Aspidosperma multiflorum A.DC. (Apocynaceae), popularly known as "pequiá da casca grossa" or "pequiá cascudo," is widely distributed in Brazil; however, studied chemically and biologically to a limited extent. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the metabolic profile and assess biological activities of ethanolic extract (EEF), ethyl acetate fraction (FAcF), and aqueous fraction (FAqF) of leaves derived from A. multiflorum. Samples were subjected to analysis by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization/quadrupole-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-QToF-MS/MS) in negative and positive ionization modes, enabling annotation of 40 compounds in comparison with published data and MS/MS fragmentation, predominantly glycosylated flavonoids. EEF and FAcF demonstrated significant activity against breast adenocarcinoma tumor cell line (MBA-MD-231), with inhibition of 96% (IC50 of 34.56 μg/ml) and 93% (IC50 of 13.58 μg/ml), respectively. FAcF exhibited inhibition of 94% (IC50 of 16.64 μg/ml) against colorectal adenocarcinoma (HCT-116) and 91% (IC50 of 10.30 μg/ml) against non-tumor murine fibroblast (L929). However, for EEF inhibition was only 19% against L929. EEF and FAqF were active against Staphylococcus aureus (MIC of 93 and 51 µg/ml, respectively), while FAcF and FAqF displayed activity against Candida krusei, currently known a Pichia kudriavzevii, (MIC of 23 and 31 µg/ml, respectively). Samples, at concentrations tested, demonstrated low antileishmanial, antioxidant, and anticholinesterase activities. Our results enhance chemical and biological knowledge regarding A. multiflorum which may be considered for utilization as a cytotoxic and antimicrobial agent following further in vivo investigations. Data generated may aid in preserving Brazilian biodiversity, as A. multiflorum is a threatened plant species.
The aim of this study was to examine the antioxidant potential of the aqueous bark extract of Plathymenia reticulata, a native Brazilian specie rich in phenolic compounds, and its effectiveness as a reducing and stabilizing agent in the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). This approach offers a promising strategy in green nanotechnology by harnessing the unique phytochemical profile of a native plant specie to produce biologically active nanoparticles with potential applications in environmental and biomedical fields. The resulting AgNPs exhibited physicochemical properties suitable for biological applications, including an average size of 43.6 nm, stable colloidal dispersion, and antioxidant functional groups adsorbed on their surface. To assess their biological impact, Allium cepa was selected as a sensitive bioindicator due to its well-established use in cytotoxicity and phytotoxicity assays. During the vegetative phase of Allium cepa, these nanoparticles influenced root growth and mitotic index (MI). Higher concentrations of green synthesized AgNPs significantly stimulated root elongation, while MI was reduced, especially at the highest dose tested, suggesting a possible interference with cell division processes. Data indicate that, at the tested concentrations, green synthesized AgNPs did not initiate any marked phytotoxic effects even after prolonged exposure. These findings highlight the innovative use of P. reticulata in green nanotechnology and reinforce the importance of evaluating genotoxic risks prior to environmental or biotechnological applications.
