Neurotoxicity assessment of QoI strobilurin fungicides azoxystrobin and trifloxystrobin in human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells: Insights from lipidomics and mitochondrial bioenergetics

Semi-automatic emulsification liquid-liquid microextraction with deep eutectic solvent for the determination of strobilurin fungicides in food samples

In this study, a rapid and simple semi-automatic emulsification liquid-liquid microextraction technique based on deep eutectic solvents was developed for determining strobilurin fungicides in food samples using high-performance liquid chromatography. Novel deep eutectic solvents formed as extractants by combining quaternary phosphates and fatty acids, eliminating the need for toxic solvents in liquid-phase microextraction. The extraction process was facilitated by an electric micropipette, which emulsified and injected the deep eutectic solvent-water mixture directly into the sample. The semi-automated approach enhanced extraction speed and efficiency while minimizing manual error. The sample and deep eutectic solvent mixture were emulsified immediately and separated within 15 min of standing. Only an electronic micropipette was used to achieve extraction and separation. The method demonstrated a linear range of 2-200 μg L-1 with R2 > 0.996 and a limit of detection of 0.6 μg L-1. Recovery ranged from 73.0 % to 100.1 %, with relative standard deviations from 0.4 % to 6.1 %. The greenness of the method was validated through multiple assessment tools, including the Green Analytical Procedure Index, Analytical GREEnness metric for sample preparation, and Sample Preparation Metric of Sustainability. The emulsification liquid-liquid microextraction procedure, based on innovative solvents and electric micropipette technology, proved successful for application in water, juice, and vinegar samples and showed potential for broader use in pesticide residue analysis in food.

Dual Mechanism of Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in Alzheimer's Disease: PAD4 Inhibition and Autophagy Stimulation

Alzheimer's disease (AD), which affects millions globally, is marked by progressive cognitive decline and neurodegeneration driven by protein aggregation and chronic inflammation. Emerging evidence has implicated peptidyl arginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) activity and impaired autophagy as key contributors to disease progression. In this study, we explored the neuroprotective potential of DHA in an in vitro model of AD. DHA was administered before arachidonic acid (AA), a proinflammatory agent that mimics AD-like cellular stress. DHA treatment reduced PAD4 expression, enhanced autophagy-related gene expression, and attenuated inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. It also lowered amyloid-beta accumulation and preserved neuronal integrity. These outcomes suggest a potential dual mechanism by which DHA may influence Alzheimer's-related pathology via PAD4 inhibition and autophagy stimulation in vitro. While these findings offer important mechanistic insights, further validation in animal models and clinical contexts is essential before therapeutic relevance can be confirmed.

Determination of strobilurin fungicides residual in vegetables based on amino modified magnetic graphene oxide solid phase extraction coupled with GC-MS/MS

This research investigated the creation and utilization of an amino-functionalized magnetic graphene oxide (Fe₃O₄-NH₂@GO) nanocomposite as a selective sorbent for extracting and identifying strobilurin fungicides (SFs) from vegetable samples. The investigation utilized a method where magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) was integrated with Gas chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (GC-MS/MS) for analysis. The physicochemical properties of synthesized sorbent were characterized using Scanning electron microscope (SEM) , Fourier infrared transform spectrum (FT-IR) , X Ray Diffraction (XRD), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) techniques. The adsorption performance of Fe₃O₄-NH₂@GO aligned with the pseudo-second-order kinetics, Elovich, and Freundlich isothermal adsorption models, suggesting various interactions with SFs, including π-π interactions, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic forces. The maximum adsorption capacity of two selected representative SFs (Picoxystrobin and E-metominostrobin) for the adsorbent were 55.85 mg/g and 47.35 mg/g, respectively. Additionally, the amino group exhibited notable potential for SFs adsorption. Parameters for MSPE, such as the quantity of sorbent, adsorption duration, eluent types and volumes, and sample pH, were optimized. Under optimal conditions, the developed method showed satisfactory performance within a range of 10 to 2000 µg L⁻¹ (R² ≥ 0.9969), low detection limits (0.01-0.080 µg/kg), high analyte recovery (80.5-104.3 %), and good precision (RSD ≤ 4.96 %, n = 6). This method is rapid, straightforward, environmentally friendly, demonstrates good sensitivity and providing a new perspectives on developing sorbents for SFs in complex food matrices. Also Fe₃O₄-NH₂@GO as a sorbent firstly used for extraction and enrichment of phenyl fungicides residues in food samples exhibits remarkable promise, thereby contributing to the advancement of pesticides residue determination methodologies.

