Search Results (520)

(1) Background: The goal of the present study was to evaluate whether the supplementation with a multi-species probiotic in the diet of laying hens can change the microbiota and health status of the oviduct. (2) Methods: A total of 60 cages housing lightweight laying hens (36 weeks old) were randomly assigned to the following two different treatments: a control group fed a diet without probiotic, and a treatment group receiving diets supplemented with 50 g/ton of probiotics. The trial lasted for 26 weeks, after which five layers were slaughtered per treatment for oviduct (magnum) assessment, focusing on microbiome composition, oxidant and antioxidant status, and morphological analyses. Additionally, intestinal (jejunum) samples were collected to determine oxidant and antioxidant status. (3) Results: Probiotic supplementation resulted in lower counts of organisms from the RB41 order (p = 0.039) and Burkholderia genus (p = 0.017), and a total reduction in Bacillus and Corynebacterium (p = 0.050) compared to the control treatment. Genera Burkholderia (p = 0.017), Corynebacterium (p = 0.050), and Bacillus (p = 0.050) were also lower with the probiotic supplementation in relation to the control. Genera Epulopiscium (p = 0.089), Flavobacterium (p = 0.100), Ruminococcus (p = 0.089), and Staphylococcus (p = 0.100) tended to be lower in the probiotic group compared to the control. No significant differences were found between treatments for oviduct lesions. Probiotic treatment resulted in a higher protein thiol level in the intestine compared to the control (p < 0.001). However, the use of probiotics tended to reduce glutathione S-transferase levels in the oviduct compared to the control (p = 0.068). (4) Conclusions: These results suggest that dietary supplementation with probiotics can modulate the oviduct microbiota and improve the antioxidant status of laying hens, without causing tissue damage. Further research is warranted to explore the long-term implications of these changes on reproductive performance and egg quality. Full article

The two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae, is one of the polyphagous pests of several crops and forestry, resistant to numerous conventional chemicals. Due to the negative side effects of harmful chemical pesticides, such as environmental pollution, and risks to human health, the introduction of effective and low-risk alternatives is essential. The promising pesticidal effects of essential oils (EOs) isolated from Artemisia annua have been documented in recent studies. In the present study, the acaricidal effects of an A. annua EO, along with its two dominant monoterpenoids, 1,8-cineole and camphor, were investigated against adults of T. urticae. Artemisia annua EO, 1,8-cineole, and camphor, with 24 h-LC₅₀ values of 0.289, 0.533, and 0.64 µL/L air, respectively, had significant toxicity by fumigation against T. urticae adults. Along with lethality, A. annua EO and monoterpenoids had significant inhibitory effects on the activity of detoxifying enzymes, including α- and β-esterases, glutathione S-transferases, and cytochrome P-450 monooxygenase. According to the findings of the present study, A. annua EO and its two dominant monoterpenoids, 1,8-cineole and camphor, with significant toxicity and inhibitory effects on detoxifying enzymes, can be introduced as available, effective, and eco-friendly acaricides in the management of T. urticae. Full article

Forensic entomotoxicology is a subdiscipline that utilizes necrophagous insects as bioindicators for detecting drugs and toxicants in decomposed remains, particularly in cases where conventional biological matrices are no longer available. Toxic substances can profoundly alter insect development, physiology, and community succession, potentially impacting the accuracy of postmortem interval (PMI) estimation. This review systematically summarizes the effects of various xenobiotics, including pesticides, illicit drugs, sedatives, heavy metals, and antibiotics on larval growth, physiological traits, and gut microbial composition in forensically relevant flies. However, most studies to date have relied primarily on phenotypic observations, with limited insight into underlying molecular mechanisms. Significant interspecies and dose-dependent variability also exists in the absorption, metabolism, and physiological responses to xenobiotics. We highlight recent advances in multi-omics technologies that facilitate the identification of molecular biomarkers associated with xenobiotic exposure, particularly within the insect detoxification system. Key components such as cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s), glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), and ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters play essential roles in xenobiotic metabolism and insecticide resistance. Additionally, the insect fat body serves as a central hub for detoxification, hormonal regulation, and energy metabolism. It integrates signals related to xenobiotic exposure and modulates larval development, making it a promising model for future mechanistic studies in insect toxicology. Altogether, this review offers a comprehensive and reliable framework for understanding the complex interactions between toxic substance exposure, insect ecology, and decomposition in forensic investigations. Full article

