Background. - Sulfur mustard (SM) is a chemical warfare agent that causes severe, long-term health complications characterized by persistent systemic inflammation. This study aimed to investigate the association between serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and leukocyte mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-CN) in leukocytes relative to SM exposure level. Methods. - This case-control study included 196 participants: 142 SM-exposed veterans (categorized into asymptomatic, mild, and severe subgroups) and 54 non-exposed controls. Serum CRP levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Leukocyte mtDNA-CN was determined by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Results. - Serum CRP levels were significantly elevated in the SM-exposed group compared to controls (P < 0.05), particularly in the severe subgroup. However, no significant difference in mtDNA-CN was found between the exposed and control groups. A significant positive correla-tion between CRP and mtDNA-CN was identified in the overall SM-exposed group and in the asymptomatic and mild subgroups. This positive correlation was not observed in the control group or the severe subgroup. Conclusions. - The findings reveal a nuanced, exposure-level-dependent relationship between inflammation and mitochondrial DNA content. The positive correlation in less severely affected individuals might suggest a potential adaptive upregulation of mitochondrial biogenesis in response to inflammation, which may falter in severe cases. These insights contribute to our understanding of the potential long-term biological impacts of SM exposure and might lead to future biomarker development and therapeutic strategies. (c) 2025 Societe Francaise de Toxicologie Analytique. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.
The goal of the current study is to evaluate pesticide exposure among Moroccan workers. This is the first study carried out in the Rabat-Sale-Kenitra (RSK) region (Northwest of Morocco). This investigation used a personal survey and toxicological analysis using blood and urine samples. All the analysis are explored at the toxicology and pharmacology laboratory of the Poison Control and Pharmacovigilance Center of Morocco (CAPM). This is a descriptive study, conducted over 4 months (October 2019-January 2020) among 54 workers. The personal survey collected data related to epidemiologic characteristics, exposure information, and the use of protection and prevention tools. All the workers undergo these analysis for the first time. Blood and urine samples were taken 20 hours after the last exposure to pesticides. We used & laquo; ChE check mobile & raquo; for the determination of plasma (BChE) and erythrocyte (AChE) acetylcholinesterase activity. A urine screening by liquid-liquid extraction was realized by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The spectral library includes 300 pesticides molecules and 5000 molecules for LC-MS/MS and for GC-MS respectively. The average age of workers was 45 +/- 8 years. All the participants were male except one female, and the body mass index was 25.36 +/- 3.87 kg/m2. Among the 54 participants, 54% were smokers and 37% showed mucosal irritations. The studied molecules belong to pyrethroids and organophosphates classes (Deltamethrin, Bifenthrin, Permethrin, Cypermethrin, Tetramethrin, Es-biothrin and Temephos). The period of exposure was from 1 to 36 years with an average of 25 hours per week. Sixty-one percent of workers confirmed that they use gloves, masks, and gowns at work. No acute poisoning was recorded during the period of exposure. The measured values of AChE and BChE were normal, with an average of 44.36 U/gHb and 3151.8 U/l, respectively. The search for pesticides in participants' urine was negative. These results may be related to the toxicokinetics of the different targeted compounds. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a specific method that targets the metabolites of the various pesticides used in Morocco. (c) 2025 Societe Franc & cedil;aise de Toxicologie Analytique. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.
Background. - Organophosphorous (OP) poisoning can result in significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in agricultural workers. Even while respiratory depression and cholinergic crisis are the usual symptoms, ischemic infarction, as a central nervous system involvement, is infrequently documented. Case report. - A case of 47-year old male with occupational pesticide exposure who developed a lower level of consciousness after probable acute chlorpyrifos poisoning during pesticide spraying. On admission, he showed signs of cholinergic toxicity and required critical management, including intubation and mechanical ventilation. Despite rapid treatment with atropine, obidoxime, and supportive measures, neurological impairments persisted. A CT scan of the brain revealed bilateral thalamic and brainstem infarctions. Conclusion. - This case adds to the limited literature on the cerebrovascular consequences of acute organophosphate (OP) poisoning, manifesting as an ischemic stroke shortly after exposure. It shows vascular involvement that might be linked to OP poisoning, which goes beyond the traditional cholinergic crisis and emphasizes the importance of being aware of such unusual presentations, particularly in occupational settings. (c) 2025 Societe Franc & cedil;aise de Toxicologie Analytique. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.
Background. - Hydrogen cyanamide, a widely used agricultural chemical, is primarily employed as a dormancy-breaking agent in fruit crops. Despite its benefits in enhancing bud break and synchronization, exposure to hydrogen cyanamide poses significant health risks, particularly through dermal contact or inhalation. Toxicity can result in a spectrum of adverse effects, ranging from mild irritation to severe systemic reactions. Case report. - We report a case of acute occupational hydrogen cyanamide toxicity in a previously healthy agricultural worker who presented with altered mental status and visual hallucinations associated with characteristic skin lesions shortly after exposure that responded successfully to supportive management. Conclusion. - By highlighting the clinical presentation, and treatment strategies, this report highlights the importance of recognizing the toxic profile of hydrogen cyanamide to enhance awareness among healthcare professionals and contribute to improved safety protocols and appropriate protective measures for individuals dealing with this chemical in agricultural practices. (c) 2025 Societe Franc & cedil;aise de Toxicologie Analytique. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.
Background. - Nitazenes, a class of synthetic opioids more potent than fentanyl, have been increasingly detected in the global illicit drug market, particularly within counterfeit medicines, causing intoxication and death. They represent a significant public health concern due to their high toxicity and their invisibility to conventional toxicological screening methods. Methods. - Five counterfeit oxycodone tablets were collected in Paris by a drug-checking service between February and May 2025. Visual inspection indicated the tablets mimicked authentic oxycodone "M30"formulations. Two tablets were received intact and three in powder form (ground beforehand). Analytical testing was conducted using LC-DAD, GC-MS, LC-MS/MS, and LC-HRMS. Quantification was performed by LC-MS/MS for 340 substances, including 163 new psychoactive substances (NPS). Results. - No oxycodone was detected in any of the samples; instead, all contained the syn-thetic opioids metonitazene and protonitazene. Quantification showed that tablets contained between 3.2% and 6.0% metonitazene, with protonitazene present in smaller amounts (less than 0.2%). The estimated metonitazene content in intact tablets (n = 2) ranged from 3.7 to 4.0 mg, approximately equivalent to 23 mg of fentanyl, far exceeding lethal thresholds. Conclusion. - These findings confirm the circulation of synthetic opioids in counterfeit tablets sold as oxycodone in Paris and its suburbs. The presence of multiple nitazenes underscores the complexity and risk of the current illicit market. Drug-checking services and toxicological analyses are essential for early detection and public health response. Enhanced surveillance, harm reduction, and regulatory coordination are urgently required to mitigate the growing threat of nitazene-related poisonings worldwide. (c) 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS on behalf of Societe Franc,aise de Toxicologie Analytique. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http:// creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