The aim of this study was to investigate oxidative stress, biotransformation and bioaccumulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in tropical estuarine food webs including fish (Chrysicthys nigrodigitatus), fiddler crab (Uca tangeri), blue crab (Calinectis amnicola), prawn (Macrobrachium vollenhovenii), periwinkle (Tympanotonus fuscatus) and sediment samples at three sites, Adiabo (control site), Obutong and Nsidung representing different degrees of anthropogenic contamination along Cross River Estuary, Nigeria. Hepatic oxidative stress and biotransformation enzyme activities glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), glutathione reductase (Gr), glutathione S-transferase (Gst), uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltranferease (Udpgt), 7-ethoxy-, methoxy-, pentoxy-, and benzyloxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD, MROD, PROD and BROD) and PAHs levels were determined. Data demonstrated species- and site-specific mediated toxicological effects in oxidative stress, biotransformation responses, and PAHs bioaccumulation in biota and sediments from contaminated sites (Obutong and Nsidung), compared to control (Adiabo). The EROD, MROD, BROD, PROD activities and GPx, Gr, Gst, Udpgt exhibited significant increase in biota collected from contaminated sites at Obutong and Nsidung compared with control Adiabo. These biomarker response observations paralleled PAHs accumulation at Obutong and Nsidung suggesting PAHs exposure induced oxidative and biotransformation biomarker responses. Principal component analysis (PCA) produced significant associations between variables indicating sites were major factors determining contaminants uptake and biomarker responses in biota (fish, crabs, prawn and periwinkle). Data demonstrated site and species-specific occurrence and concentrations of PAHs in sediment and tropical estuarine food webs with corresponding biotransformation and oxidative stress responses on resident biota. Concentrations of PAHs detected in these tropical food webs indicate serious human food safety and environmental health concerns.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and micro/nanoplastics are widely detected and persistent contaminants present in natural waters. While considerable research has been conducted on effects of PFAS on freshwater fish, little is known regarding potential for adverse impacts on marine species. Similarly, much attention has been paid to potential impacts of microplastics, but less is known regarding effects of exposure to nano-sized plastics. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential for interactive effects between common models of PFAS (GenX) and nanoplastic particles (NP) by utilizing exposure of adult spotted seatrout to 4 treatments: Control, GenX, 50 nm fluorescing NP, and GenX + NP for 7 days, and then placed remaining fish in clean water for 7 more days. Exposure was conducted as a static renewal exposure in quadruplicate exposure tanks with four adult seatrout per tank. At the end of 7 days, fish were removed and sampled for analysis of impact. Our results indicate that GenX (1) accumulated in liver and brain of seatrout, (2) presence of NP increased concentration of GenX detected in these organs, and (3) combination of GenX+NP resulted in altered peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) expression profiles in brains of exposed fish. Data demonstrate that exposure to newer PFAS, such as GenX, in presence of NP may exert greater impacts than predicted from exposure to GenX alone. Further, adult pelagic marine fish might accumulate both PFAS and NP if exposed in the environment enhancing adverse environmental impacts.
Allelopathy is a biological event in which organisms affect the growth and development of other species through the release of secondary metabolites termed allelochemicals. Croton species are known for their rich production of these metabolites, which present bioactive potential and allelopathic potential. Croton urucurana Baillon is a plant that has been traditionally used in folk medicine for its pharmaceutical properties, although this plant presents phytoconstituents that exhibit allelopathic properties, which have been poorly explored. Thus, this study (1) aimed to identify the phytoconstituents and measure allelopathic activity of aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of C. urucurana Baillon and (2) to determine influence of these phytocompounds on seed germination and initial growth of Lactuca sativa L. Triticum aestivum L. coleoptile growth and genotoxicity utilizing Allium cepa L. Data demonstrated the presence of several compounds, predominantly quercetin, kaempferol, and apigenin derivatives. These compounds may be responsible for C. urucurana- initiated inhibitory effects on seed germination and early development of L. sativa and wheat coleoptiles growth. Further, the secondary metabolites may have interfered with roots cells of A. cepa reducing mitotic index, increasing number of chromosomal aberrations, and inducing micronuclei formation, which indicate the genotoxic potential of extracts from C. urucurana. Therefore, this specie from Croton genus appears to be a promising source of natural allelochemicals that might be used for both sustainable management of invasive plants and environmental toxicity assessment studies.
Additive manufacturing (AM) is the fabrication of three-dimensional objects by successively joining layers of feedstock material. Metal AM is the fastest-growing segment. Alloy powders containing different metals are used as feedstock material. Despite the benefits of metal AM, workers may be exposed to powder particles when performing manual tasks. Limited studies have investigated the toxic potency of alloy powders. The aim of this study was to investigate the toxicological potential of virgin (V) and used (U)-Ti6Al4V, and virgin 316L stainless steel (316L SS) powders on human cell lines, including nasal septum (RPMI-2650), lung (A549), and intestinal (HuTu-80), and rat liver (H4IIE-luc) cells. Laser diffraction was employed to determine particle size distribution. Powder dispersions (1 mg/ml) were diluted in culture medium to obtain exposure concentrations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, or 200 µg/ml to assess cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and DNA damage. Bulk powders were 22.1 to 90.15 µm in physical diameter, while sonicated powder dispersions ranged between 21.85 and 84.49 µm. This approximated to an aerodynamic diameter of 46.41-180.3 µm and 45.89-168.98 µm, for bulk powders and dispersions, respectively. For toxicity evaluations, V-Ti6Al4V was non-cytotoxic. Exposure to 200 µg/ml U-Ti6Al4V induced cytotoxicity in intestinal cells. 316L SS was cytotoxic to all cell lines, exhibiting concentration-dependent cytotoxicity in HuTu-80 and H4IIE-luc cells. Metal powders significantly increased generation of ROS in nasal septum (50-100 µg/ml V-Ti6Al4V, 100 µg/ml U-Ti6Al4V, and 20 µg/ml 316L SS) and liver (20 µg/ml 316L SS) cells. None of the powders induced genotoxicity. Our findings indicate that a portion of Ti6Al4V and 316L SS powders contain particles with an aerodynamic diameter <100 µm, and that the powder dispersions initiate significant toxicity in vitro.
