Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used for various industrial and biomedical applications; however, their potential cardiotoxicity remains insufficiently understood and requires further investigation. We evaluated the cardiotoxic effects of AgNPs and crocin-coated AgNPs (CR-AgNPs) administered at doses of 20, 40, and 80 µg/kg in male Wistar rats. Forty-two rats were randomly allocated to seven groups as follows: The groups included a control group (normal saline), three AgNPs-treated groups (20, 40, and 80 µg/kg), and three crocin-coated AgNPs-treated groups (20, 40, and 80 µg/kg), all of which received treatment via oral gavage for 30 days. At the end of the experiment, the animals were anesthetized with ketamine and xylazine, and blood samples and cardiac tissues were collected for biochemical and histopathological analyses. Our findings showed that malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly increased in the AgNPs 80 group compared with the control group. In addition, administration of CR-AgNPs at 80 µg/kg significantly reduced MDA levels compared with the AgNPs 80 group. Histopathological examination confirmed the toxic effect of AgNPs at 80 µg/kg, as evidenced by mild interstitial edema and localized separation of myocardial muscle fibers. In conclusion, these findings suggest that CR-AgNPs may represent a safer alternative for pharmaceutical applications by reducing the risk of subacute cardiotoxicity in experimental animals. Further investigations are required to provide additional evidence in this field.
In water-scarce Egypt, aquaculture relies on agricultural drainage water, raising health concerns. Water and Nile tilapia were sampled seasonally from four sites (drainage versus Nile freshwater). Lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and mercury (Hg) were measured in water and fish tissues by ICP-MS and FAAS. Bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) and health risks (EDI, THQ, HI) were calculated. Kitchener Drain showed severe contamination, with Pb, Cd, Cr, and Hg exceeding WHO limits 5–54-fold. Bioaccumulation followed liver > kidney > muscle, with Pb reaching 4.90mg/kg in summer liver. Muscle remained within FAO/WHO limits. BAFs showed metal transfer even at low ambient levels. All THQ values were <1. The HI at Kitchener Drain (0.36) was 3.6-fold higher than reference sites (HI=0.10), peaking in summer. Correlations between water, tissue, and human health risk were strong (r > 0.85, p < 0.001). Although edible muscle poses no immediate risk, narrow Pb safety margins (0.28mg/kg vs 0.3mg/kg) and higher cumulative risk highlight the need for monitoring and water treatment. This One Health assessment supports sustainable aquaculture management in Egypt.
6-Methylnicotine (6-MN) products are increasingly appearing on the US and global markets and are currently unregulated in the US. Nixodine-S is a flavorless concentrate containing (S)-6-MN for use as a 1:1 nicotine alternative in the manufacture of vape or oral products. Based on intravenous acute toxicity study results, it was formulated to be less acutely toxic than nicotine. Under volume-equivalent dosing conditions, the Nixodine-S formulation did not induce cytotoxicity in the neutral red uptake assay with BALB/c 3T3 cells, while nicotine was cytotoxic. Both Nixodine-S and nicotine were negative in micronucleus and Ames assays. In nAChR activation testing, Nixodine-S, as well as its salt, elicited similar activation of two nAChR subtypes that are implicated in nicotine reward pathways. Nixodine-S and its salt produced a response consistent with weak partial agonism (low intrinsic efficacy relative to acetylcholine) similar to nicotine but with much lower potency than nicotine, at the most nicotine-sensitive of the three receptors tested and a primary driver of phasic dopamine release in mesolimbic reward circuits. Collectively, these data support an exploratory receptor-referenced therapeutic index (rTI) for Nixodine-S that is comparable to that of nicotine at volume-equivalent doses, and a differential nAChR subtype profile.
