Cytochrome P450 CYP736A12 is crucial for Trichoderma asperellum-induced alleviation of phoxim phytotoxicity and reduction of pesticide residue in tomato roots

Trichoderma can enhance the metabolism of organophosphate pesticides in plants, but the mechanism is unclear. Here, we performed high-throughput transcriptome sequencing of roots upon Trichoderma asperellum (TM) inoculation and phoxim (P) application in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). A total of 4059 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained, including 2110 up-regulated and 1949 down-regulated DEGs in P vs TM+P. COG and KOG analysis indicated that DEGs were mainly enriched in signal transduction mechanisms. We then focused on the pesticide detoxification pathway and screened out cytochrome P450 CYP736A12 as a putative gene for functional analysis. We suppressed the expression of CYP736A12 in tomato plants by virus-induced gene silencing and analyzed tissue-specific phoxim residues, oxidative stress markers, glutathione pool, GST activity and related gene expression. Silencing CYP736A12 significantly increased phoxim residue and induced oxidative stress in tomato plants, by attenuating the TM-induced increased activity of antioxidant and detoxification enzymes, redox homeostasis and transcripts of detoxification genes including CYP724B2, GSH1, GSH2, GR, GPX, GST1, GST2, GST3, and ABC. The study revealed a critical mechanism by which TM promotes the metabolism of phoxim in tomato roots, which can be useful for further understanding the Trichoderma-induced xenobiotic detoxification and improving food safety.

Revealing nitrogenous VX metabolites and the whole-molecule VX metabolism in the urine of guinea pigs

VX, a well-known organophosphorus nerve agent (OPNA), poses a significant threat to public safety if employed by terrorists. Obtaining complete metabolites is critical to unequivocally confirm its alleged use/exposure and elucidate its whole-molecular metabolism. However, the nitrogenous VX metabolites containing 2-diisopropylaminoethyl moiety from urinary excretion remain unknown. Therefore, this study applied a newly developed untargeted workflow platform to discover and identify them using VX-exposed guinea pigs as animal models. 2-(N,N-diisopropylamino)ethanesulfonic acid (DiPSA) was revealed as a novel nitrogenous VX metabolite in urine, and 2-(Diisopropylaminoethyl) methyl sulfide (DAEMS) was confirmed as another in plasma, indicating that VX metabolism differed between urine and plasma. It is the first report of a nitrogenous VX metabolite in urine and a complete elucidation of the VX metabolic pathway. DiPSA was evaluated as an excellent VX exposure biomarker. The whole-molecule VX metabolism in urine was characterized entirely for the first time via the simultaneous quantification of DiPSA and two known P-based biomarkers. About 52.1% and 32.4% of VX were excreted in urine as P-based and nitrogenous biomarkers within 24 h. These findings provide valuable insights into the unambiguous detection of OPNA exposure/intoxication and human and environmental exposure risk assessment.

In Vitro Characterization and Rescue of VX Metabolism in Human Liver Microsomes

Venomous agent X (VX) is an organophosphate acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor, and although it is one of the most toxic AChE inhibitors known, the extent of metabolism in humans is not currently well understood. The known metabolism in humans is limited to the metabolite identification from a single victim of the Osaka poisoning in 1994, which allowed for the identification of several metabolic products. VX has been reported to be metabolized in vitro by paraoxonase-1 and phosphotriesterase, although their binding constants are many orders of magnitude above the LD50, suggesting limited physiologic relevance. Using incubation with human liver microsomes (HLMs), we have now characterized the metabolism of VX and the formation of multiple metabolites as well as identified a Food and Drug Administration-approved drug [ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)] that enhances the metabolic rate. HLM incubation alone shows a pronounced increase in the metabolism of VX compared with buffer, suggesting that cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism of VX is occurring. We identified a biphasic decay with two distinct rates of metabolism. The enhancement of VX metabolism in multiple buffers was assessed to attempt to mitigate the effect of hydrolysis rates. The formation of VX metabolites was shown to be shifted with HLMs, suggesting a pathway enhancement over simple hydrolysis. Additionally, our investigation of hydrolysis rates in various common buffers used in biologic assays discovered dramatic differences in VX stability. The new human in vitro VX metabolic data reported points to a potential in vivo treatment strategy (EDTA) for rescue in individuals that are poisoned though enhancement of metabolism alongside existing treatments. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Venomous agent X (VX) is a potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitor and chemical weapon. To date, we do not possess a clear understanding of its metabolism in humans that would assist us in treating those exposed to it. This study now describes the human liver microsomal metabolism of VX and identifies ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, which appears to enhance the rate of metabolism. This may provide a potential treatment option for human VX poisoning.

H2S Donors and Their Use in Medicinal Chemistry

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a ubiquitous gaseous signaling molecule that has an important role in many physiological and pathological processes in mammalian tissues, with the same importance as two others endogenous gasotransmitters such as NO (nitric oxide) and CO (carbon monoxide). Endogenous H2S is involved in a broad gamut of processes in mammalian tissues including inflammation, vascular tone, hypertension, gastric mucosal integrity, neuromodulation, and defense mechanisms against viral infections as well as SARS-CoV-2 infection. These results suggest that the modulation of H2S levels has a potential therapeutic value. Consequently, synthetic H2S-releasing agents represent not only important research tools, but also potent therapeutic agents. This review has been designed in order to summarize the currently available H2S donors; furthermore, herein we discuss their preparation, the H2S-releasing mechanisms, and their -biological applications.

A role of peptidoglycan recognition protein in mediating insecticide detoxification in Glyphodes pyloalis

Glyphodes pyloalis Walker has become one of the most significant mulberry pests, and it has caused serious economic losses in major mulberry growing regions in China. Peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs) are responsible for initiating and regulating immune signalling pathways in insects. However, their roles responding to chemical pesticides is still less known. This study aimed to investigate the possible detoxication function of GpPGRP-S2 and GpPGRP-S3 in G. pyloalis in response to chlorfenapyr and phoxim. The chlorfenapyr and phoxim treatment significantly induced the expression level of GpPGRP-S3 at 48 h. In addition, the expression levels of GpPGRP-S2 and GpPGRP-S3 in the chlorfenapyr/phoxim treatment group were significantly higher in midgut than those in the control group at 48 h. The results of the survival experiment showed that silencing either GpPGRP-S2 or GpPGRP-S3 would not influence the survival rate of G. pyloalis which treated with phoxim, however, silencing GpPGRP-S2 or GpPGRP-S3 would cause G. pyloalis to be more easily killed by chlorfenapyr. The expression of carboxylesterase GpCXE1 was significantly induced by chlorfenapyr/phoxim treatment, while it was suppressed once silenced GpPGRP-S2 followed with chlorfenapyr treatment or silenced GpPGRP-S3 followed with phoxim treatment. These results might suggest that under the chlorfenapyr/phoxim treatment condition, the connection between GpPGRPs and detoxification genes in insect was induced to maintain physiological homeostasis; and these results may further enrich the mechanisms of insects challenged by insecticides.

Mitochondrial hydrogen sulfide supplementation improves health in the C. elegans Duchenne muscular dystrophy model

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness due to mutations in the dystrophin gene. The symptoms of DMD share similarities with those of accelerated aging. Recently, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) supplementation has been suggested to modulate the effects of age-related decline in muscle function, and metabolic H2S deficiencies have been implicated in affecting muscle mass in conditions such as phenylketonuria. We therefore evaluated the use of sodium GYY4137 (NaGYY), a H2S-releasing molecule, as a possible approach for DMD treatment. Using the dys-1(eg33) Caenorhabditis elegans DMD model, we found that NaGYY treatment (100 µM) improved movement, strength, gait, and muscle mitochondrial structure, similar to the gold-standard therapeutic treatment, prednisone (370 µM). The health improvements of either treatment required the action of the kinase JNK-1, the transcription factor SKN-1, and the NAD-dependent deacetylase SIR-2.1. The transcription factor DAF-16 was required for the health benefits of NaGYY treatment, but not prednisone treatment. AP39 (100 pM), a mitochondria-targeted H2S compound, also improved movement and strength in the dys-1(eg33) model, further implying that these improvements are mitochondria-based. Additionally, we found a decline in total sulfide and H2S-producing enzymes in dystrophin/utrophin knockout mice. Overall, our results suggest that H2S deficit may contribute to DMD pathology, and rectifying/overcoming the deficit with H2S delivery compounds has potential as a therapeutic approach to DMD treatment.

