Addressing concerns over the fate of DNA derived from genetically modified food in the human body: A review

Considerations for cultivated crustacean meat: potential cell sources, potential differentiation and immortalization strategies, and lessons from crustacean and other animal models

Cultivated crustacean meat (CCM) is a means to create highly valued shrimp, lobster, and crab products directly from stem cells, thus removing the need to farm or fish live animals. Conventional crustacean enterprises face increasing pressures in managing overfishing, pollution, and the warming climate, so CCM may provide a way to ensure sufficient supply as global demand for these products grows. To support the development of CCM, this review briefly details crustacean cell culture work to date, before addressing what is presently known about crustacean muscle development, particularly the molecular mechanisms involved, and how this might relate to recent work on cultivated meat production in vertebrate species. Recognizing the current lack of cell lines available to establish CCM cultures, we also consider primary stem cell sources that can be obtained non-lethally including tissues from limbs which are readily released and regrown, and putative stem cells in circulating hemolymph. Molecular approaches to inducing myogenic differentiation and immortalization of putative stem cells are also reviewed. Finally, we assess the current status of tools available to CCM researchers, particularly antibodies, and propose avenues to address existing shortfalls in order to see the field progress.

Fate of transgenic soybean DNA and immune response of broilers fed genetically modified DP-3Ø5423-1 soybean

Increased use of genetically modified (GM) plants in the food and feed industry has raised several concerns about the presence of unwanted genes in the food chain and potential associated health risks. In recent years, several studies have compared the nutrient contents of GM crops to conventional counterparts, and some have also tracked the fate of novel DNA fragments and proteins in the gastrointestinal (GIT) and their presence in several tissues. This study was conducted to investigate the fate of transgenic PHP19340A DNA fragment containing gm-fad2-1 (Soybean Event DP-3Ø5423-1) gene in digestive tract contents, blood, internal organs, and muscle tissues. The effects of feeding DP-3Ø5423-1 full-fat soybean meal (FFSBM) to broiler chickens on immune response and blood profiles were also evaluated on d 35. Day-old Ross 308 birds (n = 480) were randomly allocated to 24 floor pens in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with diet and gender as main factors. Birds were fed diets containing 20% of either DP-3Ø5423-1 or non-GM FFSBM for 35 d. Data were subjected to a 2-way ANOVA using the GLM procedure of JMP (Pro13). Based on PCR analysis, transgenic PHP19340A DNA fragment containing gm-fad2-1 gene was degraded throughout the digestive system to reach undetectable level in the cecal digesta. Moreover, there was no transgenic gene translocation to blood, organs, or muscle tissue. Feeding DP-3Ø5423-1 FFSBM to broilers had no effect on mRNA abundance of IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-12B, IL-17A, IFNγ, TNFα, and NF-κB in the spleen or on blood profile. In conclusion, these findings indicate that the examined transgenic fragment in DP-3Ø5423-1 FFSBM progressively degraded in the GIT and did not translocate into blood or tissues. Along with the immune response and blood profile findings, it can be assumed that DP-3Ø5423-1 soybean is safe and unlikely to pose any health risks to broilers or consumers.

A review on regulatory aspects, challenges and public perception in acceptance of genetically modified foods

A clear vision for the future of the world's food supply must be developed by all stakeholders, including consumers, farmers, and governments, especially in light of the rapid improvements in the production of genetically modified crops. It has been possible through biotechnology and genetic engineering, genetically modified (GM) crops have been engineered to have certain qualities, such as resistance to pests, illnesses, or herbicides. Concerns about risks and unintended effects of GM crops include ecosystem impacts, new pests or diseases, and health effects on humans and animals. There is mounting evidence that consumers may respond unfavourably to the introduction of genetically altered foods. This research focuses at how genetic engineering can raise agricultural yields, improve nutrient content, and lessen the use for hazardous pesticides and herbicides in food production. Regulatory framework for GM foods may impact on perception and acceptance of consumers.

