Vegetables are essential for human nutrition due to their low fat content and high levels of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. However, studies have shown that vegetables are vulnerable to PTE contamination as a result of anthropogenic activities. This study determined the concentrations and health impacts associated with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in specific vegetables (green beans, spinach, green pepper, carrots, and onions). A total of 90 vegetable samples were randomly selected and purchased from local markets and analyzed for potentially toxic elements (PTEs) (Cd, Fe, Cr, Pb, Cu, Zn, Co, and Ni) using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The mean concentrations (mg·kg-1) of PTEs ranged from 0.006 - 0.021 for Cd, 2.27 - 12.32 for Fe, 0.05 - 0.150 for Cr, 0.087 - 0.254 for Pb, 0.035 - 0.062 for Cu, 2.65 - 15.61 for Zn, 0.010 - 0.050 for Co, and 0.012 - 0.058 for Ni. The abundance of PTEs was found to be in the following declining order: Zn >Fe >Cu >Cr >Ni >Co >Pb >Cd. The hazard index (HI) for both children and adults was <1, suggesting that there is no likely non-carcinogenic effect from consuming these vegetables. Similarly, the carcinogenic risk was below the acceptable value range of 1.0 × 10-6 - 1.0 × 10-4. Based on the results of this study, it is unlikely that the vegetables analyzed pose a health risk to consumers. However, monitoring and continuous stringent regulations of PTEs on foodstuff for public health protection.
Benzene exposure affects gasoline station personnel, and prior studies have shown that working at gasoline stations has a greater effect on neurological symptoms. This study aims to examine the risk of benzene exposure and evaluate workers' knowledge and preventive practices regarding benzene at gasoline stations in Northeastern Thailand. A questionnaire was utilized to collect data on general knowledge and preventive practices from 82 employees across 57 gasoline stations. Twelve specific benzene samples were collected, with two samples obtained from each of six gasoline stations: one from the gasoline refueling zone and one from the office area. Sampling adhered to the NIOSH-1501 standard using personal pumps. A gas chromatograph (GC) equipped with a flame ionization detector (FID) was employed to detect benzene. Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted to determine frequency, percentage, mean, maximum, and minimum values. Our findings revealed that benzene concentrations in all samples were below the detection threshold (0.001 mg/kg) during the 8-hour work shift. Strikingly, despite this low measured exposure and acceptable non-cancer risk levels, every work group was still classified as having a significant cancer risk according to the risk assessment models. The study also indicated that 50.0% of workers had a moderate understanding of benzene, whereas 45.1% had a low level of knowledge. Moreover, self-protective measures were inadequate, with workers neglecting to wear protective gloves while handling benzene, delaying gasoline removal until task completion, and consuming food and beverages in the workplace. Our findings provide more evidence about the health risk associated with benzene exposure among gasoline station workers. Therefore, organizations and relevant agencies must prioritize improving workers' understanding of safe chemical management to ensure proper handling and minimize exposure to carcinogenic substances that may increase cancer risk.
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a neuropsychiatric condition linked to neurotransmitter imbalances, neuroinflammation, and purinergic signaling dysregulation. Emerging evidence suggests that environmental pollutants, such as silica nanoparticles (SiNPs), contribute to neuroinflammatory responses and depressive-like behaviors, though the mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigates the effects of repeated SiNP exposure on depressive-like behaviors and purinergic signaling in the hippocampus of adult male rats. Thirty-six Wistar rats were divided into three groups (control, low-dose SiNP, high-dose SiNP) and received intraperitoneal injections for 28 days. Depressive-like behaviors were assessed using the Forced Swimming Test (FST) and Tail Suspension Test (TST), while the enzymatic activities of ectonucleotidases (E-NTPDase, E-NPP, and ecto-5'-nucleotidase) and ATPase function were measured in hippocampal tissue. Gene expression of purinergic receptors (A2A, P2X7, P2Y2) and ectonucleotidases (CD73, NTPDase 1-3) was analyzed via RT-qPCR, with immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence assessing CD73 and CD90 protein levels. SiNP exposure significantly increased immobility time in both behavioral tests, indicating depressive-like behavior. It also upregulated ectonucleotidase activity, purinergic receptors (A2A, P2X7, P2Y2), and CD73/CD90 expression, while disrupting ATPase function by decreasing both Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase and Ca²⁺-ATPase activities. These findings suggest that SiNPs induce depressive-like behavior through purinergic pathway dysregulation, promoting neuroinflammation and neurotransmission alterations. Further studies are needed to explore purinergic signaling as a potential therapeutic target in depression.
