2-ethylhexyl Phthalate Research Articles

Thyroid and neurobehavioral effects of DiNP on GH3 cells and larval zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Diisononyl phthalate (DiNP) has been used to replace bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and is frequently found in the environment and humans. DiNP is reported for its anti-androgenic activity; however, little is known about its effects on thyroid function and neurodevelopment. In the present study, the thyroid disruption and neurobehavioral alteration potential of DiNP and its major metabolites were assessed in a rat pituitary carcinoma cell line (GH3) and embryo-larval zebrafish (Danio rerio). In GH3 cells, exposure to DiNP and its metabolites not only increased proliferation but also induced transcriptional changes in several target genes, which were different from those observed with DEHP exposure. In larval fish, a 5-day exposure to DiNP caused significant increases in thyroid hormone levels, following a similar pattern to that reported for DEHP exposure. Following exposure to DiNP, the activity of the larval fish decreased, and neurodevelopment-related genes, such as c-fos, elavl3, and mbp, were down-regulated. These changes are generally similar to those observed for DEHP. Up-regulation of gap43 and down-regulation of elavl3 gene, which are important for both thyroid hormone production and neurodevelopment, respectively, support the potential for both thyroid and behavioral disruption of DiNP. Overall, these results emphasize the need to consider the adverse thyroid and neurodevelopmental effects in developing regulations for DEHP-replacing phthalates.

Effects of fermentation on the structures of yellow compounds in citrus pomace

To enhance the stability and light resistance of the yellow compounds in citrus pomace, our study successfully isolated and purified five compounds using ultrasonic-assisted extraction and column chromatography. The identified compounds include methyl linoleate, (2-ethyl)hexyl phthalate, 1,3-distearoyl-2-oleoylglycerol, 6,6-ditetradecyl-6,7-dihydroxazepin-2(3H)-one, and n-octadeca-17-enoic acid. The monomers extracted from fresh pomace, compounds 1 and 2, exhibit structural similarities to flavonoids and carotenoids. In contrast, the polymers isolated from fermented pomace, compounds 3, 4, and 5, share structural units with the fresh pomace compounds, indicating the transformation to stable polymeric forms. This suggests that the microbial fermentation process not only enhances the value of citrus pomace, but also provides a promising pathway for the synthesis of natural antioxidant yellow pigments with far-reaching theoretical and practical significance.

Applying machine learning to construct an association model for lung cancer and environmental hormone high-risk factors and nursing assessment reconstruction.

To utilize machine learning techniques to develop an association model linking lung cancer and environmental hormones to enhance the understanding of potential lung cancer risk factors and refine current nursing assessments for lung cancer. This study is exploratory in nature. In Stage 1, data were sourced from a biological database, and machine learning methods, including logistic regression and neural-like networks, were employed to construct an association model. Results indicate significant associations between lung cancer and blood cadmium, urine cadmium, urine cadmium/creatinine, and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate. In Stage 2, 128 lung adenocarcinoma patients were recruited through convenience sampling, and the model was validated using a questionnaire assessing daily living habits and exposure to environmental hormones. Analysis reveals correlations between the living habits of patients with lung adenocarcinoma and exposure to blood cadmium, urine cadmium, urine cadmium/creatinine, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, diethyl phthalate, and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate. According to the World Health Organization's global statistics, lung cancer claims approximately 1.8 million lives annually, with more than 50% of patients having no history of smoking or non-traditional risk factors. Environmental hormones have garnered significant attention in recent years in pathogen exploration. However, current nursing assessments for lung cancer risk have not incorporated environmental hormone-related factors. This study proposes reconstructing existing lung cancer nursing assessments with a comprehensive evaluation of lung cancer risks. The findings underscore the importance of future studies advocating for public screening of environmental hormone toxins to increase the sample size and validate the model externally. The developed association model lays the groundwork for advancing cancer risk nursing assessments.

