Search Results (388)

Mycotoxins are one of the biggest threats to global food safety, public health, and economic stability. More than 400 mycotoxins have been found to be secondary metabolites of toxigenic fungi, mostly from the genera Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium, and Alternaria. Aflatoxins (AFs), ochratoxin A (OTA), deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEA), fumonisins (FBs), patulin (PAT), and T-2/HT-2 toxins are the most dangerous to the health of people and animals. Conventional physical and chemical decontamination methods are only partially effective and can reduce food quality, leave toxic residues, or be too expensive for smallholder food systems. Recent studies have shown that the application of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) as a biological detoxification method is a safe, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly option, and has a long history of safe use in fermented foods. Selected strains or taxonomic units have been granted GRAS status by the FDA or QPS (Qualified Presumption of Safety) status by EFSA. However, their use for mycotoxin detoxification still requires strain-level safety assessment and efficacy validation in the intended food matrix. There are several mechanisms by which LAB employ to reduce the bioavailability of mycotoxins in food systems: (i) physical adsorption via cell wall components such as peptidoglycan, teichoic acids, and exopolysaccharides; (ii) enzymatic biotransformation that may produce non-toxic or less-toxic metabolites, though the safety of degradation products requires case-by-case toxicological assessment; (iii) antifungal metabolite production that inhibits fungal growth and mycotoxin biosynthesis; and (iv) competitive exclusion of toxigenic fungi during fermentation. This comprehensive review examines the existing evidence on the detoxification of major food mycotoxins by LAB, with an emphasis on mechanisms, strain-specific efficacy, food-matrix applications, and factors that affect detoxification efficacy. Discussion has also been made of translating in vitro findings to in vivo settings and food-scale applications, alongside regulatory frameworks, current challenges, and future research directions. The review also suggests ways to combine LAB with new technologies, such as encapsulation, genetic engineering, and fermentation optimization, to make food systems safer by synergistically controlling mycotoxins. Full article

Gold nanoparticles offer a versatile platform for cancer theranostics because their high atomic number can enhance X-ray energy deposition, their plasmonic properties support photothermal and photoacoustic applications, and their surfaces allow drug loading and molecular targeting. However, therapeutic benefit remains heterogeneous because tumor uptake, intratumoral coverage, and subcellular localization determine whether deposited gold can be converted into biologically effective damage. Redox context further shapes this conversion by determining whether AuNP-triggered physical or catalytic events can overcome local buffering and propagate into durable injury. During radiotherapy, AuNPs increase local secondary electron release and ROS formation, which can intensify DNA damage when GSH-dependent peroxide detoxification, thioredoxin-related buffering, and KEAP1-NRF2-regulated antioxidant responses are insufficient to contain the redox burden. In catalytic systems, Au-containing nanozymes can convert endogenous H₂O₂ into highly reactive radicals and may simultaneously deplete glutathione, thereby amplifying mitochondrial dysfunction and lipid peroxidation. During photoactivation, plasmonic heating and photosensitizer coupling further reshape ROS generation in a time-dependent and location-dependent manner. On the diagnostic side, CT or spectral CT can quantify tumor gold burden and coverage, whereas ROS-responsive photoacoustic, SERS, or fluorescence probes can report treatment-related oxidants and verify whether redox activation has occurred within the tumor. Clinical translation will therefore depend on quantification-guided dosing, definition of spatial coverage and activation timing, standardized redox-response readouts, and long-term safety evaluation. Full article

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), a category of naturally occurring secondary metabolites, are commonly found in various botanical sources. Accumulating evidence indicates that PAs and their biologically active metabolites can interact with cellular components and trigger a variety of toxic effects in animals and humans. Notably, PAs exhibit significant hepatotoxic potential via nutritional supplements, environmental dissemination, food chain contamination, and broader ecological pollution. In this review, we summarize PA-induced hepatotoxicity in humans and animals and the underlying molecular mechanisms. It involves oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, ER stress, inflammation, autophagy, and ferroptosis. Several key signaling pathways, such as nuclear factor-erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), toll like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), p53, farnesoid X receptor (FXR), and pregnane X receptor (PXR), are also implicated. Furthermore, this review discusses diagnostic approaches, metabolic activation pathways, and detoxification strategies targeting PA-induced liver injury. Collectively, this review provides a comprehensive understanding of the molecular basis of PA hepatotoxicity and underscores the urgent need for improved risk assessment, early diagnosis, and effective detoxification interventions to mitigate PA-related liver diseases in humans and animals. Full article