Chemical control of Aedes aegypti remains essential for reducing transmission of arboviruses in urban environments; however, intensive use of pesticides has increased the risk of metabolic and behavioral resistance. The aim of this study was to (1) examine the biological and biochemical responses of Aedes aegypti larvae exposed to a low-dose mixture of spinosad and pyriproxyfen, two larvicides with distinct modes of action and (2) determine whether reduced concentrations are able to maintain effective developmental inhibition. Semi-field trials and controlled lab assays were conducted using spinosad at 1.25 μg/L and pyriproxyfen at 0.63 μg/L, concentrations markedly lower than operational recommendations. Under semi-field conditions, this mixture suppressed more than 90% of adult emergence over 28 days and completely inhibited pupation. Lab observations noted rapid neurobehavioral disruption, including erratic swimming, tremors, lethargy, and immobility, followed by developmental arrest and mortality. Enzymatic analysis showed a transient metabolic response, characterized by early induction of mixed-function oxidases and intermediate activation of esterases, while glutathione S-transferases remained unchanged. These findings indicate short-lived detoxification activity rather than sustained resistance mechanisms. Overall, complementary neurotoxic and endocrine-disrupting actions of spinosad and pyriproxyfen were effective even at markedly reduced concentrations. Data support the use of low-dose larvicide mixtures as an environmentally responsible strategy consistent with Integrated Vector Management, potentially decreasing chemical inputs while maintaining larvicidal efficacy.
Sporotrichosis is an implantation mycosis induced by exposure to thermodimorphic fungi of genus Sporothrix, which affects both humans and animals, resulting in severe inflammatory responses. Purinergic signaling has been implicated in pathogenesis of fungal infections, recognized as a critical system for modulating immune responses and triggering effector mechanisms during sporotrichosis. Natural products have emerged as promising modulators of immune responses, particularly through their influence on purinergic signaling. Among these, farnesol, a sesquiterpene alcohol, demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects during sporotrichosis. However, the pathways involved in farnesol anti-inflammatory effects during S. brasiliensis infection remain to be determined. The aim of this study was to determine whether farnesol exerts a protective effect against S. brasiliensis-induced inflammatory damage via modulation of purinergic enzymes and purinergic molecules. Serum and splenic E-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (E-NTPDase) activity for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) was stimulated in infected rats compared to uninfected rats, while E-adenosine deaminase (E-ADA) activity was reduced. Serum and splenic extracellular levels of ATP and adenosine were elevated in infected rats compared to uninfected, as well as serum levels of interleukin 2 (IL-2) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Farnesol diminished S. brasiliensis-initiated rise in serum and splenic E-NTPDase and elevation in levels of IL-2 and IL-6. In addition, farnesol blocked fungal-mediated fall in serum and splenic E-ADA activities and decreased alterations on extracellular levels of ATP and adenosine. Farnesol exerted protective effects involved stimulation of purinergic signaling enzyme activities and consequently regulation of purine metabolism, associated with elevated cytokine levels, thereby ameliorating immune response during sporotrichosis.