Computational and Experimental Approaches to Decipher the Binding Mechanism of General Odorant-Binding Protein 2 from Athetis lepigone to Chlorpyrifos and Phoxim

Insect resistance to insecticides is an increasingly serious problem, and the resistant mechanisms are complicated. The resistance research based on the chemosensory pathway is one of the hot problems at present, but the specific binding mechanism of chemosensory genes and insecticides remains elusive. The binding mechanism of AlepGOBP2 (belong to insect chemosensory gene) with two insecticides was investigated by computational and experimental approaches. Our calculation results indicated that four key residues (Phe12, Ile52, Ile94, and Phe118) could steadily interact with these two insecticides and be assigned as hotspot sites responsible for their binding affinities. The significant alkyl-π and hydrophobic interactions involved by these four hotspot residues were found to be the driving forces for their binding affinities, especially for two residues (Phe12 and Ile94) that significantly contribute to the binding of chlorpyrifos, which were also validated by our binding assay results. Furthermore, we also found that the AlepGOBP2-chlorpyrifos/phoxim complexes can be more efficiently converged in the residue-specific force field-(RSFF2C) and its higher accuracy and repeatability in protein dynamics simulation, per-residue free energy decomposition, and computational alanine scanning calculations have also been achieved in this paper. These findings provided useful insights for efficient and reliable calculation of the binding mechanism of relevant AlepGOBPs with other insecticides, facilitating to develop new and efficient insecticides targeting the key sites of AlepGOBP2.

Trichoderma asperellum reduces phoxim residue in roots by promoting plant detoxification potential in Solanum lycopersicum L

Phoxim, a broad-spectrum organophosphate pesticide, is widely used in agriculture to control insect pests in vegetable crops as well as in farm mammals. However, the indiscriminate use of phoxim has increased its release into the environment, leading to the contamination of plant-based foods such as vegetables. In this study, we investigated the effect of Trichoderma asperellum (TM, an opportunistic fungus) on phoxim residue in tomato roots and explored the mechanisms of phoxim metabolism through analysis of detoxification enzymes and gene expression. Degradation kinetics of phoxim showed that TM inoculation rapidly and significantly reduced phoxim residues in tomato roots. Phoxim concentrations at 5d, 10d and 15d post treatment were 75.12, 65.71 and 77.45% lower in TM + phoxim than only phoxim treatment, respectively. The TM inoculation significantly increased the glutathione (GSH) content, the activity of glutathione S-transferase (GST) and the transcript levels of GSH, GST1, GST2 and GST3 in phoxim-treated roots. In addition, the activity of peroxidase and polyphenol peroxidase involved in the xenobiotic conversion also increased in TM + phoxim treatment. The expression of detoxification genes, such as CYP724B2, GR, ABC2 and GPX increased by 3.82, 3.08, 7.89 and 2.46 fold, respectively in TM + phoxim compared with only phoxim. Similarly, the content of ascorbate (AsA) and the ratio of AsA to dehydroascorbate increased by 45.16% and 57.34%, respectively in TM + phoxim-treated roots. Our results suggest that TM stimulates plant detoxification potential in all three phases (conversion, conjugation and sequestration) of xenobiotc metabolism, leading to a reduced phoxim residue in tomato roots.

Rapid biodegradation and biofilm-mediated bioremoval of organophosphorus pesticides using an indigenous Kosakonia oryzae strain -VITPSCQ3 in a Vertical-flow Packed Bed Biofilm Bioreactor

The widespread use of pesticides has been one of the major anthropogenic sources of environmental pollution. Organophosphorus (OP) pesticides are predominantly used in agriculture due to their broad-spectrum insecticidal activity and chemical stability. The study was focused on the biodegradation of OP pesticides, Profenofos (PF) and Quinalphos (QP) in culture media using bacterium isolated from wetland paddy rhizosphere. The strain VITPSCQ3 showed higher pesticide tolerance, efficient biofilm formation and was capable of synthesizing organophosphate degrading enzymes. Based on the 16S rRNA gene sequencing the isolate exhibited maximum sequence similarity with Kosakinia oryzae (GenBank accession number: KR149275). Biodegradation assay with various concentrations of PF and QP (200, 400, 600 and 800 mg L^-1) showed maximum degradation up to 82% and 92% within 48 h. The kinetic studies revealed the biodegradation rates (k) to be 0.0844 min^-1 and 0.107 min^-1 with half-lives (h) of 18 h and 14.8 h for PF and QP. The degradation products were identified by GCMS and possible degradation pathways were proposed using Insilico techniques. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the biodegradation of PF and QP using Kosakonia oryzae. Bioremoval of PF and QP from aqueous solution was performed using the biofilm of VITPSCQ3 developed on selected substrates in a circulating Vertical-flow packed-bed biofilm (VFPBB) bioreactor. Charcoal, gravel and mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) were used as biofilm carriers. Mushroom showed strong biofilm formation with optimum biodegradation capacity of up to 96% for PF and 92% for QP within 120 min reaction time.

Kinetic Study of the Biodegradation of Acephate by Indigenous Soil Bacterial Isolates in the Presence of Humic Acid and Metal Ions

Many bacteria have the potential to use specific pesticides as a source of carbon, phosphorous, nitrogen and sulphur. Acephate degradation by microbes is considered to be a safe and effective method. The overall aim of the present study was to identify acephate biodegrading microorganisms and to investigate the degradation rates of acephate under the stress of humic acid and most common metal ions Fe(III) and copper Cu(II). Pseudomonas azotoformanss strain ACP1, Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain ACP2, and Pseudomonas putida ACP3 were isolated from acephate contaminated soils. Acephate of concentration 100 ppm was incubated with separate strain inoculums and periodic samples were drawn for UV-visible, FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy) and MS (Mass Spectrometry) analysis. Methamidophos, S-methyl O-hydrogen phosphorothioamidate, phosphenothioic S-acid, and phosphenamide were the major metabolites formed during the degradation of acephate. The rate of degradation was applied using pseudo-first-order kinetics to calculate the half-life (t1/2) values, which were 14.33-16.72 d-1 (strain(s) + acephate), 18.81-21.50 d-1 (strain(s) + acephate + Cu(II)), 20.06 -23.15 d-1 (strain(s) + acephate + Fe(II)), and 15.05-17.70 d-1 (strains + acephate + HA). The biodegradation efficiency of the three bacterial strains can be ordered as P. aeruginosa > P. putida > P. azotoformans. The present study illustrated the decomposition mechanism of acephate under different conditions, and the same may be applied to the removal of other xenobiotic compounds.

Evaluation of the Strain Bacillus amyloliquefaciens YP6 in Phoxim Degradation via Transcriptomic Data and Product Analysis

Phoxim, a type of organophosphorus pesticide (OP), is widely used in both agriculture and fisheries. The persistence of phoxim has caused serious environmental pollution problems. In this study, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens YP6 (YP6), which is capable of promoting plant growth and degrading broad-spectrum OPs, was used to study phoxim degradation. Different culture media were applied to evaluate the growth and phoxim degradation of YP6. YP6 can grow rapidly and degrade phoxim efficiently in Luria-Bertani broth (LB broth) medium. Furthermore, it can also utilize phoxim as the sole phosphorus source in a mineral salt medium. Response surface methodology was performed to optimize the degradation conditions of phoxim by YP6 in LB broth medium. The optimum biodegradation conditions were 40 °C, pH 7.20, and an inoculum size of 4.17% (v/v). The phoxim metabolites, O,O-diethylthiophosphoric ester, phoxom, and α-cyanobenzylideneaminooxy phosphonic acid, were confirmed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Meanwhile, transcriptome analysis and qRT-PCR were performed to give insight into the phoxim-stress response at the transcriptome level. The hydrolase-, oxidase-, and NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase-encoding genes were significantly upregulated for phoxim hydrolysis, sulfoxidation, and o-dealkylation. Furthermore, the phoxim biodegradation pathways by YP6 were proposed, for the first time, based on transcriptomic data and product analysis.

A potential biomarker of isofenphos-methyl in humans: A chiral view

Isofenphos-methyl (IFP) is a very active and persistent chiral insecticide. However, IFP has lower activity against acetylcholinesterases (AChEs). Previously, it was confirmed that phosphorothioate organophosphorus pesticides with N-alkyl (POPN) require activation by oxidative desulfuration and N-dealkylation. In this work, we demonstrated that IFP could be metabolized in human liver microsomes to isofenphos-methyl oxon (IFPO, 52.7%), isocarbophos (ICP, 14.2%) and isocarbophos oxon (ICPO, 11.2%). It was found that (R)-IFP was preferentially degraded compared to the (S)-enantiomer, and the enantiomeric fraction (EF) value reached 0.61 at 60 min. However, (S)-enantiomers of the three metabolites, were degraded preferentially, and the EF values ranged from 0.34 to 0.45. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoforms CYP3A4, CYP2E1, and CYP1A2 and carboxylesterase enzyme have an essential role in the enantioselective metabolism of IFP; but, the enzymes that participate in the degradation of IFP metabolites are different. The AChE inhibition bioassay indicated that ICPO is the only effective inhibitor of AChE. The covalent molecular docking has proposed that the metabolites of IFP and its analogs after N-dealkylation and oxidative desulfuration will possess the highest inhibitory activity against AChE. This study is the first to demonstrate that ICPO can be regarded as a potential biomarker for the biomonitoring of IFP and ICP exposure in humans.

