{"title":"Neurotoxicity of acrylamide in wild-type and TNF-α depletion mice: possible alternative role of IL-6 and dipolar effects of TNF-α depletion on oxidative stress pathway.","authors":"Cai Zong, Harue Sato, Sahoko Ichihara, Yoichiro Iwakura, Seiichiroh Ohsako, Gaku Ichihara","doi":"10.2131/jts.51.183","DOIUrl":"10.2131/jts.51.183","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Neurotoxicity of acrylamide has been demonstrated both in humans and animals, while the mechanisms remain largely unknown. We recently reported TNF-α deletion suppressed acrylamide-induced neurotoxicity in mice at low dose. Here we further investigated expression of antioxidant and proinflammatory cytokines to explore roles of TNF-α. Wild type and TNF-α KO mice were exposed to acrylamide at 0/12.5/25 mg/kg bw for 28 days. The results showed that acrylamide significantly decreased body weight at 12.5 and 25 mg/kg bw, but decreased brain weight only at 25 mg/kg bw. TNF-α deletion didn't alleviate the above effects. Also, TNF-α deletion didn't alleviate decrease of grip strength at 25 mg/kg bw. Immunohistochemical results showed that TNF-α deletion alleviated noradrenergic axon degeneration in cortex S1FL and S1HL regions at 12.5 mg/kg bw, but not 25 mg/kg bw. Moreover, TNF-α deletion suppressed acrylamide-induced upregulation of TGF-β and NF-κB, but didn't suppress upregulation of IL-6, suggesting possible roles of IL-6 in acrylamide-induced neurotoxicity, particularly at high concentration. Moreover, this study showed a dipolar effect of TNF-α deletion on oxidative stress pathways, i.e., at 25 mg/kg bw, TNF-α deletion suppressed upregulation of oxidative stress (Keap1/HO-1/Gclc/Gclm/Sod/Cat/Gstm/MT-1); however, at 12.5 mg/kg bw, TNF-α deletion accelerated upregulation of Nqo1/Gclm/Sod1/Cat/Gsr. Taken together, genetic TNF-α ablation, at least partially, alleviated acrylamide neurotoxicity at low concentration. Limited alleviation effects at high concentration generated a hypothesis that this may be due to IL-6 signaling and dipolar regulating effects of TNF-α deletion on oxidative stress pathway. This study provided new insights into acrylamide neurotoxicity and TNF-α-targeting strategy.</p>","PeriodicalId":17654,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Toxicological Sciences","volume":"51 3","pages":"183-199"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147326407","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Evaluation of the stability and cross-reactivity of zopiclone and eszopiclone using immunoassay kits.","authors":"Takeshi Saito, Akira Namera, Rie Yamamoto, Seiji Morita, Yoshihide Nakagawa","doi":"10.2131/jts.51.173","DOIUrl":"10.2131/jts.51.173","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Zopiclone (ZOP) and eszopiclone (EZOP) are hypnotics belonging to the cyclopyrrolone class, which are metabolized to zopiclone-N-oxide (ZOPNO) and N-desmethylzopiclone (NDZOP), respectively, and finally to 2-amino-5-chloropyridine (2A5C) after long-term storage, freezing, and conservation. This study aimed to examine the stability of ZOP and EZOP using a commercially available immunoassay urine screening kit for ZOP. ZOP and EZOP, as well as their metabolites and 2A5C, were analyzed in urine using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Spiked urine samples were used to confirm cross-reactivity for the immunoassay test and to compare the quantitative results of the clinical urine samples. The results indicate that urine samples stored for an extended period or altered postmortem may lead to false-negative results for ZOP, providing important information for interpreting results in cases involving ZOP.</p>","PeriodicalId":17654,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Toxicological Sciences","volume":"51 3","pages":"173-181"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147326451","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Caffeine potentiates the dependence induced by central nervous system depressants contained in over-the-counter medications in mice.","authors":"Ayaka Yonemura-Hirata, Asuka Kaizaki-Mitsumoto, Satoshi Numazawa","doi":"10.2131/jts.51.131","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2131/jts.51.131","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are available without a prescription and are key to the promotion of self-medication. However, they also pose the risks of misuse, overdose, addiction, and abuse. These risks have recently emerged as global public health concerns. An important aspect of OTC drugs in Japan is that