Potential Teratogenic Effects Research Articles

Drugs and their potential teratogenic effect: A literature review

When addressing the etymological meaning, the word teratogenesis denotes gross or "monstrous" malformations, it is currently accepted that teratogenesis is related to any defect or alteration of embryo-fetal development, whether at the functional or structural level. In general, for gross structural defects to occur, the noxa or offending substance must act on a specific period of embryonic development, which is usually at the end of the second week from conception and up to approximately 8 weeks after conception. During this critical period, organs are forming, and teratogens can produce malformations that are usually apparent at birth.

Embryonic Flubendiamide Exposure Alters Expression of OTX2 and Other Early Regulators in Domestic Chick Leading to Congenital Eye Defects.

Flubendiamide, a phthalic acid diamide insecticide, has been implicated in potential teratogenic effects on non-target organisms, especially during embryonic development. This study examines the impact of flubendiamide on eye development in chick embryos, a well-established model for vertebrate development. Exposure to 0.5 µg/µL of flubendiamide significantly impaired early ocular morphogenesis, resulting in severe defects such as underdeveloped optic cups and the absence of lens and corneal structures. Histopathological analysis demonstrated disrupted optic cup differentiation, while in silico docking studies revealed strong interactions between flubendiamide and key oculogenic proteins, including OTX2, PAX6, and SOX2. These interactions were associated with altered expression patterns of these critical regulators, alongside overexpression of SHH and downregulation of BMP4, BMP7, and FGF8, which are essential for optic vesicle formation and lens differentiation. Additionally, increased CASPASE-3 expression indicated enhanced apoptosis, contributing to the observed ocular anomalies. These findings suggest that flubendiamide disrupts key signaling pathways necessary for proper eye development, potentially leading to congenital eye defects. The study highlights the need for a thorough evaluation of the molecular mechanisms driving flubendiamide-induced teratogenicity to ensure safer pesticide use and protect environmental and human health.

DISP-15. FOLIC ACID SUPPLEMENTATION IN WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE WITH HISTORY OF INTRACRANIAL TUMOR AND SEIZURES

Abstract BACKGROUND Meningiomas and gliomas are the most common intracranial brain tumors. The most common gliomas can be further classified as oligodendroglioma, astrocytoma, ependymoma and glioblastoma. These tumors often cause epilepsy and necessitate the use of anti-seizure medications, posing risks to reproductive-age women due to potential teratogenic effects. The most preferred anti-seizure medications used in pregnancy are levetiracetam and lamotrigine. The American Academy of Neurology advocates folic acid supplementation for women taking anti-seizure medications (ASMs) regardless of type to mitigate these risks. OBJECTIVE This retrospective chart review aims to assess the utilization of folic acid supplementation in women of reproductive age with a history of intracranial tumors and seizures. METHODS Data were extracted from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center’s Epic Electronic Medical Record database using Epic’s “Slicer Dicer” program, spanning a five-year period from March 2019 to March 2024. Inclusion criteria comprised women aged 18-50 years of age with a history of meningioma, oligodendroglioma, astrocytoma, ependymoma, or glioblastoma and a documented history of seizures. Diagnoses were obtained using Systemized Nomenclature of Medicine – Clinical Terms (SNOMED CT). Variables included demographics, tumor type, and anti-seizure medication usage, and folic acid supplementation. Anti-seizure medications included levetiracetam and lamotrigine. RESULTS Preliminary analysis of 182 patient charts revealed that less approximately 60% of these patients were prescribed anti-seizure medications. Of these, 3 patients received concurrent folic acid supplementation, despite recommendations from the American Academy of Neurology. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest a suboptimal utilization of folic acid supplementation in women of reproductive age with a history of primary brain tumor and seizures with ASM use, highlighting the need for improved adherence to clinical guidelines. Further research is warranted to explore barriers to implementation and strategies to optimize folic acid supplementation in this population.

The Current Role of Hydroxyurea in the Treatment of Sickle Cell Anemia.