Tobacco consumption remains one of the leading causes of preventable diseases and deaths worldwide. Among its major constituents, nicotine (NIC) and tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) stand out attributed to their toxicological and carcinogenic potential. While NIC is primarily recognized for its addictive properties, TSNAs such as N'-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) and 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) are well-established procarcinogens derived from nicotine metabolism. Although the genotoxic and mutagenic effects of NNN and NNK have been extensively documented, the impact of their combined exposure with NIC remains poorly understood. This study investigated the mutagenic and recombinogenic activities of NIC in association with NNN and NNK in vivo using the Drosophila melanogaster wing somatic mutation and recombination test (SMART). Two experimental designs were applied: the standard cross, with basal levels of cytochrome P450-dependent metabolic activity, and the high bioactivation cross, characterized by elevated P450 levels essential for metabolic activation of procarcinogens and promutagens. Data demonstrated that NIC, NNN, and NNK tested individually did not significantly alter mutant clone frequencies. However, combined treatment of NNN 0.001 mg/ml and NNK 0.001 mg/ml in the high bioactivation cross induced a significant rise in total frequency of mutant spots. Further analysis revealed that 73.5% of induced genetic alterations were attributable to somatic recombination events. These findings demonstrate the genotoxic potential of combined TSNAs, suggesting that simultaneous exposure may potentiate genetic damage primarily through recombination mechanisms, emphasizing an important risk factor for tobacco-related health outcomes.
Industrial effluents may contain a wide range of contaminants capable of producing adverse environmental effects even after conventional treatment. This study aimed to assess the phytotoxic potential of effluents derived from a waste treatment company located in a rural area of Minas Gerais, Brazil, by integrating physicochemical analyses and terrestrial plant bioassays. Samples were collected from raw and treated effluents, as well as nearby surface waters, and tested using four plant species: Lactuca sativa, Phaseolus vulgaris, Cenchrus americanus, and Zea mays. Biological endpoints included germination percentage (%G), germination speed index (GSI), fresh biomass, and seedling growth parameters. The treated effluent exhibited elevated levels of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), nickel, and surfactants, which exceeded environmental regulatory limits. Among the tested species, L. sativa demonstrated the highest sensitivity across all endpoints, displaying an average inhibition of 31.59% and the highest Integrated Biological Response (IBR) value. The combination of sensitivity indices and IBR confirmed the toxic potential of treated effluent, emphasizing the relevance of bioassays as complementary tools to traditional physicochemical assessments. These findings indicate the limitations of current treatment processes and reinforce the need for ecotoxicological monitoring using multiple plant models to detect sublethal and potentially genotoxic effects of effluent discharge on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
Risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic drug clinically used to treat mood disorders, autism, and schizophrenia. Since risperidone is typically prescribed chronically for clinical use, it is important to determine potential side effects, such as toxicogenic consequences, which remain under-explored for this class of drugs. The main goal of this study was to (1) examine the genotoxicity attributed to risperidone using L929 murine fibroblasts with different standardized techniques (MTT, comet, and micronucleus (MN) assays) and (2) and oxidative potential by measuring levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and carbonyl proteins, oxidative indices. Data demonstrated that risperidone exhibited a cytotoxic effect after 24 hr exposure, reducing cell viability by approximately 23% (compared to negative controls) at the highest concentration (500 µM). Standard alkaline comet (pH > 13) and MN assays noted the absence of genotoxic/mutagenic potentials after treatment with risperidone (100 and 500 µM), even in the presence of an exogenous metabolizing source (S9 fraction). However, the comet assay displayed the presence of the enzyme formamidopyrimidine DNA-glycosylase (FPG) in cells exposed to 500 µM risperidone resulting in a significant increase in levels of DNA damage, indicative of oxidative damage to the genome. This oxidative DNA damage was corroborated by reduction of the glutathione (GSH) levels, through modulation of GSH-dependent enzymes, and elevated levels of protein oxidation in cultures exposed to 500 µM risperidone. Data demonstrated that 500 µM risperidone exerted a cytotoxic effect on L929 cells accompanied by induction of DNA strand breaks generation of oxidative stress.
