Vanadium compounds are promising anti-diabetic agents. However, the concern in the toxicity, especially the long-term renal side effect along with diabetic status, is restricting the further development of this metal ...Vanadium compounds are promising anti-diabetic agents. However, the concern in the toxicity, especially the long-term renal side effect along with diabetic status, is restricting the further development of this metal drug. Recently, we have prepared a bis((5-hydroxy-4-oxo-4H-pyran-2-yl) methyl 2-hydroxy-benzoatato) oxovanadium(BSOV), which exhibited excellent hypoglycemic effect with low acute toxicity. In order to facilitate the development of anti-diabetic vanadium complexes, especially BSOV, we studied the long-term toxicity and hypoglycemic effect of BSOV in comparison with bis(maltolato) oxovanadium(BMOV) on both non-diabetic and type II diabetic mice. The experiments confirmed a stable hypoglycemic effect for both the vanadium complexes over the testing period(6–7 months). However, the chronic administration of vanadium compounds slightly increased oxidative stress in ICR mice and the induced renal interstitial edema(RIE) in a part of the diabetic animals associated with low levels of serum albumin. The use of an antioxidant dietary supplement(a combination of vitamin C and Zinc gluconate) could prevent vanadium-induced oxidative stress but have marginal effect on RIE. However, BSOV caused much lower incidence of RIE than BMOV did, suggesting that BSOV is an important step towards the successful development of anti-diabetic vanadium drugs.展开更多
[Objectives]To study the long-term toxicity of Maxing Erchen Zhike granules to rats after intragastric administration,so as to provide reference for its preclinical safety evaluation.[Methods]Total 80 rats were random...[Objectives]To study the long-term toxicity of Maxing Erchen Zhike granules to rats after intragastric administration,so as to provide reference for its preclinical safety evaluation.[Methods]Total 80 rats were randomly and evenly divided into high-dose group(1.2 mL/100 g,120 g/kg),middle-dose group(96.0 g/kg),low-dose group(72.0 g/kg)and blank control group.The rats in the treatment groups were administered with corresponding doses of Maxing Erchen Zhike granules,and those in the blank control group were given with equal-amount normal saline.The administration lasted for 30 consecutive days.During the experiment,the rats'feed intake,activity,feces and other conditions and toxicity reactions were observed every day.After 24 h of the last administration,12 rats(half male and half female)were randomly selected from each group.Each of the rats was anesthetized with 10%chloral hydrate solution(0.3 mL/100 g)through intraperitoneal injection and subjected to abdominal aorta blood collection(two tubes)for hematological examination and blood biochemical examination(serum).Then,the main organs of the rats were weighed,and pathological examinations were performed.After that,the main organs were weighed and pathological examination was performed.The remaining rats in each group were discontinued and observed for 14 d.On the 15th d,they were subjected to the same treatment,and the body weight,organ coefficients,hematological indices,blood biochemical indices and pathological indices were examined.[Results]After 30 d of administration,there was no abnormality in the appearance and behavior of the animals.There was no significant difference in the daily consumption of feed among the groups,and there was no special case of weight gain.Among the blood biochemical indices,the ALB and ALT levels of each administration group were significantly different from those of the blank control group(P<0.05).The results of histopathological examination show that there was one case of interstitial pneumonia in each of the high-dose group,middle-dose group and blank control group.After 14 d that the administration was stopped,one case of focal myocarditis appeared in the high-dose group,and one case of interstitial pneumonia appeared in the middle-dose group.[Conclusions]Maxing Erchen Zhike granules are safe to be administered to rats at 100 times the clinical dose.and there should be no safety hazards clinically when used at conventional doses.展开更多
Cancer continues to pose a formidable challenge in global health,with conventional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy often resulting in severe toxicities that significantly degrade patients’quality of ...Cancer continues to pose a formidable challenge in global health,with conventional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy often resulting in severe toxicities that significantly degrade patients’quality of life and restrict therapeutic outcomes.Addressing this pressing issue,this review presents a thorough and systematic analysis of innovative and emerging strategies designed to minimize the toxicity induced by treatment,while maintaining or even enhancing antitumor efficacy.The focus is on six promising therapeutic approaches:combination therapies utilizing natural bioactive products,molecularly targeted therapies,immunotherapies,nanotechnology-mediated drug delivery systems,adjunct traditional Chinese medicine interventions,and low-dose spatiotemporally concerted regimens.Each approach employs unique mechanisms—such as enhanced targeting precision,immune system activation,tumor microenvironment reprogramming,and multi-component synergistic effects—to mitigate damage to normal tissues and reduce systemic adverse reactions.Despite promising preclinical and clinical advancements,several challenges persist,including drug resistance,high economic costs,a lack of reliable predictive biomarkers,and complexities in clinical translation and regulatory approval.Looking ahead,the incorporation of artificial intelligence,multi-omics profiling,and novel biomimetic nanotechnologies offers unprecedented opportunities for developing highly personalized,low-toxicity treatment frameworks.This review highlights a fundamental shift in oncology towards precision medicine that balances efficacy with safety,demonstrating the transformative potential of these strategies in shaping the future of cancer therapy and enhancing patient care globally.展开更多
The widespread use of herbicides such as glyphosate isopropyl amine salt(GIS)and atrazine(ATZ)poses significant risks to aquatic ecosystems.This study investigated the single and joint acute toxicity of a 1:1 GIS-ATZ ...The widespread use of herbicides such as glyphosate isopropyl amine salt(GIS)and atrazine(ATZ)poses significant risks to aquatic ecosystems.This study investigated the single and joint acute toxicity of a 1:1 GIS-ATZ mixture on zebrafish(Danio rerio).Acute tests determined 96-h LC_(50) values of 123.41 mg/L for GIS and 103.95 mg/L for ATZ.In the joint toxicity test,these values decreased to 60.96 and 50.88 mg/L,respectively.The Additive Index(AI)analysis revealed a consistent synergistic interaction between the herbicides at all exposure intervals.These findings underscore the enhanced ecological threat of herbicide mixtures and highlight the necessity of considering joint effects in environmental risk assessments.展开更多
AIM:To examine the ocular toxicity linked to sildenafilusage and the possible protective benefits of adenosinetriphosphate(ATP)against this toxicity in rats.METHODS:Twenty-four male albino Wistar-type ratswere divided...AIM:To examine the ocular toxicity linked to sildenafilusage and the possible protective benefits of adenosinetriphosphate(ATP)against this toxicity in rats.METHODS:Twenty-four male albino Wistar-type ratswere divided into four equal groups(n=6/group)as follows:healthy group(HG),ATP-only group(ATPG),sildenafil-onlygroup(SILG),and ATP+sildenafil group(ATP+SLD).ATPG andATP+SLD groups were injected intraperitoneally with ATP(4 mg/kg),while SILG and HG groups were injected withsaline(0.9%NaCl)by the same route as a solvent.One hourafter the administration of ATP and solvent,sildenafil(10 m g/k g)was administered orally to the SILG andATP+SLD groups.This procedure was repeated once a dayfor 4wk.The animals were then sacrificed,eyeballs wereremoved and oxidant and antioxidant parameters weremeasured biochemically.Additionally,the ocular tissueswere evaluated histopathologically.RESULTS:Sildenafil increased oxidant(malondialdehyde)levels and decreased antioxidant levels(total glutathione,superoxide dismutase,catalase)in rat ocular tissues andcaused severe oxidative stress.In addition,sildenafil hasbeen shown histopathologically to cause oxidative damagein retinal layers.ATP treatment suppressed oxidative stressand attenuated histopathological damage in the retinal layers.CONCLUSION:ATP protects retinal tissue againstsildenafil-induced ocular oxidative damage in rats andmay contribute to the development of novel approaches toprevent or treat this damage.展开更多
Albumin,owing to its high abundance and excellent biocompatibility,is widely used as a drug carrier to enhance delivery efficiency and reduce systemic toxicity.The Michael addition between albumin thiols and maleimide...Albumin,owing to its high abundance and excellent biocompatibility,is widely used as a drug carrier to enhance delivery efficiency and reduce systemic toxicity.The Michael addition between albumin thiols and maleimide-functionalized prodrugs is a common in situ macromolecular prodrug strategy.However,the resulting reversible adducts are susceptible to retro-Michael reactions in vivo,leading to premature drug release and off-target effects.To address this limitation,a gemcitabine prodrug(GAB)bearing a chloroacetamide group was designed to form irreversible covalent bonds with albumin via nucleophilic substitution.A maleimide-based prodrug(GAM)was synthesized as a control.Compared to GAM,GAB showed faster and stronger albumin binding in plasma,enhanced blood circulation time,improved tumor accumulation,and superior in vivo antitumor efficacy.Moreover,GAB exhibited a better safety profile,with reduced cytotoxicity in normal tissues and no observable systemic toxicity.These advantages are attributed to the stable albumin-drug conjugate formed by GAB,which improves drug retention and targeted delivery.This study presents an effective and generalizable albumin-hitchhiking strategy for constructing irreversible prodrugs,offering a promising approach to enhance the therapeutic index of chemotherapeutic agents.展开更多