A review: analysis of technical challenges in cultured meat production and its commercialization

The cultured meat technology has developed rapidly in recent years, but there are still many technical challenges that hinder the large-scale production and commercialization of cultured meat. Firstly, it is necessary to lay the foundation for cultured meat production by obtaining seed cells and maintaining stable cell functions. Next, technologies such as bioreactors are used to expand the scale of cell culture, and three-dimensional culture technologies such as scaffold culture or 3D printing are used to construct the three-dimensional structure of cultured meat. At the same time, it can reduce production costs by developing serum-free medium suitable for cultured meat. Finally, the edible quality of cultured meat is improved by evaluating food safety and sensory flavor, and combining ethical and consumer acceptability issues. Therefore, this review fully demonstrates the current development status and existing technical challenges of the cultured meat production technology with regard to the key points described above, in order to provide research ideas for the industrial production of cultured meat.

Advances and Challenges in Cell Biology for Cultured Meat

Cultured meat is an emerging biotechnology that aims to produce meat from animal cell culture, rather than from the raising and slaughtering of livestock, on environmental and animal welfare grounds. The detailed understanding and accurate manipulation of cell biology are critical to the design of cultured meat bioprocesses. Recent years have seen significant interest in this field, with numerous scientific and commercial breakthroughs. Nevertheless, these technologies remain at a nascent stage, and myriad challenges remain, spanning the entire bioprocess. From a cell biological perspective, these include the identification of suitable starting cell types, tuning of proliferation and differentiation conditions, and optimization of cell-biomaterial interactions to create nutritious, enticing foods. Here, we discuss the key advances and outstanding challenges in cultured meat, with a particular focus on cell biology, and argue that solving the remaining bottlenecks in a cost-effective, scalable fashion will require coordinated, concerted scientific efforts. Success will also require solutions to nonscientific challenges, including regulatory approval, consumer acceptance, and market feasibility. However, if these can be overcome, cultured meat technologies can revolutionize our approach to food.

The moderating role of perceived health risks on the acceptance of genetically modified food

The public perspective on genetically modified foods (GMFs) has been intensely debated and scrutinized. Often, discussions surrounding GMF tend to revolve solely around the potential health risks associated with their consumption. However, it is essential to acknowledge that public perceptions of genetically modified foods are multifaceted, encompassing environmental concerns, ethical considerations, and economic implications. This paper studies the factors predicting GMF acceptance employing the representative sample of the Czech population (N = 884, aged 18-90 years, M ± SD: 48.17 ± 17.72; 53.40% women, 18.04% with higher education). The research relies on the Behavioral Change Model and the Health Belief Model. We employ hierarchical ordinal regressions to study the effects of information, environmental concerns, perceived health risks, food habits, purchasing habits, and socio-demographics on GMF acceptance. The results suggest that the (un)willingness to purchase GMF is primarily driven by the health risks - the environmental concerns were largely unimportant. The impact of information provision on GMF acceptance proved positive, suggesting information and education to be the main channels of creating public acceptance. The intrinsic interest regarding information related to GMF had an adverse impact on the perception of GMF morality. The benefits of the GMF proved unrelated to the GMF acceptance, indicating the gap in the information campaign. The research provides valuable insights for policymakers, public health professionals, and market researchers to communicate the GMF agenda effectively to the general public.

A sub-chronic feeding study of dual toxin insect-resistant transgenic maize (CEMB-413) on Wistar rats

Genetically modified (GM) crops expressing insecticidal crystal proteins are widely accepted worldwide, but their commercial utilization demands comprehensive risk assessment studies. A 90-day risk assessment study was conducted on Wistar rats fed with GM maize (CEMB-413) expressing binary insect-resistant genes (cry1Ac and cry2Ab) at low (30%) and high (50%) dose along with a control diet group. The study used fifty Wistar rats randomly distributed in five treatment groups. Our study revealed that compared to controls, GM diet had no adverse effects on animal's health, including body weight, food consumption, clinical pathological parameters, serum hormone levels and histological parameters of testes and ovaries of rats. Differences were observed in transcripts levels of fertility related genes, but these were independent of treatment with GM diet.

