Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety最新文献

{"title":"Derivation of the oral reference dose (RfD) for bisphenol S and bisphenol F based on epidemiological and experimental studies","authors":"Jing Cao ,&nbsp;Wenhua Ma ,&nbsp;Yanpeng Gao ,&nbsp;Chaoyang Long ,&nbsp;Yingxin Yu","doi":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118045","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118045","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>With bisphenol A (BPA) restricted, its analogs are appearing frequently in the environment, raising health concerns. However, no reasonable threshold of toxicity has been established at the current international level for BPA analogs. The aim of this study was to derive oral reference doses (RfD) for two BPA substitutes, bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF). A systematic search was conducted to screen epidemiologic and experimental rodent studies. Based on a thorough evaluation of those data, this study performed accurate model fitting using the Benchmark Dose Software (BMDS) to determine the recommended lower limit of the benchmark dose (BMDL) for BPS and BPF. Based on the dose-effect curves of the recommended models from BMDS, and incorporating the decline in male semen quality in epidemiologic studies as a critical effect, the present study further determined the departure point (POD) of BPS and BPF. After integrating uncertainty analysis, the RfD values of BPS and BPF were 0.37 and 8.09 ng/kg-bw/day, respectively, which were lower than the RfD value of BPA, but greater than the established minimum international toxicity thresholds of the tolerable daily intake of BPA. This study provides critical scientific evidence and important references for international environmental health regulatory agencies to improve their toxicity threshold settings, while emphasizing their increased attention to BPA alternatives.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":303,"journal":{"name":"Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety","volume":"293 ","pages":"Article 118045"},"PeriodicalIF":6.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143619586","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exposure to polyethylene terephthalate microplastics induces reprogramming of flavonoids metabolism and gene regulatory networks in Capsicum annuum","authors":"Rongchao Yang,&nbsp;Yilan Cui,&nbsp;Long Cheng,&nbsp;Mangu Hu,&nbsp;Mingzhu Guan,&nbsp;Youyang Fu,&nbsp;Yueqin Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118022","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118022","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Micro/Nano-plastics (M/NPs) have emerged as a globally concerning pollutant. However, research on the phytotoxicity of M/NPs on plant secondary metabolism and the underlying molecular mechanisms is still limited. Pepper, a widely cultivated vegetable, is rich in flavonoids, which are a class of important secondary metabolites found throughout the plant kingdom with multiple biological functions. In this study, we conducted a detailed assessment of the physiological toxicity of Polyethylene Terephthalate microplastics (PET-MPs) on the growth of pepper seedlings. Results showed that PET-MPs significantly inhibited pepper growth, particularly root development. Moreover, PET-MPs exposure resulted in a burst of ROS, causing oxidative damage. KEGG pathways analysis illustrated that PET-MPs significantly altered the flavonoid biosynthesis and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathways at both the metabolome and transcriptome levels. Weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) identified ten structural genes and nine transcription factor genes that play pivotal roles in regulating flavonoid biosynthesis. In summary, this study elucidates the alterations in the flavonoid composition, along with the underlying gene regulatory network governing flavonoid metabolism under PET-MPs exposure in pepper. These findings enhance our comprehension of MPs pollution and provide valuable insights for the development of sustainable agro-ecosystems and food security in the future.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":303,"journal":{"name":"Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety","volume":"293 ","pages":"Article 118022"},"PeriodicalIF":6.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143619587","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Early brain gene network alterations and growth disruptions in juvenile Chinese longsnout catfish (Leiocassis longirostris) induced by 17β-estradiol and 17α-methyltestosterone","authors":"Yang Feng ,&nbsp;Hua Ye ,&nbsp;Yongqiang Deng ,&nbsp;Zhongmeng Zhao ,&nbsp;Han Zhao ,&nbsp;Senyue Liu ,&nbsp;Lu Zhang ,&nbsp;Yuanliang Duan ,&nbsp;Zhipeng Huang ,&nbsp;Jun Du ,&nbsp;Qiang Li ,&nbsp;Jian Zhou ,&nbsp;Chengyan Mou","doi":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118053","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118053","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) 17β-estradiol (E2β) and 17α-methyltestosterone (MT) have been detected in aquatic environments at concentrations capable of perturbing neuroendocrine systems, yet their molecular mechanisms