Toxin Levels Research Articles

Effects of Dietary Fiber Supplementation on Modulating Uremic Toxins and Inflammation in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Emerging evidence supports the beneficial effects of dietary fiber supplementation in alleviating gut dysbiosis, which leads to a reduction in uremic toxins and inflammatory markers in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. However, current evidence-based renal nutrition guidelines do not provide recommendations regarding dietary fiber intake. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate and highlight the effects of dietary fiber supplementation on modulating uremic toxins and inflammatory markers in individuals with CKD, with or without dialysis. The eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified from PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled trials until 27 November 2024. The results were synthesized using a random-effects model and presented as standardized mean differences (SMDs) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). A total of 21 studies with 700 patients were included. When compared with the control group, dietary fiber supplementation ranging from 6 to 50 g/day, for typically more than 4 weeks, could significantly reduce the levels of serum uremic toxins, including p-cresyl sulfate, indoxyl sulfate, and blood urea nitrogen (SMD −0.22, −0.34, −0.25, respectively, with p-values < 0.05), as well as biomarkers of inflammation, including interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (SMD −0.44, −0.34, respectively, with p-values < 0.05). These beneficial effects were consistent across different types of fibers and CKD status (with or without dialysis). However, no significant reduction in serum trimethylamine N-oxide, uric acid, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels was observed with dietary fiber intervention. This study would pave the way for prioritizing dietary quality, particularly a fiber-rich diet, beyond the traditional focus on the quantities of protein, energy, and electrolyte restrictions among individuals with CKD.

Highly effective treatment of bacterial infection-accompanied wounds by fat extract-embedded phototherapeutic hydrogel

Phototherapy presents an effective approach for treating localized methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections; however, the tradeoff between therapeutic efficacy and negative off-target effect persists. To address these issues, we have developed a nanoparticle-hydrogel superstructure comprising phototherapeutic liposomal nanobubbles (NB) and fat extract (FE) encapsulated by F-127 hydrogel. After local administration to sites of MRSA infection, the superstructure effectively neutralizes high levels of MRSA toxins to protect against toxin-mediated cytotoxicity through loaded, which can also be leveraged to enhance anti-MRSA efficacy via toxin-regulated on-demand phototherapy upon near-infrared irradiation. Meanwhile, the oxidative stress-induced injury to healthy cells can be mitigated by the FE. In a murine model of skin MRSA infection, treatment with the nanoparticle-hydrogel superstructure significantly reduces MRSA load, especially when combined with MRSA toxin for enhanced bacterial inhibition. Concurrently, this superstructure accelerates wound healing by enhancing angiogenesis and collagen deposition while reducing inflammation. Overall, the nanoparticle-hydrogel superstructure shows promise for treating local pathogen-infected wounds.

Investigation of a targeted panel of gut microbiome-derived toxins in children with chronic kidney disease.

The gut-kidney axis is implicated in chronic kidney disease (CKD) morbidity. We describe how a panel of gut microbiome-derived toxins relates to kidney function and neurocognitive outcomes in children with CKD, consisting of indoleacetate, 3-indoxylsulfate, p-cresol glucuronide, p-cresol sulfate, and phenylacetylglutamine. The Chronic Kidney Disease in Children (CKiD) cohort is a North American multicenter prospective cohort that enrolled children aged 6months to 16years with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 30-89ml/min/1.73 m2. Data from the 2-year study visit were used for this analysis. Toxin quantification (Metabolon Inc., Durham, NC) was performed with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Executive function and echocardiograms were assessed. Regression analysis examined the association of toxin levels with eGFR, CKD etiology, and neurocognitive and cardiac assessments (adjusted for age, sex, and urine protein:creatinine [UPCR]). There were 150 CKiD participants included in this study. All toxins levels were significantly inversely correlated with eGFR (Spearman's rho - 0.45 to - 0.69). Children with non-glomerular CKD had significantly higher levels of 3-indoxylsulfate, phenylacetylglutamine, and p-cresol glucuronide. The toxin levels did not associate with neurocognitive outcomes. P-cresol glucuronide and phenylacetylglutamine negatively associated with left ventricular mass index z score, but did not associate with left ventricular hypertrophy. Children with CKD have high levels of circulating gut microbiome-derived toxins. The levels of these toxins are strongly correlated with eGFR. There appear to be differences in toxin level based on glomerular versus non-glomerular etiology, even when accounting for the differences in eGFR between these two subgroups. In this sample, we did not detect any associations between these toxin levels and neurocognitive or cardiac outcomes.

