Journal of Xenobiotics

20 pages, 846 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Indigo Carmine: Between Necessity and Concern

by Madalina-Elena Ristea and Otilia Zarnescu

J. Xenobiot. 2023, 13(3), 509-528; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox13030033 - 20 Sep 2023

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 6087

Dyes, such as indigo carmine, have become indispensable to modern life, being widely used in the food, textile, pharmaceutical, medicine, and cosmetic industry. Although indigo carmine is considered toxic and has many adverse effects, it is found in many foods, and the maximum [...] Read more.

Dyes, such as indigo carmine, have become indispensable to modern life, being widely used in the food, textile, pharmaceutical, medicine, and cosmetic industry. Although indigo carmine is considered toxic and has many adverse effects, it is found in many foods, and the maximum permitted level is 500 mg/kg. Indigo carmine is one of the most used dyes in the textile industry, especially for dyeing denim, and it is also used in medicine due to its impressive applicability in diagnostic methods and surgical procedures, such as in gynecological and urological surgeries and microsurgery. It is reported that indigo carmine is toxic for humans and can cause various pathologies, such as hypertension, hypotension, skin irritations, or gastrointestinal disorders. In this review, we discuss the structure and properties of indigo carmine; its use in various industries and medicine; the adverse effects of its ingestion, injection, or skin contact; the effects on environmental pollution; and its toxicity testing. For this review, 147 studies were considered relevant. Most of the cited articles were those about environmental pollution with indigo carmine (51), uses of indigo carmine in medicine (45), and indigo carmine as a food additive (17). Full article

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9 pages, 1484 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Effects of Chronic Roundup Exposure on Medaka Larvae

by Deborah Killian, Mehwish Faheem, Beh Reh, Xuegeng Wang and Ramji Kumar Bhandari

J. Xenobiot. 2023, 13(3), 500-508; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox13030032 - 14 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1900

Abstract

The use of glyphosate-based herbicides is increasing yearly to keep up with the growing demands of the agriculture world. Although glyphosate-based herbicides target the enzymatic pathway in plants, the effects on the endocrine systems of vertebrate organisms, mainly fish, are widely unknown. Many [...] Read more.

The use of glyphosate-based herbicides is increasing yearly to keep up with the growing demands of the agriculture world. Although glyphosate-based herbicides target the enzymatic pathway in plants, the effects on the endocrine systems of vertebrate organisms, mainly fish, are widely unknown. Many studies with glyphosate used high-exposure concentrations (mg/L), and the effect of environmentally relevant or lower concentrations has not been clearly understood. Therefore, the present study examined the effects of very low, environmentally relevant, and high concentrations of glyphosate exposure on embryo development and the thyroid system of Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes). The Hd-rR medaka embryos were exposed to Roundup containing 0.05, 0.5, 5, 10, and 20 mg/L glyphosate (glyphosate acid equivalent) from the 8 h post-fertilization stage through the 14-day post-fertilization stage. Phenotypes observed include delayed hatching, increased developmental deformities, abnormal growth, and embryo mortality. The lowest concentration of glyphosate (0.05 mg/L) and the highest concentration (20 mg/L) induced similar phenotypes in embryos and fry. A significant decrease in mRNA levels for acetylcholinesterase (ache) and thyroid hormone receptor alpha (thrα) was found in the fry exposed to 0.05 mg/L and 20 mg/L glyphosate. The present results demonstrated that exposure to glyphosate formulation, at a concentration of 0.05 mg/L, can affect the early development of medaka larvae and the thyroid pathway, suggesting a link between thyroid functional changes and developmental alteration; they also showed that glyphosate can be toxic to fish at this concentration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Toxicology and Animal Health)

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8 pages, 998 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Becoming aWARE: The Development of a Web-Based Tool for Autism Research and the Environment

by Anisha Singh, Cindy P. Lawler, Vickie R. Walker, Katherine E. Pelch, Amanda E. Garton, Andrew A. Rooney and Astrid C. Haugen

J. Xenobiot. 2023, 13(3), 492-499; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox13030031 - 13 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1942

Abstract

A sharp rise in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) prevalence estimates, beginning in the 1990s, suggested factors additional to genetics were at play. This stimulated increased research investment in nongenetic factors, including the study of environmental chemical exposures, diet, nutrition, lifestyle, social factors, and [...] Read more.

