Search Results (2,109)

The human microbiota is increasingly recognized as a key component of women’s reproductive health. This narrative review examines the vaginal, endometrial, and gut microbiota and their roles in the pathogenesis of gynecologic and obstetric disorders, aiming to integrate current evidence into a clinically relevant framework. We review intrinsic (genetic, hormonal, and immunological) and extrinsic (environmental, lifestyle, and pharmacological) factors shaping microbial composition, with particular focus on dysbiosis and the role of the gut estrobolome within the microbiome in estrogen metabolism. The review synthesizes data on microbiota alterations associated with endometriosis, adenomyosis, uterine fibroids, endometrial polyps and hyperplasia, gynecologic malignancies, pelvic inflammatory disease, bacterial vaginosis, infertility, and adverse obstetric outcomes, including preterm birth and fetal growth restriction. Methodological approaches used to characterize the reproductive tract microbiota, such as vaginal swabs, endometrial sampling, and fecal analysis, are critically discussed, together with limitations related to low-biomass environments and contamination risk. Evidence regarding therapeutic modulation of the microbiota, including antibiotics, probiotics, hormonal therapies, and emerging microbiota-based interventions, is summarized, alongside the impact of gynecologic surgery on microbial translocation and long-term microbial balance. Overall, the available literature supports an association between microbiota alterations and multiple reproductive conditions, although causality remains incompletely established. Further standardized and longitudinal studies are needed to clarify mechanisms and guide microbiota-informed diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Full article

A study on the sources, bioconcentration, and translocation of heavy metals in Haloxylon ammodendron in the Eastern Junggar Coalfield, Xinjiang, China, was conducted and evaluated. The quantities of Pb, Cd, and Cr were 1.2, 22.5, and 1.9 times higher than the baseline values of Xinjiang soils, respectively. The mean concentrations of these heavy metals in the rhizosphere soil of Haloxylon ammodendron were 48.81, 17.74, 93.25, 3.32, 29.05, and 26.95 mg/kg. The exceedance rates for Cd, Cr, and Pb in bare soil were 100%, 99.03%, and 75.73%, respectively, indicating significant accumulation of heavy metals, with Cd demonstrating the highest enrichment degree. Most sampling sites showed moderate pollution according to the Pollution Load Index (PLI). Meanwhile, the Pollution Index (PN) indicated elevated pollution levels at all the sampling sites, with Cr identified as the first contaminant. The absolute principal component score–multiple linear regression (APCS-MLR) model revealed three principal sources of heavy metal pollutants in soil: 44.2% from natural processes and mining activities, 22.7% from industrial coal combustion and sewage, and 33.1% of undetermined origins. The bioconcentration factors (BCFs) and translocation factors (TFs) revealed Haloxylon ammodendron to have clear accumulation and translocation abilities with respect to these heavy metals. The fuzzy membership function showed that the overall assessment score for Haloxylon ammodendron was 9.1325, indicating the substantial remediation potential of Haloxylon ammodendron for heavy metal pollutants, especially for Cd. Furthermore, Haloxylon ammodendron demonstrated substantial Pb and Cr accumulation and remediation ability. Haloxylon ammodendron exhibited remarkable heavy metal accumulation and translocation abilities, making it a suitable tool for phytoremediation in the study area. The findings of this study will prove useful in promoting and implementing sustainable mining practices and safeguarding regional ecological security and may contribute to advancing local ecological conservation and social economic development. Full article

Ultrafine particles (UFPs) are particles which can penetrate deeply into the respiratory system due to their small size and can translocate into the bloodstream, where they are linked to oxidative stress, inflammation, and adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Ultrafine particles can originate from direct emissions or processes of new particle formation (NPF) which we investigated in this study. New particle formation is the process by which molecular clusters form and then grow to larger particles and develop to nucleation and Aitken mode particles. This study presents a detailed analysis of ultrafine particle dynamics in the city of Belgrade, Serbia, based on high-resolution particle number size distribution (PNSD) measurements performed at an urban background site in the period from January to March 2020. A total of seven factors were identified using Positive Matrix Factorization (with contributions in brackets): three attributed to traffic, including mixed source (55%), biomass burning (26%), nucleation (11%), and urban diffuse (8%) sources. The results were obtained by measuring size-resolved number concentrations (10–400 nm) and other pollutants (NO, NO₂, NO_x, CO, O₃, PM₁, PM_2.5, PM₁₀, equivalent black carbon, organic carbon). Wind directional analysis revealed clear spatial signatures, with nucleation linked to south-western winds and primary factors associated with major local emission influences. The results provide the first combined characterization of new particle formation processes and source-resolved ultrafine particle contributions in Belgrade, offering new insights into wintertime urban exposure in Southeastern Europe. Full article