Despite advancements in treatment of sickle cell disease (SCD), hydroxyurea, a ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor, remains the cornerstone of therapy. While its primary effect is the elevation of fetal hemoglobin (HbF), hydroxyurea's mechanisms of action are multifaceted. Hydroxyurea (HU) reduces leukocyte and platelet counts, decreases the expression of endothelial adhesion molecules CD36 and CD49d, and increases nitric oxide and cyclic nucleotide levels, which may facilitate vascular dilation and further HbF induction. Numerous studies have demonstrated that hydroxyurea therapy reduces the frequency of painful episodes, acute chest syndrome, and the need for erythrocyte transfusions and hospitalizations. Long-term use of hydroxyurea leads to reduced morbidity and mortality. Hydroxyurea should be initiated in children from 9 months of age, including asymptomatic individuals, and is recommended for adults experiencing pain crises that significantly interfere with daily activities or quality of life, as well as those with severe or recurrent vaso-occlusive crises, ACS, or severe symptomatic anemia. Hydroxyurea is not recommended during pregnancy or lactation due to potential teratogenic effects and transfer into breast milk. However, its use may be considered in high-risk patients, particularly during the second and third trimesters. Concerns about secondary tumor development have not been substantiated in long-term follow-up studies. Alternative therapies, including L-glutamine, crizanlizumab, and voxelotor, are not presently approved or available for clinical use in Europe.

Investigation of the potential teratogenic effects of fructose on the embryo using the rat whole embryo culture model

Excessive consumption of fructose-sweetened foods and beverages is a growing concern worldwide. Studies have demonstrated that fructose consumption before and during pregnancy can result in adverse outcomes such as decreased decidualization, increased fetal losses, and low birth weight. The study investigated the teratogenic effects of fructose on rat embryos during organogenesis using whole embryo culture. Within the scope of the study, 4 groups were formed as control, low, medium, and high-dose fructose (HDF) with 10 embryos in each group. The 9.5-day-old rat embryos were cultured with different concentrations of fructose (1, 5 and 10 mM) for 48 h and the possible effects of fructose were examined using morphological scoring, histochemistry, immunofluorescence, and TUNEL methods. According to the analyses, protein synthesis and proliferation were decreased, vascular formation was suppressed, and apoptosis was increased in embryos exposed to fructose, especially at concentrations of 5 mM and above. According to the morphological scoring results, it was determined that heart, hind limb, and somite development were retarded in all experimental groups compared to the control group, developmental retardation increased in direct proportion to fructose concentration, and also significant malformations were observed in all parameters examined in the HDF group. In addition, analysis of yolk sac diameter, head length, crown rump length and somite numbers showed that these parameters were significantly decreased in all experimental groups. End of the study, it was concluded that fructose at concentrations of 1 mM and above may induce embryonic development retardation and other anomalies by decreasing protein synthesis and cell proliferation, suppressing vascular formation, and increasing apoptosis in embryonic tissues.

Potential teratogenic effect of prenatal dexamethasone administration on palate development: Experimental study in rats

BackgroundThe interaction of cell populations and synchronization of cell signaling pathways during craniofacial development can cause malformations such as facial clefts when interrupted by teratogenic agents including synthetic corticosteroids. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the potentially disturbing dexamethasone (Dex) effect on palatal shelf development in rat embryos and the possible reasons for this teratogenic potential in relation to fibroblast growth factor 10 (FGF10) as well as FGF10 receptor2 (FGFR2) signaling. MethodsThirty pregnant rats were used, which were then randomly categorized into three groups of ten animals each: the control group, where pregnant rats received no treatment, Sham group in which pregnant rats were injected subcutaneously with saline (0.4 mg/kg body weight) during the mid-pregnancy period at gestational day 9–14, and Dex-treated group, where pregnant rats received 0.4 mg/kg of Dex at mid-gestational period. Pregnant animals from all groups were sacrificed on day 20 of gestation before birth and the fetuses were removed for examination of the palatal shelves using a light microscope (LM). In addition, a real-time polymerase chain reaction and a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were done to evaluate FGF10 and its receptor FGFR2 gene expression. ResultsThe cleft palate incidence rates in the groups of embryos were determined. Only the offspring in the Dex group showed a cleft palate. Moreover, the cleft palate incidence rate in the Dex group was significantly different compared to controls. Moreover, a significant decrease in FGF10 and FGFR2 expression levels was reported in the Dex group than in the controls. ConclusionsDex treatment in mid-gestation may increase the incidence of cleft palate development, which may be due to modulation of FGF signaling. This calls for caution when using this medication in the first half of pregnancy unless absolutely necessary and under close medical supervision.

Strategies to promote contraception use by female volunteers in Alzheimer's Prevention Initiative Autosomal-Dominant Alzheimer's Disease (API ADAD) Colombia trial.

