Carcinogenic Effects Research Articles

Pathological changes on the skin due to the combined effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and ultraviolet radiation

Introduction. In the National Healthcare Project, one of the key areas is the federal project "Fight against oncological diseases for 2019-2024". The influence of the nature of work activities of workers in contact with industrial carcinogens — polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) significantly increases the risk of skin neoplasms, as evidenced by differences in the frequency of their occurrence among representatives of different labor categories. The leading factor in the development of skin neoplasms is ultraviolet radiation (UV) of the A and B spectrum. There is literature evidence of a possible mutual enhancement of the combined effects of PAHs and UV in the occurrence of skin neoplasms and their malignancy. The study aims to evaluate the role of the combined effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and ultraviolet radiation (UV) in the occurrence of pigmented skin tumors in workers engaged in the construction of highways and highways and in housing and communal services. Materials and methods. During periodic medical examinations (PMEs) in 2022–2024, specialists have examined 140 people who formed 4 study groups. The researchers have conducted a physical examination of skin tumors; examination in the rays of a Wood lamp; dermatoscopy of skin tumors using a Heine Delta 20 dermatoscope. Hyperpigmentation was assessed according to the hyperpigmentation area and severity index (NASI). Results. During the clinical examination, the authors assessed the presence of pigmentation and skin neoplasms (lentigo, ephelides, seborrheic keratomas). The most frequent localizations of pigmentation and skin neoplasms were open areas of the body: face, hands, upper third of the back. At the same time, in asphalt concrete workers — group I, working under the influence of PAHs and solar insolation (spectrum A and B, in the range of 320–400 nm and 280–320 nm), specialists revealed pigmented neoplasms in a larger number of individuals compared with the population control for all skin localizations. The HASI index (in the surveyed groups) showed that the highest rates (24–48) of HASI were observed in a larger number of individuals — 57.1% — from group I (UV+PAHs), compared with groups of individuals (II, III, IV) who do not work under conditions of exposure to solar insolation (spectra A and B, in the range of 320–400 nm and 280–320 nm). The authors noted that the intensity of pigmentation is higher and the lesion area is larger when assessing the foci of hyperpigmentation in the rays of the Wood lamp compared with the clinical examination in all the examined groups. Limitations. The study is limited by the number of subjects examined, corresponding to the design of the study and the time interval of the study. Conclusion. To obtain objective results of the study of the role of the combined effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and ultraviolet irradiation (UV) in the occurrence of pigmented skin tumors, scientists used a method for determining the hyperpigmentation area index and severity index (HASI) in the rays of a Wood's lamp. When comparing the results obtained, experts revealed an increase in the area of hyperpigmentation and its intensity with localization in open areas of the body in workers engaged in the construction of highways and housing and communal services, in contact with the combined effects of carcinogens (PAHs) and ultraviolet irradiation (UV A and B). Further in-depth studies are needed to study the etiopathogenesis of photogenotoxicity depending on the dose-effect ratio. Ethics. The work was performed in accordance with the ethical standard set out in the Helsinki Declaration of the World Medical Association of 1964 (as amended and supplemented in 2013). The authors conducted all the studies after receiving informed consent and a decision of the Local Ethics Committee (extract from Protocol No. 7 dated 10/21/2020).

UBE2C, targeted by miR-140-3p, promotes the progression of osteosarcoma via PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

UBE2C was reported to play carcinogenic effects in diverse cancers. However, the role of UBE2C in osteosarcoma was poorly understood, and its functional mechanisms were not fully clarified. RT-qPCR was used to assess the expression of UBE2C mRNA and miR-140-3p, and western blot technique was used to examine the UBE2C protein and PI3K/AKT pathway-associated proteins. CCK-8 test was applied to measure cell proliferation, and wound healing assay were used to measure migration. Using animal studies, the function of UBE2C invivo was evaluated. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm the potential interaction among UBE2C and miR-140-3p. In osteosarcoma cells as well as tumor samples, UBE2C was strongly expressed. Osteosarcoma cell proliferation as well as cell migration were inhibited by UBE2C knockdown, and PI3K/AKT signaling activity was diminished. In addition, UBE2C knockdown impeded tumor growth in animal models. UBE2C expression was lessened by miR-140-3p as miR-140-3p targets it. UBE2C is overexpressed which promote osteosarcoma proliferation as well as migration, and strengthened the PI3K/AKT signaling activity, while forced miR-140-3p expression partially abolished these effects. UBE2C, targeted by miR-140-3p, drove carcinogenic effects in osteosarcoma through activating the PI3K/AKT pathway.