Nitric oxide (NO) is recognized as a key signaling molecule involved in plant tolerance to abiotic stress. Yet, its role in regulating cadmium (Cd) detoxification and ion homeostasis remains insufficiently understood across different lettuce genotypes. This study aimed to elucidate the NO-mediated mechanisms underlying Cd stress mitigation by focusing on oxidative regulation, ion balance, and Cd accumulation dynamics in lettuce. Three lettuce varieties (Lactuca sativa L.), namely curly (var. crispa), romaine (var. longifolia), and iceberg (var. capitata), were exposed to 100 and 500 µM Cd, with or without 200 µM sodium nitroprusside (SNP), under controlled greenhouse conditions in a modified Hoagland solution. Growth traits, antioxidant enzyme activities [catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX)], oxidative stress markers [hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), malondialdehyde (MDA), membrane permeability (MP), and proline], ionic homeostasis [potassium (K), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn)], and Cd accumulation indices [bioconcentration factor (BCF), translocation factor (TF), total accumulation rate (TAR), and net accumulation via roots (NetAcc)] were evaluated. Cd exposure significantly reduced biomass production, photosynthetic pigment contents, and the accumulation of essential mineral nutrients, while markedly increasing oxidative stress indicators. Antioxidant responses varied among varieties, with Cd generally stimulating CAT activity but suppressing APX, indicating redox imbalance. SNP application partially restored antioxidant enzyme activities, reduced membrane damage, and alleviated oxidative stress in a genotype-dependent manner. Cd accumulation indices revealed substantial Cd uptake and translocation, particularly in curly and iceberg lettuce. SNP significantly reduced BCF, TF, TAR, and NetAcc values, suggesting NO-mediated restriction of Cd mobility, possibly through enhanced root sequestration and detoxification processes. Moreover, SNP improved K⁺, Ca²⁺, Fe²⁺, and Mn²⁺ homeostasis, highlighting its role in maintaining selective ion transport under Cd stress. Among the tested varieties, curly lettuce exhibited the highest NO-induced tolerance, followed by iceberg and romaine lettuce. Overall, the findings demonstrate that NO acts as an effective regulator of redox balance, ion homeostasis, and Cd detoxification, thereby enhancing physiological resilience and reducing Cd accumulation in lettuce exposed to Cd stress. From a sustainability perspective, these findings highlight the potential of NO application as an effective strategy to reduce Cd accumulation in leafy vegetables, thereby contributing to safer food production and more sustainable crop management under heavy metal-contaminated conditions. Full article

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), has become a leading cause of chronic liver disease in people living with HIV (PLWH), especially in the era of effective antiretroviral therapy (ART). As the life expectancy of PLWH continues to increase, non-AIDS-related comorbidities such as metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular disease have become more prevalent, contributing to a rising incidence of MASLD and its progressive form, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Studies have shown that the prevalence of MASLD in PLWH ranges from 30% to 50%, with biopsy-based estimates of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) approaching 49% and advanced fibrosis up to 23%. This burden is influenced not only by traditional metabolic risk factors but also by HIV-specific mechanisms, including chronic immune activation, lipodystrophy, microbial translocation, and mitochondrial dysfunction associated with ART exposure. Despite its high prevalence and clinical significance, MASLD remains underdiagnosed in PLWH. This scoping review aimed to systematically map the existing literature on MASLD in people living with HIV, including epidemiology, risk factors, diagnostic approaches, fibrosis assessment, and management strategies. Understanding the unique interplay between HIV infection and metabolic liver disease is essential for the early diagnosis and prevention of progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in this growing patient population. Full article

