Food Safety

J Mol Histol. 2025 Aug 23;56(5):278. doi: 10.1007/s10735-025-10554-9.

ABSTRACT

Cypermethrin (CYP), a common synthetic pyrethroid pesticide, is associated with oxidative stress-mediated female reproductive toxicity. With increasing concern over reproductive failures, exploring natural alternatives to mitigate this problem is crucial. For this purpose, thirty-six female SD rats were divided into six different (n = 6) groups such as negative control (group I), while disease control (group II) was treated to CYP-induced toxicity. Group III received 5 mg/kg Clomiphene Citrate, a standard drug, and groups IV, V, and VI were subjected with Kaempferol (KAE) dosage of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, respectively, for 14 days after induction of toxicity. CYP exposure significantly impaired the fertility status of female rats, disrupted the estrous cycle, altered ovarian and uterine coefficients. It also reduced antioxidant enzyme activity while elevating malondialdehyde levels. KAE supplementation effectively reversed these changes by restoring fertility status, normalizing antioxidant enzyme activity and reducing MDA levels, and improving ovarian and uterine coefficients. Histopathological analysis revealed preserved uterine and ovarian integrity in KAE-treated groups. Furthermore, KAE regulated the mRNA expression of key apoptotic and oxidative stress markers including Bcl2, Bax, caspase-3, caspase-9, and Nrf2. Further, gene ontological study revealed that these genes are involved in apoptotic signaling, immune homeostasis and neuronal regulation due to strong enrichment in mitochondrial and protease related function. Molecular docking analysis demonstrated that KAE exhibited significantly, inhibit Nrf2-KEAP1 bonding compared to Clomiphene citrate, indicated by well docking score. It is concluded that KAE holds therapeutic potential as a safe, natural alternative to combat CYP induced oxidative stress, apoptosis, and reproductive toxicity.

PMID:40848074 | DOI:10.1007/s10735-025-10554-9

J Hazard Mater. 2025 Aug 18;497:139600. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.139600. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Drosophila melanogaster is increasingly utilized in environmental risk assessment due to its genetic versatility, biological relevance, and cost-effectiveness. It plays a key role in toxicological studies of emerging environmental pollutants, including microplastics, nanomaterials, and personal pharmaceuticals. Its utility also offers insights into hazard identification of traditional pollutants, unraveling toxicological mechanisms, and identifying molecular targets for public health interventions. Here we highlight the diverse applications of Drosophila in toxicological studies of various pollutants, including heavy metals, pesticides, industrial chemicals, pharmaceuticals, nanomaterials, and microplastics, underlining its role in hazard identification, biomarker discovery, and mechanistic toxicology. By integrating findings from various domains, this article underscores the significance of Drosophila in advancing environmental toxicology and fostering effective pollution mitigation strategies. Particular attention is given to its application in evaluating phenotypic, molecular, and behavioral endpoints relevant to pollutant exposure. Hazard identification in Drosophila primarily focuses on phenotypic assessments, such as survival rates, dietary changes, lifespan, aging, sleep quality, and reproductive health, to evaluate the toxicological effects of environmental contaminants. Drosophila has proven invaluable in biomarker discovery and advancing our understanding of toxicokinetics and bioaccumulation processes for various pollutants. We also discuss emerging trends, including the integration of omics technologies and its potential in high-throughput screening. Despite its many advantages, challenges remain, such as limited translational relevance to human systems, strain-specific responses, and gaps in mechanistic understanding. Addressing these issues will be critical for maximizing the impact of Drosophila-based research in environmental health science.

PMID:40845575 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.139600

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2025 Aug 21;303:118854. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118854. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Environmental xenobiotics comprising a wide array of natural and synthetic chemicals are an escalating global health concern due to their persistent presence in ecosystems and their profound impact on human liver health. The liver, as the body's principal detoxification organ, is especially vulnerable to these substances, which are commonly encountered through ingestion, inhalation, or dermal exposure. This review systematically categorizes key classes of environmental xenobiotics, including aflatoxins, alcohol, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), pesticides, heavy metals, bisphenol A (BPA), aristolochic acids, cyanotoxins, and nitrosamines, based on their sources and chemical properties. Drawing from both human and experimental studies, we examine a spectrum of hepatic outcomes ranging from steatosis, fibrosis, and cholestatic injury to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and drug-induced liver injury (DILI). Evidence from recent cohort studies and in vivo models highlights that even low-dose, chronic exposures can lead to subtle yet progressive liver dysfunction, often modulated by host factors such as sex, age, diet, and pre-existing metabolic conditions. Mechanistically, xenobiotics exert hepatotoxic effects through pathways including cytochrome P450-mediated bioactivation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial impairment, DNA damage, inflammation, and immune dysregulation. We further explore how these chemicals disrupt critical signaling pathways involving nuclear receptors such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), ultimately interfering with lipid homeostasis and bile acid metabolism. Additionally, the role of the gut-liver axis emerges as a crucial mediator, with alterations in gut microbiota composition influencing xenobiotic bioavailability and hepatic inflammation. Co-exposure scenarios, such as concurrent infections with hepatitis B or C viruses, appear to amplify liver injury, highlighting the complexity of environmental and biological interactions in liver disease pathogenesis. Taken together, this review underscores the urgent need for interdisciplinary research spanning toxicology, epidemiology, and systems biology to better understand the multifaceted effects of xenobiotics on liver health. These insights are critical to inform public health policies, refine risk assessment frameworks, and develop targeted interventions to mitigate liver-related morbidity and mortality associated with environmental exposures.

PMID:40845633 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118854

Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2025 Aug 20;504:117523. doi: 10.1016/j.taap.2025.117523. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

A broad range of anthropogenic chemicals have been reported to display estrogenic (ER) or antiandrogenic bioactivity using high throughput screening (HTS) in vitro assays. Some regulatory agencies have developed tiered in vitro - in vivo endocrine screening batteries in which positive in vitro results automatically "trigger" studies with laboratory animals. Since in vitro assays can produce a number of false positive and false negative results, automatically triggering in vivo testing could result in the unnecessary use of animals and other resources. The in vitro false positive rate may be particularly high with reported AR antagonists, because many nonspecific mechanisms can disrupt competitive AR dose-response assays such that chemicals falsely appear to be competitive AR ligands. In the current investigation, we illustrated the utility of in vitro Schild regression to interrogate the in vitro ER and/or anti-AR bioactivity of pesticides which were positive in HTS ER or AR models. Schild regression discriminates chemicals that act as true competitive receptor ligands from those that disrupt signaling via noncompetitive mechanisms. The chemicals studied included seven pesticides listed by EPA as high priority for in vivo ER or anti-AR testing and two pesticides listed as low priority, as well as 17β-estradiol (E2) and hydroxyflutamide (OHF) as ER and anti-AR reference ligands. Two out of four pesticides tested for ER agonist activity were cytotoxic, and four out of seven pesticides tested for AR antagonist activity, plus OHF, were true competitive AR antagonists (two true positives and two false negatives). Herein, we propose a tiered strategy that includes a more in-depth analysis of in vitro bioactivity using Schild regression to determine if HTS or other in vitro bioactivity data results from true competitive receptor antagonism or some nonspecific mechanism. This strategy could reduce unnecessary in vivo testing for chemicals that are not AR antagonists in vitro.