of action remain incompletely characterized. This study investigated the effects of chronic exposure to E2β and MT on brain development and neuroendocrine regulation in <em>Leiocassis longirostris</em>, a commercially important catfish species endemic to the Yangtze River Basin. Juvenile fish were exposed to three nominal dietary doses (100–300 ng) of each hormone for 30 days, corresponding to waterborne concentrations (556–1667 ng/L) within the upper range of environmental detections. Histopathological analysis revealed dose-dependent plasma accumulation in cerebral microvasculature, indicative of compromised blood-brain barrier integrity. Transcriptomic profiling identified significant suppression of immediate early genes (IEGs) critical for synaptic plasticity, including <em>FOS</em>, <em>JUN</em>, <em>EGR1</em>, <em>NR4A1</em>, <em>CEBP-A/D</em>, and <em>ETS1</em>, with E2β exerting stronger inhibitory effects (maximal at 200 ng-dose). Concomitant upregulation of neuroendocrine genes <em>cga</em> (gonadotropin α-subunit) and <em>pomcb</em> (pro-opiomelanocortin) suggested compensatory endocrine feedback mechanisms. Growth inhibition was observed in both treatment groups, with E2β-induced reductions in body weight exceeding those of MT. Functional enrichment analysis linked these transcriptional changes to disrupted pathways in synaptic signaling, chromatin remodeling, and endocrine regulation. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that estrogenic and androgenic EDCs impair neurodevelopmental processes via suppression of IEGs, leading to growth retardation and endocrine dysregulation. This study underscores the sublethal risks posed by sex steroid EDCs to wild fish populations and highlights the need for targeted regulatory measures to mitigate aquatic endocrine disruption.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":303,"journal":{"name":"Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety","volume":"293 ","pages":"Article 118053"},"PeriodicalIF":6.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143631901","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"UBA52 Mediates ribosomal DNA stability under hexavalent chromium exposure in occupational workers and cellular models","authors":"Huadong Xu ,&nbsp;Fan Wu ,&nbsp;Chuyan Zhang ,&nbsp;Chan Ding ,&nbsp;Shuqian Chen ,&nbsp;Lingfang Feng ,&nbsp;Junfei Chen ,&nbsp;Zhaoqiang Jiang ,&nbsp;Yongxin Li ,&nbsp;Jianlin Lou","doi":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118047","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118047","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] exposure poses substantial environmental and health risks, especially in occupational settings, where it has been linked to genomic instability. Our previous research demonstrated that Cr(VI) exposure could induce DNA copy number (CN) variation. Here, we examined the role of Ubiquitin A-52 ribosomal protein fusion product 1 (UBA52) in stabilizing rDNA CN under Cr(VI) exposure by analyzing data from Cr(VI)-exposed workers and matched controls. Results showed significantly elevated blood Cr levels, increased γH2AX expression, and higher rDNA CN in exposed individuals, alongside upregulated UBA52 mRNA and protein levels. Spearman and regression analyses identified positive correlations between Cr levels and UBA52 expression, and between UBA52 expression and rDNA CN. <em>In vitro</em> studies in BEAS-2BR and HeLa cells confirmed Cr(VI)-induced upregulation of UBA52, and UBA52 knockdown led to rDNA CN instability in cells. These findings highlight that UBA52 contributes to preserving rDNA stability in the face of Cr(VI)-induced genomic stress, providing valuable insights into molecular responses to environmental Cr(VI) exposure.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":303,"journal":{"name":"Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety","volume":"293 ","pages":"Article 118047"},"PeriodicalIF":6.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143627936","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association between endocrine disrupting chemicals exposure and diabetic kidney disease in adults: A national cross-sectional NHANES study","authors":"Xinru Li ,&nbsp;Xiaoang Ye ,&nbsp;Luhuan Xu ,&nbsp;Hongyu Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118044","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118044","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Background&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a global public health concern. Environmental factors are increasingly recognized as significant risk factors that cannot be overlooked, and certain environmental pollutants exhibit endocrine-disrupting properties. Previous research on the association between endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and DKD has been notably limited.