Including women of childbearing age in a clinical trial makes it necessary to consider two factors from a bioethical perspective: first, the lack of knowledge about the potential teratogenic effects of an investigational product, and also, the principle of justice not to exclude any population from the benefits of research. The most common way to address this issue is by requiring volunteers to use contraceptives before, during, and a few weeks after the clinical trial. This work presents all the strategies used to promote contraception use and prevent pregnancy during the Alzheimer's Prevention Initiative Autosomal-Dominant Alzheimer's Disease (API ADAD) Colombia clinical trial. Two characteristics of this trial make it of special interest for closely monitoring contraception use. One is that the trial lasted more than 7 years, and the other is that participants could be carriers of the E280A PSEN1 mutation, leading to a mild cognitive impairment as early as their late 30s. An individual medical evaluation to select the contraception method that best fits the volunteer was carried out during the screening visit, remitting to the gynecologist when necessary. All non-surgical contraception methods were supplied by the sponsor. Staff were trained on contraception counseling, correctly dispensing contraceptive drugs to volunteers, and identifying, reporting, and following up on pregnancies. Two comprehensive educational campaigns on contraception use were performed, and the intervention included all volunteers. In addition, volunteers were asked on an annual survey to evaluate the dispensing procedure. Finally, the effectiveness of these strategies was retrospectively evaluated, comparing by extrapolation the number of pregnancies presented throughout the trial with the General Fertility Rate in Colombia. A total of 159 female volunteers were recruited. All strategies were implemented as planned, even during the COVID-19 contingency. Ten pregnancies occurred during the evaluation period (2015-2021). Two were planned; the rest were associated with a potential therapeutic failure or incorrect use of contraceptive methods for a contraceptive failure of 0.49% per year. Sixty percent of pregnancies led to an abortion, either miscarriage or therapeutic abortion. However, there was not enough data to associate the pregnancy outcome with the administration of the investigational product. Finally, we observed a lower fertility rate in women participating in the trial compared to the Colombian population. The lower rates of contraceptive failure and the decrease in the incidence of pregnancies in women participating in the trial compared to the Colombian population across the 7 years of evaluation suggest that the strategies used in API ADAD Colombia were adequate and effective in addressing contraception use.

Isolation and Identification of Naphthalene-Degrading Bacteria and its Application in a Two-phase Partitioning Bioreactor.

Naphthalene is a persistent environmental pollutant for its potential teratogenic, carcinogenic and mutagenic effects. In this study, 10 strains of bacteria capable of degrading naphthalene were isolated from crude-oil contaminated soil. Among them, Pseudomonas plecoglossicida 2P exhibited prominent growth with 1000 mg/L naphthalene as the sole carbon source and degraded 94.15% of naphthalene in 36 h. Whole genome sequencing analysis showed that P. plecoglossicida 2P had a total of 22 genes related to naphthalene degradation, of which 8 genes were related to the salicylic acid pathway only, 5 genes were related to the phthalic acid pathway only, 8 genes were common in both the salicylic acid and phthalic acid pathways, and 1 gene was related to the gentisic acid pathway. P. plecoglossicida 2P was applied in a two-phase partition bioreactor (TPPB) to degrade naphthalene in wastewater. The optimal operating conditions of the reactor were obtained through response surface optimization: initial naphthalene concentration (C0) =1600 mg/L, bacterial liquid concentration (OD600) = 1.3, and polymer-to-wastewater mass ratio (PWR) = 2%. Under these conditions, the naphthalene degradation rate was 98.36% at 24 h. The degradation kinetics were fitted using the Haldane equation with a high coefficient of determination (R2=0.94). The present study laid foundations for naphthalene degradation mechanism of genus Pseudomonas and its potential application in TPPB.

Integrase inhibitor drugs during pregnancy and congenital anomalies: A case/non-case study from the global pharmacovigilance database VigiBase®.