Antioxidant defenses and metabolic responses of Mytilus coruscus exposed to various concentrations of PAEs (phthalate esters)

Phthalate esters (PAEs), as a major plasticizer with multi-biotoxicity, are frequently detected in marine environments, and potentially affecting the survival of aquatic organisms. In the study, three typical PAEs (dimethyl phthalate [DMP], dibutyl phthalate [DBP] and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate [DEHP]) were selected to investigate the accumulation patterns and ecotoxicological effects on Mytilus coruscus (M. coruscus). In M. coruscus, the accumulation was DEHP>DBP>DMP, and the bioaccumulation in tissues was digestive glands>gills>gonads>muscles. Meanwhile, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) showed an activation-decrease-activation trend of stress, with more pronounced concentration effects. Glutathione reductase (GSH) activity was significantly increased, and its expression was more sensitive to be induced at an early stage. The metabolic profiles of the gonads, digestive glands and muscle tissues were significantly altered, and DEHP had a greater effect on the metabolic profiles of M. coruscus, with the strongest interference. PAEs stress for 7 d significantly altered the volatile components of M. coruscus, with potential implications for their nutritional value. This study provides a biochemical, metabolomic, and nutritional analysis of DMP, DBP, and DEHP toxic effects on M. coruscus from a multidimensional perspective, which provides support for ecotoxicological studies of PAEs on marine organisms. Environmental ImplicationPhthalate esters (PAEs), synthetic compounds from phthalic acid, are widespread in the environment, household products, aquatic plants, animals, and crops, posing a significant threat to human health. However, the majority of toxicological studies examining the effects of PAEs on aquatic organisms primarily focus on non-economic model organisms like algae and zebrafish. Relatively fewer studies have been conducted on marine organisms, particularly economically important shellfish. So, this study is innovative and necessary. This study provides a biochemical, metabolomic, and nutritional analysis of DMP, DBP, and DEHP toxic effects on mussels, and supports the ecotoxicology of PAEs on marine organisms.

Non-targeted identification and risk assessment of unknown substances in disposable plastic tableware by GC-Orbitrap HRMS

Disposable plastic tableware was widely used and it was particularly important to identify potential hazardous substances in it and evaluate the risk to humans health. In this study, 85 substances were identified in 60 samples (22 bowls, 20 sporks, and 18 straws) by methanol extraction and non-targeted analysis using GC-Orbitrap HRMS. Subsequently, 14 high-risk substances were further screened and their migration in the samples was measured in three food simulants. Finally, based on the proposed safety limit assessment scheme for EU- authorized and unauthorized substances, the risk assessment of exposure to high-risk substances in disposable plastic tableware was performed for three age groups. The results showed that the dibutyl phthalate and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in some samples exceeded the safety limit value. Overall, the risk of bowls was lower than spock and straws, and the potential exposure risk for young children was higher than that of adults and older children.

Suspect and non-targeted screening of chemical pollutants in Botswana's aquatic environments

Chemical pollution in the aquatic systems of Botswana has been sparsely studied despite its potential ecological importance. Here, we perform a study of water samples collected from 13 locations distributed across Botswana to obtain the first overview of the nature and distribution of chemical contaminants across the country's aquatic environment. High resolution mass spectrometry was applied using non-targeted and suspect screening methods to qualitatively analyse samples. A total of 114 contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) were identified including 68 (59.6 %) pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical metabolites; 16 (14.2 %) pesticides; 13 (11.4 %) psychoactive compounds and metabolites; 11 (9.7 %) industrial chemicals and intermediates and lastly, 5 (4.4 %) personal care products. Allopurinol, 3,4-dimethylmethcathinone, and diazolidinyl urea represented the most commonly detected pharmaceutical, psychoactive drug and personal care product, respectively. The pesticide dodemorph and three industrial chemicals (stearamide, pthalic acid and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate) were detected in all samples obtained. 90 CECs were detected in receiving water (from 7 sample locations), 75 in wastewater (from 3 sample locations) and 60 in surface water (from 9 sample locations). Of the compounds detected, only 8 had been identified in environmental samples acquired in Botswana previously. We discuss the variations in the nature and frequency of chemical pollutants detected in this work in a geographical context. The results indicate that Botswana's aquatic systems are subject to pollution, despite wastewater treatment and that in order to mitigate potentially harmful effects on both human and aquatic ecosystems, more investigations are required to correctly identify, track and tackle the sources of pollution.