Lentinula edodes (L. edodes) is a significant edible and medicinal mushroom with essential nutrient elements for its growth, including Fe²⁺, K⁺, and Mn²⁺. However, the molecular mechanisms by which these metal ions regulate the mycelial growth of L. edodes have been poorly elucidated at the transcriptomic level. In this study, plate culture was performed using concentration gradients to screen for optimal concentrations. Based on the plate culture assay results, L. edodes strain 1303 was treated with 40 μg/mL Fe²⁺, 1200 μg/mL K⁺, and 50 μg/mL Mn²⁺, with a control group (CK) without additional metal ion supplementation. Three biological replicates were set for each treatment, and the mycelia were collected for transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq). The results showed that Fe²⁺ at concentrations above 20 µg/mL significantly inhibited mycelial growth; K⁺ at 1200 µg/mL and Mn²⁺ at 50 µg/mL significantly promoted mycelial growth, with increases in mycelial growth radius on day 7 of 21.22% and 10.77%, respectively, compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Transcriptomic analysis revealed that Fe²⁺ was associated with impaired protein folding-related functions and suppressed material and energy metabolism, which may contribute to the inhibition of mycelial growth. Mycelial growth promotion by K⁺ was associated with enhanced detoxification and secondary metabolism, as well as suggested enrichment of mitochondrial function and the oxidative phosphorylation pathway. Mn²⁺ may contribute to mycelial growth via mechanisms related to DNA repair and recombination, cell cycle progression, and detoxification. This study elucidates the differential gene expression patterns and regulatory effects of the three exogenous metal ions on the mycelial growth of L. edodes at the transcriptomic level, offering a rationale basis for mineral nutrition optimization during the mycelial stage. However, these interpretations are based on transcriptomic data only and lack direct evidence from ion uptake, proteomic, or metabolomic validation. Future studies will focus on validating these results through multilevel omics and functional experiments. Full article

Plastic-derived chemical additives, including bisphenols, phthalates, perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and microplastic-associated contaminants, are now recognised as widespread environmental toxins that measurably affect endocrine signalling, oxidative balance, inflammation and metabolic homeostasis. Continuous exposure through food contact materials, consumer products, and environmental media raises concerns about long-term health effects. An increasing number of epidemiological and experimental studies are linking these exposures to metabolic disorders, reproductive dysfunction, neurodevelopmental alterations, and increased disease susceptibility throughout the lifespan. This narrative review summarises the latest evidence on the toxicological mechanisms of these compounds, with a focus on endocrine disruption, redox imbalance, reproductive impairment, thyroid hormone dysregulation and epigenetic modifications induced by plastic-derived chemicals. Literature was identified through searches of major scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Reference screening was also employed to complement these searches and ensure comprehensive coverage of vertebrate and invertebrate models. The inclusion criteria encompassed studies published within the last 10 years, focusing on experimental, experimental, and translational research. The review evaluates phytochemicals such as polyphenols, flavonoids, isoflavones, catechins, sulforaphane, and chlorogenic acid as natural agents that can mitigate the biological effects of plastic-derived toxicants. These compounds exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and receptor-modulating properties that counteract pathways disrupted by BPA, phthalates, and PFAS. Experimental studies have demonstrated that phytochemicals can modulate oestrogen receptor activity, enhance detoxification systems, reduce oxidative biomarkers and mitigate epigenetic and metabolic alterations induced by micro- and nanoplastics. Emerging nutritional evidence suggests that diets high in polyphenols may reduce the biological impact of plastic-derived contaminants within the body, rather than reducing exposure itself. This effect appears to be especially relevant during sensitive developmental periods, such as the prenatal, early postnatal and adolescent stages. Full article