In 2018, a significant neural tube defects (NTD) signal was reported after pre-conceptional exposure to dolutegravir, but was not confirmed in further analysis. Since 2019, dolutegravir-based regimen, an integrase inhibitor (INI), is recommended by WHO as the most-effective first-line therapy in all patients living with HIV. To explore the potential INI-related teratogenic effect, we searched disproportionate signals between exposure to INI-class drugs and congenital anomalies, compared to non-INI drugs, using the international pharmacovigilance database, VigiBase®. We selected all the reports registered in VigiBase® between 01/01/2007 and 30/03/2021 on any antiretroviral drug-related fetal or neonatal adverse drug reactions, declared either in children (<2 years) exposed in utero or in pregnant women (12-50 years). A case/non-case study was conducted to detected signals between congenital anomalies and prenatal exposure to any INI-class drug, compared to non-INI drugs, by estimating adjusted reporting odds ratios (aROR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). We identified 2521 unique reports, among which 664 (26.3%) were related to INI-class use. Overall, 520 congenital anomalies were cited from 327 unique reports, of whom 31.0% were INI-related. Compared to non-INI drugs, no significant disproportionate reporting signal between prenatal exposure to INI-class drugs and congenital anomalies was found (aROR 1.13; 95% CI:0.85-1.51). However, specific significant signals were reported for raltegravir/elvitegravir/dolutegravir drug exposure and urinary malformations (aROR 2.43; 95%CI:1.08-5.43), digestive malformations (aROR 3.09; 95%CI:1.22-7.84), and NTDs (aROR 3.02; 95%CI:1.09-8.37). Although specific congenital anomalies signals associated with raltegravir/elvitegravir/dolutegravir exposure were notified, causal relationship needs to be further investigated in prospective studies.

Prenatal olanzapine exposure and congenital talipes equinovarus (clubfoot): a case report and review of emerging evidence

Recently, concerns have emerged about the potential teratogenic effects of olanzapine, particularly its association with congenital malformations such as congenital talipes equinovarus (clubfoot). Evidence from a large Finnish study, which reported a 2.5-fold increase in musculoskeletal anomalies, as well as various case reports, suggests a significant link between in-utero exposure to olanzapine and these anomalies. This case report aims to add to the growing body of evidence by detailing a new instance of clubfoot following prenatal olanzapine exposure. A 25-year-old woman suffering from bipolar I disorder with psychotic features was treated with olanzapine during pregnancy, resulting in the birth of a male infant with clubfoot but no other malformations. This case underscores the importance of careful risk assessment and monitoring for pregnant women undergoing psychiatric treatment with olanzapine. Potential mechanisms, such as disrupted fetal musculoskeletal development due to olanzapine’s pharmacological effects, warrant further investigation. Comparative analysis with other cases highlights consistent patterns, emphasizing the need for further research to elucidate the mechanisms and risk factors involved.

Antiplatelet Drugs Use in Pregnancy-Review of the Current Practice and Future Implications.

When clinicians opt for antithrombotic therapy to manage or prevent thrombotic complications during pregnancy, it is imperative to consider the unique physiological state of the pregnant woman's body, which can influence the pharmacokinetics of the drug, its ability to traverse the placental barrier, and its potential teratogenic effects on the fetus. While the efficacy and safety of aspirin during pregnancy have been relatively well-established through numerous clinical studies, understanding the effects of newer, more potent antiplatelet agents has primarily stemmed from individual clinical case reports necessitating immediate administration of potent antiplatelet therapy during pregnancy. This review consolidates the collective experiences of clinicians confronting novel thrombotic complications during pregnancy, often requiring the use of dual antiplatelet therapy. The utilization of potent antiplatelet therapy carries inherent risks of bleeding, posing threats to both the pregnant woman and the fetus, as well as the potential for teratogenic effects on the fetus. In the absence of official guidelines regarding the use of potent antiplatelet drugs in pregnancy, a plethora of cases have demonstrated the feasibility of preventing recurrent thrombotic complications, mitigating bleeding risks, and successfully managing pregnancies, frequently culminating in cesarean deliveries, through meticulous selection and dosing of antiplatelet medications.

Toxicity of UV Filter Benzophenone-3 in Brine Shrimp Nauplii (Artemia salina) and Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Embryos.

The benzophenone (BP) family, including oxybenzone (BP-3), a prevalent sunscreen ingredient and environmental contaminant, has raised concerns since the year 2005. This study investigated oxybenzone toxicity in zebrafish (Danio rerio) eleutheroembryos and brine shrimp (Artemia salina) nauplii, focusing on the LC50 and developmental impacts. Zebrafish embryos (0.100-1.50 mg/L BP-3, 96 h) and A. salina (0.100-5.00 mg/L BP-3, 48 h) were tested with ultrasound-assisted emulsified liquid-phase microextraction (UA-ELPME) used for zebrafish tissue analysis. HPLC-DAD determined BP-3 concentrations (highest: 0.74 ± 0.13 mg/L). Although no significant zebrafish embryo mortality or hatching changes occurred, developmental effects were evident. Lethal concentrations were determined (A. salina LC50 at 24 h = 3.19 ± 2.02 mg/L; D. rerio embryos LC50 at 24 h = 4.19 ± 3.60 mg/L), with malformations indicating potential teratogenic effects. A. salina displayed intestinal tract alterations and D. rerio embryos exhibited pericardial edema and spinal deformities. These findings highlight oxybenzone's environmental risks, posing threats to species and ecosystem health.

