toxicity

Deltamethrin (DLM) is a widely used insecticide in agriculture; however, exposure to it can lead to serious health problems. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of hesperidin (HSP), a natural antioxidant, against DLM-induced liver toxicity.

Thirty-two male Wistar Albino rats (250–300 g, 4 months old) were divided into four groups. The control group received 1 ml of corn oil via oral gavage for 30 days. The DLM group received 1.28 mg/kg DLM in corn oil for 30 days. The DLM+HSP 100 mg/kg and DLM+HSP 300 mg/kg groups received 1.28 mg/kg DLM followed by 100 mg/kg or 300 mg/kg HSP in distilled water, respectively, 30 min after DLM administration for 30 days. Liver tissues were examined histopathologically. Masson’s trichrome staining and PCR assessed fibrosis. Caspase 3 and 9 expressions in liver tissues were determined by immunohistochemistry and PCR. Biochemical analyses were conducted on serum samples.

HSP supplementation led to a dose-dependent decrease in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. DLM exposure decreased antioxidant capacity, while HSP supplementation increased it dose-dependently. Histopathological evaluations showed increased liver damage in the DLM group, while HSP administration reduced liver toxicity. Masson’s trichrome staining and analysis of collagen I (COL1A1) and collagen III (COL3A1) gene expression revealed increased fibrosis in the DLM group, which was attenuated with HSP treatment.

The potential prevention of DLM-induced liver toxicity and apoptosis by HSP may be an alternative protective strategy.

 Aloe sinkatana is a Sudanese medicinal plant that grows naturally in Eastern Sudan in the Red Sea Mountains, mainly in the Sinkat area, where it is popularly used extensively by residents of the region to treat skin diseases. The present study was designed to investigate the toxicity of ethanolic extracts of Aloe sinkatana for topical application via acute dermal toxicity analyses.

Acute dermal toxicity was studied Based on the Economic Co-operation and Development Guidelines for the Testing of Chemicals by Appling 2000 mg/kg body weight of plant extract on the shaved area of dorsal skin of rats, only once on the first day of the study. The study period was set at 14 days, and all rats were observed every day for behavioral (salivation, tremors, convulsions, diarrhea, and lethargy) and respiratory alterations, as well as for mortality and changes in their fur, eyes, and mucous membranes.

Results showed, there were no poisonous symptoms or mortality throughout the trial period; there were also no changes in the eyes, mucous membranes, skin and fur, behavior patterns, salivation, lethargy, sleep, diarrhea, coma, or tremors. No significant alterations in behavior, skin impacts, respiration, inability to consume food or water, abnormal postural changes, or hair loss were observed in any of the rats.

This research presents the first report on the safety of topical application of Aloe sinkatana plant extract, supporting its application in traditional Sudanese medicine in treatment of multiple skin diseases especially for psoriasis. therefore, it has the potential to be developed into a suitable safe and effective pharmaceutical formula used to treat psoriasis.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of a hydro-alcoholic solution containing kopexil on hair growth, and growth factors, and to evaluate its skin penetration, as well as its potential toxic effects on the liver and kidneys in animal models.

Animal studies were conducted on mice over 28 days, involving minoxidil (positive control), kopexil (test), and negative control groups. Morphological characteristics of skin and hair were assessed. Levels of hair growth-promoting markers (HGF and VEGF) were determined through western blot analysis. Toxic effects were examined by isolating and weighing the kidneys and livers, followed by histological examination.

The kopexil group demonstrated significant increases in hair weight, follicle count, percentage of anagen hair, and hair growth compared to the minoxidil. Western blot analysis revealed higher expression levels of hair growth-promoting factors in the kopexil-treated group. No statistically significant differences in liver and kidney weights or noticeable morphological variations were observed in the toxicity tests across the groups.

The 5% (w/v) hydro-alcoholic solution containing kopexil proved to be an effective hair growth stimulator, influencing various factors. Its daily use can be considered a suitable treatment method for stimulating hair growth, given its improved effectiveness and ease of use for patients.

