Toxic Effects Research Articles

Decreased Sulfamethoxazole Uptake in Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) due to Transpiration Inhibition by Polypropylene Microplastics

Microplastics and antibiotics are emerging contaminants in agricultural soil that can have negative effects on crops. However, limited research has been conducted on the effects of the polypropylene (PP) microplastic and sulfamethoxazole (SMX) co-exposure on crops, specifically regarding the impact of PP microplastics on SMX uptake and transport in crops. In this study, hydroponic experiments were carried out using lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), PP microplastics (1.0 g L-1), and SMX (0.5 mg L-1 or 2.5 mg L-1) to investigate the individual and co-exposure effects of PP microplastics and SMX on Lettuce growth, explore the uptake and translocation of SMX in lettuce and elucidate the underlying mechanism of PP microplastic impact on SMX uptake. Results demonstrated that co-exposure to 1.0 g L-1 of PP microplastics and 0.5 mg L-1 of SMX resulted in an enhanced toxic effect. However, no intensified toxic effect on the lettuce was observed when 1.0 g L-1 PP microplastics were added in the presence of 2.5 mg L-1 SMX, indicating that the SMX dominated the toxic effect on lettuce at high concentrations. Additionally, the study found that the water absorption process controlled by the aquaporin and transpiration contributed to the uptake and translocation of SMX in lettuce. When exposed to PP microplastics, no impact was observed on the aquaporin contents of the lettuce while the transpiration rate was significantly decreased by 31.6 % - 44.2 % resulting from microplastics adhered to the root surface. Therefore, in the presence of 2.5 mg L-1 SMX, the SMX uptake in the lettuce root was inhibited by 35.9 % (P < 0.05) when exposed to 1.0 g L-1 PP microplastic. This work deepens our understanding of the behaviour of microplastics and antibiotics in the terrestrial environment.

Continuous-flow degradation of Orange I using CoFe2O4-loaded activated carbon catalyst: Optimization of reaction parameters and toxicity prediction

Orange I (OI) azo dyes produce toxic aromatic compounds in water, making solutions an important issue. In this study, we employed the urea combustion method to load CoFe2O4 particles onto activated carbon (CFO-AC-500). Subsequently, the catalyst was incorporated into a column continuous flow device, testing the effects of multi water parameters and toxicity, and predicting the degradation process on the catalytic degradation of OI for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation. In CFO-AC-500/PMS continuous reactor, it showed a satisfied OI removal of more than 82 % of the OI at a flow rate of 73.6 mL/min in 240 min. Also, response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize the operating conditions, with model fitting results demonstrating that the OI removal rate could reach 95.07 % under specific conditions. ESR analyses revealed that the degradation of OI was primarily governed by free radicals (SO4•-, HO• and O2•-) and non-radical pathways (1O2). The biological toxicity of degraded OI was significantly reduced. This innovative CFO-AC-500/PMS continuous flow system can provide an effective new method for the degradation of difficult-to-treat pollutants in practical applications.

Neuroprotective Effect of Natural Indole and β-carboline Alkaloids against Parkinson's Disease: An Overview.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a devastating neurodegenerative condition that mostly damages dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and impairs human motor function. Males are more likely than females to have PD. There are two main pathways associated with PD: one involves the misfolding of α-synuclein, which causes neurodegeneration, and the other is the catalytic oxidation of dopamine via MAO-B, which produces hydrogen peroxide that can cause mitochondrial damage. Parkin (PRKN), α-synuclein (SNCA), heat shock protein (HSP), and leucine-rich repeat kinase-2 (LRRK2) are some of the target areas for genetic alterations that cause neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease (PD). Under the impact of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), which is also important in Parkinson's disease (PD), inhibition of mitochondrial complex 1 results in enhanced ROS generation in neuronal cells. Natural products are still a superior option in the age of synthetic pharmaceuticals because of their lower toxicity and moderate side effects. A promising treatment for PD has been discovered using beta-carboline (also known as " β-carboline") and indole alkaloids. However, there are not many studies done on this particular topic. In the herbs containing β-carbolines and indoles, the secondary metabolites and alkaloids, β-carbolines and indoles, have shown neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing properties. In this review, we have presented results from 18 years of research on the effects of indole and β-carboline alkaloids against oxidative stress and MAO inhibition, two key targets in PD. In the SAR analysis, the activity has been correlated with their unique structural characteristics. This study will undoubtedly aid researchers in looking for new PD treatment options.