The aim of this study was to determine whether a low dose of zearalenone (ZEN) affects the mRNA expression of the CYP1A1 (P450 cytochrome) and GSTπ1 (glutathione S-transferase) genes in the large intestine of pre-pubertal gilts. Materials: Control (C) group gilts (n = 18) received a placebo. Experimental (E) group gilts (n = 18) were orally administered 40 μg ZEN/kg body weight (BW) each day before morning feeding for 42 days. Three animals from each group were sacrificed each week of the study. Tissue samples were collected from the medial parts of the ascending colon and the descending colon on six dates. Results: Zearalenone concentrations were multiple times higher in the last three weeks of exposure, and ZEN metabolites were not detected. In phase I, CYP1A1 mRNA expression in the ascending colon was suppressed in the final three weeks of exposure, which substantially increased the ZEN concentration in the descending colon. In phase II, ZEN levels were high in the descending colon due to CYP1A1 suppression in the ascending colon. Consequently, the phase II detoxification processes could not take place due to the absence of a substrate. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that low-dose ZEN mycotoxicosis disrupts the expression of the CYP1A1 and GSTπ1 genes, which co-participate in the enzymatic biotransformation of ZEN in both examined sections of the large intestine. The above could have contributed to increased ZEN accumulation in the mucosa of the descending colon in the last three weeks of exposure. Full article

Background: Modulating ethanol metabolism and attenuating alcohol-induced oxidative stress are promising therapeutic strategies for reducing the severity of hangovers and alleviating their associated physiological burden. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the probiotic strain Leuconostoc mesenteroides VITA-PB2 on ethanol metabolism, oxidative stress, and hangover-related symptoms in 28 healthy adults. The participants consumed either VITA-PB2 or a placebo before standardized alcohol intake, with a 7-day washout period and subsequent crossover. Primary outcomes included blood ethanol, acetaldehyde levels, and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity. Secondary outcomes measured hangover severity assessed by the Acute Hangover Scale (AHS), liver enzymes including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), oxidative stress indicators reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO), and antioxidant responses measured by glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging capacity. Results: VITA-PB2 supplementation led to a sustained reduction in blood ethanol concentrations beginning at 0.5 h post-ingestion compared with the placebo group, indicating more efficient ethanol clearance. Additionally, VITA-PB2 significantly reduced acetaldehyde levels at 1 h post-ingestion (p < 0.05) and increased ALDH activity by 42.15% at 30 min (p < 0.05). It also markedly reduced ROS levels at 1 h (p < 0.05), enhanced glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity at 2 h (p < 0.01), and significantly improved the subjective hangover symptoms, particularly thirst (p < 0.05). Conclusions: No adverse effects were reported during the trial, indicating that Leuconostoc mesenteroides VITA-PB2 is a safe probiotic. These findings suggest its efficacy in mitigating alcohol-induced oxidative stress and alleviating hangover-related symptoms. Full article

Bombyx mori, a key lepidopteran model with economic importance, is highly susceptible to environmental heavy metal pollution. This study investigated the mechanisms of Pb toxicity and the associated detoxification and metabolic defense responses in silkworms, employing transcriptome sequencing, enzyme activity assays, and histopathological analysis. Pb exposure caused significant histopathological changes and apoptosis in the fat body, marked by structural disorganization, swollen adipocytes, and degraded extracellular matrix. Molecular analysis showed activation of antioxidant defenses, with superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities significantly elevated (p < 0.05), while peroxidase (POD) activity declined (p < 0.05). Levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) also decreased. In detoxification responses, carboxylesterase (CarE) activity was reduced, whereas cytochrome P450 (P450) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities increased (p < 0.05). Transcriptome sequencing revealed 1,418 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with notable upregulation of key detoxification genes (p < 0.05), including six cytochrome P450s (CYPs), five uridine diphosphate-glycosyltransferases (UGTs), three glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), and six ATP-binding cassette transporters (ABCs). KEGG enrichment analysis highlighted the involvement of these DEGs in drug metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and ABC transporter pathways (p < 0.05). Functional validation showed that knocking down Cap ‘n’ Collar C (CncC) significantly suppressed key detoxification genes (CYP18A1, CYP332A1, GSTd3, GSTt1, UGT33D8; p < 0.05). qRT-PCR and Western blot analyses confirmed that the Caspase-3 pathway mediates Pb-induced apoptosis, with increased cleaved Caspase-3 and Caspase-4 levels following CncC silencing. Overall, our findings elucidate the mechanisms of Pb toxicity in silkworms and identify CncC as a critical regulator of detoxification and defense against heavy metal stress in lepidopteran insects. Full article