Optical Fiber Mediated Biosensors for Multiplex and Onsite Food Safety Analysis: A Review

Abstract The presence of unsafe levels of chemical compounds, toxins, and pathogens in food poses a serious threat to public health, especially in economically disadvantaged countries. Current detection methods are costly, require centralized labs, skilled personnel, and specialized equipment, hindering large-scale testing. Here we provide a comprehensive review of optical fiber (OF)-based biosensors for multiplex detection of analytes in food. It covers fiber modification strategies to enhance multiplexing capacity by incorporating multiple independent detection regions. The review classifies OF multiplexing detection principles into label and label-free approaches for antibody and aptamer-based biosensing, comparing their characteristics and applications in food matrices. Despite challenges like multiplexing capacity and complex instrumentation, the review outlines promising prospects for achieving portable, rapid, accurate, and intelligent multiplexing for food safety.

Hemodiafiltration with endogenous reinfusion for uremic toxin removal in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis: a pilot study

Objective To delineate the efficacy and safety profile of hemodiafiltration with endogenous reinfusion (HFR) for uremic toxin removal in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). Methods Patients who have been on MHD for a period of at least 3 months were enrolled. Each subject underwent one HFR and one hemodiafiltration (HDF) treatment. Blood samples were collected before and after a single HFR or HDF treatment to test uremic toxin levels and to calculate clearance rate. The primary efficacy endpoint was to compare uremic toxin levels of indoxyl sulfate (IS), λ-free light chains (λFLC), and β2-microglobulin (β2-MG) before and after HFR treatment. Secondary efficacy endpoints was to compare the levels of urea, interleukin-6 (IL-6), P-cresol, chitinase-3-like protein 1 (YKL-40), leptin (LEP), hippuric acid (HPA), trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) before and after HFR treatment. The study also undertook a comparative analysis of uremic toxin clearance between a single HFR and HDF treatment. Meanwhile, the lever of serum albumin and branched-chain amino acids before and after a single HFR or HDF treatment were compared. In terms of safety, the study was meticulous in recording vital signs and the incidence of adverse events throughout its duration. Results The study enrolled 20 patients. After a single HFR treatment, levels of IS, λFLC, β2-MG, IL-6, P-cresol, YKL-40, LEP, HPA, TMAO, ADMA, TNF-α, and FGF23 significantly decreased (p < 0.001 for all). The clearance rates of λFLC, β2-MG, IL-6, LEP, and TNF-α were significantly higher in HFR compared to HDF (p values: 0.036, 0.042, 0.041, 0.019, and 0.036, respectively). Compared with pre-HFR and post-HFR treatment, levels of serum albumin, valine, and isoleucine showed no significant difference (p > 0.05), while post-HDF, levels of serum albumin significantly decreased (p = 0.000). Conclusion HFR treatment effectively eliminates uremic toxins from the bloodstream of patients undergoing MHD, especially protein-bound toxins and large middle-molecule toxins. Additionally, it retains essential physiological compounds like albumin and branched-chain amino acids, underscoring its commendable safety profile.

Cell Wall Protein 2 as a Vaccine Candidate Protects Mice Against Clostridioides difficile Infection.

Clostridioides difficile is a Gram-positive, spore-forming enteric pathogen that causes intestinal disorders, including inflammation and diarrhea, primarily through toxin production. Standard treatment options for C. difficile infection (CDI) involve a limited selection of antibiotics that are not fully effective, leading to high recurrence rates. Vaccination presents a promising strategy for preventing both CDI and its recurrence. Cell wall protein 2 (Cwp2), a highly immunogenic and abundant surface-exposed C. difficile cell wall protein, plays an important role in the bacterium's adherence in vitro. In this study, we aimed to analyze the homology and immunogenicity of Cwp2 and its protection efficacy as a vaccine candidate against CDI in mice. we conducted in silico analyses to assess the homology and immunogenicity of Cwp2, and we evaluated its potential as a vaccine candidate against CDI using a mouse model of immunization and infection. Our in silico analyses predicted the immunogenic region (functional domain) of Cwp2 and revealed its high homology among various toxinotypes and ribotypes (R.T.s) or sequence types (S.T.s). Immunizations of mice with the Cwp2 functional domain (Cwp2_A) induced potent IgG/A antibody responses against Cwp2_A, protected mice from CDI, and reduced C. difficile spore and toxin levels in feces post-infection. Additionally, anti-Cwp2_A sera inhibited the binding of C. difficile vegetative cells to HCT8 cells. Our report demonstrates for the first time the potential of Cwp2_A as an effective vaccine candidate against CDI in mice.

