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Advanced Research in Immunotoxicity and Oxidative Stress

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Toxicology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 November 2025 | Viewed by 882

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Division of Applied Food Science, Major of Food Science & Technology, Seoul Women's University, 621 Hwarang-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul 01797, Republic of Korea
Interests: nanoparticles; food toxicants; toxicity; toxicokinetics; mechanism; interactions
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Concerns about toxicity related to macrophage activation and immune systems are currently increasing, potentially due to foods, food additives, nanomaterials, toxicants, natural compounds, and functional ingredients. Macrophages play a role in the immune response and are primary targets in many diseases. M1 macrophage activation leads to the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, phagocytosis of microbes, and initiation of an immune response, while M2 macrophages promote wound healing, anti-inflammatory responses, and tissue repair. Maintaining a balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory activation is essential for normal immunologic function. Meanwhile, inflammation can be triggered by oxidative stress, which causes a range of chronic diseases.

This Special Issue will focus on toxicity associated with macrophage activation, including pro- and anti-inflammatory responses in diseases, toxicity, health, and the immune system. Studies on oxidative-stress-induced inflammation and related diseases are also encouraged. We welcome studies involving in vitro cell lines, in vivo animal models, mechanisms, and signaling pathways. Research works focusing on the benefical aspects of functional foods or natural ingredients are also welcome.

Prof. Dr. Soo-Jin Choi
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • toxicity
  • macrophage activation
  • pro-inflammation
  • anti-inflammation
  • oxidative stress
  • foods
  • food additives
  • nanomaterials
  • toxicants
  • natural compounds

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

18 pages, 3945 KiB  
Review
Association of Lycopene and Male Reproductive Health: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Isabel Viña and Juan R. Viña
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(15), 7224; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26157224 - 25 Jul 2025
Viewed by 536
Abstract
Lycopene, a carotenoid found in tomatoes and watermelon, has been investigated for its potential to improve male fertility through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. However, evidence of its effectiveness remains inconsistent. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published until February [...] Read more.
Lycopene, a carotenoid found in tomatoes and watermelon, has been investigated for its potential to improve male fertility through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. However, evidence of its effectiveness remains inconsistent. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published until February 2025 in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Medline databases. Clinical studies evaluating lycopene supplementation in relation to male fertility outcomes were included in this review. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated for the key outcomes. Four clinical studies involving 151 participants were included. Lycopene supplementation significantly improved sperm concentration (SMD 0.33, 95% CI [0.02–0.65], p = 0.037) and nonprogressive motility (SMD 0.45, 95% CI [0.04–0.87], p = 0.032). No statistically significant effects were observed on total motility, progressive motility, normal or abnormal morphology, semen volume, or DNA damage. Sensitivity analyses showed that the findings were generally robust, although publication bias and methodological heterogeneity were noted. Lycopene supplementation may offer modest benefits in improving sperm concentration and nonprogressive motility in men. However, evidence for other fertility-related outcomes is inconclusive. Larger, high-quality randomized trials are needed to confirm these findings and clarify the role of lycopene in male reproductive health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research in Immunotoxicity and Oxidative Stress)
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