Chlorella and Arthrospira (spirulina) are aquatic microalgae of increasing nutraceutical interest due to their dense bioactive composition and multi-target biological activity. This narrative review provides a comparative, mechanistically integrated synthesis of molecular mechanisms and clinical evidence related to their supplementation. Current data indicate that both microalgae converge on three central regulatory axes: activation of Nrf2-dependent antioxidant responses, attenuation of NF-κB-driven inflammatory signaling, and modulation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/protein kinase B (AKT)-mediated metabolic pathways. Spirulina demonstrates stronger mechanistic links to intracellular signaling and more consistent clinical evidence for improvements in lipid profile, insulin sensitivity, and systemic inflammation. In contrast, chlorella provides complementary effects, particularly in antioxidant capacity, blood pressure regulation, gut microbiota modulation, and detoxification-related contexts. Their bioactive components—including phycocyanin, carotenoids, polysaccharides, and peptides—act synergistically to influence mitochondrial function, immune homeostasis, and metabolic resilience. While clinical findings are generally consistent, heterogeneity in study design and product standardization limits definitive conclusions. Overall, chlorella and spirulina emerge as complementary multi-pathway biological response modulators with potential applications in preventive and integrative medicine. Full article

Food contamination by ochratoxin A (OTA) constitutes a significant threat to public health and global food safety and security, a challenge increasingly intensified by climate change. Due to the high thermal and chemical stability of OTA, traditional physical and chemical decontamination methods often prove insufficient or detrimental to food quality. Consequently, microbial detoxification has emerged as a sustainable alternative. This review delves into the two primary biological mechanisms for OTA detoxification: physical adsorption—predominantly mediated by yeast and bacterial cell walls—and enzymatic biotransformation. Among the documented metabolic pathways, the hydrolysis of the amide bond by carboxypeptidases and amidohydrolases is recognised as the most reliable detoxification pathway. Conversely, alternative pathways, such as lactone ring opening, are hindered by their potential toxicity and chemical reversibility under acidic conditions. While various lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and filamentous mould species demonstrate high efficacy in OTA decontamination, their industrial implementation is currently limited by the complexity of food matrices and the lack of in vivo validation. The integration of multi-omics (proteomics and metabolomics), alongside CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, is essential for identifying novel biocontrol agents. These precision biotechnological tools are fundamental for translating laboratory findings into industrial-scale OTA detoxification strategies. Full article

The presence of endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) in aquatic environments has raised significant concerns, particularly regarding their impact on marine biota. Among these compounds, 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2), a synthetic estrogen widely used in oral contraceptives, is highly persistent and biologically active at very low concentrations. This study evaluated the effects of EE2 exposure on oxidative stress responses and endocrine disruption in Mytilus galloprovincialis, exposed for 28 days to three EE2 concentrations (10, 30, and 300 ng·L⁻¹). Biomarkers of oxidative stress, including the enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), as well as Lipid Peroxidation (MDA levels), total ubiquitin (UBI) and the endocrine disruption marker, vitellogenin-like protein (VTG) were assessed. Results showed significant increase in GST and a decrease in CAT activities followed by an elevation at 300 ng·L⁻¹, slightly higher than control values. Overall, results suggest an enhanced oxidative challenge. No significant changes were detected in MDA and UBI levels. VTG-like protein levels increased according to the EE2 concentrations tested, suggesting an effect on the mussel’s endocrine system. These results show the activation of detoxification and antioxidant defense mechanisms in exposed mussels as a response to mitigate oxidative stress damage. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of using biomarkers in pollution monitoring studies and environmental risk assessment. Full article

A growing body of epidemiological and toxicological evidence indicates that exposure to toxic elements (TEs), including As, Cd, Cr(VI), Pb, and Hg, is associated with a wide range of adverse health outcomes, including cancer, neurological and cardiovascular diseases. Given their widespread presence and toxicity, understanding the factors underlying inter-individual differences in susceptibility is essential, as not all exposed individuals develop the same health effects. Genetic variability, particularly single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), is increasingly recognized as a key determinant of individual responses to TE exposure. Variants in genes involved in metal transport, detoxification, and DNA repair, including DMT1, GSTP1, MT2A, hOGG1, and XRCC1, may influence internal dose and biological effects and have been proposed as potential susceptibility markers. However, current evidence remains inconsistent due to small sample sizes, heterogeneous exposure assessments, and limited considerations of ethnic diversity and gene–environment interactions. Future research should prioritize large and well-characterized populations integrating detailed exposure and lifestyle data. This review focuses on genetic susceptibility and gene–environment interactions in TE exposure, with particular emphasis on SNPs as key modulators of individual risk. It summarizes major toxic metals, reviews epidemiological evidence of the associated health risks, and highlights the role of genetic background in modulating TE-induced toxicity. Full article