Effect of Soybean Protein Concentrate Preparation on Copy Numbers and Structural Characteristics of DNA from Genetically Modified Soybean

To regulate the degradation of transgenic DNA and lay theoretical foundations for the rational utilization of genetically modified (GM) products, variations in copy numbers and structural characteristics of DNA from GM soybean event GTS 40-3-2 during soybean protein concentrate (SPC) preparation were evaluated. Results showed that defatting and the first ethanol extraction were key procedures inducing DNA degradation. After these two procedures, copy numbers of the lectin and cp4 epsps targets decreased by more than 4 × 10⁸, occupying 36.88-49.30% of the total copy numbers from raw soybean. Atomic force microscopy images visually revealed the degradation of DNA that thinned and shortened during SPC preparation. Circular dichroism spectra suggested a lower helicity of DNA from defatted soybean kernel flour and a conformation transition of DNA from B-type to A-type after ethanol extraction. The fluorescence intensity of DNA decreased during SPC preparation, verifying the DNA damage along this preparation chain.

Immortalized Bovine Satellite Cells for Cultured Meat Applications

For cultured meat to succeed at scale, muscle cells from food-relevant species must be expanded in vitro in a rapid and reliable manner to produce millions of metric tons of biomass annually. Toward this goal, genetically immortalized cells offer substantial benefits over primary cells, including rapid growth, escape from cellular senescence, and consistent starting cell populations for production. Here, we develop genetically immortalized bovine satellite cells (iBSCs) via constitutive expression of bovine Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and Cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4). These cells achieve over 120 doublings at the time of publication and maintain their capacity for myogenic differentiation. They therefore offer a valuable tool to the field, enabling further research and development to advance cultured meat.

Tissue Engineering Challenges for Cultivated Meat to Meet the Real Demand of a Global Market

Cultivated meat (CM) technology has the potential to disrupt the food industry-indeed, it is already an inevitable reality. This new technology is an alternative to solve the environmental, health and ethical issues associated with the demand for meat products. The global market longs for biotechnological improvements for the CM production chain. CM, also known as cultured, cell-based, lab-grown, in vitro or clean meat, is obtained through cellular agriculture, which is based on applying tissue engineering principles. In practice, it is first necessary to choose the best cell source and type, and then to furnish the necessary nutrients, growth factors and signalling molecules via cultivation media. This procedure occurs in a controlled environment that provides the surfaces necessary for anchor-dependent cells and offers microcarriers and scaffolds that favour the three-dimensional (3D) organisation of multiple cell types. In this review, we discuss relevant information to CM production, including the cultivation process, cell sources, medium requirements, the main obstacles to CM production (consumer acceptance, scalability, safety and reproducibility), the technological aspects of 3D models (biomaterials, microcarriers and scaffolds) and assembly methods (cell layering, spinning and 3D bioprinting). We also provide an outlook on the global CM market. Our review brings a broad overview of the CM field, providing an update for everyone interested in the topic, which is especially important because CM is a multidisciplinary technology.

Comparison of genetically modified insect-resistant maize and non-transgenic maize revealed changes in soil metabolomes but not in rhizosphere bacterial community

The deliberate introduction of the beneficial gene in crop plants through transgenic technology can provide enormous agricultural and economic benefits. However, the impact of commercialization of these crops on the ecosystem particularly on belowground soil biodiversity is still uncertain. Here, we examined and compared the effects of a non-transgenic maize cultivar and an insect-resistant transgenic maize cultivar genetically engineered with cry1Ah gene from Bacillus thuringiensis, on the rhizosphere bacterial community using 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing and soil metabolome profile using UPLC/MS analysis at six different growth stages. We found no significant differences in bacterial community composition and diversity at all growth stages between the two cultivars. The analysis of bacterial beta-diversity showed an evident difference in community structure attributed to plant different growth stages but not to the plant type. In contrast, the soil metabolic profile of transgenic maize differed from that of the non-transgenic plant at some growth stages, and most of the altered metabolites were usually related to the metabolism but not to the plant-microbe interaction related pathways. These results suggest that genetic modification with the cry1Ah gene-altered maize soil metabolism but had no obvious effect on the rhizosphere bacterial community.