Heavy metal pollution in mining wastelands poses a serious threat to soil quality and ecosystem sustainability, particularly in cold-climate regions where phytoremediation efficiency remains poorly understood. The present study aims to determine the risk of heavy metals in soils and the phytoremediation potential of native dominant spontaneous plants in lead–zinc mining wasteland and located in a cold region characterized by harsh winters and heavy snowfall. Soil samples (n = 60) and plant tissues (n = 84) were collected across the study area, and the concentrations of Cd, Pb, Zn, and Cu in rhizosphere soils and plant tissues were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Bioconcentration and translocation factors were calculated to evaluate plant metal enrichment and transport capacities. The results revealed that the concentrations of Cd, Pb, Zn, and Cu were at a relatively high potential ecological hazard level in the tailing ponds and surrounding areas. Field surveys showed that indigenous dominant spontaneous plants were better adapted to the harsh climatic conditions and poor soil matters than non-native plants, making them more economical and reliable candidates for phytoremediation. The study unexpectedly identified Commelina communis as a Cu phytostabilization candidate and found several metal-enriching plant species (n = 6), including Scirpus, Typha, Carex, Artemisia, Commelina, and Polygonum. The results can serve as a basic plant resource database for government institutions related to natural, ecological, and environmental sustainable management, offering new insights into self-sustaining phytoremediation strategies and sustainable ecological restoration in cold-region mining areas. Full article

To alleviate cadmium (Cd) stress and reduce Cd uptake in fruit trees, the effects of dopamine (100 μmol/L, based on previous studies) and strigolactone analog GR24 (1 μmol/L, based on previous studies) on the growth and Cd accumulation of grapevines under Cd stress (5 mg/L, based on preliminary study) were investigated. Compared with control, Cd treatment inhibited grapevine growth by decreasing the plant height, root length, biomass, and photosynthetic capacity. In contrast, under Cd stress, treatments with dopamine or GR24 increased the plant height, root length, biomass, and photosynthetic capacity compared with Cd treatment. Dopamine and GR24 treatments also affected the activities of antioxidant enzymes (peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase) and the levels of osmotic regulatory substances (soluble protein, proline, and soluble sugar) in different ways. Moreover, dopamine and GR24 treatments reduced the Cd content and translocation factor in grapevines under Cd stress. Specifically, compared with Cd treatment, dopamine treatment reduced root Cd content by 18.92% and shoot Cd content by 35.18%, whereas GR24 treatment reduced root Cd content by 10.93% and shoot Cd content by 22.61%. In conclusion, both dopamine and GR24 treatments can mitigate Cd stress, promote growth, and reduce Cd uptake in grapevines. Full article

Early-onset neonatal sepsis caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli) threatens neonates’ lives due to the pathogen’s high virulence and multidrug resistance. The mechanisms that enable its placental barrier breach are poorly understood. Using a clinically isolated ST95 ExPEC strain from a neonatal sepsis case, along with a pregnant rat model and an in vitro placental barrier model, we performed CRISPR interference screening. This screen targeted 264 virulence factor genes and identified virulence factors for motility, iron acquisition, hemolysin secretion, and adherence/invasion as critical. We demonstrated that hlyB is essential for uterine infection, and we elucidated a mechanism for ibeA that facilitates syncytial trophoblast cell layer penetration by interacting with the host receptor(s) PSF/VIM to enhance bacterial internalization. Host cells countered ibeA+ E. coli infection via a novel host defense pathway involving upregulation of ASPHD1. This study systematically mapped the virulence factors required for E. coli placental translocation and delineated key host–pathogen interactions. Full article

Colorectal cancer (CRC) cachexia is a multifactorial, treatment-limiting syndrome characterized by progressive loss of skeletal muscle with or without loss of fat mass, accompanied by systemic inflammation, anorexia, metabolic dysregulation, and impaired treatment tolerance. Despite decades of work, cachexia remains clinically underdiagnosed and therapeutically underserved, in part because canonical models treat tumor-derived factors and host inflammatory mediators as a largely ‘host-only’ network. In parallel, CRC is strongly linked to intestinal dysbiosis, barrier disruption, and microbial translocation. Extracellular vesicles (EVs)—host small EVs, tumor-derived EVs, and bacterial extracellular vesicles (including outer membrane vesicles)—may provide a mechanistically plausible, information-dense route by which these domains could be coupled. Here, we synthesize emerging evidence suggesting that cross-kingdom EV signaling may operate as a vesicular ecosystem spanning gut lumen, mucosa, circulation, and peripheral organs. We propose the “vesicular intersection layer” as a unifying framework for how heterogeneous EV cargos converge on shared host decoding hubs (e.g., pattern-recognition receptors and stress-response pathways) to potentially contribute to muscle catabolism. We critically evaluate what is known—and what remains unproven—about EV biogenesis, trafficking, and causal mechanisms in CRC cachexia, highlight methodological constraints in microbial EV isolation and attribution, and outline minimum evidentiary standards for cross-kingdom claims. Finally, we translate the framework into actionable hypotheses for EV-informed endotyping, biomarker development (including stool EV assays), and therapeutic strategies targeting shared signaling nodes (e.g., TLR4–p38) and endocrine mediators that are predominantly soluble but may be fractionally vesicle-associated (e.g., GDF15). By reframing CRC cachexia as an emergent property of tumor–host–microbiota vesicular communication, this review provides a roadmap for mechanistic studies and clinically tractable interventions. Full article

