Toxicity of New Psychoactive Substance (NPS): Threo-4-methylmethylphenidate (4-Mmph) - Prediction of toxicity using in silico methods

This study represents the first application of in silico methods to evaluate the toxicity of 4-methylphenidate (4-Mmph), a new psychoactive substance (NPS). Using advanced in silico toxicology tools, it was feasible to anticipate key aspects of 4-Mmph's toxicological profile, including acute toxicity (LD50), genotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, and possible endocrine disruption. The findings indicate significant acute toxicity with variability among species, a high potential for adverse effects in the gastrointestinal system and lungs, a low genotoxic potential, a significant likelihood of skin irritation, and a notable cardiotoxicity risk associated with hERG channel inhibition. Evaluation of endocrine disruption revealed a low likelihood that 4-Mmph interacts with the estrogen receptor alpha (ER-α), indicating minimal estrogenic activity. These insights, derived from in silico studies, play a crucial role in improving the comprehension of 4-Mmph in forensic and clinical toxicology. These initial toxicological inquiries establish the foundation for future investigations and help formulate risk assessment and management strategies regarding the use and abuse of NPS. This article is part of a larger project funded by the Polish Ministry of Education and Science, titled "Toxicovigilance, Poisoning Prevention, and First Aid in Poisoning with Xenobiotics of Current Clinical Importance in Poland" (Grant Number SKN/SP/570184/2023).

Toxicological profile of Acovenoside A as an active pharmaceutical ingredient - prediction of missing key toxicological endpoints using in silico toxicology methodology

Acovenoside A, a cardenolide glycoside from Acokanthera oppositifolia, demonstrates significant therapeutic potential in cardioprotection and oncology, particularly against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, its toxicological profile requires thorough evaluation for safe pharmaceutical application. For this purpose a comprehensive in silico methods were applied, including ACD/Labs Percepta, STopTox, admetSAR 3.0, ADMETlab 3.0, ProTox 3.0, TEST 5.1.2, and VEGA QSAR, for prediction of a key toxicological endpoints (acute toxicity, potential health effects, skin and eye irritation, as well as endocrine disruption). These different methods and models were applied to build a comprehensive toxicological profile for Acovenoside A, synthesizing predictions to inform its potential risks and guide future research. The qualitative toxicity predictions using in silico tools (STopTox, admetSAR 3.0) shows specific structural fragments responsible for toxicity (toxicophores) and high probabilities (89.3-90 %) of acute toxicity depending on route of exposure. Quantitative acute toxicity predictions (Percepta, ProTox 3.0, Test 5.1.2, VEGA QSAR) indicated moderate to high toxicity, with LD50 values ranging from 6.2 mg/kg (intravenous, mice) to 51 mg/kg (subcutaneous, mice), and oral administration LD50 values of 5-49 mg/kg. The digoxigenin scaffold present in Acovenoside A was associated with increased toxicity, consistent with similar compounds exhibiting a median LD50 of 9.2 mg/kg. Health effects assessments highlighted substantial risks of multiorgan toxicity, with high probabilities of adverse effects on the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, respiratory, renal, hematologic, and hepatic systems. Prediction for eye irritation (Percepta, STopTox, admetSAR 3.0, ADMETlab 3.0, VEGA QSAR) suggested minimal risk, with probabilities ranging from 0 % to 39 %, though some results fell outside the domain of applicability. For skin irritation (Percepta, STopTox, admetSAR 3.0, ADMETlab 3.0, VEGA QSAR), moderate potential was predicted (30-37 %), but reliability varied across models, underscoring the need for experimental confirmation. Endocrine disruption (Percepta, admetSAR 3.0, VEGA QSAR) risk appears low, with minimal predicted binding affinity to estrogen receptors (LogRBA > -3) and inactivity in some models. This integrative analysis of multiple in silico tools provides valuable insights into the toxicological profile of Acovenoside A. While the compound holds therapeutic promise, its toxicological risks necessitate careful dosing and further experimental validation to ensure safety across various applications.

Gold Nanoparticles (AuNPs)-Toxicity, Safety and Green Synthesis: A Critical Review

In recent years, the extensive exploration of Gold Nanoparticles (AuNPs) has captivated the scientific community due to their versatile applications across various industries. With sizes typically ranging from 1 to 100 nm, AuNPs have emerged as promising entities for innovative technologies. This article comprehensively reviews recent advancements in AuNPs research, encompassing synthesis methodologies, diverse applications, and crucial insights into their toxicological profiles. Synthesis techniques for AuNPs span physical, chemical, and biological routes, focusing on eco-friendly "green synthesis" approaches. A critical examination of physical and chemical methods reveals their limitations, including high costs and the potential toxicity associated with using chemicals. Moreover, this article investigates the biosafety implications of AuNPs, shedding light on their potential toxic effects on cellular, tissue, and organ levels. By synthesizing key findings, this review underscores the pressing need for a thorough understanding of AuNPs toxicities, providing essential insights for safety assessment and advancing green toxicology principles.