The development of resistance to standard cytostatics, such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), significantly limits the efficacy of colon cancer therapy, prompting the search for novel anticancer agents, particularly among natural compounds. This study evaluated the anticancer effects of isorhamnetin, a plant-derived flavonol, and its ability to modulate the expression of drug-resistance-related biomarkers in SW-480 and HT-29 colon cancer cells, with a focus on ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters. Isorhamnetin demonstrated strong cytotoxic and proapoptotic activity on both cell lines, while showing lower toxicity toward normal HaCaT cells. In addition to suppressing the mRNA expression of drug-metabolizing enzymes (CYP1A1 and CYP1B1), isorhamnetin significantly reduced the mRNA levels of multidrug resistance-associated proteins 1 and 5 (MRP1 and MRP5), as well as the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) level in SW-480 and HT-29 cells. Molecular docking analysis revealed a high binding affinity of isorhamnetin to CYP1A1, CYP1B1, P-gp, MRP1, MRP5, and glutathione S-transferase (GST) proteins, with stronger interactions than those observed for 5-FU, suggesting potential interference with their function. These results provide a solid basis for future investigations to confirm the therapeutic potential of isorhamnetin as a modulator of drug resistance in colon cancer cells. Full article

The life expectancy of patients with psychotic disorders is significantly shorter than that of the general population; antipsychotic-induced metabolic disorders play a significant role in reducing life expectancy. Both metabolic syndrome (MetS) and schizophrenia are multifactorial conditions. One area where the two conditions overlap is oxidative stress, which is present in both diseases. The glutathione-S-transferase (GST) system is a major line of defense against exogenous toxicants and oxidative damage to cells. The aim of our study was to perform an association analysis of gene polymorphisms with metabolic disorders in patients with schizophrenia treated with antipsychotic therapy. Methods: A total of 639 white patients with schizophrenia (ICD-10) from Siberia (Russia) were included in the study. Genotyping was carried out using real-time polymerase chain reaction for two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the GSTP1 (rs614080 and rs1695) and one SNP in the GSTO1 (rs49252). Results: We found that rs1695*GG genotype of GSTP1 is a risk factor for the development of overweight (OR 2.36; 95% CI: 1.3–4.29; p = 0.0054). In the subgroup of patients receiving first-generation antipsychotics as basic therapy, the risk of overweight was associated with carriage of the rs1695*GG (OR 5.43; 95% CI: 2.24–13.16; p < 0.001) genotype of GSTP1 in a recessive model of inheritance. In contrast, an association of rs1695*G GSTP1 with obesity (OR: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.20–0.87; p = 0.018) was shown in the dominant model of inheritance in patients receiving second-generation antipsychotics. Conclusions: The pilot results obtained confirm the hypothesis of a violation of the antioxidant status, in particular the involvement of GSTP1, in the development of antipsychotic-induced metabolic disorders in schizophrenia. Further studies with larger samples and different ethnic groups are needed to confirm the obtained results. Full article

Paratuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), is a chronic granulomatous enteritis with significant implications for ruminant health, economic productivity, and potential zoonotic risk. This study investigated the expression of biomarkers of oxidative stress and apoptosis in goats naturally infected with MAP, focusing on three biological matrices: serum, intestinal mucosa, and mesenteric lymph nodes. Twenty MAP-positive goats and ten healthy controls were included. Serum and tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GSR), and caspase-3 were quantitatively assessed using ELISA tests. Gross and histopathological analyses confirmed MAP infection. Infected animals showed significantly elevated serum levels of MDA and caspase-3 (p < 0.001), along with decreased antioxidant enzyme activities (GSR, GST, GPX, SOD). Tissue analysis revealed increased MDA and caspase-3 levels, particularly in the intestinal mucosa compared to mesenteric lymph nodes, suggesting localized oxidative damage and apoptosis. Conversely, antioxidant enzyme activity was higher in mesenteric lymph nodes, indicating a compensatory response and a pronounced involvement of the intestinal tract. These findings demonstrate that MAP infection induces marked oxidative stress and apoptotic processes, especially in the intestinal mucosa. The imbalance between pro-oxidant and antioxidant systems may play a key role in the pathogenesis and chronic progression of the disease. Caspase-3 and MDA, in particular, have been identified as promising diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers for MAP infection. This study highlights the importance of developing improved diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies targeting oxidative stress pathways in paratuberculosis. Full article

