect evaluation for small-molecule agonists of the antioxidant response element pathway in fine particulate matter

Oxidative stress is an important mechanism by which fine particulate matter (PM2.5) generates toxicity. However, few inducers have been identified, and the combined effects of the contributing chemicals have rarely been examined. In this study, the occurrence of small-molecule agonists of the antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway was explored in 59 PM2.5 samples from urban Beijing over a one-year period via target and suspect screening analysis. In total, 31 chemicals with diverse structures and use categories were identified and quantified, among which polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), pesticides, and phytochemicals were the most abundant chemical groups in terms of cumulative concentrations. PAHs and organonitrogen pesticides were also prioritized as the predominant contributors to the cumulative effect of ARE pathway activation, accounting for 55 % and 37 %, respectively. A combination of the prioritized chemicals (i.e., benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, pyridaben, and acetochlor) was mixed at a fixed dosing ratio according to the measured average concentrations in samples, and synergism was revealed as the mode of mixture interaction. These findings highlight the importance of high-throughput chemical screening for identifying hazardous components in complex environmental samples, and also expand the knowledge regarding the components contributing to PM2.5-induced oxidative stress.

Exposure to sublethal concentrations of imidacloprid, pyraclostrobin, and glyphosate harm the behavior and fat body cells of the stingless bee Scaptotrigona postica

Pesticide use in agriculture threatens non-target insects such as bees. Considering the ecological and economic relevance of native bees, such as Scaptotrigona postica, and the insufficient studies on the effects of pesticides on their behavior and physiology, improving the current knowledge on this issue is essential. Therefore, this study investigated the sublethal effects of imidacloprid, pyraclostrobin, and glyphosate on the behavior and fat body cells of S. postica. Pesticide ingestion decreased the walking distance and mean velocity of bees compared to the control and solvent control groups. The oenocytes of the control groups were spherical, with central nuclei containing decondensed chromatin, and the trophocytes presented irregular morphology, with cells varying in shape and the cytoplasm filled with vacuoles and granules. However, bees exposed to pesticides showed extensive cytoarchitectural disruption in the fat body, such as vacuolization and shape changes in oenocytes and altered nuclei morphology in trophocytes. Moreover, pesticide exposure increased the number of atypical oenocytes and altered trophocytes, except for the PYR group, which showed a lower number of atypical oenocytes. Caspase-positive labeling significantly increased in all exposed bee groups. Alternatively, TLR4 labeling was significantly decreased in the exposed groups compared to the control groups. There was a significant increase in HSP90 immunolabeling in all exposed groups compared to the control. These findings reinforce the importance of research on the sublethal effects of low pesticide concentrations on key neotropical pollinators and prove that these toxic substances can impair their detoxification and immune defense.

Glufosinate-ammonium causes liver injury in zebrafish by blocking the Nrf2 pathway

Glufosinate-ammonium (GLA) is a widely used herbicide, but less research has been done on its harmful effects on non-target organisms, especially aquatic organisms. In this study, 600 adult zebrafish were exposed to different concentration of GLA (0, 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 mg/L) for 7 days, and the livers were dissected on the eighth day to examine the changes in liver structure, function, oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and Nrf2 pathway, and finally to clarify the mechanism of GLA induced liver injury in zebrafish. The levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, inflammatory factors (IL-6 and TNF-α), and caspase-3 gradually increased, while the levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, and glutathione peroxidase gradually decreased with the increase of GLA concentration. The Nrf2 pathway was activated at low concentrations (1.25-5 mg/L) and significantly inhibited at high concentrations (10 and 20 mg/L). These results suggested that GLA could cause oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in zebrafish liver. Therefore, GLA can cause liver injury in zebrafish, and at high concentrations, the inhibition of Nrf2 pathway is one of the important causes of liver injury.