Microplastics exacerbate tissue damage and promote carcinogenesis following liver infection in mice

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, posing a substantial threat to human well-being. Microplastics (MPs) exposure can harm human health and the carcinogenicity of MP remains uncertain. In this study, we investigated carcinogenesis by MPs exposure. We observed MP significantly exacerbated hepatic injury in infectious conditions. In addition, cancer-related p53 and p21 signals are activated by MPs. Analysis of the liver transcriptomic landscape uncovered a noteworthy intensification of the carcinogenesis pathway by MPs compared with pre-infection. The transcription factor SALL2 could act as an oncogenic promoter in the promotion of cancer regulated by MPs. Further, big data analysis presents the correlation between MPs pollution and human hepatocellular carcinoma. This work revealed a toxic amplification effect of the non-bioactive MPs on the bioactive pathogens. This finding provides new insight into understanding the potential toxicity of the MPs.

Nanorevolution Unleashing the Power of Nanotechnology

Abstract: Nanotechnology, the manipulation of matter at the nanoscale, has been an extraordi-nary scientific frontier that has revolutionized various fields, with one of the most promising ap-plications being in the realm of medicine. Nanomedicine, an interdisciplinary field at the intersec-tion of nanotechnology and medicine, holds tremendous potential to transform the landscape of healthcare, diagnosis, and treatment. This abstract delves into the burgeoning advancements of nanotechnology in nanomedicine, highlighting its significance, potential benefits, and ethical con-siderations. The primary focus of nanomedicine is to engineer and utilize nanoscale materials, such as nano-particles and nanostructures, to improve the effectiveness and precision of medical interventions. Nano-sized drug delivery systems can target specific cells or tissues, enhancing therapeutic out-comes and reducing side effects. These nanocarriers can penetrate biological barriers and accu-mulate at disease sites, enabling more efficient drug delivery and increasing the bioavailability of therapeutic agents. Furthermore, nanotechnology has opened new horizons in medical imaging. Nanoparticles can be engineered to be responsive to certain diseases or conditions, providing val-uable information for early detection and precise diagnosis. Novel contrast agents based on na-nomaterials have the potential to revolutionize imaging techniques, offering higher sensitivity and specificity, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes. Beyond diagnostics and drug delivery, nanotechnology is fostering breakthroughs in regenerative medicine. Nanomaterials can act as scaffolds, guiding tissue repair and promoting cellular regen-eration. By harnessing the unique properties of nanoscale materials, tissue engineering, and organ transplantation may witness unparalleled advancements, bringing hope to countless patients awaiting life-saving treatments. However, the unprecedented potential of nanomedicine also rais-es ethical concerns that demand careful consideration. As nanotechnology progresses, concerns about the safety of nanomaterials, potential toxicity, and long-term effects must be addressed to ensure responsible and sustainable development.

Impacts of root exudates on the toxic response of Chrysanthemum coronarium L. to the co-pollution of nanoplastic particles and tetracycline

Nano polystyrene (PS) particles and antibiotics universally co-exist, posing a threat to crop plants and hence human health, nevertheless, there is limited research on their combined toxic effects along with major influential factors, especially root exudates, on crop plants. This study aimed to investigate the response of Chrysanthemum coronarium L. to the co-pollution of nanoplastics and tetracycline (TC), as well as the effect of root exudates on this response. Based on a hydroponic experiment, the biochemical and physiological indices of Chrysanthemum coronarium L. were measured after 7 days of exposure. Results revealed that the co-pollution of TC and PS caused significant oxidative damage to the plants, resulting in reduced biomass. Amongst the two contaminants, TC played a more prominent role. PS could enter the root tissue, and the uptake of TC and PS by plant roots was synergetic. Malic acid, oxalic acid, and formic acid could explain 65.1% of the variation in biochemical parameters and biomass of the roots. These compounds affected the photosynthesis and biomass of Chrysanthemum coronarium L. by gradually lowering root reactive oxygen species (ROS) and leaf ROS. In contrast, the impact of rhizobacteria on the toxic response of the plants was relatively minor. These findings suggested that root exudates could alleviate the toxic response of plants to the co-pollution of TC and PS. This study enhances our understanding of the role of root exudates, providing insights for agricultural management and ensuring food safety.