PMID:40846137 | DOI:10.1016/j.taap.2025.117523

J Hazard Mater. 2025 Aug 14;497:139562. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.139562. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The global rise of environmental contaminants (ECs), including microplastics, heavy metals, pesticides, and drugs, poses an urgent threat to human health. Traditional toxicological models often fail to replicate human-specific responses, delaying effective risk assessment and regulation. Conversely, human organoid models represent a breakthrough in environmental health research by offering unprecedented physiological relevance. Hence, this review highlights the potential role of human organoids in ECs toxicity assessment. Results showed that current studies primarily focus on drugs, while perfluorinated compounds, solvents and dietary toxicants remain understudied. A major shortcoming is the overreliance on acute, high-dose exposure models that fail to mimic real-world situations. Thus, incorporating chronic, low-dose exposures is essential for ecological and regulatory relevance. Regarding the model, induced pluripotent stem cell derived organoids are the most used, while adult stem cell- and patient-derived models remain underutilized despite their potential for clinical research. Also, standardization challenges, especially variability in organoid architecture, cellular diversity, and reproducibility, continue to limit their broad application. Mechanistic insights reveal that ECs disrupt key signaling pathways (Wnt/β-catenin, MAPK, Notch, BMP, p53) inducing altered cell differentiation, inflammation, structural changes and apoptosis. As regards the assays, reliance on the conventional ones restricts molecular depth. Indeed, advanced multi-omics and AI-driven analyses remain underexploited, despite their promise for environmental toxicology. To accelerate progress, future efforts must integrate low and chronic exposure with multi-organoid platforms and AI-based profiling to better capture systemic and tissue specific responses to ECs. Doing so will revolutionize hazard assessment and support more effective environmental health policies worldwide.

PMID:40840045 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.139562

J Hazard Mater. 2025 Aug 19;497:139542. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.139542. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Triphenyltin hydroxide (TPTH) is an organotin fungicide that causes endocrine disruption and reproductive malformation in aquatic organisms. The objectives of this study were to determine the photodegradation kinetics, identify the transformation products, and measure the residual toxicity of TPTH during UV-254 and UV-H₂O₂ treatment. The quantum yield of TPTH was 0.18 ± 0.02 mol Ein^-1 for direct photolysis at 254 nm. The effects of pH (4-10), ionic strength (0.001-0.1 M), and photosensitizers (hydrogen peroxide, dissolved organic matter) on TPTH photodegradation were evaluated to simulate environmental conditions and treatment scenarios. Solution pH and ionic strength had a negligible influence on TPTH degradation kinetics. However, TPTH degradation was enhanced in the UV-H₂O₂ process due to reaction with hydroxyl radicals. The second-order rate constant for TPTH reaction with hydroxyl radicals was (7.81 ± 0.37)× 10⁸ M^-1 s^-1. The primary phototransformation products involved hydroxylation of the phenyl groups in TPTH. The toxicity of TPTH and its phototransformation products were measured using a novel bacterial growth inhibition assay with the potency equivalents approach, and the results indicated that both direct photolysis and advanced oxidation generated toxic products. Overall, this study highlighted the need for advanced treatment systems for organotin chemicals and careful consideration of the photoproduct toxicity.

PMID:40834541 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.139542

Sci Total Environ. 2025 Aug 19;998:180253. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.180253. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Backyard chicken eggs are widely consumed worldwide, while they are also used as pollution bio-indicators for different groups of chemicals. In this study, home-produced eggs were collected from 17 chicken coops around Greece and analyzed for 46 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), heavy metals, pesticide, and pharmaceutical residues. The number of PFAS detected per sample ranged from 17 to 24, while the mean concentration of Σ₄₆PFAS was 7.67 μg/kg ww. Perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids contributed to 43 % of the total concentration, followed by perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (26 %) and perfluoroalkanelsulfonamides (16 %). Polyfluoroethercarboxylic acids, polyfluoroethersulfonic acids, and perfluoro alkyl phosphonic acids were detected occasionally and at low concentrations. Concerning the occurrence of individual PFAS, the highest mean concentrations were detected for PFOS (0.996 μg/kg ww), PFHxS (0.799 μg/kg ww), and PFBA (0.742 μg/kg ww). LC-QTOF-MS analysis indicated the co-presence of 6 pesticides and 5 pharmaceuticals in collected samples. Among pesticides, dinoterb and N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) were found in all samples. DEET had the highest average concentration (8.25 μg/kg ww). Oxolinic acid was the most often detected pharmaceutical, with an average concentration of 1.03 μg/kg ww. The concentrations of heavy metals were low, and did not pose a threat to public health. In contrast, significant health concerns were raised due to the presence of PFAS, only 8 out of 17 samples were compliant to the limit set by the EU for eggs, while the mean PFAS weekly intake through eggs for adolescents and elderly exceeded EFSA's tolerable weekly intake.

PMID:40834524 | DOI:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.180253

Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess. 2025 Aug;42(8):1121-1129. doi: 10.1080/19440049.2025.2536262. Epub 2025 Jul 25.

ABSTRACT

The goal of this study was to investigate the occurrence and levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in meat, poultry, catfish and eggs from the US market. To this aim, 86 food samples were purchased from grocery stores around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA and tested for 74 PFAS, including legacy and emerging PFAS, short-chain alternatives, precursors, and breakdown products. The method detection limits were 0.002-8 ng/g, depending on matrix and analyte. For beef, chicken, pork, and eggs, 10 samples each from conventional and organic production were tested. No PFAS were detected in eggs, chicken, and pork samples. PFOS was found in 25% of the tested beef samples at 0.057 - 0.145 ng/g wet weight, below the maximum level established by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Twelve PFAS (FBSA, FOSA, C₉ - C₁₆ PFCA, PFOS, and PFDS) were found in one catfish sample with a total amount of 1.8 ng/g wet weight, dominated by PFOS (52% of the total amount). The highest level of PFOS measured in catfish (0.94 ng/g) was below the EFSA maximum level of 7 ng/g. However, calculated estimated weekly intake values for this catfish sample were nearly equal to the EFSA tolerable weekly intake value of 4.4 ng/kg body weight/week. Detection of PFAS precursors highlights the need to include these PFAS in future monitoring efforts. The information generated on PFAS occurrence and levels contributes to our understanding of the presence of these contaminants in US foods and helps to estimate the contribution of diet to overall human exposure to PFAS.