Ammonium toxicity in plants remains poorly understood despite extensive research.While nitrate is known to benefit plant growth,the synergistic effects of nitrate in mitigating ammonium toxicity,even at low concentrat...Ammonium toxicity in plants remains poorly understood despite extensive research.While nitrate is known to benefit plant growth,the synergistic effects of nitrate in mitigating ammonium toxicity,even at low concentrations,are not fully elucidated.This review delves into the physiological and molecular nature of this phenomenon.To date,nitrate-dependent alleviation of ammonium toxicity is the result of cumulative consequences of the role of nitrate as a nutrient and signal in plant performance.The ability to counteract the ammonium-induced acidification through nitrate uptake and metabolism,the enhancement of potassium uptake as an essential nitrate counterion,and the nitratedependent signaling of key factors involved in ammonium assimilation,ROS scavenging,and growth hormone biosynthesis,are the most relevant hallmarks.In addition,evidence suggests that the availability of nitrate and ammonium has driven ecological selection in plants,determining current N preferences,and may have led to the selection of nitrate-dependent and ammonium-sensitive domesticated crops and the inefficient use of N fertilizers in agriculture.As ammonium toxicity limits N fertilization options and reduces agricultural yields,when it could be a more sustainable and cheaper alternative to nitrate,this review provides a better understanding of how plants use nitrate to counteract the problematic aspects of ammonium nutrition.展开更多
Cisplatin(CDDP)-based chemotherapy is an effective strategy for the treatment of advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC).However,serious toxic side effects of CDDP limit patient tolerance and treatment compliance,which...Cisplatin(CDDP)-based chemotherapy is an effective strategy for the treatment of advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC).However,serious toxic side effects of CDDP limit patient tolerance and treatment compliance,which urgently needs to be addressed in clinical application.Liposomes have been considered ideal vehicles for reducing CDDP toxicity due to their high biocompatibility,low toxicity and passive targeting ability.Nevertheless,CDDP's poor water/lipid solubility usually results in a low liposome druglipid ratio,limiting tumor delivery ability.Herein,a CDDP-polyphenol complex liposome was designed to increase the drug loading capacity of CDDP to realize the reduction of toxicity and effective antitumor effect simultaneously.The complex was prepared via complexation reaction of different stoichiometric ratios of CDDP and polyphenolic substances(gallic acid,epigallocatechin gallate and tannic acid),followed by encapsulation of complex in liposomes to improve tumor targeting.Notably,the molecular interaction forces between CDDP and polyphenolic substances were intensively investigated through a binding force disruption assay.In vitro studies demonstrated that the optimal formulation of CDDP-epigallocatechin gallate complex liposome(CDDP-EGCG Lips) showed the highest CDDP encapsulation efficiency,favorable stability,pH-sensitive release,enhanced cellular uptake and apoptosis effect.In vivo studies revealed that CDDP-EGCG Lips retarded the elimination of CDDP to prolong their circulation time,inhibited the growth of tumors,and significantly reduced the toxic side effects compared to CDDP monotherapy.This delivery strategy holds great promise for improving the clinical use of platinum-based drugs.展开更多
Objective:To study the potential of Pituranthos chloranthus essential oil(PC)as a chemoprotective agent.Methods:In the in vitro study,cell proliferation were determined in CT26,SW620,and SW480 cells.Cells were exposed...Objective:To study the potential of Pituranthos chloranthus essential oil(PC)as a chemoprotective agent.Methods:In the in vitro study,cell proliferation were determined in CT26,SW620,and SW480 cells.Cells were exposed to in creasing concentrations of PC(0,6.25,12.5,25,50,100,and 200μg/mL).Combination index was calculated by applying the Chou-Talalay method,apoptopsis was analyzed by annexin V/propidium iodide staining,reactive oxygen species accumulation,and theΔψm drop were also assessed.In the in vivo study,mice were divided into 5 groups:the normal control group,the CT26 tumor-bearing group,the CT26 tumor-bearing mice+PC group,the CT26 tumor-bearing mice+cisplatin group,and the CT26 tumor-bearing mice+cisplatin+PC group.Organ coefficients and tumor volume were calculated.Alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,creatinine,and tumor necrosis factor-αlevels were assessed.Results:Cisplatin with PC induced a synergistic effect,allowing for reduced cisplatin dose while maintaining the same therapeutic efficacy.PC-cisplatin combinations inhibited cell viability by significantly inducing apoptosis,increasing reactive oxygen species accumulation and reducing mitochondrial membrane potential.Co-treatment with cisplatin and PC restored organ coefficients,reduced tumor volume,and alleviated nephrotoxicity in CT26 tumor-bearing mice by restoring kidney function markers and ameliorating kidney inflammation status.Conclusions:PC shows a chemoprotective potential by enhancing the antitumor effect of cisplatin while alleviating its side effects.展开更多
Background:Epidemiological studies have confirmed that longer exposure to insecticides like cypermethrin(CYP)significantly increases the risk of male reproductive toxicity.Crocus sativus L.has been recognized due to i...Background:Epidemiological studies have confirmed that longer exposure to insecticides like cypermethrin(CYP)significantly increases the risk of male reproductive toxicity.Crocus sativus L.has been recognized due to its therapeutic properties,but its exact role and molecular mechanisms in treatment of reproductive dysfunction remain unclear.Methods:During this study,36 rats were randomly divided into six groups(n=6):control,CYP-induced(60 mg/kg),standard(leuprolide 3 mg/kg)and three treatment groups receiving aqueous,ethanolic,and oil extracts(50 mg/kg or 20 mL/kg)for post-toxicity induction.Results:The finding represented that exposure of CYP significantly increased oxidative stress,disrupted testicular architecture,and markedly reduced testosterone levels(P<0.05).Importantly,Crocus sativus L.treatment alleviated these changes by increasing the expression of Nrf2(nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2),restoring the activity of antioxidant enzymes,and enhancing testicular histomorphology.Surprisingly,molecular docking established a high binding affinity of Crocus sativus L.phytoconstituents such as gallic acid,cinnamic acid and quercetin to the Nrf2-Keap1 complex.It is worth noting that,Crocus sativus L.exhibited a high level of protection against reproductive toxicity caused by CYP in male rats,which was mediated by the activation of Nrf2 pathway,reduction of oxidative damage,and favorable ADMET characteristics.Conclusion:Notably,this research provides a more valid,safe,and effective method of developing new drugs for reproductive disorders,however,further investigation is needed to support the research findings and implement it in clinical practice.展开更多
BACKGROUND Return to work(RTW)serves as an indication for young and middle-aged colorectal cancer(CRC)survivors to resume their normal social lives.However,these survivors encounter significant challenges during their...BACKGROUND Return to work(RTW)serves as an indication for young and middle-aged colorectal cancer(CRC)survivors to resume their normal social lives.However,these survivors encounter significant challenges during their RTW process.Hence,scientific research is necessary to explore the barriers and facilitating factors of returning to work for young and middle-aged CRC survivors.AIM To examine the current RTW status among young and middle-aged CRC survivors and to analyze the impact of RTW self-efficacy(RTW-SE),fear of progression(FoP),eHealth literacy(eHL),family resilience(FR),and financial toxicity(FT)on their RTW outcomes.METHODS A cross-sectional investigation was adopted in this study.From September 2022 to February 2023,a total of 209 participants were recruited through a convenience sampling method from the gastrointestinal surgery department of a class A tertiary hospital in Chongqing.The investigation utilized a general information questionnaire alongside scales assessing RTW-SE,FoP,eHL,FR,and FT.To analyze the factors that influence RTW outcomes among young and middle-aged CRC survivors,Cox regression modeling and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were used.RESULTS A total of 43.54%of the participants successfully returned to work,with an average RTW time of 100 days.Cox regression univariate analysis revealed that RTW-SE,FoP,eHL,FR,and FT were significantly different between the non-RTW and RTW groups(P<0.05).Furthermore,Cox regression multivariate analysis identified per capita family monthly income,job type,RTW-SE,and FR as independent influencing factors for RTW(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The RTW rate requires further improvement.Elevated levels of RTW-SE and FR were found to significantly increase RTW among young and middle-aged CRC survivors.Health professionals should focus on modifiable factors,such as RTW-SE and FR,to design targeted RTW support programs,thereby facilitating their timely reintegration into mainstream society.展开更多
