New insights into crosstalk between apoptosis and necroptosis co-induced by chlorothalonil and imidacloprid in Ctenopharyngodon idellus kidney cells

The toxicity and health risk of chlorothalonil to non-target animals and humans: A systematic review

Chlorothalonil (CTL), an organochloride fungicide applied for decades worldwide, has been found to be present in various matrixes and even accumulates in humans or other mammals through the food chain. Its high residue and diffusion in the environment have severely affected food security and public health. More and more research has considered CTL as a possible toxin to environmental non-target organisms, via influencing multiple systems such as metabolic, developmental, endocrine, genetic, and reproductive pathways. Aquatic organisms and amphibians are the most vulnerable species to CTL exposure, especially during the early period of development. Under experimental conditions, CTL can also have toxic effects on rodents and other non-target organisms. As for humans, CTL exposure is most often reported to be relevant to allergic reactions to the skin and eyes. We hope that this review will improve our understanding of the hazards and risks that CTL poses to non-target organisms and find a strategy for rational use.

The azole biocide climbazole induces oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in fish gut

Climbazole is an azole biocide that has been widely used in formulations of personal care products. Climbazole can cause developmental toxicity and endocrine disruption as well as gut disturbance in aquatic organisms. However, the mechanisms behind gut toxicity induced by climbazole still remain largely unclear in fish. Here, we evaluate the gut effects by exposing grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) to climbazole at levels ranging from 0.2 to 20 μg/L for 42 days by evaluating gene transcription and expression, biochemical analyses, correlation network analysis, and molecular docking. Results showed that climbazole exposure increased cyp1a mRNA expression and ROS level in the three treatment groups. Climbazole also inhibited Nrf2 and Keap1 transcripts as well as proteins, and suppressed the transcript levels of their subordinate antioxidant molecules (cat, sod, and ho-1), increasing oxidative stress. Additionally, climbazole enhanced NF-κB and iκBα transcripts and proteins, and the transcripts of NF-κB downstream pro-inflammatory factors (tnfα, and il-1β/6/8), leading to inflammation. Climbazole increased pro-apoptosis-related genes (fadd, bad1, and caspase3), and decreased anti-apoptosis-associated genes (bcl2, and bcl-xl), suggesting a direct reaction to apoptosis. The molecular docking data showed that climbazole could form stable hydrogen bonds with CYP1A. Mechanistically, our findings suggested that climbazole can induce inflammation and oxidative stress through CYP450s/ROS/Nrf2/NF-κB pathways, resulting in cell apoptosis in the gut of grass carp.

Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide alleviates thiacloprid-induced kidney injury in quails via activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway

Thiacloprid (THI) is a neonicotinoid insecticide, and its wide-ranging use has contributed to severe environmental and health problems. Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide (DOP) possesses multiple biological activities such as antioxidant and antiapoptosis effect. Although present research has shown that THI causes kidney injury, the exact molecular mechanism and treatment of THI-induced kidney injury remain unclear. The study aimed to investigate if DOP could alleviate THI-induced kidney injury and identify the potential molecular mechanism in quails. In this study, Japanese quails received DOP (200 mg/kg) daily with or without THI (4 mg/kg) exposure for 42 days. Our results showed that DOP improved hematological changes, biochemical indexes, and nephric histopathological changes induced by THI. Meanwhile, THI exposure caused oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy. Furthermore, THI and DOP cotreatment significantly activated the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 (Nrf2/HO-1) pathway, restored antioxidant enzyme activity, and reduced apoptosis and autophagy in quail kidneys. In summary, our study demonstrated that DOP mitigated THI-mediated kidney injury was associated with oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy via activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in quails.

