Frontiers in toxicology最新文献

{"title":"Establishing scientific confidence: human biological relevance of reconstructed human respiratory epithelium (RHRE) for assessing respiratory effects.","authors":"Nuria Roldan, Emily N Reinke, Helena T Hogberg, Andreas O Stucki, Monique M Perron, Amy J Clippinger","doi":"10.3389/ftox.2026.1847761","DOIUrl":"10.3389/ftox.2026.1847761","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>In vitro</i> test methods can be used to evaluate the effects of inhaled substances on the human respiratory tract. Scientists are increasingly using these tools due to interest in maximizing reliability and human-relevance, and therefore, the ability to protect human health. Among these <i>in vitro</i> models, reconstructed human respiratory epithelium (RHRE) is designed to mimic aspects of the biology of the human respiratory tract and to reflect mechanisms perturbed by different insults, including chemical exposure. In this paper, the human biological relevance of RHRE, in particular the MucilAir model, is assessed to gauge confidence in the use of RHRE-based test methods to evaluate respiratory effects. While the paper focuses on MucilAir, many of the key concepts also apply to other RHRE models. Key features of MucilAir, such as the presence of relevant primary human cells that produce mucus and have beating cilia, demonstrate its relevance to human biology. The model is compatible with a range of assays (such as those assessing cytotoxicity, cell viability, and cellular barrier integrity) that measure key events that may occur in humans following exposure. In this paper, we also present case studies of how these models have been used to predict the toxicity of inhaled substances. Overall, RHRE can be used to provide a quantitative, mechanism-based understanding of the potential effects of chemicals on the human respiratory tract.</p>","PeriodicalId":73111,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in toxicology","volume":"8 ","pages":"1847761"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13290123/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148320968","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":"A NAMs-based framework for screening the endocrine-disrupting potential of plastic additives using cross-species molecular docking and <i>Caenorhabditis elegans</i>.","authors":"Chaein Chong, Donghyeon Kim, Keon Kang, Jinhee Choi","doi":"10.3389/ftox.2026.1751726","DOIUrl":"10.3389/ftox.2026.1751726","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The increasing global production of plastics has raised concerns about additive chemicals that can leach from polymer matrices and lead to widespread human and environmental exposure. While regulatory attention to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and their association with plastic additives has increased in recent years, hazard information for numerous plastic additives remains limited. Here, we applied an integrated new approach methodologies (NAMs)-based framework combining <i>in silico</i> molecular docking and <i>in vivo Caenorhabditis elegans</i> assays to efficiently screen the endocrine-disrupting potential of plastic additives. Molecular docking of 162 EU REACH-registered additives was performed against human estrogen and androgen receptors (ERα and AR), followed by cross-species docking using AlphaFold-predicted homology models of the <i>C. elegans</i> nuclear receptors (NHR-14 and NHR-69). Chemicals showing strong binding interactions across species were further examined through a systematic literature review focused on ER- and AR-mediated effects. By integrating evidence, 1,3-diphenylpropane-1,3-dione (DBM) and 2-(benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-methylphenol (UV-P) were identified as potential ER and AR disruptors and were subsequently validated through reproductive toxicity assays using <i>C. elegans</i> wild-type N2 and loss-of-function mutant strains (<i>nhr-14</i> and <i>nhr-69</i>). This integrated approach provides a practical NAMs-based prioritization strategy by linking molecular interactions to phenotypic outcomes. By positioning <i>C. elegans</i> as a biological bridge between human toxicology and ecotoxicology, the framework supports cross-species hazard characterization within a One Health perspective.</p>","PeriodicalId":73111,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in toxicology","volume":"8 ","pages":"1751726"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13286444/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148310609","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":"Pregnancy and lactation exposure to bisphenol S induces ferroptosis via disrupted hepatic lipid metabolism in offspring mice.","authors":"Mengfen Pan, Xinxin Guo, Caiyun Wei, Nuo Xu, Yan Su, Zhensong Ma, Huaicai Zeng","doi":"10.3389/ftox.2026.1753029","DOIUrl":"10.3389/ftox.2026.1753029","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Bisphenol S (BPS), a widely used environmental endocrine disruptor, induces multigenerational liver injury, though its underlying mechanisms remain unclear.