PMID:40834330 | DOI:10.1080/19440049.2025.2536262

mBio. 2025 Aug 18:e0179825. doi: 10.1128/mbio.01798-25. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

There is intense interest in biodegrading fluorinated pesticides and other commercial products, some of which are per- and poly-fluorinated alkyl substances, or PFAS. Enzymatic carbon-fluorine bond cleavage via hydrolytic, reductive, and eliminative mechanisms generates an organic product, fluoride anion, and a proton. Biodegradation is typically determined by tracking the organic product using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) or the anion determined by a fluoride-specific electrode. Here, we monitored the protons that are produced. A pH indicator method was developed using a hydrolytic defluorinase from Delftia acidovorans strain B in purified form or expressed recombinantly in Pseudomonas putida ATCC 12633. The method was also shown to be effective with P. putida F1 catalyzing oxygenative defluorination with α,α,α-trifluorotoluene. P. putida ATCC 12633 strains expressing different recombinant defluorinases showed differential growth and coloration on agar plates containing bromothymol blue and a fluorinated substrate. A purified defluorinase with a high pH optimum was assayed using the pH indicator m-cresol purple to identify six new substrates, one of which is a PFAS. LC-MS and fluoride electrode determinations require a single sample work-up and milliliter volumes. The proton monitoring methods described here can be performed in a microliter high-throughput format. It can also be used in solid matrices such as hydrogels. Although less rigorously quantitative than the single determination methods, rapid screening methods as described here are currently needed by researchers seeking to identify and characterize new microbes and enzymes able to biodegrade commercially relevant PFAS.IMPORTANCEFluorinated compounds are widespread as pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and legacy chemicals. Human health and ecosystem health problems arise from exposure to these chemicals. Currently, there is great interest in reducing exposure via bioremediation, and this is spurring efforts in screening for C-F bond-cleaving microbes and enzymes. C-F bond cleavage produces fluoride and a proton. Fluoride determination is difficult in many matrices and involves milliliter volumes and single-sample determinations. Here, proton release by enzymes and microbes was monitored on agar, in hydrogels, and in a microliter liquid high-throughput screening format. Six new substrates were identified for one microbial defluorinase enzyme.

PMID:40823825 | DOI:10.1128/mbio.01798-25

Cardiovasc Toxicol. 2025 Aug 17. doi: 10.1007/s12012-025-10054-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are exogenous compounds that interfere with the normal functioning of the endocrine system. This effect is crucial for maintaining hormonal balance and regulating various physiological processes. Phthalates, parabens, and triclosan are EDCs found in many personal care products (make-up, shampoo, perfume, shaving foam, moisturizing cream, hair dyes, deodorant), plastics, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and household cleaning products, and can be inhaled or absorbed by the body through inhalation or skin contact. Atherosclerosis is a major cause of cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. While traditional risk factors for atherosclerosis, such as high cholesterol, hypertension, and smoking, have been extensively studied, emerging evidence suggests that EDCs may also play a significant role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Several potential mechanisms have been proposed to explain how EDCs contribute to atherosclerosis. One mechanism involves the activation of nuclear receptors, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) and estrogen receptors (ERs), by EDCs. Activation of these receptors can lead to dysregulation of lipid metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress, all of which are key processes in atherosclerosis development. EDCs have been shown to disrupt endothelial function through various mechanisms. Some of these mechanisms are the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free oxygen radicals, and impaired nitric oxide (NO) production by EDCs. This literature review aims to explore the current understanding of the role of EDCs in atherosclerosis.

PMID:40820178 | DOI:10.1007/s12012-025-10054-y

Bioresour Technol. 2025 Aug 14:133158. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2025.133158. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Traditional agricultural techniques for the growth of agricultural demands and global population, such as polyethylene mulch film (PEMF) and herbicide, result in the problems of white pollution and herbicide contamination. Meanwhile, food waste is also a growing problem, producing millions of tons of discarded bread every year. Therein, waste bread was humified into fulvic-like acid (FLA) and K⁺-enriched bread crumb, and then it was mixed with talc powder, gelatin, glycerol, and atrazine (ATZ) to prepare a biodegradable mulch film (FTGG@ATZ) through molecular interaction. FTGG@ATZ not only had moisture retention and thermal warming effects similar to PEMF, but also possessed comparable hydrophobicity and flexibility. Besides, the final release of FLA and ATZ from FTGG@ATZ reached 94 % and 88 %, which had dual functions of slow-release multinutrient and herbicide. Furthermore, pot experiment demonstrated that FTGG@ATZ could effectively increase the yields of corn by 121.7 % and 37.8 % compared with Blank and PEMF groups, and increase weed inhibition ratio by 70 % compared to ATZ only. Notably, FTGG@ATZ showed an outstanding degradability with a rate of 74.5 % within a month and increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria (such as Bacillus). Additionally, earthworms experiment indicated that FTGG@ATZ had a high biosafety and could improve soil quality. Thus, the innovation of this study is the successful preparation of biodegradable mulch film through waste bread to realize the integration of fertilizer, pesticide, and film. It also provides a facile and viable strategy to mitigate the problems of plastic and herbicide pollution as well as food waste.

PMID:40818725 | DOI:10.1016/j.biortech.2025.133158

Environ Int. 2025 Aug 11;203:109723. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2025.109723. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Upon exposure, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) accumulate in the body. One-time point measurement of POPs plasma concentrations can reflect body burden. This study aimed to assess whether maternal factors including age, breastfeeding, and weight, influence changes in plasma concentrations of POPs in women during critical periods of physical changes from pregnancy to 15-60 months after delivery.

METHODS: Ninety-nine self-identified Hispanic women who were diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and originally enrolled in the GDM cohort study in 1993-1995 were included in this study. Plasma concentrations of 21 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 7 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), 5 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexabromobiphenyl (BB153), and 6 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were quantified in archived samples collected in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy and post-delivery (81.8 % were from 15 months after delivery, the rest were from 30-60 months post-delivery). Multivariable linear regression was used to analyze associations of maternal factors such as weight change, age and breastfeeding status after delivery with changes in POPs concentrations from 3rd trimester of pregnancy to the post-delivery visit.

