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Impact of Nutrition and the Environment on Human Metabolism
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Impact of Nutrition and the Environment on Human Metabolism

A special issue of Journal of Xenobiotics (ISSN 2039-4713).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2025) | Viewed by 14814

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Guillaume Grzych

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Biology Center, Biochemistry Department, Lille University Hospital, 59000 Lille, France
Interests: biochemistry; nitrous oxide; biomarkers; human metabolism; human genetics; genomics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Human metabolism is influenced by a wide range of factors, including diet and environmental exposures. This Special Issue aims to explore the complex mechanisms by which nutrition, environmental factors, and their interactions shape metabolic processes and influence human health. We invite original research articles, reviews, clinical studies, and experimental studies that examine the impact of various dietary components (micronutrients, macronutrients, specific diets) and environmental factors (pollutants, contaminants, oxidative stress) on metabolic pathways. Submissions may also address the implications of these factors in the development of metabolic, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and other health-related disorders. We particularly encourage interdisciplinary studies that integrate innovative approaches and highlight recent advances in understanding the nutrition-environment interplay.

Dr. Guillaume Grzych
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Xenobiotics is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • human metabolism
  • nutrition
  • environment
  • health
  • metabolic disorders
  • oxidative stress
  • dietary patterns
  • environmental contaminants
  • cardiovascular health
  • interdisciplinary approaches