Effects of biochar amendment on sorption, dissipation, and uptake of fenamiphos and cadusafos nematicides in sandy soil

BACKGROUND

The application of biochar to soil is supposed to alter its adsorption/desorption potential toward pesticides, thereby affecting their bioavailability and efficacy. This is particularly relevant in the case of nematicides because these pesticides are directly applied to soil.

RESULTS

Biochar was produced from date palm (PB) and eucalyptus (EB) waste at 450 °C and added at a rate of 1% to a sandy soil. The half-life (t_½ ) of fenamiphos was increased from 2.7 to 18.3 and 18.6 days in PB- and EB-amended soils, respectively. By contrast, the half-life of cadusafos was unaffected. Freundlich K_f values increased from 1.22 and 0.39 (μg^1-Nf g^-1 mL^Nf ) to 4.49 and 6.84 in 1% PB-amended soil, and to 3.49 and 4.62 in 1% EB-amended soil for cadusafos and fenamiphos, respectively. Plant uptake of both nematicides in tomato seedlings was reduced by approximately 97% (cadusafos) and 85% (fenamiphos). Although nematicide efficacy against Meloidogyne incognita was not altered at the recommended dosage, it was negatively affected at a half-dose rate. Under these conditions, it decreased from 43.1% in unamended sandy soil to only 18.3% in 1% PB-amended soil.

CONCLUSIONS

Biochar addition increased the sorption capacity of soil. This resulted in a decrease of nematicide bioavailability, together with a reduction of both the dissipation rate and uptake by tomato plants. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Understanding the fate of human serum albumin upon interaction with edifenphos: Biophysical and biochemical approaches

Edifenphos (EDF), an important organophosphate fungicide used in agriculture, is a great threat to human health and environment. To assess the toxicity of EDF at the level of protein molecule, the effect of EDF on human serum albumin (HSA) was investigated by biophysical and biochemical approaches. EDF-HSA complex is formed as a result of static quenching as revealed by the intrinsic fluorescence analysis. Thermodynamic analysis of the binding data suggests involvement of hydrophobic interactions in EDF-HSA complex formation, which is in line with molecular docking results. Moreover, thermodynamic parameters of binding between EDF and HSA suggest entropy-driven spontaneous interaction, presumably dominated by hydrophobic forces. Further, binding site of EDF seems to have been located within sub-domain IIA of HSA. EDF binding to HSA decreases its alpha helical content as analyzed by CD spectra. Marked micro-environmental changes around tryptophan/tyrosine residues in HSA upon EDF binding were recorded via three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy. Substantial release of protein carbonyl from HSA as a result of EDF treatment suggested involvement of ROS in EDF induced protein damage. This work is expected to provide some leads toward EDF induced toxicity in humans and would be helpful in reinforcing the check on food safety.

Effects of phoxim-induced hepatotoxicity on SD rats and the protection of vitamin E

Currently, public pay more attention to the adverse effect of organophosphate pesticides on human and animal health and on the environment in developing nations. Vitamin E may protect the hepatocyte and increase the function of liver. The study was to investigate the effects of phoxim-induced hepatotoxicity on Sprague Dawley (SD) rats and the protection of vitamin E. SD rats received by gavage 180 mg kg^-1 (per body weight) of phoxim, 200 mg kg^-1 (per body weight) of vitamin E, and phoxim + vitamin E. The results showed that exposure to phoxim elevated liver coefficient; glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, total bile acid, and alanine aminotransferase in the serum; ROS in the liver; and the expression of p53, Bax, CYP2E1, ROS, caspase-9, caspase-8, and caspase-3, while phoxim caused a reduction of total protein, albumin, and cholinesterase in the serum; acetylcholinesterase, total antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione in the liver; and the expression of Bcl-2. Vitamin E modified the phoxim-induced hepatotoxicity by reducing the GGT in the serum, malondialdehyde in the liver, and the expression of CYP2E1 significantly. There were no significant changes of globulin in the serum, the activity of catalase in the liver, as well as expression levels of Fas and Bad in the liver. Overall, subacute exposure to phoxim induced hepatic injury, oxidative stress damage, and cell apoptosis. Vitamin E modified phoxim-induced hepatotoxicity slightly. And, vitamin E minimized oxidative stress damage and ultrastructural changes in rat hepatocytes notably.

Evidence of in vitro metabolic interaction effects of a chlorfenvinphos, ethion and linuron mixture on human hepatic detoxification rates

General population exposure to pesticides mainly occurs via food and water consumption. However, their risk assessment for regulatory purposes does not currently consider the actual co-exposure to multiple substances. To address this concern, relevant experimental studies are needed to fill the lack of data concerning effects of mixture on human health. For the first time, the present work evaluated on human microsomes and liver cells the combined metabolic effects of, chlorfenvinphos, ethion and linuron, three pesticides usually found in vegetables of the European Union. Concentrations of these substances were measured during combined incubation experiments, thanks to a new analytical methodology previously developed. The collected data allowed for calculation and comparison of the intrinsic hepatic clearance of each pesticide from different combinations. Finally, the results showed clear inhibitory effects, depending on the association of the chemicals at stake. The major metabolic inhibitor observed was chlorfenvinphos. During co-incubation, it was able to decrease the intrinsic clearance of both linuron and ethion. These latter also showed a potential for metabolic inhibition mainly cytochrome P450-mediated in all cases. Here we demonstrated that human detoxification from a pesticide may be severely hampered in case of co-occurrence of other pesticides, as it is the case for drugs interactions, thus increasing the risk of adverse health effects. These results could contribute to improve the current challenging risk assessment of human and animal dietary to environmental chemical mixtures.

Terbufos-sulfone exacerbates cardiac lesions in diabetic rats: a sub-acute toxicity study

Organophosphorus compounds (OPCs) have a wide range of applications, from agriculture to warfare. Exposure to these brings forward a varied kind of health issues globally. Terbufos is one of the leading OPCs used worldwide. The present study investigates the cardiac effect of no observable dose of a metabolite of terbufos, terbufos-sulfone (TS), under non-diabetic and streptozotocin-induced diabetic condition. One hundred nanomoles per rat (1/20 of LD50) was administered intraperitoneally to adult male Wister rats daily for fifteen days. The left ventricle was collected for ultrastructural changes by transmission electron microscopy. The blood samples were collected for biochemical tests including RBC acetylcholinesterase, creatinine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides, ALT, AST, and GGT. The study revealed about 10 % inhibition of RBC-AChE in two weeks of TS treatment in non-diabetic rats whereas RBC-AChE activity was significantly decreased in diabetic TS treated rats. CK, LDH, and triglycerides were significantly higher in diabetic TS treated rats. Electron microscopy of the heart showed derangement and lesions of the mitochondria of cardiomyocytes in the TS treated groups. The present study concludes that a non-lethal dose of TS causes cardiac lesions which exacerbate under diabetic condition. Biochemical tests confirmed the ultrastructural changes. It is concluded that a non-lethal dose of TS may be a risk factor for a cardiovascular disease, which may be fatal under diabetic condition.

Toxicomorphomics and toxicokinetics of quinalphos on embryonic development of zebrafish (Danio rerio) and its binding affinity towards hatching enzyme, ZHE1

This study outlines the toxic effects of Quinalphos (QP), an organophosphrous insecticide on the development of zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos, with special emphasis on toxicomorphomics and toxicokinetics of target enzyme, AChE. A range of concentrations was used to elucidate the median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) of Quinalphos. Furthermore, embryos were exposed to two sub-lethal concentrations LC₁₀ (0.66mg/L) and LC₂₀ (1.12mg/L) along with a median lethal concentration (3.0mg/L) for 96h. Several morphological aberrations like lordosis, kyphosis, scoliosis, heart edema, breaks in the neuronal tube and underdeveloped facial parts were noticed, which were of concentration and time dependent. The QP has adequately hindered hatching process during the course of exposure which was upheld by the in silico docking studies with hatching enzyme, ZHE1. The length of hatchlings at 96h in LC₅₀ concentration was significantly reduced to 47% compared to control. A significant pericardial effusion (5 to 16 fold) was observed in >90% of LC₅₀ treated groups. Morphological changes in heart lead to the bradycardia, which ultimately leading to heart failure in some cases. The swimming behavior was significantly diminished in relation to the inhibition of AChE levels. From the in vitro kinetic studies, the kinetic constants K_m, V_max and inhibitory concentration K_i (4.45×10^-5M) was determined which supported the competitive nature of QP.