Mercury-tolerant metalophiles: A bio tool for remediation of mercury (Hg) affected Environs

Due to their low solubility, carcinogenic and mutagenic effects, heavy metals are of critical concern to humans and the environment. Mercury (Hg) is one of the rarest and least concentrated elements in the world, but it is ranked third in terms of toxicity. The present investigation evaluates the response and tolerance limit of bacteria isolated from the saffron soil of the Kashmir Valley to various mercury concentrations (50 ppm to 400 ppm). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was calculated after 24hours by measuring the optical density. Isolated bacteria have been characterized using two efficient methods, i.e. 16S rRNA gene sequence and MALDI-TOF MS. A total of 72 isolates were investigated for the mercury tolerance and among them, only 8 isolates (Staphylococcus equorum, Leclercia adecarboxylata, Staphylococcus warneri, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Serratia plymuthica, Bacillus megaterium, Pseudomonas putida and Bacillus safensis) were found tolerant to mercury with varying MIC. In comparison, Pseudomonas putida has been found to have the maximum resistance (400 ppm) for mercury and S. plymuthica and L. adecarboxylate had the lowest resistance level (200 ppm). The sequestration potential results revealed that P. putida executed the highest sequestration potential (73%) while K. pneumoniae showed the lowest sequestration potential (51.63%). Thus mercury tolerance capacity of these species may be utilised for detoxification and removal of mercury from polluted sites, providing an eco-friendly technique for bioremediation of mercury-affected environments.

Assessment of heavy metal contamination in groundwater of rural areas of Kurdistan Province Iran: A comprehensive study

This study focuses on the contamination of groundwater by heavy metals (HMs) in the Kurdistan Province of Iran, an area heavily reliant on these water resources, especially in rural regions. This research aimed to quantify the concentrations of 20 HMs in groundwater sources and assess the associated health risks, including both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects, for different age groups. The study was conducted in 2024. We collected 155 groundwater samples from water resources of the villages in Kurdistan Province, west of Iran. The study encompassed comprehensive sampling of groundwater from various wells and springs throughout the province, which was subsequently subjected to thorough laboratory analysis utilizing Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS) for the quantification of heavy metal (HM) concentrations. The highest concentrations of As, Co, Cu, and Mo were 7.90, 0.22, 2.48, and 1.68 μg/l, respectively. It was related to the cities of Qorveh, Sanandaj, Baneh, and Qorveh respectively. A Health Risk Assessment (HRA) was performed, indicating that, while the concentrations of most HMs were within the thresholds established by national and international standards, certain metals, such as arsenic and lithium, presented notable non-carcinogenic risks, especially to children. These metals were responsible for over 48 % of the cumulative hazard index (HI) across all ten cities evaluated. Furthermore, the HI for the adult demographic exceeded 1.0 (specifically 1.23) exclusively in Qorwe city. The study also identified a high carcinogenic risk associated with lead across the province, which has a carcinogenic risk of 7.3 × 10−03 in 10 studied cities, which is more than the guideline value of 10−04. The findings underscore the urgent need for continuous monitoring and the implementation of preventive measures to safeguard public health. The results provide crucial insights for policymakers and health authorities, facilitating informed decisions to mitigate the health risks posed by HM contamination in the region's groundwater.