Prolonged exposure to NaAsO2 induces thyroid dysfunction and inflammatory injury in Sprague‒Dawley rats, involvement of NLRP3 inflammasome‒mediated pyroptosis.

Arsenic, a well-known hazardous toxicant, has been found in recent years to act as an environmental endocrine disruptor that accumulates in various endocrine organs, impeding the normal physiological functions of these organs and altering hormone secretion levels. Moreover, some research has demonstrated a correlation between arsenic exposure and thyroid functions, suggesting that arsenic has a toxicological effect on the thyroid gland. However, the specific type of thyroid gland damage caused by arsenic exposure and its potential molecular mechanism remain poorly understood. In this study, the toxic effects of sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) exposure at different doses (0, 2.5, 5.0 and 10.0mg/kg bw) and over different durations (12, 24 and 36 weeks) on thyroid tissue and thyroid hormone levels in Sprague‒Dawley (SD) rats were investigated, and the specific mechanisms underlying the effects were also explored. Our results showed that NaAsO2 exposure can cause accumulation of this element in the thyroid tissue of rats. More importantly, chronic exposure to NaAsO2 significantly upregulated the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome-related proteins in thyroid tissue, leading to pyroptosis of thyroid cells and subsequent development of thyroid dysfunction, inflammatory injury, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and even fibrotic changes in the thyroid glands of SD rats. These findings increase our understanding of the toxic effects of arsenic exposure on the thyroid gland and its functions.

Toxicity of selected pharmaceuticals and their mixtures to the aquatic indicators Daphnia magna and Aliivibrio fischeri.

Despite the benefits derived from the use of pharmaceuticals, these compounds are currently considered contaminants of emerging concern because of their presence and persistence in the environment. This study aimed to determine the toxicity of 27 pharmaceuticals and the interaction effects of binary mixtures of selected compounds towards two model organisms: the microcrustacean Daphnia magna and the bacterium Aliivibrio fischeri (Microtox test). Six compounds, namely polymyxin B, polymyxin E, fluoxetine, diphenhydramine, clenbuterol and ketoprofen exhibited moderate toxicity towards D. magna. Additionally, three compounds (cefotaxime, polymyxin B, polymyxin E) also showed a moderate toxic effect on A. fischeri. The comparison of such results with model estimations showed inaccuracy in the predicted data, highlighting the relevance of experimental ecotoxicological assays. The assayed mixtures contained four selected drugs of high-hazard according to their reported concentrations in wastewater and surface water (diphenhydramine, trimethoprim, ketoprofen, and fluoxetine); data revealed interactions only in the fluoxetine-containing mixtures for D. magna, while all mixtures showed interactions (mostly synergistic) for Microtox. Chronic effects on the reproduction of D. magna were observed after exposure to fluoxetine and diphenhydramine, although higher sensitivity was determined for the latter, while the mixture of these compounds (which showed acute synergy in both models) also affected the reproduction patterns. Nonetheless, all the effects described at the acute or chronic level (for individual compounds or mixtures) were determined at concentrations higher than commonly reported at environmental levels. This work provides valuable ecotoxicological information for the risk assessment of pharmaceuticals and their mixtures in the environment.

Thyroid and growth hormone endocrine disruption and mechanisms of homosalate and octisalate using wild-type, thrαa-/-, and dre-miR-499-/- zebrafish embryo/larvae