Risk assessment of pesticide residues ingestion in food offered by institutional restaurant menus

The chronic ingestion of pesticide residues through food appears to be a global public health issue, especially in Brazil. This study evaluates 120 menus across six Brazilian institutional restaurants, estimating the allowance of active pesticide ingredients, residue characterization, and chronic exposure risk through food. Data analysis reveals 263 authorized active ingredients, predominantly insecticides (43%), fungicides (40%), and herbicides (14%) for use in 40 foods. Notably, 4% of residues are extremely toxic, 5% highly toxic, and 14% moderately toxic. Forty-two compounds, especially those permitted in animal-source foods, exhibit high bioaccumulation potential. Some foods harbor multiple pesticide residues, raising concerns, despite 99% of residues falling within the Acceptable Daily Intake. Methomyl insecticide poses potential ingestion risks during lunch, warranting attention. The pervasive presence of pesticide residues in daily consumed foods underscores the necessity for greater attention to the source of the food, ensuring access to healthy and safe collective consumption.

Mitochondrial dysfunction induced in human hepatic HepG2 cells exposed to the fungicide kresoxim-methyl and to a mixture kresoxim-methyl/boscalid

The fungicides strobilurins and succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors (SDHIs) are blockers of the electron transport chain (ETC) in fungi. Here, we show that the exposure for 24 h to kresoxym-methyl, a fungicide from the class of strobilurins, alters the mitochondrial respiration in human HepG2 hepatocytes. In addition, we demonstrate an increase in production of mitochondrial superoxide radical anion, a reduction in ATP level, a decrease in the ratio reduced/oxidized glutathione and a decrease in cell viability (assessed by the LDH assay, Presto Blue assay, and Crystal Violet assay). As kresoxym-methyl is associated to boscalid (SDHI) in commercial formulations, we analyzed a potential exacerbation of the induced mitochondrial dysfunction for this combination. For the highest dose at which kresoxym-methyl (5 µM) and boscalid (0.5 µM) did not induce changes in mitochondrial function when used separately, in contrast, when both fungicides were used in combination at the same concentration, we observed a significant alteration of the mitochondrial function of hepatocytes: there was a decrease in oxygen consumption rate, in the ATP level. In addition, the level of mitochondrial superoxide radical anion was increased leading to a decrease in the ratio reduced/oxidized glutathione, and an increase in viability.

Comparative cytotoxicity and mitochondrial disruption in H9c2 cardiomyocytes induced by common pesticides

Chronic exposure to pesticides is believed to be associated with various human diseases, including cardiovascular diseases. However, the mechanisms by which pesticides lead to cardiovascular diseases remain unclear. In our study, we selected the following commonly used pesticides as typical examples: the herbicides glyphosate (GLY) and glufosinate ammonium (GLA); the insecticides imidacloprid (IMI) and thiamethoxam (THM); and the fungicides pyraclostrobin (PYR) and azoxystrobin (AZO). We employed H9c2 cells as a model to investigate the cytotoxic effects of these pesticides on myocardial cells at concentrations of 1, 10, 100, and 1000 mg/L. The results indicate that these pesticides can affect cell viability, alter the cell cycle, and significantly impact ATP content and mitochondrial complex levels, ultimately triggering oxidative stress responses in the cells. However, compared to herbicides GLY and GLA, insecticides IMI and THM, and fungicides PYR and AZO pesticides are more toxic to H9c2 cells. Additionally, GLY, GLA, IMI, THM, PYR, and AZO were found to cause structural changes in the mitochondria of H9c2 cells. Molecular docking results suggest that these pesticides can bind to proteins related to mitochondrial dynamics. Furthermore, IMI, THM, PYR, and AZO exhibit stronger binding abilities to mitochondrial dynamics-related proteins. These findings indicate that these pesticides significantly adverse effects on myocardial cells, mainly by causing mitochondrial dysfunction and inducing oxidative stress. Our findings highlight the importance of considering the differential toxicity of various classes of pesticides when assessing their risks to human health, particularly concerning cardiovascular diseases.

Angiotensin II Alters Mitochondrial Membrane Potential and Lipid Metabolism in Rat Colonic Epithelial Cells

An over-active renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is characterized by elevated angiotensin II (Ang II). While Ang II can promote metabolic and mitochondrial dysfunction in tissues, little is known about its role in the gastrointestinal system (GI). Here, we treated rat primary colonic epithelial cells with Ang II (1-5000 nM) to better define their role in the GI. We hypothesized that Ang II would negatively affect mitochondrial bioenergetics as these organelles express Ang II receptors. Ang II increased cellular ATP production but reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) of colonocytes. However, cells maintained mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis with treatment, reflecting metabolic compensation with impaired MMP. To determine whether lipid dysregulation was evident, untargeted lipidomics were conducted. A total of 1949 lipids were detected in colonocytes spanning 55 distinct (sub)classes. Ang II (1 nM) altered the abundance of some sphingosines [So(d16:1)], ceramides [Cer-AP(t18:0/24:0)], and phosphatidylcholines [OxPC(16:0_20:5(2O)], while 100 nM Ang II altered some triglycerides and phosphatidylserines [PS(19:0_22:1). Ang II did not alter the relative expression of several enzymes in lipid metabolism; however, the expression of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 2 (PDK2) was increased, and PDK2 can be protective against dyslipidemia. This study is the first to investigate the role of Ang II in colonic epithelial cell metabolism.