The bird cherry-oat aphid Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) poses a significant threat to wheat production, resulting in substantial yield reductions. Abamectin and acetamiprid are frequently utilized for management. This study assessed the sublethal effects of abamectin and acetamiprid on R. padi through life table analysis and enzyme activity assays. At 24 h, the LC₁₀ and LC₃₀ values for abamectin to R. padi were 0.063 mg/L and 0.252 mg/L, respectively, while, for acetamiprid, the corresponding values were 0.065 and 0.293 mg/L. The results indicated that exposure to sublethal concentrations of abamectin (AB-LC₁₀) extended the longevity of R. padi F₀ generation, while acetamiprid (AC-LC₁₀ and AC-LC₃₀) decreased it. Furthermore, the fecundity of the F₀ generation was significantly reduced following exposure to AB-LC₃₀, AC-LC₁₀ and AC-LC₃₀. In the F₁ generation, exposure to sublethal concentrations of acetamiprid negatively impacted on R. padi, as evidenced by a significant reduction in longevity; fecundity and population parameters (R₀, r, λ, s_xj, l_x, l_xm_x, v_xj and e_xj). Conversely, sublethal concentrations of abamectin did not significantly affect these parameters. Additionally, population projections revealed a significantly smaller total population size of R. padi in the acetamiprid-exposed group compared to both the abamectin-exposed and control groups. Except these population-level effects, the activities of detoxification enzymes, including cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450), glutathione S-transferases (GST) and carboxylesterases (CarE), changed differently after treatments. These results suggest that sublethal concentrations of acetamiprid, but not abamectin, significantly inhibit the population growth of R. padi. These insights are crucial for R. padi control and facilitate the development of effective control strategies that take into account these sublethal effects in integrated pest management strategies targeting R. padi. Full article

Chlorfenapyr is a widely used insecticide known to harm non-target insects, but its effects on reproductive development in the silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) remain incompletely understood. In this study, we investigated the histopathological and transcriptional changes in the gonads (ovaries and testes) of newly molted fifth-instar silkworm larvae exposed to chlorfenapyr. Histopathological analysis revealed delayed gonadal development, a reduction in oogonia and oocytes in the ovaries, and decreased numbers of spermatocytes in the testes. Transcriptome analysis identified significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs), mainly enriched in pathways such as “Drug metabolism—cytochrome P450”, “Insect hormone biosynthesis”, and “Ribosome”. Key up-regulated genes included members of the cytochrome P450 family (CYP6B5, CYP9f2, CYP6B6), glutathione S-transferases (GSTT1, GST1), and juvenile hormone-related enzymes (JHAMT, JHEH), indicating active detoxification and hormonal regulation responses. Several transcription factor families, particularly C2H2, HB-other, and TRAF, exhibited altered expression, suggesting roles in stress adaptation. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis identified hub genes such as EcR, Kr-h1, and various ribosomal proteins, highlighting their potential involvement in reproductive development. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) validated the transcriptomic data, confirming the reliability of the results. Overall, these findings enhance our understanding of chlorfenapyr’s impact on silkworm reproductive development and the underlying molecular mechanisms, providing valuable insights for sustainable pest management and ecological risk assessment of insecticides. Full article

The widespread availability and pseudo-persistence of typical psychiatric pharmaceuticals (PDs) can have serious impacts on aquatic ecosystems and even human health. However, the toxicokinetics of typical PDs and the corresponding enzymatic biomarker responses are unclear. In this study, eight typical PDs [carbamazepine (CBZ), citalopram (CIT), sertraline (SER), venlafaxine (VLF), amitriptyline (AMT), chlorpromazine (CPM), quetiapine (QTP) and clozapine (CLZ)] were selected to study the uptake, depuration and biological effects of PDs in Daphnia magna. The results found that the uptake rates (K_u) were in the sequence of VLF < QTP < CBZ < CLZ < CIT < AMT < SER < CPM, while the depuration rates (K_d) were in the order of CLZ < AMT < CIT < SER < QTP < CBZ < CPM < VLF. Correspondingly, the bioconcentration factors (BCFs) followed on as VLF < QTP < CBZ < CIT < AMT < CLZ < SER < CPM. Both pH-dependent octanol–water partition coefficients (log D_ow) and liposome–water partition coefficients (log D_lip-w) exhibited positive correlations with the log BCF of PDs (p < 0.05), indicating the important roles of ionization degree and biological phospholipid contents on bioconcentration. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were evidently induced in the SER and CPM groups, while ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities were significantly induced only in the CBZ group. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was obviously induced by CBZ, SER and AMT, with levels 1.73, 1.62 and 2.44 times that of the control group (p < 0.05). The K_u of PDs, oxidative stress and metabolic level of D. magna combine to affect BCF levels together. In conclusion, this study contributes to a better understanding of the toxicokinetics and biochemical responses of PDs in D. magna and potential mechanisms of action, which may allow for a better assessment of their environmental health risks to aquatic ecosystems. Full article