The effects of methidathion on liver: role of vitamins E and C

Methidathion (MD) is one of the most widely used organophosphate insecticides (OPIs) for public health programmes and agricultural purposes. However it causes side effects such as liver disorders. We examined the ameliorating effects of a combination of vitamins E and C against MD induced liver toxicity in rats. MD was given orally with a single dose of 8 mg/kg body weight at 0 h. Vitamin E and vitamin C were injected 30 min after the treatment of MD at doses of 150 mg/kg body weight i.m. and 200 mg/kg body weight i.p., respectively. Liver tissue samples were taken 24 h after the MD administration. In MD treated group, some histopathological changes like infiltration with mono-nuclear cells at parenchymal tissue, sinusoidal dilatation, focal necrotic areas, granular degeneration and picnotic nuclei in the hepatocytes were observed. The severity of these lesions was reduced by administration of vitamins. It is concluded that MD caused liver damage and single-dose treatment with a combination therapy of vitamins E and C after the administration of MD can reduce the toxic effects of MD on liver tissue of rats.

Bio-remediation of acephate-Pb(II) compound contaminants by Bacillus subtilis FZUL-33

Removal of Pb(2+) and biodegradation of organophosphorus have been both widely investigated respectively. However, bio-remediation of both Pb(2+) and organophosphorus still remains largely unexplored. Bacillus subtilis FZUL-33, which was isolated from the sediment of a lake, possesses the capability for both biomineralization of Pb(2+) and biodegradation of acephate. In the present study, both Pb(2+) and acephate were simultaneously removed via biodegradation and biomineralization in aqueous solutions. Batch experiments were conducted to study the influence of pH, interaction time and Pb(2+) concentration on the process of removal of Pb(2+). At the temperature of 25°C, the maximum removal of Pb(2+) by B.subtilis FZUL-33 was 381.31±11.46mg/g under the conditions of pH5.5, initial Pb(2+) concentration of 1300mg/L, and contact time of 10min. Batch experiments were conducted to study the influence of acephate on removal of Pb(2+) and the influence of Pb(2+) on biodegradation of acephate by B.subtilis FZUL-33. In the mixed system of acephate-Pb(2+), the results show that biodegradation of acephate by B.subtilis FZUL-33 released PO4(3+), which promotes mineralization of Pb(2+). The process of biodegradation of acephate was affected slightly when the concentration of Pb(2+) was below 100mg/L. Based on the results, it can be inferred that the B.subtilis FZUL-33 plays a significant role in bio-remediation of organophosphorus-heavy metal compound contamination.

Degradation of acephate by Enterobacter asburiae, Bacillus cereus and Pantoea agglomerans isolated from diamondback moth Plutella xylostella (L), a pest of cruciferous crops

Acephate-degrading bacterial isolates were isolated from the larval gut of diamondback moth Plutella xylostella, a notorious pest of cruciferous crops worldwide that has developed resistance to insecticides. Partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing identified the isolates as Bacillus cereus (PX-B.C.Or), Enterobacter asburiae (PXE), and Pantoae agglomerans (PX-Pt.ag.Jor). All isolates grew on minimal media (MM) in the presence of acephate at 100 and 200 ppm, with maximum growth at 200 ppm. LC-MS analyses of spent medium showed that E. asburiae degraded acephate to methamidophos and O, O-dimethyl phosporamidate and B. cereus O,S-dimethyl to phosphorothioate but P. agglomerans to an unnamed compound. All three isolates used acephate as a source of carbon and energy for growth; however, P. agglomerans used it also as source of sulphur. Strong evidence revealed that the bacterial communities present in the gut of diamondback moth might aid in acephate degradation and play a role in the development of insecticide resistance.

Mechanisms of TiO2 NPs-induced phoxim metabolism in silkworm (Bombyx mori) fat body

Silkworm is an important economic insect. Abuse of organophosphorus pesticides in recent years often leads to poisoning of silkworms, which significantly affects sericulture development by reducing silk production. Previous studies have shown that TiO2 NPs can effectively mitigate the damages caused by organophosphorus pesticides in silk glands and nerve tissues. The fat body is an important metabolic detoxification organ of silkworms, but it is unknown whether TiO2 NPs affect pesticide metabolism in fat body. In this study, we characterized the transcription of antioxidant genes and enzyme activity in fat body after TiO2 NPs and phoxim treatments using transcriptome sequencing, real-time PCR, and enzyme activity assay. Transcriptome sequencing detected 10 720, 10 641, 10 403, and 10 489 genes for control group, TiO2 NPs group, phoxim group, and TiO2 NPs+phoxim group, respectively. The TiO2 NPs+phoxim group had 705 genes with significantly differential expression (FDR<0.001), among which the antioxidant genes thioredoxin reductase 1 and glutathione S-transferase omega 3 were significantly upregulated. In phoxim group, the expression levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase delta (GSTd), and thioredoxin peroxidase (TPx) were increased by 1.365 -fold, 1.335 -fold, 1.642 -fold, and 1.765 -fold, respectively. The level changes of SOD, CAT, GSTd, and TPx were validated by real time PCR. The contents of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) were increased by 1.598 -fold, 1.946 -fold, and 1.506 -fold, respectively, indicating that TiO2 NPs treatment can relieve phoxim-induced oxidative stress. To clarify the mechanism of TiO2 NPs's effect, the transcription levels of P450 gene family were measured for the TiO2 NPs+phoxim group; the expression levels of CYP4M5, CYP6AB4, CYP6A8, and CYP9G3 were elevated by 2.784 -fold, 3.047 -fold, 2.254 -fold, and 4.253 -fold, respectively, suggesting that high expression of P450 family genes can enhance the metabolism of phoxim in the fat body. The results of this study indicated that TiO2 NPs treatment promoted the transcriptional expression of the P450 family genes to improve the fat body's ability to metabolize phoxim and reduce phoxim-induced oxidative stress. This may be the main mechanism of TiO2 NPs' mitigation of phoxim-induced damages in the fat body.

The dissipation of fipronil, chlorpyrifos, fosthiazate and ethoprophos in soils from potato monoculture areas: first evidence for the enhanced biodegradation of fosthiazate

BACKGROUND

A limited number of pesticides are available for the control of soil pests in potato. This, together with the monoculture nature of potato cultivation, does not favour chemical rotation, increasing the risk of reduced biological efficacy due to microbial adaptation. The dissipation of three major organophosphates (chlorpyrifos, ethoprophos and fosthiazate) was studied in comparison with fipronil, an insecticide recently introduced in potato cultivation, in 17 soils from potato monoculture areas in Greece to explore the extent of enhanced biodegradation development.

RESULTS

The dissipation time of the four pesticides varied in the different soils, with DT50 values of 1.7-30.8 days, 2.7-56 days, 7.0-31.0 days and 24.5-116.5 days for fosthiazate, chlorpyrifos, ethoprophos and fipronil, respectively. A rapid dissipation of ethoprophos and fosthiazate in two soils with previous exposure to these nematicides provided first evidence for the development of enhanced biodegradation. Sterilisation of the given soils inhibited the dissipation of fosthiazate. Additionally, fosthiazate dissipation in the soils increased upon repeated applications.

CONCLUSION

The development of enhanced biodegradation of fosthiazate in soils from potato monoculture regions was verified. This is the first report of enhanced biodegradation for this chemical. Further studies will focus on the isolation of microorganisms responsible for the dissipation of fosthiazate.