Sesamol: A Phenolic Compound of Health Benefits and Therapeutic Promise in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Sesamol, one of the key bioactive ingredients of sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum L.), is responsible for many of its possible nutritional benefits. Both the Chinese and Indian medical systems have recognized the therapeutic potential of sesame seeds. It has been shown to have significant therapeutic potential against oxidative stress, inflammatory diseases, metabolic syndrome, neurodegeneration, and mental disorders. Sesamol is a benign molecule that inhibits the expression of inflammatory indicators like numerous enzymes responsible for inducing inflammation, protein kinases, cytokines, and redox status. This review summarises the potential beneficial effects of sesamol against neurological diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and Huntington's disease (HD). Recently, sesamol has been shown to reduce amyloid peptide accumulation and attenuate cognitive deficits in AD models. Sesamol has also been demonstrated to reduce the severity of PD and HD in animal models by decreasing oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways. The mechanism of sesamol's pharmacological activities against neurodegenerative diseases will also be discussed in this review.

The Dangers of Acetaminophen for Neurodevelopment Outweigh Scant Evidence for Long-Term Benefits

Based on available data that include approximately 20 lines of evidence from studies in laboratory animal models, observations in humans, correlations in time, and pharmacological/toxicological considerations, it has been concluded without reasonable doubt and with no evidence to the contrary that exposure of susceptible babies and children to acetaminophen (paracetamol) induces many, if not most, cases of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the relative number of cases of ASD that might be induced by acetaminophen has not yet been estimated. Here, we examine a variety of evidence, including the acetaminophen-induced reduction of social awareness in adults, the prevalence of ASD through time, and crude estimates of the relative number of ASD cases induced by acetaminophen during various periods of neurodevelopment. We conclude that the very early postpartum period poses the greatest risk for acetaminophen-induced ASD, and that nearly ubiquitous use of acetaminophen during early development could conceivably be responsible for the induction in the vast majority, perhaps 90% or more, of all cases of ASD. Despite over a decade of accumulating evidence that acetaminophen is harmful for neurodevelopment, numerous studies demonstrate that acetaminophen is frequently administered to children in excess of currently approved amounts and under conditions in which it provides no benefit. Further, studies have failed to demonstrate long-term benefits of acetaminophen for the pediatric population, leaving no valid rationale for continued use of the drug in that population given its risks to neurodevelopment.

Effects of chronic exposure to sublethal doses of neonicotinoids in the social wasp Polybia paulista: Survival, mobility, and histopathology

Several studies have investigated the consequences of exposure to neonicotinoids in honeybees. Given the lack of studies concerning the consequences of exposure of social wasps to neonicotinoids, as well as the ecological importance of these insects, the objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that chronic exposure to sublethal concentrations of thiamethoxam decreases survival and mobility by causing damage to the brain and midgut of the social wasp Polybia paulista. The wasps were exposed to different concentrations of thiamethoxam, in order to obtain the mean lethal concentration (LC50), which was used as a reference for calculation of two sublethal concentrations (LC50/100 and LC50/10) employed in subsequent experiments. To calculate survival, groups of exposed (EW) and unexposed (UW) wasps were monitored until death, allowing calculation of the average lethal time. The EW and UW groups were evaluated after 12, 24, 48, and 72 h of exposure, considering their mobility and histopathological parameters of the midgut and brain. A lesion index based on semiquantitative analyses was used for comparison of histopathological damage. The results demonstrated that exposure to the LC50/10 led to a significantly shorter survival time of the P. paulista workers, compared to unexposed wasps. In addition, both sublethal concentrations decreased mobility and caused damage to the intestine (loss of brush border, presence of spherocrystals, loss of cytoplasmic material, and pyknosis) and the brain (loss of cell contact and pyknosis), regardless of the exposure time. The findings showed that, like bees, social wasps are nontarget insects susceptible to the detrimental consequences of neonicotinoid use, with exposure leading to impaired survival, locomotion, and physiology.

Impact of Coriandrum sativum seeds extract on albino rats' testicular toxicity caused by carbendazim

Background

A broad spectrum carbamate fungicide called carbendazim (Carb) is used to combat a number of different fungal diseases. One of the extensively utilized medicinal plants in oriental countries is Coriandrum sativum.