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Methods&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;This study investigated the association between exposure to 25 EDC metabolites and DKD in 1421 U.S. adults from the 2015–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). We used logistic regression, restricted cubic spline regression, weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression, and bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models to assess the association between individual and co-exposure to multiple EDCs and DKD. Subgroup analyses and interaction tests were performed to investigate whether this association was stable across the population. Additionally, mediation analysis was used to explore the mediating role of serum globulins in the association between Pb exposure and DKD.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;In logistic regression models, N-Acetyl-S-(2-hydroxypropyl)-L-cysteine (2HPMA), N-Acetyl-S-(4-hydroxy-2-butenyl)-L-cysteine (MHBMA3), Phenylglyoxylic acid (PGA), and lead (Pb) were significantly positively associated with diabetes. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) analyses also revealed significant non-linear positive associations between 2HPMA, MHBMA3, and DKD. Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), n-perfluorooctanoic acid (n-PFOA), n-perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (n-PFOS), and Perfluoromethylheptane sulfonic acid isomers (Sm-PFOS) were significantly negatively associated with DKD. Furthermore, co-exposure to metals and metalloid was positively associated with DKD in both the WQS regression and the BKMR models, with Pb as the primary contributing factor. Mediation analysis showed that globulin mediated the association between Pb exposure and DKD, with a mediation proportion of 7.25 % (P = 0.046). Co-exposure to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) was negatively correlated with DKD, and subgroup analyses revealed that this correlation was more pronounced in the obese group (BMI ≥30 kg/m²). The BKMR analysis revealed potential interactions among various chemical compounds, such as N-Acetyl-S-(2-hydroxypropyl)-L-cysteine (2HPMA), 2-Methylhippuric acid (2MHA), N-Acetyl-S-(4-hydroxy-2-methyl-2-butenyl)-L-cysteine (IPM3), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd), in a model simulating co-exposure to metals and metalloid, as well as to volatile organic compound metabolites (mVOCs).&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Conclusion&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;The findings suggest an association between individual or co-exposure to EDC metabolites and DKD, providing valid evidence for DKD prevention from the perspective of EDCs exposure. However, more prospective studies are needed to elucidate the potential mechanisms underlying these findin","PeriodicalId":303,"journal":{"name":"Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety","volume":"293 ","pages":"Article 118044"},"PeriodicalIF":6.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143642948","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Contrasting kinetics of arsenic release from As-bearing ferrihydrite coprecipitates by distinct sulfate-reducing bacteria","authors":"Ran Luo ,&nbsp;Yu Cheng ,&nbsp;Tenglong Song ,&nbsp;Zhengyu Wu ,&nbsp;Yanhong Wang ,&nbsp;Ping Li","doi":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118035","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118035","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Microbial sulfate reduction plays key roles in arsenic (As) biotransformation and release in groundwater aquifers; however, influences by distinct sulfate-reducing strains on the transformation of As-bearing iron (oxyhydr)oxide under different sulfate availability and associated As mobilization are not clear. In this study, anaerobic batch experiments were conducted to clarify the transformation processes of As-bearing ferrihydrite mediated by two distinct sulfate-reducing strains. Results showed that both the purchased model strain <em>Desulfovibrio vulgaris</em> (D-1) and the <em>Citrobacter sp.</em> C-1 isolated from high As groundwater in this study were capable of sulfate, iron and arsenate reduction. However, they presented different patterns of sulfate/iron reduction and As release under As-bearing ferrihydrite conditions attributed to their preferential functions. Sulfate input accelerated the bioreduction of sulfate and ferrihydrite simultaneously by D-1, thereby facilitated arsenic release and formation of vivianite, mackinawite and goethite. The As release was accelerated by 20.7 % and 165.5 % under 1 mM and 10 mM sulfate amendment, respectively. In contrast, sulfate reduction occurred in the early stage (0–7 days) and iron reduction began afterwards in strain C-1 treatment, thus the increased sulfate hindered initial ferrihydrite reduction and suppress As release by 27.9 % and 37.9 % in 1 and 10 mM sulfate systems, respectively. The final secondary minerals were predominantly presented as amorphous goethite by C-1 due to low ferrihydrite reduction. The results highlight the necessary consideration of preferred functions of SRB when exploring the sulfate-mediated As release processes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":303,"journal":{"name":"Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety","volume":"293 ","pages":"Article 118035"},"PeriodicalIF":6.