Journal of Xenobiotics最新文献

{"title":"Innovative Approaches and Evolving Strategies in Heavy Metal Bioremediation: Current Limitations and Future Opportunities.","authors":"Cristina Firincă, Lucian-Gabriel Zamfir, Mariana Constantin, Iuliana Răut, Maria-Luiza Jecu, Mihaela Doni, Ana-Maria Gurban, Tatiana Eugenia Șesan","doi":"10.3390/jox15030063","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jox15030063","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Decades of technological advancements have led to major environmental concerns, particularly the bioaccumulation of heavy metals, which pose persistent risks to ecosystems and human health. Consequently, research has increasingly shifted from conventional remediation techniques toward more sustainable, environmentally friendly solutions. This review explores recent advancements, ongoing challenges, and future perspectives in the field of bioremediation, emphasizing its potential as a green technology for heavy metal decontamination. Despite significant progress, key challenges remain, including scalability limitations and the management of bioremediation by-products, along with the influence of regulatory policies and public perception on its large-scale implementation. Emerging approaches such as genetic engineering and nanotechnology show promise in overcoming these limitations. Gene editing allows the tailoring of specific metabolic traits for bioprocesses targeted towards increased tolerance to pollutants and higher biodegradation efficiency, higher enzymatic specificity and affinity, and improved yield and fitness in plants. Nanotechnologies, particularly biogenic nanostructures, open up the possibility of repurposing waste materials as well as harnessing the advantages of the biosynthesis of NPs with higher stability, biocompatibility, and biostimulant capacities. Furthermore, biopolymers and bio-based nanocomposites can improve the efficiency and costs of bioremediation protocols. Even so, further research is essential to evaluate their long-term risks and feasibility.</p>","PeriodicalId":42356,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Xenobiotics","volume":"15 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12101164/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144128077","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Feature Papers in Ecotoxicology.","authors":"Valerio Matozzo, Maria Gabriella Marin","doi":"10.3390/jox15030062","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jox15030062","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ecotoxicology has progressively evolved as a key scientific discipline for evaluating the impact of both traditional and emerging contaminants on ecosystems [...].</p>","PeriodicalId":42356,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Xenobiotics","volume":"15 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12101430/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144127732","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Naphthenic Acid Fraction Components-Induced Metabolic and Mitochondrial Alterations in Rat Hepatoma Cells: Monitoring Metabolic Reprogramming with Tryptophan-Kynurenine Ratio.","authors":"Laiba Jamshed, Amica Marie-Lucas, Genevieve A Perono, Gregg T Tomy, Jim J Petrik, Richard A Frank, L Mark Hewitt, Philippe J Thomas, Alison C Holloway","doi":"10.3390/jox15030061","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jox15030061","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Altered body condition and diminished growth in wildlife in the Alberta Oil Sands Region (AOSR) are prompting investigations into the impact of oil sands industrial activity on wildlife in the region. Chemical constituents from bitumen-influenced waters, including oil sands process-affected water (OSPW), can disrupt endocrine signaling, leading to aberrant lipid accumulation and altered glycemic control in mammals. This study aimed to investigate the effects of naphthenic acid fraction components (NAFCs), derived from OSPW, on energy homeostasis using the McA-RH7777 rat hepatocyte model. Cells were exposed to NAFCs at nominal concentrations of 0, 0.73, 14.7, and 73.4 mg/L for 24 and 48 h. We assessed gene expression related to lipid and glucose metabolism and measured triglyceride accumulation, glucose, and fatty acid uptake. NAFC exposure (14.7 and 73.4 mg/L) reduced triglyceride levels and glucose uptake and increased fatty acid uptake and the expression of beta-oxidation genes, suggesting a metabolic switch from glucose to fatty acid oxidation. This switch in substrate availability signifies a shift in cellular energy dynamics, potentially linked to altered mitochondrial function. To investigate this, we conducted adenosine triphosphate (ATP), mitochondrial membrane potential, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assays to measure cellular ATP levels, mitochondrial membrane potential, and apoptosis, respectively. At both time points, 73.4 mg/L NAFC exposure resulted in increased ATP levels, induced mitochondrial membrane hyperpolarization, and increased apoptosis. These results suggest that mitochondrial efficiency is compromised, necessitating metabolic adaptations to maintain energy homeostasis. Given that cells exhibit metabolic flexibility that allows them to dynamically respond to changes in substrate availability, we further demonstrated that the kynurenine-tryptophan ratio (KTR) serves as a marker for a shift in energy metabolism under these stress conditions. This work provides a mechanistic framework for understanding how bitumen-derived organic contaminants may disrupt metabolic function in wildlife living in the AOSR. These findings further support the use of molecular markers like KTR to evaluate sub-lethal metabolic stress in environmental health monitoring.