Aim

In the current study, the impact of C. sativum seeds extract (CSE) on albino rats' testicular toxicity caused by carbendazim was investigated.

Materials and methods

A total of 50 male albino rats were classified into 5 groups [Gp1, Control Gp; Gp2, Coriandrum Gp (CSE); Gp 3, carbendazim Gp (Carb); Gp 4, Co treated CSE with Carb (CSE + Carb); Gp 5, Post treated Carb with CSE (Carb + CSE)].

Results

Carb induced elevation in serum LH. FSH, testicular malondialdehyde (MDA), testicular nitric oxide (NO) markers and testicular injury and it reduced serum testosterone, testicular glutathione (GSH), testicular catalase and PCNA. Treatments of Carb with CSE (CSE + Carb and/or Carb + CSE) improved these parameters and reduced testicular toxicity with best results for Carb + CSE than CSE + Carb.

Conclusions

The above findings revealed that; Carb induced testicular toxicity and it supported the hypothesis that the antioxidant characteristics of one or more of CSE constituents can reduce the testicular toxicity of Carb.

Probiotic bacteria alleviate chlorpyrifos-induced rat testicular and renal toxicity: A possible mechanism based on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) has caused many potential toxicities in nontarget organisms. Fewer studies have been conducted on the effects of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in mitigating tissue damage induced by CPF in vivo. Therefore, we investigated CPF renal and testicular toxicity and the alleviating effect of probiotic lactobacilli, based on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, on induced toxicity in an animal model. Biochemical assays showed that CPF induced oxidative stress along with a change in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity in a tissue-dependent manner. After treatment with CPF, testicular and renal levels of TNF-α were significantly reduced and enhanced, respectively, compared to the control group. The probiotic treatment restored renal and testicular TNF-α levels and modulated and blocked the increasing effect of CPF on renal IL-1β levels. Testicular IL-1β levels in the probiotic-treated and CPF groups demonstrated similar values. Exposure to CPF significantly induced renal histopathological damage that, of course, was completely inhibited by treatment with Lactobacillus casei and the LAB mixture. In summary, CPF showed significant toxicological effects on oxidative stress and the inflammation rate in CPF-exposed rats. Therefore, supplementation with probiotic bacteria may alleviate CPF renal toxicity and mitigate its oxidative stress and inflammation effects.

Polymorphisms in ERCC1, ERCC4 and ERCC5 genes as biomarkers of susceptibility for pesticide-induced DNA damage in North-West Indian agricultural workers

BACKGROUND

Occupational pesticides exposure has raised health concerns due to genotoxicity and accumulation of DNA damage. Polymorphisms in genes encoding enzymes involved in nucleotide excision repair (NER) may affect the individual's susceptibility to pesticide toxicity.

METHODS

This study evaluates the association of excision repair cross complementation group 1 (ERCC1) (8092 C > A, 3'UTR, rs3212986) and ERCC1 (19007 C > T, Asn118Asn, rs11615), ERCC4 (1244 G > A, Arg415Gln, rs1800067) and ERCC5 (3507 G > C, Asp1104His, rs17655) polymorphisms with pesticide-induced DNA damage in North-West Indian agricultural workers. The study population comprised 225 agricultural workers exposed to pesticides and 225 non-exposed controls.

RESULTS

Our study demonstrate that exposed workers carrying variant ERCC1 8092AA genotype showed higher total comet DNA migration (p = 0.015) as well as increased frequency of cells showing DNA migration (p = 0.027). Exposed agricultural workers with variant ERCC4 1244AA (415Gln/Gln) and ERCC5 3507CC (1104His/His) genotypes exhibited elevation in total comet DNA migration (p < 0.01). However, genotypes of ERCC1 19007 C > T (Asn118Asn) showed no association with total comet DNA migration (p = 0.963), frequency of cells showing DNA migration (p = 0.423) as well as mean tail length (p = 0.432).

CONCLUSION

ERCC1, ERCC4 and ERCC5 polymorphisms influence DNA damage and can be used as biomarkers of susceptibility for pesticide-induced DNA damage in North-West Indian agricultural workers.