A sharp rise in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) prevalence estimates, beginning in the 1990s, suggested factors additional to genetics were at play. This stimulated increased research investment in nongenetic factors, including the study of environmental chemical exposures, diet, nutrition, lifestyle, social factors, and maternal medical conditions. Consequently, both peer- and non-peer-reviewed bodies of evidence investigating environmental contributors to ASD etiology have grown significantly. The heterogeneity in the design and conduct of this research results in an inconclusive and unwieldy ‘virtual stack’ of publications. We propose to develop a Web-based tool for Autism Research and the Environment (aWARE) to comprehensively aggregate and assess these highly variable and often conflicting data. The interactive aWARE tool will use an approach for the development of systematic evidence maps (SEMs) to identify and display all available relevant published evidence, enabling users to explore multiple research questions within the scope of the SEM. Throughout tool development, listening sessions and workshops will be used to seek perspectives from the broader autism community. New evidence will be indexed in the tool annually, which will serve as a living resource to investigate the association between environmental factors and ASD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Conditions and Autism Spectrum Disorders)

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13 pages, 2686 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Can BPA Analogs Affect Cellular and Biochemical Responses in the Microalga Phaeodactylum tricornutum Bohlin?

by Jacopo Fabrello, Maria Ciscato, Emanuela Moschin, Francesca Dalla Vecchia, Isabella Moro and Valerio Matozzo

J. Xenobiot. 2023, 13(3), 479-491; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox13030030 - 8 Sep 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1674

Abstract

Bisphenol A analogs (BPA analogs) are emerging contaminants with a rising production caused by the replacement of BPA with these compounds. The increased production of BPA analogs is leading to their increased release into various ecosystems, including marine ones. The aim of this [...] Read more.

Bisphenol A analogs (BPA analogs) are emerging contaminants with a rising production caused by the replacement of BPA with these compounds. The increased production of BPA analogs is leading to their increased release into various ecosystems, including marine ones. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biological effects of BPA analogs on a primary producer, the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum Bohlin. Three different BPA analogs (BPAF, BPF, and BPS) and their mixture were tested at the environmental relevant concentration of 300 ng/L. Growth, cell size and several biomarkers of oxidative stress and oxidative damage were measured. Our results indicated that the tested compounds caused a reduced growth rate and induced oxidative stress, altering many antioxidant enzymes in P. tricornutum. However, no oxidative damages were observed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Ecotoxicology)

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16 pages, 1912 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mercury Content in Impacted Wisdom Teeth from Patients of the Legnica–Głogów Copper Area—An In Vitro Pilot Study

by Sadri Rayad, Maciej Dobrzyński, Amadeusz Kuźniarski, Marzena Styczyńska, Dorota Diakowska, Tomasz Gedrange, Sylwia Klimas, Tomasz Gębarowski and Marzena Dominiak

J. Xenobiot. 2023, 13(3), 463-478; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox13030029 - 27 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1541

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the content of mercury in impacted third molars from Legnica–Głogów Copper Area residents to emphasize the effects of environmental pollution on the human body. A group of 72 patients with an average age of 27.3 [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to determine the content of mercury in impacted third molars from Legnica–Głogów Copper Area residents to emphasize the effects of environmental pollution on the human body. A group of 72 patients with an average age of 27.3 ± 6.9 years participated in the study. Within this study, the research group (Legnica–Głogów Copper Area residents) comprised 51 individuals, while the control group (residents of Wrocław) consisted of 21 participants. A higher number of female individuals participated in the research (55). The amount of mercury present in the samples was determined through atomic absorption spectrometry with the use of a SpectraAA atomic absorption spectrometer and a V2 AA240FS flame attachment that utilized an air–acetylene flame. The accumulation of Hg in the teeth of members of the control group residing in Wrocław was studied, with a focus on identifying the risk factors that contribute to this phenomenon. The final model analyzed the presence of various factors, including thyroid and parathyroid gland diseases, cardiac diseases, and interval-scale Vit. D3 concentration. Among these factors, the presence of cardiac diseases was deemed statistically significant in relation to an increase in Hg concentration in third molars (rate ratio = 2.27, p < 0.0001). The concentration of mercury increased with the age and time of residence in the L-G Copper District. Full article

