Journal of Xenobiotics

13 pages, 1909 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Do Isopropylammonium Glyphosate and LiCl Impact the Spore Diversity and Functions of Aquatic Fungi Involved in Plant Litter Decomposition in Streams?

by Jorge Rodrigues, Hernâni Gerós, Manuela Côrte-Real and Fernanda Cássio

J. Xenobiot. 2025, 15(3), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox15030065 (registering DOI) - 1 May 2025

Abstract

Glyphosate based-herbicides are stressors of great concern because they can impact aquatic ecosystems. Similarly, lithium, a metal, is currently of concern because of its increasing use worldwide. Because glyphosate-based herbicides and lithium might co-occur in aquatic environments, there is a need to assess their impacts on aquatic organisms, such as aquatic fungi, as they play a key role in plant litter decomposition in streams. Microcosm assays were used to examine the effects of lithium and the herbicide isopropylammonium glyphosate (IPAG), alone or in mixtures, on microbial leaf mass loss, total fungal sporulation and biomass production. IPAG (alone and combined with LiCl) neither affected plant litter decomposition nor fungal biomass production, but boosted total fungal sporulation. Dimorphospora foliicola, the most tolerant species among the twelfth leaf inhabitant fungal species, is the major contributor to total fungal sporulation. IPAG interacts with LiCl in the total fungal sporulation and sporulation of D. foliicola, A. tetracladia, and F. curvula, indicating a species dependent-effect. IPAG alone or combined with LiCl greatly decreased the diversity of spores, as did as LiCl alone, but to a lesser extent. Finally, aquatic fungal communities reveal redundancy and resiliency to IPAG and LiCL, maintaining the health of aquatic ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Challenges in the Monitoring, Risk Assessment and Management of Pesticides and Biocides in the “One Health Era”)

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19 pages, 5540 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the Effects of Monosodium Glutamate Overconsumption on the Functions of the Liver, Kidney, and Heart of Male Rats: The Involvement of Dyslipidemia, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammatory Responses

by Heba M. Abdou, Amel H. El-Gendy, Rania Gaber Aly, Mekky M. Abouzied, Heba M. Eltahir, Sultan S. Al thagfan and Saber M. Eweda

J. Xenobiot. 2025, 15(3), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox15030064 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2025

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Abstract

The excessive intake of monosodium glutamate (MSG) increases its cellular levels in different organs and induces organ toxicity. The current study aims to investigate the metabolic changes and possible causes of hepatic, renal, and cardiac toxicity induced by MSG overconsumption. Thirty adult male rats were randomly allocated into five groups: control, MSG0.8, MSG1, MSG2, and MSG3, which were orally treated with a daily oral dose of saline, 0.8, 1, 2, and 3 g MSG/kg BW, respectively, for eight weeks. The hepatic, renal, and cardiac biochemical markers; lipid profile; glucose; electrolytes; iNOS; α-KGD; oxidative stress; and inflammatory markers were investigated. The histopathological examination of hepatic and renal tissues was also performed. The results revealed MSG-induced hepato-renal and cardiac toxicity, as indicated by the changes in the biochemical markers and tissue architecture of these organs. The toxicity is observed in the form of dyslipidemia, oxidative stress (increased MDA and NO and decreased GSH, SOD, CAT, and GST), and inflammatory responses (increased TNF-α and IL-6). The histopathological changes in liver and kidney architecture confirmed the obtained results. In conclusion, the MSG-induced hepatic, renal, and cardiac toxicity was dose-dependent, and awareness should be raised about the side effects of the overconsumption of MSG. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Disease Risks and Toxic Pathway from Environmental Chemical Exposure)

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Graphical abstract

41 pages, 3996 KiB

Open AccessReview

Innovative Approaches and Evolving Strategies in Heavy Metal Bioremediation: Current Limitations and Future Opportunities

by Cristina Firincă, Lucian-Gabriel Zamfir, Mariana Constantin, Iuliana Răut, Maria-Luiza Jecu, Mihaela Doni, Ana-Maria Gurban and Tatiana Eugenia Șesan

J. Xenobiot. 2025, 15(3), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox15030063 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2025

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Abstract

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. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrative Studies on Environmental Toxicity, Bioaccumulation and Remediation Strategies for Hazardous Substances)

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3 pages, 147 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Feature Papers in Ecotoxicology

by Valerio Matozzo and Maria Gabriella Marin

J. Xenobiot. 2025, 15(3), 62; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox15030062 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2025

Viewed by 82

Abstract

Ecotoxicology has progressively evolved as a key scientific discipline for evaluating the impact of both traditional and emerging contaminants on ecosystems [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Ecotoxicology)

19 pages, 2837 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Naphthenic Acid Fraction Components-Induced Metabolic and Mitochondrial Alterations in Rat Hepatoma Cells: Monitoring Metabolic Reprogramming with Tryptophan–Kynurenine Ratio

by Laiba Jamshed, Amica Marie-Lucas, Genevieve A. Perono, Gregg T. Tomy, Jim J. Petrik, Richard A. Frank, L. Mark Hewitt, Philippe J. Thomas and Alison C. Holloway

J. Xenobiot. 2025, 15(3), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox15030061 - 24 Apr 2025

Viewed by 199

Abstract

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. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Disease Risks and Toxic Pathway from Environmental Chemical Exposure)

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J. Xenobiot., Volume 15, Issue 3 (June 2025) – 5 articles

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