Objective To analyze the epidemiological and spatial differences in accidental and intentional poisonings in Colombia between 2015 and 2023, with an emphasis on social and territorial inequalities. Methodology An observational, retrospective, and analytical study was conducted using records from the Public Health Surveillance System (Sivigila, event 365). Cases classified as accidental and intentional (suicide) poisonings were included. Frequencies, incidence rates, and associations were estimated using chi-square tests and odds ratios (OR) with 95% CI. Additionally, spatial analysis was performed using the Global Moran’s Index and LISA to identify patterns of autocorrelation and geographic clústers. Data processing was performed in RStudio (v4.4.3). Results A total of 237,926 cases were analyzed, of which 70,405 were accidental and 167,521 were intentional. Accidental poisonings were primarily associated with other chemicals and pesticides, while intentional poisonings were dominated by medications, revealing distinct patterns depending on the substance group involved. Accidental poisonings were more prevalent among children and showed a heterogeneous geographic distribution, while intentional poisonings predominated among adolescents and adults. Significant associations were found with gender, age, marital status, type of health insurance, and ethnic group (p < 0.05). Men were more likely to experience accidental poisonings (OR = 2.53), while adolescents had a higher risk of intentional poisoning compared to children (OR = 137.4). Spatial analysis revealed positive autocorrelation in intentional poisonings (Moran’s coefficient = 0.20; p = 0.017), with clústers in Cauca and Tolima, while accidental poisonings did not show a significant overall spatial pattern. Conclusion Chemical poisonings in Colombia exhibit distinct patterns depending on intent, with clear social, demographic, and territorial disparities. These findings highlight the need to strengthen prevention strategies by regulating highly hazardous pesticides, especially in areas where agricultural activities predominate and these products are more widely available, as well as to promote the safe storage of medications and mental health interventions with a territorial and life-cycle approach.
This study assesses the risk associated with oral exposure to metals, pesticides, and mycotoxins through the consumption of potato chips among Iranian consumers using Monte Carlo simulation. At the 50th, 80th, and 90th centiles, the calculated non-carcinogenic Hazard Index (HI) indicated no evident risk for adults but a moderate risk for children concerning oral exposure to these substances. Under carcinogenic scenario, for adults, the mean Incremental Life Time Cancer Risk (ILCR) for arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) at these centiles exceeded 10-4, indicating potential regulatory concerns under conservative assumptions. Conversely, the mean ILCRs for nickel (Ni) ranged between 10-6 and 10-4 and for lead (Pb) were less than 10-6, falling within an acceptable range. For children, the mean ILCRs at these centiles for As, Cd, and Ni, also surpassed 10-4, reflecting potential regulatory concerns. The mean ILCR associated with lead exposure in children was comparable to those identified for adults. For both adults and children, the HI values associated with pesticides exposure at these centiles were indicative of a moderate risk. Importantly, the percentage of Tolerable Daily Intakes (TDIs) for mycotoxins oral exposure for both adults and children reached intolerable levels. Furthermore, with respect to the carcinogenic risks posed by aflatoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2), a significantly elevated cumulative risk for children was calculated in comparison to adults. Stringent measures need to be implemented to mitigate the occurrence of the identified contaminants in potato chips, to reduce the oral exposure and potential risk associated, particularly given the widespread consumption of this popular snack by children.
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ''Ecstasy'') is a widely abused recreational drug associated with multi-organ toxicity. Objective was to compare hepatic, renal, and systemic biochemical abnormalities after acute MDMA exposure alone and with alcohol. This cross-sectional pilot study was conducted at Sheikh Zayed bin Al Nahyan and Shalamar Medical and Dental Colleges, Pakistan. The study included 24 exposed participants (ecstasy-only n = 10; ecstasy and alcohol n = 14) and 20 controls. Blood samples were analyzed for AST (<37 U/L), ALT (<63 U/L), ALP (46–116 U/L), GGT (<55 U/L), LDH (81–234 U/L), Urea (10–50 mg/dl), Creatinine (0.7–1.4 mg/dL), Uric Acid (3.5–7.2 mg/dl), and CK (39–232 U/L). Marked hepatorenal biochemical injury was predefined as ALP > 3 times the laboratory specific upper limit of normal or serum urea > 150 mg/dl. Group comparison, age and sex adjusted multivariable linear regression and ROC analyses were performed. The study group exhibited significantly elevated hepatorenal biomarkers vs. controls. Median AST, ALT and ALP were117.0, 117.5 and 439.0 U/L, equivalent to 3.16, 1.86 and 3.78 x ULN, respectively. Median urea and creatinine levels were 172.5 mg/dL and 1.42 mg/dL respectively. No significant difference was found between ecstasy-only and ecstasy and alcohol after correction. Adjusted models showed significantly higher ALP, urea, and creatinine in both study groups versus controls. RSI and STI showed high apparent discrimination (AUC 1.000 and 0.890, respectively). Acute MDMA exposure was associated with marked hepatic and renal biochemical abnormalities. Alcohol co-consumption did not independently exacerbate organ damage. The RSI and STI are novel, cost-effective, and highly accurate tools for emergency triage using routine laboratory parameters.