Graphene and its derived forms have surfaced as promising substances for a wide range of technological and biomedical purposes. However, it is crucial to evaluate their safety and potential risks to ensure their safe use. This systematic review examines the present state of knowledge regarding the toxicity of graphene oxide (GO) through in-vivo, in-vitro, and other species studies. The aim of this present research was to study toxicity outcomes of GO-coated materials. The literature search was conducted and most important electronic databases (20 studies) were checked and selected for the present study. The findings underscore the need for cautious consideration of GO’s potential risks, especially at high concentrations and prolonged exposures. Continued research efforts are essential to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms and to develop appropriate safety guidelines for the utilization of GO in various applications.

This study evaluated the high-sensitivity Troponin I (hs-TnI) activity in patients with rhabdomyolysis following acute intoxication with either psychotropic drugs or other chemical agents.

This study randomly recruited 140 patients suffering from rhabdomyolysis. They were divided into two groups affected by either psychotropic drugs or chemical agents. hs-TnI was measured in all patients with rhabdomyolysis three times (i.e., the first, third, and fifth days of hospitalization).

The mean hs-TnI values on the first, third, and fifth days were obtained at 27.7±78.3 µg/L, 43.7±135.9 µg/L, and 28.73±57.01g/L, respectively. On the third day of hospitalization, hs-TnI was significantly higher in all patients, compared to the fifth day. According to the intoxication agent on the first day, the highest values of hs-TnI were determined in methadone intoxications (N = 5) - 279.7 ± 190.7 µg / L, benzodiazepines (N = 3) - 213.9 ± 232.5 µg / L, other drugs (N = 1) - 138.4 µg / L. Analysis by the type of intoxication on the first, third, and fifth days showed that hs-TnI values were insignificantly higher in the psychotropic group, compared to the chemical group.

Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of increasing hs-TnI in patients with rhabdomyolysis due to acute intoxication. Elevated levels of hs-TnI in psychotropic intoxications were likely related to the specific etiologies, such as illicit substance use, while chemical intoxication was associated with the clinical outcome of intoxication.

Sodium metabisulfite (SMB) is widely used in the pharmaceutical and food industries for its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties; however, its potential to generate toxic oxidants raises concerns. This study aimed to investigate the structural alterations, blood parameters, and enzyme dynamics associated with SMB exposure in the liver and spleen of Wistar rats.

Twenty-four juvenile Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups consisting of six rats each: Group 1 (control) received 0.5mL normal saline; Group 2 was administered 100 mg/kg SMB; Group 3 received 300 mg/kg SMB; and Group 4 was given 500 mg/kg SMB. The administration was conducted orally over a period of 28 days, after which the rats were euthanized for tissue collection. Blood samples were obtained to analyze red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin (Hb) count, platelets (PLT) count, and white blood cell (WBC) count, while liver and spleen tissue samples were collected for alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransaminase (AST) assays, along with histopathological examination using haematoxylin and eosin staining.

In rats given SMB at 500mg/kg, RBC levels were significantly lower compared to the control and SMB 100 mg/kg groups. PLTs were significantly reduced in the SMB 300 mg/kg and 500mg/kg groups. No significant differences were observed in WBC and Hb levels. ALP, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase levels were significantly higher in rats given SMB at varying doses, with higher doses causing greater elevation. Liver histology revealed hepatocellular necrosis at 500 mg/kg, while spleen histology showed disrupted architecture at the same dose.

The study highlights significant hematological and hepatic effects of varying doses of SMB in rats, emphasizing potential toxicity and necessitating further safety assessments.

Alprazolam, a commonly prescribed benzodiazepine, poses risks of toxicity and severe withdrawal symptoms. There is an urgent need for a rapid and sensitive diagnostic method for detecting alprazolam poisoning.

This study aimed to detect alprazolam poisoning through Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis of saliva, addressing the need for a quick, cost-effective, and sensitive diagnostic method for poison control and differential diagnosis.

Saliva samples were collected from 45 individuals with benzodiazepine toxicity, therapeutic consumption, and normal health status, as well as from a control group. The samples were analyzed using FTIR spectroscopy. The resulting spectra were processed with OriginPro software, and statistical analyses were performed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and analysis of variance (ANOVA).

The average age of the studied population was approximately 45 years, with women being the most affected by poisoning. Fourier-transform infrared analysis revealed significant differences in the structure of lipids between poisoned individuals, therapeutic receivers, and healthy individuals (P < 0.0001).