Molecularly Imprinted Polymer-Based Electrochemical Sensor for the Detection of Azoxystrobin in Aqueous Media

This work presents an electrochemical sensor detecting a fungicide-azoxystrobin (AZO) in aqueous environments. This AZO sensor utilizes a thin-film metal electrode (TFME) combined with an AZO-selective molecularly imprinted polymer (AZO-MIP). The AZO-MIP was directly generated on TFME through electrochemical polymerization from the solution containing two functional monomers: aniline (Ani) and m-phenylenediamine (mPD), and the template: AZO, which was afterwards removed to form AZO-selective cavities in the polymer matrix. The AZO-MIP preparation was characterized by electrochemical and ellipsometry measurements. Optimization of the synthesis parameters, including the charge density applied during electrodeposition, the monomer-to-template ratio, was performed to enhance the sensor's performance. The results demonstrated that the AZO sensor achieved a low limit of detection (LOD) of 3.6 nM and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 11.8 nM in tap water, indicating its sensitivity in a complex aqueous environment. The sensor also exhibited satisfactory selectivity for AZO in both ultrapure and tap-water samples and achieved a good recovery (94-119%) for the target analyte. This study highlights the potential of MIP-based electrochemical sensors for the rapid and accurate detection of fungicide contaminants in water, contributing to the advancement of analytical tools for water-quality monitoring and risk assessment.

Border cell population size and oxidative stress in the root apex of Triticum aestivum seedlings exposed to fungicides

Fungicides reduce the risk of mycopathologies and reduce the content of mycotoxins in commercial grain. The effect of fungicides on the structural and functional status of the root system of grain crops has not been studied enough. In this regard, we studied the phytocytotoxic effects tebuconazole (TEB) and epoxiconazole (EPO) and azoxystrobin (AZO) in the roots of Triticum aestivum seedlings in hydroponic culture. In the presence of EPO and AZO (but not TEB) inhibition of the root growth was accompanied by a dose-dependent increase in the content of malondialdehyde, carbonylated proteins, and proline in roots. TEB was characterized by a dose-dependent decrease in the total amount of border cells (BCs) and the protein content in root extracellular trap (RET). For EPO and AZO, the dose curves of changes in the total number of BCs were bell-shaped. AZO did not affect the protein content in RET. The protein content in RET significantly decreased by 3 times for an EPO concentration of 1 µg/mL. The obtained results reveal that the BC-RET system is one of the functional targets of fungicides in the root system of wheat seedlings. Studied fungicides induce oxidative stress and structural and functional alterations in the BC-RET system that can affect their toxicity to the root system of crops.

Fungicides as a risk factor for the development of neurological diseases and disorders in humans: a systematic review

Although studies show that pesticides, especially insecticides, may be toxic to humans, publications on the neurological effects of fungicides are scarce. As fungicides are used widely in Brazil, it is necessary to gather evidence to support actions aimed at safely using of these chemicals. We investigated through a systematic review of publications on the use of fungicides and consequences of exposure related to nervous system diseases or neurological disorders in humans. The protocol review was registered on PROSPERO and followed the guidelines of the PRISMA-Statement. As far as it is known, there is no apparent systematic review in the literature on this topic. The search was comprised of the following databases: PubMed; Web of Science; Scopus and EMBASE, using groups of Mesh terms and strategies specific to each database. Thirteen articles were selected for this review. Regarding the substances analyzed in the studies, some reported the use of fungicides in general, without separating them by type, while others summarized the categories of all pesticides by their function (insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, etc.) or chemical class (dithiocarbamate, dicarboximide, inorganic, etc.). However, most of the articles referred to fungicides that contain the metal manganese (Mn) in their composition. As for neurological disorders, articles addressed Parkinson's disease (PD), neurodevelopmental outcomes, extrapyramidal syndrome resembling PD, cognitive disorders, depression, neural tube defects, motor neurone disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Most investigations pointed to exposure to fungicides, mainly maneb and mancozeb, leading to the development of at least one neurological disease, which suggests the need for further multicentric clinical trials and prospective studies for greater clarity of the research problem.