Green Synthesized Se Nanoparticle-mediated Alleviation of Salt Stress in Field Mustard TS-36 Variety

During this decade, selenium nanoparticles have been found to play a crucial role in helping plants endure several stress conditions, which thereby helps enhance the production of crops in such harsh environments. Globally, high salinity is considered a long-term stress in the crop fields which affects the growth and production of many crops, including mustard-one of the most important oil crops. Here, the activities of spherical-shaped selenium nanoparticles with an average particle size of 55.81nm, synthesized and functionalized by phytochemicals of fresh grape aqueous extract, were evaluated in the salinity stress (200mM NaCl) tolerance of mustard plants grown hydroponically in modified Hoagland's solution. These bioactive nanoparticles (30mg/L) have exhibited significant activity in alleviating the salt stress complications in mustard, enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD 41.20%, CAT 64.10%, APX 63.06%, and POX 70.43%), phenolic content (98.88%), flavonoid content (86.90%), and free radical scavenging activity (61.89%). The seed germination percentage, root and shoot length, fresh and dry weight per plant, water content percentage, chlorophyll content, carbohydrate content, and protein content were significantly improved by 39.66%, 75%, 60.64%, 41.2%, 22.11%, 1.02%, 81.92%, 24.65% and 79.14% respectively by the nano selenium application during NaCl stress compared to the control group growing under salt stress without nanoparticles. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry chromatogram analysis inferred the interaction between the nano-selenium and mustard plants under salt stress. Besides, the in-silico analysis revealed the active molecular interactions between selenium and 20 different proteins of mustard, including glutathione peroxidase, an important antioxidant enzyme.

Horizontal gene transfer from genetically modified plants - Regulatory considerations

Gene technology regulators receive applications seeking permission for the environmental release of genetically modified (GM) plants, many of which possess beneficial traits such as improved production, enhanced nutrition and resistance to drought, pests and diseases. The regulators must assess the risks to human and animal health and to the environment from releasing these GM plants. One such consideration, of many, is the likelihood and potential consequence of the introduced or modified DNA being transferred to other organisms, including people. While such gene transfer is most likely to occur to sexually compatible relatives (vertical gene transfer), horizontal gene transfer (HGT), which is the acquisition of genetic material that has not been inherited from a parent, is also a possibility considered during these assessments. Advances in HGT detection, aided by next generation sequencing, have demonstrated that HGT occurrence may have been previously underestimated. In this review, we provide updated evidence on the likelihood, factors and the barriers for the introduced or modified DNA in GM plants to be horizontally transferred into a variety of recipients. We present the legislation and frameworks the Australian Gene Technology Regulator adheres to with respect to the consideration of risks posed by HGT. Such a perspective may generally be applicable to regulators in other jurisdictions as well as to commercial and research organisations who develop GM plants.

Impact of transgenic insect-resistant maize HGK60 with Cry1Ah gene on community components and biodiversity of arthropods in the fields