they are often combined with drugs with different effects. Although it has been noted that interactions between depressants and stimulants of the central nervous system (CNS) may promote drug dependence, the details remain unclear due to a lack of basic evidence. Therefore, an assessment was conducted to determine the interaction between CNS depressants, including dextromethorphan, diphenhydramine, and bromovalerylurea, and the CNS stimulant caffeine, by employing a conditioned place preference test in mice. Even at low doses, long-term administration of dextromethorphan and diphenhydramine induced place preference. Long-term administration of high-dose bromovalerylurea also induced this effect. The period required for dextromethorphan, diphenhydramine, bromovalerylurea, and morphine to acquire place preference was shortened by co-administration with caffeine, demonstrating that CNS stimulation enhances the preference of these sedatives in mice. Moreover, the preference for these drugs was suppressed by the dopamine D<sub>1</sub> receptor antagonist SCH23390, and by the dopamine D<sub>2</sub> receptor antagonist sulpiride, suggesting that dopamine is involved in the enhancing effect. These findings underscore the need to reconsider the active ingredients and distribution practices of OTC products, as the prolonged or inappropriate use of OTC medications and polypharmacy increases the risk of dependence.</p>","PeriodicalId":17654,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Toxicological Sciences","volume":"51 2","pages":"131-139"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146100330","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Possible involvement of tubular interleukin-34 in macrophage recruitment during colistin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.","authors":"Kohei Matsushita, Hirotoshi Akane, Jun-Ichi Akagi, Tomomi Morikawa, Yasuko Mizuta, Kumiko Ogawa, Takeshi Toyoda","doi":"10.2131/jts.51.163","DOIUrl":"10.2131/jts.51.163","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Colistin is a cationic cyclic lipopeptide antibiotic used against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria; however, its clinical application is limited by nephrotoxicity. Although oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and endoplasmic reticulum stress are implicated in the primary cytotoxic mechanisms, the secondary inflammatory pathways remain poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying colistin-induced nephrotoxicity by analyzing the molecular responses of injured renal tubules isolated by laser microdissection (LMD) in a rat model. Six-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were subcutaneously administered colistin (0, 15, or 30 mg/kg/day) for 28 days. Increases in serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen were associated with tubular vacuolation, single-cell necrosis, and regenerative changes in proximal tubules. Immunohistochemistry revealed increased expression of kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) and presence of cleaved caspase-3 in the injured tubules, indicating epithelial regeneration and apoptosis, respectively. LMD-based microarray analysis identified 486 upregulated and 472 downregulated genes in vacuolated/regenerative tubules compared with normal tubules. Pathway analysis indicated activation of immune-related processes, particularly associated with macrophage activation and trafficking, including interleukin-34 (IL-34). In situ hybridization confirmed Il34 mRNA expression in the cytoplasm of the injured tubules, and accumulation of CD68-positive macrophages around KIM-1-positive tubules. Conversely, no significant change was observed in CD163-positive macrophages following colistin treatment, suggesting proinflammatory M1 macrophage predominance. These findings indicate that tubular IL-34 induction and subsequent macrophage recruitment amplify colistin-induced nephrotoxicity at the secondary level, suggesting that proximal tubules function as both primary targets and effectors of inflammation. Targeting the IL-34-related signaling could thus serve as a potential approach to alleviate colistin-induced renal injury.</p>","PeriodicalId":17654,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Toxicological Sciences","volume":"51 3","pages":"163-172"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147326391","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yusuke Kubota, Risa Funaki, Yuto Sana, Takeru Ishizaki, Richard W Wong, Eishu Hirata, Kosuke Kuroda