Homosalate (HS) and octisalate (OS), which are used in sunscreen for the purpose of blocking ultraviolet rays, are frequently detected in water environment. Although effects on estrogens and androgens have been reported, studies on thyroid and growth hormone endocrine disruption are limited. In the present study, larval mortality was compared in wild-type and two knockout fish (thyroid hormone receptor alpha a knockout (thrαa-/-) and dre-miR-499 knockout (dre-miR-499-/-)) after 96 h of exposure to HS and OS (0, 0.003, 0.03, 0.3, 3, 30 and 300 µg/L). To investigate the mechanisms of thyroid and growth hormone endocrine disruption, we measured the levels of triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), growth hormone (GH), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and the regulation of representative genes related to the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) and GH/IGF axis in wild-type zebrafish exposed to target chemicals. The significantly lower larval survival rate of thrαa-/- and dre-miR-499-/- fish exposed to 300 μg/L of HS and OS suggest that thyroid hormone receptors and dre-miR-499 play a crucial role in the toxic effects of HS and OS. The finding of a significant increase in T3 and T4 in zebrafish larvae exposed to HS and OS supports a significant decrease in the crh gene. The reduction of GH and IGF-1 in fish exposed to HS and OS is well supported by the regulation of genes involved in the GH/IGF axis. Our observations suggest that exposure to HS and OS affects not only thyroid hormone receptors and their associated miRNAs, but also the feedback routes of HPT and GH/IGF axes, ultimately leading to growth reduction.

Effects of metal oxide nanoparticles on healthy and psoriasis-like human epidermal keratinocytes in vitro.

The use of metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) in skincare products has significantly increased human skin exposure, raising safety concerns. Whilst NP's ability to penetrate healthy skin is minimal, studies have demonstrated that metal oxide NPs can induce toxicity in keratinocytes through direct contact. Moreover, NP's effect on common skin disorders like psoriasis, where barrier impairments and underlying inflammation could potentially increase NP penetration and worsen nanotoxicity is largely unstudied. In this paper, we investigated whether psoriasis-like human keratinocytes (Pso HKs) would exhibit heightened toxic responses to titanium dioxide (TiO2), zinc oxide (ZnO), and/or silica (SiO2) NPs compared to healthy HKs. Cells were exposed to each NP at concentrations ranging between 0.5 and 500µg/ml for 6, 24, and 48h. Amongst the metal oxide NPs, ZnO NPs produced the most pronounced toxic effects in both cell types, affecting cell viability, inducing oxidative stress, and activating the inflammasome pathway. Notably, only in ZnO NPs-treated Pso HKs, trappin-2/pre-elafin was cleaved intracellularly through a non-canonical process. In addition, tissue remodelling-related cytokines were upregulated in ZnO NP-treated Pso HKs. The full impact of the observed outcomes on psoriatic symptoms will need further evaluation. Nonetheless, our findings indicate the importance of understanding the sub-lethal impacts of NP exposures on keratinocytes, even though direct exposure may be low, particularly in the context of skin disorders where repeated and long-term exposures are anticipated.

Polymersomes as Next Generation Nanocarriers for Drug Delivery: Recent Advances, Patents, Synthesis and Characterization

Background: Polymersomes (PS), self-assembled nanostructures formed by amphiphilic block copolymers, have garnered significant attention in recent years due to their unique properties and versatile applications in the fields of drug delivery and biomedicine. They are being prepared for a wide range of complex medicinal compounds, including nucleic acids, proteins, and enzymes. Polymersomes have lately been used as vehicles for delivering varied therapeutic substances and regulating ROS (reactive oxygen species). Due to their immunogenic features, polymersomes could play a critical role in enhancing subunit vaccine and drug delivery against COVID-19 infection. Objective: The prime purpose of this manuscript is to furnish an extensive overview of polymersomes, highlighting their recent advances, fabrication methods, characterization techniques, and pharmaceutical applications. Methods: The article has been amassed using several online and offline manuscripts from reputed journals, books, and other resources. Besides this, various user-friendly interfaces, like Pubmed, Google Scholar, etc, have been utilized to gather the latest data about polymersomes. This domain encompasses recent advancements in the realm of innovations about the delivery of drugs through polymeric vesicles. This field involves innovations or developments in nanocarrier systems as they are efficaciously employed to deliver the desired moiety to the targeted site. Results: PS have been discovered to exhibit remarkable promise in addressing various challenges associated with inadequate bioavailability, targeted drug delivery, dosing frequency, and diminished toxic effects. Over the past decade, such nanovesicles have been effectively employed as a complementary approach to address the issues arising from poorly soluble medications. However, this domain still requires further focus on novel breakthroughs. Conclusion: Polymersomes demonstrate unparalleled potential as innovative carriers, exhibiting remarkable versatility and exceptional biocompatibility. This concise review underscores their extraordinary prospects in diverse fields, accentuating their distinctive attributes and opening new avenues for groundbreaking applications.

