Environmental Toxicants Research Articles

Mondia whitei fruit extract abates cadmium chloride-induced nephrotoxicity via the suppression of oxidative stress in rats

Cadmium (Cd) is an industrial heavy metal that causes toxic effects to several body organs including the kidney. Medicinal plants are used in managing various diseases caused by environmental toxicants. This study aimed to evaluate the protective ability of Mondia whitei fruit extract (MWE) against nephrotoxicity induced by CdCl₂ exposure in Wistar rats. Twenty-five male Wistar rats of 90 to 130 g body weight (b.w) were used in this study. The animals were indiscriminately assigned to five groups of five animals per group. The control group were rats in group I, whereas group II to V rats were orally administered CdCl₂ (5 mg/kg body weight (b.w)) for 5 days. Simultaneously, the rats in group III to V were co-treated with 70 mg/kg b.w of silymarin, 250 and 500 mg/kg b.w of MWE, respectively. The CdCl2 significantly (p < 0.05) increased the levels of serum renal biomarkers such as urea and creatinine, total protein and albumin. Furthermore, a substantial (p < 0.05) elevation in the nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and a concomitant (p < 0.05) reduction in the kidney activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione transferase (GST), and the level of reduced glutathione (GSH) were observed in the CdCl2-intoxicated rats. Alterations in the kidney's histology were also noted. Nonetheless, treatment with MWE markedly returned to normal the levels of serum kidney parameters and tissue NO and MDA. In addition, the MWE significantly (p < 0.05) elevated tissue antioxidant levels and restored the kidney histology. The result of this study suggest that MWE could potentially serve as an alternative therapy in managing CdCl2-induced nephrotoxicity.

In silico and in vitro toxicity assessment of ferulic acid and nicotinamide: analysis using admet tools and effects on bacteria, erythrocytes, and sun protection

The study addresses the properties of ferulic acid (FA) and nicotinamide (NAM), which are widely explored due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, beneficial for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. The objective was to assess the toxicity of these substances, both in silico and in vitro, to predict safety and efficacy. Using software such as Molinspiration© and admetSAR©, pharmacokinetic properties, including absorption and toxicity, were calculated. The in vitro analyses involved cytotoxicity assays in human erythrocytes and antibacterial activity tests. Results indicated that both compounds comply with Lipinski's “Rule of 5,” suggesting potential for adequate absorption. Regarding toxicity, FA and NAM showed low human toxicity, though FA exhibited considerable environmental toxicity. In vitro tests revealed that FA demonstrated bacteriostatic activity against Gram-positive bacteria and a dose-dependent effect on human erythrocytes, with higher hemolysis observed at high concentrations. Additionally, FA provided effective sun protection, reaching a sun protection factor (SPF) of 25.01 at all tested concentrations. It is concluded that FA and NAM have promising safety and efficacy profiles, with FA standing out as a potential photoprotective and antimicrobial agent, while NAM exhibits neuroprotective properties due to its permeability through the blood-brain barrier.

Understanding the antibacterial mechanism of metal surfaces

Bacterial inactivation on antibacterial metal surfaces has been widely used in medicine and daily life to inhibit infection caused by surface contact. However, the underlying antibacterial mechanism of metal surfaces has remained elusive due to a lack of comprehensive theoretical perspectives and direct evidence. Here, we propose a universal understanding of the bacteria-inactivation mechanism of metal surfaces and reveal the changes in bacterial survival behavior with time and spatial location. In terms of bacterial survival over time, we established a quantitative ion influx model and predicted four bacterial survival behaviors based on osmotic pressure changes and ion release. To demonstrate the spatial distribution of bacterial survival, we consider variations in metal antibacterial properties and electrode potentials and design five corrosion galvanic couples to cover all possible metal combinations. The results on the bacterial survival behavior over time confirm our theoretical predictions, exhibiting a dependence of bacterial viability on environmental humidity and metal toxicity. In addition, on the surfaces of galvanic couples, bacteria will experience the most pronounced decrease in viability at anodes, irrespective of the location of the antibacterial metals. This abnormal distribution pattern can be fundamentally attributed to the highest toxic-ion concentration resulting from a low pH at anodes. The consistency between our predictions and observed bacterial survival rates supports the notion that the antibacterial mechanism follows surface ion release and subsequent free-ion influx into the cytoplasm, leading to lethal biochemical reactions in bacteria. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Numerous studies have been conducted on developing antibacterial metals, alloys, and their related applications. However, the underlying antibacterial mechanism of metal surfaces has remained elusive. This work is the first to propose a general understanding of the antibacterial mechanism of metal surfaces, including the temporal and spatial characteristics of bacterial survival behavior. By building a theoretical model, we predicted and confirmed the shapes of the four bacterial survival curves over time. In addition, we found that bacteria have the worst viability loss at the alloy anode, even if non-antibacterial metals occupy this position. The conclusions can provide theoretical support for the antibacterial behavior of metal surfaces, including but not limited to Ag, Cu, Zn, and their corresponding alloys.