</p>","PeriodicalId":42356,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Xenobiotics","volume":"15 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12101402/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144128776","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genetic Interactions of Phase II Xenobiotic-Metabolizing Enzymes <i>GSTO1</i> and <i>GCLC</i> in Relation to Alcohol Abuse and Psoriasis Risk.","authors":"Roman Saranyuk, Olga Bushueva, Ekaterina Efanova, Maria Solodilova, Mikhail Churnosov, Alexey Polonikov","doi":"10.3390/jox15020060","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jox15020060","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The present pilot study aimed to investigate whether common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the gene encoding glutathione S-transferase omega 1 (<i>GSTO1</i>), both individually and in combination with variants of the catalytic subunit of the glutamate cysteine ligase (<i>GCLC</i>) gene and environmental risk factors, are associated with the risk of psoriasis. The research included a total of 944 participants, comprising 474 individuals diagnosed with psoriasis and 470 healthy control subjects. Five common SNPs in the <i>GSTO1</i> gene-specifically, rs11191736, rs34040810, rs2289964, rs11191979, and rs187304410-were genotyped in the study groups using the MassARRAY-4 system. The allele rs187304410-A (OR = 0.19, 95% CI 0.04-0.86, Pperm = 0.02) and the genotype rs187304410-G/A (OR = 0.19, 95% CI 0.04-0.85, Pperm = 0.01) were found to be associated with psoriasis in females. The model-based multifactor dimensionality reduction approach facilitated the identification of higher-order epistatic interactions between the variants of the <i>GSTO1</i> and <i>GCLC</i> genes (Pperm < 0.0001). These interactions, along with the risk factor of alcohol abuse, collectively contribute to the pathogenesis of psoriasis. This study is the first to demonstrate that polymorphisms in the <i>GSTO1</i> gene, both individually and in combination with variants of the <i>GCLC</i> gene and alcohol abuse, are associated with an increased risk of psoriasis.</p>","PeriodicalId":42356,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Xenobiotics","volume":"15 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12028938/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144001942","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Bioaccumulation and Trophic Transfer of Heavy Metals in Marine Fish: Ecological and Ecosystem-Level Impacts.","authors":"Andra Oros","doi":"10.3390/jox15020059","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jox15020059","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Heavy metal contamination in marine ecosystems poses a critical environmental challenge, with significant implications for biodiversity, trophic dynamics, and human health. Marine fish are key bioindicators of heavy metal pollution because of their role in food webs and their capacity for bioaccumulation and trophic transfer. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the pathways and mechanisms of heavy metal accumulation in marine fish, focusing on factors that influence the uptake, retention, and tissue distribution. We explore the processes governing trophic transfer and biomagnification, highlighting species-specific accumulation patterns and the risks posed to apex predators, including humans. Additionally, we assess the ecological consequences of heavy metal contamination at population, community, and ecosystem levels, emphasizing its effects on fish reproduction, community structure, and trophic interactions. By integrating recent findings, this review highlights key knowledge gaps and suggests future research directions to improve environmental monitoring and risk assessment. Given the persistence and bioavailability of heavy metals in marine environments, effective pollution control strategies and sustainable fisheries management are imperative to mitigate long-term ecological and public health risks.