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this study, pregnant mice were housed separately and randomly divided into control and BPS (0.2, 2, and 20 mg/L) group through drinking water exposure. We observed the pathological changes in the livers of the offspring mice and the indicators of liver lipid metabolism disorder. At the same time, we also measured the levels of liver peroxidation and ferroptosis. Additionally, we established a co-exposure situation of in vitro BPS and ferroptosis inhibitors (Fer-1), analyzed the expression of ferroptosis-related genes to evaluate the hepatotoxicity caused by BPS by disrupting liver lipid metabolism and inducing iron depletion.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In this study, we observed that BPS exposure induced liver injury and significantly impaired hepatic function in offspring, as indicated by elevated serum ALT and AST levels. Perinatal BPS exposure altered the expression of genes involved in fatty acid β- oxidation, synthesis, and absorption, and concurrently induced dyslipidemia characterized by elevated triglyceride, total cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol levels and reduced HDL-cholesterol. We further established that BPS promotes ferroptosis in offspring mice, as evidenced by iron accumulation, mitochondrial damage, and oxidative damage. Mechanistically, BPS increased the expression of genes related to lipid peroxidation while suppressing those involved in the antioxidant system. Notably, Fer-1 cotreatment markedly alleviated both the lipid metabolism disorders and ferroptosis triggered by BPS.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>this study provides evidence that perinatal BPS exposure leads to hepatic lipid metabolism dysfunction and ferroptosis activation in offspring mice, highlighting BPS as a potential hepatotoxicant.</p>","PeriodicalId":73111,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in toxicology","volume":"8 ","pages":"1753029"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13278686/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148297197","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":"Biochemical and genomic characterization of last-resort antibiotic resistance and oxidant tolerance in environmental <i>E. coli</i>.","authors":"Asmaa Al-Mesaifri, Reem Ali, Abdallah Alhaj Sulaiman, Mustapha Aouida, Nisar Ahmed, Dindial Ramotar","doi":"10.3389/ftox.2026.1822843","DOIUrl":"10.3389/ftox.2026.1822843","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Colistin is currently reserved as a last-resort antibiotic for multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria such as pan-resistant <i>Escherichia coli</i>. Colistin-resistant <i>E. coli</i> strains have been detected in wastewater, clinical, and agricultural sites, and this resistance is mediated by the plasmid-borne <i>mcr-1</i> gene, which can spread into other sectors, including the food chain. Herein, we isolated several <i>E. coli</i> strains from mixed wastewater that showed varying resistance to colistin with IC₅₀ values ranging from 6.5 to 27.3 μg/ml as compared to 0.5 μg/mL for the wild-type strain. The strains all contained the <i>mcr-1</i> gene, and there is no gene duplication to account for the increased resistance to colistin. In addition, the strains displayed resistance to several other antibiotics belonging to different classes, including ciprofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole, and tetracycline, while maintaining wild-type sensitivity to other antibiotics such as tazocin and meropenem. Interestingly, some of the strains showed resistance to the powerful DNA-damaging agents, ultraviolet radiation and hydrogen peroxide, used for eradicating bacteria. Measurement of catalase activity, which decomposes hydrogen peroxide, was not significantly elevated, excluding the possibility that catalase is involved in the resistance of the strains to H₂O₂. However, we found that H₂O₂ treatment caused the accumulation of fragmented chromosomal DNA in the wild-type, but not in one of the representative H₂O₂-resistant strains. Analysis of whole genome sequencing data revealed that the H₂O₂-resistant strains harbour a high level of missense mutations in several genes, including DNA repair genes that could encode variant proteins with elevated capacity to repair damaged DNA.</p>","PeriodicalId":73111,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in toxicology","volume":"8 ","pages":"1822843"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13271735/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148273729","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":"Case Report: Ultra-early tangential excision combined with negative pressure wound therapy as a novel surgical detoxification strategy for severe hydrofluoric acid burns complicated by intractable hypocalcemia.","authors":"Xiaokun Tian, Bin Xu, Kai Zhang, Chen Sun, Cheng Wang, Haiyan Shi","doi":"10.3389/ftox.2026.1859979","DOIUrl":"10.3389/ftox.2026.1859979","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Severe hydrofluoric acid (HF) burns are life-threatening due to the rapid systemic absorption of fluoride ions, which precipitate profound hypocalcemia and fatal arrhythmias. Traditional conservative neutralization therapies often fail to halt the continuous absorption of toxins from deep necrotic tissues in high-concentration exposures.