Mass Spectrometry Imaging for Spatial Toxicology Research.

The spatial information of xenobiotics distribution, metabolism, and toxicity mechanisms insitu has drawn increasing attention in both pharmaceutical and environmental toxicology research to aid drug development and environmental risk assessments. Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) provides a label-free, multiplexed, and high-throughput tool to characterize xenobiotics, their metabolites, and endogenous molecules insitu with spatial resolution, providing knowledge on spatially resolved absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity on the molecular level. In this perspective, we briefly summarize applications of MSI in toxicology on xenobiotic distribution and metabolism, quantification, toxicity mechanisms, and biomarker discovery. We identified several challenges regarding how we can fully harness the power of MSI in both fundamental toxicology research and regulatory practices. First, how can we increase the coverage, sensitivity, and specificity in detecting xenobiotics and their metabolites in complex biological matrices? Second, how can we link the spatial molecular information of xenobiotics to toxicity consequences to understand toxicity mechanisms, predict exposure outcomes, and aid biomarker discovery? Finally, how can we standardize the MSI experiment and data analysis workflow to provide robust conclusions for regulation and drug development? With these questions in mind, we provide our perspectives on the future directions of MSI as a promising tool in spatial toxicology research.

Process Simulation, Thermodynamic and System Optimization for the Low-Carbon Alcohols Production via Gasification of Second-Generation Biomass

Biomass-to-liquid fuels technology offers a promising method for high-value biomass conversion, addressing environmental toxicity and fossil fuel non-renewability. However, challenges such as low system efficiency and identifying efficiency losses persist. In this study, a comprehensive process model of a low-carbon alcohols production system via biomass gasification was developed, based on the first demonstration project in China. The innovation of this study lies in its detailed experimental validation, as the model simulation was performed using laboratory data and verified with pilot-scale platform data ensuring high accuracy. Additionally, the study conducted a thorough sensitivity analysis of system parameters, energy, and exergy assessments to find the proper operating conditions, including equivalent ratio, biomass type, and reactor temperature and pressure. The simulation results demonstrated an energy efficiency of 34.67% and an exergy efficiency of 31.24%. Through operating parameters and heat recovery measures, these efficiencies increased by 11.66% and 8%, respectively. This research not only obtains improved operating parameters for the pilot-scale platform but also provides actionable insights for enhancing the yields of target products and upgrading low-grade energy utilization. These findings offer valuable guidance for the commercialization of bio-syngas alcohols production systems, highlighting significant advancements in efficiency and system performance.

Green chemistry in medicinal chemistry: A review on sustainable approaches to the synthesis of biologically active compounds

The pharmaceutical industry's commitment to sustainability is reshaping drug development, centering on green chemistry principles to minimize environmental impact without compromising drug efficacy. This review explores transformative green chemistry approaches, emphasizing atom economy, waste reduction, and renewable feedstocks in synthesizing biologically active compounds. Key advancements such as biocatalysis, flow chemistry, and safer solvent alternatives demonstrate a path to efficient, lower-impact drug synthesis. These sustainable strategies, while challenged by regulatory and industrial constraints, showcase significant potential to reduce the pharmaceutical carbon footprint and environmental toxicity. Through the integration of green methodologies, the industry can address pressing ecological challenges, improve public health, and foster a paradigm shift toward sustainable pharmaceutical production.