Adsorptive Removal of Dyes: A Comparison of Graphene Oxide to Granular Activated Carbon and Zeolite NaY

Synthetic carbon-based compounds are a prevalent wastewater contaminant that can adversely impact water resources due to their potential carcinogenic and toxic effects on aquatic biota and human health. This research investigates the versatility of graphene oxide (GO) as an alternative to commonly used adsorbents (zeolite NaY (NaY) and granular activated carbon (GAC)) for removal of synthetic cationic dyes. Rhodamine B (RhB) and methylene blue (MB), were selected as the target contaminants to represent cationic synthetic dyes with differing molecular sizes and structural compositions. Batch experiments using GO, NaY, and GAC as adsorbents were used to assess both physicochemical interactions between adsorbent surfaces and contaminants, and removal efficiency. GO demonstrated the highest removal efficiency for both target contaminants—at 99% and 86%, respectively—while the lowest removal efficiency was observed for NaY. Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and BET isotherm models were used to describe the adsorption isotherms. Overall, GO demonstrated a more robust and higher removal efficiency of cationic dyes compared with GAC and NaY, indicating the potential of graphene oxide for the removal of complex structured organic contaminants in wastewater treatment.

In-vitro and in-silico studies based discovery of 2-aryl-N-(4-morpholinophenyl)thiazol-4-amines as promising DNA gyrase inhibitors

Background: DNA gyrase is an important enzyme for the survival of bacteria. Many DNA gyrase inhibitors are in clinical practice. However, these inhibitors also encompass certain toxic and drug/food interactions. This warrants the development of a new template as DNA gyrase inhibitors. Therefore, this study aimed to deliver morpholine-based thiazoles (5a-5l) as safer DNA gyrase inhibitors.Methods: The 5a-5l were prepared by reacting compound 3 with various aryl thioamides. The structures of 5a-5l were ascertained by their spectral records. The 5a-5l were subjected to their antibacterial activity potential (serial plate dilution method), DNA gyrase inhibiting activity, and toxicity analysis (MTT assay) against HepG2 & Vero cell lines. The in-silico studies (pharmacokinetic parameters and molecular docking) of 5a-5l were likewise performed.Results: It was surprisingly observed that the MIC values of 5a-5l were equal to the MIC values of ciprofloxacin (12.5 µg/ml) against the tested bacteria, whereas the DNA gyrase inhibitory activity (IC50 in µg/ml) of 5h (3.52), 5g (3.76), 5f (3.88), 5e (4.08), 5l (4.11), 5b (4.28), 5k (4.28), 5i (4.30), and 5d (4.32) was equal/better than ciprofloxacin (4.32). The MTT assay also implied the non-cytotoxic nature of 5a-5l against HepG2 & Vero cell lines up to 200 µg/ml concentration. The docking outcomes indicated a similar binding pattern of 5a-5l and ciprofloxacin at the active site of DNA gyrase, wherein 5a-5l displayed a better binding affinity for the active site. The in-silico toxicity data employing the ProTox-II web server indicated no hepatotoxicity, carcinogenicity, immunotoxicity, mutagenicity, or cytotoxic effect of 5a-5l. Also, the SwissADME software supported the drug-likeliness properties and high gastrointestinal absorption of 5a-5l.Conclusion: Compounds 5h, 5g, 5f, 5e, 5l, 5b, 5k, 5i, and 5d are potent DNA gyrase inhibitors with promising safety profiles.Keywords: Discovery; Morpholine; Thiazole; DNA gyrase; MTT assay; Docking

Kolaviron: a Bioflavonoid from Seed Extract of Garcinia kola Attenuates Chromium (VI)-Induced Gut Dysfunction and Oxidative Damage in Drosophila melanogaster.

Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is of public health significance due to its toxicity and carcinogenic effects. Kolaviron, a bio-flavonoid fraction from Garcinia kola seed, has been reported to possess gastroprotective and antioxidative properties. We hypothesize that Kolaviron-fortified diet will attenuate chromium (VI)-induced gut dysfunction and oxidative damage in Drosophila melanogaster. We exposed D. melanogaster (Oregon strain of 1-3days old of both male and female) to a 1.0mg/kg diet of chromium (VI), with or without Kolaviron (100mg/kg diet) orally for 5days. We evaluated markers of oxidative stress (total peroxide and protein carbonyl), antioxidative status (total thiols (T-SH), non-protein thiols (NP-SH), and catalase), and inflammatory (nitric oxide (nitrite and nitrate) and gut's morphology. The data indicated that Kolaviron ameliorated chromium (VI)-induced reduction in the levels of T-SH, NP-SH, and catalase activity (p < 0.05). In addition, Kolaviron attenuated chromium (VI)-induced elevation of total peroxide, protein carbonyl, and nitric oxide (p < 0.05). Kolaviron offered a protective role in chromium VI-induced toxicity in the gut of D. melanogaster. This study provided further insights into the protective mechanisms of Kolaviron against chromium (VI)-induced toxicity in D. melanogaster by maintaining epithelial integrity of the gut and oxidative stress-antioxidant balance.