Fourier-transform infrared analysis of saliva is a fast and accurate method for diagnosing alprazolam poisoning within minutes, enabling prompt and appropriate treatment during critical life-threatening situations. This non-invasive technique has the potential to guide treatment staff toward effective treatment options.

 Zinc oxide (ZnO) and titanium oxide (TiO2) nanoparticles are used on a commercial scale in many countries. Despite numerous studies on the toxicity of nanoparticles, few have addressed their toxicity in edible grains. The aim of this study was to investigate the growth inhibition of ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles on lentil, wheat, and bean seeds.

 The ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles were investigated using transmission electron microscopy. Different concentrations of ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles (0.1, 1, 10, 100, and 1000 mg/l) were prepared in distilled water for irrigation of lentil, wheat, and bean seeds. The seeds were irrigated three times a day for 8 consecutive days, with 3 ml of solution per irrigation. To determine the toxicity of nanoparticles, the number of germinated seeds was counted, and the stem lengths were measured using a caliper. Data were analyzed to calculate the 50% lethal concentration (LC50).

 Exposure to all concentrations of both nanoparticles resulted in growth reduction in lentil seeds. Bean seeds showed decreased growth with ZnO nanoparticles and increased growth with TiO2. Wheat seeds exhibited both growth increases and decreases at nanoparticle concentrations.

 This study showed that the toxic effect of nanoparticles depends on both the type of nanoparticle and the seeds. Furthermore, the concentration of nanoparticles plays a significant role in their toxicity. Therefore, more research is needed to explore the effects of different nanoparticles on plants in various growth environments to better understand their toxic effects on plant organs and their impact on plant growth and development.

Candida albicans is naturally present in the normal human flora. This microorganism changes into an opportunistic fungus due to imbalances in microbiome composition, especially in an impaired immune system condition. The few available antifungal classes, severe toxicity, side effects, high cost, and the emergence of drug resistance are some of the limitations that physicians have in prescribing antifungal drugs.

The current research aims to study the antifungal potential of the main compounds of Cuminum cyminum L. in inhibiting secreted aspartyl proteinase of C. albicans compared to fluconazole.

In silico techniques were employed in this study. The main biochemicals of C. cyminum were obtained and optimized. 2D and 3D structures of chemical compounds were retrieved from the ChemSpider database and HyperChem software respectively. Auto Dock Vina and Discovery Studio 2024 Client were done to detect the potent inhibitor against the enzyme's active site. Finally, the physicochemical and toxicity properties of inhibitors were obtained.

The results of Auto Dock Vina indicated that Apigenin-7-O- glucoside has 80 percent similarity with fluconazole in the potential inhibition and exhibited a high free binding energy (ΔGbind: -10.48 kcal/mol). 13 amino acid residues involved in the interaction between best ligand and receptor that are Thr221, Asp32, Asp218, Asp86, Gly34, Ile123, Tyr84, Gly85, Ile30, Ser35, Ala119, Ile216, and Lys193.

The present study affirmed that Apigenin-7-O- glucoside in C. cyminum could be a promising inhibitor against secreted aspartyl proteinase. However, there is still a need for clinical future investigations to support these findings.

Pain and inflammation are associated with numerous disorders, and many conventional treatments carry unwanted side effects. Plant-derived compounds like flavonoids play a significant role in alleviating such conditions by scavenging free radicals, chelating metal ions, or inhibiting radical-producing proteins. This study aimed to perform a preclinical pilot investigation of quercetin and its semisynthetic O-methylated derivatives to optimize their dose and establish their analgesic and anti-inflammatory efficacy using male Albino Wistar rats. For pilot study, the doses were selected according to OECD guideline 423. According to OECD guideline 423, doses of 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 g kg-1 were selected. Analgesic activity was assessed using the tail-flick method, while anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated with the Carrageenan-induced paw edema test. Diclofenac sodium (0.01 g kg-1) was used as the reference drug. Quercetin and its derivatives were tested at two optimized doses of 0.1 g kg-1 and 0.2 g kg-1. From the current pilot study, it was revealed that the selected standardized two doses (0.1 g per kilogram and 0.2 g per kilogram) of quercetin, its semisynthetic derivatives possessed significant activity in a dose-related pattern. The aforementioned approaches were conducted under a controlled and closely monitored environment, according to rigorous protocols for the ethical treatment of experimental animals, and with the explicit approval of the IAEC. The current investigation concluded that quercetin and its semisynthetic O-methylated derivatives had potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects when administered a dosage of 0.1 g per kilogram and 0.2 g per kilogram.