Antibiotic resistance is a critical medical issue. Antiseptics, which play a key role in treating and preventing eye infections and inflammations, have the potential to induce resistance in pathogenic microorganisms despite their broad antimicrobial spectrum. When introducing new active substances into ophthalmic treatments, it is crucial to assess the risk of side effects caused by the systemic action of the active compound. The succinic salt of polyhexamethylene guanidine derivative (ss-PHMGd) has shown high in vitro activity. This study aimed to evaluate the systemic effects of ss-PHMGd-based eye drops after ocular instillation in a preclinical model. Simple mathematical models were used to calculate pharmacokinetic parameters during instillation in two types of laboratory animals: guinea pigs and chinchilla rabbits. Groups received intravenous injections and ocular treatments. Tritium-labeled ss-PHMGd was used to quantify its concentration in organs and tissues. To test the linearity of the parameter relationships, data from three different doses were compared. Renal excretion was studied by quantifying ss-PHMGd concentrations in urine using radiometric methods. The results showed that ss-PHMGd-based eye drops present a low risk of systemic side effects and exhibit minimal penetration into other organs after instillation. No species-specific differences were found in the ADME parameters of the preclinical models (the guinea pig-to-chinchilla rabbit absorption ratio was 0.7). The AUC-D parameters exhibited a linear relationship for doses ranging from 0.5 of therapeutic dose (TD) to 5TD in guinea pigs. Renal excretion analysis revealed that 5.3% of the administered dose was excreted through the kidneys, indicating significant metabolic transformation or excretion via other pathways. This study enhances the understanding of the pharmacokinetics and safety of polyguanidines, with implications for toxicology and risk assessment.
The terrible intensification in global food demand predictably results in an increase in agricultural practices, with a focus on the usage of herbicides. Hence, a deeper understanding of the impact of this herbicide on aquatic ecosystems is required. The characterization of nano-emulsion of fluazifop-P-butyl (FL) and the toxic effects in both traditional and nanoforms on the growth, pigmentation and ultrastructure of the freshwater microalgae: Auxenochlorella pyrenoidosa and Raphidocelis subcapitata were studied. The prepared nano-emulsion has a particle size of 52-94 nm by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Zeta potential recorded (38.5 mV) and polydispersity index recorded (0.394). Traditional fluazifop-P-butyl (TFL) in the case of A. pyrenoidosa exhibited median effective concentration (EC50) (10.909 ± 3.635 mg/L) (P= 0.235), while nano fluazifop-P-butyl (NFL) recorded EC50 (14.281 ± 6.251 mg/L) (P= 0.205). In the case of R. subcapitata, TFL recorded EC50 (1.174 ± 0.501 mg/L) (P= 0.105), while NFL exhibited EC50 (4.757 ± 1.755 mg/L) (P= 0.150). Exposure of R. subcapitata cells to 0.117 mg/L of TFL significantly decreased chlorophyll a level by (-)15.51% (P= 0.002) relative to control. Also, chlorophyll b content in A. pyrenoidosa cells significantly decreased upon treatment with 1.43 mg/L of NFL by (-)67.16% (P= 0.001). Carotenoid content in A. pyrenoidosa cells significantly increased after exposure to 1.09 mg/L of TFL by 108.88% (P= 0.001) compared to the control. Likewise, exposure of R. subcapitata cells to 0.117 mg/L of TFL elevated carotenoid levels by 200.57% (P < 0.001). Destroyed chloroplasts and compacted cell walls were observed through TEM when A. pyrenoidosa was exposed to 1.09 mg/L of TFL and 1.43 mg/L of NFL. Likewise, R. subcapitata cells were exposed to 0.117 mg/L of TFL and 0.476 mg/L of NFL. This study demonstrates that both conventional and nano-forms of FL endanger the integrity of the ecosystem and have adverse impacts on non-target organisms. Thus, it's crucial to follow biosafety protocols concerning non-target species before deciding to use this herbicide.