Assessing bioavailability of lead (Pb) in soil and dust is an important strategy to (1) improve accuracy in human health risk assessments and (2) evaluate the effectiveness of remediation strategies to reduce Pb bioavailability in situ. A rapid, relatively low cost, and reproducible mouse bioassay to measure soil Pb relative bioavailability (RBA) serves several important roles in bioavailability research, including (1) calibration, evaluation, and improvement of in vitro bioaccessibility assays for predicting RBA; (2) identification of site-specific factors that contribute to variability in RBA, such as soil geochemistry and Pb speciation; and (3) development of new chemical remediation methods that decrease soil Pb bioavailability in situ and protect public health. The aim of this study was to compare intra- and interlab performance of a mouse assay that measured Pb RBA in soil and dust. The assay exhibited reliable intra- and interlab reproducibility, with no significant differences in RBA of 5 test materials measured in two labs. Repeated intralab analysis of a single test material also demonstrated significant reproducible measurement of Pb RBA. These results support more widespread application of mouse assay to determine soil Pb RBA to inform human health risk assessment and soil remediation decisions.
Engineered stone (ES) fabrication workers face risks from exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS), leading to accelerated silicosis. Toxicological data to elucidate pulmonary effects attributed to ES dusts, particularly those with varying compositions, are lacking. This study aimed to determine pulmonary effects following intratracheal instillation (IT) of ES dust in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats received a single 10 mg IT dose of dust from one of three ES types containing varying amounts of crystalline silica (CS) (ES A [high CS], ES B [mid CS], ES C [low CS]), or granite, MIN-U-SIL 5 (MS 5, positive control), or saline. Pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis were assessed via bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) analysis and lung histology at 1-, 21-, and 84-days post-exposure. Early BALF inflammation as evidenced by increased levels of neutrophils and lymphocytes, and cytotoxicity by elevated LDH activity was found in all exposure groups. Neutrophils primarily correlated with higher CS content (MS 5, ES A, ES B). Persistent inflammation comparable with pure silica was noted by increased levels of neutrophils and macrophages and cytotoxicity by elevated LDH activity at 21- and 84-days post-exposure was most pronounced in MS 5 and high-CS ES A groups. By 84-day post-exposure, granulomatous inflammation in lung, BALF and lymph node, was associated with alveolar lipoproteinosis, type II epithelial changes, lymph node and alveolar fibrosis. Toxicity appeared to be driven by complex interactions between silica and trace metal content of dust. These findings warrant further research to assess combined effects of particle characteristics and chemical co-exposures.
Emerging contaminants are chemically diverse compounds that persist and migrate across environmental compartments, including water, soil, sediments, and food. Their removal from wastewater is particularly challenging, especially when present as mixtures, due to their persistence, low biodegradability, and formation of toxic byproducts. This study aimed to investigate the efficiency of photo-ozonation for degrading the emerging pollutants octocrylene, methylparaben, and benzophenone, individually and in binary and ternary mixtures, using ecotoxicological bioassays, addressing a knowledge gap still little explored in the literature. Aqueous solutions containing 100 µg/L of each compound were prepared and subjected to photo-ozonation, generating treated samples. Raw and treated solutions were assessed using the bioindicators Allium cepa and Eisenia fetida. In the plant assay, benzophenone exhibited cytotoxicity prior to treatment, while benzophenone, octocrylene, and their mixture displayed mutagenic effects. After photo-ozonation, increased cytotoxic and mutagenic responses were observed, and additional mixtures became toxic, attributed to the formation of transformation products. In the avoidance test, only the ethylparaben-benzophenone mixture produced toxicity to earthworms, although higher avoidance rates were noted in benzophenone samples following treatment. Taken together, photo-ozonation showed limited effectiveness in reducing ecotoxicity. Data demonstrated that treatment strategies need to consider mixture interactions and byproduct formation, reinforcing the need for optimized and environmentally safe advanced oxidation processes.