In recent years, transgenic technology has developed rapidly, but the risk of the environmental release of transgenic organisms is still a key issue. Research on the impact on biodiversity is an effective way to objectively evaluate the risk. By taking transgenic maize HGK60 with insect-resistant gene Cry1Ah and common maize Zheng 58 as control, a 2-year experiment of arthropod community biodiversity in fields of them were studied using three methods.in 2019 and 2020. The results showed that a total of 124 species and 38537 individuals were observed from the experiment, belonging to 11 orders and 40 families. There was no significant difference in the individual number and species number of herbivorous, predatory and parasitic groups in the two kinds of maize in two years. Only the individual number of HGK60 was significantly higher than that of common maize Zheng 58 at heading stage in 2019. And the percentages of individual number and species number in different groups were basically the same in the two kinds of maize at each stage in two years. Analyses of Richness index, Shannon-Wiener diversity index, Dominance index and Evenness index showed no significant difference between the two kinds of maize in two years. The similarity coefficient of the arthropod community suggested that the arthropod community composition of HGK60 was similar to that of common maize Zheng 58. Furthermore, HGK60 had no significant effect on the relative stability of the arthropod community. These results indicated that despite the presence of a relatively minor difference in arthropod community between the two kinds of maize, the planting of HGK60 had little effect on arthropod community biodiversity. The results provided some data and support for the further studies of environmental risk of transgenic crops.

Labeling of Genetically Modified (GM) Foods in Peru: Current Dogma and Insights of the Regulatory and Legal Statutes

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected and afflicted human lives and been a transformative catalyst leading to closure of many companies, disrupting mental health, and reducing access to food and exacerbating food insecurity. This presents an opportunity to reflect on and examine genetically modified (GM) foods and their effective legislative regulation for the benefit of consumers. This review presents a detailed analysis of GM foods' regulation in Peru and the analysis of certain specific cases that show the need for greater regulation of the industry.

The Influence of the Structure of Selected Polymers on Their Properties and Food-Related Applications

Every application of a substance results from the macroscopic property of the substance that is related to the substance’s microscopic structure. For example, the forged park gate in your city was produced thanks to the malleability and ductility of metals, which are related to the ability of shifting of layers of metal cations, while fire extinguishing powders use the high boiling point of compounds related to their regular ionic and covalent structures. This also applies to polymers. The purpose of this review is to summarise and present information on selected food-related biopolymers, with special attention on their respective structures, related properties, and resultant applications. Moreover, this paper also highlights how the treatment method used affects the structure, properties, and, hence, applications of some polysaccharides. Despite a strong focus on food-related biopolymers, this review is addressed to a broad community of both material engineers and food researchers.

Measuring the process and rate of exogenous DNA degradation during digestion in mice

This study aimed to perform qualitative and quantitative examination of DNA degradation during the digestion process in the mouse gut through PCR, qPCR and short tandem repeat (STR) analysis. Human blood leukocytes were gavaged into the digestive tract in mice. GAPDH, TH01, TPOX and D7S820 genes in the contents of the stomach and small intestine were analyzed with PCR and qPCR at various times pre- and post-gavage. Through STR analysis, 21 human genomic DNA loci were analyzed. The half-life of DNA degradation, and the relationship between the average peak area and digestion time were determined. The PCR results showed bands of amplified genes at pre-gavage (0 min) and post-gavage (40, 80 and 120 min) from the mouse stomach contents, whereas no DNA bands from small intestinal chyme were observed after gavage. The qPCR results revealed a significant decrease in DNA concentrations during 40–120 min in the mouse stomach after gavage. At 120 min, 85.62 ± 8.10% of the DNA was degraded, and the half-life of exogenous DNA degradation in the mouse stomach was 70.50 ± 5.46 min. At various digestion times, almost no target genes were detected in the mouse small intestinal chyme. STR analysis showed a decrease in allele numbers with bowel advancement in the small intestine in mice. The degradation of exogenous DNA was higher in the mouse stomach during the first 2 h, and almost complete degradation was observed within 40 min after entering the small intestine in mice.

