Search Results (45)

Pesticide exposure is a plausible but incompletely characterized contributor to kidney injury. This review integrates current clinical, epidemiologic, experimental, and mechanistic evidence on pesticide-related nephrotoxicity, focusing on glyphosate-based herbicides, paraquat, organophosphate insecticides, and atrazine. A structured search of PubMed and Web of Science identified English-language studies published between January 2015 and February 2026. Of 635 records screened, 61 human studies were retained for full-text evaluation, and relevant animal, in vitro, and regulatory sources were additionally reviewed for mechanistic interpretation. Across pesticide classes, the proximal tubule emerged as the most consistent renal target, although downstream pathways differed, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, transporter disruption, endoplasmic reticulum stress, inflammation, apoptosis, ferroptotic signaling, and fibrotic remodeling. Human evidence was strongest for acute kidney injury following severe poisoning, whereas associations between chronic occupational or environmental exposure and chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease were more limited and heterogeneous. Biomarkers including kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), β₂-microglobulin, cystatin C, interleukin-18 (IL-18), cytochrome c, and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) often detected early tubular stress before abnormalities appeared in conventional renal indices. Overall, pesticide nephrotoxicity is best conceptualized as a spectrum of mechanism-specific tubular injury signatures, supporting a shift toward biomarker-informed early detection, improved hazard identification, and more mechanistically grounded risk assessment. Full article

Sensitive and on-site detection of pesticide residues remains a critical challenge for food safety, particularly in developing regions where rapid screening tools are urgently needed. Herein, we report a flexible surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) platform based on triangular silver nanoplates (TSNPs) integrated onto a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate, enabling sensitive and conformal detection of paraquat residues on agricultural surfaces. TSNPs were synthesized via a seed-mediated photochemical growth method and formulated into a TSNP ink, which was directly deposited onto oxygen-plasma-treated and thiol-functionalized PDMS substrates. Owing to the highly anisotropic geometry and sharp edges of TSNPs, the flexible SERS substrate exhibits strong localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) enhancement and mechanically stable electromagnetic hot spots. Systematic optimization of TSNP optical absorbance revealed that uniform nanoplate distribution and optimal hotspot density were achieved at an absorbance of 2.0. The SERS performance was evaluated using rhodamine 6G under front-side and back-side illumination configurations, demonstrating good signal reproducibility and a detection limit of approximately 10⁻⁵ M. Notably, back-side illumination through the PDMS layer provided superior SERS responses due to improved optical transmission and light–matter interaction. The practical applicability was further demonstrated through back-side SERS detection of paraquat on aluminum foil as a model surface, achieving a lowest detectable concentration of 5 × 10⁻⁶ M, followed by damage-free detection on Chinese pear peels. This work highlights a reliable and nondestructive flexible SERS platform for on-site pesticide residue monitoring. Full article

A lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) utilizing two types of marker conjugates—magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) with specific antibodies and gold nanoparticles (GNPs) with anti-species antibodies—was proposed and realized for the detection of the pesticide paraquat. In this assay, the MP conjugate is used to concentrate the target analyte from the tested sample and then to form labeled immune complexes at the test strip, while the GNP conjugate is then applied for the integration into the formed complexes in the binding zone. The magnetic preconcentration allows for working with large volumes of samples, and the following treatment by the GNP conjugate enhances the coloration by five times for reliable analyte revelation in lower concentrations. In the course of the assay implementation, its conditions have been optimized, and the efficiency of the paraquat determination in orange samples was confirmed. The achieved detection limits were 1.2–3.7 ng/mL for visual assessment and 0.12–0.48 ng/mL for the instrumental one, with paraquat detection rates ranging from 96% to 120%. The implementation of the assay in combination with the stage of magnetic concentration allows for the collection of paraquat from large volumes of samples and detects it in this way in concentrations up to two orders of magnitude smaller. Full article

This research focused on the synthesis of triangular silver nanoplates (TSNPs) with sharp corners using a photomediated seed growth method. The TSNPs produced had an average edge length of 27.2 ± 9.2 nm and a (110) crystalline plane structure. In terms of optical properties, the TSNPs displayed three key absorbance peaks at approximately 400 nm, 500 nm, and 660 nm, which correspond to out-of-plane dipolar resonance, in-plane quadrupolar resonance, and in-plane dipolar resonance, respectively. The prepared TSNP colloidal solutions served as surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)-active materials for detecting paraquat residue in aqueous samples. We optimized the mixing time of the liquid SERS with the sample, maintaining a 1:1 volume ratio. The findings showed a remarkable enhancement of the Raman signal with 10 min mixing time using laser excitation at a wavelength of 785 nm. This study achieved the development of novel SERS-active substrates capable of detecting pesticides with excellent accuracy, sensitivity, and reproducibility for both qualitative and quantitative analysis in tap water, river water, drinking water, and cannabis water. Additionally, it paved the way for using the SERS technique as a promising approach in the areas of food safety and environmental monitoring, especially in the organic farming field. Full article

