Search Results (1,370)

Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a human carcinogen and recognized as an endocrine-disrupting chemical. The present study aimed to evaluate tissue-specific susceptibility to cadmium-induced oxidative damage to membrane lipids (lipid peroxidation, LPO) and to assess the antioxidative effects of melatonin in porcine tissue homogenates representing endocrine (the thyroid and the ovary) and non-endocrine (the liver, the kidney, and the brain) organs. Homogenates were incubated with cadmium chloride (CdCl₂; 2.5–1000 µM) without/with melatonin (0.1–5.0 mM). Lipid peroxidation was assessed spectrophotometrically by measuring malondialdehyde + 4-hydroxyalkenals (MDA + 4-HDA) levels. Cadmium significantly increased LPO in the liver (2.5–1000 μM) and in the kidney (25–1000 μM), whereas no prooxidative effect was observed in endocrine tissues or in the brain. Liver damage was mitigated by melatonin doses as low as 0.1 μM across the 250–1000 μM cadmium range, while protection in the kidney was limited to higher melatonin concentrations (2.5–5.0 mM) against damage induced by 100–1000 μM cadmium concentrations. The findings demonstrate pronounced tissue-specific differences in susceptibility to cadmium-induced oxidative stress and support the potential of melatonin as a preventive agent against heavy metal-induced oxidative stress, particularly in non-endocrine organs. Full article

High-frequency ultrasound-assisted activation of peracetic acid (PAA) was investigated as a tunable advanced oxidation process for the removal of organic pollutants from water. Sunset Yellow FCF (SSY), a representative anionic azo dye, was used as a probe contaminant in a 425 kHz sonoreactor to clarify the roles of PAA speciation, acoustic cavitation, dissolved gases, oxidant dose, acoustic power, and initial pH. UV spectroscopic analysis showed that PAA exhibits pH-dependent far-UV absorbance associated with acid-base speciation and peroxide equilibria, while ultrasonication promoted simultaneous PAA activation and H₂O₂ accumulation. Compared with PAA alone and ultrasound alone, the combined US/PAA process markedly enhanced SSY decolorization. Under natural conditions, 5 mg/L SSY and 5 mM PAA were completely decolorized within 210 min, with an initial rate of 0.116 mg/L·min, compared with 0.078 and 0.0086 mg/L·min for ultrasound and PAA alone, respectively. The corresponding synergy ratio and synergy index were 1.5 and 1.34. The process exhibited tunable reaction-pathway control, with two favorable pH windows: a strongly acidic region, where interfacial HO^•-driven sonochemistry and PAA stability are favored, and a mildly alkaline region, where PAA deprotonation promotes peracetate-driven acyl/peroxyl radical-chain propagation. Oxygen saturation improved performance, whereas CO₂ suppressed cavitation-driven activation. Increasing PAA concentration and acoustic power enhanced removal up to practical limits, beyond which radical scavenging and diminishing sonochemical returns became evident. Beyond demonstrating enhanced decolorization, this study distinguishes US/PAA from previously reported UV/PAA, transition-metal/PAA, and ultrasound-only systems by showing how 425 kHz cavitation converts PAA into a tunable hybrid HO^•/acyl–peroxyl radical network. The main contribution is a mechanistic operating map that links PAA speciation, sonochemical peroxide accumulation, dissolved gas chemistry, acoustic power, oxidant dose, and pH to pollutant-removal performance, thereby defining practical windows for sono-activated PAA treatment of anionic dyes and related recalcitrant contaminants. Full article

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is widely used in semiconductor cleaning and etching, where ultralow levels of metallic, anionic, organic, and particulate impurities must be strictly controlled. Industrially produced H₂O₂ therefore requires extensive downstream purification before it can meet electronic-grade specifications. Conventional purification routes based on distillation or rectification, adsorption, ion exchange, and final filtration are technically mature, but they remain constrained by substantial energy consumption, multiple treatment stages, chemical regeneration, secondary waste generation, and safety risks associated with H₂O₂ decomposition. This review critically evaluates membrane technologies for purifying and concentrating electronic-grade H₂O₂. Microfiltration and ultrafiltration are discussed as front-end clarification processes, nanofiltration as an intermediate impurity-load-reduction step, and reverse osmosis as the membrane process with the strongest direct experimental for ionic-impurity removal from concentrated H₂O₂. Pervaporation and membrane distillation are assessed as emerging water-removal technologies, although their industrial applicability remains insufficiently validated. Membrane material strategies, including oxidation-resistant polymers, inorganic and hybrid membranes, antioxidant-containing composites, and emerging MOF- and two-dimensional-material-based membranes, are also evaluated. Particular attention is paid to the limited direct evidence available for emerging materials and to the risks of H₂O₂ decomposition, material leaching, particle release, and deterioration of membrane selectivity. The available evidence indicates that membrane processes are currently more appropriately regarded as complementary clarification, purification, polishing, or concentration units rather than complete replacements for established industrial technologies. Future studies should prioritize long-term oxidative stability, ppb- and ppt-level impurity validation, low H₂O₂ loss, module-material compatibility, process safety, and continuous pilot-scale techno-economic assessment. Full article