RESULTS: From pregnancy to post-delivery period, plasma concentrations of 4 PBDEs and 6 PFAS significantly increased, while those of 20 PCBs, all OCPs and BB153 significantly decreased (all p-values < 0.05). Additionally, older age and breastfeeding after delivery were significantly associated with greater reduction in concentrations of PCBs, OCPs, and BB153 from pregnancy to the post-delivery period, whereas weight loss was associated with a smaller reduction in these POPs (all p-values < 0.05). Post-delivery weight gain was associated with greater elevation in concentrations of 2-(N-methylperfluorooctane sulfonamido) acetate and branched isomers of perfluorooctane sulfonate.

CONCLUSION: Concentrations of PCBs, OCPs, and BB153 declined more in older women and those who breastfed their newborns, whereas the decline was smaller among women who lost more weight after delivery.

PMID:40816047 | DOI:10.1016/j.envint.2025.109723

Water Res. 2025 Aug 12;287(Pt A):124396. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2025.124396. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) and pesticides are widely distributed in sediments and can interact with each other to form complex pollutants, thereby altering their environmental impacts. However, it remains unclear whether this process affects the microbial degradation of MPs and pesticides. In this study, 90-day microcosm incubation experiment was conducted using polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), and atrazine (ATZ). MPs were recovered from the sediments after incubation. Metagenomic analysis was subsequently conducted to investigate the plastisphere microbes, while chemical characterization was performed to examine the surface structure of MPs. It was found that ATZ adsorption increased the mass loss of MPs by 47.37%, 139.44%, 174.67%, and 284.00% for PS, PE, PET, and PLA, respectively. Metagenomic binning analysis revealed that plastispheres enriched MPs and ATZ-degrading microbes, including Glycine, Aquabacterium, Azospirillum, and Pantoea, which carried degradation genes (PaaA, PaaK, PaaG, HSD17B4, alkR, ALDH, and aprE). All four types of MPs were degraded to acetyl-CoA by these functional microbes with distinct metabolic pathways. Acetyl-CoA and the ATZ-derived intermediates (hydroxyatrazine, cyanuric acid, and N-isopropylammelide) involved in the tricarboxylic acid cycle, facilitating the co-metabolism of MPs and ATZ. The study provides a new insight into the degradation mechanism of MPs in the presence of other emerging contaminants.

PMID:40816011 | DOI:10.1016/j.watres.2025.124396

Environ Int. 2025 Aug 11;203:109723. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2025.109723. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Upon exposure, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) accumulate in the body. One-time point measurement of POPs plasma concentrations can reflect body burden. This study aimed to assess whether maternal factors including age, breastfeeding, and weight, influence changes in plasma concentrations of POPs in women during critical periods of physical changes from pregnancy to 15-60 months after delivery.

METHODS: Ninety-nine self-identified Hispanic women who were diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and originally enrolled in the GDM cohort study in 1993-1995 were included in this study. Plasma concentrations of 21 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 7 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), 5 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexabromobiphenyl (BB153), and 6 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were quantified in archived samples collected in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy and post-delivery (81.8 % were from 15 months after delivery, the rest were from 30-60 months post-delivery). Multivariable linear regression was used to analyze associations of maternal factors such as weight change, age and breastfeeding status after delivery with changes in POPs concentrations from 3rd trimester of pregnancy to the post-delivery visit.

RESULTS: From pregnancy to post-delivery period, plasma concentrations of 4 PBDEs and 6 PFAS significantly increased, while those of 20 PCBs, all OCPs and BB153 significantly decreased (all p-values < 0.05). Additionally, older age and breastfeeding after delivery were significantly associated with greater reduction in concentrations of PCBs, OCPs, and BB153 from pregnancy to the post-delivery period, whereas weight loss was associated with a smaller reduction in these POPs (all p-values < 0.05). Post-delivery weight gain was associated with greater elevation in concentrations of 2-(N-methylperfluorooctane sulfonamido) acetate and branched isomers of perfluorooctane sulfonate.

CONCLUSION: Concentrations of PCBs, OCPs, and BB153 declined more in older women and those who breastfed their newborns, whereas the decline was smaller among women who lost more weight after delivery.

PMID:40816047 | DOI:10.1016/j.envint.2025.109723

Environ Int. 2025 Aug 11;203:109725. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2025.109725. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Exposure to multiple endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) may have some adverse impacts on child health; yet, little data is available on the body burdens, co-exposure patterns, health risks, and possible sources of a broad range of EDCs in school-age children. A total of 33 chemicals including 3 non-specific pyrethroid pesticide metabolites, 2 specific organophosphorus pesticide metabolites, 5 chlorophenols, 4 phenols, 5 parabens and 14 toxic and essential elements were quantified in urine. A 24-hour dietary recall survey was conducted to collect dietary information, and seven food categories were classified accordingly. Multivariable linear regression models were applied to estimate associations of dietary information and drinking water types with urinary EDC concentrations. A total of 31 chemicals were detected in more than 50 % of urinary samples. The number of 10 (2.44 %), 32 (7.80 %), 4 (0.98 %), 20 (4.88 %), and 3 (0.73 %) children who experienced exposure levels of over 75th percentiles was found, for pesticides, phenols, parabens, selected toxic elements and these chemical mixtures, respectively. The consumption of dairy products was positively associated with urinary 2,4,6-trichlorophenol concentrations. Meat and meat products and vegetable consumption predicted higher urinary concentrations of methyl- and ethyl-paraben, respectively. Cereal intakes were positively associated with urinary cadmium, arsenic and cobalt levels, and the consumption of aquatic products was in relation to increases of urinary lead and cadmium concentrations. Children who mainly drank filtered water had lower urinary concentrations of chlorpyrifos metabolite and bisphenol A, while those with bottled water as the main drinking water source had higher 2,4-dichlorophenol concentrations and lower selenium levels in urine, compared to those who mainly drank tap water. Our findings suggested that children in this area were widely exposed to multiple classes of EDCs, and diet and drinking water were potential exposure sources of the analyzed chemicals.