Recent advance in poly(bisphenol a carbonate) chemical recycling: catalysts, reaction strategies, and its applications

The chemical upcycling of waste plastics into high-value-added products such as monomers, fuels, or fine chemicals represents a promising strategy for mitigating the adverse effects of massive end-of-life plastics. Poly(bisphenol A carbonate) (BPA-PC) stands out as a notable engineering plastic due to its exceptional overall performance; however, its durability and potential environmental toxicity make its recycling imperative. Although a lot of reviews about plastic degradation have been done before our review, the progress for plastic degradation needs to be constantly updated and summarized due to the rapid development of this field. Meanwhile, BPA-PC, as an important notable engineering plastic, previous reviews only focused on its depolymerization into monomers and missed their further conversion into final chemicals. which In this concise review, we summarize recent developments in the chemical upcycling of BPA-PC to valuable chemicals, emphasizing the role of various catalysts and reagents. Some of the most utilized chemical upcycling strategies such as alcoholysis, aminolysis and upcycling of BPA-PC in “polymer-to-polymer” format to reproduce new polymers are elucidated in detail. Finally, we provide insights into the future prospects of chemical upcycling for waste BPA-PC.

Construction of a novel environmentally-friendly long-term antifouling coating with a double-layer structure regulated by phenylmethyl silicone oil and verification of the static antifouling performance of the coating

The expansion of nuclear power, marine aquaculture, and maritime transportation has highlighted the need for effective antifouling strategies to address biofouling, which poses economic and environmental challenges. Traditional antifouling coatings, including toxic coatings (TCs) and fouling-release coatings based hydrophobicity polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), often result in issues such as high environmental toxicity and limited effectiveness under static conditions. This study addresses these limitations by developing a novel double-layer coatings (DLCs) system that combines a phenyl silicone oil (PSO)-infused fouling-release coatings based PDMS top layer with a TC base layer. Methods used in this study include surface, mechanical and antifouling property analyses, as well as assessments of copper ion (CuⅡ) release rates. Key findings reveal that the bacterial removal rates of DLCs with 4 % PSO before and after 180 days of immersion were 60.00 % and 87.50 %, respectively. The antibacterial performance of the DLCs increased with the PSO content. The static average release rate of Copper ions (RtCuII) from DLCs with 4 % PSO at 180 days was 12.62 μg⋅cm-2⋅d-1. PSO significantly regulates CuⅡ release, improving static antifouling performance and reducing environmental impact. The leaching of PSO creates a slippery surface layer, enhancing fouling-release properties; and increased PSO content promotes greater CuⅡ release control and long-term antifouling effectiveness.This DLC approach provides a sustainable antifouling solution with enhanced durability and environmental benefits, offering significant improvements over conventional antifouling methods.

New weapons explosive exhibits persistent toxicity in plants.

Explosives are widespread, toxic and persistent environmental pollutants. 2,4-Dinitroanisole (DNAN) is being phased in to replace 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) in munitions. Here we demonstrate that only low levels of DNAN are detoxified in Arabidopsis, leaving it to remain as a substrate for monodehydroascorbate reductase 6 mediated chronic phytotoxicity. Enhancing the potential for environmental toxicity, DNAN is readily transported to the aerial tissues exposing this toxin to herbivores and the wider food chain.

Spatiotemporal Distribution, Bioaccumulation, and Ecological and Human Health Risks of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Surface Water: A Comprehensive Review

The release of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by human energy exploitation and excessive environmental use has caused substantial environmental contamination. These compounds bioaccumulate in aquatic environments and translocate through the food chain, posing risks to health and environmental safety. To better understand the risks of PAHs in surface water and food chains, this review summarizes their distribution, concentration levels, sources, and toxicity in various surface water environments. It also examines how PAH bioaccumulation affects aquatic organisms and human health. Globally, PAHs have been detected in both aquatic environments and organisms with an increasing trend. Human activity is the main cause of PAH contamination. The results revealed a distinct geographical distribution of PAH risk influenced by population density, industrial development, climate, and seasonal variations. PAHs are found in remote areas, indicating their medium- and long-range transport by atmospheric dispersion. PAHs bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms and cause direct and indirect toxic effects via biomagnification. PAH bioaccumulation is directly correlated with aquatic pollution. This study also emphasizes the carcinogenicity of compounds such as benzo[a]pyrene, identifying occupational and environmental exposure frequencies as key risk factors. This study enhances our understanding of the dynamics of multiple PAHs in aquatic ecosystems and their health effects, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability.

The determination of the mechanical, optoelectronic, structural and transport attributes of double perovskite A2InGaBr6 (A=K, Rb, Cs) halides for renewable energies: A DFT study.