The European perch (Perca fluviatilis) is highly susceptible to heat stress, limiting its sustainable aquaculture. While single-organ thermal responses are partially understood, the systemic, multi-organ cooperative survival mechanisms under acute heat stress remain poorly characterized. To elucidate the underlying tolerance mechanisms and provide genetic markers for breeding, this study investigated the multi-organ responses of European perch (n = 90; body length: 13.15 ± 1.75 cm; body weight: 30.54 ± 7.17 g) transferred from 24 °C to an acute heat stress challenge (31 °C) at an increasing rate of 2 °C/h, and the histopathological changes (liver and gill), hepatic biochemical biomarkers (CAT, SOD, GSH-Px, GST, LDH, and MDA), and transcriptomic changes (liver and kidney) were evaluated over a 24 h period. Heat stress induced progressive structural damage, including gill lamellar edema and hepatocyte necrosis, accompanied by significant hepatic oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. RNA-seq transcriptome profiling uncovered distinct sets of genes with significant expression changes, comprising 1343 DEGs in liver tissue and 722 DEGs in kidney samples. Both organs shared a systemic endoplasmic reticulum stress response but exhibited highly divergent survival strategies. The liver underwent severe metabolic reprogramming towards anaerobic glycolysis and gluconeogenesis, coupled with vesicle-mediated membrane repair attempts and apoptosis. Conversely, the kidney adopted a strict “energy triage” strategy, suppressing highly energy-consuming immune and osmoregulatory functions while actively silencing pro-apoptotic signals. These findings highlight organ-specific adaptations and identify potential metabolic markers for the future breeding of new heat-tolerant varieties. Full article

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are major toxic organic constituents attached to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and contribute substantially to PM2.5-associated oxidative stress and respiratory toxicity. This study investigated the protective effects of shallot (Allium ascalonicum) extracts against PAH-induced oxidative stress in human nasal epithelial cells (RPMI 2650). Shallot extracts were prepared using various extraction techniques and assessed for their phytochemical composition and antioxidant capacity. Among the extracts evaluated, the supercritical fluid extract exhibited the highest total flavonoid content and anti-inflammatory property, whereas the ethanolic extract (EtOH) exhibited the highest total phenolic content and antioxidant activity and was therefore selected for subsequent investigations. HPLC analysis of the EtOH extract identified quercetin and gallic acid as major phenolic constituents. Exposure of RPMI-2650 cells to PAHs (0.25 μg/mL) significantly induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and lipid peroxidation while reducing superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, indicating oxidative stress induction. Cotreatment with the ethanolic extract (1.25–5 μg/mL) effectively mitigated these effects by reducing ROS generation, suppressing lipid peroxidation, and restoring SOD activity in a dose-dependent manner. These protective effects are attributed to the antioxidant phytochemicals present in shallot, particularly quercetin. Collectively, these findings indicate that shallot extracts attenuate PAH-induced oxidative stress in human nasal epithelial cells. Full article

The MarR family regulators, widespread in bacteria and archaea, control diverse cellular processes, yet the regulatory mode and molecular signaling mechanism remain unclear in Corynebacterium glutamicum. Here, we functionally characterize AesR (aromatic compounds and environmental stimuli-sensing regulator), a MarR-type transcriptional regulator encoded by ncgl0019 in C. glutamicum. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of an aesR-deleted strain (ΔaesR) revealed the down-regulation of genes involved in aromatic compounds degradation, stress response, antibiotic resistance and cell envelope biogenesis, correlating with heightened sensitivity of ΔaesR to adverse conditions. RNA-seq, quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) and promoter activity analysis uncovered that AesR represses its own operon (including the Zn-dependent protease with chaperone function gene ncgl0020) and the divergent cytochrome C biosynthesis operon ncgl0018-ncgl0017. AesR binds as a dimer to two side-by-side inverted repeats [5′-ACTATG-N₃-CATAGTCGACTA-N₇-TAGTTG-3′] in the ncgl0018-aesR intergenic region with different affinity, and Cu²⁺/Ni²⁺/Zn²⁺ disrupted binding. These metal ions, along with aromatic compounds, organic peroxides, and bactericidal antibiotics, induce both operons in vivo. Notably, penicillin elevates intracellular Cu²⁺/Ni²⁺/Zn²⁺ levels. Collectively, our findings identify AesR as a novel regulator that senses metal ions as direct signals, relieving autorepression and enabling bacterial defense against aromatic compounds and environmental stressors. Full article