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24 pages, 1962 KiB

Open AccessReview

Organochlorine Compounds in the Amur (Heilong) River Basin (2000–2020): A Review

by Maksim M. Donets and Vasiliy Yu. Tsygankov

J. Xenobiot. 2023, 13(3), 439-462; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox13030028 - 20 Aug 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1808

Abstract

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are well-known contaminants that raise serious concerns, even more than 20 years after they were banned. Their worldwide distribution and persistence necessitate continuous monitoring in all components of the environment. The most challenging issues of POP regulation are associated [...] Read more.

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are well-known contaminants that raise serious concerns, even more than 20 years after they were banned. Their worldwide distribution and persistence necessitate continuous monitoring in all components of the environment. The most challenging issues of POP regulation are associated with international water resources because their solutions require international cooperation in environment protection. This review provides data on various POPs (DDT, HCH, endrin, dieldrin, and PCBs) and their concentrations in aquatic organisms inhabiting the Amur River basin, one of the most poorly explored regions of Northeast Asia. Most studies have been conducted in the Songhua River (China), a tributary of the Amur River, which indicates that large inland bodies of water, especially those of international importance, require more extensive research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Journal of Xenobiotics: Feature Papers)

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15 pages, 3400 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Microbiome and Antibiotic Resistome in Soil under Biodegradable Composite Carbon Source Amendment

by Zhongchen Yang, Yanhong Lou, Xianghui Yan, Hong Pan, Hui Wang, Quangang Yang, Yajie Sun and Yuping Zhuge

J. Xenobiot. 2023, 13(3), 424-438; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox13030027 - 15 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2304

Abstract

The decomposition of biodegradable composite carbon sources generates a large amount of biodegradable microplastics, which may not only furnish microbial denitrification, but might also pose potential environmental risks. In the present study, the effects of different dosages of a biodegradable composite carbon source [...] Read more.

The decomposition of biodegradable composite carbon sources generates a large amount of biodegradable microplastics, which may not only furnish microbial denitrification, but might also pose potential environmental risks. In the present study, the effects of different dosages of a biodegradable composite carbon source on the microbial communities, the nitrogen metabolic pathways and the antibiotic resistome were explored through Illumina MiSeq sequencing analysis and metagenomic analysis. The results of partial least-square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and analysis of similarity (ANOSIM) demonstrated that the response of the bacterial community to a biodegradable composite carbon source was more obvious than the fungal community. The application of biodegradable microplastics diminished the complexity of the microbial communities to some extent and obviously stimulated denitrification. Antibiotics resistance gene (ARG) dispersal was not evidently accelerated after the addition of biodegradable composite carbon source. Lysobacter, Methylobacillus, Phyllobacterium, Sinorhizobium, Sphingomonas from Proteobacteria and Actinomadura, Agromyces, Gaiella and Micromonospora from Actinobacteria were the major ARG hosts. Overall, the addition of a biodegradable composite carbon source shaped microbial communities and their antibiotic resistance profiles in this study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microplastics in Soils: Occurrence, Sources, Contaminant Vectors, and Effects on Soil Properties)

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22 pages, 1070 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Cytochrome P450 Gene Families: Role in Plant Secondary Metabolites Production and Plant Defense

by Panchali Chakraborty, Ashok Biswas, Susmita Dey, Tuli Bhattacharjee and Swapan Chakrabarty

J. Xenobiot. 2023, 13(3), 402-423; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox13030026 - 25 Jul 2023

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 6996

Abstract

Cytochrome P450s (CYPs) are the most prominent family of enzymes involved in NADPH- and O₂-dependent hydroxylation processes throughout all spheres of life. CYPs are crucial for the detoxification of xenobiotics in plants, insects, and other organisms. In addition to performing this [...] Read more.