GA071518‐16E39: A new adapted soft red winter wheat cultivar to Georgia and the US Southeast Region

AbstractThe production of soft red winter wheat (SRWW) (Triticum aestivum L.) in the US southeast (SE) region is important. However, wheat production faces many challenges including many stresses resulting in substantial losses in yield and quality. To address these challenges, developing new cultivars with high yield potential with resistance to major pests in the region and good quality is warranted. The SRWW breeding programs ate the University of Georgia (UGA) and the regional institutions including the Southern Universities GRAINS (SUNGRAINS) programs aims to solve these problems. The release of ‘GA071518‐16E39’ (Reg. no. CV‐1210, PI 698826) SRWW in 2019, is among many adapted cultivars developed and released by the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. GA071518‐16E39 has broad adaptation to the US SE region, but specifically well fit to the Georgia environments. It is a high yielding cultivar with excellent resistance to most dominant diseases including leaf (caused by Puccinia triticina Erikss.) and stripe (caused by P. striiformis Westend.) rusts, Soil‐borne wheat mosaic virus, and Hessian fly insect [Mayetiola destructor (Say)] including major prevalent biotypes (B, C, O, and L) in the region. GA071518‐16E39 is moderately resistant to powdery mildew (caused by Erisyphe graminis) and moderate susceptible to Fusarium head blight (caused by Fusarium graminearum Schwabe) which is reflected in relatively lower levels of disease severity and Deoxynivalenol toxin. GA071518‐16E39 has excellent grain volume weight and milling and baking quality as a SRWW.

Monitoring Fusarium toxins from barley to malt: Targeted inoculation with Fusarium culmorum

Molds of the genus Fusarium infect nearly all types of grain, causing significant yield and quality losses. Many species of this genus produce mycotoxins, which pose significant risks to human and animal health. In beer production, the complex interaction between primary fungal metabolites and secondarily modified mycotoxins in barley, malt, and beer complicates the situation, highlighting the need for effective analytical methods to quickly and accurately monitor these toxins. We developed and validated a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method to simultaneously analyze 14 Fusarium toxins, including modified forms (deoxynivalenol (DON), DON-3-glucoside, 3-acetyl-DON, 15-acetyl-DON, nivalenol, fusarenone X, HT-2 toxin, T-2 toxin, the enniatins A, A1, B, B1, beauvericin, and zearalenone) in barley and throughout the malting process. Stable isotope dilution assays (SIDAs) and matrix-matched calibration were used for quantification. A micro-malting setup was established to produce Fusarium-contaminated barley malt under reproducible conditions using targeted inoculation with F. culmorum. Mycotoxins were quantified throughout the malting process and compared to the content of fungal DNA. Further, the impact of various malting parameters was investigated, thus revealing that different malting scenarios exhibited different toxin enrichment patterns. We demonstrated that mycotoxin concentration and the ratio of DON to DON-3-glucoside changed throughout the malting processes, depending on fungal spore concentrations, germination temperature, and malting temperature. The study highlights the complexity of mycotoxin dynamics in malt production and the importance of optimized processing conditions to minimize toxin levels in final malt products.

Exploration of the pathogenesis of nephrotic syndrome and traditional Chinese medicine intervention based on gut microbiota.