Cardiometabolic diseases are increasingly understood as disorders involving compartment-specific redox disruption rather than a uniform excess of reactive oxygen species. This narrative review synthesizes evidence for a proposed gut microbiota–mitochondria ferroptosis framework in which dysbiosis-derived lipopolysaccharide, trimethylamine N-oxide, short-chain fatty acids, bile acids, and tryptophan metabolites may modulate mitochondrial reactive species production, antioxidant defenses, iron handling, lipid peroxide detoxification, and inflammatory signaling. The reference set was assembled through searches of PubMed and Web of Science Core Collection, supplemented by targeted Google Scholar searches and citation chaining during manuscript preparation and revision through June 2026 and was organized around microbial metabolites, mitochondrial redox biology, ferroptosis pathways, disease-specific evidence, and redox-targeted interventions. Because this is a narrative synthesis rather than a systematic review, the framework should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating rather than as a systematically validated pathological model. Across atherosclerosis, diabetic cardiomyopathy, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, obesity-associated insulin resistance, chronic kidney disease, and cardiorenal metabolic injury, the most consistent mechanistic links involve mtROS, impaired mitophagy, glutathione/GPX4 and SLC7A11 dysfunction, ACSL4-dependent lipid peroxidation, Nrf2 signaling, NLRP3 activation, and cGAS-STING-associated inflammation, although human causal evidence remains uneven. Importantly, much of the current literature supports local links within this sequence rather than a fully verified dysbiosis–metabolite–mitochondria ferroptosis–organ dysfunction chain in the same study. We therefore emphasize evidence tiers, terminology discipline, and biomarker requirements when interpreting ferroptosis-sensitive injury. Polyphenols, flavonoids, probiotics, postbiotics, melatonin, CoQ10-related strategies, mitochondria-targeted antioxidants, and ferroptosis-sensitive approaches may be most translatable when paired with microbiome, metabolomic, lipidomic, pharmacokinetic, and redox biomarkers. Full article

Photocatalytic extraction of uranium from radioactive wastewater is crucial for environmental safety and sustainable nuclear energy development. It is widely recognized that photocatalysts with donor-acceptor (D-A) or D-π-A structures exhibit enhanced charge separation efficiency, thereby showing excellent photocatalytic performance. Herein, we presented a counterintuitive design of a donor-donor covalent-organic framework (D-D COF) for efficient photocatalytic uranium extraction. A twisted D-D COF (COF-BCTB-Py) was synthesized via solvothermal condensation using bicarbazole and pyrene as dual electron-donor units. The COF featured a well-defined AA-stacked porous structure, high specific surface area (963 m²·g⁻¹), suitable band gap (2.44 eV), and exceptional chemical, thermal, and radiation stability. Impressively, in the presence of 5% methanol, it delivered an ultrahigh uranium uptake capacity of 4278 mg·g⁻¹ with fast kinetics and >97% removal efficiency in complex water matrices, challenging the traditional stereotype of low-activity D-D COFs. Mechanistic studies revealed that soluble U(VI) was converted into crystalline (UO₂)O₂·2H₂O via in situ generated hydrogen peroxide rather than being reduced to U(IV). This work provides an unconventional design strategy to design efficient photocatalysts for uranium recovery from nuclear wastewater. Full article

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), particularly members of the genus Lactobacillus, have emerged as promising biological agents with antimicrobial and anti-biofilm properties. While numerous individual studies have reported their inhibitory effects against pathogenic microorganisms, a systematic understanding that integrates their functional components, molecular mechanisms, and material-based applications remains lacking. In this review, we provide a comprehensive and component-oriented overview of LAB-mediated antimicrobial strategies. We first summarize secreted factors, including organic acids, bacteriocins, hydrogen peroxide, and extracellular vesicles, which collectively contribute to direct pathogen inhibition and environmental modulation. We then discuss cell-associated components such as surface-layer proteins and exopolysaccharides, highlighting their roles in adhesion interference and competitive exclusion. In addition, we examine whole-cell effects, including niche competition, quorum sensing disruption, and host immune modulation. Importantly, we place particular emphasis on the anti-biofilm activity of lactobacilli, detailing mechanisms involved in the prevention of the pathogen initial adhesion, disruption of extracellular polymeric substance matrices, and destabilization of mature biofilms. Finally, we explore emerging strategies that integrate lactobacilli with biomaterials, particularly hydrogel-based systems, to achieve controlled delivery, enhanced stability, and sustained antimicrobial activity. These biohybrid approaches represent a promising direction for the development of next-generation antimicrobial materials. These findings support the concept of LAB-based living antimicrobial materials as a next-generation strategy to combat biofilm-associated infections. Overall, this review aims to bridge the gap between molecular functions and translational applications of lactobacilli, providing new insights into its potential as a versatile platform for antimicrobial and anti-biofilm interventions. Full article

Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) remains the gold standard irrigant in endodontics due to its proteolytic and antimicrobial properties, whereas hydrogen peroxide (HP) is widely used for internal bleaching because of its oxidative capacity. Both agents have been associated with chemical and structural alterations in dentin; however, the impact of their sequential application on the organic–mineral balance has not been fully elucidated. Objective: To evaluate whether the isolated and sequential application of 5.25% NaOCl and 37.5% HP induces chemical alterations in dentin by analyzing changes in the organic matrix and mineral phase using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Methods: Twenty-four independent dentin sections (n = 6 per group) from six human third molars were distributed using a tooth-balanced allocation into four groups: Control, NaOCl (5.25%, 15 min), HP (37.5%, 30 min), and sequential NaOCl+HP. FTIR assessed organic (amide I, II, III, CH₂) and inorganic (phosphate, carbonate) components through baseline-corrected integrated areas, Full Width at Half Maximum (FWHM), and molecular ratios. Surface elemental composition and the calculated Ca/P atomic ratio were determined by EDX. Multiple sub-measurements per specimen were averaged before statistical analysis. Data were analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests with Bonferroni correction (p < 0.05). Results: FTIR revealed treatment-dependent modifications. NaOCl reduced absorbance in organic-associated bands, indicating collagen degradation, whereas HP altered the mineral phase. The NaOCl+HP group exhibited increased numerical values for integrated band areas, with differences detected in carbonate, phosphate, and amide III bands (p < 0.05), reflecting structural disorganization and modified spectral signal rather than tissue preservation. No differences were detected across the calculated infrared ratios (p > 0.05). EDX showed decreased absolute atomic percentages of Ca, P, and O in the NaOCl+HP group (p < 0.05), indicating structural demineralization, while its stoichiometric Ca/P ratio remained at 1.56. Isolated HP shifted the mineral stoichiometry to the highest numerical Ca/P ratio (1.69; range 1.58–1.80). Fluorine decreased across all treated groups (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Sequential NaOCl and HP application triggers distinct chemical alterations compared to individual treatments, inducing severe structural disorganization of the organic network and absolute mineral depletion of Ca and P. This multi-agent sequence alters dentin stoichiometry, which may compromise the biomechanical integrity of the tissue. Full article

The limited energy efficiency of sonochemical processes and the high reagent consumption of Fenton-based treatments remain the major challenges for large-scale water treatment. This study investigates a hybrid Sono–Galvano–Fenton (US/GF) process for the degradation of malachite green as a model organic pollutant, using parallel and series coupling configurations for the assessment of the potential synergistic effects of ultrasound and galvanic Fenton reactions. The results show that acoustic streaming can effectively replace mechanical stirring, providing comparable mixing performance while reducing mechanical energy requirements by approximately 20–30%. In addition, in situ sonochemical hydrogen peroxide generation contributes to pollutant degradation, achieving up to 35–50% removal efficiency, although this remains lower than the efficiency obtained with conventional Galvano–Fenton processes, which typically achieve removal efficiencies of 70–90%. In addition, continuous-flow hybrid configurations appear promising to improve in situ reagent production and overall process efficiency. Full article

Aquatic organisms are exposed to multiple stressors, including microplastic pollution and rising temperatures. Bioplastics like Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) are considered sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics, although their biological effects remain poorly understood. This study evaluated the effects of PHBV microplastics on Artemia franciscana under different temperature and exposure conditions. Organisms were exposed to 25 and 100 mg·L⁻¹ PHBV for 7, 14, and 21 days at 25 °C and for 14 days at 29 °C. Growth, development, antioxidant enzyme (CAT, GST) and esterase activities (ChE, CbE), lipid peroxidation (LPO), gut histology, fatty acid profiles and polymer particle length distributions were assessed. Growth and development increased with PHBV concentration, exposure time, and temperature. Enzymatic activities and LPO were significantly affected by these factors, although no evidence of oxidative damage was detected. Marked gut lesions were observed at 100 mg·L⁻¹ PHBV at 29 °C after 14 days. Fatty acid profiles were mainly influenced by time and temperature, while high PHBV levels were associated with additional, more subtle changes in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. PHBV particle length distributions also varied depending on exposure conditions. These findings suggest that PHBV induces physiological responses distinct from those typically reported for conventional microplastics and highlight the importance of considering multiple stressors in ecotoxicological studies. Full article