Deciphering the impact of greenhouse pesticides on hepatic metabolism profile: Toxicity experiments on HepG2 cells using chlorpyrifos and emamectin benzoate

Epidemiological evidence on the health effects of pesticide exposure among greenhouse workers is limited, and the mechanisms are lacking. Building upon our team's previous population study, we selected two pesticides, CPF and EB, with high detection rates, based on the theoretical foundation that the liver serves as a detoxifying organ, we constructed a toxicity model using HepG2 cells to investigate the impact of individual or combined pesticide exposure on the hepatic metabolism profile, attempting to identify targeted biomarkers. Our results showed that CPF and EB could significantly affect the survival rate of HepG2 cells and disrupt their metabolic profile. There were 117 metabolites interfered by CPF exposure, which mainly affected ABC transporter, biosynthesis of amino acids, center carbon metabolism in cancer, fatty acid biosynthesis and other pathways, 95 metabolites interfered by EB exposure, which mainly affected center carbon metabolism in cancer, HIF-1 signaling pathway, valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis, fatty acid biosynthesis and other pathways. The cross analysis and further biological experiments confirmed that CPF and EB pesticide exposure may affect the HIF-1 signaling pathway and valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis in HepG2 cells, providing reliable experimental evidence for the prevention and treatment of liver damage in greenhouse workers.

Imidacloprid disrupts larval molting regulation and nutrient energy metabolism, causing developmental delay in honey bee Apis mellifera

Imidacloprid is a global health threat that severely poisons the economically and ecologically important honeybee pollinator, Apis mellifera. However, its effects on developing bee larvae remain largely unexplored. Our pilot study showed that imidacloprid causes developmental delay in bee larvae, but the underlying toxicological mechanisms remain incompletely understood. In this study, we exposed bee larvae to imidacloprid at environmentally relevant concentrations of 0.7, 1.2, 3.1, and 377 ppb. There was a marked dose-dependent delay in larval development, characterized by reductions in body mass, width, and growth index. However, imidacloprid did not affect on larval survival and food consumption. The primary toxicological effects induced by elevated concentrations of imidacloprid (377 ppb) included inhibition of neural transmission gene expression, induction of oxidative stress, gut structural damage, and apoptosis, inhibition of developmental regulatory hormones and genes, suppression of gene expression levels involved in proteolysis, amino acid transport, protein synthesis, carbohydrate catabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, and glycolysis energy production. In addition, we found that the larvae may use antioxidant defenses and P450 detoxification mechanisms to mitigate the effects of imidacloprid. Ultimately, this study provides the first evidence that environmentally exposed imidacloprid can affect the growth and development of bee larvae by disrupting molting regulation and limiting the metabolism and utilization of dietary nutrients and energy. These findings have broader implications for studies assessing pesticide hazards in other juvenile animals.

Energy metabolic reprogramming regulates programmed cell death of renal tubular epithelial cells and might serve as a new therapeutic target for acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) induces significant energy metabolic reprogramming in renal tubular epithelial cells (TECs), thereby altering lipid, glucose, and amino acid metabolism. The changes in lipid metabolism encompass not only the downregulation of fatty acid oxidation (FAO) but also changes in cell membrane lipids and triglycerides metabolism. Regarding glucose metabolism, AKI leads to increased glycolysis, activation of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), inhibition of gluconeogenesis, and upregulation of the polyol pathway. Research indicates that inhibiting glycolysis, promoting the PPP, and blocking the polyol pathway exhibit a protective effect on AKI-affected kidneys. Additionally, changes in amino acid metabolism, including branched-chain amino acids, glutamine, arginine, and tryptophan, play an important role in AKI progression. These metabolic changes are closely related to the programmed cell death of renal TECs, involving autophagy, apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis. Notably, abnormal intracellular lipid accumulation can impede autophagic clearance, further exacerbating lipid accumulation and compromising autophagic function, forming a vicious cycle. Recent studies have demonstrated the potential of ameliorating AKI-induced kidney damage through calorie and dietary restriction. Consequently, modifying the energy metabolism of renal TECs and dietary patterns may be an effective strategy for AKI treatment.