Safer and more environmentally friendly alternatives to lead-based perovskites include lead-free halide perovskites, which retain good optoelectronic capabilities while reducing environmental toxicity. They also align better with ecological and regulatory standards for green technologies. In this manuscript, we have presented the first principles analysis of the physical traits of A2InGaBr6 (A=K, Rb, Cs). The exchange-correlation effects are treated with mBJ potential. The structural characteristic of A2InGaBr6 (A=K, Rb, Cs) was assessed through the volume optimization curves, formation energies and tolerance factor. The elastic properties of the studied halides are analyzed through elastic constants. The electronic band structures revealed indirect bandgaps for K2InGaBr6, Rb2InGaBr6, and Cs2InGaBr6. The optical properties indicate promising potential in the fabrication of optoelectronic devices for A2InGaBr6 (A=K, Rb, Cs). The transport properties for the studied halides are computed using the BoltzTraP code, which reveals that these halides are promising candidates for thermoelectricity.

RETRACTION: Exploring the Tumor Microenvironment: Chemokine-Related Genes and Immunotherapy/Chemotherapy Response in Clear-Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma.

Retraction: Y. Meng, C. Zhang, T. Fu, J. He, J. Wu, and Y. Zhan, "Exploring the Tumor Microenvironment: Chemokine-Related Genes and Immunotherapy/Chemotherapy Response in Clear-Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma," Environmental Toxicology (EarlyView): https://doi.org/10.1002/tox.24190. The above article, published online on 15 March 2024, in Wiley Online Library (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/), has been retracted by agreement between the journal Editor-in-Chief, Paul B. Tchounwou; and Wiley Periodicals LLC. Following an investigation by the publisher, the parties have concluded that this article was accepted solely on the basis of a compromised peer review process. Therefore, the article must be retracted.

RETRACTION: DPM2 Serve as Novel Oncogene and Prognostic Marker Transactivated by ESR1 in Breast Cancer.

J. Lu, Y. Feng, Y. Zhou, Z. Xiao, Z. Yang, J. Li, H. Cai, and J. Wang, "DPM2 Serve as Novel Oncogene and Prognostic Marker Transactivated by ESR1 in Breast Cancer," Environmental Toxicology 39, no. 3 (2024): 1737-1746, https://doi.org/10.1002/tox.24059. The above article, published online on 05 December 2023, in Wiley Online Library (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/), has been retracted by agreement between the journal Editor-in-Chief, Paul B. Tchounwou; and Wiley Periodicals LLC. Following an investigation by the publisher, the parties have concluded that this article was accepted solely on the basis of a compromised peer review process. Therefore, the article must be retracted. The author Jie Wang disagrees with this decision. The other authors did not respond.

RETRACTION: Circular Forms of Dedicator of Cytokinesis 1 Promotes Breast Cancer Progression by Derepressing Never in Mitosis Related Kinase 2 via Sponging miR-128-3p.

Z. Ni, W. Liu, G. Pan, A. Mao, J. Liu, Q. Zhang, J. Li, L. Liu, and H. Li, "Circular Forms of Dedicator of Cytokinesis 1 Promotes Breast Cancer Progression by Derepressing Never in Mitosis Related Kinase 2 via Sponging miR-128-3p," Environmental Toxicology 38, no. 7 (2023): 1712-1722, https://doi.org/10.1002/tox.23799. The above article, published online on 11 April 2023, in Wiley Online Library (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/), has been retracted by agreement between the journal Editor-in-Chief, Paul B. Tchounwou; and Wiley Periodicals LLC. Following an investigation by the publisher, the parties have concluded that this article was accepted solely on the basis of a compromised peer review process. Therefore, the article must be retracted.

RETRACTION: Neurological Risks Arising From the Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metal Contaminants: A Focus on Mercury.

T. Dong and H. Li, "Neurological Risks Arising from the Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metal Contaminants: A Focus on Mercury," Environmental Toxicology 39, no. 5 (2024): 2692-2705, https://doi.org/10.1002/tox.24119. The above article, published online on 19 January 2024, in Wiley Online Library (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/), has been retracted by agreement between the journal Editor-in-Chief, Paul B. Tchounwou; and Wiley Periodicals LLC. Following an investigation by the publisher, the parties have concluded that this article was accepted solely on the basis of a compromised peer review process. Therefore, the article must be retracted.

RETRACTION: Exploring the Role of Lactylation-Related Genes in Osteosarcoma: A Deep Dive Into Prognostic Significance and Therapeutic Potential.