Phlorizin (PHZ) is a glucoside of phloretin, belonging to the dihydrochalcone class within flavonoids; It is one of the active ingredients of the plant Cynomorium, and it has been shown that PHZ can regulate lipid metabolism disorders as well as having anti-aging properties. However, no studies have investigated whether PHZ ameliorates Aβ-induced toxicity in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) by regulating fatty acid β-oxidation. This study aims to investigate the effects of PHZ on the regulation of fatty acid β-oxidation and resistance to Aβ-associated toxicity on the AD Caenorhabditis elegans and the mechanisms of action. Wild-type N2 and AD model CL4176 C. elegans were used; lifespan, heat stress resistance, chronic paraquat stress, reactive oxygen species (ROS), behavioral performance, and lipofuscin accumulation assays were examined to evaluate the anti-aging effects; and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), triglyceride (TG) and lipidomic contents were quantified after PHZ treatment. The detection of genes related to fatty acid β-oxidation pathways was performed using qRT-PCR. nhr-49 knockout mutant RB1716; and GFP-binding mutants PMD150 WBM170 were used to observe the effect of PHZ on NHR-49 pathways, and molecular docking studies were performed by combining PHZ with NHR-49 proteins. Results showed that PHZ improved worms’ survival and delayed senescence, as demonstrated by enhanced performance in lifespan, heat stress, ROS, and paraquat assays and chronic paraquat assays; PHZ also reduced lipid accumulation in worms, affected the unsaturated fatty acid pathway, and significantly increased the expression of fatty acid metabolism-related genes nhr-49, acs-2, and cpt-5, and can be tightly coupled to NHR-49 targets. PHZ may play an anti-Aβ toxicity role by regulating lipid metabolism disorders through the NHR-49—related pathway and anti-aging in AD worms. Full article

Microphysiological systems (MPS) incorporating microfluidic technologies offer improved physiological relevance and real-time analysis for cell-based assays, but often lack non-invasive monitoring capabilities. Addressing this gap, we developed a microfluidic cell-based assay platform integrating an electrochemical biosensor for real-time, non-invasive monitoring of kinetic cell status through glucose consumption. The platform addresses the critical limitations of traditional cell assays, which typically rely on invasive, discontinuous methods. By combining enzyme-modified platinum electrodes within a microfluidic device, our biosensor can quantify dynamic changes in glucose concentration resulting from cellular metabolism. We have integrated a calibration function that corrects sensor drift, ensuring accurate and prolonged short-term measurement stability. In the validation experiments, the system successfully monitored glucose levels continuously for 20 h, demonstrating robust sensor performance and reliable glucose concentration predictions. Furthermore, in the cell toxicity assays using HepG2 cells exposed to varying concentrations of paraquat, the platform detected changes in glucose consumption, effectively quantifying the cellular toxicity responses. This capability highlights the device’s potential for accurately assessing the dynamic physiological conditions of the cells. Overall, our integrated platform significantly enhances cell-based assays by enabling continuous, quantitative, and non-destructive analysis, positioning it as a valuable tool for future drug development and biomedical research. Full article

In recent years, the health benefits of lactic acid bacteria have garnered attention, but their antioxidant activity remains relatively underexplored. We have been analyzing the antioxidant activities of various dietary phytochemicals by assessing their ability to mitigate oxidative stressor-induced toxicity in zebrafish larvae through pretreatment. In this study, the antioxidant activities of 24 strains of heat-killed lactic acid bacteria from various origins were examined using this zebrafish assay system. The results revealed that all 24 strains possessed antioxidant activity that reduces hydrogen peroxide toxicity. Further detailed analysis using the H61 strain, which exhibited the strongest activity, showed that no direct antioxidant activity was observed in the assay system, suggesting that the detected antioxidant activity was entirely indirect. Moreover, it was found that pretreatment of zebrafish larvae with the H61 strain for more than 6 h was required to exert its antioxidant activity. This duration was similar to that required by dietary antioxidants that activate the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway, suggesting potential involvement of this pathway. However, analysis using Nrf2-knockout zebrafish revealed that the antioxidant activity of strain H61 is independent of Nrf2, indicating that it represents a novel indirect antioxidant activity that does not involve the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway. To further characterize this activity, the ability to mitigate the toxicity of oxidative stressors other than hydrogen peroxide was examined. The results indicated that while the toxicity of tert-butyl hydroperoxide was reduced, unlike with the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway, it was not effective in counteracting the toxicity of paraquat or arsenite, which generate superoxide radicals. In conclusion, we have identified a novel indirect antioxidant activity in lactic acid bacteria. Full article