Assessing the impact of antiviral drugs commonly utilized during the COVID-19 pandemic on the embryonic development of Xenopus laevis

The antiviral drugs favipiravir and oseltamivir are widely used to treat viral infections, including coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), and their levels are expected to increase in the aquatic environment. In this study, the potential toxic and teratogenic effects of these drugs were evaluated using the frog embryo teratogenesis assay Xenopus (FETAX). In addition, glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR), catalase, carboxylesterase (CaE), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme activities and malondialdehyde levels were measured as biochemical markers in embryos and tadpoles for comparative assessment of the sublethal effects of the test compounds. Prior to embryo exposure, drug concentrations in the exposure medium were measured with high-performance liquid chromatography. The 96-h median lethal concentration (LC50) was 137.9 and 32.3 mg/L for favipiravir and oseltamivir, respectively. The teratogenic index for favipiravir was 4.67. Both favipiravir and oseltamivir inhibited GR, CaE, and AChE activities in embryos, while favipiravir increased the GST and CaE activities in tadpoles. In conclusion, favipiravir, for which teratogenicity data are available in mammalian test organisms and human teratogenicity is controversial, inhibited Xenopus laevis embryo development and was teratogenic. In addition, sublethal concentrations of both drugs altered the biochemical responses in embryos and tadpoles, with differences between the developmental stages.

Bipolar Disorder in Pregnancy: A Challenging Case Managed with Maintenance Electroconvulsive Therapy

IntroductionPregnancy is a high-risk period for major affective disorders and can lead to a destabilizing period for our patients. Standard pharmacological strategies must be carefully evaluated due to potential teratogenic or side effects. We present a case of bipolar disorder type I with challenging-to-control maniac episodes during pregnancy, which has required Electroconvulsive Therapy for its management.ObjectivesPresenting maintenance electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) as a safe and effective therapeutic strategy during pregnancy, with the presentation of a case in which it has been administered every 3 weeks from the second trimester until the baby’s birth at 37 weeksMethodsThis concerns a 28-year-old immigrant woman, married, with a 10-year-old child. She was diagnosed with bipolar disorder type I at the age of 16 when she experienced her first manic episode in her country of origin. Subsequently, during her first pregnancy, she required hospitalization for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treatment, with a positive response after a single session. She remained stable for several years without maintenance pharmacological treatment or follow-up until the ninth week of her second pregnancy when she experienced a manic episode requiring hospitalization.ResultsShe was initially treated with Olanzapine and Lorazepam with a positive response, but three weeks later, she was readmitted with a similar episode. These decompensations occurred almost monthly, leading to the consideration of introducing mood stabilizers after the first trimester. However, due to the patient’s severe hyperemesis gravidarum, this stabilizing treatment was ruled out due to the difficulty in controlling its blood levels and the associated risk of intoxication. During the fifth admission at the 20th week of gestation, the decision was made to initiate ECT treatment, which yielded an excellent response and subsequent maintenance.ConclusionsThe indications for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) during pregnancy are the same as in the rest of adult patients. In individuals with a psychiatric history, it is possible for a relapse of mental illness to occur during pregnancy, although the risk is considerably higher during the postpartum period. ECT is considered an effective and safe treatment option in all three trimesters of pregnancy and the postpartum period. During the informed consent process, patients should be informed about the potential impact of ECT as well as alternative treatment options.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Two-Generation Toxicity Study of the Antioxidant Compound Propyl-Propane Thiosulfonate (PTSO).