Adverse effects of thiamethoxam on the behavior, biochemical responses, hepatopancreas health, transcriptome and intestinal flora of juvenile Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis)

Frequent detection of thiamethoxam in global surface waters has provoked great concern in environmental safety, as thiamethoxam exhibits high toxicity to aquatic arthropods. However, little systematic investigation has been conducted on the chronic toxicity of thiamethoxam to crustaceans. This study exposed Eriocheir sinensis to thiamethoxam (0, 0.5, 5 and 50 μg/L) in water for 28 days. No significant difference in mortality was observed among all groups. A high concentration of thiamethoxam (50 μg/L) impaired the righting ability of E. sinensis. Thiamethoxam significantly increased antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase) and malondialdehyde levels. Simultaneously, detoxification enzyme activities (aminopyrine N-demethylase, erythromycin N-demethylase and glutathione-S-transferase) increased under chronic thiamethoxam stress. In addition, thiamethoxam caused immune and hepatopancreas damage. Moreover, thiamethoxam induced intestinal flora dysbiosis by altering the microbiome structure. The reduced complexity of the gut microbiota further illustrated that thiamethoxam could disrupt the stability of the microbiota ecological network. The transcriptomic results revealed that the number of downregulated DEGs increased in a dose-dependent manner, and most downregulated DEGs were enriched in energy metabolism-related pathways. These results indicate that thiamethoxam can adversely affect the crab behavior, biochemistry, intestinal microflora and transcriptomic responses.

TBBPA and lead co-exposure induces grass carp liver cells apoptosis via ROS/JAK2/STAT3 signaling axis

Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) and lead (Pb) are widely used in industrial field, which poses a serious threat to human and animal health. In particular, a large volume of wastewater containing TBBPA and Pb was discharged into the aquatic environment, causing a seriously negative impact on fish. Currently, whether TBBPA and Pb have a synergistic toxicity on fish remains unclear. In this study, we used the grass carp hepatocytes (L8824 cell line) exposed to either TBBPA or Pb, or both to determine their potential impacts on fish. The results showed that Pb or TBBPA induced oxidative stress and the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential in grass carp hepatocytes. In contrast to the control cells, the levels of JAK2, p-JAK2, STAT3 and p-STAT3 were significantly upregulated after exposure to TBBPA and Pb. Furthermore, the levels of Caspase3, Caspase9 and Bax were all increased while the level of Bcl2 was decreased in hepatocytes exposed to TBBPA or Pb. Results of flow cytometry and AO/EB staining reveled significant increases in the number of apoptotic cells in the TBBPA and Pb group compared to the controls. Notably, cells exposed to both TBBPA and Pb exhibited more severe damage than the single exposure, manifested by a higher number of apoptotic cells in the co-exposure group than the single exposure groups. Nevertheless, N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) treatment could remarkably alleviate oxidative damage and loss of membrane potential in grass carp hepatocytes induced by TBBPA and Pb. Altogether, our study showed that combined exposure of TBBPA and Pb has a synergistic toxicity due to, inducing oxidative stress to activate JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, resulting in apoptosis of carp hepatocytes. This study shed a new light on the toxicological mechanism of exposure of TBBPA and Pb and provided a potential treatment of toxicity induced by TBBPA and Pb.

Co-exposure of avermectin and imidacloprid induces DNA damage, pyroptosis, and immune dysfunction in epithelioma papulosum cyprini cells via ROS-mediated Keap1/Nrf2/TXNIP axis