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) represents a prevalent syndrome among various chronic kidney disease pathologies and is known for its higher severity and worse prognosis compared with chronic glomerulonephritis. Understanding its pathogenesis and identifying more effective treatment modalities have long been a concern of kidney specialists. With the introduction of the gut-kidney axis concept and the progress in omics technologies, alterations in the gut microbiota have been observed in primary and secondary NS. This link has been extensively researched in conditions such as diabetic nephropathy and immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy. Thus, dysbiosis of the gut microbiota is seen as a crucial contributing factor in NS; however, there is a lack of comprehensive reviews that elucidate the changes in the gut microbiota across different NS conditions and that describe its mechanistic role in the disease. Moreover, serving as an innate regulator of the gut microbiota, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has the potential to exert a profound impact on the expression of inflammation-promoting agents, decreasing the levels of endotoxins and uremic toxins. In addition, it strengthens the stability of the intestinal barrier while controlling the metabolic function of the body through its efficient modulation of the gut microbiota. This intricate process yields far-reaching consequences for NS.

Transplacental Transport Rates of Anti-pertussis Toxin-IgG and Anti-filamentous Hemagglutinin-IgG Antibodies in Newborns by Week of Birth.

The aim of this study is to investigate the lack of knowledge about the transplacental transport of antibodies in unvaccinated term and preterm infants and possible differences in antibody-mediated immunity in the fetus depending on maternal vaccination in their own infancy. The study was conducted as a prospective cross-sectional study between 2017 and 2018 and included a total of 334 participants. The study included 194 pregnant women with a preterm birth (before 37 weeks) and 140 pregnant women with a term birth. Both umbilical cord blood and maternal blood were used to measure serum levels of anti-pertussis toxin (PT) immunoglobulin (Ig) G and anti-filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA) IgG. The results showed that anti-FHA IgG antibody levels in the cord blood of women who had delivered at term were significantly higher than those of preterm infants (p = 0.002). The placental transfer rate of anti-PT IgG was higher in women who delivered prematurely, but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.128). However, transfer rates for anti-FHA were significantly higher in women who had delivered prematurely (p = 0.001). In addition, transmission rates for both antibodies were found to be significantly lower in women who delivered before 32 weeks gestation than in women who delivered at term (p = 0.006, p < 0.001). Antibody transfer rates were found to be positively correlated with both gestational age and birth weight. In summary, although placental antibody transfer rates increased with gestational age, transfer rates and antibody levels were low in pregnant women, particularly in women who had given birth before 32 weeks gestation. · Transport. · Anti-PT IgG. · Anti-FHA IgG antibodies.

Mycotoxin concentrations in rice are affected by chalkiness, grain shape, processing type, and grain origin

Mycotoxins such as aflatoxins (AFs), fumonisins (FBs), zearalenone (ZEN), and deoxynivalenol (DON) pose a risk to public health due to their carcinogenic potency (AFs and FBs) and anti-nutritional effects. The hazards associated with mycotoxins are accentuated where food management practices, control, and regulatory systems from farm to plate are sub-optimal. Information on the frequency of these mycotoxins in rice commercialized in markets in sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) is limited. The current study examined AF concentrations in 527 rice samples collected from 54 markets in five SSA countries. Grain quality characteristics, processing methods, and origin of samples were contrasted with toxin levels. In total, 72% of the samples had detectable AFs levels (range = 3.0 to 89.8 µg/kg). Forty-seven percent (47%) of the samples had AFs above 4 µg/kg, the European Union maximum level (ML), and were evaluated for cooccurrence with FBs, ZEN, and DON. Total AFs and ZEN cooccurred in 40% of the samples, and 30% of the positive ZEN samples had concentrations above the ML of 75 µg/kg. Total AFs did not co-occur with FBs and DON. Multivariate analysis revealed that length-to-width ratio (p < 0.0001), mixed variety for width (p = 0.04), and chalkiness (p = 0.009) significantly influenced aflatoxin concentrations. Slender grains had higher AFs concentrations than bold and medium grains (p < 0.0001). Possible strategies to mitigate mycotoxin contamination in rice include improving grain quality traits and practicing proper drying and hermetic storage before and after milling. These findings provide valuable insights for both domestic and international actors in establishing and strengthening regulations and management systems to mitigate rice mycotoxin contamination.

The Potential Influence of the Presence of Mycotoxins in Human Follicular Fluid on Reproductive Outcomes.