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>We report a 40-year-old male presenting with severe HF burns (20% total body surface area) following exposure to 40% HF. The patient rapidly developed intractable hypocalcemia (Ca²⁺ 0.48 mmol/L) and experienced 12 episodes of ventricular fibrillation within 8 h. Alongside intensive medical resuscitation, an emergency tangential excision of the burn eschar was performed merely 2 h post-injury to achieve immediate \"source control\", synergistically coupled with Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT). Dynamic urinary fluoride monitoring confirmed a rapid decline in the systemic toxic load following the surgical intervention. The patient survived the critical phase, underwent staged skin grafting, and was discharged with complete clinical recovery and fully preserved physical mobility at the 1-year follow-up.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Proactive surgical source control through extremely early tangential excision, combined with NPWT, serves as a novel surgical detoxification strategy that effectively severs the continuous systemic absorption of fluoride. This strategy, validated by dynamic urinary fluoride monitoring, significantly improves survival in severe HF burns and warrants broader clinical adoption.</p>","PeriodicalId":73111,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in toxicology","volume":"8 ","pages":"1859979"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13271673/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148273721","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":"NAMs for closing knowledge gaps in assessment of respiratory uptake - a PARC project.","authors":"Pierre-André Billat, Tanja Hansen, Véronique De Bruijn, Rayane Boufalaas, Simone Stefano, Anita Sosnowska, Yvonne Kohl, Sandra Verstraelen, Laura Maria Azzurra Camassa, Max Spänig, Catherine Gabriel, Dimosthenis Sarigiannis, Kerstin Krätschmer, Giuseppa Raitano, Natalia Bulawska, Aude Ratier, Shan Zienolddiny-Narui, Aline Chary, Tommaso Serchi, Susana Viegas, Steen Mollerup, Sylvia E Escher, Yvonne C M Staal","doi":"10.3389/ftox.2026.1764276","DOIUrl":"10.3389/ftox.2026.1764276","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Inhalation is a major route of chemical exposure for both consumers and workers. Physiologically-based kinetic (PBK) modeling is a promising tool to understand the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of inhaled chemicals and to predict systemic concentrations of chemicals in humans. New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) can help generate essential input parameters for PBK models. However, validated NAM-based test methods to assess uptake of inhaled chemicals are currently lacking. Reliable information on respiratory uptake is required to determine relevant exposure concentrations for evaluation of systemic effects using NAMs. This manuscript describes a project that aims to apply robust and reliable <i>in vitro</i> models to study cellular uptake, intracellular accumulation, absorption and systemic exposure of chemicals following inhalation. To evaluate the robustness and predictivity of different NAM-based barrier models, to examine appropriate <i>in vitro</i> to <i>in vivo</i> scaling strategies, and to assess sensitivity and uncertainty in the resulting PBK models, the project will focus on relatively data-rich chemicals, specifically per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). While some have been widely explored and others remain data-poor, the entire chemical family is of interest due to its health hazards. Therefore, the work combines experimental and modeling approaches by generating <i>in vitro</i> data on the respiratory uptake and benchmark this to existing human <i>in vivo</i> data, developing biokinetic models to better understand chemical fate within the test systems, and refining inhalation PBK models to improve estimates of systemic uptake. Read-Across (RAx) will be employed as data gap filling technique to infer on the apparent permeability of non-tested PFAS. Together, <i>the in vitro</i> and <i>in silico</i> results will inform and parameterize PBK models, ultimately enabling more reliable predictions of systemic availability. The project will deliver a workflow to combine <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in silico</i> methods to assess the uptake of inhaled substances, that could be modified and applied to other inhaled substances. Standardized <i>in vitro</i> models for respiratory uptake will improve the evaluation of inhalation as a route of exposure contributing to systemic effects, which is a key requirement for quantitative <i>in vitro</i> to <i>in vivo</i> extrapolation (qIVIVE) and supports the implementation of next-generation risk assessment (NGRA).