DEHP (di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate) stimulates skin pigmentation by perturbing cytoskeletal homeostasis.

Phthalates are extensively employed plasticizers crucial for conferring flexibility and plasticity to polyvinyl chloride. Phthalates, including DEHP (di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate), present in diverse products, have been identified in fine dust and are capable of infiltrating the body, potentially posing health hazards. Importantly, melanocytes, existing at the basal layer of the epidermis, are susceptible to toxic substances. In our study, we employed the 3D human pigmented epidermis model, MelanoDerm™, along with the B16F10 murine melanoma cell line, to examine the influence of DEHP exposure on melanocytes. The exposure to low concentrations of DEHP (~ 5μM), resulted in the extension of melanocyte dendrites, indicating the stimulation of melanocytes. Analysis of gene expression and protein profiles unveiled the up-regulation of MITF, Arpc2, and TRP1 genes subsequent to DEHP exposure, indicating alterations in cytoskeletal and melanosome-related genetic and protein components in melanocytes. Notably, increased pigmentation was observed in MelanoDerm™ following DEHP exposure. DEHP-stimulated reactive oxygen species generation appeared to be involved in these events since the antioxidant, ascorbic acid attenuated ROS generation and MITF upregulation. Collectively, our study demonstrated that DEHP exposure can induce cytoskeletal disturbance and skin pigmentation through oxidative stress.

From Antagonism to Enhancement: Triton X-100 Surfactant Affects Phenanthrene Interfacial Biodegradation by Mycobacteria through a Shift in Uptake Mechanisms.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), as persistent environmental pollutants, often reside in nonaqueous-phase liquids (NAPLs). Mycobacterium sp. WY10, boasting highly hydrophobic surfaces, can adsorb to the oil-water interface, stabilizing the Pickering emulsion and directly accessing PAHs for biodegradation. We investigated the impact of Triton X-100 (TX100) on this interfacial uptake of phenanthrene (PHE) by Mycobacteria, using n-tetradecane (TET) and bis-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) as NAPLs. Interfacial tension, phase behavior, and emulsion stability studies, alongside confocal laser scanning microscopy and electron microscope observations, unveiled the intricate interplay. In surfactant-free systems, Mycobacteria formed stable W/O Pickering emulsions, directly degrading PHE within the NAPLs because of their intimate contact. Introducing low-dose TX100 disrupted this relationship. Preferentially binding to the cells, the surfactant drastically increased the cell hydrophobicity, triggering desorption from the interface and phase separation. Consequently, PAH degradation plummeted due to hindered NAPL access. Higher TX100 concentrations flipped the script, creating surfactant-stabilized O/W emulsions devoid of interfacial cells. Surprisingly, PAH degradation remained efficient. This paradox can be attributed to NAPL emulsification, driven by the surfactant, which enhanced mass transfer and brought the substrate closer to the cells, despite their absence at the interface. This study sheds light on the complex effect of surfactants on Mycobacteria and PAH uptake, revealing an antagonistic effect at low concentrations that ultimately leads to enhanced degradation through emulsification at higher doses. These findings offer valuable insights into optimizing bioremediation strategies in PAH-contaminated environments.

Phthalic acid esters: Are they a big concern for rivers flowing into reservoir with ecological facilities?