Development of an Event-Specific Droplet Digital PCR Assay for Quantification and Evaluation of the Transgene DNAs in Trace Samples of GM PRNP-Knockout Goat

The prion protein (PRNP) gene encoding prion protein is considered a prerequisite for the occurrence of scrapie disease, and knockout of the PRNP gene in transgenic goat is one effective approach to avoid scrapie. This study aims to establish an event-specific droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) assay to detect and quantify the content of genetically modified (GM) PRNP-knockout goat event KoP1. The developed ddPCR assay presents high specificity, sensitivity, accuracy, precision and wide dynamic range. The limits of detection and quantification were as low as 1.44 and 7.2 haploid genome equivalent (HGE) per reaction, respectively. Furthermore, this assay was successfully applied in quantifying the goat KoP1 GM content in milk, feces and living environmental soil samples. We believe that the developed ddPCR assay has the potential to be used in the evaluation of horizontal gene transfer and the practical risk assessment of GM goat event KoP1 and its derivatives.

Immortalizing Cells for Human Consumption

The need to produce immortal, food-relevant cell lines is one of the most pressing challenges of cellular agriculture, the field which seeks to produce meat and other animal products via tissue engineering and synthetic biology. Immortal cell lines have a long and complicated story, from the first recognized immortal human cell lines taken from Henrietta Lacks, to today, where they are used to assay toxicity and produce therapeutics, to the future, where they could be used to create meat without harming an animal. Although work in immortal cell lines began more than 50 years ago, there are few existing cell lines made of species and cell types appropriate for cultured meat. Cells in cultured meat will be eaten by consumers; therefore, cultured meat cell lines will also require unique attributes not selected for in other cell line applications. Specifically, cultured meat cell lines will need to be approved as safe for consumption as food, proliferate and differentiate efficiently at industrial scales, and have desirable taste, texture, and nutrition characteristics for consumers. This paper defines what cell lines are needed, the existing methods to produce new cell lines and their limitations, and the unique considerations of cell lines used in cultured meat.

Food safety considerations and research priorities for the cultured meat and seafood industry

Cell-cultured meat and seafood offer a sustainable opportunity to meet the world's increasing demand for protein in a climate-changed world. A responsible, data-driven approach to assess and demonstrate safety of cell-cultured meat and seafood can support consumer acceptance and help fully realize the potential of these products. As an initial step toward a thorough demonstration of safety, this review identifies hazards that could be introduced during manufacturing, evaluates applicability of existing safety assessment approaches, and highlights research priorities that could support safe commercialization. Input was gathered from members of the cultured meat and seafood industry, researchers, regulators, and food safety experts. A series of workshops were held with 87 industry representatives and researchers to create a modular manufacturing process diagram, which served as a framework to identify potential chemical and biological hazards along the steps of the manufacturing process that could affect the safety of a final food product. Interviews and feedback on draft documents validated the process diagram and supported hazard identification and evaluation of applicable safety methods. Most hazards are not expected to be novel; therefore, safety assessment methods from a range of fields, such as conventional and novel foods, foods produced from biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and so forth, are likely to be applicable. However, additional assessment of novel inputs or products with significant differences from existing foods may be necessary. Further research on the safety of the inputs and associated residues, potential for contamination, and development of standardized safety assessment approaches (particularly animal-free methods) is recommended.

An Event-Specific Real-Time PCR Method for Measuring Transgenic Lysozyme Goat Content in Trace Samples

Lysozymes are used in sterilisation, antisepsis, dairy additives, inflammation, and cancer. One transgenic goat line expressing high levels of human lysozyme (hLZ) in goat milk has been developed in China. Herein, we established an event-specific real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) method to detect the transgenic hLZ goat line. The developed method has high specificity, sensitivity and accuracy, and a wide quantitative dynamic range. The limit of detection and limit of quantification was 5 and 10 copies per reaction, respectively. The practical sample analysis results showed that the method could identify and quantify transgenic lysozyme content in trace samples in routine lab analyses. Furthermore, the potential applicability in risk assessment, such as molecular characterisation and gene horizontal transfer, was confirmed. We believe that this method is suitable for the detection of transgenic hLZ goat line and its derivate.