The effect of mycotoxin exposure on follicular fluid composition and reproductive outcomes in women undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) was investigated in this study. Twenty-five patients were included, and follicular fluid and serum samples were analysed for various mycotoxins. Principal observations:1. Mycotoxin presence: All examined mycotoxins were detected in follicular fluid. Follicular fluid (ff) levels: Deoxynivalenol (DON), alfa-Zearalenol (α-ZOL), Zearalenone (ZEN), and total aflatoxin (AFs) were significantly higher in follicular fluid than in serum. 2. Follicular fluid and reproductive outcomes: A positive correlation was observed between the ratio of oocytes to total follicles and the follicular Fumonisin B1 (FB1) levels. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between DON and T-2/HT-2 toxins (T2/HT2) levels in the follicular fluid. 3. Hormone levels: Follicular 17-beta estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) levels were higher than the serum levels. Follicular P4 correlated with serum P4 and Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels. In contrast, follicular E2 did not correlate with plasma E2 levels. 4. Mycotoxin-hormone interactions: A positive correlation was observed between follicular P4 and T2/HT2 toxin levels, whereas a negative correlation was found between ffE2 and ffT2/HT2, and a positive correlation was found between ZEN and E2. Conclusion: This study elucidated the presence of various mycotoxins in the follicular fluid and their potential influence on reproductive outcomes. Further research is warranted to clarify the specific mechanisms underlying these effects and develop strategies for detecting mycotoxin exposure in women undergoing IVF.

An Investigation of the Spatial Arrangement of Mycotoxin Build-Up in Corn Stored Under Different Environmental Conditions.

Mycotoxins are toxins produced by fungi that contaminate many key food crops as they grow in the field and during storage. Specific mycotoxins are produced by different fungi. Each type of fungus and mycotoxin have their own optimal temperatures and water activities for growth and production. The legislative limits for various mycotoxins in foodstuffs to protect human health vary between countries but all commodities have their levels evaluated based on the concentrations from one aggregated grain sample. This approach assumes that the variation in toxin levels is uniform and random without spatial trends. This study investigates the spatial distribution of four mycotoxins (aflatoxin, deoxynivalenol, fumonisin and zearalenone) in bins of clean and dirty corn when stored in an environmental cabinet for two months under different temperature and humidity conditions. The bins of clean and dirty corn each had 12 CO2/humidity/temperature sensors installed in three layers, and samples were extracted for mycotoxin analysis from locations close to each sensor following storage. Using Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis H statistical tests, significant differences were found between mycotoxin levels attributable to the different environmental conditions and spatial locations of samples. Variations in aflatoxin and zearalenone concentrations were most pronounced for the range of temperature and humidity conditions chosen. By understanding the patterns of spatial variability in mycotoxin concentrations and identifying zones at high risk of contamination, as well as what conditions are favorable, targeted interventions could be implemented to reduce food waste. This work also has implications for how levels of mycotoxins in foodstuffs are sampled and measured.

The Impact of Fermentation on Aflatoxin and Fumonisin Levels in Sorghum Kernels and Flour Used to Prepare Complementary Food in Kerio Valley, Kenya.

Sorghum is a major ingredient used in the production of complementary foods in Kenya's drylands, particularly in areas like Kerio Valley. However, it is known to be susceptible to aflatoxin and fumonisin contamination, which have adverse effects on human health. The current study aimed to assess the levels of aflatoxin and fumonisin in sorghum kernels and flour from Kerio Valley and to investigate whether fermentation (spontaneous or innoculum facilated)could reduce the levels of toxins. The sorghum samples were obtained through a cross-sectional survey and subjected to ELISA analysis for quantification of aflatoxin and fumonisin levels. The aflatoxin levels ranged from 0 to 119.91 ppb for sorghum kernels and from 2.70 to 89.36 ppb in the flour, while fumonisin concentrations ranged from 0 to 30.65 ppm in sorghum kernels and 0.22 to 27.27 ppm in the flour. Fermentation significantly reduced the levels of the toxins in sorghum samples (p ≤ 0.05). The type of fermentation (p = 0.001), sample fermented (kernels or flour) (p = 0.004), and duration of fermentation (p = 0.037) significantly impacted the reduction of both toxins. Therefore, there is a need to integrate the adoption of fermentation with other effective postharvest practices to mitigate mycotoxin contamination in sorghum and other cereal-based foods. In addition to the customary health and nutrition messages, promoting proper food handling, storage, and processing can significantly contribute to improving food safety and the overall health and nutritional status of young children.