PMID:40816046 | DOI:10.1016/j.envint.2025.109725

Aquat Toxicol. 2025 Aug 6;287:107532. doi: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2025.107532. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs), including those from bio-based plastics (BBPs), are increasingly detected in aquatic ecosystems, raising concerns about their role in modifying pollutant toxicity. This study investigated environmentally relevant concentrations of polylactic acid microplastics (PLA-MPs) on the South American native shrimp Palaemon argentinus, evaluating single and co-exposure scenarios with metolachlor (MET) over a 7-day bioassay. Characterization of PLA-MPs revealed a fragment shape with typical PLA spectroscopic pattern and an elemental composition of >80 % C and ∼15 % O. Both PLA-MPs and MET accumulated in the shrimp, causing oxidative stress, neurotoxicity, and tissue damage. Significant inhibition of acetylcholinesterase in shrimp exposed to PLA-MPs suggests impaired locomotion and behavior, which may affect population dynamics and ecosystem function. The MET adsorption on PLA-MPs was confirmed under tested conditions. The co-exposure increased MET prevalence in the cephalothorax, indicating the role of BBP particles as pesticide transporters in aquatic ecosystems. In addition, calculated bioaccumulation factors suggested a minimal trophic transfer of MET under the tested conditions. The integrated biomarker response revealed co-exposure stress levels intermediate between MET exposure and PLA-MPs treatment, suggesting partial antagonistic interactions. Reduced cytoplasmic MET bioavailability via PLA-MP adsorption was hypothesized as the underlying mechanism. These results indicate complex MP-chemical interactions, with possible antagonistic effects at the biochemical and tissue levels, and highlight the need for further research on the ecotoxicity of BBPs. Greater efforts are needed to elucidate the role of plastic additives in toxicity and the role of MPs in the bioaccumulation processes of pesticides. This would be useful to assess the environmental impact of BBPs and determine their viability as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics.

PMID:40795756 | DOI:10.1016/j.aquatox.2025.107532

Environ Sci Technol. 2025 Aug 19;59(32):16839-16851. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.4c14630. Epub 2025 Aug 10.

ABSTRACT

As an alternative to traditional pesticides, sulfoxaflor (SFX) is a sulfoximine insecticide with the same mechanism of action as neonicotinoid insecticides (NNIs). However, increasing evidence suggests that SFX poses a threat to aquatic organisms. To investigate the toxic effects and potential risks in amphibians, bioaccumulation and elimination experiments were conducted at environmentally relevant concentrations. The results indicate that although SFX exhibits low acute toxicity and accumulation, it demonstrates neurotoxicity and endocrine-disruptive properties. SFX alters regulatory patterns of growth-related genes and interferes with the regulation of thyroid hormones and its genes, promoting the tadpoles' growth. Additionally, SFX induces oxidative stress, leading to inflammation and immune regulation in the tadpoles. It also affects neurotransmitter transmission as well as the genes associated with neural synapses, receptor, and signal transmission and interferes with tadpole behavior. These toxic effects persisted until the elimination stage. Compared with other NNIs, SFX has the most binding sites with AChR and a weak interaction, and binding to β-agonists is similar in molecular docking. Risk assessment suggests that SFX has a potential risk and impact on aquatic amphibians, which may be underestimated. The result provides valuable reference and new perspective for the ecological safety assessment and supervision of SFX, NNIs, and insecticides of low acute toxicity.

PMID:40785081 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.4c14630

Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins. 2025 Aug 11. doi: 10.1007/s12602-025-10704-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Chlorpyrifos (CPF), a widely used organophosphorus pesticide, induces adverse effects such as organ toxicity, endocrine disruption, oxidative stress, and histopathological damage in non-target organisms. Emerging evidence suggests that lactic acid bacteria (LABs) can alleviate CPF-induced tissue damage. This study investigated the protective effects of probiotic lactobacilli against subacute CPF toxicity in the heart and lungs of rats. Eight groups of male Sprague‒Dawley rats were exposed to CPF and probiotics for 6 weeks. CPF toxicity triggered lipid peroxidation, evidenced by a 40% and 60% rise in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in heart and lung tissues, respectively. Additionally, CPF significantly elevated superoxide dismutase (SOD) and IL-1β, indicating oxidative and pro-inflammatory responses. Probiotic treatment effectively suppressed CPF-induced increases in MDA, SOD, and IL-1β. Histopathological analysis demonstrated that Lactobacillus acidophilus (heart) and Lactobacillus casei (lungs), particularly the probiotic bacterial mixture in each respective tissue, attenuated CPF-induced tissue damage. In conclusion, probiotic supplementation mitigates CPF-mediated cardiotoxicity and pulmonary toxicity by modulating antioxidant and inflammatory pathways.

PMID:40788456 | DOI:10.1007/s12602-025-10704-1

Environ Res. 2025 Aug 9;285(Pt 4):122419. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2025.122419. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Mixture exposures dominate real-world environmental settings, yet the toxic impacts of neonicotinoid insecticides (NEOs), one of the most widely used pesticide classes, when combined with co-occurring pollutants on non-target invertebrates remain poorly synthesized. This extensive global analysis integrated data from 47 studies retrieved via Web of Science, PubMed, and CNKI, covering 1706 toxicity endpoint records standardized by toxicological parameters (e.g., survival rate, mortality, enzyme activity), pollutant types, exposure conditions, and species taxonomy, and used Hedges'g as the effect size statistic with a three-level model to assess the impact of NEOs and coexisting pollutant mixtures on non-target invertebrate toxicity. The results revealed that the presence of coexisting pollutants changed NEO toxicity, exacerbating growth and development (Hedges' g = -2.61 ± 0.26), accumulation (Hedges' g = 0.98 ± 0.19), and oxidative damage (Hedges' g = -0.59 ± 0.08), while lowering endocrine disruption and neurotoxic effects (Hedges' g = 0.19 ± 0.12) in specific contexts. Variations in toxicity were found to be influenced by the invertebrate species, NEO type, and pollutant category. Specifically, NEO co-toxicity variations affected by co-existing pollutants were recorded in the higher sensitivity of pollinators (e.g., Hymenoptera bees) and aquatic invertebrates, stronger toxicity of thiacloprid/thiamethoxam, amplified NEO toxicity by fungicides, heavy metals, microplastics and inorganic pollutants, the more severe effects of oral compared contact exposure, and the higher vulnerability of juvenile and early life stages. Meta-regression analysis revealed correlations with biological type, pollutant concentrations, types, and exposure durations, with a slight negative correlation observed between NEO levels, exposure time, and impact severity in co-exposure scenarios, as well as no significant associations with logK_ow. The limitations and prospects of the study highlighted challenges in extrapolating laboratory findings to natural settings, underscoring the need for research focusing on multiple pollutants, prolonged exposure periods, and realistic conditions to enhance ecological risk assessments. This investigation advanced our understanding of combined NEO toxicity mechanisms, providing valuable insights for evidence-based environmental mixture risk management.