The city-river-reservoir system is an important system for safeguarding drinking water. Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) are emerging contaminants in drinking water sources that are gaining attention, and they could pose risks to human health and aquatic organisms. In this study, field studies that lasted four years were conducted to analyze the concentrations, spatial-temporal distribution, and removal effects of six PAEs. The total concentrations of the Σ6PAEs in the water and sediment samples were 0.2–7.4 μg L−1 (mean: 1.3 μg L−1) and 9.2–9594.1 ng g−1 (mean: 847.5 ng g−1), respectively. Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) and, bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) were the predominant congeners, accounting for 57.2 % in the water samples and 94.1 % in the sediment samples. The urban area contributed 72 % of the PAEs in the system. A significant removal effect of PAEs was observed in the wetland, with a removal rate of 40.2 %. The partitioning of PAEs between the water and sediment was attributed to the removal of dimethyl phthalate and diethyl phthalate that occurred during the water phase, while the removal of DBP and DEHP primarily occurred during the sediment phase. The ecological risk calculation based on the sensitivity distribution model indicated that DBP (HQwater = 0.19, HQsediment = 0.46) and DEHP (HQwater = 0.20, HQsediment = 0.13) possessed moderate risks according to some water and sediment samples. The ecological projects were verified to be effective engineering strategies to reduce ecological risk in the drinking water source.

Near-infrared light-driven lab-on-paper cathodic photoelectrochemical aptasensing for di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate based on AgInS2/Cu2O/FeOOH photocathode

Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) is commonly released from plastics in aqueous environment, which can disrupt endocrine system and cause adverse effects on public health. There is a pressing need to highly sensitive detect DEHP. Herein, a near-infrared (NIR) light-driven lab-on-paper cathodic photoelectrochemical aptasensing platform integrated with AgInS2/Cu2O/FeOOH photocathode and “Y”-like ternary conjugated DNA nanostructure-mediated “ON-OFF” catalytic switching of hemin monomer-to-dimer was established for ultrasensitive DEHP detection. Profiting from the collaborative roles of the effective photosensitization of NIR-response AgInS2 and the fast hole extraction of FeOOH, the NIR light-activated AgInS2/Cu2O/FeOOH photocathode generated a markedly enhanced photocathodic signal. The dual hemin-labelled “Y”-like ternary conjugated DNA nanostructures made the hemin monomers separated in space and they maintained highly active to catalyze in situ generation of electron acceptors (O2). The hemin monomers were relocated in close proximity with the help of target-induced allosteric change of DNA nanostructures, which could spontaneously dimerize into catalytically inactive hemin dimers and fail to mediate electron acceptors generation, resulting in a decreased photocathodic signal. Therefore, the ultrasensitive DEHP detection was realized with a linear response range of 1 pM–500 nM and a detection limit of 0.39 pM. This work rendered a promising prototype to construct powerful paper-based photocathodic aptasensing system for sensitive and accurate screening of DEHP in aqueous environment.

Single-cell insights into mouse testicular toxicity under peripubertal exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate.

Male fertility depends on normal pubertal development. Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a potent antiandrogen chemical, and exposure to DEHP during peripuberty can damage the developing male reproductive system, especially the testis. However, the specific cellular targets and differentiation processes affected by DEHP, which lead to testicular toxicity, remain poorly defined. Herein, we presented the first single-cell transcriptomic profile of the pubertal mouse testis following DEHP exposure. To carry out the experiment, 2 groups (n = 8 each) of 3-week-old male mice were orally administered 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose sodium salt or 100 mg/kg body weight DEHP daily from postnatal day 21-48, respectively. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, a total of 31 distinct cell populations were identified, notably, Sertoli and Leydig cells emerged as important targets of DEHP. DEHP exposure significantly decreased the proportions of Sertoli cell clusters expressing mature Sertoli markers (Sox9 and Ar), and selectively reduced the expression of testosterone synthesis genes in fetal Leydig cells. Through cell-cell interaction analyses, we observed changed numbers of interactions in Sertoli cells 1 (SCs1), Leydig cells 1 (LCs1), and interstitial macrophages, and we also identified cell-specific ligand gene expressions in these clusters, such as Inha, Fyn, Vcam1, and Apoe. Complementary in vitro assays confirmed that DEHP directly reduced the expression of genes related to Sertoli cell adhesion and intercellular communication. In conclusion, peripubertal DEHP exposure reduced the number of mature Sertoli cells and may disrupt testicular steroidogenesis by affecting the testosterone synthesis genes in fetal Leydig cells rather than adult Leydig cells.