Recent Advancements and SAR Studies of Synthetic Coumarins as MAO-B Inhibitors: An Updated Review.

The oxidative deamination of a wide range of endogenous and exogenous amines is catalyzed by a family of enzymes known as monoamine oxidases (MAOs), which are reliant on flavin-adenine dinucleotides. Numerous neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), are significantly correlated with changes in the amounts of biogenic amines in the brain caused by MAO. Hydrogen peroxide, reactive oxygen species, and ammonia, among other toxic consequences of this oxidative breakdown, can harm brain cells' mitochondria and cause oxidative damage. The prime objective of this review article was to highlight and conclude the recent advancements in structure-activity relationships of synthetic derivatives of coumarins for MAO-B inhibition, published in the last five years' research articles. The literature (between 2019 and 2023) was searched from platforms like Science Direct, Google Scholar, PubMed, etc. After going through the literature, we have found a number of coumarin derivatives being synthesized by researchers for the inhibition of MAO-B for the management of diseases associated with the enzyme such as Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease. The effect of these coumarin derivatives on the enzyme depends on the substitutions associated with the structure. The structure-activity relationships of the synthetic coumarin derivatives that are popular nowadays have been described and summarized in the current study. The results revealed the updated review on SAR studies of synthetic coumarins as MAO-B inhibitors, specifically for Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease. The patents reported on coumarin derivatives as MAO-B inhibitors were also highlighted. Recently, coumarins, a large class of chemicals with both natural and synthetic sources, have drawn a lot of attention because of the vast range of biological actions they have that are linked to neurological problems. Numerous studies have demonstrated that chemically produced and naturally occurring coumarin analogs both exhibited strong MAO-B inhibitory action. Coumarins bind to MAO-B reversibly thereby preventing the breakdown of neurotransmitters like dopamine leading to the inhibition of the enzyme A number of MAO-B blockers have been proven to be efficient therapies for treating neurological diseases like Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease. To combat these illnesses, there is still an urgent need to find effective treatment compounds.

Hormone Receptor Positive Breast Cancer in Young Women: A Review.

The global incidence of hormone-positive breast cancer (HR+ BC) in young women is rising, though the underlying reasons remain unclear. HR+ disease in younger women appears to represent a distinct clinical entity compared to that in older women, exhibiting distinct clinicopathological characteristics, outcomes and responses to treatment. Despite these differences, there is a paucity of large-volume data focusing on young women with HR+ in contemporary literature. Hormone receptor positive breast cancer in young women is associated with poorer prognoses compared to older women. Additionally, early age onset breast cancer presents unique challenges, including concerns related to fertility, the toxic effects of therapeutic agents, and specific surgical considerations. The purpose of this review is to report the existing literature on HR+ disease in young women.

Evaluation of the Cytotoxicity Effects of Bacteriophage VbɸPA-1 on the Virulent Pseudomonas aeruginosa, A375 Human Skin Melanoma Epithelial, and HFSF PI3 Human Skin Fibroblast Cells

Background: Gram-negative bacteria are the most common infectious bacteria and are life-threatening in burn patients. Phage therapy studies can help the hospital community eliminate these bacterial pathogens. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the isolated bacteriophages from hospital wastewater against Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria and investigate their cytotoxicity on two human skin cell lines. Methods: The bacterial strains were isolated from burn wound infections. Bacteriophages were isolated from the hospital wastewater treatment plant in Isfahan, Iran. Transmission electron microscopy, spot tests, and restriction enzyme digestion were considered for phage identification. Finally, the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and tetrazolium-based MTT assays were used to realize the cytotoxicity impacts of the isolated phages. The statistical analysis of cell viability was performed using a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: The results showed that among the isolated strains, P. aeruginosa strain NEG_RA1300 (GenBank accession number: MW845642) was sensitive to the isolated phage VbɸPA-1. The TEM results showed a possible viral taxonomy of VbɸPA-1 based on its morphology, which belonged to the Myoviridae (T4-like phages). The MTT and LDH experiments showed no cytotoxicity of VbɸPA-1 on two tested cell lines. Conclusions: Based on the results, the inhibitory effect of isolated phage on P. aeruginosa isolated from burn wounds with no toxic effect on cell lines was very significant. This phage can also be an acceptable selection against burn wound infections.