PMID:40784634 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2025.122419

J Contam Hydrol. 2025 Jul 31;275:104689. doi: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2025.104689. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Climate-induced changes in dissolved organic matter (DOM) and trace organic contaminants (TrOCs) present growing challenges for drinking water treatment, particularly in surface water-dependent regions. Bank filtration (BF), a natural subsurface treatment process, offers a sustainable solution, but its performance and scalability require further validation. This study simultaneously assesses the performance of laboratory-scale and full-scale BF systems using a horizontal collector well (HCW), both receiving the same source water and aquifer materials, to remove DOM and TrOCs, and to investigate changes in microbial communities under equivalent residence times (20 days). The full-scale HCW system achieved a 63.0 % DOM removal rate compared to 37.0 % in laboratory-scale columns, effectively reducing biopolymers and humic substances through soil passage. Microbial analysis revealed distinct shifts, with Proteobacteria comprising 80.1 % of the full-scale filtrate compared to 59.1 % in the laboratory-scale. Total cell counts and microbial activity decreased by 85.0 % and 90.4 % in the full-scale system, respectively. The removal efficiency for 60 selected TrOCs varied by their properties: hydrophobic ionic compounds achieved high removal (91.2 %), while hydrophilic and neutral compounds, including perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), showed lower removal rates (37.3 % and 24.5 %, respectively). Pharmaceuticals, steroid hormones, and pesticides were effectively removed, with some exceeding 99.9 %. This study is the first to directly compare full-scale HCW and laboratory-scale BF systems under controlled conditions. These findings highlight BF's effectiveness and the need for integrating complementary technologies to improve water quality and sustainability.

PMID:40784169 | DOI:10.1016/j.jconhyd.2025.104689

Environ Res. 2025 Aug 9;285(Pt 4):122419. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2025.122419. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Mixture exposures dominate real-world environmental settings, yet the toxic impacts of neonicotinoid insecticides (NEOs), one of the most widely used pesticide classes, when combined with co-occurring pollutants on non-target invertebrates remain poorly synthesized. This extensive global analysis integrated data from 47 studies retrieved via Web of Science, PubMed, and CNKI, covering 1706 toxicity endpoint records standardized by toxicological parameters (e.g., survival rate, mortality, enzyme activity), pollutant types, exposure conditions, and species taxonomy, and used Hedges'g as the effect size statistic with a three-level model to assess the impact of NEOs and coexisting pollutant mixtures on non-target invertebrate toxicity. The results revealed that the presence of coexisting pollutants changed NEO toxicity, exacerbating growth and development (Hedges' g = -2.61 ± 0.26), accumulation (Hedges' g = 0.98 ± 0.19), and oxidative damage (Hedges' g = -0.59 ± 0.08), while lowering endocrine disruption and neurotoxic effects (Hedges' g = 0.19 ± 0.12) in specific contexts. Variations in toxicity were found to be influenced by the invertebrate species, NEO type, and pollutant category. Specifically, NEO co-toxicity variations affected by co-existing pollutants were recorded in the higher sensitivity of pollinators (e.g., Hymenoptera bees) and aquatic invertebrates, stronger toxicity of thiacloprid/thiamethoxam, amplified NEO toxicity by fungicides, heavy metals, microplastics and inorganic pollutants, the more severe effects of oral compared contact exposure, and the higher vulnerability of juvenile and early life stages. Meta-regression analysis revealed correlations with biological type, pollutant concentrations, types, and exposure durations, with a slight negative correlation observed between NEO levels, exposure time, and impact severity in co-exposure scenarios, as well as no significant associations with logK_ow. The limitations and prospects of the study highlighted challenges in extrapolating laboratory findings to natural settings, underscoring the need for research focusing on multiple pollutants, prolonged exposure periods, and realistic conditions to enhance ecological risk assessments. This investigation advanced our understanding of combined NEO toxicity mechanisms, providing valuable insights for evidence-based environmental mixture risk management.

PMID:40784634 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2025.122419

J Hazard Mater. 2025 Jul 26;496:139361. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.139361. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Synthetic organic micropollutants produced and used worldwide ultimately find their way into aquatic ecosystems through wastewater discharge and surface runoff. This contamination can migrate into sediment, where it forms archives. The potential toxicity and persistency of these micropollutants makes it crucial to monitor them. Monitoring efforts have historically used GC-MS to study well-known molecules like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) or organochlorine pesticides. However, growing concern around emerging contaminants has spurred efforts to use LC-HRMS analysis to detect and identify a broader panel of small synthetic molecules via non-targeted analysis (NTA). Here we compared several sample preparation methods using accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) for non-targeted analysis. UAE was applied on suspended particulate matter from the Rhône River, followed by LC-ESI-QTOF analysis. The dual complexity of HRMS data and sediment matrix poses a challenge for data processing. We developed, combined and discussed open-source software programs (MZmine3, jHRMSToolBox and HaloSeeker 2.0). Even though most of identified molecules are natural and produced by plants or animals, suspect and non-target approaches allowed identifying pharmaceuticals, hormones, personal care products, pesticides, plastic and rubber additives, PFAS, flame-retardants, and other industrial molecules. This work demonstrates valuable insight gained by exploring emerging micropollutants in sediments.

PMID:40779860 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.139361

EFSA J. 2025 Aug 6;23(8):e9513. doi: 10.2903/j.efsa.2025.9513. eCollection 2025 Aug.

ABSTRACT

The conclusions of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authorities of the rapporteur Member State, France, and co-rapporteur Member State, Estonia, for the pesticide active substance fosetyl are reported. The context of the peer review was that required by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 844/2012. The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative uses of fosetyl as a fungicide on grapes, citrus and pome fruits. The conclusions from 2018 were updated with regard to the endocrine-disrupting properties following a mandate received from the European Commission in October 2019. The reliable end points, appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment, are presented. Missing information identified as being required by the regulatory framework is listed. Concerns are identified.

PMID:40771363 | PMC:PMC12326189 | DOI:10.2903/j.efsa.2025.9513

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2025 Aug 5;303:118783. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118783. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia contributes significantly to the global disease burden, and identifying its risk factors is essential for prevention. However, the effects of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) on sarcopenia remain underexplored.

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the association between mixed POPs exposure and sarcopenia and explored the mediating roles of inflammation and oxidative stress, along with potential molecular targets.

METHODS: A total of 2106 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were analyzed. Data included 19 POPs across four categories: polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), as well as sarcopenia status and covariates. Logistic regression and restricted cubic splines assessed individual effects, while weighted quantile sum regression (WQS), Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), and quantile-based g-computation examined mixed effects. Mediation analysis evaluated the roles of inflammation and oxidative stress, and network pharmacology identified potential pathways and targets.