Polyvinyl alcohols (PVAs) are synthetic, water-soluble polymers widely used in industrial, medical, and personal care products. Their slow biodegradation raises concerns about potential impacts on marine ecosystems. This study examined how PVA exposure affects the blue crab Callinectes sapidus, an invasive species in the Mediterranean Sea. Crabs were exposed to three PVA concentrations (0.5, 5, and 25 mg L⁻¹) along with a control group, for periods of 10 and 20 days. Oxidative stress was assessed by measuring antioxidant enzyme activities, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and lipid peroxidation levels in muscle, gill, and hepatopancreas. Cell viability in the hemolymph and hepatopancreas was also evaluated. The results showed that hepatopancreas cells were more sensitive than hemolymph cells. Oxidative stress increased with exposure time and concentration, as indicated by elevated antioxidant enzyme activity and lipid peroxidation. After 10 days, early detoxification responses were observed, while after 20 days of exposure, clear dose- and time-dependent trends were evident, highlighting an intensification of physiological dysfunctions with increasing PVA concentrations and prolonged exposure duration. The histopathological observations showed limited alterations in muscle and hepatopancreas tissue but evident structural changes in gill tissues, particularly after prolonged exposure. The findings reveal a concentration- and time-dependent biological response to PVA, highlighting physiological changes at higher exposure levels and the need for further research on environmental consequences. Full article

Chalcones, a subclass of flavonoid-derived phenolic compounds, have demonstrated promising anthelmintic activity against parasitic nematodes. This study aimed to obtain insights into the biological effects a cis/trans mixture of chalcone and its geometric isomer, trans-chalcone, using RNA sequencing in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. Fourth-stage larvae (L4) were exposed to cis/trans-chalcone or trans-chalcone for 3 h, and total RNA was extracted for high-throughput sequencing. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that exposure to cis/trans-chalcone and trans-chalcone induced pronounced modulation of genes involved in lipid metabolism and repression of collagen and structural genes, potentially leading to defective extracellular matrix maintenance, thereby suggesting these combined effects as potential mechanisms underlying their anthelmintic activity. Also, metabolic and stress response pathways, with several genes implicated in detoxification and cellular defense, were markedly upregulated. These findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms affected by chalcones, advancing our understanding of their anthelmintic potential and supporting future drug development efforts. Full article

Liver diseases, including fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis, remain major global health challenges due to their disruption of metabolic homeostasis and detoxification processes. Redox imbalance plays a central role in liver disease progression by promoting inflammation, hepatic stellate cell activation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and fibrogenesis. Although flavonoids have historically been considered direct reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers, emerging evidence indicates that their biological effect at physiological concentrations are primarily mediated through modulation of intracellular redox signalling rather than simple radical neutralisation. This review highlights flavonoids as redox-modulating agents capable of restoring hepatic redox homeostasis through coordinated regulation of molecular pathways. Mechanistically, flavonoids activate the Nrf2-Keap1 axis to enhance endogenous antioxidant defences, including heme oxygenase-1 and glutathione biosynthesis enzyme, while suppressing NF-κB-mediated pro-inflammatory signalling and modulating MAPK and PI3K/Akt pathways. They also regulate mitochondrial redox balance, supporting mitophagy, metabolic adaptation, and cellular resilience to oxidative stress. In addition, flavonoid biotransformation by the gut microbiome improves intestinal barrier integrity, reduces endotoxin-driven hepatic inflammation, and contributes to gut–liver crosstalk. Collectively, these mechanisms position dietary flavonoids as multi-target redox modulators with promising therapeutic potential in chronic liver disease, although further studies are needed to improve their bioavailability and clinical translation. Full article

The use of Steinernema carpocapsae infective juveniles as biological control agents is a long-standing practice, yet the oral impact of their secreted venom proteins on crop pests remains largely unknown. We evaluated the oral toxicity of S. carpocapsae venom proteins against Spodoptera frugiperda using artificial diet assays. Ingestion caused significant dose-dependent toxicity in early-instar larvae, resulting in mortality and a prolonged developmental duration. Carry-over effects were profound; treated pupae were smaller and malformed, with only 19% of larvae fed on 1000 ng g⁻¹ venom protein-supplemented diet reaching adulthood compared to 92% in controls. Surviving adults lived 30% fewer days and laid over 90% fewer morphologically normal eggs. These physiological disruptions coincided with elevated oxidative stress and detoxification enzyme activity, suggesting the venom induces oxidative and detoxification responses, which may be associated with the observed phenotypic alterations. This study provides the first demonstration of the oral toxicity of entomopathogenic nematode venom proteins, positioning them as a promising resource for the discovery of novel insecticidal proteins for sustainable pest management. Full article