Environmental pollution by heavy metals arising from several industrial processes is a major cause for concern globally as these metals disrupt the soil ecosystem and rendering metal-polluted soils unfit for use in agriculture. As such, it is essential to devise means to reclaim these soils to sustain the soil biodiversity and enhance plant growth. This study focused on the determination of plant growth-promoting features of metal-tolerant bacteria (MTB) isolated from metal-polluted soils. Composite soil samples were obtained from three different sites receiving battery wastes. Using atomic absorption spectrophotometry, concentrations of heavy metals (cadmium, nickel, lead, zinc) in the soil samples were determined. Nutrient agar augmented with 50 μg/mL salts of the metals were used to cultivate MTB. Recovered MTB were screened for metal tolerance (100-500 μg/mL). Isolates demonstrating elevated multiple metal tolerance were identified using biochemical tests and identity confirmed using 16S rRNA sequencing, followed by screening for presence of metal-resistance genes (zntA, nreB, cadA, pbrA) using PCR and selected plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits. Statistical analysis of data generated was conducted using descriptive statistics. Of all contaminants, lead was most abundant (2596.8 ± 4.48 mg/kg). A total of 132 MTB were cultivated in pure culture, with 20 (15.15%) demonstrating multi-metal tolerance belonging to the genera Serratia (1), Citrobacter (1), Bacillus (1), Staphylococcus (2), Providencia (2), Mammaliicoccus (2), Pseudomonas (4) and Alcaligenes (7). Genes (pbrA/cadA/zntA) were detected (1/5/12). Nitrogen fixation/potassium/phosphate solubilisation/IAA/siderophores production were demonstrated by 15/10/5/13/17 isolates. Isolates obtained from the different sites exhibited significant multi-metal tolerance and demonstrated significant plant growth features.
Mosquito coil fume is a cheap and commonly used method of reducing malaria incidence in third-world countries. The effects of fumes from pyrethroid and D-allethrin-based mosquito coils available in the Nigerian market were assessed in male Wistar rats. The rats were exposed to the insecticide fumes for 7, 14, and 21 days, while another group served as a control. The experiment consisted of seven randomly divided groups of six weight-matched animals per group. Plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), cholesterol, phospholipids, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein phospholipid (HDL-P) were evaluated. Lung-, liver- and kidney-reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxide (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde/lipid peroxidation (MDA) and lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) were also evaluated. Histoimmunochemistry was used to assess lung p53 and Bcl-2 expressions. Pyrethroid and D-allethrin-based fumes induced a significant (p < 0.05) increase in plasma AST, LDH, cholesterol, phospholipids, and HDL-P, with a reduction of HDL-C levels. The fumes significantly and differently dysregulated antioxidant enzymes. The inhalations of the fumes induced significant (p < 0.05) increases in kidney MDA and LOOH levels, liver MDA by pyrethroid fume, and lung MDA by D-allethrin only, but lung LOOH by inhalations of both fumes. The increased expression of lung p53 and repression of Bcl-2 by both fumes were duration-dependent. The fume-induced disproportionate tissue function biomarkers, redox status, and apoptosis-related proteins. These effects are a possible panoply of divergent modes by which exposure to coil fumes can be deleterious to human health.