Pseudorabies (PR) is an acute and highly contagious disease caused by the pseudorabies virus (PRV). This virus has a wide range of susceptible hosts and has caused major economic losses to the global swine industry. While rosmarinic acid possesses broad antioxidant and antiviral properties, its efficacy against PRV has remained unexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the anti-PRV activity of rosmarinic acid and to elucidate its underlying mechanism, with a focus on the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway. The results revealed that rosmarinic acid exhibited potent, concentration-dependent antiviral activity in vitro, with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.02654 mg/mL, a half-maximal cytotoxic concentration (CC50) of 0.1043 mg/mL, and a selectivity index (SI) of 3.9. Rosmarinic acid inhibited virus adsorption, entry, and intracellular replication. It also significantly suppressed the expression of the gB protein. In a mouse model, rosmarinic acid treatment (200 mg/kg) significantly enhanced the survival rate to 28.5%. This treatment reduced the viral load in the brain, lungs, kidneys, heart, and spleen. It also alleviated the tissue damage caused by PRV infection. Furthermore, rosmarinic acid counteracted PRV-induced oxidative stress by elevating the activity of the antioxidant factors SOD and CAT and reducing the level of the oxidative factor MDA. Network pharmacology analyses predicted the Nrf2 signaling pathway as a key target for rosmarinic acid. Subsequent mechanistic studies confirmed that rosmarinic acid upregulated the expression of the Nrf2, HO-1, GPX, SOD, and CAT genes, as well as Nrf2 and HO-1 proteins, thereby promoting the nuclear translocation of Nrf2. These results identify rosmarinic acid as a promising anti-PRV agent that acts through multi-phase viral inhibition and activation of the Nrf2-mediated antioxidant defense, suggesting its potential as a novel pharmacological strategy against PRV. Full article

The mineral composition of Ilex paraguariensis is strongly shaped by the physicochemical characteristics and natural fertility of the soils in which it is cultivated. This study evaluated macro- and microelement concentrations in fresh leaves from fourteen rural properties in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, and examined how soil texture, pH, organic matter content, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and aluminum saturation influence nutrient availability and foliar accumulation. Soil, leaf, and environmental data were analyzed using ANOVA, intraclass correlation coefficients, Bayes factors, and principal component analysis (PCA). Sandy and dystrophic soils with low CEC and reduced organic matter showed greater variability in micronutrient retention and favored leaching, resulting in higher fluctuations in foliar Cu, Zn, and Mn. In contrast, clayey eutrophic soils with high CEC and higher organic matter promoted greater nutrient stability and more homogeneous foliar concentrations of K, Mg, and P. PCA confirmed that differences in soil geochemistry, particularly in Se, Cr, Mn, and Zn availability, were reflected in leaf composition. Chromium remained low in leaves despite elevated soil levels, indicating restricted uptake and translocation. Overall, the results demonstrate that edaphic conditions govern the nutritional profile of I. paraguariensis, emphasizing the need for region-specific soil management to maintain leaf quality in emerging cultivation areas. Full article

Metabolic endotoxemia has been proposed as a possible mechanism to explain the strong link between inflammation, obesity, and obesity-associated disorders. Gut dysbiosis is a hallmark of obesity, and diet has been reported to regulate both inflammation and disease risk by affecting the composition of gut microbiota and gut barrier function. In the condition of microbial imbalance and impaired intestinal mucosa, bacterial endotoxins, specifically lipopolysaccharides, translocate from the gut into the bloodstream, where they can sustain a prolonged, sterile, low-grade inflammation, raising the risk of several non-communicable diseases. Increasing evidence indicates that the risk and incidence of obesity and several obesity-associated disorders are sex-specific, although the underlying mechanisms are only just emerging. Notably, most of the factors influencing metabolic endotoxemia exhibit sexual dimorphism. This review aims to summarize the human studies investigating the role of metabolic endotoxemia in obesity and associated diseases, with a focus on those highlighting sex differences. We also discuss the clinical relevance of circulating endotoxins in metabolic derangements and their potential role as sex-related and modifiable risk factors to consider in future prevention strategies. Full article

Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are a new type of pollutant that are widely present in terrestrial ecosystems due to agricultural plastics, sludge use, deposition, and litter degradation. Plants can absorb them through the soil and atmosphere, with adverse effects on plant growth and development. Several studies have reported the effects of MNPs on plant physiology, biochemistry, and toxicity. However, the food chain risk of plant uptake of MNPs has not been systematically studied. This review synthesizes current research on plant MNP pollution, focusing on the uptake and transport mechanisms of MNPs by plants, influencing factors, and health hazards. The size, type, and surface charge characteristics of MNPs, as well as environmental conditions, are key factors affecting MNP absorption and accumulation in plants. Furthermore, when MNP-enriched plants are consumed by humans and animals, the accumulated MNPs can diffuse through the bloodstream to various organs, impairing physiological functions and causing a range of health problems. While a comprehensive, traceable investigation of the transmission of MNPs through the terrestrial food chain remains unconfirmed, health risk signals are unequivocal—dietary intake is the primary route of human exposure to MNPs, with direct evidence of their bioaccumulation in human tissues. Addressing this critical research gap, i.e., systematically verifying the full terrestrial food chain translocation of MNPs, is therefore pivotal for conducting robust and comprehensive assessments of the food safety and health risks posed by MNPs. This study analyzed a total of 154 literature sources, providing important theoretical insights into the absorption, transport, and accumulation of MNPs in plants, as well as the health risks associated with their transfer to humans through the food chain. It is expected to provide valuable reference for the research on the transfer of MNPs in the “soil-plant-human” chain. Full article

To investigate the regulatory mechanisms of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on the growth, cadmium (Cd) uptake and translocation of plants with distinct mycorrhizal dependency (MD), a pot experiment was conducted using Paspalum notatum (high MD) and Lolium perenne (low MD) under two Cd gradients (5 mg·kg⁻¹, 50 mg·kg⁻¹) with AMF-inoculated/non-inoculated treatments, with 0 mg·kg⁻¹ set as the control group. AMF significantly enhanced the dry weight and colonization rate of both plant species, and the MD of Paspalum notatum remained consistently higher. The growth-promoting effect of AMF (quantified by MD) exceeded the toxicity induced by Cd stress, thereby mitigating growth inhibition by promoting hyphal growth in the rhizosphere. AMF improved the root bioconcentration factor (BCF) and total Cd extraction capacity of the plants, which was correlated with the plants’ inherent Cd absorption capacity but not with MD. AMF exerted species-specific regulatory effects on the translocation factor (TF): the TF of Paspalum notatum increased after inoculation, while that of Lolium perenne decreased. Full article

This study demonstrates that sunflower plants display integrated, multilevel responses to excessive lithium (Li) exposure. Li concentrations above 5 mM markedly impair germination, growth, and biomass accumulation. Li is preferentially accumulated in the shoots, showing high translocation and bioaccumulation factors, and disrupts mineral nutrient homeostasis, particularly potassium (K) and sodium (Na) uptake, while inducing oxidative stress. Although photosynthetic pigment contents decline, photosynthetic efficiency is largely maintained, except at 10 mM Li. Li treatment enhances superoxide anion (O₂^.−) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) production exclusively in leaves. Consequently, activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR), and glutathione reductase (GR) increase in leaves, whereas only APX and GR are stimulated in the roots. Nitric oxide (NO) accumulation is detected only in leaves, while hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) and glutathione (GSH) contents decline. Leaf ascorbate (AsA) levels decrease concomitantly with dehydroascorbate (DHA) accumulation. Expression analyses of catalase, DHAR, DHAR-like, and glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes confirm their involvement in Li stress responses. Moreover, global DNA methylation analyses reveal hypomethylation in leaves and hypermethylation in the roots. Overall, Li exposure induces dose- and organ-specific physiological, molecular, and epigenetic adjustments in sunflower plants under environmentally relevant concentrations and controlled experimental conditions in this study. Full article