Toxicity of the New Psychoactive Substance (NPS) Clephedrone (4-Chloromethcathinone, 4-CMC): Prediction of Toxicity Using In Silico Methods for Clinical and Forensic Purposes

This study reports the first application of in silico methods to assess the toxicity of 4-chloromethcathinone (4-CMC), a novel psychoactive substance (NPS). Employing advanced toxicology in silico tools, it was possible to predict crucial aspects of the toxicological profile of 4-CMC, including acute toxicity (LD50), genotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, and its potential for endocrine disruption. The obtained results indicate significant acute toxicity with species-specific variability, moderate genotoxic potential suggesting the risk of DNA damage, and a notable cardiotoxicity risk associated with hERG channel inhibition. Endocrine disruption assessment revealed a low probability of 4-CMC interacting with estrogen receptor alpha (ER-α), suggesting minimal estrogenic activity. These insights, derived from in silico studies, are critical in advancing the understanding of 4-CMC properties in forensic and clinical toxicology. These initial toxicological findings provide a foundation for future research and aid in the formulation of risk assessment and management strategies in the context of the use and abuse of NPSs.

Multimodal Imaging Using Raman Spectroscopy and FTIR in a Single Analytical Instrument with a Microscope (Infrared Raman Microscopy AIRsight, Shimadzu): Opportunities and Applications

Raman spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy are powerful analytical techniques widely used separately in different fields of study. Integrating these two powerful spectroscopic techniques into one device represents a groundbreaking advance in multimodal imaging. This new combination which merges the molecular vibrational information from Raman spectroscopy with the ability of FTIR to study polar bonds, creates a unique and complete analytical tool. Through a detailed examination of the microscope's operation and case studies, this article illustrates how this integrated analytical instrument can provide more thorough and accurate analysis than traditional methods, potentially revolutionising analytical sample characterisation. This article aims to present the features and possible uses of a unified instrument merging FTIR and Raman spectroscopy for multimodal imaging. It particularly focuses on the technological progress and collaborative benefits of these two spectroscopic techniques within the microscope system. By emphasising this approach's unique benefits and improved analytical capabilities, the authors aim to illustrate its applicability in diverse scientific and industrial sectors.

Toxicovigilance 2.0 - modern approaches for the hazard identification and risk assessment of toxicants in human beings: A review

The attempt to define toxicovigilance can be based on defining its fundamental principles: prevention of infections with toxic substances, collecting information on poisonings, both in terms of their sources and side effects, and confirming poisonings, with the aim of improving treatment. Substances referred to include both those originating from animal bites, ingested inadvertently, and those resulting from environmental poisoning in industrial regions of countries, etc. In this review, we provide information about the crucial function of poison control centres in toxicovigilance, the importance of incorporating big data analytics and artificial intelligence to streamline toxicovigilance processes, and examples of toxicovigilance in different countries. In conclusion, we will present the direction that modern toxicovigilance should take, incorporating available artificial intelligence methods to maximise efficiency.

Hot-Water Immersion (HWI) or Ice-Pack Treatment (IPT) as First Aid for Human Envenomation by Marine Animals? Review of Literature

Envenomation by marine animals poses a significant health concern globally, affecting both local residents and tourists in coastal regions. The primary objective of this review is to critically evaluate the existing scientific literature to determine the most effective first-aid treatment for envenomations caused by marine animals, specifically whether hot-water immersion (HWI) or ice-pack treatment (IPT) provides the best immediate care. This comprehensive review covers a wide range of marine envenomations, from jellyfish stings to stingray injuries. While our focus is primarily on the efficacy of HWI and IPT, we also explore the role of cold-water treatment as a result of its relevance and similarity to ice-pack applications. In addition, we examine other treatments mentioned in the literature, such as medications or vinegar, and highlight their findings where applicable. To provide a clear and structured overview, we summarised the articles in separate tables. These tables categorise the type of research conducted, the marine species studied, the region of origin of the marine species, and the key findings of each study. Our analysis of the available evidence indicates a general consensus in the scientific community on the effectiveness of HWI or IPT for envenomation by marine animals. However, when treating those injuries, it is crucial to consider all factors since there is no universally superior treatment due to the diverse nature of marine habitats.