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143600735","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Light intensity can significantly regulate cadmium transformation into CdS nanoparticles in microalgae (Dunaliella salina and Phaeodactylum tricornutum)","authors":"Chang Shi ,&nbsp;Zesheng Yuan ,&nbsp;Xin Zhong ,&nbsp;Qingqing Yang ,&nbsp;Yongguang Yin ,&nbsp;Ligang Hu ,&nbsp;Yun Wang ,&nbsp;Yong Liang","doi":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118032","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118032","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Light is a critical factor influencing algal growth and contributes to the uptake of metal elements by algae. However, the impact of light on the bioavailability and transformation of heavy metals requires further exploration, particularly in the context of bioremediation efforts. This study explores how varying light intensities (1000, 2000, and 3000 lux) influence the ability of these algae to absorb Cd, distribute it within cells, and transform Cd (II) into CdS NPs. By using ICP-MS, it was found that increasing the light intensity to 2000 lux could increase the Cd uptake capacity of <em>Dunaliella salina</em> and <em>Phaeodactylum tricornutum</em> by 28 % and 14 %, respectively. Changes in the percentage of Cd (II) in each component (medium, intracellular, and adsorption on cell surface) with the different light intensities supported the interpretation that the increase in Cd uptake by algal cells was a result of increased cellular adsorption and accumulation. Further analyses by HRTEM-EDS and SEC-ICP-MS showed that increasing light intensity not only influenced the size of CdS NPs but also significantly enhanced the algae's efficiency in transforming Cd(II) into CdS NPs. It is found that the transformation ratio of CdS NPs by <em>D</em>. <em>salina</em> and <em>P</em>. <em>tricornutum</em> increased to 16 % and 52 % respectively, after 10 days of Cd exposure under 2000 lux light intensity. These findings underscore the significance of light intensity as an environmental factor in the uptake and transformation of Cd by algae, with profound implications for its application in bioremediation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":303,"journal":{"name":"Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety","volume":"293 ","pages":"Article 118032"},"PeriodicalIF":6.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143600734","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Migration characteristics and human health risk assessment of selenium and heavy metals in rhizosphere soil-crop system in high geological background area of southern Qinling Mountains: A case study of Shiquan County, Shaanxi, China","authors":"Mengchu Wei ,&nbsp;Aifang Pan ,&nbsp;Runyong Ma ,&nbsp;Hui Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118013","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118013","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Elevated heavy metal concentrations in selenium-enriched soils from high geological background areas raise concerns about crop safety and human health. This study investigates the migration characteristics and influencing factors of selenium and heavy metals in the rhizosphere soil-crop systems of the southern Qinling Mountains, with a focus on potential human health risks. Results revealed that selenium and heavy metal concentrations in rocks and rhizosphere soils exceeded local background values, with the highest exceedance ratios observed for chromium in rocks (48.01 %) and cadmium in rhizosphere soil (49.17 %). The selenium enrichment rates in rice, maize, pepper, and konjac reached or exceeded 80 %, whereas the selenium content in radish and rapeseed also showed an exceedance rate of over 80 %. These findings suggest that the cultivation of selenium-rich radish and rapeseed should be minimized in the study area to mitigate potential risks. Additionally, the heavy metal exceedance rates in vegetable crops (pepper, rapeseed, konjac, and radish) were significantly higher than those in cereal crops (rice and maize). Heavy metal migration varied across crop types, with accumulation levels following the order: radish (root) &gt; konjac (stem) &gt; pepper (fruit) &gt; rapeseed (leafy) &gt; rice/maize (cereal). Soil selenium promoted selenium absorption in konjac and cadmium uptake in rapeseed, konjac, and radish, while inhibiting selenium uptake in rapeseed. Iron and manganese oxides reduced copper migration in the soil-pepper system, while acidic soil environments enhanced cadmium uptake in certain crops. Multiple linear regression models successfully predicted bioconcentration factors (BCFs) for selenium in konjac and cadmium, selenium, and zinc in radish. These findings highlight the critical role of soil properties and altitude in regulating metal migration, providing a scientific basis for mitigating health risks through soil property adjustments and optimized crop cultivation practices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":303,"journal":{"name":"Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety","volume":"294 ","pages":"Article 118013"},"PeriodicalIF":6.