{"title":"Effect of zwitterionic liquids on cytochrome P450 and P-glycoprotein.","authors":"Yusuke Kubota, Risa Funaki, Yuto Sana, Takeru Ishizaki, Richard W Wong, Eishu Hirata, Kosuke Kuroda","doi":"10.2131/jts.51.303","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2131/jts.51.303","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>OE<sub>2</sub>imC<sub>3</sub>C, a zwitterionic ionic liquid, has attracted considerable attention as a low-toxicity solvent. However, the effects of OE<sub>2</sub>imC<sub>3</sub>C on the pharmacokinetics of drugs have not yet been investigated. In this study, we examined the effects of OE<sub>2</sub>imC<sub>3</sub>C on p-glycoprotein (P-gp) and cytochrome P450 (CYPs), typical factors associated with pharmacokinetic interactions. No notable inhibition of P-gp by OE<sub>2</sub>imC<sub>3</sub>C was observed at the tested concentrations. OE<sub>2</sub>imC<sub>3</sub>C inhibited several CYPs (IC<sub>50</sub>:0.048-0.66 vol% for 70 wt% aq OE<sub>2</sub>imC<sub>3</sub>C stock solution) and induced the gene expression of several CYPs. Based on these findings, practical guidance for the use of OE<sub>2</sub>imC<sub>3</sub>C was proposed here. A previous study suggested that OE<sub>2</sub>imC<sub>3</sub>C does not penetrate the cell membrane, and therefore, we had hypothesized that it does not inhibit CYPs inside cells. However, OE<sub>2</sub>imC<sub>3</sub>C inhibited CYPs. The related transporter was assumed to be organic cation transporter 1 (OCT1). These results suggest that OE<sub>2</sub>imC<sub>3</sub>C effect on CYPs should be considered in both in vitro and in vivo experiments. The CYP inhibition was alleviated through structural modification of OE<sub>2</sub>imC<sub>3</sub>C.</p>","PeriodicalId":17654,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Toxicological Sciences","volume":"51 5","pages":"303-314"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147839777","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A zwitterionic solvent for in vitro toxicity tests of insoluble compounds.","authors":"Yusuke Kubota, Ayako Hohsaka, Eishu Hirata, Kosuke Kuroda","doi":"10.2131/jts.51.227","DOIUrl":"10.2131/jts.51.227","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>OE<sub>2</sub>imC<sub>3</sub>C, a zwitterionic liquid, has attracted considerable attention as an emerging solvent with low toxicity. However, the safety data in research reports are limited, and its applicability to toxicity tests remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the detailed safety profile of OE<sub>2</sub>imC<sub>3</sub>C and found that it was negative in both the bacterial reverse mutation and chromosome aberration tests, indicating no concern for genotoxicity. The hepatocellular toxicity of OE<sub>2</sub>imC<sub>3</sub>C stock solution (OS) was lower than that of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). OS was widely applied and gave correct hepatocellular toxicity of ellagic acid (a functional food molecule with anticancer, antioxidant, and other properties), based on the high solubility. In contrast, DMSO revealed false toxicity in the test because the undissolved ellagic acid crystals damaged the cells. The general applicability of OS to food-related compounds was confirmed using Hansen solubility parameters. OS is a unique solvent capable to prevent artifacts in toxicity assays involving poorly soluble compounds such as food and drug molecules.</p>","PeriodicalId":17654,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Toxicological Sciences","volume":"51 3","pages":"227-237"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147326463","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kaoru Morimura, Etsushi Takahashi, Hayata Maeda, Yukiko Nishioka, Ayano Araki, Hiroshi Mizumoto, Yoichi Jimbo
{"title":"Predicting nucleic acid drug-induced nephrotoxicity using a 3D human renal proximal tubule spheroid model.","authors":"Kaoru Morimura, Etsushi Takahashi, Hayata Maeda, Yukiko Nishioka, Ayano Araki, Hiroshi Mizumoto, Yoichi Jimbo","doi":"10.2131/jts.51.75","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2131/jts.51.75","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Nucleic acid drugs hold considerable promise; however, their toxicological profiles are often difficult to assess in animal models. Clinical studies have reported adverse effects, including thrombocytopenia, complement activation, hepatotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity. While human cell-based models for hepatotoxicity are advancing, nephrotoxicity assessment