Background Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid(GenX),a substitute for per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances,has been widely detected in various environmental matrices and foods recently,attracting great attention.Howeve...Background Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid(GenX),a substitute for per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances,has been widely detected in various environmental matrices and foods recently,attracting great attention.However,a systematic characterization of its reproductive toxicity is still missing.This study aims to explore the male reproductive toxicity caused by GenX exposure and the potential cellular and molecular regulatory mechanisms behind it.Results Normally developing mice were exposed to GenX,and testicular tissue was subsequently analyzed and validated using single-cell RNA sequencing.Our results revealed that GenX induced severe testicular damage,disrupted the balance between undifferentiated and differentiated spermatogonial stem cells,and led to strong variation in the cellular dynamics of spermatogenesis.Furthermore,GenX exposure caused global upregulation of testicular somatic cellular inflammatory responses,increased abnormal macrophage differentiation,and attenuated fibroblast adhesion,disorganizing the somatic-germline interactions.Conclusions In conclusion,this study revealed complex cellular dynamics and transcriptome changes in mouse testis after GenX exposure,providing a valuable resource for understanding its reproductive toxicity.展开更多
Peptide-based therapeutics hold great promise for the treatment of various diseases;however,their clinical application is often hindered by toxicity challenges.The accurate prediction of peptide toxicity is crucial fo...Peptide-based therapeutics hold great promise for the treatment of various diseases;however,their clinical application is often hindered by toxicity challenges.The accurate prediction of peptide toxicity is crucial for designing safe peptide-based therapeutics.While traditional experimental approaches are time-consuming and expensive,computational methods have emerged as viable alternatives,including similarity-based and machine learning(ML)-/deep learning(DL)-based methods.However,existing methods often struggle with robustness and generalizability.To address these challenges,we propose HyPepTox-Fuse,a novel framework that fuses protein language model(PLM)-based embeddings with conventional descriptors.HyPepTox-Fuse integrates ensemble PLM-based embeddings to achieve richer peptide representations by leveraging a cross-modal multi-head attention mechanism and Transformer architecture.A robust feature ranking and selection pipeline further refines conventional descriptors,thus enhancing prediction performance.Our framework outperforms state-of-the-art methods in cross-validation and independent evaluations,offering a scalable and reliable tool for peptide toxicity prediction.Moreover,we conducted a case study to validate the robustness and generalizability of HyPepTox-Fuse,highlighting its effectiveness in enhancing model performance.Furthermore,the HyPepTox-Fuse server is freely accessible at https://balalab-skku.org/HyPepTox-Fuse/and the source code is publicly available at https://github.com/cbbl-skku-org/HyPepTox-Fuse/.The study thus presents an intuitive platform for predicting peptide toxicity and supports reproducibility through openly available datasets.展开更多
Neburon is a phenylurea herbicide that is widely used worldwide,but its toxicity is poorly studied.In our previous study,we found that neburon has strong aryl hydrocarbon receptor(AhR)agonist activity,but whether it c...Neburon is a phenylurea herbicide that is widely used worldwide,but its toxicity is poorly studied.In our previous study,we found that neburon has strong aryl hydrocarbon receptor(AhR)agonist activity,but whether it causes reproductive toxicity is not clear.In the present study,zebrafish were conducted as a model organism to evaluate whether environmental concentrations of neburon(0.1,1 and 10μg/L)induce reproductive disorder in males.After exposure to neburon for 150 days from embryo to adult,that the average spawning egg number in high concentration group was 106.40,which was significantly lower than 193.00in control group.This result was mainly due to the abnormal male reproductive behavior caused by abnormal transcription of genes associated with reproductive behavior in the brain,such as secretogranin-2a.The proportions of spermatozoa in the medium and high concentration groups were 82.40%and 83.84%,respectively,which were significantly lower than 89.45%in control group.This result was mainly caused by hormonal disturbances and an increased proportion of apoptotic cells.The hormonal disruption was due to the significant changes in the transcription levels of key genes in the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis following neburon treatment.Neburon treatment also significantly activated the AhR signaling pathway,causing oxidative stress damage and eventually leading to a significant increase in apoptosis in the exposed group.Together,these data filled the currently more vacant profile of neburon toxicity and might provide information to assess the ecotoxicity of neburon on male reproduction at environmentally relevant concentrations.展开更多
The herbal drink “Attoté” has been widely used in the Abidjan district to treat a number of illnesses, notably erectile dysfunction. Despite the popularity of its therapeutic effects, very few studies have been...The herbal drink “Attoté” has been widely used in the Abidjan district to treat a number of illnesses, notably erectile dysfunction. Despite the popularity of its therapeutic effects, very few studies have been carried out on its effects on the health of users. The aim of this study was to identify the constituents contained in the phytomedicinal product and to assess their potential adverse effects in vivo. Phytochemical screening was conducted to identify the bioactive molecules in “Attoté” and to evaluate its hepatic effects in vivo. Forty (40) Wistar rats, randomly divided into 4 groups, with 10 animals per group (5 males and 5 females) were used to study potential hepatotoxic effects. Group 1 animals (control group) received distilled water. Batches I, II and III received by gavage a volume of Attoté extract corresponding to 1 ml/100 g body weight at 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg, respectively. Attoté extract was administered daily at the same time for 28 days, and serum was collected every two weeks to assess hepatic biochemical markers by spectrophotometry using a Cobas C311® HITACHI biochemistry system. After one month of study, the rats were euthanized by ether overdose and the livers were harvested for morphological and histopathological analysis. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, polyphenols, leucoanthocyanes, anthraquinones and quinones. Hepatic biochemical and hematological parameters such as red globular, hemoglobin, alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), alkaline phosphatase (ALPs) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) showed no significant change (p > 0.05) in the treated rat group compared with controls. However, these variations were moderate and transient, with values remaining almost within their standard limits. Microscopic observations of liver tissue sections from treated rats showed no liver damage or dysfunction. This study merits further investigation, with a view to gaining a better understanding of the cytotoxic mechanisms of herbal medicinal beverages, with a view to their reformulation as improved traditional medicines (ITMs).展开更多