Enhancing agents for phytoremediation of soil contaminated by cyanophos

Cyanophos is commonly used in Egypt to control various agricultural and horticultural pests. It is a strong contaminant in the crop culturing environments because it is highly persistent and accumulates in the soil. This contaminant can be removed by phytoremediation, which is the use of plants to clean-up pollutants. Here we tested several several strategies to improve the effectiveness of this technology, which involved various techniques to solubilize contaminants. The phytoremediation efficiency of Plantago major L. was improved more by liquid silicon dioxide (SiO₂) than by other solubility-enhancing agents, resulting in the removal of significant amounts of cyanophos from contaminated soil. Liquid SiO₂ increased the capacity of P. major L. to remove cyanophos from soil by 45.9% to 74.05%. In P. major L. with liquid SiO₂, leaves extracted more cyanophos (32.99 µg/g) than roots (13.33 µg/g) over 3 days. The use of solubilization agents such as surfactants, hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin (HPßCD), natural humic acid acid (HA), and Tween 80 resulted in the removal of 60 convergents of cyanophos from polluted soil. Although a batch equilibrium technique showed that use of HPßCD resulted in the efficient removal of cyanophos from soil, a greater amount of cyanophos was removed by P. major L. with SiO₂. Moreover, a large amount of cyanophos was removed from soil by rice bran. This study indicates that SiO₂ can improve the efficiency of phytoremediation of cyanophos.

Discovery of genes related to formothion resistance in oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis) by a constrained functional genomics analysis

Artificial selection can provide insights into how insecticide resistance mechanisms evolve in populations. The underlying basis of such phenomena can involve complex interactions of multiple genes, and the resolution of this complexity first necessitates confirmation that specific genes are involved in resistance mechanisms. Here, we used a novel approach invoking a constrained RNA sequencing analysis to refine the discovery of specific genes involved in insecticide resistance. Specifically, for gene discovery, an additional constraint was added to the traditional comparisons of susceptible vs. resistant flies by the incorporation of a line in which insecticide susceptibility was 'recovered' within a resistant line by the removal of insecticide stress. In our analysis, the criterion for the classification of any gene as related to insecticide resistance was based on evidence for differential expression in the resistant line as compared with both the susceptible and recovered lines. The incorporation of this additional constraint reduced the number of differentially expressed genes putatively involved in resistance to 464, compared with more than 1000 that had been identified previously using this same species. In addition, our analysis identified several key genes involved in metabolic detoxification processes that showed up-regulated expression. Furthermore, the involvement of acetylcholinesterase, a known target for modification in insecticide resistance, was associated with three key nonsynonymous amino acid substitutions within our data. In conclusion, the incorporation of an additional constraint using a 'recovered' line for gene discovery provides a higher degree of confidence in genes identified to be involved in insecticide resistance phenomena.

Photocatalytic degradation of acephate in pak choi, Brassica chinensis, with Ce-doped TiO2

The photocatalytic degradation of acephate was investigated using Ce-doped TiO2 (TiO2/Ce) hydrosol. In contrast to previous research conducted under artificial light in the laboratory, this study investigated the decomposition of acephate in a field trial. The results show that acephate can be efficiently degraded by the TiO2/Ce system under natural field conditions; the degradation efficiency was affected by the dosage of the photocatalyst and acephate. The optimum dosage of TiO2/Ce was 2400 g a.i.ha(-1), and the photodegradation efficiency of acephate reached 93.5% after 20 h at an acephate dosage of 675 g a.i.ha(-1). Ultra-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (UPLC/MS) analysis detected and identified four degradation products-methamidophos, phosphorothioic acid O,O,S-trimethyl ester, S-methyl methanethiosulfonate and phosphorous acid-that were formed during the TiO2/Ce photodegradation of acephate. Based on the structural identification of the degradation products, a probable photodegradation pathway was proposed, and the first decomposition step may be the cleavage of the C‒N bond of acephate. Subsequently, the P‒S and P‒O bonds may be oxidized gradually or simultaneously to complete the mineralization.

Fate of 14C-ethion insecticide in the presence of deltamethrin and dimilin pesticides in cotton seeds and oils, removal of ethion residues in oils, and bioavailability of its bound residues to experimental animals

Ethyl-1-(14)C-ethion and some of its degradation products have been prepared for comparison purposes. Cotton plants were treated with (14)C-ethion alone and in the presence of deltamethrin and dimilin pesticides under conditions simulating local agricultural practice. (14)C-Residues in seeds were determined at harvest time; about 47.5% of (14)C-activity was associated with oil. After further extraction of seeds with ethanol, the ethanol-soluble (14)C-residues accounted for 10.6% of the total seed residues, whereas the cake contained about 37.3% of the total residues as bound residues in the case of ethion only. The bound residues decreased in the presence of deltamethrin and dimilin pesticides and amounted to 8.1 and 10.4% of the total residues, respectively. About 95% of the (14)C-activity in the crude oil could be eliminated by simulated commercial processes locally used for oil refining. Chromatographic analysis of crude cotton oil revealed the presence of ethion monooxon, O,O-diethyl phosphorothioate, and O,O-diethyl phosphoric acid in addition to one unknown compound in the case of ethion alone or ethion and dimilin. The same degradation products are found in the case of ethion and deltamethrin in addition to ethion dioxon, whereas ethanol extract revealed the presence of ethion dioxon and O,O-diethyl phosphoric acid as free metabolites. Acid hydrolysis of the conjugated metabolites in the ethanol extract yielded O,O-diethyl S-hydroxymethyl phosphorodithioate. The bound residues were quite readily bioavailable to the rats. After feeding rats with the cake containing ethion-bound residues, a substantial amount (60%) of (14)C-residues was eliminated in the urine, whereas the (14)C-residues excreted in expired air and feces were 10 and 9%, respectively. About 11% of the radioactive residues were distributed among various organs.

Contrasting effects of two antimicrobial agents (triclosan and triclocarban) on biomineralisation of an organophosphate pesticide in soils

We examined the impact of triclosan (TCS) and triclocarban (TCC) antimicrobial compounds on the biomineralisation of glucose and cadusafos pesticide in three Australian soils. Mineralisations of radiolabelled ((14)C) compounds were measured over a period of up to 77 d in sterile and non-sterile soils treated with different concentrations of TCS and TCC (0-450 mg kg(-1)). The rates of mineralisation of cadusafos were found to decrease with increasing concentration of TCS in all soils, but varied with soil type. Soils treated with TCS at the highest concentration (270 mg kg(-1)) reduced cadusafos mineralisation by up to 58%. However, glucose mineralisation was not significantly affected by the presence of TCS. While TCS, significantly reduced the mineralisation of cadusafos (by 17%; p<0.05) even at the lowest studied concentration (30 mg kg(-1)), no significant effect of TCC was observed on cadusafos or glucose mineralisation even at the highest concentration used (450 mg kg(-1)).

Persistence and biodegradation of quinalphos using soil microbes

The present study reports the degradation of the persistent and toxic organophosphate, quinalphos, by employing microorganisms that were already members of the natural soil community for degradation. Bacillus and Pseudomonas spp., both of which are capable of degrading quinalphos from aqueous streams, were isolated from different contaminated soils. Batch experiments were performed to determine the natural and induced biodegradation of quinalphos in the aqueous medium. The rate of degradation was analyzed through determination of residual concentration using UV-Vis spectrophotometer and high-performance liquid chromatography. A single peak of a metabolite was observed on the 160th day, and identified as dihydroxy quinalphos oxon by mass spectrometry. The presence of quinalphos and its metabolite in water over an extended period prompted the authors to investigate its induced biodegradation using indigenous microbes extracted from soil. For biodegradation studies, the isolated microbes were inoculated into minimal media with quinalphos for 17 days. The results revealed that > 80% of quinalphos was degraded in 17 days in the presence of isolated microbes, and no metabolite was observed during the biodegradation process.

Ethoprophos fate on soil-water interface and effects on non-target terrestrial and aquatic biota under Mediterranean crop-based scenarios

The present study aimed to assess the environmental fate of the insecticide and nematicide ethoprophos in the soil-water interface following the pesticide application in simulated maize and potato crops under Mediterranean agricultural conditions, particularly of irrigation. Focus was given to the soil-water transfer pathways (leaching and runoff), to the pesticide transport in soil between pesticide application (crop row) and non-application areas (between crop rows), as well as to toxic effects of the various matrices on terrestrial and aquatic biota. A semi-field methodology mimicking a "worst-case" ethoprophos application (twice the recommended dosage for maize and potato crops: 100% concentration v/v) in agricultural field situations was used, in order to mimic a possible misuse by the farmer under realistic conditions. A rainfall was simulated under a slope of 20° for both crop-based scenarios. Soil and water samples were collected for the analysis of pesticide residues. Ecotoxicity of soil and aquatic samples was assessed by performing lethal and sublethal bioassays with organisms from different trophic levels: the collembolan Folsomia candida, the earthworm Eisenia andrei and the cladoceran Daphnia magna. Although the majority of ethoprophos sorbed to the soil application area, pesticide concentrations were detected in all water matrices illustrating pesticide transfer pathways of water contamination between environmental compartments. Leaching to groundwater proved to be an important transfer pathway of ethoprophos under both crop-based scenarios, as it resulted in high pesticide concentration in leachates from Maize (130µgL(-1)) and Potato (630µgL(-1)) crop scenarios, respectively. Ethoprophos application at the Potato crop scenario caused more toxic effects on terrestrial and aquatic biota than at the Maize scenario at the recommended dosage and lower concentrations. In both crop-based scenarios, ethoprophos moved with the irrigation water flow to the soil between the crop rows where no pesticide was applied, causing toxic effects on terrestrial organisms. The two simulated agricultural crop-based scenarios had the merit to illustrate the importance of transfer pathways of pesticides from soil to groundwater through leaching and from crop rows to the surrounding soil areas in a soil-water interface environment, which is representative for irrigated agricultural crops under Mediterranean conditions.