Cytochrome P450s (CYPs) are the most prominent family of enzymes involved in NADPH- and O₂-dependent hydroxylation processes throughout all spheres of life. CYPs are crucial for the detoxification of xenobiotics in plants, insects, and other organisms. In addition to performing this function, CYPs serve as flexible catalysts and are essential for producing secondary metabolites, antioxidants, and phytohormones in higher plants. Numerous biotic and abiotic stresses frequently affect the growth and development of plants. They cause a dramatic decrease in crop yield and a deterioration in crop quality. Plants protect themselves against these stresses through different mechanisms, which are accomplished by the active participation of CYPs in several biosynthetic and detoxifying pathways. There are immense potentialities for using CYPs as a candidate for developing agricultural crop species resistant to biotic and abiotic stressors. This review provides an overview of the plant CYP families and their functions to plant secondary metabolite production and defense against different biotic and abiotic stresses. Full article

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16 pages, 2127 KiB

Open AccessReview

Microbiome: The Next Frontier in Psychedelic Renaissance

by Robert B. Kargbo

J. Xenobiot. 2023, 13(3), 386-401; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox13030025 - 25 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4225

Abstract

The psychedelic renaissance has reignited interest in the therapeutic potential of psychedelics for mental health and well-being. An emerging area of interest is the potential modulation of psychedelic effects by the gut microbiome—the ecosystem of microorganisms in our digestive tract. This review explores [...] Read more.

The psychedelic renaissance has reignited interest in the therapeutic potential of psychedelics for mental health and well-being. An emerging area of interest is the potential modulation of psychedelic effects by the gut microbiome—the ecosystem of microorganisms in our digestive tract. This review explores the intersection of the gut microbiome and psychedelic therapy, underlining potential implications for personalized medicine and mental health. We delve into the current understanding of the gut–brain axis, its influence on mood, cognition, and behavior, and how the microbiome may affect the metabolism and bioavailability of psychedelic substances. We also discuss the role of microbiome variations in shaping individual responses to psychedelics, along with potential risks and benefits. Moreover, we consider the prospect of microbiome-targeted interventions as a fresh approach to boost or modulate psychedelic therapy’s effectiveness. By integrating insights from the fields of psychopharmacology, microbiology, and neuroscience, our objective is to advance knowledge about the intricate relationship between the microbiome and psychedelic substances, thereby paving the way for novel strategies to optimize mental health outcomes amid the ongoing psychedelic renaissance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Drug Therapeutics)

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63 pages, 17755 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cannabis- and Substance-Related Carcinogenesis in Europe: A Lagged Causal Inferential Panel Regression Study

by Albert Stuart Reece, Kellie Bennett and Gary Kenneth Hulse

J. Xenobiot. 2023, 13(3), 323-385; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox13030024 - 18 Jul 2023

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3401

Abstract

Recent European data facilitate an epidemiological investigation of the controversial cannabis–cancer relationship. Of particular concern were prior findings associating high-dose cannabis use with reproductive problems and potential genetic impacts. Cancer incidence data age-standardised to the world population was obtained from the European Cancer [...] Read more.

Recent European data facilitate an epidemiological investigation of the controversial cannabis–cancer relationship. Of particular concern were prior findings associating high-dose cannabis use with reproductive problems and potential genetic impacts. Cancer incidence data age-standardised to the world population was obtained from the European Cancer Information System 2000–2020 and many European national cancer registries. Drug use data were obtained from the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction. Alcohol and tobacco consumption was sourced from the WHO. Median household income was taken from the World bank. Cancer rates in high-cannabis-use countries were significantly higher than elsewhere (β-estimate = 0.4165, p = 3.54 × 10⁻¹¹⁵). Eighteen of forty-one cancers (42,675 individual rates) were significantly associated with cannabis exposure at bivariate analysis. Twenty-five cancers were linked in inverse-probability-weighted multivariate models. Temporal lagging in panel models intensified these effects. In multivariable models, cannabis was a more powerful correlate of cancer incidence than tobacco or alcohol. Reproductive toxicity was evidenced by the involvement of testis, ovary, prostate and breast cancers and because some of the myeloid and lymphoid leukaemias implicated occur in childhood, indicating inherited intergenerational genotoxicity. Cannabis is a more important carcinogen than tobacco and alcohol and fulfills epidemiological qualitative and quantitative criteria for causality for 25/41 cancers. Reproductive and transgenerational effects are prominent. These findings confirm the clinical and epidemiological salience of cannabis as a major multigenerational community carcinogen. Full article