Identification and characterization of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) in cypermethrin and chlorpyrifos exposed zebrafish (Danio rerio) brain

Pesticides, such as cypermethrin (CYP) and chlorpyrifos (CPF), are widely used around the world and are known to cause toxicological effects in the brains of fish and other non-target organisms. Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) are a new class of non-coding RNAs that are highly expressed in the brain and play crucial roles in brain function by regulating gene expression. Many studies have investigated the toxic effects of CYP and CPF on the brain. However, no study has been conducted on the relationship between LncRNAs and the toxicity caused by these chemicals. Therefore, this study aimed to determine changes in the lncRNA expression profile in the brains of fish exposed to CYP and CPF. Out of a total of 482 lncRNAs that were differentially expressed between control and CPF groups, 53 were found to be up-regulated, and 429 were down-regulated. Similarly, among the 200 lncRNAs differentially expressed between the control and CYP groups, 71 were up-regulated, and 129 were down-regulated. Additionally, 268 differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified between CYP and CPF groups, with 240 being up-regulated and the rest being down-regulated. In addition, LncRNAs expressed from fish brains exposed to CYP and CPF were found to regulate multiple signaling pathways, including MAPK, FoxO, PPAR, TGF-β, and Wnt signaling pathways.

Oxidative Stress and Cytotoxicity Induced by Co-Formulants of Glyphosate-Based Herbicides in Human Mononuclear White Blood Cells

The use of genetically modified, glyphosate-resistant crops has led to the widespread application of glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs), making them one of the most widely used herbicide formulations on the market. To enhance the efficacy of the active ingredient, GBHs used in practice often contain other ingredients marked as inert "adjuvants" or "co-formulants", the toxic properties of which are poorly understood. The objective of this study was to compare the cytotoxic effects of pure glyphosate, three GBHs (Roundup Mega, Fozat 480 and Glyfos) and two co-formulants commonly used in GBHs as assessed via CCK-8 assay, and the extent of their potential oxidative damage as assessed via superoxide dismutase (SOD) assay, in order to reveal the role of adjuvants in the toxicity of the formulations. Our results showed that glyphosate alone did not significantly affect cell viability. In contrast, GBHs and adjuvants induced a pronounced cytotoxic effect from a concentration of 100 μM. SOD activity of cells treated with GBHs or adjuvants was significantly lower compared to cells treated with glyphosate alone. This suggests that the adjuvants in GBHs are responsible for the cytotoxic effects of the formulations through the induction of oxidative stress.

Environmentally relevant concentrations of tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) induce hepatotoxicity in zebrafish (Danio rerio): a whole life-cycle assessment

Tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP), a typical organophosphate flame retardant, is of increasingly great concern considering their ubiquitous presence in aquatic environments and potential ecotoxicity. The present work was aimed to investigate the potential growth inhibition and hepatic stress induced by whole life-cycle exposure to TCEP (0.8, 4, 20 and 100 μg/L) in zebrafish. The results revealed that the body length, body mass and hepatic-somatic index (HSI) of zebrafish were significantly declined after exposure to TCEP for 120 days. GPx activity and GSH content were increased in the liver of zebrafish treated with low concentrations (0.8 and 4 μg/L) of TCEP, while exposure to high concentrations (20 and 100 μg/L) of TCEP reduced antioxidative capacity and elevated lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels. Gene transcription analysis demonstrated that the mRNA levels of nrf2 were altered in a similar manner to the transcription of the downstream genes nqo1 and hmox1, suggesting that Nrf2-Keap1 pathway mediated TCEP-induced oxidative stress in zebrafish liver. In addition, TCEP exposure might alleviate inflammatory response through down-regulating transcription of inflammatory cytokines (il-1β, il-6 and inos), and induce apoptosis via activating the p53-Bax pathway. Moreover, whole life-cycle exposure to TCEP caused a series of histopathological anomalies in zebrafish liver. Overall, our results revealed that lifetime exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of TCEP could result in growth retardation and induce significant hepatotoxicity in zebrafish.