The Effects of Ubiquinone on the Antioxidant System in Male Rats Exposed to Saccharin-Induced the Hepatic Toxicity

Saccharin (Sac) is a widely used artificial sweetener with significant applications in the food industry, pharmaceutical formulations, and tobacco products. Despite its popularity, saccharin has drawn attention due to its potential carcinogenic effects and associations with various health risks, including renal impairment, hepatic dysfunction, obesity, and diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of Ubiquinone, or coenzyme Q10 (COQ10), on liver toxicity induced by saccharin, focusing on oxidative stress and antioxidant markers. In this experiment, rats were divided into six groups of ten. The control group received no treatment, while the second group was administered COQ10 at a dosage of 20 mg per kilogram of body weight. The third and fourth groups were given saccharin at 1/10 and 1/20 of the lethal dose 50 (LD50), respectively. The fifth and sixth groups received saccharin at the same dosages as the third and fourth groups, but with additional COQ10 supplementation. All treatments were administered orally for 30 days, after which liver tissues were collected to assess oxidative stress and antioxidant markers. The results revealed that saccharin significantly increased oxidative stress in the liver, as evidenced by elevated levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG). Additionally, saccharin-treated groups exhibited a marked decrease in antioxidant markers, including reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). However, the groups that received COQ10 alongside saccharin showed significant improvement, with oxidative stress and antioxidant levels nearly returning to those observed in the control group. These findings suggest that saccharin consumption promotes the generation of reactive oxygen species and contributes to liver damage, characterized by necrotic hepatocytes, sinusoidal dilatation, and inflammatory infiltration. The protective effects of COQ10 in mitigating saccharin-induced oxidative stress highlight its potential as a therapeutic agent for preventing liver damage associated with saccharin intake.

Determination of sudan III using nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon quantum dots with fluorescence enhancement effect

Sudan III, a synthetic azo dye, is commonly used for coloring oils, waxes, and various plastics. However, its unauthorized presence in food and food products poses serious health hazards, including potential carcinogenic effects. In this study, we investigated the application of nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon quantum dots (N,S-CQDs) as a fluorescence sensor to detect trace amounts of sudan III. When exposed to trace amounts of sudan III, the fluorescence signal of N,S-CQDs was significantly enhanced. Under optimal conditions (pH 5.0 and an incubation time of 4 minutes), the fluorescence enhancement of N,S-CQDs showed a linear relationship with sudan III concentration in the range of 7.5 x 10-10 to 1.0 x 10-8 M, with a limit of detection of 2.0 x 10-10 M (equivalent to 0.07 ppb). The method demonstrated high accuracy (recovery from 91.5% to 103.5%), good reproducibility (RSD &amp;lt; 3.86%), and excellent selectivity for sudan III over other azo dyes. We successfully applied this developed method to analyze sudan III in chili sauce and chili powder samples, cross-checking differences between results less than 10% with LC-MS/MS analysis.

Modern alternative research methods in genetic toxicology (literature review)

The review represents the current principles of assessment of chemicals genotoxicity. The main attention is paid to alternative research methods. The international experience of the application of alternative approaches and prospects of their use for regulatory purposes are discussed. The data for this review were collected from the Russian and foreign literature, as well as Internet resources, concerning the development of the new alternative methods for testing chemicals for genotoxicity. The OECD database, Scopus, Medline, Google Scholar, RISC, CyberLeninka were used for the information retrieval. Although the evaluation of genotoxicity of chemical substances is the well-established and based on the battery of validated methods, the studies for improving the existing tests and developing new technologies, including the alternative approaches, continue unabated up to now. In general, three trends of development of genetic toxicology can be outlined, including creating of new methods based on the whole-genome sequencing and the application of genome editing technologies; implementation of quantitative system of effects assessment in addition to the existing qualitative approach (mutagenic/non-mutagenic) and testing of various combinations of genotoxicity evaluation methods to identify a battery of tests with a greater predictive activity regarding carcinogenic effects. To use the developed alternative models for regulatory purposes, it is necessary to provide convincing evidence that the data obtained are good predictors of the organism’s actual response to the effects of toxicants/genotoxicants, validation of methods, standardization, and harmonization of research protocols, and changes to the existing regulatory framework are required.