J. Sun, Y. Li, R. Chen, Y. Xie, J. Wei, and B. Li, "Exploring the Role of Lactylation-Related Genes in Osteosarcoma: A Deep Dive into Prognostic Significance and Therapeutic Potential," Environmental Toxicology 39, no. 2 (2023): 1001-1017, https://doi.org/10.1002/tox.24011. The above article, published online on 27 November 2023, in Wiley Online Library (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/), has been retracted by agreement between the journal Editor-in-Chief, Paul B. Tchounwou; and Wiley Periodicals LLC. Following an investigation by the publisher, the parties have concluded that this article was accepted solely on the basis of a compromised peer review process. Therefore, the article must be retracted.

RETRACTION: Prognostic Value and Potential Mechanism of Cellular Senescence and Tumor Microenvironment in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Insights From Bulk Transcriptomics and Single-Cell Sequencing Analysis.

C. Qu, Q. Wu, J. Lu, and F. Li, "Prognostic Value and Potential Mechanism of Cellular Senescence and Tumor Microenvironment in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Insights from Bulk Transcriptomics and Single-Cell Sequencing Analysis," Environmental Toxicology 39, no. 5 (2024): 2512-2527, https://doi.org/10.1002/tox.24121. The above article, published online on 08 January 2024, in Wiley Online Library (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/), has been retracted by agreement between the journal Editor-in-Chief, Paul B. Tchounwou; and Wiley Periodicals LLC. Following an investigation by the publisher, the parties have concluded that this article was accepted solely on the basis of a compromised peer review process. Therefore, the article must be retracted.

RETRACTION: Efficacy of Three-Dimensional Arterial Spin Labeling and How it Compares Against That of Contrast Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Preoperative Grading of Brain Gliomas.

K. Wang, H. Guo, X. Tian, Y. Miao, P. Han, and F. Jin, "Efficacy of Three-Dimensional Arterial Spin Labeling and How it Compares Against That of Contrast Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Preoperative Grading of Brain Gliomas," Environmental Toxicology 38, no. 7 (2023): 1723-1731, https://doi.org/10.1002/tox.23800. The above article, published online on 11 April 2023, in Wiley Online Library (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/), has been retracted by agreement between the journal Editor-in-Chief, Paul B. Tchounwou; and Wiley Periodicals LLC. Following an investigation by the publisher, the parties have concluded that this article was accepted solely on the basis of a compromised peer review process. Therefore, the article must be retracted. The author Feng Jin disagrees with this decision. The other authors did not respond.

RETRACTION: Phenylacetyl Glutamine (PAGln) Enhances Cardiomyocyte Death After Myocardial Infarction Through β1 Adrenergic Receptor.

H. Xu, N. Yang, B.Y. Wang, L. Zhou, L.L. Xu, Y. Chen, D.J. Wang, and W.H. Ge, "Phenylacetyl Glutamine (PAGln) Enhances Cardiomyocyte Death after Myocardial Infarction through β1 Adrenergic Receptor," Environmental Toxicology 39, no. 3 (2024): 1682-1699, https://doi.org/10.1002/tox.24063. The above article, published online on 02 December 2023, in Wiley Online Library (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/), has been retracted by agreement between the journal Editor-in-Chief, Paul B. Tchounwou; and Wiley Periodicals LLC. Following an investigation by the publisher, the parties have concluded that this article was accepted solely on the basis of a compromised peer review process. In addition, the investigation found there was significant unattributed textual overlap between this article and a previously-published article (Beale etal., 2008; https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2407-8-200). Therefore, the article must be retracted. The authors Weihong Ge and Hang Xu disagree with this decision. The other authors did not respond.

RETRACTION: Development of the ARDS-Derived Gene Panel for Lung Adenocarcinoma Prognosis Stratification and Experiment Validation of CCL20 Expression.

Retraction: J. Fang, C. Shi, Q. Huang, L. Huang, X. Wang, and B. Yan, "Development of the ARDS-Derived Gene Panel for Lung Adenocarcinoma Prognosis Stratification and Experiment Validation of CCL20 Expression," Environmental Toxicology 39, no. 5 (2024): 3211-3224, https://doi.org/10.1002/tox.24161. The above article, published online on 14 February 2024, in Wiley Online Library (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/), has been retracted by agreement between the journal Editor-in-Chief, Paul B. Tchounwou; and Wiley Periodicals LLC. Following an investigation by the publisher, the parties have concluded that this article was accepted solely on the basis of a compromised peer review process. Therefore, the article must be retracted. The author Biqing Yan disagrees with this decision. The other authors did not respond.