Pesticides, including organophosphates, have been reported to cause important environmental impact through effects over different taxonomic groups. Oligochaeta are often used as bioindicators, but little is known regarding molecular level pesticide interactions in this group. In our study we present a comprehensive in silico analysis of the interactions between 52 organophosphates and Lumbricus erythrocruorin hemoglobin. We performed a molecular docking analysis with GOLD software, to assess the two organophosphates most likely to interact with the studied protein, being Glufosinate ammonium and Fonofos. Next, we used Desmond software for Molecular Dynamics Simulation (MDS), to elucidate the potential mechanistic effects of these widely used pesticides. MDS of both ligands showed the potential of interacting with heme groups, and with residues important for chains interface, which may affect hemoglobin functioning. Our findings advocate for the application of computational methodologies in environmental toxicology, aiming to guide the development of agrochemicals that minimize ecological damage. It underscores the critical need for environmentally conscious chemical design and calls for further research into the subtle molecular interactions affecting non-target species within agricultural ecosystems.
This study determined reference values of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) exposure in the general Korean population. Serum samples from 2,993 adults in the fourth Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) (2018 -2020) were analyzed for five PFAS: perfluorooctanoic acids (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA). The geometric means (GMs) and 95th percentile concentrations of serum PFOA were 6.43 and 16.55 μg/L, respectively; those of PFOS were 15.07 and 43.96 μg/L; 4.17 and 14.91 μg/L for PFHxS; 2.06 and 5.98 μg/L for PFNA; and 0.91 and 2.40 μg/L for PFDA. Higher serum PFAS concentrations were observed in older adults, men, former smokers, and frequent seafood consumers. Exposure levels also varied based on socioeconomic factors such as income and education. Additionally, participants residing in coastal areas exhibited higher serum PFAS concentrations, whereas higher PFHxS levels were observed in those living near industrial complexes. Higher concentrations of PFDA and PFNA were detected in participants consuming local drinking water (GMs, 3.29, 2.86 and 2.82 μg/L for local-based water, tap water and purifier or mineral water for PFNA; 1.43, 1.22 and 1.20 μg/L for PFDA; p-values were <0.05). These findings suggest that the Korean PFAS exposure level is relatively high, and may be related with residential and lifestyle characteristics.
Microplastic pollution is increasingly recognized as a potential environmental stressor for microorganisms. This study aimed to explore how surface-functionalized polystyrene (PS) microplastics influence selected cellular-level responses in two Gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia coli and Acinetobacter sp., focusing on growth, viability, biofilm formation, and membrane-associated stress. Bacterial cultures were exposed to PS microplastics with three surface chemistries: non-functionalized PS, aminated PS (PS-NH2), and carboxylated PS (PS-COOH). Exposure to PS microplastic induced species- and surface chemistry-dependent alterations in bacterial responses. Compared to the control, non-functionalized PS reduced E. coli growth and viability to 74.8% and 61.3%, respectively, while Acinetobacter sp. showed reductions to 72.1% and 69.3% following PS exposure. Biofilm formation increased significantly to 143.2% in E. coli with PS, and to 207.2% and 190.7% in Acinetobacter sp. with PS and PS-COOH, respectively. Cytotoxicity assays revealed distinct stress patterns: in E. coli, PS exposure elevated MDA and LDH levels to 155.3% and 120.5% of control levels, respectively, while ROS levels remained near baseline (100.2%), indicating predominant membrane rupture and lipid peroxidation. In contrast, Acinetobacter sp. exhibited markedly elevated ROS (118.5% and 123.5%) and MDA (190.7% and 212.8%) levels upon exposure to PS and PS-COOH, while LDH remained comparable to the control, suggesting sublethal oxidative stress and membrane perturbation. These findings demonstrate that even chemically inert PS microplastics can trigger biologically significant responses in bacteria through surface-mediated mechanisms. The observed interspecies and inter-surface variability underscores the complexity of microplastic-microbe interactions and highlights the need for microbial-level assessments in evaluating the ecological risks of microplastic pollution.