remains limited by the scarcity of physiologically relevant kidney cells. In this study, a three-dimensional spheroid model of human primary renal proximal tubule epithelial cells (3D-RPTEC, Nikkiso) was employed to evaluate the nephrotoxicity of nucleic acid drugs. Proteomic profiling revealed enhanced expression of drug transporters and endocytic machinery in 3D-RPTEC compared with two-dimensional cultures. Lipofection enabled efficient intracellular delivery of nucleic acids. Toxicity was assessed using ATP quantification, biomarker analysis (LDH, KIM-1, NGAL), and high-content analysis (HCA). Significant ATP depletion was observed only after prolonged exposure to SPC5001, a nephrotoxic antisense oligonucleotide. In contrast, biomarker expression and HCA facilitated early detection of compound-specific toxicity and implicated endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial stress as underlying mechanisms. These findings establish 3D-RPTEC as a sensitive and physiologically relevant platform for predicting the nephrotoxic potential of nucleic acid drugs.</p>","PeriodicalId":17654,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Toxicological Sciences","volume":"51 1","pages":"75-87"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145917906","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ahmed M Basudan, Jawaher Alsughayyir, Yazeed A Al-Sheikh, Mohammad A Alfhili
{"title":"Perillyl alcohol-induced hematological modulations: insights into human blood cells damage, eryptosis, and systemic perturbations.","authors":"Ahmed M Basudan, Jawaher Alsughayyir, Yazeed A Al-Sheikh, Mohammad A Alfhili","doi":"10.2131/jts.51.45","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2131/jts.51.45","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Perillyl alcohol (POH) is a natural monoterpene with established antitumor activity. Although its anticancer efficacy is well-documented, its impact on normal blood cells, particularly red blood cells (RBCs), remains underexplored. Given the importance of RBC integrity in maintaining homeostasis, this study aims to investigate the hematological effects of POH, focusing on hemolysis, eryptosis, and systemic blood parameters. Erythrocytes collected from June-August 2023 were treated with POH (0.5-2.5 mM) for 24 hr at 37°C. Hemolysis was assessed using photometric assays. Eryptosis was detected by flow cytometry using annexin V, Fluo4/AM, and H<sub>2</sub>DCFDA to quantify phosphatidylserine (PS) translocation, intracellular Ca<sup>2+</sup>, and oxidative stress, respectively. Complete blood count (CBC) parameters were also analyzed. POH induced dose-dependent hemolysis, elevated intracellular Ca<sup>2+</sup>, and significant PS externalization, indicating increased eryptosis. The hemolytic activity of POH was supported by marked increases in LDH, CK, and AST. Notably, polyethylene glycol (PEG) significantly attenuated hemolysis, suggesting a protective effect. In whole blood, POH reduced RBC count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit, while increasing RDW-CV. Reticulocyte profiling showed elevated immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF) and a medium fluorescence ratio (MFR). Moreover, POH induced leukopenia with immature granulocytes and platelet aggregation. POH disrupts RBC integrity, triggering hemolysis and eryptosis independently of oxidative stress. The observed hematological alterations underscore potential systemic toxicity and highlight the need for further preclinical evaluation to guide its therapeutic use in oncology.</p>","PeriodicalId":17654,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Toxicological Sciences","volume":"51 1","pages":"45-55"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145917930","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Comparative cytotoxicity of novel mercury species α-mercuri-acetaldehyde and α-mercuri-acetic acid versus methylmercury in SH-SY5Y cells.","authors":"Kaito Yamashiro, Shun Kono, Takumi Katsuzawa, Sachie Arae, Ryo Irie, Yuuki Fujimoto, Tsutomu Takahashi, Yasuyuki Fujiwara, Yasuhiro Shinkai, Toshiyuki Kaji, Yo Shinoda","doi":"10.2131/jts.51.141","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2131/jts.51.141","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Recently, α-mercuri-acetaldehyde (HgCH<sub>2</sub>CHO) and α-mercuri-acetic acid (HgCH<sub>2</sub>COOH) have been proposed as potential causative agents of Minamata disease. However, their toxicological profiles remain largely unknown. This study aimed to characterize the