</p>","PeriodicalId":73111,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in toxicology","volume":"8 ","pages":"1764276"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13286702/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148310720","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":"Advancing chemical mixture toxicity assessment using advanced in vitro NAMs: current status and future perspectives.","authors":"Hyunwoo Kim, Donghyeon Kim, Jinhee Choi","doi":"10.3389/ftox.2026.1757928","DOIUrl":"10.3389/ftox.2026.1757928","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Chemical exposure in real-world settings occurs predominantly as mixtures, whereas toxicological assessment has long been shaped by single-substance paradigms. As interest in more human-relevant and mechanistically informative testing strategies has grown, new approach methodologies (NAMs) have been increasingly incorporated into mixture toxicity research. However, the role of advanced <i>in vitro</i> NAMs in chemical mixture toxicity assessment has not yet been examined in a structured manner. This review therefore evaluated how advanced <i>in vitro</i> NAMs are currently being applied in mixture toxicity assessment and considered their potential value for regulatory translation. A PubMed-based literature search covering studies published between 2021 and 2025 identified 353 <i>in vitro</i> NAM-based studies related to chemical mixture toxicity, of which 70 were classified as advanced <i>in vitro</i> NAM-based studies and included for in-depth analysis. Among the advanced <i>in vitro</i> NAM categories, route-of-exposure-relevant models were the most frequently applied, followed by Omics, 3D models, stem cell-based models, and HTS/HCI approaches. The reviewed studies addressed diverse mixtures, including air pollutants, PFAS, phthalates, pesticides/herbicides, consumer product-related mixtures, and other environmentally relevant chemical combinations. Across these studies, advanced <i>in vitro</i> NAMs were used not only to assess overall mixture effects, but also to compare observed and predicted responses, distinguish mixture effects from those of individual chemicals, identify effect-driving components, and interpret non-additive responses under biologically relevant conditions. The reviewed evidence indicates that advanced <i>in vitro</i> NAMs are being used not simply as alternative test systems, but as tools to address key challenges intrinsic to mixture toxicity assessment, including defining relevant mixture entities, identifying toxicity drivers, interpreting non-additivity, and supporting prioritization under combinatorial complexity. These findings suggest that the future value of advanced <i>in vitro</i> NAMs in mixture assessment will depend not only on continued technological development, but also on their integration into question-driven and fit-for-purpose testing strategies. From this perspective, advanced <i>in vitro</i> NAMs may contribute most effectively when used to generate decision-relevant evidence aligned with specific mixture assessment needs and regulatory contexts.</p>","PeriodicalId":73111,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in toxicology","volume":"8 ","pages":"1757928"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13258531/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148254899","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":"Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for ischemic encephalopathy following occupational exposure to high-concentration toxic gases: two Case Reports.","authors":"Yang Pang, Jiaojiao Yuan, Xu Yuan, Xiaomin Chai, Si Li","doi":"10.3389/ftox.2026.1782213","DOIUrl":"10.3389/ftox.2026.1782213","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is effective in managing ischemic encephalopathy of various etiologies, particularly following acute intoxication with specific gases. Considering the limited clinical evidence regarding HBOT for hypoxic encephalopathy induced by occupational exposure to toxic gases, investigating this therapeutic approach is clinically important. We report two cases of occupational poisoning due to inhalation of high-concentration toxic gases, both presenting with loss of consciousness and significant neurological deficits. Case 1 involved biogas inhalation, and case 2 involved hydrogen sulfide exposure. Following HBOT, both patients demonstrated significant neurological recovery compared to their pre-treatment status. These findings indicate that HBOT reduces neurological impairment and is associated with favorable clinical outcomes. Therefore, HBOT should be considered for ischemic encephalopathy secondary to high-risk occupational gas exposure. This approach holds potential clinical significance for preventing severe neurological sequelae in workers at risk and provides clinicians with evidence-based guidance for managing toxic gas-induced neurological injury.