Environmental epidemiologic studies have identified many associations between human exposure to chemicals during pregnancy and maternal and child health outcomes. This study is a systematic review in which the impact of environmental hazards including kinetics and mechanisms of toxicity and ways of exposure to heavy metals on fetal health and fertility has been reviewed. Search in scientific sites and search engines including SID, Magiran, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, PubMed, Springer and, Scopus have been done using the desired keywords along with the review of sources that have provided the impact of environmental factors on fetal health and fertility. Finding of this review study point to several evidences that prenatal maternal exposure to heavy metals is related to fetal epigenomic changes, direct effects on reproductive potential, retards of fetal growth and, other risks during pregnancy. Accordingly, to achieve preventative processes including assessment, diagnosis and, planning for health promotion during pregnancy, developing national preventive guidelines to reduce exposure to heavy metals during pregnancy is inevitable.

 Plant alkaloids are naturally occurring nitrogen-containing chemicals with a wide range of therapeutic applications. They have been reported to cure a considerable number of illnesses, including cancer, diabetes, malaria, and heart dysfunction. This study sought to evaluate the impact of several plant alkaloids on hematological parameters in animals.

 The results of different plant extracts containing alkaloids in laboratory animals on hematological indices such as red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, hematocrit (Hct), white blood cell count, platelet count, and others using normal laboratory methods were gathered from scientific papers and databases using keywords such as plant alkaloids, alkaloid toxicity, hematological parameters, hematological changes, blood, and animals.

 Plant alkaloids identified through the search had different impacts on hematological indices. Some alkaloids raised RBC count, Hb concentration, and Hct, while others lowered these values. Platelet count was generally observed to increase, but there were exceptions. Certain alkaloids found in some plants have no substantial influence on hematological parameters.

 Plant alkaloids can cause various changes in hematological parameters in animals. These alterations might be useful or deleterious depending on the alkaloid and its concentration. Understanding these effects is essential for the safe and effective use of plant-based therapies.

Nanoparticles can be used in therapies by increasing drug delivery and radiosensitivity. In this study, we investigated the radio- and photo-sensitivity of the conjugation of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) and hollow gold nanoparticles (conjugate) on the KYSE cells.

After the determination of the dark toxicity of the therapeutic agent, the experiments were performed at three different radiation doses. Then, the photodynamic effect of each of group was analyzed at three optical doses.

There was no significant difference between the control and treatment groups in X-ray treatment. In the photodynamic therapy (PDT), a significant difference was noted between the control group and the treatment groups, particularly within the 5-ALA and conjugate groups. Notably, the conjugate group induced approximately 90% cell death.

The study found that the conjugate induced a cell death rate more than three times higher than that of free 5-ALA alone. Thus, it can be concluded that the conjugate serves as an effective delivery agent for 5-ALA and enhances tumor cell destruction following PDT.

Jatropha tanjorensis is a leafy vegetable widely consumed across Africa and is valued in folk medicine for its reputed blood-replenishing properties. This study aimed to bridge this research gap by assessing the acute oral toxicity, histopathological effects on vital organs, and chemo-suppressive antimalarial activity of J. tanjorensis leaf extracts, offering crucial insights into their therapeutic potential and safety profiles. Different extracts of J. tanjorensis leaves were obtained by sequential extraction via maceration. Acute oral toxicity was assessed using the limit test at a dose of 5000 mg/kg body weight of the experimental mice, following the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines (425) for rats and mice. Histopathological analysis of the livers and kidneys of mice exposed to the extracts was performed using standard protocols. The chemo-suppressive antimalarial activity was determined using a suppressive test model. Data analysis was conducted using GraphPad Prism version 9.3.1. The experimental mice exposed to J. tanjorensis leaf extracts exhibited no symptoms of toxicity, although one death was recorded across two groups. According to OECD guidelines, with fewer than three deaths observed, the LD50 of J. tanjorensis leaf extracts is estimated to exceed 5000 mg/kg body weight, indicating a high safety margin. Additionally, mice treated with the extracts showed slight weight gain, suggesting no adverse impact on overall health. Among the tested extracts, the ethyl acetate extract exhibited the highest chemo-suppressive antimalarial activity, achieving 80.7% inhibition of parasite growth in a dose-dependent manner, demonstrating its potential to suppress parasite proliferation during the early stages of infection. J. tanjorensis leaf extracts are promising candidates for further investigation as safe and effective antimalarial therapies, particularly for early-stage infections.