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143601012","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Heavy metals promote the formation of multidrug-tolerant Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli persisters","authors":"Seongeun Baek ,&nbsp;Jinbeom Seo ,&nbsp;Taegwan Yun ,&nbsp;Jin Kim ,&nbsp;YuJin Shin ,&nbsp;Jiwoo Choi ,&nbsp;JuOae Chang ,&nbsp;Inseo Kim ,&nbsp;Yung-Hun Yang ,&nbsp;Wooseong Kim ,&nbsp;Wonsik Lee","doi":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118014","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118014","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bacterial persisters are dormant phenotypic variants that are tolerant to antibiotics, contributing to treatment failure and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. Although the formation of persisters has been extensively studied in regards to bacterial infections and treatment, such as antibiotic exposure or intracellular survival within macrophages, the role of environmental stressors in persister formation remains largely unexplored. In this study, we investigate the role of environmental heavy metals, specifically arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg), in promoting persister cell formation in <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em> and <em>Escherichia coli</em>. Log-phase cultures were exposed to heavy metals (5 mM As, 1.25 mM Cd, 4 µM Hg for <em>S. aureus</em>; 12.5 mM As, 2 mM Cd, and 15 µM Hg for <em>E. coli</em>) for 0.5 h to induce persister cells. We observed that exposure to these metals induced persister cell formation, confirmed by intracellular ATP levels through microscopy and luciferase assays, as well as by reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels using carboxy-H2DCFDA. Short-term heavy metal exposure strongly depleted intracellular ATP while generating ROS. Moreover, we observed enhanced expression of genes involved in the SOS response, including <em>recA</em>, <em>umuC</em>, <em>dinB</em>, <em>rexA</em>, <em>rexB</em>, <em>sulA</em>, <em>rpoS</em>, and <em>soxR</em>, as measured by qPCR. This response was likely induced by elevated ROS levels following heavy metal exposure. Furthermore, we demonstrate that heavy metal-induced bacterial persisters exhibited a substantially increased emergence of antibiotic resistance, as shown by ciprofloxacin resistance developing in the presence of heavy metals. Therefore, our results clearly demonstrate that heavy metals can induce persister cells by depleting cellular ATP and generating ROS, and these bacterial responses to heavy metals substantially contribute to antibiotic resistance. These findings highlight the intricate relationship between environmental heavy metals, bacterial persister formation, and antibiotic resistance, emphasizing the need for a “One Health” strategy to address the growing antibiotic resistance crisis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":303,"journal":{"name":"Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety","volume":"293 ","pages":"Article 118014"},"PeriodicalIF":6.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143600731","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessing the health hazards of low-dose ethylmercury: Neurochemical and behavioral impacts in neonatal mice through matrix metalloproteinase activation and brain-derived neurotrophic factor release","authors":"Min Heui Yoo ,&nbsp;Tae-Youn Kim ,&nbsp;Ho-Kyong Kim ,&nbsp;Ji-Hyun Yoo ,&nbsp;Byoung-Seok Lee ,&nbsp;Jae-Young Koh","doi":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118031","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118031","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ethylmercury (EtHg) primarily enters the body through contaminated fish and mercury-containing vaccines, raising concerns about its neurotoxic risks, particularly for infants and young children. Although its neurodevelopmental impact has been suggested, research remains inconclusive. Given that neurite outgrowth, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression play critical roles in brain development and synaptic plasticity, we hypothesized that EtHg exposure disrupts these processes, leading to behavioral abnormalities. To test this hypothesis, we utilized a neonatal mouse model, exposing mice to a specific dose of EtHg comparable to potential human exposure levels. The exact dosage and exposure conditions were carefully selected to reflect real-world exposure scenarios. Our findings revealed that EtHg exposure led to significant alterations in brain development, including increased brain size and cortical thickness. These structural changes were accompanied by notable impairments in social interactions and behavioral patterns. Further analysis indicated that these effects were likely mediated by increased microglial activation and elevated BDNF expression in the cerebral cortex. Overall, our study suggests that EtHg disrupts neurodevelopment by activating microglia, leading to physiological and morphological changes in the brain. These findings highlight the need for further research on EtHg neurotoxicity and its implications for vulnerable populations, particularly infants and young children.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":303,"journal":{"name":"Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety","volume":"293 ","pages":"Article 118031"},"PeriodicalIF":6.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143600736","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}