Sustainable lightweight materials based on renewable resources have attracted increasing attention as alternatives to synthetic materials. However, developing nanocellulose cryogels with adequate structural integrity and efficient retention of phenolic compounds remains challenging, often requiring furanic and dialdehyde-based additives associated with environmental and health concerns. In this context, tannin-containing nanocellulose cryogels were produced using vanillin and hydrogen peroxide as sustainable modification agents. The effects of the additives on the structural, morphological, colorimetric, mechanical, thermal, and leaching properties of the cryogels were investigated. FTIR and colorimetric analyses revealed the presence of phenolics and the effect of hydrogen peroxide. SEM analysis showed that tannin promoted structural densification, whereas peroxide induced fragmentation of the cryogel network and pore reorganization. These changes influenced density and mechanical performance, with nanocellulose-tannin exhibiting the highest compressive strength and elastic modulus. Thermal conductivity values remained within the range reported for highly porous lignocellulosic materials (38.93–43.79 (mW/m·K)). Tannin leaching demonstrated that peroxide significantly improved tannin retention, especially in the system including vanillin which exhibited only 13,61% tannin release. Overall, vanillin and hydrogen peroxide modified the supramolecular organization and functional properties of the cryogels, highlighting their potential as additives in porous materials for thermal insulation and adsorption applications. Full article

Heat stress severely constrains wheat productivity, yet the mechanisms underlying thermotolerance remain incompletely understood. This study integrated physiological, biochemical, molecular, and ultrastructural analyses to characterize heat-stress responses in four bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes contrasting in heat tolerance. Membrane injury was assessed by membrane damage rate, lipid peroxidation by malondialdehyde accumulation, antioxidant defense by SOD, CAT, GPX, and BPX activities, and stress-responsive regulation by qRT-PCR analysis of DREB, HSP16.9, and SOD isoforms. HSP16.9 protein accumulation was further evaluated by Western blotting. Heat stress increased membrane damage and MDA accumulation in all genotypes; however, tolerant Murov 2 and Zirva 85 showed lower oxidative membrane injury than sensitive Aran and Gyzyl bugda. Thermotolerance was associated with stronger antioxidant activation, enhanced DREB and HSP16.9 induction, and more coordinated FeSOD and MnSOD expression. The HSP16.9 protein accumulated after heat treatment, supporting its role as a stress-responsive molecular chaperone. Separate correlation analyses of tolerant and sensitive genotypes revealed stronger coordination among transcriptional, chaperone-related, and antioxidant markers in tolerant genotypes, whereas sensitive genotypes showed a more fragmented response. Microscopy further showed better preservation of chloroplast, mitochondrial, and mesophyll organization in the tolerant genotype relative to the sensitive counterpart, indicating integrated cellular protection. Together, these responses define a coordinated tolerance strategy that may guide the selection of heat-resilient wheat genotypes. Full article

Peroxisomes are essential metabolic organelles that support core aspects of cellular homeostasis. In the hepatocytes, peroxisomes govern key aspects of cellular homeostasis, including processing lipid substrates that are inadequately handled by mitochondria, controlling hydrogen peroxide metabolism, and regulating bile acid synthesis. Increasing evidence indicates that these organelles are not merely auxiliary metabolic compartments but active contributors to the development and progression of liver disease. Dynamic alterations in peroxisomal proteins and function are being noted. Across metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, alcohol-associated liver disease, cholestatic disorders, fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma, peroxisomes undergo remodeling that shows a change from adaptive reactions to maladaptive states. These changes perturb signaling pathways that regulate inflammation, stress responses, and cell fate. In addition, because peroxisomes operate within an interconnected organelle network, their dysfunction propagates to mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and other cellular systems, amplifying metabolic and cellular stress. This review summarizes current understanding of how peroxisomal pathways contribute to liver disease, highlighting mechanisms involving lipid accumulation, oxidative stress, and disrupted organelle crosstalk. How peroxisome-dependent control of circulating metabolites links hepatic injury to extrahepatic organ systems is further discussed. At the end, emerging therapeutic strategies for liver disease targeting peroxisomal pathways are discussed. Together, the emerging understanding of peroxisomal remodeling, metabolic regulation, organelle crosstalk, and inter-organ communication positions peroxisomes as active and dynamic regulators of liver disease and potential targets for therapeutic intervention. Full article