Oxidative stress and cytotoxicity of co-formulants of glyphosate-based herbicides in HMWB cells

Abstract Background Glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) are widely used worldwide because of their effectiveness and low cost. However, there is a growing concern regarding the potential health risks associated with glyphosate exposure. Glyphosate is always marketed in formulations containing ingredients other than the active substance. These co-formulants may have toxic effects on humans and animals. Although several studies have assessed the health risks related to glyphosate, the toxicological effects of the co-formulants must be analysed in more detail to ensure the health and safety of pesticide users and the general population. This study aimed to characterize and compare the cytotoxic effects of co-formulants with those of the active substance and GBH formulations. Methods Human mononuclear white blood (HMWB) cells were exposed to varying concentrations (0.1 µM, 1µM, 10 µM, 100 µM, 1 mM, 10 mM) of glyphosate, three GBHs (Fozat 480, Roundup, and Glyfos), and two co-formulants for 4- and 20-hours. Cytotoxicity was assessed using the CCK-8 assay, and oxidative stress levels in HMWB cells were evaluated using the superoxide dismutase (SOD) assay. Cell viability and SOD activity were analysed using a spectrophotometer at 460 nm absorbance. Results Glyphosate alone did not significantly affect the cell viability. However, notable cytotoxic effects were observed in response to GBHs and adjuvants at concentrations as low as 100 µM. Furthermore, the Oxidative stress levels in cells treated with GBHs or adjuvants were significantly higher than those treated with glyphosate alone. Conclusions These findings suggest that the cytotoxic effects of GBHs are likely attributed to the adjuvants present in the formulations, which promote oxidative stress. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the health risks associated with using glyphosate-based herbicides, and co-formulants should be considered when assessing their safety. Key messages • The safety of GBHs cannot be solely attributed to glyphosate itself but also to the other components in the formulation. • Toxicity evaluation should take into account not only glyphosate but also the co-formulants present in these herbicides when assessing their safety.

Supramolecular Self-Assembled Hydrogel for Antiviral Therapy through Glycyrrhizic Acid-Enhanced Zinc Absorption and Intracellular Accumulation.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common pathogen that causes respiratory infections in infants and children worldwide, significantly impacting hospitalization rates in this age group. Zinc ions are considered to have broad-spectrum antiviral potential against RNA viruses, including RSV. However, poor organism absorption and low intracellular accumulation of zinc require repeated high-dose supplementation, which may lead to unnecessary toxic side effects. In this research, a Zn2+-mediated glycyrrhizinic acid (GA)-based hydrogel (ZnGA Gel) was introduced and potentially developed to be a clinically available drug candidate for RSV therapy. ZnGA Gel was fabricated based on the cooperation of two potential RSV inhibiting molecules (Zn2+ and GA), where Zn2+ promoted self-assembly of GA and reduced its gel concentration and GA promoted zinc absorption and distribution in lung tissue in vivo. The facile construction of supramolecular hydrogel by the self-assembled coordination complex made it an injectable, temperature-sensitive, and pH-responsive controlled-release drug delivery for Zn2+. Most importantly, GA was observed to enhance organism absorption and intracellular accumulation of Zn2+ and was identified as a zinc ionophore for the first time. GA can colonize on the cell membrane and disturb cell membrane potential, resulting in an enhanced cell membrane permeability. In the presence of GA, more than 4.7-fold increasing Zn2+ concentrations materialized in the intracellular cytoplasm, compared to Zn2+ alone administration. This intracellular Zn2+ accumulation directly boosted the antiviral activities through improved inhibition of RSV replication-associated proteins and significantly inhibited RSV replication. Oral administration of ZnGA Gel on the RSV-infected mice model achieved an ideal therapeutic effect by effectively lowering viral load in the lungs, alleviating lung injury symptoms, and reducing inflammatory cell infiltration at pathological sites. The mechanism involved the inhibition of RSV replication-related proteins, aligning with our in vitro results. Additionally, ZnGA Gel had demonstrated biocompatibility, and reasonable supplementation of zinc was acceptable and effective for infants and children in clinical practice. Hence, the ZnGA Gel developed by us holds promise as an effective anti-RSV medicine in the future.

