Toxicology

Article Environmental Sciences

Characterization, Behavior, and Risk Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the Estuary Sediments

Balram Ambade, Shrikanta Shankar Sethi, Basant Giri, Jayanta Kumar Biswas, Kuldeep Bauddh

Summary: The study found significant variations in PAH concentrations in sediment deposits in the Subarnarekha River estuary, mainly sourced from petroleum combustion, biomass, and coal-burning, posing serious threats to ecosystems and human health.

BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY (2022)

Article Pharmacology & Pharmacy

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and female reproductive outcomes: PFAS elimination, endocrine-mediated effects, and disease

Brittany P. Rickard, Imran Rizvi, Suzanne E. Fenton

Summary: Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are environmental contaminants widely detected in drinking water supplies globally, linked to adverse reproductive health outcomes in women. Research has shown that PFAS can disrupt women's reproductive function, but further studies are needed to fully understand the effects on female reproductive health.

TOXICOLOGY (2022)

Review Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Essential metals in health and disease

Klaudia Jomova, Marianna Makova, Suliman Y. Alomar, Saleh H. Alwasel, Eugenie Nepovimova, Kamil Kuca, Christopher J. Rhodes, Marian Valko

Summary: Twenty essential elements, half of which are metals and half are non-metals, are required for proper functioning of the human body. Metallo-regulatory mechanisms in cells help maintain homeostasis of metal-ions crucial for various cellular processes, especially in the central nervous system. Imbalances in essential metals can lead to diseases such as neurological disorders, mental health problems, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes. A multidisciplinary approach involving bioinorganic chemists, biophysicists, and biologists is needed to further understand the role of metal ions in biological systems.

CHEMICO-BIOLOGICAL INTERACTIONS (2022)

Article Environmental Sciences

Chromium-resistant Staphylococcus aureus alleviates chromium toxicity by developing synergistic relationships with zinc oxide nanoparticles in wheat

Shoaib Ahmad, Manar Fawzi Bani Mfarrej, Mohamed A. El-Esawi, Muhammad Waseem, Aishah Alatawi, Muhammad Nafees, Muhammad Hamzah Saleem, Muhammad Rizwan, Tahira Yasmeen, Alia Anayat, Shafaqat Ali

Summary: This study investigates the use of microbe-assisted phytoremediation with zinc oxide nanoparticles for detoxification of chromium-contaminated soils. The results show that the combined application of bacterial inoculation and zinc oxide nanoparticles can reduce the toxicity of chromium on wheat plants and improve their growth and defense system.

ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY (2022)

Review Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology

Promising bioactive compounds from the marine environment and their potential effects on various diseases

Akash Karthikeyan, Abey Joseph, Baiju G. Nair

Summary: Marine organisms are promising biocatalysts with resistance to harsh conditions, playing a crucial role in new industrial processes; Biologically active compounds derived from marine resources, such as antibiotics, antivirals, and anticancer agents, have significant pharmaceutical potential; The bioactive compounds from marine sources have shown therapeutic effects in various diseases, indicating their potential contribution to human health.

JOURNAL OF GENETIC ENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY (2022)

Review Pharmacology & Pharmacy

Targeting NRF2 and Its Downstream Processes: Opportunities and Challenges

Laura Torrente, Gina M. DeNicola

Summary: The transcription factor NRF2 plays a crucial role in regulating cytoprotection and metabolism. Its transient activation in healthy tissues prevents cancer initiation, but cancer cells hijack NRF2 to support their proliferation and develop resistance to treatment. Blocking NRF2 activity in tumors is a promising approach to counteract cancer progression and overcome treatment resistance.

ANNUAL REVIEW OF PHARMACOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY (2022)

Article Food Science & Technology

Maternal exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics during gestation and lactation induces hepatic and testicular toxicity in male mouse offspring

Tao Huang, Wenjuan Zhang, Tingting Lin, Shujuan Liu, Zhangbei Sun, Fangming Liu, Yangyang Yuan, Xiting Xiang, Haibin Kuang, Bei Yang, Dalei Zhang

Summary: This study found that maternal exposure to polystyrene nanoparticles during pregnancy and lactation can cause toxic effects on the liver and testicles of mouse offspring, leading to impaired growth, oxidative stress, inflammatory cell infiltration, and disrupted glycometabolism.

FOOD AND CHEMICAL TOXICOLOGY (2022)

Review Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Modifications of mRNA vaccine structural elements for improving mRNA stability and translation efficiency

Sun Chang Kim, Simranjeet Singh Sekhon, Woo-Ri Shin, Gna Ahn, Byung-Kwan Cho, Ji-Young Ahn, Yang-Hoon Kim

Summary: Modifying mRNA structural elements, such as the 5' cap, 5'-and 3'-untranslated regions (UTRs), the coding region, and polyadenylation tail, helps reduce excessive mRNA immunogenicity and improve intracellular stability and translational efficiency. Further research on mRNA structural elements and their optimization is needed to advance the engineering of mRNA vaccines.

MOLECULAR & CELLULAR TOXICOLOGY (2022)

Article Pharmacology & Pharmacy

Nivolumab Plus Relatlimab: First Approval

Julia Paik

Summary: Nivolumab plus relatlimab is a combination immunotherapy treatment being developed for multiple types of advanced cancers. The treatment targets immune checkpoints using monoclonal antibodies. In March 2022, it received its first approval in the USA for unresectable or metastatic melanoma.
Review Pharmacology & Pharmacy

Thioredoxin Reductase Inhibition for Cancer Therapy

Radosveta Gencheva, Elias S. J. Arner

Summary: Cytosolic selenoprotein thioredoxin reductase 1 (TrxR1) and mitochondrial TrxR2 (TXNRD2) can be inhibited by a wide range of electrophilic compounds, which may have important implications for cancer therapy.