Regulation of CncC in insecticide-induced expression of cytochrome P450 CYP9A14 and CYP6AE11 in Helicoverpa armigera

The expression of many detoxification genes can be regulated by CncC pathway and contributes to insecticide tolerance in insects. Our previous study has demonstrated that the transcripts of CncC and cytochrome P450s (CYP9A14, CYP6AE11) were significantly up-regulated after different insecticides treatment in Helicoverpa armigera. Further study indicated that H2O2, GSH, and MDA contents and antioxidant enzyme activities of H. armigera were enhanced after chlorantraniliprole, cyantraniliprole, indoxacarb, and spinosad exposure. Silencing CncC by RNA interference significantly down-regulated the expression levels of CYP9A14 and CYP6AE11, and increased the susceptibility of dsRNA-injected larvae to λ-cyhalothrin, chlorantraniliprole, and cyantraniliprole. On the contrary, applying CncC agonist curcumin on H. armigera induced the expression of CYP9A14 and CYP6AE11, and enhanced the tolerance of H. armigera to insecticides. Treatment of ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine on H. armigera reduced the H2O2 content and antioxidant enzyme activities, suppressed the transcripts of CncC, CYP9A14, and CYP6AE11, and decreased the larval tolerance to insecticides. These results demonstrated that the induced-expression of CYP9A14 and CYP6AE11 related with insecticides tolerance in H. armigera was regulated by CncC, which may be activated by ROS generated by insecticides. This study will help to better understand the underlying regulation mechanisms of CncC pathway in H. armigera tolerance to insecticides.

Oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage in lambda-cyhalothrin toxicity: A comprehensive review of antioxidant mechanisms

Lambda-cyhalothrin, also known as cyhalothrin, is an efficient, broad-spectrum, quick-acting pyrethroid insecticide and acaricide and the most powerful pyrethroid insecticide in the world. However, there is increasing evidence that lambda-cyhalothrin is closely related to a variety of toxicity drawbacks (hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity and reproductive toxicity, among others) in non-target organisms, and oxidative stress seems to be the main mechanism of toxicity. This manuscript reviews the oxidative and mitochondrial damage induced by lambda-cyhalothrin and the signalling pathways involved in this process, indicating that oxidative stress occupies an important position in lambda-cyhalothrin toxicity. The mechanism of antioxidants to alleviate the toxicity of lambda-cyhalothrin is also discussed. In addition, the metabolites of lambda-cyhalothrin and the major metabolic enzymes involved in metabolic reactions are summarized. This review article reveals a key mechanism of lambda-cyhalothrin toxicity-oxidative damage and suggests that the use of antioxidants seems to be an effective method for preventing toxicity.

Shotgun Proteomic-Based Approach with a Q-Exactive Hybrid Quadrupole-Orbitrap High-Resolution Mass Spectrometer for Protein Adductomics on a 3D Human Brain Tumor Neurospheroid Culture Model: The Identification of Adduct Formation in Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase-2 and Annexin-A1 Induced by Pesticide Mixture

Pesticides are increasingly used in combinations in crop protection, resulting in enhanced toxicities for various organisms. Although protein adductomics is challenging, it remains a powerful bioanalytical tool to check environmental exposure and characterize xenobiotic adducts as putative toxicity biomarkers with high accuracy, facilitated by recent advances in proteomic methodologies and a mass spectrometry high-throughput technique. The present study aims to predict the potential neurotoxicity effect of imidacloprid and λ-cyhalothrin insecticides on human neural cells. Our protocol consisted first of 3D in vitro developing neurospheroids derived from human brain tumors and then treatment by pesticide mixture. Furthermore, we adopted a bottom-up proteomic-based approach using nanoflow ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with a high-resolution mass spectrometer for protein-adduct analysis with prediction of altered sites. Two proteins were selected, namely, calcium-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase-II (CaMK2) and annexin-A1 (ANXA1), as key targets endowed with primordial roles. De novo sequencing revealed several adduct formations in the active site of 82-ANXA1 and 228-CaMK2 as a result of neurotoxicity, predicted by the added mass shifts for the structure of electrophilic precursors. To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first to adopt a proteomic-based approach to investigate in depth pesticide molecular interactions and their potential to adduct proteins which play a crucial role in the neurotoxicity mechanism.