RESULTS: The WQS index for mixed POPs exposure was inversely associated with sarcopenia, with PCB146 contributing the most. In BKMR models, PFHS (PIP=0.65) was the top contributor to sarcopenia risk In separate WQS regression models, exposure to PCBs and PBDEs was significantly inversely associated with the risk of sarcopenia, with odds ratios (ORs) of 0.66 (95 % CI: 0.46, 0.96) and 0.74 (95 % CI: 0.57, 0.98), respectively. In contrast, OCP exposure showed a significant positive association with sarcopenia (OR: 1.86, 95 % CI: 1.31, 2.63). No significant association was found between PFAS exposure and sarcopenia (P > 0.05). Lower exposure showed a stronger negative effect for PCBs and PBDEs, whereas OCPs had the opposite trend. Inflammation mediated the effects of PCB187 and ppDDE, explaining 3.54 % and 2.87 %, respectively. CDKN1A, NFKBIA, CSF1R, and TFRC were key genes.

CONCLUSION: Excessive OCPs was positively associated with sarcopenia, whereas PCBs, PFAS, and PBDEs showed inverse associations. CDKN1A, NFKBIA, CSF1R, and TFRC may be key targets through which POPs influence sarcopenia development.

PMID:40768999 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118783

Sci Total Environ. 2025 Aug 4;996:180156. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.180156. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The use of organic waste products (OWPs) as soil amendments raises concerns due to the potential uptake and accumulation of several environmental contaminants, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in plants. We developed an analytical procedure suitable for screening 75 anionic, zwitterionic, and cationic PFAS in plant tissues (limits of detection: 0.01-0.7 μg/kg). PFAS recoveries were verified in diverse types of crops representative of French agriculture, including maize and wheat (Mainland France) and sugarcane (Overseas France). In the second step, we applied this method to investigate PFAS uptake and accumulation in maize, wheat, and sugarcane grown in experimental fields of France. The ∑₇₅ PFAS in crops harvested from these sites remained relatively low (0.01-2.5 μg/kg) without effects of OWP amendments on plant PFAS concentrations, despite an increase in PFAS in OWP-amended soils. A negative correlation between soil organic carbon and ∑₇₅ PFAS in plants suggests a possible inhibition of PFAS uptake by crops as soil organic matter increases. The dominant PFAS in plant samples included perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA: 0.10-2.2 μg/kg), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA: 0.02-0.66 μg/kg), and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS: 0.01-0.48 μg/kg), accounting for 64-80 % (PFBA), 14-16 % (PFOA) and 6-13 % (PFOS) of the total PFAS, with bioaccumulation factors higher than unity for PFBA and lower than unity for PFOS and PFOA. Bioaccumulation factors were significantly higher in young leaves than in grains, implying limited PFAS transfer to the edible plant tissues of maize and wheat. With the recent lower reference doses (RfD) recommended by the USEPA (2021-2024), the consumption of grains in this study can pose significant risks to humans; however, considering the RfD from EFSA, these crops are safe for human consumption.

PMID:40763610 | DOI:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.180156

Genes Environ. 2025 Aug 4;47(1):14. doi: 10.1186/s41021-025-00337-9.

ABSTRACT

Epitranscriptomics, the study of chemical modifications on RNA molecules, has emerged as a vital regulatory layer in gene expression. Among the numerous RNA modifications, N6-methyladenosine (m6A), 5-methylcytosine (m5C), and pseudouridine (Ψ) are particularly significant in maintaining RNA stability, splicing, translation, and cellular function. This review specifically explores how environmental toxins such as heavy metals, air pollutants, pesticides, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals can disrupt RNA modifications, leading to pathophysiological consequences. By focusing on major RNA marks and their associated regulatory enzymes (writers, erasers, and readers), we elucidate the molecular mechanisms through which toxins impair RNA processing and translation. These disruptions have been increasingly linked to disease development, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, metabolic syndromes, and immune dysfunction. Moreover, the review highlights recent technological advances such as high-throughput sequencing, mass spectrometry, and CRISPR-based RNA editing that enable detection and characterization of epitranscriptomic changes. Importantly, RNA modifications are dynamic and reversible, making them promising candidates for use as early biomarkers of environmental exposure and disease risk. We also discuss emerging non-canonical RNA modifications and their roles in toxicological responses. The potential of RNA-based biomarkers to enhance environmental health monitoring and precision medicine is significant, although challenges such as methodological standardization, context-specific variability, and clinical translation remain. This synthesis offers a focused, mechanistic perspective on the intersection of RNA biology and environmental toxicology, emphasizing the relevance of RNA modifications as both molecular targets and diagnostic tools in assessing the biological impact of environmental insults.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT:

PMID:40760453 | PMC:PMC12323242 | DOI:10.1186/s41021-025-00337-9

Environ Microbiol Rep. 2025 Aug;17(4):e70169. doi: 10.1111/1758-2229.70169.

ABSTRACT

Plastic pollution is prevalent in water bodies. However, most studies on plastic pollution focus on marine environments, with limited knowledge about its impact on freshwater ecosystems. This paucity of information extends to the effect on aquatic insects, with little reported data on the effect of plastic on malaria vectors. This is concerning as microplastics are reported to perturb the gut microbiota of culicine mosquitoes. This study examines how larval exposure to degraded plastic, plastic additives (phthalic acid, Bisphenol-A) and latex beads affects the gut microbiota of adult Anopheles arabiensis, with a comparison of the insecticide-unselected (SENN) and insecticide-selected (SENN-DDT) strains. The larval exposure had a minimal effect on alpha-diversity, but each plastic stressor altered beta-diversity in a non-strain-specific manner. Plastic-treated SENN showed an increase in unique bacterial genera. In contrast, untreated SENN-DDT displayed the highest abundance of unique genera, suggesting gut bacteria may play a role in mitigating the effect of plastic exposure in unselected strains. Additionally, larval plastic exposure increased bacteria associated with plastic degradation and pesticide metabolism. Although there was no significant change in Plasmodium-protective bacterial genera, inflammation-associated bacterial genera increased in both strains after treatment, suggesting potential immune modulation.

PMID:40754696 | PMC:PMC12318828 | DOI:10.1111/1758-2229.70169

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2025 Aug 2;303:118799. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118799. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Disruption of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) by endocrine-active pesticides may contribute to lipid metabolic dysregulation. We aimed to clarify the docking dynamics of methiocarb with ERα and evaluate its potential to induce lipid accumulation through ERα activation using non-animal testing systems. Molecular docking predicted favorable binding between methiocarb and ERα, primarily through interactions involving the amino group. This prediction was validated using ERα reporter gene assays. Methiocarb-induced lipid accumulation was assessed in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, with or without co-treatment using the ERα antagonist methyl-piperidino-pyrazole (MPP). Methiocarb significantly activated ERα transcriptional activity and promoted ERα-dependent lipid accumulation. Co-treatment with MPP attenuated this effect, whereas antagonists for the glucocorticoid receptor (RU-486) and ERβ (PHTPP) had no effect. Methiocarb increased the expression of adipogenic and lipogenic transcription factors, including PPARγ, C/EBPα, FAS, and SREBP1, as well as the adipocyte-specific marker FABP4, in an ERα-dependent manner. Methiocarb binding to ERα promotes lipid accumulation and upregulates adipogenic/lipogenic transcriptional networks. This approach highlights the utility of ERα-mediated screening to identify potential metabolic disruptors among structurally related pesticides.