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11 pages, 1936 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vulvovaginal Candidiasis in Pregnancy—Between Sensitivity and Resistance to Antimycotics

by Nicoleta-Maricica Maftei, Manuela Arbune, Costinela Valerica Georgescu, Alina Mihaela Elisei, Alina Viorica Iancu and Alin Laurentiu Tatu

J. Xenobiot. 2023, 13(3), 312-322; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox13030023 - 5 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2110

Abstract

Vulvovaginitis with Candida spp. is the most common infection in women and the rate is increased during pregnancy. Antifungal prescription in pregnant women continues to present challenges and the decision must balance the risk of fetal toxicity with the benefits to the fetus [...] Read more.

Vulvovaginitis with Candida spp. is the most common infection in women and the rate is increased during pregnancy. Antifungal prescription in pregnant women continues to present challenges and the decision must balance the risk of fetal toxicity with the benefits to the fetus and mother. Starting from the idea that clotrimazole is the most recommended antifungal in candidal vaginitis in pregnancy, we tested the sensitivity of different species of Candida spp. to other azoles, polyenes, and antimetabolites. This retrospective study (January to June 2019) assessed 663 pregnant women hospitalized for various pregnancy-related symptoms in which samples of phage secretion were taken. The laboratory results confirmed 21% of cases, indicating 140 positive mycologic samples. In this study, vaginal candidiasis was mostly related to the first trimester of pregnancy (53.57%,) and less related in the last trimester (17.14%). Candida albicans was the most frequent isolated strain in this study, accounting for 118 cases, followed by 16 strains of Candida glabrata and 6 cases of Candida krusei. The highest sensitivity for C. albicans was found in azoles, mostly in miconazole (93.2%), while C. krusei was completely resistant to polyene with low sensitivity in antimetabolites and even in some azoles, such as fluconazole. In our study, higher resistance rates to flucytosine were found, with C. glabrata and C. krusei exhibiting greater resistance than C. albicans. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Drug Therapeutics)

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14 pages, 1430 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Deposition, Dietary Exposure and Human Health Risks of Heavy Metals in Mechanically Milled Maize Flours in Mbarara City, Uganda

by Herbert Kariitu Mugume, Denis Byamugisha, Timothy Omara and Emmanuel Ntambi

J. Xenobiot. 2023, 13(3), 298-311; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox13030022 - 26 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2414

Abstract

Consumption of maize and maize-based products contributes a significant percentage to the total food energy intake in Uganda. However, the production of maize-derived foodstuffs is performed traditionally or by small- and medium-scale processors using different processing techniques. This can lead to differences in [...] Read more.

Consumption of maize and maize-based products contributes a significant percentage to the total food energy intake in Uganda. However, the production of maize-derived foodstuffs is performed traditionally or by small- and medium-scale processors using different processing techniques. This can lead to differences in the quality of these products from processors, raising food safety concerns. In this study, the effects of mechanical processing (milling) methods on deposition of heavy metals into milled maize flour and the associated consumption health risks were assessed. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used to quantitatively establish the concentration of iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co) and nickel (Ni) in 100 samples of maize milled using a wooden mortar (n = 2), a metallic mortar (n = 2), diesel engine−powered mills (n = 48) and electric motor−powered mills (n = 48). Results showed that the mean concentrations of heavy metals in mg/kg were Fe (11.60–34.45), Cu (0.50–8.10), Ni (0.50–1.60), Mn (0.70–25.40), Zn (4.40–15.90), Pb (0.53–10.20), Cd (0.51–0.85), Cr (0.50–1.53) and Co (0.50–1.51). The highest concentrations were found in flour milled using a traditional metallic mortar while the lowest levels were in those samples milled using a wooden mortar. The Fe, Pb and Cd contents of flours produced using the metallic mortar and some commercial mills was found to be higher than the permissible limits set by WHO/FAO. Human health risk assessment showed that there are potential carcinogenic health risks from adults’ intake of heavy metals in maize flour milled using a metallic mortar. Therefore, processing of maize flour needs to be monitored by the relevant statutory bodies in Uganda to minimize the possibility of heavy metal contamination of food products and animal feeds. Full article

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J. Xenobiot., Volume 13, Issue 3 (September 2023) – 12 articles

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