Oxidative stress is characterised by the production of free radicals in higher amounts than the antioxidant scavenging capacity. This may cause damage to several organs especially the main site of detoxification, the liver. In this study, the antioxidant activity of five novel lipophilic fluoroquinolones (FQs) derivatives was evaluated against oxidative stress induced by acetaminophen (APAP) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄). Sixty-four male Wistar rats were divided into two oxidative-stress models. FQ compounds (25 mg/kg) were administered six hours after CCl₄ or APAP administration. Serum liver enzymes including aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were measured. Changes in antioxidant parameters were determined in the serum including measurement of total antioxidant status and reduced-glutathione levels as well as catalase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities. Additionally, molecular docking analyses were performed against catalase, CYP3A4, and Keap-1 to elucidate the potential molecular interactions underlying the observed biological activities. A significant decrease in ALT and AST levels was seen following FQ compound administration in both models. In addition, FQ compounds exhibited excellent antioxidant activity, leading to increased antioxidant enzyme activity, high total antioxidant status, and elevated reduced-glutathione levels. The docking results revealed that compound 4A exhibited the highest binding affinities toward catalase, CYP3A4, and Keap-1. These interactions suggest a possible enhancement of catalase activity, modulation of CYP3A4, and activation of the Keap-1/Nrf2 signalling pathway. Overall, these findings demonstrate the promising therapeutic potential on hepatic injury and oxidative stress of the novel FQ derivatives. Full article

In this study, Chinese medicinal herbs were evaluated as potential antibiotic substitutes for Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis). Forty-five herbs were initially screened for antibacterial activity against Salmonella enteritidis, Escherichia coli, and Shigella flexneri. Nine herbs exhibiting broad-spectrum inhibitory effects were selected and subjected to microbial fermentation, after which their antibacterial activities were reassessed and applied as dietary supplements in feeding trials. The results showed that fermentation altered the antibacterial activities of several herbs and enhanced their overall functional performance. Dietary supplementation with fermented Chinese herbal medicine did not adversely affect feed utilization but significantly improved hematological parameters, liver and kidney function indicators, antioxidant capacity, and nonspecific immune responses. Furthermore, turtles fed fermented herbal diets exhibited higher survival rates following bacterial challenge. Intestinal microbiota analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing indicated that fermented herbal supplementation modulated microbial community structure by reducing potential pathogens and increasing beneficial bacterial taxa associated with intestinal health. These findings suggest that microbial fermentation effectively enhances the biological efficacy of Chinese medicinal herbs. Fermented herbal feed additives represent a promising green alternative to antibiotics for soft-shelled turtle aquaculture. The global ban on prophylactic antibiotics drives the need for safe, effective feed alternatives. Microbial fermentation of Chinese herbs (FCM) is proposed to enhance efficacy and detoxification, but its comprehensive effects in aquaculture require deeper investigation. This study evaluated compound unfermented (CM) and fermented (FCM) Chinese herbal supplements on the Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis). Initial screening showed fermentation generally enhanced the antibacterial activity of the herbs against common enteric pathogens (S. enteritidis, E. coli, S. flexneri). Results indicated that the FCM diet significantly improved physiological status, leading to higher red blood cell counts, better liver/kidney function (reduced ALT/AST, UREA), and stronger immune/antioxidant responses (increased Lysozyme and T-AOC) compared to CM or control diets. Critically, the FCM group achieved the highest survival rates across all single and combined pathogen challenges, demonstrating superior protective efficacy. Furthermore, FCM effectively modulated the gut microbiota, enriching beneficial fermentative bacteria. In conclusion, microbial fermentation significantly amplifies the health-promoting and protective benefits of Chinese herbal supplements in soft-shelled turtles, positioning FCM as a promising green alternative for disease control in aquaculture. Full article