In aquaculture, pre-slaughter fasting reduces stress and improves muscle quality. Fasting periods of 55–58 degree days (°C d) enhance muscle structure and post-mortem biochemistry in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), although optimal durations vary with temperature. This study investigated the effects of fasting from none to extended durations on 495 rainbow trout under summer (22 °C) and winter (8 °C) conditions. In summer, elevated temperatures increased muscle glycogen, leading to lower pH and delayed rigor mortis (RM), especially in fasted groups, where RM peaked at 24 h post-mortem. In winter, RM occurred earlier. Prolonged fasting increased acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, with high baseline levels in non-fasted summer fish. Muscle lightness at 0 h post-mortem was highest in non-fasted winter fish but declined to summer levels in fasted groups. Antioxidant enzyme activity (glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase) increased with fasting in winter, while summer heat masked responses. The expression of genes for mineralocorticoid receptors and heat shock proteins remained stable in warm conditions. Summer delayed metabolic decline due to higher glycogen-triggered excessive AChE activity from heat stress. Winter supported faster metabolic adjustment and more regulated enzyme activity. These findings highlight the need to adjust fasting strategies seasonally to optimize muscle traits, especially under thermal variations. Full article

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), prevalent aquatic contaminants, arise from burning fossil fuels, a major source of greenhouse gases driving global warming. PAHs and warmer temperatures individually exert diverse negative effects on aquatic organisms. However, the effects of PAH exposure and/or rising temperature remain largely unknown. Liver in vitro models, like the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) RTL-W1 liver cell line, have been employed to unravel PAH-exposure effects, primarily on cell viability and enzymatic activity. Here, monolayer-cultured (2D) RTL-W1 cells were used to assess the co-exposure effects of temperature (18 and 21 °C) and two PAHs, benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) and benzo[k]fluoranthene (B[k]F), at 10 and 100 nM. After a 72 h exposure, the cell density and viability were evaluated using the trypan blue and LDH assays. The mRNA levels of the detoxification-associated genes aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), cytochrome P450 (CYP)1A, CYP3A27, glutathione S-transferase omega 1 (GSTO1), uridine diphosphate–glucuronosyltransferase (UGT), catalase (CAT), and multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2) were measured by RT-qPCR. Temperature influenced cell viability and LDH leakage. Both PAHs reduced the cell density and upregulated the mRNA levels of AhR, CYP1A, CYP3A27, and UGT, while GSTO1 and MRP2 were only augmented after the higher B[k]F concentration. Temperature influenced CAT and UGT expression. There was no interaction between temperature and the PAHs. Overall, the results show that B[k]F has more effects on detoxification targets than B[a]P, whereas a temperature increase mildly affects gene expression. The RTL-W1 in 2D seems useful for unravelling not only the liver effects of PAH but also the impact of temperature stress. Full article

Redox homeostasis in the human body is strictly regulated by reducing molecules, such as glutathione, as well as various antioxidant enzymes. Examination of the antioxidant effects of natural products is necessary in order to prevent and treat various pathological conditions considering the correlation of their occurrence with oxidative stress damage. RJ has been identified as a very potent regulator of many metabolic processes and is considered as a medicinal agent that can cope with the oxidative stress. The present study evaluated the RJ’s ability to scavenge superoxide anion radicals O₂^∙− and modulate the expression of GSTP1 marker in healthy lung fibroblasts (MRC-5 cell line) after 24 h. Assessment was performed with the NBT test and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Our results show that RJ successfully reduced the O₂^∙− concentration for ~12% and upregulated GSTP1 gene expression (1.75 fold-change) whose protein product is responsible for catalyzation of glutathione (GSH) binding to oxidative stress metabolites and their further neutralization in cells. We found that RJ has an important protective effect against oxidative damage of healthy human cells and these properties could be used to explore new resources for pharmacological treatments, as well as to improve application of natural medicine for maintaining human health. Full article