</p>","PeriodicalId":73111,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in toxicology","volume":"8 ","pages":"1782213"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13258541/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148254827","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":"Micro- and nanoplastic exposure as an emerging risk factor for depressive-like phenotypes across species: a systematic review.","authors":"Donato Morena, Damiano Marchesini, Monica La Greca, Letizia Biso, Matteo Lippi, Matteo Scopetti, Emanuela Turillazzi, Vittorio Fineschi","doi":"10.3389/ftox.2026.1817678","DOIUrl":"10.3389/ftox.2026.1817678","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The pervasive environmental presence of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs), combined with their ability to cross biological barriers and accumulate in the brain, has raised significant concerns regarding their neurotoxic potential. While neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative effects are increasingly documented, a focused synthesis of their impact on depression-relevant behaviors is lacking. This systematic review evaluates the evidence linking MNPs exposure to depressive-like phenotypes across species. Following PRISMA guidelines, nine animal studies and one human cross-sectional study met the inclusion criteria. Rodent models exposed to MNPs, primarily polystyrene, showed consistent induction of depressive-like behaviors, whereas aquatic models exhibited neurobehavioral alterations compatible with depression-relevant phenotypes. Effects were dose-dependent and influenced by particle characteristics, exposure window, and sex. Preliminary human data suggest a positive association between estimated environmental MNPs exposure and depressive symptoms. Although evidence remains limited and methodologically heterogeneous, converging findings across experimental models indicate that MNPs exposure may represent a potential emerging risk factor for depression-related outcomes, possibly mediated by neuroinflammatory processes and neuronal damage. Future research requires standardized behavioral assessments, environmentally relevant exposure models, and longitudinal human studies with direct exposure biomonitoring to establish causality and public health relevance.</p>","PeriodicalId":73111,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in toxicology","volume":"8 ","pages":"1817678"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13252949/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148229554","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":"Toxicological impacts of environmentally equivalent microplastics and cadmium co-exposure in tropical freshwater crab <i>Sartoriana spinigera</i>.","authors":"Ananya Chakraborty, Upayan Anam, Tanmoy Gupta, Md Khalid Saifullah, Gourab Chowdhury, Md Selim Reza, Mohammad Moniruzzaman, Petra Schneider, Mohammed Mahbub Iqbal, Mohammad Amzad Hossain","doi":"10.3389/ftox.2026.1804866","DOIUrl":"10.3389/ftox.2026.1804866","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The toxic effects of microplastics (MPs) and trace metals on freshwater crustaceans remain poorly understood; therefore, current research examined the individual and combined effects of MPs, specifically polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and cadmium (Cd) on female freshwater crabs, <i>Sartoriana spinigera,</i> emphasizing behaviour, growth, haematobiochemical parameters, and tissue morphology. Crabs were exposed to five treatments (PS, PET, Cd, PS + Cd, PET + Cd) and a control for 14 days. The exposure caused notable behavioural and growth alterations, with the lowest survival rate (33.33% ± 6.67%) observed in the PS group. Bioaccumulation was highest in the gills for PS (44.67 ± 4.49 items/g) and in the hepatopancreas for PET (36.33 ± 2.41 items/g). Liver health markers showed increased alanine aminotransferase in the Cd group (9.33 ± 0.37 U/L), and elevated aspartate aminotransferase levels were noted in the PS group (25.83 ± 0.44 U/L). Additional stress markers, including total cholesterol, triglycerides, brix, glucose, and total protein, confirmed physiological disturbance in toxicant-exposed groups. Histomorphological analysis revealed structural changes in the hepatopancreas and gills, indicating impaired organ function. Overall, co-exposure caused greater physiological stress than individual treatment alone, demonstrating a combined toxic effect. These findings enhance our understanding of the complex interactions between MPs and toxic metals in tropical freshwater ecosystems, providing valuable insights for future research into multi-stressor impacts on crustacean physiology and toxicology.</p>","PeriodicalId":73111,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in toxicology","volume":"8 ","pages":"1804866"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13252950/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148229526","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}