Glyphosate uses, adverse effects and alternatives: focus on the current scenario in Brazil

Brazil, a global frontrunner in pesticide consumption and sales, particularly glyphosate, appears to be at odds with other countries that increasingly ban these products in their territories. This study gathers the values of Acceptable Daily Intake and Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) in the European Union for dozens of substances and subsequently contrasts them with the corresponding benchmarks upheld in Brazil concerning its predominant crops. Furthermore, this study delves into the toxicity levels and the potential health ramifications of glyphosate on humans through the ingestion of food containing its residues. The findings from this research underscore a notable surge in glyphosate and pesticide sales and usage within Brazil over the past decade. In stark contrast to its European counterparts, Brazil not only sanctioned the sale and application of 474 new pesticides in 2019, but extended the authorization for glyphosate sales while downgrading its toxicity classification. Finally, this review not only uncovers disparities among research outcomes but also addresses the complexities of replacing glyphosate and introduces environmentally friendlier alternatives that have been subject to evaluation in the existing literature.

Ephedra alata Seeds Confer Kidney Protection against Early Life Exposure to Acephate by Regulating Oxidative Insult and Activating Autophagy

The aim of the current work was to examine for the first time the nephropreventive capacity of Ephedra alata seed extract (E) against maternal exposure to acephate in rat offspring. The in vivo results revealed that E. alata supplementation for 28 days (40 mg/kg b.w.) significantly attenuated the nephrotoxicity in adult offspring induced by acephate. In fact, it decreased the levels of creatinine and uric acid and increased the albumin content compared to the intoxicated group. The in utero studies showed that E. alata inhibited the renal oxidative stress generated by acephate exposure by reducing lipid peroxidation and enhancing antioxidant biomarker activities (GSH, CAT, and SOD). The inhibition of DNA fragmentation and the improvement of the ultrastructural changes highlighted the prophylactic effect of E. alata in renal tissue. Additionally, the immunofluorescence study showed the upregulation of LC3 gene expression, suggesting the capacity of E. alata extract to stimulate autophagic processes as a protective mechanism. Molecular docking analysis indicated that hexadecasphinganine, the major compound in E. alata, has a higher affinity toward the Na+/K+-ATPase, epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), and sodium hydrogen exchanger 3 (NHE3) genes than acephate. Hexadecasphinganine could be considered a potential inhibitor of the activity of these genes and therefore exerted its preventive capacity. The obtained findings confirmed that E. alata seed extract exerted nephropreventive capacities, which could be related to its bioactive compounds, which possess antioxidant activities.

Oxidative balance score and risk of cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

BACKGROUND

The oxidative balance score (OBS) has been utilized to assess the overall pro- and antioxidant exposure status in various chronic diseases. The current meta-analysis was carried out to pool the association between OBS and the risk of cancer.

METHODS

We systematically searched the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar up to August 2023. All observational studies which evaluated the association of OBS with the risk of cancers were included. There was no time of publication or language restrictions. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using the Chi-square-based Q-test and the I2. A random-effects model meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the pooled effect sizes. Possible sources of heterogeneity were explored by subgroup and meta-regression analysis.

RESULTS

Totally, 15 studies (9 case-control and 6 cohorts) were eligible for meta-analysis. Random effect model meta-analysis of case-control studies showed that higher OBS significantly decreases the odds of cancers (pooled OR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.54, 0.74). In the cohort studies, the association of OBS with the risk of cancers was not significant (pooled HR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.80,1.18). The subgroup analysis showed that cancer type and gender were the potential sources of heterogeneity.