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review, Other

18 pages, 1511 KB  
Article
Human CYP2C9 Metabolism of Organophosphorus Pesticides and Nerve Agent Surrogates
by Pratik Shriwas, Abigail M. Noonchester, Andre Revnew, Thomas R. Lane, Christopher M. Hadad, Sean Ekins and Craig A. McElroy
J. Xenobiot. 2026, 16(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox16010001 - 19 Dec 2025
Viewed by 1007
Abstract
Of the Cytochrome P450 enzymes, the CYP2C9 variant is very important in the metabolism of several human drugs, acting as a natural bioscavenger. Previously, CYP2C9 was shown to convert the thion (P=S) to the oxon (P=O) form for some organophosphorus (OP) pesticides, such [...] Read more.
Of the Cytochrome P450 enzymes, the CYP2C9 variant is very important in the metabolism of several human drugs, acting as a natural bioscavenger. Previously, CYP2C9 was shown to convert the thion (P=S) to the oxon (P=O) form for some organophosphorus (OP) pesticides, such as dimethoate, diazinon, and parathion. In this study, we tested the ability of CYP2C9 to degrade other OP compounds. We investigated the metabolism of OP compounds by CYP2C9 using LC-MS/MS as well as time-dependent inhibition using the previously developed pFluor50 fluorogenic assay. We found that CYP2C9 metabolizes thions preferentially over oxons, and that many OP compounds inhibit CYP2C9 activity in a time-dependent manner. Additionally, we performed molecular docking based on the crystal structure (1OG5) of the CYP2C9 receptor. We observed a positive, though moderate, correlation between the calculated binding energy and the CYP2C9 metabolism of various OP compounds (R = 0.59). These in vitro data, combined with further analysis and additional OP derivatives, could potentially be used to develop artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning (ML) models to predict the metabolism of specific OP compounds by CYP2C9. This type of approach could be particularly relevant for the prediction of the metabolism of current and emerging chemical warfare agents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of Nutrition and the Environment on Human Metabolism)
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21 pages, 1864 KB  
Article
Comprehensive Biomarker Assessment of Pesticide Exposure and Telomere Attrition in Mexican Children from Agricultural Communities
by Miguel Alfonso Ruiz-Arias, Yael Yvette Bernal-Hernández, Irma Martha Medina-Díaz, José Francisco Herrera-Moreno, Briscia Socorro Barrón-Vivanco, Francisco Alberto Verdín-Betancourt, Cyndia Azucena González-Arias, Eugenia Flores-Alfaro, Kenneth S. Ramos, Patricia Ostrosky-Wegman and Aurora Elizabeth Rojas-García
J. Xenobiot. 2025, 15(5), 141; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox15050141 - 4 Sep 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2121
Abstract
Children are more vulnerable to the adverse effects of pesticides due to physiological factors and behavioral habits. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of pesticide exposure on telomere length (TL) and the enzymatic activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), and β-glucuronidase (β-Glu) [...] Read more.
Children are more vulnerable to the adverse effects of pesticides due to physiological factors and behavioral habits. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of pesticide exposure on telomere length (TL) and the enzymatic activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), and β-glucuronidase (β-Glu) in children ages 6 to 12 from an agricultural area in Mexico. A cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study was conducted involving 471 children. Blood samples were collected to assess TL through qPCR and enzymatic activity using established protocols. A pesticide exposure index (PEI) was developed incorporating biomarker levels, urinary dialkylphosphates (DAP), and proximity to farmland. No significant differences were observed in AChE activity across communities; however, BuChE activity was significantly higher in agricultural communities, while β-Glu activity varied among communities. Notably, children aged 6 in agricultural areas showed TL values similar to 12-year-old children in the reference community. Adjusted regression models revealed significantly shorter TL in children from agricultural communities and in children with moderate to high PEI. The findings indicate that chronic pesticide exposure was associated with telomere shortening in children, suggesting accelerated biological aging and potential genomic instability during critical developmental periods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of Nutrition and the Environment on Human Metabolism)
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21 pages, 1325 KB  
Article
Antioxidant Potential and Antibacterial Activities of Caucasian Endemic Plants Sempervivum transcaucasicum and Paeonia daurica subsp. mlokosewitschii Extracts and Molecular In Silico Mechanism Insights
by Valentina Mittova, Marina Pirtskhalava, Zurab R. Tsetskhladze, Khatuna Makalatia, Alexander Loladze, Irakli Bebiashvili, Tinatin Barblishvili, Ana Gogoladze and Giovanni N. Roviello
J. Xenobiot. 2025, 15(4), 109; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox15040109 - 4 Jul 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3165
Abstract
Antioxidants derived from plant extracts have attracted considerable attention due to their potential in mitigating oxidative damage through free radical scavenging mechanisms. Although 700 species have been used for centuries in Georgian traditional medicine, the chemical composition and antioxidant and antibacterial properties of [...] Read more.
Antioxidants derived from plant extracts have attracted considerable attention due to their potential in mitigating oxidative damage through free radical scavenging mechanisms. Although 700 species have been used for centuries in Georgian traditional medicine, the chemical composition and antioxidant and antibacterial properties of Caucasian endemic medicinal plants remain largely unknown. In this study, the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of leaf and root extracts of Caucasian endemic medicinal plants Sempervivum transcaucasicum Muirhead and Paeonia daurica subsp. mlokosewitschii (Lomakin) D. Y. Hong were investigated. The highest antioxidant activity and phenolic and flavonoid content were revealed in Paeonia daurica leaf extract. The analysis of the content of water-soluble antioxidants revealed the highest content of reduced glutathione and ascorbate in Paeonia daurica leaves. Moreover, the antibacterial activity of leaf and root extracts against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 strain was investigated, and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were determined. While the antibacterial activity against E. coli ATCC 25922 was not revealed for the Sempervivum transcaucasicum leaf extract, antibacterial properties were detected for the root extract (MIC 5 mg/mL). Collectively, the highest antibacterial activity was revealed for Paeonia daurica leaf and root extracts (MIC 2 mg/mL and 3 mg/mL, respectively). From a molecular perspective, molecular docking simulations were performed using HDOCK software, with reduced glutathione and ascorbic acid as ligands, in order to analyse their potential binding affinity to the OmpX protein. Inhibiting this protein would likely disrupt bacterial function and produce an antibacterial effect. Our results provide a possible mechanism for the antibacterial activity of Paeonia daurica subsp. mlokosewitschii. Overall, the results of the study demonstrate the potential of Caucasian endemic medicinal plants as natural antioxidants and antimicrobial agents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of Nutrition and the Environment on Human Metabolism)
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12 pages, 1468 KB  
Article
The Impact of Trimethylamine N-Oxide on Atrial Fibrillation Presence in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease
by Cristian Marius Florea, Radu Ovidiu Rosu, Ioan Alexandru Minciuna, Gabriel Cismaru, Dana Pop, Ana-Maria Vlase, Iuliana Nenu and Gabriela Adriana Filip
J. Xenobiot. 2025, 15(1), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox15010028 - 7 Feb 2025
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2574
Abstract
Background: Atrial fibrillation is the most common human heart rhythm disorder, yet its underlying causes remain largely unknown. Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a by-product derived from the gut microbiota contributed by red meat, has been linked to numerous cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Aims [...] Read more.
Background: Atrial fibrillation is the most common human heart rhythm disorder, yet its underlying causes remain largely unknown. Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a by-product derived from the gut microbiota contributed by red meat, has been linked to numerous cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of serum TMAO levels on the occurrence of atrial fibrillation in patients with cardiovascular disease. Results: Utilizing a cross-sectional study design, fasting serum TMAO levels were measured and compared between 153 patients without cardiovascular disease and patients hospitalized for cardiovascular disease, stratified by the presence or absence of atrial fibrillation. While patients with more comorbidities had higher TMAO overall, the TMAO levels were not significantly different between cardiovascular disease patients with and without atrial fibrillation (p = 0.57). Moreover, there was no difference between atrial fibrillation progression phenotypes (p = 0.27). In multivariate analysis, a significant association was found with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (p = 0.04) and chronic kidney disease (p < 0.001), but there was no significant association between TMAO and atrial fibrillation (p = 0.9). Conclusions: Serum TMAO levels are not associated with the occurrence of atrial fibrillation and disease progression phenotypes in patients with cardiovascular disease, but are associated with ASCVD and CKD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of Nutrition and the Environment on Human Metabolism)
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Review