The herbicide paraquat (PQ) is responsible for a significant number of fatalities resulting from self-poisoning. Nevertheless, only a limited number of comprehensive studies focusing on fatal PQ poisoning, which include examination of autopsy findings, histopathology, and quantitative analysis of post-mortem samples, have been published. This study aimed to evaluate autopsy findings, histopathology, and quantitative analysis of PQ in post-mortem human serum samples using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), a simple, sensitive, and specific method. Autopsies were performed on all deaths due to PQ poisoning, and serum samples were sent to the toxicology laboratory for chemical analysis. The method was successfully applied to seven human serum samples, and the results indicate its reliability for detecting PQ. The study reports fatal serum PQ levels ranging from 0.5 to 372.0 µg/mL. The comprehensive data presented in this study can be useful for further research and practical applications. Full article

Direct testing of pesticide contaminants in drinking water is a challenge. Portable and sensitive sensor platforms are desirable to test water contaminants directly at farm and consumer levels. In this study, we have demonstrated the feasibility of an electrochemical sensor for the direct detection of paraquat (PQ) in drinking water samples. An immunoassay-based sensing platform was fabricated using PQ-specific antibody immobilized on the surface of the electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (rGO) modified screen-printed carbon electrode (rGO-SPCE). Using non-faradaic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) as a detection tool, the sensor platform demonstrated a dynamic response for PQ concentration in drinking water ranging from 0.05 ng/mL to 72.9 ng/mL (0.19 to 243.8 nM), with a coefficient of determination (r²) of 0.997 and a limit of detection of 0.05 ng/mL (0.19 nM). Percentage recovery within ±20% error was obtained, and the sensor cross-reactivity test showed a selective response against glyphosate antigen. With the flexibility to use single-frequency EIS and low sample volume, the developed sensor demonstrated testing in water samples directly without any sample pre-processing. This low-volume electroanalytical sensor platforms can be translated into portable testing tools for the detection of various water contaminants. Full article

A spectral image analysis has the potential to replace traditional approaches for assessing plant responses to different types of stresses, including herbicides, through non-destructive and high-throughput screening (HTS). Therefore, this study was conducted to develop a rapid bioassay method using a multi-well plate and spectral image analysis for the diagnosis of herbicide activity and modes of action. Crabgrass (Digitaria ciliaris), as a model weed, was cultivated in multi-well plates and subsequently treated with six herbicides (paraquat, tiafenacil, penoxsulam, isoxaflutole, glufosinate, and glyphosate) with different modes of action when the crabgrass reached the 1-leaf stage, using only a quarter of the recommended dose. To detect the plant’s response to herbicides, plant spectral images were acquired after herbicide treatment using RGB, infrared (IR) thermal, and chlorophyll fluorescence (CF) sensors and analyzed for diagnosing herbicide efficacy and modes of action. A principal component analysis (PCA), using all spectral data, successfully distinguished herbicides and clustered depending on their modes of action. The performed experiments showed that the multi-well plate assay combined with a spectral image analysis can be successfully applied for herbicide bioassays. In addition, the use of spectral image sensors, especially CF images, would facilitate HTS by enabling the rapid observation of herbicide responses at as early as 3 h after herbicide treatment. Full article

Cyperus rotundus L. exhibits promising potential for the development of functional foods due to its documented pharmacological and biological activities. This study investigated the antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties of C. rotundus kombucha. The results demonstrated potent antioxidant activity with an IC₅₀ value of 76.7 ± 9.6 µL/mL for the DPPH assay and 314.2 ± 16.9 µL/mL for the ABTS assay. Additionally, the kombucha demonstrated alpha-glucosidase inhibitory with an IC₅₀ value of 142.7 ± 5.2 µL/mL. This in vitro antioxidant potential was further validated in vivo using Drosophila. Drosophila fed a high-sugar diet and supplemented with pure kombucha revealed significant increases in DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging activity. Drosophila on a high-sugar diet supplemented with varying kombucha concentrations manifested enhanced resistance to oxidative stresses induced by H₂O₂ and paraquat. Concurrently, there was a notable decline in lipid peroxidation levels. Additionally, significant upregulations in CAT, SOD1, and SOD2 activities were observed when the high-sugar diet was supplemented with kombucha. Furthermore, in vivo assessments using Drosophila demonstrated significant reductions in alpha-glucosidase activity when fed with kombucha (reduced by 34.04%, 13.79%, and 11.60% when treated with 100%, 40%, and 10% kombucha, respectively). A comprehensive GC-MS and HPLC analysis of C. rotundus kombucha detected the presence of antioxidative and anti-glucosidase compounds. In conclusion, C. rotundus kombucha exhibits considerable antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties, demonstrating its potential as a beneficial beverage for health promotion. Full article