Preharvest Natural Multitoxin Contamination of Winter Wheat Genotypes in Hungary with Special Attention to Aflatoxins and HT-2 Toxin

Toxigenic fungi are among the most significant disease-causing agents in wheat. DON is the most common Fusarium mycotoxin, and for a long time, it was the only toxin researched. However, multitoxin data from wheat samples have drawn attention to the fact that much more toxins can be involved in the wheat toxin story than we supposed earlier. For resistance breeding, we need a more detailed approach to identify toxins that occur above the limit and identify the source of the fungal species that produces them. This study analyzed local wheat varieties for fungal infections and natural multitoxin contamination. Eighteen winter wheat genotypes were tested for fungal contaminations across three different locations in 2021 and 2022. Fourteen different mycotoxins—deoxynivalenol, aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, and G2), fumonisins (B1 and B2), sterigmatocystin, ochratoxin A, zearalenone, T-2, HT-2, and diacetoxyscirpenol—were analyzed using HPLC/triple-quad MS. Toxigenic species such as Fusarium, Aspergillus, and Penicillium had low rates of occurrence, but the toxin contamination was often surprisingly high. Many samples without corresponding fungal infections were also identified as containing mycotoxins. Therefore, the identified fungal infection is less useful for forecasting toxin level. In conclusion, mycotoxin contamination is decisive. Most samples were contaminated by one or more mycotoxins. Although the mycotoxin concentrations typically remained below EU limits, some samples exhibited higher levels, particularly aflatoxins and Ht-2 toxin. Significant variations were observed across year, location, and genotype. For several toxins, significant genotype differences were identified, supporting the hypothesis that resistance may be a useful and suitable control measure. Stability of toxin contamination across years and locations is a very valuable trait; genotypes were identified with low toxin levels and stability (low variance) to all mycotoxins tested. It seems that, in addition to DON, more attention should be given to aflatoxin B1, B2, and G1, which provided similar concentrations. The HT-2 toxin was present in many samples surpassing EU limits. This is the first report on the dangerous occurrence of preharvest-origin aflatoxins and the HT-2 toxin of wheat in Hungary.

Progress in genetic engineering and genome editing of peanuts: revealing the future of crop improvement.

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), also known as groundnut, is cultivated globally and is a widely consumed oilseed crop. Its nutritional composition and abundance in lipids, proteins, vitamins, and essential mineral elements position it as a nutritious food in various forms across the globe, ranging from nuts and confections to peanut butter. Cultivating peanuts provides significant challenges due to abiotic and biotic stress factors and health concerns linked to their consumption, including aflatoxins and allergens. These factors pose risks not only to human health but also to the long-term sustainability of peanut production. Conventional methods, such as traditional and mutation breeding, are time-consuming and do not provide desired genetic variations for peanut improvement. Fortunately, recent advancements in next-generation sequencing and genome editing technologies, coupled with the availability of the complete genome sequence of peanuts, offer promising opportunities to discover novel traits and enhance peanut productivity through innovative biotechnological approaches. In addition, these advancements create opportunities for developing peanut varieties with improved traits, such as increased resistance to pests and diseases, enhanced nutritional content, reduced levels of toxins, anti-nutritional factors and allergens, and increased overall productivity. To achieve these goals, it is crucial to focus on optimizing peanut transformation techniques, genome editing methodologies, stress tolerance mechanisms, functional validation of key genes, and exploring potential applications for peanut improvement. This review aims to illuminate the progress in peanut genetic engineering and genome editing. By closely examining these advancements, we can better understand the developments achieved in these areas.

Investigation of Contamination Levels of CI Toxins in Imported Shellfish Products Available in South Korea

Investigation of Contamination Levels of CI Toxins in Imported Shellfish Products Available in South Korea