Australian sunscreens are regulated as therapeutic goods and recommended for daily whole-body application. Yet, the multi-filter formulations actually on sale have not previously been characterised at the population level. We extracted all therapeutic sunscreens with active AUST L designation from the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) and analysed their UV filter combinations, concentrations and prevalence. After deduplication and removal of non-sunscreen items, 924 unique products remained. Of these, 187 (20.2%) were mineral-only sunscreens with no organic UV filter declared. The remaining 737 (79.8%) contained organic filters, all in combinations of two or more: 45.7% contained four organic filters, 85.2% four or more, and 39.5% five or more. Combined organic UV filter loads commonly reached 15–25% w/w of the total formulation. Twenty filter actives were identified; the market was dominated by avobenzone (641), octocrylene (600), octyl salicylate (411), homosalate (410) and zinc oxide (243). A targeted review of nine recurring organic filters identified three structural problems in the current single-ingredient Margin of Safety (MoS) assessment: shared endocrine targets, photochemical and oxidative-stress mechanisms that produce additive transformation products, and co-formulation with documented dermal penetration enhancers. None of these effects are summed across co-formulated filters in any current safety assessment. Non-dermal exposure pathways, including indoor air, indoor dust, human milk and chlorinated water, are likewise excluded. Single-ingredient MoS assessment does not account for cumulative exposure in these multi-filter products. The resulting cumulative risk remains uncharacterised. A pathway and mixture-based evaluation framework is feasible.
Coffee (Coffea arabica L.)is one of the most important agricultural commodities in the world and a major source of income for millions of farmers, with Ethiopia recognized as a center of origin and genetic diversity. Despite the economic importance of specialty coffee produced in the western Guji area, limited information is available on the contamination of coffee-growing soils with heavy metals, the transfer of metals from the soil to the beans and the associated risks to human health. The study measured concentrations of selected heavy metals (Cu, Mn, Zn, Ni, Co, Cr, Cd and Pb) in coffee-growing soils and green coffee beans sampled from the districts of Hambela, Bule Hora and Kercha, and assessed their transport from the soil to the bean. The samples of the soil and coffee beans were digested by an optimized wet acid digestion process and analyzed by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (FAAS). The analytical method demonstrated excellent linearity (R² = 0.9985-0.9989), good response rates (87-115 mg L⁻¹), and low detection limits (RSD < 5.38 mg). The concentrations of Cu, Mn, Zn, Ni, Co, and Cr in Coffee beans ranged from 20.10 ± 1.30-22.44 ± 1.70, 14.25 ± 1.20-17.14 ± 1.30, 6.74 ± 1.10-8.43 ± 1.10, 1.22 ± 0.20-1.43 ± 0.30, 1.47 ± 0.30-1.49 ± 0.20, and 0.08 ± 0.01-0.92 ± 0.10 mg/kg, respectively, whereas Cd and Pb were below the method detection limits. Soil samples contained comparatively higher metal concentrations, particularly Mn (237.11 ± 3.30-285.44 ± 6.30 mg/kg) and Cu (59.40 ± 2.30-64.40 ± 2.50 mg/kg), However, all values remained below internationally accepted safe limits. The transfer factor values (0.02-0.35) indicated low mobility of metals from the soil to the coffee beans, with Cu being the most mobile of the metals. Metal concentrations in the study areas showed significant differences (p < 0.05) and strong positive correlations between individual metals. The carcinogenic risk (CR) of Cr is 8.7 × 10⁻⁵, which is within the acceptable lifetime risk range as recommended by the USEPA (10-⁶ to 10-4). The levels of the analyzed heavy metals in green Coffee beans were below the recommended safe levels, which mean that coffee produced in the western Guji zone is safe for human consumption as regards heavy metal contamination. These findings provide valuable input for environmental monitoring, sustainable land management, food safety assessment and quality assurance in specialty coffee from Ethiopia.