Nano and Technological Frontiers as a Sustainable Platform for Postharvest Preservation of Berry Fruits

Berries are highly perishable and susceptible to spoilage, resulting in significant food and economic losses. The use of chemicals in traditional postharvest protection techniques can harm both human health and the environment. Consequently, there is an increasing interest in creating environmentally friendly solutions for postharvest protection. This article discusses various approaches, including the use of "green" chemical compounds such as ozone and peracetic acid, biocontrol agents, physical treatments, and modern technologies such as the use of nanostructures and molecular tools. The potential of these alternatives is evaluated in terms of their effect on microbial growth, nutritional value, and physicochemical and sensorial properties of the berries. Moreover, the development of nanotechnology, molecular biology, and artificial intelligence offers a wide range of opportunities to develop formulations using nanostructures, improving the functionality of the coatings by enhancing their physicochemical and antimicrobial properties and providing protection to bioactive compounds. Some challenges remain for their implementation into the food industry such as scale-up and regulatory policies. However, the use of sustainable postharvest protection methods can help to reduce the negative impacts of chemical treatments and improve the availability of safe and quality berries.

Dissipation, Metabolism, Accumulation, Processing and Risk Assessment of Fluopyram and Trifloxystrobin in Cucumbers and Cowpeas from Cultivation to Consumption

Fluopyram and trifloxystrobin are widely used for controlling various plant diseases in cucumbers and cowpeas. However, data on residue behaviors in plant cultivation and food processing are currently lacking. Our results showed that cowpeas had higher fluopyram and trifloxystrobin residues (16.48-247.65 μg/kg) than cucumbers (877.37-3576.15 μg/kg). Moreover, fluopyram and trifloxystrobin dissipated faster in cucumbers (half-life range, 2.60-10.66 d) than in cowpeas (10.83-22.36 d). Fluopyram and trifloxystrobin were the main compounds found in field samples, and their metabolites, fluopyram benzamide and trifloxystrobin acid, fluctuated at low residue levels (≤76.17 μg/kg). Repeated spraying resulted in the accumulation of fluopyram, trifloxystrobin, fluopyram benzamide and trifloxystrobin acid in cucumbers and cowpeas. Peeling, washing, stir-frying, boiling and pickling were able to partially or substantially remove fluopyram and trifloxystrobin residues from raw cucumbers and cowpeas (processing factor range, 0.12-0.97); on the contrary, trifloxystrobin acid residues appeared to be concentrated in pickled cucumbers and cowpeas (processing factor range, 1.35-5.41). Chronic and acute risk assessments suggest that the levels of fluopyram and trifloxystrobin in cucumbers and cowpeas were within a safe range based on the field residue data of the present study. The potential hazards of fluopyram and trifloxystrobin should be continuously assessed for their high residue concentrations and potential accumulation effects.

An Exploratory Study of the Metabolite Profiling from Pesticides Exposed Workers

Pesticides constitute a category of chemical products intended specifically for the control and mitigation of pests. With their constant increase in use, the risk to human health and the environment has increased proportionally due to occupational and environmental exposure to these compounds. The use of these chemicals is associated with several toxic effects related to acute and chronic toxicity, such as infertility, hormonal disorders and cancer. The present work aimed to study the metabolic profile of individuals occupationally exposed to pesticides, using a metabolomics tool to identify potential new biomarkers. Metabolomics analysis was carried out on plasma and urine samples from individuals exposed and non-exposed occupationally, using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). Non-targeted metabolomics analysis, using principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) or partial least squares discriminant orthogonal analysis (OPLS-DA), demonstrated good separation of the samples and identified 21 discriminating metabolites in plasma and 17 in urine. The analysis of the ROC curve indicated the compounds with the greatest potential for biomarkers. Comprehensive analysis of the metabolic pathways influenced by exposure to pesticides revealed alterations, mainly in lipid and amino acid metabolism. This study indicates that the use of metabolomics provides important information about complex biological responses.

Monitoring residues of pesticides in food in Brazil: A multiscale analysis of the main contaminants, dietary cancer risk estimative and mechanisms associated

Introduction

Pesticides pose a risk for cancer development and progression. People are continuously exposed to such substances by several routes, including daily intake of contaminated food and water, especially in countries that are highly pesticide consumers and have very permissive legislation about pesticide contamination as Brazil. This work investigated the relationship among pesticides, food contamination, and dietary cancer risk.

Methods

Analyzed two social reports from the Brazilian Government: the Program for Analysis of Residues of Pesticides in Food (PARA) and The National Program for Control of Waste and Contaminants (PNCRC).

Results and discussion

First, we characterized the main pesticide residues detected over the maximum limits allowed by legislation or those prohibited for use in food samples analyzed across the country. Based on this list, we estimated the dietary cancer risks for some of the selected pesticides. Finally, we searched for data about dietary cancer risks and carcinogenic mechanisms of each pesticide. We also provided a critical analysis concerning the pesticide scenario in Brazil, aiming to discuss the food contamination levels observed from a geographical, political, and public health perspective. Exposures to pesticides in Brazil violate a range of human rights when food and water for human consumption are contaminated.