Developmental and reproductive toxicity(DART)endpoint entails a toxicological assessment of all developmental stages and reproductive cycles of an organism.In silico tools to predict DART will provide a method to asse...Developmental and reproductive toxicity(DART)endpoint entails a toxicological assessment of all developmental stages and reproductive cycles of an organism.In silico tools to predict DART will provide a method to assess this complex toxicity endpoint and will be valuable for screening emerging pollutants as well as for m anaging new chemicals in China.Currently,there are few published DART prediction models in China,but many related research and development projects are in progress.In 2013,WU et al.published an expert rule-based DART decision tree(DT).This DT relies on known chemical structures linked to DART to forecast DART potential of a given chemical.Within this procedure,an accurate DART data interpretation is the foundation of building and expanding the DT.This paper excerpted case studies demonstrating DART data curation and interpretation of four chemicals(including 8-hydroxyquinoline,3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol,thiacloprid,and imidacloprid)to expand the existing DART DT.Chemicals were first selected from the database of Solid Waste and Chemicals Management Center,Ministry of Ecology and Environment(MEESCC)in China.The structures of these 4 chemicals were analyzed and preliminarily grouped by chemists based on core structural features,functional groups,receptor binding property,metabolism,and possible mode of actions.Then,the DART conclusion was derived by collecting chemical information,searching,integrating,and interpreting DART data by the toxicologists.Finally,these chemicals were classified into either an existing category or a new category via integrating their chemical features,DART conclusions,and biological properties.The results showed that 8-hydroxyquinoline impacted estrous cyclicity,s exual organ weights,and embryonal development,and 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol caused central nervous system(CNS)malformations,which were added to an existing subcategory 8e(aromatic compounds with multi-halogen and nitro groups)of the DT.Thiacloprid caused dystocia and fetal skeletal malformation,and imidacloprid disrupted the endocrine system and male fertility.They both contain 2-chloro-5-methylpyridine substituted imidazolidine c yclic ring,which were expected to create a new category of neonicotinoids.The current work delineates a t ransparent process of curating toxicological data for the purpose of DART data interpretation.In the presence of sufficient related structures and DART data,the DT can be expanded by iteratively adding chemicals within the a pplicable domain of each category or subcategory.This DT can potentially serve as a tool for screening emerging pollutants and assessing new chemicals in China.展开更多
The extensive co-occurrence of pyrethroid insecticides such as lambda-cyhalothrin(LCT)and cypermethrin(CPM)in aquatic systems poses a potential risk,yet a significant research gap exists regarding their combined toxic...The extensive co-occurrence of pyrethroid insecticides such as lambda-cyhalothrin(LCT)and cypermethrin(CPM)in aquatic systems poses a potential risk,yet a significant research gap exists regarding their combined toxicological effects.In this study,the single and joint acute toxicity effects of lambda-cyhalothrin(LCT)and cypermethrin(CPM)on Nile tilapia fingerlings were investigated using 96-h bioassays.Results showed both were highly toxic,with LCT(96-h LC 50=66.53μg/L)being four-fold more potent than CPM(259.41μg/L).Regression analysis confirmed positive correlation(P<0.01)between pesticide concentration and observed mortality.The binary mixture exhibited synergistic effect with Additive Index(AI)>0,indicating combined effects exceeded the sum of their individual actions.This synergism likely stems from mutual inhibition of metabolic detoxification pathways,leading to increased internal concentrations and amplified neurotoxicity.Generally,this study confirmed that single-compound risk assessments dangerously underestimate pyrethroid mixture hazards,necessitating their inclusion in regulatory frameworks for accurate aquatic biodiversity protection.展开更多
In this study,the single and jiont acute toxicity effects of pendimethalin(herbicide)and fenitrothion(organophosphate insecticide)were investigated on juvenile zebrafish(Danio rerio)under semi-static conditions.Mortal...In this study,the single and jiont acute toxicity effects of pendimethalin(herbicide)and fenitrothion(organophosphate insecticide)were investigated on juvenile zebrafish(Danio rerio)under semi-static conditions.Mortality was assessed at 24,48,72,and 96 h.The study revealed that pendimethalin exhibited higher toxicity than fenitrothion.The 96-h LC 50 values were 0.477 mg/L for pendimethalin and 2.634 mg/L for fenitrothion.Joint exposure produced enhanced toxicity,with 96-h LC 50 values of 0.204 mg/L(pendimethalin equivalent)and 1.139 mg/L(fenitrothion equivalent).Regression analysis showed a significant positive correlation(p<0.05)between pesticide concentration and mortality,while toxicity indices confirmed synergistic interactions.These findings underscore the ecological risks posed by pesticide mixtures and highlight the importance of regulating pesticide use to safeguard aquatic organisms and maintain environmental sustainability.展开更多
This study attempted to assess the lethal concentration(96-h LC_(50))effects of imidacloprid(neonicotinoid pesticide),thiamethoxam(neonicotinoid pesticide),and their combination on juvenile Zebrafish(Danio rerio).Each...This study attempted to assess the lethal concentration(96-h LC_(50))effects of imidacloprid(neonicotinoid pesticide),thiamethoxam(neonicotinoid pesticide),and their combination on juvenile Zebrafish(Danio rerio).Each set of trials contained a control(de-chlorinated tap water),and the experiments were repeated three times.The fish(n=10)were randomly measured with an average length of(3.4±0.34)cm and weight of(1±0.1)g.The temperature was kept at 24℃.Experiments 1 and 2 were designed to investigate at the acute toxicity of imidacloprid and thiamethoxam on juvenile zebrafish(Danio rerio)respectively,whereas experiment 3 was aimed at the combined toxicity of IMI and THM on zebrafish.The tests followed the same study design,and each experiment used seven different logarithmic concentrations of imidacloprid insecticides(310.00,317.08,324.33,331.74,339.32,347.07,355.00 mg/L)and thiamethoxam(175.00,185.52,200.93,215.30,230.70,247.20,264.88 mg/L).The results show that THM is more toxic than IMI,with LC_(50)values of 190.34 mg/L for THM and 310.92 mg/L for IMI.Both individual toxicities showed a substantial positive connection(P<0.05)with confidence limits of 321.50-300.68 mg/L for IMI and 199.91-181.21 mg/L for THM.The joint toxicity test was carried out using the 96-h LC_(50)values of imidacloprid and thiamethoxam obtained in the individual acute toxicity trials at a 1:1 ratio.The Additive Index(AI)demonstrated that imidacloprid and thiamethoxam acted synergistically on D.rerio.As a matter of fact,more research is needed to better understand the impact of IMI and THM on other aquatic organisms and also create strategies to mitigate its harmful effects on aquatic life.展开更多
Background:Inhalation exposure is the gold standard when assessing pulmonary tox-icity.However,it typically requires substantial amounts of test material.Intratracheal instillation is an alternative administration tec...Background:Inhalation exposure is the gold standard when assessing pulmonary tox-icity.However,it typically requires substantial amounts of test material.Intratracheal instillation is an alternative administration technique,where the test substance is suspended in a liquid vehicle and deposited into the lung via the trachea.Instillation requires minimal test material,delivers an exact dose deep into the lung,and is less labor-intensive than inhalation exposures.However,one shortcoming is that the pro-cedure may induce short-term inflammation.To minimize this,we tested different modifications of the technique to identify the potential for refinement.Methods:First,we tested whether previous findings of increased inflammation could be confirmed.Next,we tested whether instillation with a disposable 1 mL syringe with ball-tipped steel-needle(Disposable-syringe/steel-needle)induced less inflammation than the use of our standard set-up,a 250μL reusable glass syringe with a disposable plastic catheter(Glass-syringe/plastic-catheter).Finally,we tested if access to pelleted and liquid feed prior to instillation affected inflammation.We evaluated inflammation by neutrophil numbers in bronchoalveolar fluid 24 h post-exposure.Results:Vehicle-instilled mice showed a small increase in neutrophil numbers com-pared to untreated mice.Neutrophil numbers were slightly elevated in the groups in-stilled with Disposable-syringe/steel-needle;an interaction with feed type indicated that the increase in neutrophils was more pronounced in combination with feed pel-lets compared to liquid feed.We found no difference between the feed types when using the Glass-syringe/plastic-catheter combination.Conclusion:The Glass-syringe/plastic-catheter combination induced the least exposure-related inflammation,confirming this as a preferred instillation procedure.展开更多
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.21271012)
文摘Vanadium compounds are promising anti-diabetic agents. However, the concern in the toxicity, especially the long-term renal side effect along with diabetic status, is restricting the further development of this metal drug. Recently, we have prepared a bis((5-hydroxy-4-oxo-4H-pyran-2-yl) methyl 2-hydroxy-benzoatato) oxovanadium(BSOV), which exhibited excellent hypoglycemic effect with low acute toxicity. In order to facilitate the development of anti-diabetic vanadium complexes, especially BSOV, we studied the long-term toxicity and hypoglycemic effect of BSOV in comparison with bis(maltolato) oxovanadium(BMOV) on both non-diabetic and type II diabetic mice. The experiments confirmed a stable hypoglycemic effect for both the vanadium complexes over the testing period(6–7 months). However, the chronic administration of vanadium compounds slightly increased oxidative stress in ICR mice and the induced renal interstitial edema(RIE) in a part of the diabetic animals associated with low levels of serum albumin. The use of an antioxidant dietary supplement(a combination of vitamin C and Zinc gluconate) could prevent vanadium-induced oxidative stress but have marginal effect on RIE. However, BSOV caused much lower incidence of RIE than BMOV did, suggesting that BSOV is an important step towards the successful development of anti-diabetic vanadium drugs.