Early-life respiratory syncytial virus infection (eRSV) causes severe respiratory illness in vulnerable populations and has a significant global health burden. eRSV-associated pathologies are exacerbated by low levels of cadmium (Cd) in the diet, leading to increased cytokine and chemokine levels, inhibited autophagy by mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling and enhanced fibrosis. In this study, we used single-cell RNA sequencing of lung samples from mice subjected to eRSV at 2 weeks of age, followed by low-dose Cd (3.3 mg CdCl2/L in drinking water from 5 weeks old to 21 weeks old; eRSV+Cd) to determine responsive cell populations and identify new mechanistic targets. Alveolar macrophages exhibited the strongest response to eRSV+Cd treatment, with evidence of activated mTORC1 signaling and changes to macrophage phenotypes. Extensive differential expression also occurred in other cell types involved in alveolar repair, and analysis of cell-cell signaling revealed a significant strengthening of galectin-9 signaling between endothelial and innate immune cells only with eRSV+Cd. These results support mTORC1 signaling in macrophages, macrophage polarization, and galectin-9 signaling as promising areas of study to mitigate lung damage in individuals affected by eRSV with subsequent dietary Cd exposures.
Severe quetiapine overdose may lead to central nervous system depression and cardiovascular instability; however, refractory distributive shock is an uncommon and life-threatening presentation. Intravenous lipid emulsion has emerged as a potential adjunctive therapy in intoxications caused by highly lipophilic drugs, although evidence remains limited. We report the case of a 25-year-old woman with intentional ingestion of approximately 4.5 g of quetiapine, who developed progressive neurological deterioration and refractory distributive shock despite mechanical ventilation and dual vasopressor support. Laboratory findings showed severe metabolic acidosis with hyperlactataemia, and echocardiography revealed a hyperdynamic profile with reduced systemic vascular resistance. Given the persistence of haemodynamic instability and neurological impairment, a 20% intravenous lipid emulsion was administered as rescue therapy. Within three hours, the patient exhibited marked neurological improvement, with recovery of consciousness (Glasgow Coma Scale score 14/15), along with progressive haemodynamic stabilization allowing discontinuation of vasopressors. Lactate levels normalized within 9 h, and the patient was successfully extubated at 24 h, with no treatment-related adverse events. This case highlights the potential role of intravenous lipid emulsion as an adjunctive rescue therapy in severe quetiapine intoxication with refractory haemodynamic and neurological compromise. Although causality cannot be definitively established, the temporal association and rapid clinical response support its consideration when conventional supportive measures are insufficient.
Convero® is an inulosucrase powder preparation produced via precision fermentation using a genetically modified strain of Komagataella phaffii as the production organism. It is intended for use in food applications due to its ability to catalyse the conversion of sucrose into inulin-type fructooligosaccharides. To support the safety of Convero®, a bacterial reverse mutation assay, an in vitro micronucleus assay in mammalian cells, and a 28-day repeated-dose oral toxicity study were performed. All experimental procedures were performed in compliance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and adhered to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) test guidelines for chemicals. No evidence of mutagenicity, aneugenicity or clastogenicity was detected. No evidence of oral toxicity was observed and no treatment-related adverse effects were observed in the 28-day repeated-dose oral toxicity study in rats at doses up to 2000 mg TOS/kg bw/day, the highest dose tested. Isolated minor, non-adverse changes in clinical pathology, urinalysis, and organ weights were considered incidental and within physiological variability. Overall, the combined in vitro and in vivo data indicate no toxicologically relevant effects of Convero® under the conditions tested.