Toxicological characterization of the insecticide metofluthrin and assessment of the carcinogenic risk to human health due to its chronic inhalation effect

The aim of the investigation is the toxicological characterization and analysis of the danger criteria of the insecticide metofluthrin with an assessment of the carcinogenic risk to health caused by chronic inhalation exposure to the substance at the level of the maximum possible concentrations in the air environment of human life. The analysis of scientific reports of the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) on the toxicological properties of metofluthrin was carried out. The assessment of the risk of the development of carcinogenic effects due to chronic inhalation exposure to metofluthrin was carried out taking into account the average daily dose of the substance that can enter the human body during the natural life span (LADD) and the carcinogenic potential factor (SF) in accordance with domestic guidelines. Classification of levels of carcinogenic risk was carried out using domestic and international approaches. It was established that the limiting criteria for the danger of metofluthrin are the average lethal concentration in air (LC50 =1080 mg/m³) and the size of the zone of chronic action (Zch=7.46), which characterizes the danger of occurrence of chronic intoxication due to long-term inhalation exposure. According to these indicators, metofluthrin is classified as a dangerous substance (hazard class 2). The key effects of the toxic action of metofluthrin are determined – neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. The threshold non-genotoxic oncogenic potential of metofluthrin according to the phenobarbital type was established. Individual carcinogenic risk under different scenarios of chronic inhalation exposure to metofluthrin was calculated. The substance concentration of 3.54 mg/m³ leads to a high level of risk (1.5×10-3), which is considered unacceptable for production conditions and the population. At concentrations of 0.28 mg/m³ and 1.0 mg/m³, the risk is estimated as average and acceptable for production conditions (1.1-4.1×10-4). The risk of exposure to a concentration of 0.14 mg/m³ is classified as low and acceptable for the population (5.7×10-5). Thus, the results obtained in the study indicate that such concentrations of metofluthrin in the air as 0.14 – 0.28 – 1.0 mg/m³ are safe for human health, subject to compliance with medical and sanitary regulations at the stage of production and application of insecticides based on metofluthrin as prescribed.

Potential health risks of inhaling hazardous chemical exposures at fuel stations: a pilot study in a hot, arid environment

In recent years, there has been a growing focus on the issue of exposure to hazardous chemical compounds and the potential health risks associated with them. Fuel stations play a critical role in society, supporting the transportation industry and serving the general public. However, the routine activities at these stations expose workers and customers to dangerous chemical compounds, posing potential health risks. As part of a pilot study, the exposure of workers and customers to hazardous chemical compounds at fuel stations in Kuwait, characterized by its hot and arid environment, was investigated. The study specifically looked at volatile organic compounds (VOC) concentration and their effects on human health. Three hundred-eight air samples were collected in a hot, arid environment, focusing on fuel stations. Two sampling methods were used in this pilot study: personal inhalation exposure using active sampling and workplace air sampling using passive sampling. Samples were collected in fuel filling areas, indoor control rooms, and through personal exposures, adhering to ISO procedures (EPA TO-17). The study also assessed the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks to human health to potential exposure to hazardous hazardous chemicals. The findings revealed that hazardous chemicals levels in the pump area were lower than those in the indoor control rooms. Workers’ inhalation exposure to hazardous chemicals remained below the international occupational exposure limit (OEL). However, the study identified unsafe inhalation exposure levels to Benzene, which could have adverse carcinogenic effects. In contrast, exposure to ethylbenzene was found to be within safe limits, with no associated carcinogenic effects. This study underscores the importance of identifying the risks associated with exposure to hazardous chemical compounds to minimize human health risks and promote a safe working environment.