Glyphosate (GLP) and Aluminum phosphide (ALP) pesticides remain vital for managing pests and disease vectors in both agriculture and public health. However, humans may experience chronic exposure to complex mixtures of pesticides from diverse environmental or dietary sources. The potential effects of this exposure on humoral and cellular immune processes are yet to be fully understood. The expression and potential regulation of T cells, specifically CD4+ helper T cells and CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes, were evaluated in groups of male and female albino rats treated with oral distilled water; a low dose of glyphosate (1000 mg/kg/day); a high dose of glyphosate (3500 mg/kg/day); a low dose of ALP (1.1 mg/kg/day); and a high dose of ALP (5.0 mg/kg/day). This assessment was conducted using flow cytometry (Cyflow). The results indicated that the pre-exposure stage exhibited a CD4+ to CD8+ ratio of 2:1. Subsequently, there was a significant increase in CD8+ values at the first, second and third months after exposure to GLP and ALP (p<0.001 for all). Additionally, there was a notable reduction in CD4+ levels at the second and third months post-exposure (p=0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). This study identified a deregulation of the immune system characterized by a progressive immunosuppression of CD4 T cell counts, indicating a down regulation of antibody-mediated (humoral) immune responses alongside an up regulation of cytotoxic T cells. This phenomenon aligns with the animals' increasing exposure to the chemicals, showing no significant difference in the changes due to dosage across both sexes. The chronic effects of these cytotoxic actions could potentially lead to tissue damage or trauma, resulting in subsequent chronic inflammation.

Application of the nanomaterials to preparing X-ray shields and successfully treating multiresistant microorganisms has attracted great attention in modern life. This study aimed to prepare flexible silicone-based matrices containing Bi2O3, PbO, or Bi2O3/PbO nanoparticles and select a cost-effective, cytocompatible, and antibacterial/antifungal X-ray shield in clinical radiography. In this experimental study, we prepared the nanoparticles by the modified biosynthesis method and fabricated the X-ray shields containing 20 wt% of the nanoparticles. The X-ray attenuation percentage and Half Value Layer (HVL) of the shields were investigated for the photon energies in the range of 40-100 kVp in clinical radiography. The antibacterial/antifungal activities of the shields were evaluated using a colony count method for the gram-negative (Escherichia coli), and gram-positive (Enterococcus faecalis) bacteria, and Candida albicans fungus. The shield toxicity was investigated on A549 cells. The highest X-ray attenuation percentage and the lowest HVL were obtained using the shield containing Bi2O3 nanoparticles. Although all shields displayed antimicrobial activity, the shield containing Bi2O3/PbO nanoparticles showed the most effective reduction in the colony counts. Both X-ray shields containing nano Bi2O3 and Bi2O3/PbO demonstrated high cytocompatibility on A549 cells at a concentration as high as 500 µg/ml. The shield with PbO nanoparticles was also cytocompatible at a concentration of 50 µg/ml.   The best X-ray attenuation performance is attributed to the silicone-based matrix with nano Bi2O3; however, the flexible shield with Bi2O3/PbO nanoparticles can be cost-effective and cytocompatible with the best antibacterial/antifungal properties.

There is no doubt that Alzheimer disease (AD) is one of the most deadly and expensive diseases in the world today. It accounts for the majority of patients with dementia. The disease is caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors, and identifying effective environmental factors can play a significant role in controlling and preventing this disease. Heavy metals (HMs) can be ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin by the human body. As a result of HM accumulation in the body, many organs, including the nervous system, are adversely affected. Accordingly, memory, cognition, and learning functions may be negatively affected. In recent years, there has been considerable interest in the effect of HMs on AD, and several studies have examined how HMs affect brain function and AD. During this study, we will review these studies and examine how HMs may influence AD development. As a result of the limitations of traditional methods in identifying HM toxicity, this study discusses artificial intelligence (AI) and its advantages and limitations as a tool for determining HMs associated with AD.