基金Scientific Research Project of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine(2017ZJ006)Key Research and Development Project of Department of Science and Technology of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region(AB19110003).
文摘[Objectives]To study the long-term toxicity of Maxing Erchen Zhike granules to rats after intragastric administration,so as to provide reference for its preclinical safety evaluation.[Methods]Total 80 rats were randomly and evenly divided into high-dose group(1.2 mL/100 g,120 g/kg),middle-dose group(96.0 g/kg),low-dose group(72.0 g/kg)and blank control group.The rats in the treatment groups were administered with corresponding doses of Maxing Erchen Zhike granules,and those in the blank control group were given with equal-amount normal saline.The administration lasted for 30 consecutive days.During the experiment,the rats'feed intake,activity,feces and other conditions and toxicity reactions were observed every day.After 24 h of the last administration,12 rats(half male and half female)were randomly selected from each group.Each of the rats was anesthetized with 10%chloral hydrate solution(0.3 mL/100 g)through intraperitoneal injection and subjected to abdominal aorta blood collection(two tubes)for hematological examination and blood biochemical examination(serum).Then,the main organs of the rats were weighed,and pathological examinations were performed.After that,the main organs were weighed and pathological examination was performed.The remaining rats in each group were discontinued and observed for 14 d.On the 15th d,they were subjected to the same treatment,and the body weight,organ coefficients,hematological indices,blood biochemical indices and pathological indices were examined.[Results]After 30 d of administration,there was no abnormality in the appearance and behavior of the animals.There was no significant difference in the daily consumption of feed among the groups,and there was no special case of weight gain.Among the blood biochemical indices,the ALB and ALT levels of each administration group were significantly different from those of the blank control group(P<0.05).The results of histopathological examination show that there was one case of interstitial pneumonia in each of the high-dose group,middle-dose group and blank control group.After 14 d that the administration was stopped,one case of focal myocarditis appeared in the high-dose group,and one case of interstitial pneumonia appeared in the middle-dose group.[Conclusions]Maxing Erchen Zhike granules are safe to be administered to rats at 100 times the clinical dose.and there should be no safety hazards clinically when used at conventional doses.
文摘Cancer continues to pose a formidable challenge in global health,with conventional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy often resulting in severe toxicities that significantly degrade patients’quality of life and restrict therapeutic outcomes.Addressing this pressing issue,this review presents a thorough and systematic analysis of innovative and emerging strategies designed to minimize the toxicity induced by treatment,while maintaining or even enhancing antitumor efficacy.The focus is on six promising therapeutic approaches:combination therapies utilizing natural bioactive products,molecularly targeted therapies,immunotherapies,nanotechnology-mediated drug delivery systems,adjunct traditional Chinese medicine interventions,and low-dose spatiotemporally concerted regimens.Each approach employs unique mechanisms—such as enhanced targeting precision,immune system activation,tumor microenvironment reprogramming,and multi-component synergistic effects—to mitigate damage to normal tissues and reduce systemic adverse reactions.Despite promising preclinical and clinical advancements,several challenges persist,including drug resistance,high economic costs,a lack of reliable predictive biomarkers,and complexities in clinical translation and regulatory approval.Looking ahead,the incorporation of artificial intelligence,multi-omics profiling,and novel biomimetic nanotechnologies offers unprecedented opportunities for developing highly personalized,low-toxicity treatment frameworks.This review highlights a fundamental shift in oncology towards precision medicine that balances efficacy with safety,demonstrating the transformative potential of these strategies in shaping the future of cancer therapy and enhancing patient care globally.
基金Supported by The Central Public-Interest Scientific Institution Basal Research Fund,CAFS(2025XT0902)Earmarked for China Agriculture Research System(CARS-46).
文摘The widespread use of herbicides such as glyphosate isopropyl amine salt(GIS)and atrazine(ATZ)poses significant risks to aquatic ecosystems.This study investigated the single and joint acute toxicity of a 1:1 GIS-ATZ mixture on zebrafish(Danio rerio).Acute tests determined 96-h LC_(50) values of 123.41 mg/L for GIS and 103.95 mg/L for ATZ.In the joint toxicity test,these values decreased to 60.96 and 50.88 mg/L,respectively.The Additive Index(AI)analysis revealed a consistent synergistic interaction between the herbicides at all exposure intervals.These findings underscore the enhanced ecological threat of herbicide mixtures and highlight the necessity of considering joint effects in environmental risk assessments.
文摘AIM:To examine the ocular toxicity linked to sildenafilusage and the possible protective benefits of adenosinetriphosphate(ATP)against this toxicity in rats.METHODS:Twenty-four male albino Wistar-type ratswere divided into four equal groups(n=6/group)as follows:healthy group(HG),ATP-only group(ATPG),sildenafil-onlygroup(SILG),and ATP+sildenafil group(ATP+SLD).ATPG andATP+SLD groups were injected intraperitoneally with ATP(4 mg/kg),while SILG and HG groups were injected withsaline(0.9%NaCl)by the same route as a solvent.One hourafter the administration of ATP and solvent,sildenafil(10 m g/k g)was administered orally to the SILG andATP+SLD groups.This procedure was repeated once a dayfor 4wk.The animals were then sacrificed,eyeballs wereremoved and oxidant and antioxidant parameters weremeasured biochemically.Additionally,the ocular tissueswere evaluated histopathologically.RESULTS:Sildenafil increased oxidant(malondialdehyde)levels and decreased antioxidant levels(total glutathione,superoxide dismutase,catalase)in rat ocular tissues andcaused severe oxidative stress.In addition,sildenafil hasbeen shown histopathologically to cause oxidative damagein retinal layers.ATP treatment suppressed oxidative stressand attenuated histopathological damage in the retinal layers.CONCLUSION:ATP protects retinal tissue againstsildenafil-induced ocular oxidative damage in rats andmay contribute to the development of novel approaches toprevent or treat this damage.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.82372115,52073139 and 82404553)the Postdoctoral Fellowship Program of Chinese Postdoctoral Science Foundation(No.GZC20231085).