Mizhuo Guanchangye enema delays the decline of renal function in rats with chronic kidney disease by intervening in the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a prevalent chronic condition that poses a significant threat to human health. There is a close connection between the gut and kidneys, jointly influencing the onset and progression of CKD through the "gut-kidney axis." Traditional Chinese medicine has shown potential in CKD treatment, but the specific mechanisms require further investigation. This study aims to explore the protective effects of Mizhuo Enema (MZGCY) on kidney function in CKD rats by regulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. The researcher employed a CKD rat model, which was divided into four groups: Control, Model, half-dose Mizhuo Guanchangye (1/2 MZGCY), and full-dose Mizhuo Guanchangye (MZGCY). Post enema administration, assessments were conducted on kidney function indicators, which included blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCR), and 24-h urinary protein. Additionally, measurements were taken for intestinal toxic substances such as indoxyl sulfate (IS) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), as well as inflammatory factors interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Examinations of pathological changes in both the intestines and kidneys were also performed. During this process, immunofluorescence was utilized to detect the expression levels of proteins toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in the intestinal tissues. It was found that after enema treatment, the BUN, SCR, and 24-h urinary protein levels in the MZGCY and 1/2 MZGCY groups significantly decreased, indicating notable improvement in kidney function. Compared to the model group, the IS, LPS, IL-6, and TNF-α levels in the MZGCY and 1/2 MZGCY groups were significantly reduced. Immunofluorescence showed a marked decrease in the expression of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB proteins in the intestines of the MZGCY group. MZGCY significantly reduces the levels of intestinal toxins and inflammatory factors in the serum of CKD rats by interfering with the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby improving intestinal and renal pathological changes and delaying CKD progression. This study demonstrates that MZGCY has significant renal protective effects, providing a new potential approach for CKD treatment.

Parameters Optimization for Improving Bioluminescence Inhibition Assay Using Vibrio fischeri Bacteria to Detect Lipopolysaccharide Toxicity in Aquatic Environments.

Bioluminescence inhibition of Vibrio fischeri is a widely used method for toxicity testing in aquatic environments. Certain complex biological contaminants, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), can interfere with metabolic pathways during toxicity assays. The standard 15-minute Vibrio fischeri bioluminescence assay has limitations when evaluating and screening water toxicity against complex and emerging chemicals like LPS. To accurately determine the effects of such substances, it is crucial to use a bioassay that encompasses a sufficient cell cycle period. This study tested LPS at varying incubation times (ranging from 60s to 60min) and concentrations (1-1*10- 12 mg/ml) to identify the appropriate incubation time for bioluminescence inhibition and toxicity testing. The results indicated that bioluminescence inhibition begins within 60s and reaches maximum inhibition at 60min. However, at 30 and 45min, the bacterial response to different concentrations of LPS varied, with some concentrations causing increased bioluminescence. The EC50 values at different times (60s, 15, 30, 45, and 60min) were found to be 0.0012, 0.0063, 4.07e + 54, 3.85e-8, and 3.34e-9mg/ml respectively. This study highlights the importance of considering incubation time when using bioluminescence inhibition to detect acute toxicity in aquatic ecosystems. A longer incubation time may enhance the method's sensitivity and improve its ability to detect low levels of toxins, such as LPS, in water resources.

Impact of Harvest Delay and Barley Variety on Grain Nutritional Composition and Mycotoxin Contamination.

This study investigated the effects of delayed harvesting, varying meteorological conditions, and barley variety on Fusarium spp. infection rates, nutritional composition, and mycotoxin contamination in barley grains. Field experiments were conducted from 2020 to 2022 and involved two barley varieties: 'Laureate' for malting and 'Luokė' for feed. The results indicated that the dominant Fusarium species isolated were F. avenaceum, F. culmorum, F. poae, F. sporotrichioides, F. tricinctum, and F. equiseti. These tended to increase in number with delayed harvest times and were more prevalent during harvest periods of higher precipitation (p < 0.05). Malting barley had higher starch and lower protein content compared to feed barley (p < 0.05). Delayed harvesting generally increased dry matter, crude fat, and crude ash contents while decreasing crude protein, zinc, and iron contents (p < 0.05). Mycotoxin analysis revealed significant differences under specific weather conditions. HT-2 toxin levels were higher under slightly warmer and wetter conditions during flowering, with harvest conditions similar to the long-term average. Zearalenone levels increased with dry, warm growing seasons followed by rainy harvests. Nivalenol and enniatin levels increased with rainy growing seasons and dry, warm harvests. Deoxynivalenol concentrations did not reach the limit of quantification throughout the study. No consistent trend was observed for higher contamination in any specific barley variety (p > 0.05). The strongest correlations between mycotoxins and nutritional value indicators were observed with less-studied mycotoxins, such as nivalenol and enniatins, which exhibited negative correlations with crude protein (p < 0.01), crude fat (p < 0.05), and zinc (p < 0.01), and positive correlations with crude ash (p < 0.05) and phosphorus (p < 0.01).