Arsenic content in tissues, Fungus combs, Herbs, Termite mounds and Soils of termites of the genus Macrotermes and assessment of the health risk associated with their food use in the industrial zone of the Societe Nouvelle Des phosphates du Togo (SNPT)

Arsenic is present in different environmental matrices of the phosphate mining and processing area of the Société Nouvelle des Phosphates du Togo; including termite tissues, termite waste, termite mounds, termite Fungus combs, soils and nearby herbs. Arsenic levels vary across matrices, with termite waste having the highest concentration (approximately 27.01 mg/kg) compared to the outside herbs, which have the lowest. Phosphate mining sites, including Hahotoé-Kpogamé and Akoumapé, have higher levels of As contamination in soils and termite tissues compared to the phosphate processing site. A positive correlation is observed between As levels in termite tissues and termite waste; suggesting an ability of termites to eliminate arsenic via their waste. Regarding health risks, the hazard quotient (HQ) for arsenic in termites exceeds 1, and for non-threshold effects, the excess individual risk (EIR) assessment gives EIR &gt; 10-4 in both adults and children; which would mean that termite consumption poses a significant health risk, including cancer risks for human populations, particularly children. However, it should be noted that the estimation in this study includes total As (organic and inorganic). Since the toxicological reference values were calculated on the basis of inorganic arsenic, which presents more hazard and whose fraction represents 10% of total As, the daily exposure dose values for adults and children represent 1.40.10-4 mg/kg/d and 1.02.10-4 mg/kg/d of inorganic arsenic, respectively. These doses will then become lower than the toxicological reference value (TRV) with the consequence of hazard quotient (HQ) lower than 1 and resulting in low risks of carcinogenic effects. It is therefore necessary to specifically determine the inorganic fraction to refine the risk assessment and to extend this study to other trace elements in the prospected area.

Synthesis of Montmorillonite-Silica Nanocomposite Using Millet Husk and Montmorillonite Clay and Optimization of Adsorption Parameters for Congo Red Dye Adsorption

Dyes are substances that, when applied to a substrate provides color by a process that alters, at least temporarily, any crystal structure of the colored substances The discharge of these effluents into the receiving environments results in hazardous health problems as most of these dyes have carcinogenic effects on the living organisms. Generally, dyes are classified into three categories: a) anionic: direct, acid, and reactive dyes; b) cationic: basic dyes; and c) non-ionic: disperse dyes. The chromophores in anionic and non-ionic dyes mostly consist of azo groups or anthraquinone types. However, Congo red, are difficult to biodegrade due to their complex aromatic structures, which provide them with physico-chemical, thermal, and optical stability. This study is aimed at synthesizing Montmorillonite-silica nanocomposite, a cost effective adsorbent from millet husk and Montmorillonite-clay with the determination of its optimum adsorption parameters for Congo Red Dye adsorption. Here, synthesis of Montmorillonite-silica nanocomposite and optimization parameters were carried out using standard procedures. The unbiased result demonstrated that the percentage yield was found to be 94.51 %. The optimum adsorption parameters studied were adsorbent dose, adsorbate concentration, pH and Kinetics studies. The optimum adsorption parameters were found to be 8.0 g/L, 2.0 mg/L, 8 and 30 minutes, respectively. Hence, the synthesized Montmorillonite-silica nanocomposite obtained from montmorillonite clay and millet husk ash can serve as a cost-effective adsorbent for the removal of Congo Red Dye from waste waters.

Promising Phytogenic Feed Additives Used as Anti-Mycotoxin Solutions in Animal Nutrition.

Mycotoxins are a major threat to animal and human health, as well as to the global feed supply chain. Among them, aflatoxins, fumonisins, zearalenone, T-2 toxins, deoxynivalenol, and Alternaria toxins are the most common mycotoxins found in animal feed, with genotoxic, cytotoxic, carcinogenic, and mutagenic effects that concern the animal industry. The chronic negative effects of mycotoxins on animal health and production and the negative economic impact on the livestock industry make it crucial to develop and implement solutions to mitigate mycotoxins. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the mycotoxicosis effect in livestock animals as a result of their contaminated diet. In addition, we discuss the potential of five promising phytogenics (curcumin, silymarin, grape pomace, olive pomace, and orange peel extracts) with demonstrated positive effects on animal performance and health, to present them as potential anti-mycotoxin solutions. We describe the composition and the main promising characteristics of these bioactive compounds that can exert beneficial effects on animal health and performance, and how these phytogenic feed additives can help to alleviate mycotoxins' deleterious effects.