Background:Rotundine (L-tetrahydropalmatine) is widely used in Vietnam as an over-the-counter sedative and sleep aid. However, clinical data regarding acute Rotundine poisoning remain scarce. This study aimed to characterize the clinical manifestations, management, outcomes, and predictors of severe toxicity in patients with acute Rotundine poisoning. Methods:We conducted a retrospective observational study of consecutive patients with acute Rotundine poisoning admitted to the Emergency and Poison Control Department, Thai Nguyen University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Vietnam, between April 2024 and June 2026. Demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, electrocardiographic abnormalities, treatment, and outcomes were analyzed. Results:Thirty-seven patients were included. The median age was 27 years (IQR 21-41.5), and 56.8% were female. Central nervous system depression was the predominant clinical manifestation, with severe impairment of consciousness (GCS <8) occurring in 5.4% of patients. QTc prolongation (≥440 ms) was observed in 16.2%. Four patients (10.8%) required mechanical ventilation and intensive care admission. Admission GCS demonstrated excellent predictive performance for mechanical ventilation (AUC 0.989, 95% CI 0.959-1.000), with an optimal cutoff value of ≤ 12 (sensitivity 100%, specificity 97.0%). No deaths occurred. Conclusions:Acute Rotundine poisoning generally has a favorable prognosis but may occasionally cause severe central nervous system depression requiring intensive care and mechanical ventilation. Admission GCS may serve as a simple bedside predictor of severe toxicity, while electrocardiographic monitoring should be considered because QTc prolongation is relatively common.
Obesity is one of the factors that potentiate the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Our previous studies using a rat model, the Polyposis In the Rat Colon (PIRC) kindred type revealed that compared to regular diet (RD), the Western diet (WD) accelerated the progression of colon tumors caused by benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P], an environmental toxicant. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between B(a)P dose, diet type, and accumulation of B(a)P in different adipose depots and its impact on CRC development. Groups of PIRC rats were fed with AIN-76A standard diet (RD) or Western diet (WD) and received 25, 50, or 100 µg B(a)P/kg body weight via oral gavage for 60 days. After exposure, rats were euthanized; colons were removed, polyp numbers were counted, and adipose tissues from the B(a)P-treated rats were collected for subsequent analysis. The white adipose tissue (WAT) included visceral-, mesenteric-, subcutaneous-, epididymal-, retroperitoneal-, and inguinal fats while the brown adipose tissue (BAT) included mediastinal-, cervical-, interscapular-, and perirenal fats. The plasma and tissue samples were analyzed by reverse phase-HPLC for B(a)P metabolites. The WAT showed significantly greater concentrations of B(a)P metabolites (two- to four-fold increase) compared to BAT in a B(a)P dose-dependent manner. The colon polyp numbers showed a strong correlation with mesenteric- and visceral fat tissues. Our findings indicate that B(a)P accumulated in the adipose tissue will have a greater likelihood of fueling colon tumor growth in long-term exposures.
Novel vitamin salt forms can offer formulation advantages while retaining the biological activity of the parent compound. This safety assessment evaluates dicholine (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (dicholine L-5-MTHF), a reduced folate source designed to deliver biologically active L-5-MTHF with improved water solubility and stability relative to existing reduced folate salts. As L-5-MTHF salts dissociate to yield L-5-MTHF and their respective counterions, the safety of dicholine L-5-MTHF was assessed using a weight-of-evidence approach that integrates published data for existing L-5-MTHF salts together with information on choline exposure. A standard in vitro genotoxicity battery conducted with dicholine L-5-MTHF, including bacterial reverse mutation, chromosome aberration, and mammalian micronucleus assays, was negative and consistent with the broader genotoxicity profile of other reduced folate sources. In addition, subchronic oral toxicity studies in rats with calcium and sodium L-5-MTHF salts identified no adverse effects at the highest doses tested, and human clinical studies with L-5-MTHF salts support tolerability, including at intakes above the adult UL established for folic acid. Collectively, these data support the safety of dicholine L-5-MTHF at the proposed use level.
Uterine leiomyoma is the most common benign gynecological tumor and a major cause of abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain, and infertility. Although apigenin (API) exhibits antioxidant, antiproliferative, and anticancer activities, its mechanism of action in uterine leiomyoma, particularly the involvement of oxidative stress-mediated mitochondrial apoptosis, remains unclear. This study investigated the role of oxidative stress in API-induced apoptosis using rat uterine leiomyoma ELT3 cells. Cells were treated with 50 and 100 µM API for 48 h. Oxidative stress was assessed by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione reductase (GR) activity. Mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), cell proliferation, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and apoptosis-related gene and protein expression were also evaluated. API significantly increased ROS and MDA levels while decreasing GR activity, indicating oxidative stress. These changes were accompanied by ΔΨm collapse, reduced cell proliferation, increased LDH release, upregulation of p53, Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-9, and downregulation of Bcl-2, indicating activation of the intrinsic mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. These findings demonstrate that API induces intrinsic mitochondrial apoptosis through oxidative stress-mediated mechanisms, providing mechanistic evidence for its cytotoxic effects and supporting its potential as a phytochemical candidate for uterine leiomyoma treatment.