Protective Effects of Polysaccharide of Atractylodes Macrocephala Koidz against Porcine Aortic Valve Endothelial Cells Damage Induced by di (2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate.

The activation, injury, and dysfunction of endothelial cells are considered to be the initial key events in the development of atherosclerosis. Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), a prevalent organic pollutant, can cause damage to multiple organs. Polysaccharide of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz (PAMK) is a bioactive compound extracted from A. macrocephala Koidz with various biological activities. This study investigates the protective effects of PAMK on porcine aortic valve endothelial cells (PAVEC) damaged by DEHP. PAVECs treated with DEHP alone or with PAMK showed reduced cell apoptosis and death in PAMK-pretreated cells. PAMK up-regulated Bcl-2 expression and down-regulated Bax protein, suppressing apoptosis. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that PAMK protected PAVECs from DEHP-induced damage. These findings suggest that PAMK inhibits cell apoptosis and protects against DEHP damage in endothelial cells.

Exploring di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate degradation by a synthetic marine bacterial consortium: Genomic insights, pathway and interaction prediction, and application in sediment microcosms

Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), a toxic phthalate ester (PAE) plasticizer, is often detected in marine sediment and biota. Our understanding of DEHP-degrading marine bacteria and the associated genetic mechanisms is limited. This study established a synthetic bacterial consortium (A02) consisting of three marine bacteria (OR05, OR16, and OR21). Consortium A02 outperformed the individual strains in DEHP degradation. Investigations into the degradation of DEHP intermediates revealed that OR05 and OR16 likely contributed to enhanced DEHP degradation by Consortium A02 via the utilization of DEHP intermediates, such as protocatechuic acid and mono (ethylhexyl) phthalate, with OR21 as the key DEHP degrader. A pathway of DEHP degradation by Consortium A02 was predicted based on genome analysis and experimental degradation. Bioaugmentation with Consortium A02 led to 80% DEHP degradation in 26 days in saline sediment (100 mg/kg), surpassing the 53% degradation by indigenous microbes, indicating the potential of A02 for treating DEHP-contaminated sediments. Meanwhile, bioaugmentation notably changed the bacterial community, with the exclusive presence of certain bacterial genera in the A02 bioaugmented microcosms, and was predicted to result in a more dynamic and active sediment bacterial community. This study contributes to the limited literature on DEHP degradation by marine bacteria and their associated genes.

Environmental-friendly extraction of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate from poly(vinyl chloride) using liquefied dimethyl ether

Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) is one of the most widely used plastics. However, a major challenge in recycling PVC is that there is no economical method to separate and remove its toxic phthalate plasticizers. This research made a breakthrough by extracting PVC with liquefied dimethyl ether (DME) and successfully separating the plasticizer components. Nearly all (97.1 %) of the di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate plasticizer was extracted within 30 min by passing liquefied DME (285 g) through PVC at 25 °C. The compatibility of PVC with organic solvents, including liquefied DME, was derived theoretically from their Hansen solubility parameters (HSP), and actual dissolution experiments were conducted to determine the optimal PVC solvents. A liquefied DME mixture was used to dissolve PVC, and the extract was diluted with ethanol to precipitate the dissolved PVC. We demonstrated that liquefied DME is a promising method for producing high quality recycled products and that the process retains the fundamental properties of plasticizers and PVC without inducing degradation or depolymerization. Because of its low boiling point, DME can be easily separated from the solute after extraction, allowing for efficient reuse of the solvent, extracted plasticizer, and PVC. DME does not require heat and produces little harmful wastewater, which significantly reduces the energy consumption of the plasticizer additive separation process.