Landfills are increasingly acknowledged as significant sources of microplastic contamination. Landfills received huge amounts of plastic waste daily, which can degrade into microplastics over time and subsequently accumulate in soil or leach into surrounding environments through leachate. This study investigates the abundance and characteristics of microplastics (MPs) present in soil and leachate across various zones within a landfill., focusing on their size, shape, and polymer composition in young, middle-aged, and old landfill zones. The comprehensive approach involved sample collection, and laboratory analysis. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy identified the dominant polymers, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) were used to explore factors influencing MP distribution and grouping patterns between soil and leachate samples. The results showed that the abundance of MPs in leachate was significantly lower in middle-aged landfills compared to young and old zones (P < 0.05). Fiber-shaped MPs were most common, with particle sizes ranging from 0.1 mm to 1.6 mm. FTIR spectroscopy identified polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS) as dominant polymer types. PCA indicated that landfill aging and environmental degradation influenced MP distribution, with HCA showing distinct patterns between soil and leachate. Smaller MPs were more mobile and found more often in leachate, while larger MPs were retained in soil. This study highlights the critical role landfills play as sources of MP pollution, emphasizing the need for improved waste management to reduce contamination and mitigate ecological and health risks. Effective strategies are essential to addressing the environmental impact of MPs in landfills.
This review expands upon prior work, which established that 112 out of 114 (98.2%) epidemiological articles published between 2011 and 2018 supported an association between exposure to elevated indoor mold/dampness and various single/multi-system health symptoms. Focusing on fatigue, our review rigorously examined these studies for statistically significant associations with mold and dampness exposure. We analyzed six articles involving a collective cohort from five cross-sectional studies with 40,933 participants, and a case-control study comprising 95 cases and 110 controls. We introduced a six-point ranking scale to assess the evidence, categorizing the studies from very low to very high support based on their methodological rigor and findings. Our evaluation revealed one study with very low support, one with moderate support, three with moderately high support, and one with very high support. Two studies were considered reference only. Our systematic review supports the assertion that fatigue is associated with exposure to indoor mold and dampness, highlighting the need for enhanced awareness and interventions in affected environments.
The study aimed to analyse data from epizootological monitoring, microbiological and molecular genetic studies to assess the genetic biodiversity of Yersinia pestis (Y. pestis) strains, to determine the effectiveness of using individual methods and to develop the necessary algorithm for evaluating genetic methods and creating a biorepository of natural isolates of these pathogens. As a result, the biodiversity of Y. pestis strains isolated in natural plague foci of Kazakhstan was analysed using classical and modern methods (polymerase chain reaction, Multi Locus Variable Number Tandem Repeat Analysis, VITEK 2 Compact, MiniION Oxford Nanopore, MiSeq sequencer) of research and geographic information system (GIS) technology. Spatial and temporal characteristics of plague infection in the plague-enriched areas of the country were described. The study summarised the characteristics of phenotypic and molecular genetic properties of 1220 Y. pestis strains isolated from different sites in natural plague foci of the country during the period 2010-2023. As a result, 94.8% of Y. pestis strains were typical of these plague foci, and 5.2% of strains had altered properties in some respects. To obtain information on genetic diversity and their geographical distribution, 82 DNA samples of Y. pestis strains were studied. Three phylogenetic trees were constructed, GIS maps were compiled and a gene bank, a biorepository of molecular characteristics was created to obtain specific genetic characteristics of strains and a complete picture of the genetic parameters of the plague pathogen isolated from various sites in natural foci of Kazakhstan.