Propyl-propane thiosulfonate (PTSO), an antioxidant organosulfur compound present in the genus Allium, has become a potential natural additive for food and feed, as well as a possible biopesticide for pest control in plants. A toxicological assessment is necessary to verify its safety for livestock, consumers, and the environment. As part of the risk assessment of PTSO, this study was designed to explore its potential reproductive toxicity in mice following the OECD 416 guideline. The investigation spans two generations to comprehensively evaluate potential reproductive, teratogenic, and hereditary effects. A total of 80 CD1 mice per sex and generation were subjected to PTSO exposure during three phases (premating, gestation, and lactation). This evaluation encompassed three dose levels: 14, 28, and 55 mg PTSO/kg b.w./day, administered through the feed. No clinical changes or mortality attributed to the administration of PTSO were observed in the study. Some changes in the body weight and food consumption were observed, but not related to sex or in a dose-dependent manner. The two parental generations (F0, F1) exhibited normal reproductive performance, and the offspring (F1 and F2) were born without any abnormalities. The serum sexual hormone levels (progesterone -P-, testosterone -T-, estradiol -E2-, follicular stimulating hormone -FSH-, and luteinizing hormone -LH-) were in a normal range. Although significant changes were observed in the sperm analysis in the case of F0 group, no variation was found for F1 group, and no alterations in fertility were recorded either. The absolute organ weights and relative organ weight/body weight and organ weight/brain weight ratios, and the complete histopathological study, showed no significant alterations in males and females for all the generations considered. Considering all the results obtained, PTSO is not considered a reproductive or developmental toxicant in mice under the assayed conditions. These results support the good safety profile of PTSO for its potential application in the agrifood sector.

Lacosamide and pregnancy: Data from spontaneous and solicited reports.

In pregnancy, it is important to balance the risks of uncontrolled epileptic seizures to the mother and fetus against the potential teratogenic effects of antiseizure medications. Data are limited on pregnancy outcomes among patients taking lacosamide (LCM), particularly when taken as monotherapy. The objective of this analysis was to evaluate the pregnancy outcomes of LCM-exposed pregnancies. This analysis included all reports in the UCB Pharma pharmacovigilance database of exposure to LCM during pregnancy from spontaneous sources (routine clinical settings) or solicited reports from interventional clinical studies and noninterventional postmarketing studies. Prospective and retrospective reports were analyzed separately. At the data cutoff (August 31, 2021), there were 202 prospective pregnancy cases with maternal exposure to LCM and known outcomes. Among these cases, 44 (21.8%) patients received LCM monotherapy and 158 (78.2%) received LCM polytherapy. Most patients received LCM during the first trimester (LCM monotherapy: 39 [88.6%]; LCM polytherapy: 143 [90.5%]). From the prospective pregnancy cases with maternal LCM exposure, there were 204 reported outcomes (two twin pregnancies occurred in the polytherapy group). The proportion of live births was 84.1% (37/44) in patients who received LCM as monotherapy, and 76.3% (122/160) for LCM polytherapy. The overall proportion of abortions (for any reason) was 15.9% (7/44) with LCM monotherapy, and 22.5% (36/160) with LCM polytherapy. Congenital malformations were reported in 2.3% (1/44) of known pregnancy outcomes with maternal exposure to LCM monotherapy, and 6.9% (11/160) with polytherapy. Our preliminary data do not raise major concerns on the use of LCM during pregnancy. Most pregnancies with LCM exposure resulted in healthy live births, and no new safety issues were identified. These findings should be interpreted with caution, as additional data are needed to fully evaluate the safety profile of LCM in pregnancy.

Distribution, sources and health risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in urban soils under different landform conditions of Taiyuan, China

Public concern about polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is rising due to their potential carcinogenic, teratogenic, and mutagenic effects. This study assessed PAHs in Taiyuan City’s plain and mountain soil, investigating concentrations, distribution, sources, and carcinogenic risk. Σ21PAHs concentrations in plain topsoil ranged from 133.2 to 6,410.6 ng/g (mean 1,444.7 ng/g), and in mountain soil from 66.5 to 2,250.2 ng/g (mean 585.5 ng/g). Approximately 55.1% of plain and 19.0% of mountain soil samples had contamination levels exceeding 600 ng/g. In plain soil, 4-ring and 5-ring PAHs dominated, while 2-ring and 3-ring PAHs were prevalent in mountain soil. Polluted areas in Taiyuan were primarily centered in the central-north, with higher content closer to industrial or business districts. PAH isomer ratios and principal component analysis/multiple linear regression (PCA/MLR) indicated coal combustion as the main PAH source, followed by coke production, vehicle emissions, and biomass combustion. Incremental lifetime cancer risks (ILCRs) showed Taiyuan’s PAH-related cancer risks were generally low, though heavily contaminated areas exhibited moderate risks. Plain regions had three times higher cancer risk than mountains, with children facing higher risk than adults. These findings highlight the need to consider PAH pollution while enhancing urban environmental quality.