</p>","PeriodicalId":42356,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Xenobiotics","volume":"15 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12028879/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144062755","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Bacterial Cytochrome P450 Involvement in the Biodegradation of Fluorinated Pyrethroids.","authors":"Mohd Faheem Khan, Jun Liao, Zhenyang Liu, Gaurav Chugh","doi":"10.3390/jox15020058","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jox15020058","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Fluorinated pyrethroids, such as cyfluthrin and cyhalothrin, are more effective insecticides due to their enhanced stability and lipophilicity. However, they pose greater risks to non-target organisms. Their persistence in the environment and accumulation in tissues can lead to increased toxicity and ecological concerns. This study investigates the biodegradation of the fluorinated pyrethroids β-cyfluthrin (BCF) and λ-cyhalothrin (LCH) using a newly isolated <i>Bacillus</i> sp. MFK14 from a garden soil microbial consortium. Initial screening using ¹⁹F NMR analysis showed that the microbial consortium degraded both pyrethroids, leading to the isolation of <i>Bacillus</i> sp. MFK14. Subsequent GC-MS analysis revealed various degradation intermediates in both pyrethroids after incubation with <i>Bacillus</i> sp. MFK14. Notably, <i>Bacillus</i> sp. MFK14 completely degraded β-cyfluthrin and λ-cyhalothrin within 48 h at 30 °C. Fluoride ions from β-cyfluthrin and trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) from λ-cyhalothrin were detected as the end-products by ¹⁹F NMR analysis of the aqueous fraction. The pathway of the degradation was proposed for both the pyrethroids indicating shared biodegradation pathways despite different fluorinations. Inhibition studies with 1-ABT suggested the involvement of bacterial cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes in their biodegradation. The CYPome of <i>Bacillus</i> sp. MFK14 includes 23 CYP variants that showed significant sequence similarity to known bacterial CYPs, suggesting potential roles in pyrethroid biodegradation and environmental persistence. These findings highlight the potential for bioremediation of fluorinated pesticides, offering an environmentally sustainable approach to mitigate their ecological impact.</p>","PeriodicalId":42356,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Xenobiotics","volume":"15 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12028412/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143986937","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Interaction of Heavy Metals (Cadmium and Selenium) in an Experimental Study on Goldfish: Hematobiochemical Changes and Oxidative Stress.","authors":"Yasaman Aghaei Hashtjin, Mahdieh Raeeszadeh, Ali Parsa Khanghah","doi":"10.3390/jox15020057","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jox15020057","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Heavy metal interactions within aquatic ecosystems significantly affect fish physiology. This study evaluated the protective role of selenium against cadmium-induced hematological, biochemical, and electrophoretic alterations in goldfish.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 120 goldfish individuals were divided into four groups: control, cadmium chloride-treated (2.8 mg/L), sodium selenite-treated (2 mg/L), and a combined cadmium and selenium-treated group. After 14 days, blood samples were collected and analyzed for hematological parameters, biochemical markers, and serum protein electrophoresis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Cadmium exposure led to significant reductions in red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) counts, hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (HCT) (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Selenium supplementation alleviated these declines and improved overall hematological function. Additionally, cadmium exposure decreased albumin and total protein levels while elevating aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, indicating liver damage. Selenium co-treatment reduced cadmium accumulation and mitigated liver toxicity. Elevated urea and creatinine levels in cadmium-exposed fish were also significantly lowered in the combined treatment group (<i>p</i> < 0.0001). Furthermore, selenium supplementation enhanced antioxidant defense mechanisms by increasing catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity while reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, effectively counteracting cadmium-induced oxidative stress.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Sodium selenite at a dose of 2 mg/L effectively mitigated the toxic effects of cadmium chloride on hematological, biochemical, and oxidative stress markers in goldfish, demonstrating its protective potential against heavy metal toxicity.</p>","PeriodicalId":42356,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Xenobiotics","volume":"15 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12028637/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144023602","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Resistance and Biodegradation of Triclosan and Propylparaben by Isolated Bacteria from Greywater.","authors":"Daniella Itzhari, Joseph Nzeh, Zeev Ronen","doi":"10.3390/jox15020056","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jox15020056","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We investigated the relationship between antibiotic-resistance genes and the antimicrobial agents, triclosan (TCS) and propylparaben (PPB). The greywater microbiome was repeatedly exposed to triclosan and propylparaben and the effect was analyzed using a combination of PCR, Etest, Biolog, 16S rRNA sequencing, and liquid chromatography. The taxonomic identification points to very similar or even identical isolates, however, the phenotypic analysis suggests that their metabolic potential is