Lead (Pb) pollution in coastal aquatic environments has become an important environmental issue due to its potential effects on seafood safety and public health. This research investigated the distribution of Pb in the gill, liver, and muscle tissues of Lutjanus russellii and Eleutheronema tetradactylum obtained from fish collectors in Sungsang IV, South Sumatra, Indonesia. In addition, histopathological alterations and potential human health risks associated with fish consumption were also evaluated. Heavy metal analysis was carried out using a wet acid digestion procedure followed by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS), while tissue damage assessment employed Hematoxylin-Eosin (H&E) staining techniques. Human health risk evaluation included the calculation of Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), Hazard Index (HI), and Target Cancer Risk (TR). The findings demonstrated that Pb accumulation in L. russellii was highest in the gills, followed by the liver and muscle tissues. Conversely, in E. tetradactylum, the liver showed the greatest Pb accumulation, followed by the gills and muscle tissue. Pb concentrations measured in the edible muscle tissues of both species were still lower than the maximum permissible limits established by FAO/WHO standards. Microscopic examination revealed several histopathological abnormalities, including edema, necrosis, hyperplasia, and infiltration of inflammatory cells. The calculated EDI, THQ, and HI values suggested that the consumption of these fish species does not currently pose significant non-carcinogenic health risks. However, the TR value obtained for L. russellii slightly surpassed the recommended USEPA threshold, suggesting a possible long-term carcinogenic concern associated with continuous exposure. These findings emphasize the importance of regular monitoring of heavy metal contamination in coastal ecosystems to maintain seafood safety and protect local communities.
Background:The substantia nigra is the critical part of the midbrain responsible for movement-related functions. Nigral alterations have been associated with neurological conditions related to movement disorders, including Parkinson's disease (PD). 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) is a toxin commonly used as a model of PD due to its selective nature of destroying dopaminergic neurons. However, toxicity varies among different animals and strains. Therefore, this study aimed to assess a comprehensive multi-level profile of early dopaminergic dysfunction by evaluating behavioural, biochemical, mitochondrial, neuroinflammatory, and histological assessments to characterise early nigrostriatal alterations in Swiss mice following subacute MPTP exposure. Methodology:Twelve (12) adult male mice were randomly divided into two groups of six (6) mice each. Group I (control) was administered normal saline (1 ml/kg i.p.), while group II was administered MPTP (30 mg/kg i.p.) daily for 5 consecutive days. Twenty-four (24) hours following the last MPTP administration, the mice were assessed for neurobehavioural performance using the beam walk, pole, and traction test. Assessments of oxidative stress biomarkers [malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and reduced glutathione (GSH)], mitochondrial complex 1 activity, neuroinflammatory markers (IL-1β and TNF-α), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B), dopamine level, and histological examination of the substantia nigra were conducted following subacute MPTP exposure. Results:Exposure to MPTP altered neurobehavioural performance, oxidative stress biomarkers, neuroinflammatory markers (IL-1β, TNF-α), and other assessed biochemical parameters, as evidenced by increased beam performance latency, bradykinesia, and a lower traction score. Significant (p < 0.05) increase in MDA level and decrease in SOD, CAT, and GSH were also observed. A significant (p < 0.05) increase was observed in IL-1β and TNF-α levels, and a decrease (p < 0.05) was observed in mitochondrial complex 1 activity, BDNF and dopamine levels. Nigral histological distortions were observed following MPTP exposure. Conclusion:These findings confirm the established alterations in neurobehavioral, physiological and morphological features in the substantia nigra of MPTP-exposed Swiss mice. The study assesses early nigral alterations after subacute MPTP exposure and supports the use of this model for investigating MPTP-induced neurotoxicity.