Distribution and degradation of DNA from non-genetically and genetically modified soybean (Roundup Ready): Impact of soybean protein concentrate and soybean protein isolate preparation

To improve genetically modified product labelling legislation and promote the development of genetically modified foods, the mass variations of genomic DNA and length distributions of DNA fragments in non-genetically and genetically modified soybean (Roundup Ready) and the variations in transgenic contents during soybean protein concentrate (SPC) and soybean protein isolate (SPI) preparation were monitored. The material masses throughout the process conformed to the law of mass conservation, and amounts of DNA recovered decreased with SPC and SPI preparation. The successive steps of ethanol extraction led to a decrease in the size distribution of the recovered DNA. For the LECTIN and CP4 EPSPS targets investigated, longer fragments (>800 bp) were more affected than smaller fragments (<200 bp), and both targets degraded slowly upon degradation into small fragments. DNA distribution and degradation thereby affected GMO quantification. After preparation procedures, the transgenic contents of SPC and SPI products were higher than that of raw soybean.

Nutritional Enhancement of Farmed Salmon Meat via Non-GMO Nannochloropsis Gaditana: Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA, 20:5 n-3), Docosapentaenoic Acid (DPA, 22:5 n-3) and Vitamin D3 for Human Health

Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC PUFAs) and vitamin D3 are essential components of human nutrition. A regular human diet is highly deficient in n-3 LC PUFAs. Fish like salmon are highly recommended in the human diet as they are a major source of high-value n-3 LC PUFAs and vitamin D3. The levels of these nutrients have been decreasing over the last few years in farmed salmon, whose production urgently needs sustainable sources of these nutrients. The microalga Nannochloropsis gaditana (NG) is known for its naturally high potential for the production of eicosapentaenoic (EPA, 20:5 n-3) fatty acid. A commercial diet for Atlantic salmon was supplemented with 1% and 10% of spray-dried NG grown under controlled conditions for a high EPA content. Salmon were harvested on day 49, following which, boneless and skinless salmon meat was recovered from fish and analyzed for the fatty acid profile, total fat, and vitamin D3. Vitamin D3, EPA, and docosapentaenoic fatty acid (DPA, 22:5 n-3) levels were significantly increased (p < 0.05) by supplementing the basal diet with 10% NG, thus, NG represents a novel, functional, natural ingredient and a sustainable source of n-3 LC-PUFAs that can raise the levels of healthy fats and vitamin D3 in farmed salmon meat.

COVID-19, an opportunity to reevaluate the correlation between long-term effects of anthropogenic pollutants on viral epidemic/pandemic events and prevalence

Occupational, residential, dietary and environmental exposures to mixtures of synthetic anthropogenic chemicals after World War II have a strong relationship with the increase of chronic diseases, health cost and environmental pollution. The link between environment and immunity is particularly intriguing as it is known that chemicals and drugs can cause immunotoxicity (e.g., allergies and autoimmune diseases). In this review, we emphasize the relationship between long-term exposure to xenobiotic mixtures and immune deficiency inherent to chronic diseases and epidemics/pandemics. We also address the immunotoxicologic risk of vulnerable groups, taking into account biochemical and biophysical properties of SARS-CoV-2 and its immunopathological implications. We particularly underline the common mechanisms by which xenobiotics and SARS-CoV-2 act at the cellular and molecular level. We discuss how long-term exposure to thousand chemicals in mixtures, mostly fossil fuel derivatives, exposure toparticle matters, metals, ultraviolet (UV)–B radiation, ionizing radiation and lifestyle contribute to immunodeficiency observed in the contemporary pandemic, such as COVID-19, and thus threaten global public health, human prosperity and achievements, and global economy. Finally, we propose metrics which are needed to address the diverse health effects of anthropogenic COVID-19 crisis at present and those required to prevent similar future pandemics.

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Developmental exposure to environmental factors can disrupt the immune system.

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Long-term low-dose exposure to chemical mixtures is linked to imunodeficiency

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Immunodeficiency contributes to chronic diseases and the current Covid-19 pandemics.

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Environmental chemicals and microorganisms share similar molecular pathomechanisms (AhR pathway).