Polysaccharide-thickened aqueous fluoride solutions for rapid destruction of the nerve agent VX. Introducing the opportunity for extensive decontamination scenarios

Among the chemical warfare agents, the extremely toxic nerve agent VX (O-ethyl S-2-(diisopropylamino)ethyl methylphosphonothioate) is a target of high importance in the development of decontamination methods, due to its indefinite persistence on common environmental surfaces. Liquid decontaminants are mostly characterized by high corrosivity, usually offer poor coverage, and tend to flow and accumulate in low areas. Therefore, the development of a noncorrosive decontaminant, sufficiently viscous to resist dripping from the contaminated surface, is necessary. In the present paper we studied different polysaccharides-thickened fluoride aqueous solutions as noncorrosive decontaminants for rapid and efficient VX degradation to the nontoxic product EMPA (ethyl methylphosphonic acid). Polysaccharides are environmentally benign, natural, and inexpensive. Other known decontaminants cannot be thickened by polysaccharides, due to the sensitivity of the latter toward basic or oxidizing agents. We found that the efficiency of VX degradation in these viscous solutions in terms of kinetics and product identity is similar to that of KF aqueous solutions. Guar gum (1.5 wt %) with 4 wt % KF was chosen for further evaluation. The benign nature, rheological properties, adhering capabilities to different surfaces, and decontamination from a porous matrix were examined. This formulation showed promising properties for implementation as a spray decontaminant for common and sensitive environmental surfaces.

Biodegradation of acephate and methamidophos by a soil bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain Is-6

The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize a new acephate-degrading bacteria from agricultural soil and to investigate its biodegradation ability and pathway of degradation. A bacterial strain Is-6, isolated from agriculture soil could completely degrade and utilize acephate as the sole carbon, phosphorus and energy sources for growth in M9 medium. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence and phenotypic analysis suggested that the strain Is-6 was belonging to the genus Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Strain Is-6 could completely degrade acephate (50 mg L(-1)) and its metabolites within 96 h were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and electron spray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) analyses. When exposed to the higher concentration, the strain Is-6 showed 92% degradation of acephate (1000 mg L(-1)) within 7 days of incubation. It could also utilize dimethoate, parathion, methyl parathion, chlorpyrifos and malathion. The inoculation of strain Is-6 (10(7) cells g(-1)) to acephate (50 mg Kg(-1))-treated soil resulted in higher degradation rate than in noninoculated soils. These results highlight the potential of this bacterium to be used in the cleanup of contaminated pesticide waste in the environment.

Silencing of an aphid carboxylesterase gene by use of plant-mediated RNAi impairs Sitobion avenae tolerance of Phoxim insecticides

RNA interference (RNAi) describes the ability of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) to inhibit homologous gene expression at the RNA level. Its specificity is sequence-based and depends on the sequence of one strand of the dsRNA corresponding to part or all of a specific gene transcript. In this study we adopted plant-mediated RNAi technology that targets Sitobion avenae (S. avenae) to enable gene silencing in the aphid and to minimize handling of the insects during experiments. S. avenae was selected for this study because it causes serious economic losses to wheat throughout the world. The carboxylesterase (CbE E4) gene in S. avenae was homologously cloned, which increased synthesis of a protein known to be critical to the resistance (tolerance) this species has developed to a wide range of pesticides. A plant RNAi vector was constructed, and transgenic Triticum aestivum (dsCbE1-5 and dsCbE2-2 lines) expressing CbE E4 dsRNA were developed. S. avenae were fed on dsCbE1-5 and dsCbE2-2 lines stably producing the CbE E4 dsRNA. CbE E4 gene expression in S. avenae was reduced by up to 30-60%. The number of aphids raised on dsCbE1-5 and dsCbE2-2 was lower than the number raised on non-transgenic plants. A solution of CbE E4 enzyme from S. avenae fed on dsCbE1-5 and dsCbE2-2 plants hydrolyzed only up to 20-30% Phoxim solution within 40 min whereas a solution of the enzyme from CbE E4 fed on control plants hydrolyzed 60% of Phoxim solution within 40 min. CbE E4 gene silencing was achieved by our wheat-mediated RNAi approach. This plant-mediated RNAi approach for addressing degradation-based pesticide resistance mechanisms in aphids and may prove useful in pest management for diverse agro-ecosystems.

Environmental behavior of the chiral organophosphorus insecticide acephate and its chiral metabolite methamidophos: enantioselective transformation and degradation in soils

Acephate is a widely used organophosphorus insecticide globally, although there are some concerns about its usage with regard to acute consumer exposure and side-effects on nontarget organisms. These concerns are always attributed to the acephate metabolite methamidophos. In the many reports about the environmental behavior of acephate and its metabolite, none pay any attention to the chirality of them. In this study, the enantiomeric transformation and degradation of acephate was investigated in three soils under laboratory conditions using enantioselective GC-MS/MS. Racemic and enantiopure compounds were incubated in separate experiments. The degradation of racemates was shown to be enantioselective in unsterilized soils but not in the sterilized soils, thus confirming the enantioselectivity was microbially based. The priority of enantiomer degradation and transformation varied among soils and racemates. R-(+)-methamidophos was enriched in the Zhengzhou soil, but degraded faster in the Changchun and Nanchang soils than its antipode. For acephate, the Nanchang soil enriched R-(+)-acephate, and S-(-)-acephate accumulated in the other two soils. Acephate and methamidophos were both configurationally stable in soil, showing no interconversion of R-(+)- to S-(-)-enantiomers, or vice versa. The conversion of acephate to methamidophos proceeded with retention of configuration. Generally, the degradation followed approximate first-order kinetics, but showed significant lag phases.

Comparison of high-resolution and tandem mass spectrometry for the analysis of nerve agent metabolites in urine

RATIONALE

Although use is prohibited, concerns remain for human exposure to nerve agents during decommissioning, research, and warfare. High-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) was compared to tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) analysis for the quantitation of five urinary metabolites specific to VX, Russian VX, soman, sarin and cyclosarin nerve agents. The HRMS method was further evaluated for qualitative screening of metabolites not included in the test panel.

METHODS

Nerve agent metabolites were extracted from urine using solid-phase extraction, separated using hydrophilic interaction chromatography and analyzed using both tandem and high-resolution mass spectrometry. MS/MS results were obtained using selected reaction monitoring with unit resolution; HRMS results were obtained using a mass extraction window of 10 ppm at a mass resolution of 50 000. The benchtop Orbitrap HRMS instrument was operated in full scan mode, to measure the presence of unexpected nerve agent metabolites.

RESULTS

The assessment of two quality control samples demonstrated high accuracy (99.5-104%) and high precision (2-9%) for both HRMS and MS/MS. Sensitivity, as described by the limit of detection, was overlapping for both detectors (0.2-0.7 ng/mL). Additionally, the HRMS method positively confirmed the presence of a nerve agent metabolite, not included in the test panel, using the accurate mass and relative retention time.

CONCLUSIONS

The precision, accuracy, and sensitivity were comparable between the current MS/MS method and this newly developed HRMS analysis for five nerve agent metabolites. HRMS showed additional capabilities beyond the current method by confirming the presence of a metabolite not included in the test panel.

Persistence and dissipation of quinalphos in/on cauliflower and soil under the semi arid climatic conditions of Karnataka, India

Persistence and dissipation of quinalphos residues in/on cauliflower was studied after giving spray applications at 2 concentrations, i.e. recommended dose of 500 g a.i. ha(-1) and double the recommended dose of 1,000 g a.i. ha(-1). Residue analysis of cauliflower curds was carried out after the third spray over a period of 15 days. Initial residues of quinalphos on cauliflower from the two treatments were 1.19 and 1.842 mg kg(-1). The residues persisted up to 15 days from both the treatments. The residues of quinalphos dissipated from both treatments with the half-life of 4.8 and 5.3 days. Based on the persistence study and maximum residue limit value of 0.05 mg kg(-1) the safe pre-harvest interval was worked out as 17 and 22 days from treatment at the recommended and double the recommended dose, respectively. Analysis of soil samples was carried out on the 15th day of sampling and residues were found to be 0.013 and 0.044 mg kg(-1).