Insights into pollution characteristics and human health risks of plasticizer phthalate esters in shellfish species

The ubiquitous application of phthalate esters (PAEs) as plasticizers contributes to high levels of marine pollution, yet the contamination patterns of PAEs in various shellfish species remain unknown. The objective of this research is to provide the first information on the pollution characteristics of 16 PAEs in different shellfish species from the Pearl River Delta (PRD), South China, and associated health risks. Among the 16 analyzed PAEs, 13 were identified in the shellfish, with total PAE concentrations ranging from 23.07 to 3794.08 ng/g dw (mean = 514.35 ng/g dw). The PAE pollution levels in the five shellfish species were as follows: Ostreidae (mean = 1064.12 ng/g dw) > Mytilus edulis (mean = 509.88 ng/g dw) > Babylonia areolate (mean = 458.14 ng/g dw) > Mactra chinensis (mean = 378.90 ng/g dw) > Haliotis diversicolor (mean = 335.28 ng/g dw). Dimethyl phthalate (DMP, mean = 69.85 ng/g dw), diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP, mean = 41.39 ng/g dw), dibutyl phthalate (DBP, mean = 130.91 ng/g dw), and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP, mean = 226.23 ng/g dw) were the most abundant congeners. Notably, DEHP constituted the most predominant fraction (43.98 %) of the 13 PAEs detected in all shellfish from the PRD. Principal component analysis indicated that industrial and domestic emissions served as main sources for the PAE pollution in shellfish from the PRD. It was estimated that the daily intake of PAEs via shellfish consumption among adults and children ranged from 0.004 to 1.27 μg/kgbw/day, without obvious non-cancer risks (< 0.034), but the cancer risks raised some alarm (2.0 × 10−9–1.4 × 10−5). These findings highlight the necessity of focusing on marine environmental pollutants and emphasize the importance of ongoing monitoring of PAE contamination in seafood.

Risk assessment of China’s Eastern Route of the South-to-north Water Diversion Project from the perspective of Phthalate Esters occurrence in the impounded lakes

Phthalate esters (PAEs) are widely utilized and can accumulate in lacustrine ecosystems, posing significant ecological and human health hazards. Most studies on PAEs focus on individual lakes, lacking a comprehensive and systematic perspective. In response, we have focused our investigation on characteristic lakes situated along the Eastern Route of the South-to-north Water Diversion Project (SNWDP-ER) in China. We have detected 16 PAE compounds in the impounded lakes of the SNWDP-ER by collecting surface water samples using solid-phase extraction followed by gas chromatography analysis. The concentration of PAEs were found to between 0.80 to 12.92 μg L−1. Among them, Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) was the most prevalent, with mean concentration of 1.56 ± 0.62 μg L−1 (48.44%), followed by Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP), 0.64 ± 1.40 μg L−1 (19.87%). Spatial distribution showed an increasing trend in the direction of water flow. Retention of DEHP and DIBP has led to increased environmental risks. DEHP, Dimethyl phthalate (DMP) etc. determined by agriculture and human activities. Additionally, Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and DIBP mainly related to the use of agricultural products. To mitigate the PAEs risk, focusing on integrated management of the lakes, along with the implementation of stringent regulations to control the use of plasticizes in products.

Extracellular Vesicles in Environmental Toxicological Studies: Association between Urinary Concentrations of Phthalate Metabolites and Exosomal miRNA Expression Profiles.

Phthalates are chemical compounds, mainly used as additives in plastics, which are known to induce harmful impacts to the environment and human health due to their ability to act as hormone-mimics. Few studies have been reported on the relationship between human exposure to phthalates and the level of circulating microRNAs (miRs), especially those miRs encapsulated in extracellular vesicles/exosomes or exosome-like vesicles (ELVs). We examined the relationship of ELV-miR expression patterns and urine of adult men with five phthalate metabolites (i.e., mono isobutyl phthalate, mono-n-butyl phthalate, mono benzyl phthalate, mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate, mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate) to identify potential biomarkers and relevant pathways. We found significant positive associations which were further confirmed by multivariable analysis. Overall, our analyses showed that the Σ phthalate metabolite concentration was associated with a significant increase in the expression level of two miRs found in ELV: miR-202 and miR-543. Different pathways including cancer and immune-related responses were predicted to be involved in this relationship. Analyzing the specific downstream target genes of miR-202 and miR-543, we identified the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) as the key gene in several converging pathways. In summary, the obtained results demonstrate that exposure to environmental phthalates could be related to altered expression profiles of specific ELV-miRs in adult men, thereby demonstrating the potential of miRs carried by exosomes to act as early effect biomarkers.