CONCLUSION

Our results show an inverse and significant association between higher OBS and odds of colorectal cancers in case-control and cohort studies. In the case of prostate cancer in cohort studies, our results did not align with the hypothesis. Considering the importance of diet and antioxidant balance in the conditions of malignancy, it is suggested to conduct more comprehensive studies with standard measurement methods to obtain conclusive results.

Analysis of mitochondrial DNA copy number variation in Brazilian farmers occupationally exposed to pesticides

The use of pesticide use has been linked to the higher production of reactive oxygen species, resulting in oxidative stress, which in turn can cause genomic instability. A marker for instability is the copy number variation of the mitochondrial genome (mtDNAcn), which has been found to be altered in diverse human diseases, including tumors. This research aimed to examine the variation of mtDNAcn in individuals occupationally exposed to pesticides. Real-time PCR assays were conducted on 154 individuals (78 exposed and 76 non-exposed). Pesticide-exposed ndividuals exhibited a significant reduction in mtDNAcn (1.11 ± 0.37mtDNAcn/genome) compared to non-exposed individuals (1.30 ± 0.33mtDNAcn/genome; p = 0.001). The multivariate analysis indicated that individuals who reported using haloxyfop and copper sulfate demonstrated an increase (β = 0.200, p = 0.053) and a decrease (β=-0.2, p = 0.021), respectively, in mtDNAcn. In conclusion, our findings suggest that chronic exposure to pesticides results in changes in mtDNAcn.

Differential Proteome Profiling Analysis under Pesticide Stress by the Use of a Nano-UHPLC-MS/MS Untargeted Proteomic-Based Approach on a 3D-Developed Neurospheroid Model: Identification of Protein Interactions, Prognostic Biomarkers, and Potential Therapeutic Targets in Human IDH Mutant High-Grade Gliomas

High-grade gliomas represent the most common group of infiltrative primary brain tumors in adults associated with high invasiveness, agressivity, and resistance to therapy, which highlights the need to develop potent drugs with novel mechanisms of action. The aim of this study is to reveal changes in proteome profiles under stressful conditions to identify prognostic biomarkers and altered apoptogenic pathways involved in the anticancer action of human isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutant high-grade gliomas. Our protocol consists first of a 3D in vitro developing neurospheroid model and then treatment by a pesticide mixture at relevant concentrations. Furthermore, we adopted an untargeted proteomic-based approach with high-resolution mass spectrometry for a comparative analysis of the differentially expressed proteins between treated and nontreated spheroids. Our analysis revealed that the majority of altered proteins were key members in glioma pathogenesis, implicated in the cellular metabolism, biological regulation, binding, and catalytic and structural activity and linked to many cascading regulatory pathways. Our finding revealed that grade-IV astrocytomas promote the downstream of the mitogen-activated-protein-kinases/extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (MAPK1/ERK2) pathway involving massive calcium influx. The gonadotrophin-releasing-hormone signaling enhances MAKP activity and may serve as a negative feedback compensating regulator. Thus, our study can pave the way for effective new therapeutic and diagnostic strategies to improve the overall survival.

The benefit of using in vitro bioassays to screen agricultural samples for oxidative stress: South Africa's case

Applied pesticides end up in non-target environments as complex mixtures. When bioavailable, these chemicals pose a threat to living organisms and can induce oxidative stress (OS). In this article, attention is paid to OS and the physiological role of the antioxidant defense system. South African and international literature was reviewed to provide extensive evidence of pesticide-induced OS in non-target organisms, in vivo and in vitro. Although in vitro approaches are used internationally, South African studies have only used in vivo methods. Considering ethical implications, the authors support the use of in vitro bioassays to screen environmental matrices for their OS potential. Since OS responses are initiated and measurable at lower cellular concentrations compared to other toxicity endpoints, in vitro OS bioassays could be used as an early warning sign for the presence of chemical mixtures in non-target environments. Areas of concern in the country could be identified and prioritized without using animal models. The authors conclude that it will be worthwhile for South Africa to include in vitro OS bioassays as part of a battery of tests to screen environmental matrices for biological effects. This will facilitate the development and implementation of biomonitoring programs to safeguard the South African environment.