cytotoxicity, cellular uptake, and efflux mechanisms of these compounds in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells and to compare these properties with those of methylmercury (MeHg). Cell viability was assessed after 24 hr of exposure to MeHg (1-10 µM), HgCH<sub>2</sub>CHO (10-50 µM), or HgCH<sub>2</sub>COOH (10-50 µM) using the CCK-8 assay. The roles of L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) and multidrug resistance-associated proteins (MRPs) were evaluated using the inhibitors JPH203 (1 µM) and MK571 (10 µM), respectively. Intracellular mercury accumulation was quantified after 24 hr of exposure to 3 µM of each compound using thermal decomposition-amalgamation atomic absorption spectrometry. All compounds exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity, with a relative toxicity order of MeHg (LC<sub>50</sub>: 6.4 µM) > HgCH<sub>2</sub>CHO (LC<sub>50</sub>: 14.6 µM) > HgCH<sub>2</sub>COOH (LC<sub>50</sub>: 39.2 µM). LAT1 inhibition had minimal effect on MeHg toxicity but slightly attenuated that of HgCH<sub>2</sub>CHO and HgCH<sub>2</sub>COOH. Conversely, MRP inhibition markedly enhanced MeHg toxicity, modestly increased that of HgCH<sub>2</sub>CHO, and slightly increased that of HgCH<sub>2</sub>COOH. Cellular mercury accumulation was consistent with cytotoxicity patterns, showing 10-20-fold lower levels for HgCH<sub>2</sub>CHO and HgCH<sub>2</sub>COOH than for MeHg. HgCH<sub>2</sub>CHO and HgCH<sub>2</sub>COOH were approximately 2-5-fold less cytotoxic than MeHg and exhibited substantially lower intracellular mercury levels. Our findings suggest that HgCH<sub>2</sub>CHO and HgCH<sub>2</sub>COOH are unlikely to have neurotoxic potential comparable to that of MeHg.</p>","PeriodicalId":17654,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Toxicological Sciences","volume":"51 2","pages":"141-147"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146100324","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Elemental impurities in Yataprasen Thai Polyherbal Formulation: source-dependent variation, and analytical method validation.","authors":"Jaenjira Angsusing, Yu-Ki Tanaka, Chuda Chittasupho, Yasumitsu Ogra","doi":"10.2131/jts.51.111","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2131/jts.51.111","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The global consumption of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has risen dramatically. However, safety concerns persist owing to contamination with elemental impurities. In this study, we optimized and validated an analytical method for quantifying four toxic metals, As, Cd, Pb, and Hg, in Yataprasen (YTPS) extract, a complex Thai traditional polyherbal formulation. Samples were obtained from natural collection sites and commercial sources, and the contributions of 13 individual herbs to total impurities were evaluated. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was applied following four acid-digestion protocols. Quantification involved external calibration and standard addition, with validation covering LOD, LOQ, linearity, precision, and recovery. Toxicological risk was assessed in accordance with the ICH Q3D(R2) guideline. Digestion with 1 mL of HNO<sub>3</sub> gave the highest accuracy and recovery. Cd and Pb levels showed little variation across methods. Validation demonstrated excellent accuracy (93.6-107.5% recovery), strong linearity (R<sup>2</sup> > 0.998), and low detection limits (<1.5 µg/kg). A significant difference in elemental impurity concentration was observed between the two sources, with the naturally collected YTPS exhibiting markedly higher levels of all four metals than the commercial one. While external calibration was sufficient for commercial samples, standard addition was required for naturally sourced samples to overcome matrix effects. Component analysis identified Allium sativum L., Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle, and Melia azedarach L. as the major contributors to the impurity burden. Source-dependent variation in elemental impurity concentration was observed in YTPS extracts, with natural collection posing a greater toxicological concern. The validated analytical workflow provides a robust platform for quality control and regulatory assessment of traditional polyherbal formulations.</p>","PeriodicalId":17654,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Toxicological Sciences","volume":"51 2","pages":"111-122"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146100367","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}