Changes in the activity and the expression of detoxification enzymes in silkworms (Bombyx mori) after phoxim feeding

Silkworm (Bombyx mori) is an economically important insect. However, non-cocoon caused by chemical insecticide poisoning has largely hindered the development of sericulture. To explore the roles of detoxification enzymes in B. mori after insecticide poisoning, we monitored the activity changes of cytochrome P450 monooxygenase, glutathione-S-transferase, and carboxylesterase in B. mori midgut and fatbody after phoxim feeding. At the same time, the expression levels of detoxification enzyme-related genes were also determined by real-time quantitative PCR. Compare to the control levels, the activity of P450 in the midgut and fatbody was increased to 1.72 and 6.72 folds; the activity of GST was no change in midgut, and in fatbody increased to 1.11 folds; the activity of carboxylesterase in the midgut was decreased to 0.69 folds, and in fatbody increased to 1.13 folds. Correspondingly, the expression levels of detoxifying enzyme genes CYP6ae22, CYP9a21, GSTo1 and Bmcce were increased to 15.99, 3.32, 1.86 and 2.30 folds in the midgut and to 3.58, 1.84, 2.14 and 4.21 folds in the fatbody after phoxim treatment. These results demonstrated the important roles of detoxification enzymes in phoxim metabolism. In addition, the detected activities of such enzymes were generally lower than those in cotton bollworms (Helicoverpa armigera), which may contribute to the high susceptibility of B. mori to insecticides. Our findings laid the foundation for further investigations of the molecular mechanisms of organophosphorus pesticide metabolism in B. mori.

Identification and characterization of novel catalytic bioscavengers of organophosphorus nerve agents

In an effort to discover novel catalytic bioscavengers of organophosphorus (OP) nerve agents, cell lysates from a diverse set of bacterial strains were screened for their capacity to hydrolyze the OP nerve agents VX, VR, and soman (GD). The library of bacterial strains was identified using both random and rational approaches. Specifically, two representative strains from eight categories of extremophiles were chosen at random. For the rational approach, the protein sequence of organophosphorus hydrolase (OPH) from Brevundimonas diminuta was searched against a non-redundant protein database using the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool to find regions of local similarity between sequences. Over 15 protein sequences with significant sequence similarity to OPH were identified from a variety of bacterial strains. Some of these matches were based on predicted protein structures derived from bacterial genome sequences rather than from bona fide proteins isolated from bacteria. Of the 25 strains selected for nerve agent testing, three bacterial strains had measurable levels of OP hydrolase activity. These strains are Ammoniphilus oxalaticus, Haloarcula sp., and Micromonospora aurantiaca. Lysates from A. oxalaticus had detectable hydrolysis of VR; Haloarcula sp. had appreciable hydrolysis of VX and VR, whereas lysates from M. aurantiaca had detectable hydrolysis of VR and GD.

A new slow releasing, H₂S generating compound, GYY4137 relaxes spontaneous and oxytocin-stimulated contractions of human and rat pregnant myometrium

Better tocolytics are required to help prevent preterm labour. The gaseotransmitter Hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) has been shown to reduce myometrial contractility and thus is of potential interest. However previous studies used NaHS, which is toxic and releases H₂S as a non-physiological bolus and thus alternative H₂S donors are sought. GYY4137 has been developed to slowly release H₂S and hence better reflect endogenous physiological release. We have examined its effects on spontaneous and oxytocin-stimulated contractility and compared them to NaHS, in human and rat myometrium, throughout gestation. The effects on contractility in response to GYY4137 (1 nM–1 mM) and NaHS (1 mM) were examined on myometrial strips from, biopsies of women undergoing elective caesarean section or hysterectomy, and from non-pregnant, 14, 18, 22 day (term) gestation or labouring rats. In pregnant rat and human myometrium dose-dependent and significant decreases in spontaneous contractions were seen with increasing concentrations of GYY4137, which also reduced underlying Ca transients. GYY4137 and NaHS significantly reduced oxytocin-stimulated and high-K depolarised contractions as well as spontaneous activity. Their inhibitory effects increased as gestation advanced, but were abruptly reversed in labour. Glibenclamide, an inhibitor of ATP-sensitive potassium (K_ATP) channels, abolished the inhibitory effect of GYY4137. These data suggest (i) H₂S contributes to uterine quiescence from mid-gestation until labor, (ii) that H₂S affects L-type calcium channels and K_ATP channels reducing Ca entry and thereby myometrial contractions, (iii) add to the evidence that H₂S plays a physiological role in relaxing myometrium, and thus (iv) H₂S is an attractive target for therapeutic manipulation of human myometrial contractility.

Mineralization of acephate, a recalcitrant organophosphate insecticide is initiated by a pseudomonad in environmental samples

An aerobic bacterium capable of breaking down the pesticide acephate (O,S-dimethyl acetyl phosphoramidothioic acid) was isolated from activated sludge collected from a pesticide manufacturing facility. A phylogenetic tree based on the 16 S rRNA gene sequence determined that the isolate lies within the Pseudomonads. The isolate was able to grow in the presence of acephate at concentrations up to 80 mM, with maximum growth at 40 mM. HPLC and LC-MS/MS analysis of spent medium from growth experiments and a resting cell assay detected the accumulation of methamidophos and acetate, suggesting initial hydrolysis of the amide linkage found between these two moieties. As expected, the rapid decline in acephate was coincident with the accumulation of methamidophos. Methamidophos concentrations were maintained over a period of days, without evidence of further metabolism or cell growth by the cultures. Considering this limitation, strains such as described in this work can promote the first step of acephate mineralization in soil microbial communities.

Organophosphorus hydrolase: a multifaceted plant genetic marker which is selectable, scorable, and quantifiable in whole seed

Organophosphorus hydrolase (OPH, EC 3.1.8.1) provides a novel function as an alternative genetic marker system for use in many types of plant transformations. OPH is a high-capacity hydrolase with multiple organophosphorus substrates, many of which are neurotoxins and thus used extensively as pesticides. This spectrum of organophosphates includes compounds that are phytotoxic as well as those that are hydrolyzed to products that are easily detected visually without significant disruption of plant health. This dichotomy gives OPH the features of both a selectable marker as well as that of a scorable marker system, and these characteristics have been tested at several stages during the plant transformation and regeneration process. Finally, it is possible to quantify hydrolytic activity in the seed without interfering with its subsequent growth and regeneration.

Decay profile and metabolic pathways of quinalphos in water, soil and plants

The widespread occurrence of pesticide residues in different agricultural and food commodities has raised concern among the environmentalists and food chemists. In order to keep a proper track of these materials, studies on their decay profiles in the various segments of ecosystem under varying environmental conditions are needed. In view of this, the metabolites of quinalphos in water and soil under controlled conditions and in plants, namely tomato and radish in field conditions have been analysed and possible pathways suggested. In order to follow the decay of the pesticide, an HPLC procedure has been developed. Studies conducted in water at different temperatures, pH and organic content reveal that the persistence of the pesticide decreases with the increase in all the three variables. In the three different types of soils studied, the effect of pH is more or less apparent on a similar line. On an average a faster decay is observed in the case of plants than in water and soil. The decay profiles in all these cases follow first order kinetics. The metabolites were identified by GC-MS. The investigations reflect that degradation occurs through hydrolysis, S-oxidation, dealkylation and thiono-thiol rearrangement. The pathways seem to be complex and different metabolites were observed with the change in the matrix. Quinalphos oxon, O-ethyl-O-quinoxalin-2-yl phosphoric acid, 2-hydroxy quinoxaline and quinoxaline-2-thiol were observed in all the matrices. Results further indicate that the metabolites, 2-hydroxy quinoxaline and oxon, which are more toxic than parent compound, persist for a longer time.

Detections of eleven organophosphorus insecticides and one herbicide threatening Pacific salmonids, Oncorhynchus spp., in California, 1991-2010

California's surface water monitoring results from 1991 through 2010 were analyzed to determine whether 12 organophosphorus insecticides and herbicides (i.e., azinphos methyl, bensulide, dimethoate, disulfoton, ethoprop, fenamiphos, methamidophos, methidathion, methyl parathion, naled, phorate, and phosmet) and their degradates have been detected above maximum concentration limits (MCLs) in Pacific salmonid habitats. Methidathion, methyl parathion, phorate, phosmet, and the oxygen analogue of naled (DDVP) detections exceeded MCLs. Methyl parathion detections may be accounted for by monthly use trends, while methidathion detections may be explained by yearly use trends. There were inadequate phorate, phosmet, or DDVP data to evaluate for correlations with use.