PMID:40753772 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118799

Environ Res. 2025 Aug 5;285(Pt 3):122445. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2025.122445. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Few studies have evaluated the impact of prenatal exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) on menstruation characteristics. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate the associations between cord blood concentrations of POPs and menstruation characteristics including menarche status, menstrual regularity, pain and duration in girls at age 12. We used data from the French PELAGIE mother-child cohort follow-up at 12 years old which included a questionnaire on menstruation characteristics. POP concentrations of 14 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), 17 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 5 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and 9 per-polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were measured on cord blood sampled at birth. We used multivariate logistic regression and Poisson regression to study the relation between prenatal POPs and menarche status, regularity of menstruations, menstruation duration, and severe pain in the lower abdomen or cramps (N = 296). The effect of mixtures of POPs on these outcomes were assessed using quantile g-computation. The majority of POPs were associated with a non-statistically significant increased risk of menarche at 12 years old, especially for the PCB mixture (OR = 1.29, 95 % CI [0.99; 1.68]). We also observed a statistically significant association between the second tercile of dieldrin (OR = 2.91, 95 % CI [1.13; 7.82]) and PFNA (OR = 3.13, 95 % CI [1.01; 10.43]) and severe pain in the lower abdomen or cramps, and a statistically significant association between the second tercile of hexachlorobenzene and menstruation duration (% change = 25.6 %, 95 % CI [1.2; 56.6]). For others POPs and other menstrual characteristics we did not observe any associations. Further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these results, possibly through combined analyses of several mother-child cohorts to increase study power.

PMID:40754280 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2025.122445

J Hazard Mater. 2025 Jul 27;496:139380. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.139380. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Soil viruses are increasingly recognized as crucial mediators of horizontal gene transfer, yet their role in disseminating antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and virulence factor genes (VFGs) under agricultural disturbances remains poorly understood. Here, we characterized the viromes and associated ARGs and VFGs in agricultural soils treated with low- and high-dose manures, microplastics, and pesticides. Using metagenomic sequencing coupled with advanced viral identification tools, we found that manure fertilization markedly altered viral community composition and increased viral diversity. Manure also enhanced the abundance of ARGs and VFGs in viromes by 2.0-9.8-fold and 2.0-8.1-fold, respectively, while microplastics and pesticides had limited impacts. Additionally, gene pathways related to human diseases and environmental adaptation were enriched in soil viromes treated with manures and high-dose pesticides. Virus-host prediction revealed that Actinomycetia dominated bacterial hosts of both ARG- and VFG-carrying viruses, with some VFG-carrying viruses linked to potential human pathogens, e.g., Escherichia albertii and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Co-occurrence network analysis indicated that these disturbances strengthened connections between bacteria, viruses, and ARGs (or VFGs). Our study provides a comprehensive profile of viromes and associated risks in agricultural soil under three disturbances, highlighting the role of viruses in spread of antibiotic resistance and pathogenic risks in agricultural soil.

PMID:40752173 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.139380

Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc. 2026 Jan 5;344(Pt 2):126751. doi: 10.1016/j.saa.2025.126751. Epub 2025 Jul 29.

ABSTRACT

Melamine contamination from illegal additives, packaging contaminants, and pesticide residues threatens dairy product safety, demanding rapid detection. Traditional methods such as chromatography or mass spectrometry are precise but lack field applicability due to complexity, time consumption, and cost. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a promising alternative for sensitive, rapid, and label-free analysis. However, current SERS implementations face challenges like complex substrate synthesis, environmentally harmful sample processing, and lack of discrimination of analogues. Thus, developing a simple SERS-based method for detecting melamine and its analogues without pretreatment remains urgent. In this paper, a straightforward SERS detection method is proposed to achieve accurate and rapid pretreatment-free detection of melamine in milk. Polytetrafluoroethylene‑silver nanospheres (PTFE-AgNPs) SERS substrate is fabricated by mixing silver colloid, sodium hydroxide and sodium chloride solution, followed by deposition onto a PTFE filter membrane by filter-pressing assembly. Additionally, diluted milk is subjected to SERS testing directly without any pretreatment. Furthermore, both qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed using RF, PCA-SVM and CNN. Among the three algorithms, CNN classification model achieved the best accuracy 99.25 % for distinguishing melamine, ammeline, ammelide, and blank controls, while the CNN regression model yielded a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.9999 for melamine quantification. The limit of detection (LOD) for melamine in milk was 3.32 × 10^-6 M, lower than the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended limit. This method, featuring simple SERS substrate preparation and non-pretreatment, enables rapid and efficient detection of melamine and its analogues, promoting broader applications of SERS in food safety monitoring.

PMID:40749506 | DOI:10.1016/j.saa.2025.126751

Sci Total Environ. 2025 Jul 29;996:180119. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.180119. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

As long-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), such as perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) and perfluoroalkane sulfonic acids (PFSAs), are gradually phased out due to regulatory restrictions, attention has increasingly shifted to emerging alternatives. Among them, perfluoroalkyl phosphinic acids (PFPiAs) have been commercialized since the 1970s, primarily as wetting agents in consumer products and as components in defoaming agents and pesticide formulations. Despite their long-term use and widespread occurrence in environmental and biological media, comprehensive knowledge of their environmental fate-particularly their transport, transformation, and toxicological impacts-remains limited. Evidence suggests that restrictions on legacy PFASs have altered pollution profiles, and that concentrations of emerging compounds such as GenX may surpass those of conventional PFASs in some contexts. Although currently detected at relatively low concentrations, the continuous production, environmental persistence, and bioactivity potential of PFPiAs indicate a need for closer scrutiny. Given their increasing role as possible replacements for regulated PFASs, a thorough assessment of PFPiAs is critical for informed risk management. This review compiles and synthesizes current research on PFPiAs, focusing on their physicochemical characteristics, environmental and biological behaviors, and toxicological effects, to support future scientific evaluation and regulatory development. SYNOPSIS: This review systematically examines the physicochemical characteristics, environmental behavior, and toxicological implications of PFPiAs, aiming to advance scientific understanding and support evidence-based regulatory frameworks.

PMID:40737775 | DOI:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.180119