GC-MS analysis, pharmaceutical and industrial significance of phytochemicals present in Annona muricata from Eziobodo, Imo State, Nigeria

Background: The conduct of screenings for therapeutic alternatives derived from medicinal plants has emerged as a useful tool for drug discovery and valuable information for further phytotherapeutic studies. Objective: To carry out chemical characterization of ethanol leaf extract of Annona muricata using gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Materials and method: Apparently healthy leaf samples were taxonomically identified, air-dried and subjected to maceration to obtain ethanol extract stock. GC-MS analysis was utilized to investigate phytochemical composition. Results: The GC-MS analysis spectra was characterized by a total of twenty-six constituents at different retention times which were all identified. Dominant components present included n-Hexadecanoic acid, Oleic Acid and γ-Sitosterol with peak areas 32.60%, 24.35% and 9.10% respectively. Additional constituents were Dodecanoic acid (peak area 4.31%), 13 Octadecenal, (Z) (peak area 2.83%), Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (peak area 2.31%), Tetradecanoic acid (peak area 2.34%), Trapidil (peak area 2.10%) while others occupied less than 2% peak area. Conclusion: This study suggests that the ethanol leaf extract of A. muricata could possess vital compounds of pharmaceutical and industrial relevance.

Modeling of microplastics degradation in aquatic environments using an experimental plan

The aim of this article is to apply advanced predictive modeling techniques to understand the degradation process of microplastics in aquatic environments. Utilizing a Fractional Factorial Central Composite Experimental Plan, this study seeks to develop precise predictive statistical models that enable forecasting the quantity of pollutants generated during the degradation of microplastics under various environmental conditions. This tool was applied to model changes in DOC (dissolved organic carbon) and DEHP (bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate) values during the degradation of microplastics in aquatic ecosystems. The methods were developed using data derived from laboratory tests conducted using the GC-MS technique. The obtained approximating functions, considering factors such as degradation time, water temperature, and particle size, significantly reduced the analysis time. A two-stage verification of the approximating functions was conducted, considering the accuracy of the function form, its adequacy, the statistical significance of input variables, and their correlation with DOC and DEHP. The employed a Fractional Factorial Central Composite Experimental Plan allowed for the simultaneous reduction in the number of experiments and prediction of the influence of variables on the output values. Precise predictive models support understanding of the microplastic degradation process, facilitating the development of effective strategies for managing this pollution.

Modulating responses of indicator genes in cellular homeostasis, immune defense and apoptotic process in the Macrophthalmus japonicus exposed to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate as a plastic additive

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), have been increasingly used as plasticizers to manufacture soft and flexible materials and ubiquitously found in water and sediments in the aquatic ecosystem. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of DEHP exposure on cellular homeostasis (HSF1 and seven HSPs), immune responses (ILF), and apoptotic responses (p53, BAX, Bcl-2). DEHP exposure upregulated the expression of HSF1 and ILF. Moreover, it altered the expression levels of HSPs (upregulation of HSP70, HSP90, HSP40, HSP83, and HSP67B2 and downregulation of HSP60 and HSP21) in conjunction with HSF1 and ILF in the gills and hepatopancreas of M. japonicus exposed to DEHP. At the protein level, DEHP exposure changed apoptotic signals in both tissues of M. japonicus. These findings indicate that chronic exposures to several DEHP concentrations could disturb cellular balance, damage the inflammatory and immune systems, and induce apoptotic cell death, thereby affecting the survival of M. japonicus.