ANNUAL REVIEW OF PHARMACOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY (2022)

Article Environmental Sciences

The antagonistic effect of selenium on lead-induced apoptosis and necroptosis via P38/JNK/ERK pathway in chicken kidney

Zhiruo Miao, Zhiying Miao, Xu Shi, Hao Wu, Yujie Yao, Shiwen Xu

Summary: Lead and selenium interact in chicken kidneys, and selenium can regulate the signaling pathway activated by lead, reducing the damage to chicken kidney cells.

ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY (2022)

Article Environmental Sciences

Recent progress in Fenton/Fenton-like reactions for the removal of antibiotics in aqueous environments

Yu Jiang, Jiabing Ran, Kang Mao, Xuefeng Yang, Li Zhong, Changying Yang, Xinbin Feng, Hua Zhang

Summary: The frequent use of antibiotics leads to their accumulation in the environment, posing a threat to environmental health. The Fenton reaction, as an effective treatment technology, shows promise for the removal of antibiotics in aqueous environments. This review summarizes recent progress on the use of Fenton and Fenton-like reactions for the removal of antibiotics, discusses their advantages and disadvantages, and explores the potential for their application in different scenarios.

ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY (2022)

Review Immunology

High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) in COVID-19: extrapolation of dangerous liaisons

Hayder M. Al-kuraishy, Ali I. Al-Gareeb, Luay Alkazmi, Ola A. Habotta, Gaber El-Saber Batiha

Summary: HMGB1 is a multifunctional nuclear protein that plays a critical role in the inflammatory signaling pathway. Elevated levels of HMGB1 in COVID-19 patients are associated with disease severity and complications. Targeting the HMGB1 pathway may be beneficial in reducing the severity of the disease.

INFLAMMOPHARMACOLOGY (2022)

Article Environmental Sciences

The asymmetric effect of renewable energy and trade on consumption-based CO2 emissions: The case of Italy

Minhaj Ali, Dervis Kirikkaleli

Summary: This study fills the gap in the literature on consumption-based CO2 emissions adjusted for international trade in the case of Italy. It reveals a positive asymmetric effect of imports on consumption-based CO2 emissions, while exports, renewable consumption, and economic growth reduce Italy's consumption-based CO2 emissions. These findings are supported by frequency domain causality tests and highlight the importance of eco-friendly policies for a greener future.

INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT (2022)

Article Pharmacology & Pharmacy

Comparing the effects of polystyrene microplastics exposure on reproduction and fertility in male and female mice

Zhaolan Wei, Yunyi Wang, Shuwei Wang, Jing Xie, Qi Han, Mingqing Chen

Summary: Exposure to microplastics has negative effects on the reproductive systems and fertility of mice. Male mice experience reduced sperm quantity and increased sperm deformity, while female mice experience decreased ovary size and follicle number. Additionally, microplastic exposure alters hormone levels and leads to reduced pregnancy rates and fewer embryos in mice.

TOXICOLOGY (2022)

Review Pharmacology & Pharmacy

Heavy metals induced mitochondrial dysfunction in animals: Molecular mechanism of toxicity

Qiuyu Sun, Ying Li, Lijun Shi, Riaz Hussain, Khalid Mehmood, Zhaoxin Tang, Hui Zhang

Summary: Heavy metal pollution poses a serious threat to animal growth, public health, and aquatic life. This review focuses on the mechanisms of heavy metal toxicity on mitochondria, including altered mitochondrial functions, oxidative stress, and damage to the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Understanding these molecular mechanisms is crucial for the treatment of heavy metal poisoning and the protection of animal and animal-derived food safety.

TOXICOLOGY (2022)

Article Pharmacology & Pharmacy

Efficacy and Safety of RBX2660 in PUNCH CD3, a Phase III, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial with a Bayesian Primary Analysis for the Prevention of Recurrent Clostridioides difficile Infection

Sahil Khanna, Maha Assi, Christine Lee, David Yoho, Thomas Louie, Whitfield Knapple, Humberto Aguilar, Julia Garcia-Diaz, Gary P. Wang, Scott M. Berry, Joe Marion, Xin Su, Tricia Braun, Lindy Bancke, Paul Feuerstadt

Summary: RBX2660 is a safe and effective treatment option for reducing recurrent C. difficile infection following standard-of-care antibiotics, with a sustained response lasting up to 6 months.
Article Food Science & Technology

Innate immune suppression by SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccinations: The role of G-quadruplexes, exosomes, and MicroRNAs

Stephanie Seneff, Greg Nigh, Anthony M. Kyriakopoulos, Peter A. McCullough

Summary: This study provides evidence that mRNA vaccines may have adverse effects on human health, including impairment of interferon signaling system and potential links to other diseases. The study calls for a comprehensive risk/benefit assessment of mRNA vaccines.

FOOD AND CHEMICAL TOXICOLOGY (2022)

Review Environmental Sciences

PFAS Molecules: A Major Concern for the Human Health and the Environment

Emiliano Panieri, Katarina Baralic, Danijela Djukic-Cosic, Aleksandra Buha Djordjevic, Luciano Saso

Summary: PFAS compounds, with their unique properties, have been widely used but also pose serious threats to wildlife and human health. Authorities, industries, and scientists are working together to regulate their use and develop remediation technologies.

TOXICS (2022)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Chemical characterization of tobacco-free modern oral nicotine pouches and their position on the toxicant and risk continuums

David Azzopardi, Chuan Liu, James Murphy

Summary: Compared with snus, NPs have lower levels of harmful compounds and expose users to lower levels of toxic compounds. NPs and NRTs have the lowest toxicant profiles and estimations of relative toxicant exposure across the product categories.

DRUG AND CHEMICAL TOXICOLOGY (2022)