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Understanding the underlying pathomechanisms helps to improve public health.

Toxic-Metal-Induced Alteration in miRNA Expression Profile as a Proposed Mechanism for Disease Development

Toxic metals are extensively found in the environment, households, and workplaces and contaminate food and drinking water. The crosstalk between environmental exposure to toxic metals and human diseases has been frequently described. The toxic mechanism of action was classically viewed as the ability to dysregulate the redox status, production of inflammatory mediators and alteration of mitochondrial function. Recently, growing evidence showed that heavy metals might exert their toxicity through microRNAs (miRNA)—short, single-stranded, noncoding molecules that function as positive/negative regulators of gene expression. Aberrant alteration of the endogenous miRNA has been directly implicated in various pathophysiological conditions and signaling pathways, consequently leading to different types of cancer and human diseases. Additionally, the gene-regulatory capacity of miRNAs is particularly valuable in the brain—a complex organ with neurons demonstrating a significant ability to adapt following environmental stimuli. Accordingly, dysregulated miRNAs identified in patients suffering from neurological diseases might serve as biomarkers for the earlier diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression. This review will greatly emphasize the effect of the toxic metals on human miRNA activities and how this contributes to progression of diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs).

Transgenic crops for the agricultural improvement in Pakistan: a perspective of environmental stresses and the current status of genetically modified crops

Transgenic technologies have emerged as a powerful tool for crop improvement in terms of yield, quality, and quantity in many countries of the world. However, concerns also exist about the possible risks involved in transgenic crop cultivation. In this review, literature is analyzed to gauge the real intensity of the issues caused by environmental stresses in Pakistan. In addition, the research work on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) development and their performance is analyzed to serve as a guide for the scientists to help them select useful genes for crop transformation in Pakistan. The funding of GMOs research in Pakistan shows that it does not follow the global trend. We also present socio-economic impact of GM crops and political dimensions in the seed sector and the policies of the government. We envisage that this review provides guidelines for public and private sectors as well as the policy makers in Pakistan and in other countries that face similar environmental threats posed by the changing climate.

Toxicogenomic analysis of publicly available transcriptomic data can predict food, drugs, and chemical-induced asthma

Background

: With the increasing incidence of asthma, more attention is focused on the diverse and complex nutritional and environmental triggers of asthma exacerbations. Currently, there are no established risk assessment tools to evaluate asthma triggering potentials of most of the nutritional and environmental triggers encountered by asthmatic patients.

Purpose

 The objective of this study is to devise a reliable workflow, capable of estimating the toxicogenomic effect of such factors on key player genes in asthma pathogenesis.

Methods

Gene expression extracted from publicly available datasets of asthmatic bronchial epithelium were subjected to a comprehensive analysis of differential gene expression to identify significant genes involved in asthma development and progression. The identified genes were subjected to Gene Set Enrichment Analysis using a total of 31,826 gene sets related to chemical, toxins, and drugs to identify common agents that share similar asthma-related targets genes and signaling pathways.

Results

Our analysis identified 225 differentially expressed genes between severe asthmatic and healthy bronchial epithelium. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis of the identified genes showed that they are involved in response to toxic substances and organic cyclic compounds and are targeted by 41 specific diets, plants products, and plants related toxins (eg adenine, arachidonic acid, baicalein, caffeic acid, corilagin, curcumin, ellagic acid, luteolin, microcystin-RR, phytoestrogens, protoporphyrin IX, purpurogallin, rottlerin, and salazinic acid). Moreover, the identified chemicals share interesting inflammation-related pathways like NF-κB.

Conclusion

Our analysis was able to explain and predict the toxicity in terms of stimulating the differentially expressed genes between severe asthmatic and healthy epithelium. Such an approach can pave the way to generate a cost-effective and reliable source for asthma-specific toxigenic reports thus allowing the asthmatic patients, physicians, and medical researchers to be aware of the potential triggering factors with fatal consequences.