The widespread use of commercial pesticide formulations, such as ZEUS® (a combination of dinotefuran and lambda-cyhalothrin), in agriculture necessitates rigorous evaluation of potential adverse biological impacts. The aim of this study was to investigate the phytotoxic, mutagenic, and cytotoxic effects of exposure to ZEUS®. Phytotoxicity parameters involved using Lactuca sativa and Cucumis sativus to measure seed germination and root elongation. Treatment of L. sativa with dinotefuran, lambda-cyhalothrin, and ZEUS® significantly reduced root, hypocotyl growth and germination rates, with LC50 of 3650, 1775, and 1500 µg/ml, respectively. In contrast, dinotefuran and ZEUS® exhibited no marked phytotoxic effects on C. sativus, while only lambda-cyhalothrin was toxic with LC50 of 1990 µg/ml. Mutagenicity was assessed using Saccharomyces cerevisiae D7, while Bacillus subtilis mutant was used to determine DNA or cell division interference. No mutagenic effects or interference with DNA and cell division were observed under tested conditions. Cytotoxicity employing MTT assay and flow cytometry was examined using mouse monocyte-macrophage J774A.1 cell line, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). ZEUS® induced cytotoxicity in J774A.1 cells, with a LC50 of 139.10 µg/ml. However, no significant toxicity was noted with HUVEC cells for ZEUS® and other compounds. Viability or glutathione (GSH) levels, measured by the DTNB assay using HUVECs exhibited no cytotoxicity. In conclusion, ZEUS® demonstrated higher cytotoxicity for J774A.1 cells and L. sativa seeds with no apparent mutagenic potential in other cell models tested or cytotoxicity in HUVEC cells.
The chemical characterization of the species Eugenia florida identified compounds with diverse beneficial pharmacological potential, making it a target for extensive research. The aim of this study was to investigate the phytotoxic and cytogenotoxic effects attributed to exposure to E. florida, leaf extracts obtained from different positions in the canopy (inside and periphery) and through aqueous and hydroethanolic extraction methods. Bioassays were conducted using Lactuca sativa L. measuring parameters such as germination percentage on days 4 and 7, germination speed index, shoot length, root elongation, percentage of abnormal seedlings, and cytogenetic parameters (mitotic index and frequency of chromosomal abnormalities). The results demonstrated that different leaf extracts of E. florida displayed no variation in phytochemical composition, with the presence of flavonoids, phenols, tannins, catechin, saponins, and terpenes. However, the collection position and extraction method have a significant impact on the allelopathic potential of the different extracts. Peripheral leaves, when subjected to hydroethanolic extraction, demonstrated greater efficiency, showing phytotoxic effects on root elongation and morphological abnormalities. Furthermore, a mitodepressive effect greater than 50% was observed, without the detection of genotoxic damage. Thus, this study provides the first evidence that E. florida extracts possess allelopathic potential, especially in the post-emergence phase in bioassays with L. sativa, inducing morphological and cytotoxic alterations. These results highlight the feasibility of using these extracts and pave the way for future research, contributing to the development of more ecological alternatives in agriculture.
Graphene oxide (GO) is a nanomaterial (NM) derived from graphite associated with oxygenated functional groups which confer catalytic and hydrophilic properties, enhancing its potential for industrial and therapeutic applications. This study aimed to integrate physicochemical characterization utilizing in vitro and in vivo toxicological assessments of GO developed by CTNANO-UFMG and CENPES/Petrobras for enhanced oil recovery. ATR-FTIR and TGA were used to characterize the chemical functional group profile. GO exhibited hydrodynamic diameters (HD) below 1 µm at different times. SEM analysis revealed mean equivalent circular diameters (ECD) of 11.37 (water) and 11.78 µm (DMEM). Concentrations of 5, 10, 50, 100, 250 or 500 µg/ml did not significantly affect HepG2 cell viability. Intraperitoneal GO administration (5, 12.5, 25 or 50 mg/kg) to BALB/c mice transiently reduced food and water intake and body weight. In pleural cavity lavage (PCL), number of leukocytes was decreased accompanied by lower levels of mononuclear cells and eosinophils but elevated neutrophils. In bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), neutrophils were also increased. No significant changes were observed in IFN-γ and TNF levels in plasma, PCL, or BAL, although IL-6 was decreased in PCL. Serum AST levels were increased, and GO accumulated preferentially in liver, with additional deposits in adipose tissue adjacent to spleen and kidney. Histological changes and inflammatory infiltrates were observed in liver, spleen, and lungs. These findings indicate that GO induces mild local inflammatory responses and dose-dependent hepatic accumulation, indicating need for further studies with prolonged exposure periods to assess potential adverse effects and reversibility.