文摘Albumin,owing to its high abundance and excellent biocompatibility,is widely used as a drug carrier to enhance delivery efficiency and reduce systemic toxicity.The Michael addition between albumin thiols and maleimide-functionalized prodrugs is a common in situ macromolecular prodrug strategy.However,the resulting reversible adducts are susceptible to retro-Michael reactions in vivo,leading to premature drug release and off-target effects.To address this limitation,a gemcitabine prodrug(GAB)bearing a chloroacetamide group was designed to form irreversible covalent bonds with albumin via nucleophilic substitution.A maleimide-based prodrug(GAM)was synthesized as a control.Compared to GAM,GAB showed faster and stronger albumin binding in plasma,enhanced blood circulation time,improved tumor accumulation,and superior in vivo antitumor efficacy.Moreover,GAB exhibited a better safety profile,with reduced cytotoxicity in normal tissues and no observable systemic toxicity.These advantages are attributed to the stable albumin-drug conjugate formed by GAB,which improves drug retention and targeted delivery.This study presents an effective and generalizable albumin-hitchhiking strategy for constructing irreversible prodrugs,offering a promising approach to enhance the therapeutic index of chemotherapeutic agents.
基金funding from Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG)supported by an MCIN Ry C Programme MCIN/ AEI/10.13039/501100011033+2 种基金by the ‘European Union Next Generation EU/PRTR’ under grant no. RYC2021-032345-Isupported by the AEI (grant no. PID2019-107463RJ-I00/ AEI/10.13039/501100011033)the Regional Research and Development Programme of the Government of Navarre (call 2019, project Nitro Healthy, PC068)
文摘Ammonium toxicity in plants remains poorly understood despite extensive research.While nitrate is known to benefit plant growth,the synergistic effects of nitrate in mitigating ammonium toxicity,even at low concentrations,are not fully elucidated.This review delves into the physiological and molecular nature of this phenomenon.To date,nitrate-dependent alleviation of ammonium toxicity is the result of cumulative consequences of the role of nitrate as a nutrient and signal in plant performance.The ability to counteract the ammonium-induced acidification through nitrate uptake and metabolism,the enhancement of potassium uptake as an essential nitrate counterion,and the nitratedependent signaling of key factors involved in ammonium assimilation,ROS scavenging,and growth hormone biosynthesis,are the most relevant hallmarks.In addition,evidence suggests that the availability of nitrate and ammonium has driven ecological selection in plants,determining current N preferences,and may have led to the selection of nitrate-dependent and ammonium-sensitive domesticated crops and the inefficient use of N fertilizers in agriculture.As ammonium toxicity limits N fertilization options and reduces agricultural yields,when it could be a more sustainable and cheaper alternative to nitrate,this review provides a better understanding of how plants use nitrate to counteract the problematic aspects of ammonium nutrition.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos.81872823,82073782,and 82241002)the Key R&D Plan of Ganjiang New District of Jiangxi (No.2023010)。
文摘Cisplatin(CDDP)-based chemotherapy is an effective strategy for the treatment of advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC).However,serious toxic side effects of CDDP limit patient tolerance and treatment compliance,which urgently needs to be addressed in clinical application.Liposomes have been considered ideal vehicles for reducing CDDP toxicity due to their high biocompatibility,low toxicity and passive targeting ability.Nevertheless,CDDP's poor water/lipid solubility usually results in a low liposome druglipid ratio,limiting tumor delivery ability.Herein,a CDDP-polyphenol complex liposome was designed to increase the drug loading capacity of CDDP to realize the reduction of toxicity and effective antitumor effect simultaneously.The complex was prepared via complexation reaction of different stoichiometric ratios of CDDP and polyphenolic substances(gallic acid,epigallocatechin gallate and tannic acid),followed by encapsulation of complex in liposomes to improve tumor targeting.Notably,the molecular interaction forces between CDDP and polyphenolic substances were intensively investigated through a binding force disruption assay.In vitro studies demonstrated that the optimal formulation of CDDP-epigallocatechin gallate complex liposome(CDDP-EGCG Lips) showed the highest CDDP encapsulation efficiency,favorable stability,pH-sensitive release,enhanced cellular uptake and apoptosis effect.In vivo studies revealed that CDDP-EGCG Lips retarded the elimination of CDDP to prolong their circulation time,inhibited the growth of tumors,and significantly reduced the toxic side effects compared to CDDP monotherapy.This delivery strategy holds great promise for improving the clinical use of platinum-based drugs.
基金funded by The Tunisian Ministry of Research and Higher Education.
文摘Objective:To study the potential of Pituranthos chloranthus essential oil(PC)as a chemoprotective agent.Methods:In the in vitro study,cell proliferation were determined in CT26,SW620,and SW480 cells.Cells were exposed to in creasing concentrations of PC(0,6.25,12.5,25,50,100,and 200μg/mL).Combination index was calculated by applying the Chou-Talalay method,apoptopsis was analyzed by annexin V/propidium iodide staining,reactive oxygen species accumulation,and theΔψm drop were also assessed.In the in vivo study,mice were divided into 5 groups:the normal control group,the CT26 tumor-bearing group,the CT26 tumor-bearing mice+PC group,the CT26 tumor-bearing mice+cisplatin group,and the CT26 tumor-bearing mice+cisplatin+PC group.Organ coefficients and tumor volume were calculated.Alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,creatinine,and tumor necrosis factor-αlevels were assessed.Results:Cisplatin with PC induced a synergistic effect,allowing for reduced cisplatin dose while maintaining the same therapeutic efficacy.PC-cisplatin combinations inhibited cell viability by significantly inducing apoptosis,increasing reactive oxygen species accumulation and reducing mitochondrial membrane potential.Co-treatment with cisplatin and PC restored organ coefficients,reduced tumor volume,and alleviated nephrotoxicity in CT26 tumor-bearing mice by restoring kidney function markers and ameliorating kidney inflammation status.Conclusions:PC shows a chemoprotective potential by enhancing the antitumor effect of cisplatin while alleviating its side effects.
文摘Background:Epidemiological studies have confirmed that longer exposure to insecticides like cypermethrin(CYP)significantly increases the risk of male reproductive toxicity.Crocus sativus L.has been recognized due to its therapeutic properties,but its exact role and molecular mechanisms in treatment of reproductive dysfunction remain unclear.Methods:During this study,36 rats were randomly divided into six groups(n=6):control,CYP-induced(60 mg/kg),standard(leuprolide 3 mg/kg)and three treatment groups receiving aqueous,ethanolic,and oil extracts(50 mg/kg or 20 mL/kg)for post-toxicity induction.Results:The finding represented that exposure of CYP significantly increased oxidative stress,disrupted testicular architecture,and markedly reduced testosterone levels(P<0.05).Importantly,Crocus sativus L.treatment alleviated these changes by increasing the expression of Nrf2(nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2),restoring the activity of antioxidant enzymes,and enhancing testicular histomorphology.Surprisingly,molecular docking established a high binding affinity of Crocus sativus L.phytoconstituents such as gallic acid,cinnamic acid and quercetin to the Nrf2-Keap1 complex.It is worth noting that,Crocus sativus L.exhibited a high level of protection against reproductive toxicity caused by CYP in male rats,which was mediated by the activation of Nrf2 pathway,reduction of oxidative damage,and favorable ADMET characteristics.Conclusion:Notably,this research provides a more valid,safe,and effective method of developing new drugs for reproductive disorders,however,further investigation is needed to support the research findings and implement it in clinical practice.