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24 pages, 1294 KB  
Review
Effects of Docosahexaenoic Acid on Prostate Cancer
by Guilherme Henrique Tamarindo, Gustavo Matheus Amaro, Alana Della Torre da Silva and Rejane Maira Góes
J. Xenobiot. 2025, 15(4), 111; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox15040111 - 4 Jul 2025
Viewed by 3665
Abstract
The polyunsaturated fatty acids of the omega-3 class have been widely investigated due to their antitumor properties, including in prostate cancer (PCa). Among them is docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6 ω-3), whose biological activity is higher than other omega-3s, exhibiting a stronger impact on [...] Read more.
The polyunsaturated fatty acids of the omega-3 class have been widely investigated due to their antitumor properties, including in prostate cancer (PCa). Among them is docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6 ω-3), whose biological activity is higher than other omega-3s, exhibiting a stronger impact on PCa. The specific mechanisms triggered by DHA are blurred by studies that used a blend of omega-3s, delaying the understanding of its biological role, and hence alternative therapeutic approaches. DHA is differentially processed between normal and malignant epithelial PCa cells, which suggests its function as a tumor suppressor. At cell-specific level, it downregulates key pathways in PCa, such as androgen signaling and lipid metabolism, but also changes membrane composition by disrupting phospholipid balance and increasing unsaturation status, arrests the cell cycle, and induces apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction. At the tissue level, DHA seems to influence stromal components, such as the inhibition of cancer-associated fibroblast differentiation and resolution of inflammation, which generates a microenvironment favorable to PCa initiation and progression. Considering that such effects are misunderstood and assigned to omega-3s in general, this review aims to discuss the specific effects of DHA on PCa based on in vitro and in vivo evidence. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of Nutrition and the Environment on Human Metabolism)
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Other

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24 pages, 887 KB  
Systematic Review
Impact of Pesticide Use on Gut Microbiota and Health: A Systematic Review of Findings in Both Humans and Animal Models
by Iria Osa-Subtil, Teolincacihuatl Romero-Rosales and María José Dios-Duarte
J. Xenobiot. 2026, 16(2), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox16020041 - 25 Feb 2026
Viewed by 1282
Abstract
Background/objective: The widespread use of pesticides in modern agriculture has raised increasing concern about their potential adverse effects on human health. Exposure to these compounds has been linked to multiple negative health outcomes. This systematic review aims to evaluate and synthesise the available [...] Read more.
Background/objective: The widespread use of pesticides in modern agriculture has raised increasing concern about their potential adverse effects on human health. Exposure to these compounds has been linked to multiple negative health outcomes. This systematic review aims to evaluate and synthesise the available scientific evidence on the effects of pesticide exposure on human health during agricultural production—with particular emphasis on alterations in gut microbiota and intestinal membrane permeability—by integrating results from experimental and observational studies conducted on animals and humans. Methods: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. A systematic literature search was carried out using the main databases Medline/PubMed, Embase and Web of Science, introducing the search algorithm “pesticides” AND “gut microbiota”, from which a total of seven systematic reviews that met our inclusion criteria were found and subsequently analysed. The quality assessment was based on the principles of evidence-based medicine. This systematic review was registered in the OSF. Results: The findings indicate that prenatal exposure to pesticides is linked to adverse outcomes in foetal development. Additionally, pesticide exposure affects metabolic, immune, and nervous system function due to alterations in gut microbiota composition and membrane permeability. Evidence from animal model studies complements human data by providing insight into the underlying biological mechanisms, such as oxidative stress, liver dysfunction, alterations in hormonal signalling and activation of the inflammatory response. Conclusions: Public health strategies should prioritise reducing pesticide exposure, strengthening environmental protection and supporting further research on gut microbiota modulation and intestinal membrane permeability. Such measures may contribute to the prevention and mitigation of pesticide-related health disorders. Limitations: Human data are insufficient to establish clear causal relationships. Moreover, substantial variability among pesticide types and the difficulty of distinguishing the effects of complex mixtures from those of individual compounds complicate interpretation of the findings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of Nutrition and the Environment on Human Metabolism)
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