Evaluation of Toxicity of Feed Additive for Highly Productive Animals

The study of new feed additives requires toxicological research to assess their safety for further use. This research presents the results of an acute toxicity study of the feed additive "Bodrivin," developed for highly productive animals of dairy, meat-dairy, and meat breeds. The aim is to prevent stress of various etiologies, enhance the nutritional value of the diet, especially during periods of energy deficiency, and consequently improve productivity and profitability in production. Non-linear laboratory rats were used for the experiment. The first experimental group received a single oral dose of the feed additive via syringe and atraumatic needle with a bulbous end at a dosage of 2000 mg/kg. After obtaining the results of the experiment over a 14-day period, a similar experiment was conducted on the second experimental group. At the conclusion of the experiment, no signs indicating toxic effects of the studied feed additive were observed in the animals, and the body weight of the experimental animals remained unchanged in both the first and second series of the experiment. The acute toxicity study of the feed additive "Bodrivin" indicated that the evaluated feed additive belongs to Class V of danger according to GOST 32644-2014.

Future of Uremic Toxin Management

During the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD), the retention of uremic toxins plays a key role in the development of uremic syndrome. Knowledge about the nature and biological impact of uremic toxins has grown exponentially over the past decades. However, the science on reducing the concentration and effects of uremic toxins has not advanced in parallel. Additionally, the focus has remained for too long on dialysis strategies, which only benefit the small fraction of people with CKD who suffer from advanced kidney disease, whereas uremic toxicity effects are only partially prevented. This article reviews recent research on alternative methods to counteract uremic toxicity, emphasizing options that are also beneficial in the earlier stages of CKD, with a focus on both established methods and approaches which are still under investigation or at the experimental stage. We will consequently discuss the preservation of kidney function, the prevention of cardiovascular damage, gastro-intestinal interventions, including diet and biotics, and pharmacologic interventions. In the final part, we also review alternative options for extracorporeal uremic toxin removal. The future will reveal which of these options are valid for further development and evidence-based assessment, hopefully leading to a more sustainable treatment model for CKD than the current one.

Toxic effects of microplastic and nanoplastic on the reproduction of teleost fish in aquatic environments.

Microplastics and nanoplastics are widely present in aquatic environments and attract significant scholarly attention due to their toxicity, persistence, and ability to cross biological barriers, which pose substantial risks to various fish species. Microplastics and nanoplastics can enter fish through their digestive tract, gills and skin, causing oxidative damage to the body and adversely affecting their reproductive system. Given that fish constitute a crucial source of high-quality protein for humans, it is necessary to study the impact of microplastics on fish reproduction in order to assess the impact of pollutants on ecology, biodiversity conservation, environmental sustainability, and endocrine disruption. This review explores the reproductive consequences of microplastics and nanoplastics in fish, examining aspects such as fecundity, abnormal offspring, circadian rhythm, gonad index, spermatocyte development, oocyte development, sperm quality, ovarian development, and changes at the molecular and cellular level. These investigations hold significant importance in environmental toxicology.

Phytochemical Analysis, Total Phenolic Content, Hemolytic and Anti-hemolytic Activities of Centaurea iberica (Asteraceae)

Several plants contain chemical substances that have various biological activities, but they also probably cause harmful effects on cellular membranes. This work deals with the Centaurea iberica (Iberian starthistle) plant. The objective of this study is to identify the main chemical groups in the methanolic extract 80% of the plant, determine its total phenolic content, evaluate its toxic effect on human erythrocytes, and also assess its activity in the protection of normal and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) enzyme-deficient human erythrocytes membranes against oxidative hemolysis. Phytochemical analysis revealed that C. iberica extract contains several bioactive compounds. The results also showed that the plant extract contained good level of total phenolic compounds. The extract exhibited a low hemolytic effect. It also showed excellent activity in the protection of normal and G6PD-deficient human erythrocytes against oxidative hemolysis. KEYWORDS Erythrocytes, G6PD, Iberian starthistle, methanolic extract, toxic effect, oxidative hemolysis