different, likely due to genomic variation or differences in the expression of the substrate utilization pathways. For both triclosan and propylparaben, the antibiotic resistance levels among isolates remain consistent regardless of the exposure duration. This suggests that antibiotic-resistance genes are acquired rapidly and that their presence is not directly proportional to the level of micropollutant exposure. In a biodegradation test, TCS was reduced by 50% after 7 h, while PPB decreased only after 75 h. For TCS, the minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) ranged from 64 to above 256 mg/mL. Conversely, for PPB the MIC for the tested strains ranged between 512 and 800 mg/mL. This study highlights the complex interaction between household xenobiotics, greywater microorganisms, and the emergence of antibiotic resistance.</p>","PeriodicalId":42356,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Xenobiotics","volume":"15 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12028367/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144050425","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Stability Dynamics of Plant-Based Extracellular Vesicles Drug Delivery.","authors":"Satyavati Rawat, Sanchit Arora, Madhukiran R Dhondale, Mansi Khadilkar, Sanjeev Kumar, Ashish Kumar Agrawal","doi":"10.3390/jox15020055","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jox15020055","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Plant-based extracellular vesicles (PBEVs) have been recognized for their wide range of applications in drug delivery however, the extent of their medicinal applicability depends on how well they are preserved and stored. Assessing their physicochemical properties, such as size, particle concentration, shape, and the activity of their cargo, forms the foundation for determining their stability during storage. Moreover, the evaluation of PBEVs is essential to ensure both safety and efficacy, which are critical for advancing their clinical development. Maintaining the biological activity of EVs during storage is a challenging task, similar to the preservation of cells and other cell-derived products like proteins. However, despite limited studies, it is expected that storing drug-loaded EVs may present fewer challenges compared to cell-based therapies, although some limitations are inevitable. This article provides a comprehensive overview of current knowledge on PBEVs preservation and storage methods, particularly focusing on their role as drug carriers. PBEVs hold promise as potential candidates for oral drug administration due to their effective intestinal absorption and ability to withstand both basic and acidic environments. However, maintaining their preservation and stability during storage is critical. Moreover, this review centers on the isolation, characterization, and storage of PBEVs, exploring the potential advantages they offer. Furthermore, it highlights key areas that require further research to overcome existing challenges and enhance the development of effective preservation and storage methods for therapeutic EVs.</p>","PeriodicalId":42356,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Xenobiotics","volume":"15 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12028407/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144040260","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Manganese Neurotoxicity: A Comprehensive Review of Pathophysiology and Inherited and Acquired Disorders.","authors":"Giuseppe Magro, Vincenzo Laterza, Federico Tosto, Angelo Torrente","doi":"10.3390/jox15020054","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jox15020054","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Manganese (Mn) is an essential trace element and a cofactor for several key enzymes, such as mitochondrial superoxide dismutase. Consequently, it plays an important defense role against reactive oxygen species. Despite this, Mn chronic overexposure can result in a neurological disorder referred to as manganism, which shares some similarities with Parkinson's disease. Mn levels seem regulated by many transporters responsible for its uptake and efflux. These transporters play an established role in many inherited disorders of Mn metabolism and neurotoxicity. Some inherited Mn metabolism disorders, caused by mutations of SLC30A10 and SLC39A14, assume crucial importance since earlier treatment results in a better prognosis. Physicians should be familiar with the clinical presentation of these disorders as the underlying cause of dystonia/parkinsonism and look for other accompanying features, such as liver disease and polycythemia, which are typically associated with SLC30A10 mutations. This review aims to highlight the currently known Mn transporters, Mn-related neurotoxicity, and its consequences, and it provides an overview of inherited and acquired disorders of Mn metabolism. Currently available treatments are also discussed, focusing on the most frequently encountered presentations.</p>","PeriodicalId":42356,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Xenobiotics","volume":"15 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12028444/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144049233","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}