Human health risk assessment of potentially toxic and essential elements in medicinal plants consumed in Zabol, Iran, using the Monte Carlo simulation method

Medicinal plants (MPs) have long been used for their therapeutic properties in traditional forms of medicine. However, the presence of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in MPs raises concerns about their safety, efficacy, and potential adverse effects on human health. The current study aimed to determine the level of potentially toxic and essential elements (PTEEs) in commonly consumed MPs in Zabol, Iran, along with their health risk assessments. To conduct the present study, 10 types of MPs widely used in Zabol, Iran, were selected, and 15 samples of each type (150 samples in total) were taken. Each sample was analyzed for the presence of various PTEEs using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) for Lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chrome (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), aluminum (Al) and manganese (Mn); and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) for arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg). Finally, to better comprehend the scope of exposure and its possible effects, the Monte Carlo simulation method is successfully applied to assess human health risks related to PTEs in MPs. Statistical analysis revealed statistically significant (P < 0.001) variations in PTE averages among MP types. Furthermore, all samples’ overall PTE mean concentration (range: 0.18 to 215.5 µg/kg) was below the World Health Organization’s (WHO) regulatory standards. Probabilistic health risks, including non-carcinogenic-target hazard quotient (THQ) for each element, total target hazard quotient (TTHQ) for all elements, and carcinogenic-incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) for each element, and total carcinogenic risk (TCR) for all elements, were significantly lower than the acceptable limit for children and adults. Accordingly, it can be said that consuming MPs sold in Zabol is safe for children and adults regarding carcinogenic (ILCR/TCR = 10− 4) and non-carcinogenic (THQ/TTHQ = 1) effects. In light of the findings presented here, and to our understanding, the primary factor contributing to lower levels of PTEs in MPs in Zabol City markets is the cultivation of plants in nonindustrialized areas, separate from urban and industrial zones. This practice keeps them from environmental contaminations, including soil quality and water sources. It is recommended that it is essential to regulate the sources that enhance the transfer of PTEs and other harmful pollutants from surroundings to the soil and, consequently, MPs. It is also suggested that, like chemical drugs, MPs should undergo rigorous testing by quality control agencies before being made available to the market.

Carbon-based Nanocomposite Materials for Electrochemical Monitoring of Cadmium Ions

In the present era of science and technology, cadmium poisoning in humans is reported from several parts of the world and now it is a global health problem. Accumulation of cadmium in human organs and tissues, such as the liver, kidney, etc., leads to carcinogenic effects and toxicity to the organ system. Therefore, several efforts are being made to develop a monitoring system for cadmium metal ions in the environment. This review aimed to summarise the different carbon-composite materials-based electrochemical sensors reported to date for cadmium ions detection. The first section of this review provides a brief discussion on the source and harmful effects of cadmium ions, and the rest part includes different carbon (graphite, graphene, graphene oxide, carbon nanotubes, etc.)-based composite nanomaterials reported to date for the electrochemical detection of cadmium ions in different analytes. Carbon-based nanocomposite materials have been found to be very suitable for the detection of Cd(II) ions due to their boosted electron transportation and high surface, leading towards high sensitivity and high selectivity.

Epigenetic changes driven by environmental pollutants in lung carcinogenesis: a comprehensive review.