VX hydrolysis by human serum paraoxonase 1: a comparison of experimental and computational results

Human Serum paraoxonase 1 (HuPON1) is an enzyme that has been shown to hydrolyze a variety of chemicals including the nerve agent VX. While wildtype HuPON1 does not exhibit sufficient activity against VX to be used as an in vivo countermeasure, it has been suggested that increasing HuPON1's organophosphorous hydrolase activity by one or two orders of magnitude would make the enzyme suitable for this purpose. The binding interaction between HuPON1 and VX has recently been modeled, but the mechanism for VX hydrolysis is still unknown. In this study, we created a transition state model for VX hydrolysis (VX(ts)) in water using quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical simulations, and docked the transition state model to 22 experimentally characterized HuPON1 variants using AutoDock Vina. The HuPON1-VX(ts) complexes were grouped by reaction mechanism using a novel clustering procedure. The average Vina interaction energies for different clusters were compared to the experimentally determined activities of HuPON1 variants to determine which computational procedures best predict how well HuPON1 variants will hydrolyze VX. The analysis showed that only conformations which have the attacking hydroxyl group of VX(ts) coordinated by the sidechain oxygen of D269 have a significant correlation with experimental results. The results from this study can be used for further characterization of how HuPON1 hydrolyzes VX and design of HuPON1 variants with increased activity against VX.

Effects of salinity, DOM and metals on the fate and microbial toxicology of propetamphos formulations in river and estuarine sediment

Toxicity studies tend to use pure pesticides with single organisms. However, natural systems are complex and biological communities diverse. The organophosphate pesticide propetamphos (PPT) has been found exceeding regulatory limits (100 ng L(-1)) in rivers. We address whether solution properties affect the fate of Analar (Analar-PPT) or industrial PPT (PPT-Ind) propetamphos formulations and whether propetamphos and metal toxicant effects are additive, antagonistic or synergistic? The sorption, desorption, biodegradation and microbial toxicology of Analar-PPT and PPT-Ind were investigated in Conwy River and estuary sediment. Results showed elevated salinity enhanced PPT sorption, while higher salinities increased PPT-Ind retention. Higher dissolved organic matter (DOM) and low salinity slowed Analar-PPT biodegradation (1.9×10(-3)h(-1)). Analar-PPT and PPT-Ind biodegradation was further reduced by low salinity, high DOM and dissolved Zn and Pb (6.3×10(-4)h(-1), 1100 ht(½) for Analar-PPT; 7.5×10(-4)h(-1), 924 ht(½) for PPT-Ind). Toxicity effects of PPT, Zn and Pb in equitoxic ratio were higher for PPT-Ind (4.7 μg PPT-Ind g(-1); 581 μg Zn g(-1); 395 μg Pb g(-1)) than for Analar-PPT (34.6 μg PPT g(-1); 312 μg Zn g(-1); 212 μg Pb g(-1)) whilst a toxicant ratio 1:100:10 suggested small quantities of Analar-PPT (EC(10)=0.06 μg g(-1)) affected microbial communities. The combined toxicity effect was more than additive. Thus, industrial formulations and pollutant mixtures should be considered when assessing environmental toxicity.

Inoculations with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi increase vegetable yields and decrease phoxim concentrations in carrot and green onion and their soils

BACKGROUND

As one of the most widely used organophosphate insecticides in vegetable production, phoxim (C(12)H(15)N(2)O(3)PS) is often found as residues in crops and soils and thus poses a potential threat to public health and environment. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi may make a contribution to the decrease of organophosphate residues in crops and/or the degradation in soils, but such effects remain unknown.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

A greenhouse pot experiment studied the influence of AM fungi and phoxim application on the growth of carrot and green onion, and phoxim concentrations in the two vegetables and their soil media. Treatments included three AM fungal inoculations with Glomus intraradices BEG 141, G. mosseae BEG 167, and a nonmycorrhizal control, and four phoxim application rates (0, 200, 400, 800 mg l(-1), while 400 mg l(-1) rate is the recommended dose in the vegetable production system). Carrot and green onion were grown in a greenhouse for 130 d and 150 d. Phoxim solution (100 ml) was poured into each pot around the roots 14d before plant harvest. Results showed that mycorrhizal colonization was higher than 70%, and phoxim application inhibited AM colonization on carrot but not on green onion. Compared with the nonmycorrhizal controls, both shoot and root fresh weights of these two vegetables were significantly increased by AM inoculations irrespective of phoxim application rates. Phoxim concentrations in shoots, roots and soils were increased with the increase of phoxim application rate, but significantly decreased by the AM inoculations. Soil phosphatase activity was enhanced by both AM inocula, but not affected by phoxim application rate. In general, G. intraradices BEG 141 had more pronounced effects than G. mosseae BEG 167 on the increase of fresh weight production in both carrot and green onion, and the decrease of phoxim concentrations in plants and soils.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

Our results indicate a promising potential of AM fungi for enhancing vegetable production and reducing organophosphorus pesticide residues in plant tissues and their growth media, as well as for the phytoremediation of organophosphorus pesticide-contaminated soils.

[Influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal inoculation on growth and phoxim residue of carrot (Daucus carota L.)]

A pot culture experiment was carried out to study the influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi on the growth and phoxim residue of carrot (Daucus carota L). Four levels of phoxim (0, 200, 400, 800 mg x L(-1)) and two AM fungal inocula, Glomus intraradices BEG 141(141), Glomus mosseae BEG 167 (167),and one nonmycorrhizal inoculum (CK), were applied to the sterilized soil. The plants were harvested after 5 months of growth and phoxim was irrigated into the root zone 14 d before plant harvest. Although decreasing with the increase of phoxim dosage, root infection rates of all the mycorrhizal plants were higher than 70%. Phoxim showed no significant dose effect on shoot wet weights and root yields, which were all increased by AM inoculation at four phoxim dosages. Phoxim residues in shoots and roots increased with the increase of phoxim dosage, but decreased by AM inoculation. In general, Glomus intraradices BEG 141 showed more pronounced effects on the growth and phoxim residue of carrot than Glomus mosseae BEG 167 did. Our results show a promising potential of AM fungi in carrot production and controlling pesticide residues.

[Effect of synthesized GYY4137, a slowly releasing hydrogen sulfide donor, on cell viability and distribution of hydrogen sulfide in mice]

OBJECTIVE

To improve a method of a new hydrogen sulfide slow-releasing donor, to observe its cellular toxicity in HepG2 cells and tissue distribution and metabolic pathway after administration of the donor by intraperitoneal injection in ICR mice and to afford experimental evidences for rationally using this donor in hydrogen sulfide research.

METHODS

We synthesized the new chemical compound which slowly released hydrogen sulfide. After administration of the donor, the cell toxicity was evaluated for cell viability using trypan blue staining in HepG2 cells and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in culture medium. After administration of this donor by intrasperitoneal injection, we measured the tissue hydrogen sulfide content in the liver, heart, kidney and brain using sensitive-sulfur electrode assay.

RESULTS

We successfully prepared the donor which could release hydrogen sulfide. The releasing ability of the donor solution stored at 4 °C or 20 °C did not change as compared with the freshly-prepared one. Treated at various concentrations of the donor (0.062 5, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2 mmol/L) for 24 hours in HepG2 cells, the cell viability and LDH leak from the cells were not different as compared with the controls. The donor (2 mmol/L) was administrated everyday and the culture medium was changed every 3 days. After 9 days, the cell viability and LDH leak did not change. Administration of the donor (200 μmol/kg) quickly increased the tissue hydrogen sulfide concentrations in the liver and heart and maintained about 20 min; the hydrogen sulfide level in the kidney elevated and maintained a longer time, then recovered after 2 hours, which implicated that the donor might exclude the kidney; the hydrogen sulfide concentration in the brain did not change in the present study, which suggested that the donor could not pass the blood-brain barrier. Long time (4 weeks) treatment with this compound might induce hepatic or cutaneous injury.

CONCLUSION

The new chemical compound is a relative stable, slow-releasing donor of hydrogen sulfide with low cellular toxicity, which may be used to study the regulatory role of hydrogen sulfide in the cellular physiological and pathophysiological mechanism of the animal model with acute diseases.