Short- and ultra-short per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) such as perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA, 4C), perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS, 4C), trifluoroacetic acid (TFA, 2C) and trifluoromethane sulfonic acid (TFMS, 1C) were detected in various environmental matrices, but studies addressing the effects attributed to exposure are still scarce. This study aimed to (1) investigate acute toxicity of these emerging PFAS using Daphnia magna (immobility, mortality, reproduction, and body size) and Hydra vulgaris (morphological changes and reproduction) and (2) assess the sub-chronic/chronic toxicity of TFA in both species. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity was also assessed in both species after long-term exposure to TFA. Chemical analysis confirmed presence and stability of the 4 PFAS in exposure media. For all tested PFAS, endpoints examined after acute tests were not markedly affected by exposure and LC50 values were > 1000 mg/L. However, this toxicity was significantly affected by media acidification induced by the tested chemicals (LC50 = 316 and 31,6 mg/L for D. magna and H. vulgaris, respectively). Long-term exposure to TFA did not significantly induce any effect on both species and GST levels were not altered. Overall, results suggest lower toxicity of ultra/short-chain PFAS to these species under selected exposure conditions. However, additional studies investigating multigenerational effects of these PFAS using realistic environmental concentrations are needed to overcome the significant gaps in our understanding of short/ultra-short PFAS-induced toxicity.
Sporotrichosis, a neglected tropical disease, is an emerging implantation mycosis considered a global public health concern attributed to thermodimorphic fungus of the genus Sporothrix. An important step in controlling sporotrichosis is the implementation of suitable treatments. However, resistance to first-line antifungal therapies represents a growing challenge for sporotrichosis management, reinforcing the need for alternative and effective treatments, such as farnesol. Farnesol is a sesquiterpene alcohol considered a potential compound due to its antifungal activity in vitro and anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects noted in vivo. However, farnesol in-vivo antifungal activity against S. brasiliensis remains to be determined. The aim of this study was to determine whether farnesol exerts antifungal action in rats inoculated with S. brasiliensis, and whether this compound provides protection to hepatic. Farnesol (100 mg/kg daily for 21 days) did not significantly reduce hepatic and renal fungal burden compared to infected rats and those treated with corn oil. Farnesol treatment diminished elevation of total leukocytes, lymphocytes, and eosinophil counts compared to infected and corn oil-treated rats. In infected rats, farnesol reduced increase in activities of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and levels of creatinine, and urea. Further, farnesol also restored hematological indices related to white blood parameters. Farnesol also improved biomarkers of hepatic and renal functions. Therapeutic use of farnesol may be considered an interesting approach to improve hematological and hepatic consequences during disseminated sporotrichosis.
The accumulation of toxic metals threatens biodiversity and poses significant risks to human health. The aim of this study was to determine environmental quality of Lake Açu, located in Conceição do Lago Açu, Maranhão, Brazil, utilizing biochemical and histopathological biomarkers in Prochilodus lacustris exposed to toxic metals. Samples were collected from three sites: S1 - urbanized area impacted by domestic sewage and fishery waste; S2 - intermediate location; and S3 - site furthest from the urban area, during dry and rainy seasons. Water, sediment, and fish liver samples (n = 80) were analyzed. Elevated concentrations of aluminum (33,204.87 mg/kg at S2 during the dry season), copper (22.89 mg/kg; limit ≤0.2 mg/kg at S3 during the rainy season), and manganese (1,621.57 mg/kg at S1 during the dry season) were detected in sediments, with copper exceeding Brazilian safety limits (CONAMA Resolutions 420/2009 and 2012). Mercury concentrations (0.05 mg/kg) reached the maximum established limit (≤0.05 mg/kg). These elevated metal levels correlated with hepatic lesions in fish, including cytoplasmic vacuolization (100%) and cellular degeneration (90%), mainly in S1 and S2 sites. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity averaged 4 U/mg protein, while catalase (CAT) activity was close to 400 U/mg protein. Seasonal and spatial variations did not significantly influence enzymatic responses. Data demonstrate that contamination by toxic metals in Lake Açu compromises hepatic integrity and fish physiology, emphasizing the urgent need for mitigation measures and environmental management to protect aquatic biodiversity.