基金Supported by the Chongqing Medical University Program for Youth Innovation in Future Medicine,No.W0019Chongqing Municipal Education Commission’s 14th Five-Year Key Discipline Support Project,No.20240101 and No.20240102。
文摘BACKGROUND Return to work(RTW)serves as an indication for young and middle-aged colorectal cancer(CRC)survivors to resume their normal social lives.However,these survivors encounter significant challenges during their RTW process.Hence,scientific research is necessary to explore the barriers and facilitating factors of returning to work for young and middle-aged CRC survivors.AIM To examine the current RTW status among young and middle-aged CRC survivors and to analyze the impact of RTW self-efficacy(RTW-SE),fear of progression(FoP),eHealth literacy(eHL),family resilience(FR),and financial toxicity(FT)on their RTW outcomes.METHODS A cross-sectional investigation was adopted in this study.From September 2022 to February 2023,a total of 209 participants were recruited through a convenience sampling method from the gastrointestinal surgery department of a class A tertiary hospital in Chongqing.The investigation utilized a general information questionnaire alongside scales assessing RTW-SE,FoP,eHL,FR,and FT.To analyze the factors that influence RTW outcomes among young and middle-aged CRC survivors,Cox regression modeling and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were used.RESULTS A total of 43.54%of the participants successfully returned to work,with an average RTW time of 100 days.Cox regression univariate analysis revealed that RTW-SE,FoP,eHL,FR,and FT were significantly different between the non-RTW and RTW groups(P<0.05).Furthermore,Cox regression multivariate analysis identified per capita family monthly income,job type,RTW-SE,and FR as independent influencing factors for RTW(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The RTW rate requires further improvement.Elevated levels of RTW-SE and FR were found to significantly increase RTW among young and middle-aged CRC survivors.Health professionals should focus on modifiable factors,such as RTW-SE and FR,to design targeted RTW support programs,thereby facilitating their timely reintegration into mainstream society.
基金supported by the Guangdong Provincial Key Area Research and Development Program[grant number 2022B0202090002]China Postdoctoral Science Foundation[grant number 2024M760977].
文摘Background Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid(GenX),a substitute for per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances,has been widely detected in various environmental matrices and foods recently,attracting great attention.However,a systematic characterization of its reproductive toxicity is still missing.This study aims to explore the male reproductive toxicity caused by GenX exposure and the potential cellular and molecular regulatory mechanisms behind it.Results Normally developing mice were exposed to GenX,and testicular tissue was subsequently analyzed and validated using single-cell RNA sequencing.Our results revealed that GenX induced severe testicular damage,disrupted the balance between undifferentiated and differentiated spermatogonial stem cells,and led to strong variation in the cellular dynamics of spermatogenesis.Furthermore,GenX exposure caused global upregulation of testicular somatic cellular inflammatory responses,increased abnormal macrophage differentiation,and attenuated fibroblast adhesion,disorganizing the somatic-germline interactions.Conclusions In conclusion,this study revealed complex cellular dynamics and transcriptome changes in mouse testis after GenX exposure,providing a valuable resource for understanding its reproductive toxicity.
基金supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF)funded by the Ministry of Science and ICT,Republic of Korea(Grant No.:RS-2024-00344752)supported by the Department of Integrative Biotechnology,Sungkyunkwan University(SKKU)and the BK21 FOUR Project,Republic of Korea.
文摘Peptide-based therapeutics hold great promise for the treatment of various diseases;however,their clinical application is often hindered by toxicity challenges.The accurate prediction of peptide toxicity is crucial for designing safe peptide-based therapeutics.While traditional experimental approaches are time-consuming and expensive,computational methods have emerged as viable alternatives,including similarity-based and machine learning(ML)-/deep learning(DL)-based methods.However,existing methods often struggle with robustness and generalizability.To address these challenges,we propose HyPepTox-Fuse,a novel framework that fuses protein language model(PLM)-based embeddings with conventional descriptors.HyPepTox-Fuse integrates ensemble PLM-based embeddings to achieve richer peptide representations by leveraging a cross-modal multi-head attention mechanism and Transformer architecture.A robust feature ranking and selection pipeline further refines conventional descriptors,thus enhancing prediction performance.Our framework outperforms state-of-the-art methods in cross-validation and independent evaluations,offering a scalable and reliable tool for peptide toxicity prediction.Moreover,we conducted a case study to validate the robustness and generalizability of HyPepTox-Fuse,highlighting its effectiveness in enhancing model performance.Furthermore,the HyPepTox-Fuse server is freely accessible at https://balalab-skku.org/HyPepTox-Fuse/and the source code is publicly available at https://github.com/cbbl-skku-org/HyPepTox-Fuse/.The study thus presents an intuitive platform for predicting peptide toxicity and supports reproducibility through openly available datasets.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.42177411)。
文摘Neburon is a phenylurea herbicide that is widely used worldwide,but its toxicity is poorly studied.In our previous study,we found that neburon has strong aryl hydrocarbon receptor(AhR)agonist activity,but whether it causes reproductive toxicity is not clear.In the present study,zebrafish were conducted as a model organism to evaluate whether environmental concentrations of neburon(0.1,1 and 10μg/L)induce reproductive disorder in males.After exposure to neburon for 150 days from embryo to adult,that the average spawning egg number in high concentration group was 106.40,which was significantly lower than 193.00in control group.This result was mainly due to the abnormal male reproductive behavior caused by abnormal transcription of genes associated with reproductive behavior in the brain,such as secretogranin-2a.The proportions of spermatozoa in the medium and high concentration groups were 82.40%and 83.84%,respectively,which were significantly lower than 89.45%in control group.This result was mainly caused by hormonal disturbances and an increased proportion of apoptotic cells.The hormonal disruption was due to the significant changes in the transcription levels of key genes in the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis following neburon treatment.Neburon treatment also significantly activated the AhR signaling pathway,causing oxidative stress damage and eventually leading to a significant increase in apoptosis in the exposed group.Together,these data filled the currently more vacant profile of neburon toxicity and might provide information to assess the ecotoxicity of neburon on male reproduction at environmentally relevant concentrations.
文摘The herbal drink “Attoté” has been widely used in the Abidjan district to treat a number of illnesses, notably erectile dysfunction. Despite the popularity of its therapeutic effects, very few studies have been carried out on its effects on the health of users. The aim of this study was to identify the constituents contained in the phytomedicinal product and to assess their potential adverse effects in vivo. Phytochemical screening was conducted to identify the bioactive molecules in “Attoté” and to evaluate its hepatic effects in vivo. Forty (40) Wistar rats, randomly divided into 4 groups, with 10 animals per group (5 males and 5 females) were used to study potential hepatotoxic effects. Group 1 animals (control group) received distilled water. Batches I, II and III received by gavage a volume of Attoté extract corresponding to 1 ml/100 g body weight at 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg, respectively. Attoté extract was administered daily at the same time for 28 days, and serum was collected every two weeks to assess hepatic biochemical markers by spectrophotometry using a Cobas C311® HITACHI biochemistry system. After one month of study, the rats were euthanized by ether overdose and the livers were harvested for morphological and histopathological analysis. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, polyphenols, leucoanthocyanes, anthraquinones and quinones. Hepatic biochemical and hematological parameters such as red globular, hemoglobin, alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), alkaline phosphatase (ALPs) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) showed no significant change (p > 0.05) in the treated rat group compared with controls. However, these variations were moderate and transient, with values remaining almost within their standard limits. Microscopic observations of liver tissue sections from treated rats showed no liver damage or dysfunction. This study merits further investigation, with a view to gaining a better understanding of the cytotoxic mechanisms of herbal medicinal beverages, with a view to their reformulation as improved traditional medicines (ITMs).