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally, with environmental pollutants identified as significant risk factors, especially for nonsmokers. The intersection of these pollutants with epigenetic mechanisms has emerged as a critical area of interest for understanding the etiology and progression of lung cancer. Epigenetic changes, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs, can induce alterations in gene expression without affecting the DNA sequence and are influenced by environmental factors, contributing to the transformation of normal cells into malignant cells. This review assessed the literature on the influence of environmental pollutants on lung cancer epigenetics. A comprehensive search across databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase yielded 3,254 publications, with 22 high-quality papers included for in-depth analysis. These studies demonstrated the role of epigenetic markers, such as DNA methylation patterns of genes like F2RL3 and AHRR and alterations in the miRNA expression profiles, as potential biomarkers for lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. The review highlights the need to expand research beyond homogenous adult male groups typically found in high-risk occupational environments to broader population demographics. Such diversification can reduce biases and enhance the relevance of findings to various clinical contexts, fostering the development of personalized preventive and therapeutic measures. In conclusion, our findings underscore the potential of innovative epigenetic therapies, such as DNA demethylating drugs and histone modification agents, to counter environmental toxins' carcinogenic effects. The growing interest in miRNA therapies and studies aiming to correct aberrant methylation patterns indicate significant strides toward better lung cancer management and a healthier future for global communities.

Exploring the protective effect of silver Croton tiglium nano-extract against azoxymethane induced toxicity in female reproductive organs in rats

Reproductive toxicity from food and environmental contaminants has greatly affected human life. Plants are a fundamental source of bioactive components for relieving the harmful effects of pollutants. Hydrazine metabolites pose health threats when they enter the food chain. Croton tiglium (C. tiglium) exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties. Silver nanoparticles enhance the chemical stability of C. tiglium. Reproductive toxicity of Azoxymethane (AOM) and anticancer effects of silver C. tiglium were evaluated. Thirty-six adult female rats were divided into six groups (n = 6) and treated with AOM with or without silver C. tiglium nano-extract as pre- and post-treatment. Sexual hormones and proteins were assessed under silver C. tiglium nano-extract and AOM. Histopathologically, AOM caused metaplastic myometrial endometriotic cysts and endometrial metaplasia. Silver C. tiglium in pre- and post-treated rats mitigated the carcinogenic effects of AOM. Immunohistochemically, AOM carcinogenicity was evident through moderate detection of the CK-7 tumor marker in the ovaries and uterus of the AOM-, simultaneous-, and post-treated groups. C. tiglium ameliorated this, with CK-7 slightly expressed in the pre-treated group. Furthermore, C. tiglium alleviated the negative impact on FSH, LH, and 17-β estradiol hormones. In conclusion, Silver C. tiglium nano-extract successfully prevented tumors in the ovaries and uterus of AOM-treated rats.

A three-dimensional nitrogen-rich conjugated microporous polymer for solid-phase microextraction of nitroaromatic compounds from environmental water and soil samples

Nitroaromatic compounds (NACs), as a kind of important chemical intermediates, are widely used in industrial productions. However, NACs have carcinogenic effect and their residues may pose harm to human health. Therefore, there is necessity to set up effective analytical method to monitor them in some environmental samples. However, because of their low concentrations in real samples, they need to be enriched by an effective adsorbent before the subsequent instrumental detection. In this work, a three-dimensional nitrogen-rich conjugated microporous polymer (DCT-Try-CMP) was synthesized with 3,6-dichloro-1,2,4,5-tetrazine and triptycene as monomers via Friedel-Crafts reaction. It presented a good adsorption capability for the NACs. After optimization, a solid-phase microextraction with DCT-Try-CMP fiber combined with gas chromatography-flame ionization detection for the quantitation of trace NACs in environmental water and soil samples was developed. The limits of detection of the method (S/N = 3) for environmental water and soil samples were 0.08–0.30 μg L-1 and 1.00–5.00 ng g-1, and the limits of quantification (S/N = 9) were 0.27–0.90 μg L-1 and 3.00–15.0 ng g-1, respectively. The linear quantification response ranges for the analytes were 0.27–200 μg L-1 and 3.00–1000 ng g-1 for water and soil samples, respectively. For water samples at the analytes concentrations of 5.00, 50.0 and 100 μg L-1, the method recoveries ranged from 82.2% to 120% and for soil samples at the concentrations of 15.0, 200 and 400 ng g-1, the method recoveries fell in the range from 80.2% to 120%. The method provides a sensitive and effective approach for monitoring trace NACs in environmental water and soil samples.