Current trends in colorimetric biosensors using nanozymes for detecting biotoxins (bacterial food toxins, mycotoxins, and marine toxins).

Biotoxins, predominantly bacterial food toxins, mycotoxins, and marine toxins, have emerged as major threats in the fields of seafood, other foods, feeds, and medicine. They have potential teratogenic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic effects on humans, occasionally triggering high morbidity and mortality. One of the apparent concerns relates to the increasing consumption of fast food resulting in the demand for processed food without adequate consideration of the toxins they may contain. Therefore, developing improved methods for detecting biotoxins is of paramount significance. Nanozymes, a type of nanomaterials exhibiting enzyme-like activity, are increasingly being recognized as viable alternatives to natural enzymes owing to their benefits, such as customizable design, controlled catalytic performance, excellent biocompatibility, and superior stability. The remarkable catalytic activity of nanozymes has led to their broad utilization in the development of colorimetric biosensors. This has emerged as a potent and efficient approach for rapid detection, enabling the creation of innovative colorimetric sensing methodologies through the integration of nanozymes with colorimetric sensors. In this review, recent development in nanozyme research and their application in colorimetric biosensing of biotoxins are examined with an emphasis on their characteristics and performance. The study particularly focuses on the peroxidase (POD) activity, oxidase (OXD) activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activity of nanozymes in colorimetric biosensors. Ultimately, the challenges and future prospects of these assays are explored.

A portable smartphone platform utilizing dual-sensing signals for visual determination of semicarbazide in food samples.

Semicarbazide (SEM) is a metabolite of antibiotic nitrofurazone and a food contaminant in food production, showing potential carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic, and toxic effects on human health. It is urgent to develop a highly efficient and sensitive assay for visual detection of SEM. In this paper, a pyrrolopyrrole cyanine fluorescent probe (PPCy-1) was reported for visualization and quantitative analysis of SEM through a chromophore reaction sensing mechanism for the first time. The probe towards SEM exhibited a fast response (10 min), a low detection limit (0.18 μM), high selectivity, and distinct dual ratiometric fluorescence turn-on and colorimetric modes. Its practicability was further verified by detecting SEM in meat, water, and honey samples with satisfactory recovery values. More importantly, a smartphone-assisted portable testing platform was constructed based on a PPCy-1-immobilized test paper or a polyamide thin film with a color scanning APP for real-time and on-site detection of SEM. This work provides low-cost, convenient, and rapid assays for visual SEM detection, which have potential applications in food safety monitoring.

New insights into the typical nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compound-quinoline degradation and detoxification by microbial consortium: Integrated pathways, meta-transcriptomic analysis and toxicological evaluation

As the primary source of COD in industrial wastewater, quinoline has aroused increasing attention because of its potential teratogenic, carcinogenic, and mutagenic effects in the environment. The activated sludge isolate quinoline-degrading microbial consortium (QDMC) efficiently metabolizes quinoline. However, the molecular underpinnings of the degradation mechanism of quinoline by QDMC have not been elucidated. High-throughput sequencing revealed that the dominant genera included Diaphorobacter, Bacteroidia, Moheibacter and Comamonas. Furthermore, a positive strong correlation was observed between the key bacterial communities (Diaphorobact and Bacteroidia) and quinoline degradation. According to metatranscriptomics, genes associated with quorum sensing, ABC transporters, component systems, carbohydrate, aromatic compound degradation, energy metabolism and amino metabolism showed high expression, thus improving adaptability of microbial community to quinoline stress. In addition, the mechanism of QDMC in adapting and resisting to extreme environmental conditions in line with the corresponding internal functional properties and promoting biogegradation efficiency was illustrated. Based on the identified products, QDMC effectively mineralized quinoline into low-toxicity metabolites through three major metabolic pathways, including hydroxyquinoline, 1,2,3,4-H-quinoline, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinoline and 1-oxoquinoline pathways. Finally, toxicological, genotoxicity and phytotoxicity studies supported the detoxification of quinoline by the QDMC. This study provided a promising approach for the stable, environmental-friendly and efficient bioremediation applications for quinoline-containing wastewater.