文摘Developmental and reproductive toxicity(DART)endpoint entails a toxicological assessment of all developmental stages and reproductive cycles of an organism.In silico tools to predict DART will provide a method to assess this complex toxicity endpoint and will be valuable for screening emerging pollutants as well as for m anaging new chemicals in China.Currently,there are few published DART prediction models in China,but many related research and development projects are in progress.In 2013,WU et al.published an expert rule-based DART decision tree(DT).This DT relies on known chemical structures linked to DART to forecast DART potential of a given chemical.Within this procedure,an accurate DART data interpretation is the foundation of building and expanding the DT.This paper excerpted case studies demonstrating DART data curation and interpretation of four chemicals(including 8-hydroxyquinoline,3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol,thiacloprid,and imidacloprid)to expand the existing DART DT.Chemicals were first selected from the database of Solid Waste and Chemicals Management Center,Ministry of Ecology and Environment(MEESCC)in China.The structures of these 4 chemicals were analyzed and preliminarily grouped by chemists based on core structural features,functional groups,receptor binding property,metabolism,and possible mode of actions.Then,the DART conclusion was derived by collecting chemical information,searching,integrating,and interpreting DART data by the toxicologists.Finally,these chemicals were classified into either an existing category or a new category via integrating their chemical features,DART conclusions,and biological properties.The results showed that 8-hydroxyquinoline impacted estrous cyclicity,s exual organ weights,and embryonal development,and 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol caused central nervous system(CNS)malformations,which were added to an existing subcategory 8e(aromatic compounds with multi-halogen and nitro groups)of the DT.Thiacloprid caused dystocia and fetal skeletal malformation,and imidacloprid disrupted the endocrine system and male fertility.They both contain 2-chloro-5-methylpyridine substituted imidazolidine c yclic ring,which were expected to create a new category of neonicotinoids.The current work delineates a t ransparent process of curating toxicological data for the purpose of DART data interpretation.In the presence of sufficient related structures and DART data,the DT can be expanded by iteratively adding chemicals within the a pplicable domain of each category or subcategory.This DT can potentially serve as a tool for screening emerging pollutants and assessing new chemicals in China.
基金Supported by The Central Public-Interest Scientific Institution Basal Research Fund,CAFS(2025XT0902)Earmarked Fund for China Agriculture Research System(CARS-46).
文摘The extensive co-occurrence of pyrethroid insecticides such as lambda-cyhalothrin(LCT)and cypermethrin(CPM)in aquatic systems poses a potential risk,yet a significant research gap exists regarding their combined toxicological effects.In this study,the single and joint acute toxicity effects of lambda-cyhalothrin(LCT)and cypermethrin(CPM)on Nile tilapia fingerlings were investigated using 96-h bioassays.Results showed both were highly toxic,with LCT(96-h LC 50=66.53μg/L)being four-fold more potent than CPM(259.41μg/L).Regression analysis confirmed positive correlation(P<0.01)between pesticide concentration and observed mortality.The binary mixture exhibited synergistic effect with Additive Index(AI)>0,indicating combined effects exceeded the sum of their individual actions.This synergism likely stems from mutual inhibition of metabolic detoxification pathways,leading to increased internal concentrations and amplified neurotoxicity.Generally,this study confirmed that single-compound risk assessments dangerously underestimate pyrethroid mixture hazards,necessitating their inclusion in regulatory frameworks for accurate aquatic biodiversity protection.
基金Supported by The Central Public-Interest Scientific Institution Basal Research Fund,CAFS(2025XT0902)Earmarked Fund for China Agriculture Research System(CARS-46).
文摘In this study,the single and jiont acute toxicity effects of pendimethalin(herbicide)and fenitrothion(organophosphate insecticide)were investigated on juvenile zebrafish(Danio rerio)under semi-static conditions.Mortality was assessed at 24,48,72,and 96 h.The study revealed that pendimethalin exhibited higher toxicity than fenitrothion.The 96-h LC 50 values were 0.477 mg/L for pendimethalin and 2.634 mg/L for fenitrothion.Joint exposure produced enhanced toxicity,with 96-h LC 50 values of 0.204 mg/L(pendimethalin equivalent)and 1.139 mg/L(fenitrothion equivalent).Regression analysis showed a significant positive correlation(p<0.05)between pesticide concentration and mortality,while toxicity indices confirmed synergistic interactions.These findings underscore the ecological risks posed by pesticide mixtures and highlight the importance of regulating pesticide use to safeguard aquatic organisms and maintain environmental sustainability.
基金Supported by the Central Public-interest Scientific Institution Basal Research Fund,CAFS(2025XT0902)the earmarked fund for China Agriculture Research System(CARS-46).
文摘This study attempted to assess the lethal concentration(96-h LC_(50))effects of imidacloprid(neonicotinoid pesticide),thiamethoxam(neonicotinoid pesticide),and their combination on juvenile Zebrafish(Danio rerio).Each set of trials contained a control(de-chlorinated tap water),and the experiments were repeated three times.The fish(n=10)were randomly measured with an average length of(3.4±0.34)cm and weight of(1±0.1)g.The temperature was kept at 24℃.Experiments 1 and 2 were designed to investigate at the acute toxicity of imidacloprid and thiamethoxam on juvenile zebrafish(Danio rerio)respectively,whereas experiment 3 was aimed at the combined toxicity of IMI and THM on zebrafish.The tests followed the same study design,and each experiment used seven different logarithmic concentrations of imidacloprid insecticides(310.00,317.08,324.33,331.74,339.32,347.07,355.00 mg/L)and thiamethoxam(175.00,185.52,200.93,215.30,230.70,247.20,264.88 mg/L).The results show that THM is more toxic than IMI,with LC_(50)values of 190.34 mg/L for THM and 310.92 mg/L for IMI.Both individual toxicities showed a substantial positive connection(P<0.05)with confidence limits of 321.50-300.68 mg/L for IMI and 199.91-181.21 mg/L for THM.The joint toxicity test was carried out using the 96-h LC_(50)values of imidacloprid and thiamethoxam obtained in the individual acute toxicity trials at a 1:1 ratio.The Additive Index(AI)demonstrated that imidacloprid and thiamethoxam acted synergistically on D.rerio.As a matter of fact,more research is needed to better understand the impact of IMI and THM on other aquatic organisms and also create strategies to mitigate its harmful effects on aquatic life.
基金This work was supported by the Focused Research Effort on Chemicals in the Working Environment(FFIKA)from the Danish Government.
文摘Background:Inhalation exposure is the gold standard when assessing pulmonary tox-icity.However,it typically requires substantial amounts of test material.Intratracheal instillation is an alternative administration technique,where the test substance is suspended in a liquid vehicle and deposited into the lung via the trachea.Instillation requires minimal test material,delivers an exact dose deep into the lung,and is less labor-intensive than inhalation exposures.However,one shortcoming is that the pro-cedure may induce short-term inflammation.To minimize this,we tested different modifications of the technique to identify the potential for refinement.Methods:First,we tested whether previous findings of increased inflammation could be confirmed.Next,we tested whether instillation with a disposable 1 mL syringe with ball-tipped steel-needle(Disposable-syringe/steel-needle)induced less inflammation than the use of our standard set-up,a 250μL reusable glass syringe with a disposable plastic catheter(Glass-syringe/plastic-catheter).Finally,we tested if access to pelleted and liquid feed prior to instillation affected inflammation.We evaluated inflammation by neutrophil numbers in bronchoalveolar fluid 24 h post-exposure.Results:Vehicle-instilled mice showed a small increase in neutrophil numbers com-pared to untreated mice.Neutrophil numbers were slightly elevated in the groups in-stilled with Disposable-syringe/steel-needle;an interaction with feed type indicated that the increase in neutrophils was more pronounced in combination with feed pel-lets compared to liquid feed.We found no difference between the feed types when using the Glass-syringe/plastic-catheter combination.Conclusion:The Glass-syringe/plastic-catheter combination induced the least exposure-related inflammation,confirming this as a preferred instillation procedure.