Bisphenol A (BPA), a common endocrine-disrupting chemical, can cause oxidative damage, apoptosis, and necroptosis in various organs. However, the underlying mechanisms for BPA-induced neurotoxicity were not properly reported. Here, we have evaluated the possible ameliorative roles of astaxanthin (ASX) against BPA-induced brain apoptosis/necroptosis in male rats. Forty male rats were equally grouped (30 days) into control, ASX (75 mg/kg), BPA (50 mg/kg), and BPA/ASX (50 mg/kg/BAP+75 mg/kg/ASX). The present findings demonstrated that ASX could mitigate the diminished acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity and the increased dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine levels, besides anxiety behaviors that resulted from BPA intoxication. Furthermore, ASX significantly reduced BPA-induced brain oxidative injury by mitigating malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), glutathione transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) levels. Moreover, ASX could alleviate the histopathological changes promoted by BPA and repair the transcript levels of p53, BcL2, caspase9, FADD, RIPK1/3, MLKL along with Bax, and caspase3 immunoreactivity. In conclusion, ASX reserved brain injury-induced apoptosis, and necroptosis following exposure to BPA through p53/Bcl2/Bax/caspase9/capasase3 and RIPK1/FADD/RIPK3/MLKL pathways.
This study evaluates the concentrations and associated health risks of heavy metals in dumpsite effluents across selected locations in Enugu State, Southeastern Nigeria. Surface and groundwater samples were collected in and around active municipal dumpsites and analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Detected metals included lead (Pb), iron (Fe), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and nickel (Ni), with measured values compared to WHO and Nigerian drinking water standards. Elevated levels of Pb and Cd were observed, with Pb ranging from 1.5 to 5.1 μg/L and Cd from 2.1 to 4.8 μg/L. Fe and Mn concentrations reached 14.4 μg/L and 14.2 μg/L, respectively. Cr and Ni levels varied between 0.8-2.5 μg/L and 0.1-4.3 μg/L. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Pearson correlation revealed anthropogenic sources, notably leachate infiltration and waste decomposition, as primary contributors. Human health risks were assessed using USEPA models, estimating both ingestion and dermal exposure for adults and children. Hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) values indicated significant non-carcinogenic risks, particularly for children exposed to Pb and Cd. Carcinogenic risk levels for Cr and Pb in several locations exceeded the acceptable threshold of 1.0 × 10-4. Communities depending on shallow wells and surface water near dumpsites showed the highest risk levels. The findings highlight the urgent need for improved waste management, regular water quality surveillance, and community health interventions. This work provides essential baseline data for environmental health governance and demonstrates the utility of chemometric tools for pollution source tracking and policy development.
Exposure to toxic heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium (Pb²⁺, Hg²⁺, As⁵⁺, As³⁺, and Cd²⁺), is a known contributor to neurological dysfunction. Although the individual neurotoxicity of these metals has been well established, their synergistic effects with endogenous neurotoxins such as glutamate remain insufficiently explored. In this study, we investigated neurotoxic effects of the combination of glutamate and heavy metals using the HT-22 hippocampal neuronal cell line. The cells were exposed to each heavy metal alone or in combination with glutamate at low [LCR; glutamate: heavy metal = 1:0.0025] and high [HCR; glutamate: heavy metal = 1:0.025] concentration ratios. Cell viability was measured by the MTT assay, and synergistic effects were quantitatively assessed by the Chou-Talalay method using CompuSyn software. The results showed that Pb²⁺ exhibited consistent synergistic effects with glutamate at both concentration ratios. In addition, Hg²⁺ and As⁵⁺ demonstrated synergistic effects with glutamate under high concentration conditions. These findings highlight that certain heavy metals can potentiate glutamate-induced neurotoxicity through synergistic mechanisms. This study provides quantitative evidence for the enhanced neurotoxic potential of environmental heavy metals when combined with endogenous excitotoxins such as glutamate.
Sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) and high fat diet (HFD) are already documented to provoke oxidative stress, neuro inflammation and learning and memory deficits. This work aimed to determine the possible neuroprotection of the root extract of Nauclea latifolia (NlREq) against NaAsO2/HFD induced neurotoxicity in Wistar rats. Twenty-five rats were divided into five groups: groups include control; NaAsO2/HFD treated; NaAsO2/HFD + NlREq at 200 mg /kg and 400 mg/kg; and NaAsO2/HFD treated with silymar in at the dose of 50 mg/kg. The behavioral assessments (elevated plus maze and T-maze), biochemical analysis and histological investigations were performed. As shown in the present study, NaAsO2/HFD group exhibited enhanced anxiety related behaviour, memory deficit, oxidative stress (MDA, TNF-α, IL-1β) and decreased antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GSH) activity. The histological examination revealed significant neuronal loss and remarkable architectural alteration in hippocampus, prefrontal cortex and cerebellum. These effects were ameliorated by NlREq administered in a dose-dependent manner, with the 400 mg/kg dose enhancing memory in the affected animals, reducing inflammation, replenishing antioxidant defence systems, and maintaining integrity of neurons. These results indicate that Nauclea latifolia root extract has strong neuroprotective potential and may be used as a phytochemical for managing neurotoxicity and cognitive impairment due to exposure to toxins in the environment and poor diet.
This work was aimed at assessing the potential human health risk of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) due to consumption of five different species of fish from Dandaru River and Eleyele Lake in Ibadan, Nigeria. Five OCPs (aldrin, beta-lindane, beta-endosulfan, endosulfan ether and heptachlor epoxide) were investigated. Extraction was carried out by a quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) procedure; extract was cleaned-up using solid phase extraction while instrumental analysis was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Health risk assessment (non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic) to adult, children and infants was carried out using standard models and indices. Target OCPs were measured up to 0.013 mg/kg for heptachlor epoxide in Oreochromis niloticus from Dandaru River. Lowest concentrations for most of the OCPs were determined in Clarias gariepinus from Eleyele River. Hazard indices (HI) indicate that non-carcinogenic risk to adult and children was not apparent by consuming all investigated fish species from Dandaru River and Eleyele Lake. However, a high non-carcinogenic risk to infants was expected by consuming Oreochromis niloticus and Oreochromis lidole from Eleyele Lake as well as all investigated fish species (except Oreochromis aureas) from Dandaru River, apparently due to the contribution of heptachlor epoxide. Although carcinogenic risk was not expected in adult due to consumption of all investigated fish species from both Eleyele Lake and Dandaru River, consumption of Oreochromis niloticus from Eleyele Lake by infants and children, Oreochromis lidole from Eleyele Lake by infants, as well as all investigated fish species (except Oreochromis aureas) from Dandaru River by infants poses possible carcinogenic effects. Regular health risk assessment of target OCPs for the investigated fish species from the two water bodies is necessary to safeguard the safety and health of consumers, especially infants.
This study investigates the correlations among urinary metals, the effects of co-exposure to multiple metals, and the relative importance of each metal in renal tubular damage (RTD) among residents of a metal-contaminated area. Urine sampling and health surveys were conducted for 120 participants living near a smelter for the Forensic Research via Omics Markers (FROM) study. Nine urinary metals (V, Cr, Mn, Ni, Mo, Cd, Sb, Pb, and Hg) and RTD markers such as beta-2-microglobulin (β2-MG) and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) were analyzed. The effects of multiple metals on RTD and the relative importance of each metal were investigated using Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR). The nine metals were highly correlated with each other, suggesting co-exposure to multiple metals. In the results of BKMR, co-exposure to multiple metals significantly affected NAG levels across the entire urinary metal concentration range. Although β2-MG levels increased with rising urinary metal concentrations, the increase was not statistically significant. V and Cd were the highest contributors to β2-MG (posterior inclusion probability, PIP=0.853) and NAG (PIP=0.983), respectively. This study demonstrates co-exposure to metals among residents living in the metal-contaminated area and that co-exposure to multiple metals significantly increased NAG levels. Additionally, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to show that V is the highest contributor to the increase inβ2-MG. This study extends previous research by evaluating co-exposure to a more comprehensive array of metals, there by offering a broader perspective on the potential health impacts of RTD among residents in metal-contaminated areas.