This research aims to study flexible sensors based on a poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) biodegradable polymer and graphite. Sensors were modified through the layer-by-layer (LbL) technique to improve their electrochemical behavior for paraquat (PQ) detection. Nanostructured films were obtained by alternating layers of anionic and cationic materials, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and polypyrrole (PPY), respectively. The devices, with and without modification, were characterized by contact angle, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Electrochemical characterization was labeled via cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). PQ molecules were detected using the differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) technique in a concentration range of 0.1 to 2.1 µM. The sensor detection limit (LOD) was obtained using the analytical curve, with it being equal to 0.073 µM. The LbL film gPBAT(PPY/CNT)_n sensor showed good stability, reproducibility, and repeatability, with recovery values ranging from 99.4% to 109.3% for PQ when the analyzed samples were contaminated with tap water. The produced electrodes have the advantage of being flexible, disposable, reproducible, and of low manufacturing cost, which makes them attractive for portable environmental analysis. Full article

An optical sensor based on pyranine immobilized on aminopropyl-modified mesoporous silica films was developed for paraquat detection in aqueous solutions. An electrochemically assisted self-assembly method was used to deposit mesoporous silica film on fluorine-doped tin oxide glass. The obtained films were modified with various concentrations of 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES) before the immobilization of pyranine. Cyclic voltammetry, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and fluorescence spectroscopy were used to characterize the films. Pyranine-immobilized films gave an emission at 506 nm with an excitation at 450 nm. The fluorescence signal was quenched in the presence of paraquat. The films modified with 3% APTES provided the optimum response to paraquat. The developed films had a linear response to paraquat in the concentration range of 1 to 10 ppm at the optimum conditions, with a detection limit of 0.80 ppm. The developed method was used to quantify paraquat in sugarcane peel and tap water samples with satisfactory results. Full article

Glyphosate, the most applied herbicide globally, offers effective non-selective and post-emergent weed control. Evolution of herbicide-resistant weeds is commonly associated with the recurrent application of herbicides with the same mode of action. Native to South America, hairy fleabane (Erigeron bonariensis L.) is the most problematic weed in this sub-continent and has previously been confirmed glyphosate resistant. This research aimed at characterizing glyphosate-resistant populations, thus estimating the frequency of resistance, resistance levels and identifying effective herbicide alternatives to control glyphosate-resistant populations. Glyphosate resistance characterization was initially conducted on ten suspected populations collected in plantain, banana, cassava, passionfruit, papaya, and drybean crops. Two resistant populations were selected and further characterized through dose-response tests; in addition, response to alternative herbicides (paraquat, glufosinate, 2,4-D, pyraflufen-ethyl, and mesotrione) was determined. All surveyed hairy fleabane populations survived (≥80% of individuals) the recommended glyphosate rate of 1080 g ae ha⁻¹; conversely, five populations collected from non-cropping areas were effectively controlled at this same rate. Dose-response tests estimated resistance factors of 3.15- to 22.3-fold versus the most susceptible population. Interestingly, resistance profile and dose-response tests detected hormesis responses at field-recommended rates. The most effective herbicide alternatives to control glyphosate-resistant hairy fleabane were pyraflufen-ethyl and mesotrione. Full article

Paraquat (PQ) and diquat (DQ), some of the most widely used herbicides in the world, both present a high mortality index after intentional exposure. In this paper, a fluorescence sensing method for PQ and DQ, based on host–guest molecular recognition, is proposed. Calix[6]arene derivatives containing anthracene or naphthalene as pendant fluorophore at their lower rim recognize DQ and PQ in hydroalcoholic solution with a broad linear response range at the μg L⁻¹ level concentration. The linear response ranges were found from 1.0 to 18 μg L⁻¹ with the detection limit of 31 ng L⁻¹ for paraquat, and from 1.0 to 44 μg L⁻¹ with the detection limit of 0.16 μg L⁻¹ for diquat. The recognition process is detected by following the decrease in the fluorescence emission consequent to complexation. The proposed quenching method has been applied to the determination of paraquat in drinking water samples. Full article