Pesticide mixtures can reduce pest resistance, however, their overuse severely threatens aquatic animal survival and public health. Avermectin (AVM) and imidacloprid (IMI) are potent insecticides often employed in agriculture. By inducing oxidative stress, these chemicals can induce cell death. Here, we evaluated the combined toxicity of AVM and IMI on EPC cells based on the concept of toxicity units (TU). We established EPC cell models exposed to AVM and IMI alone and in combination. The results showed that AVM and IMI had additive effects on the toxicity of EPC cells. Meanwhile, the co-exposure of AVM and IMI exacerbated oxidative stress and induced excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), triggered Keap1/Nrf2/TXNIP axis, caused DNA damage and increased the expression of genes related to pyroptosis. In addition, co-exposure to AVM and IMI caused immunosuppression of EPC cells. The ROS inhibitor N-Acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) can dramatically reverse these alterations brought on by AVM and IMI co-exposure. The findings above conclude that co-exposure to AVM and IMI causes DNA damage, pyroptosis, and immunosuppression in EPC cells through the ROS-mediated Keap1/Nrf2/TXNIP pathway. This study revealed the joint toxicity of AVM and IMI on EPC cells, and reminded people to consider its impact on aquatic animals when using pesticide mixtures.

Polystyrene-microplastics and DEHP co-exposure induced DNA damage, cell cycle arrest and necroptosis of ovarian granulosa cells in mice by promoting ROS production

The joint pollution of microplastics (MPs) and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalic acid (DEHP) often occurs, and consequently poses a serious threat to human and animal health, which has attracted widespread attention. However, the damage to the female mammalian ovary caused by the single exposure and co-exposure of MPs and DEHP and its specific mechanisms are not clear. Here, we established mouse models of single and co-exposures to polystyrene-microplastics (PS-MPs) and DEHP. The results showed that exposed to 100 mg/L PS-MPs and 200 mg/kg DEHP for 35 days destroyed the ovarian granulosa cell layer of mice, leading to follicular fragmentation and atresia. We cultured ovary granulosa cells in vitro to perform further mechanism studies and found that PS-MPs and DEHP had synergistic effects. Both of them promoted the excessive production of ROS and induced oxidative stress by triggering the CNR1/CRBN/YY1/CYP2E1 signaling axis, which in turn caused DNA oxidative damage. Additionally, we provided compelling evidence that oxidative stress mediated-hippo signaling pathway played a critical role in PS-MPs and DEHP caused ovary damage, resulting in ovarian granulosa cell cycle arrest and necroptosis. Using oxidative stress inhibitor AM251 or DAS could reverse these changes markedly and alleviate the reproductive toxicity caused by PS-MPs and DEHP, effectively. Overall, these results demonstrated that co-exposure of PS-MPs and DEHP adversely affected the integrity of ovary granulosa cell layer, resulting in DNA oxidative damage, cell cycle arrest and increased necroptosis of mouse ovarian granulosa cells by inducing oxidative stress. Our study shed new light on the co-exposure toxicity of PS-MPs and DEHP, provided novel insights for the reproductive toxicity of PS-MPs combined exposure with DEHP in female animals from a new free radical generation pathway perspective.

Ecotoxicity of pesticide formulations and their mixtures: the case of potato crops in Costa Rica

Despite their environmental implications, ecotoxicological information regarding pesticide mixtures is relatively scarce. This study aimed to determine the ecotoxicity of individual pesticide formulations and their mixtures (insecticides and fungicides), which are applied during the production cycle of potato, according to agricultural practices from a Latin American region in Costa Rica. Two benchmark organisms were employed: Daphnia magna and Lactuca sativa. First, the evaluation of individual formulations (chlorothalonil, propineb, deltamethrin+imidacloprid, ziram, thiocyclam and chlorpyrifos) revealed differences between available EC₅₀ for active ingredients (a.i.) and their respective formulations toward D. magna; on the contrary, no information could be retrieved from scientific literature for comparison in the case of L. sativa. In general, acute toxicity was higher toward D. magna than L. sativa. Moreover, interactions could not be determined on L. sativa, as the chlorothalonil formulation was not toxic at high levels and the concentration-response to propineb could not be fitted to obtain an IC₅₀ value. The commercial formulation composed of deltamethrin+imidacloprid followed the concentration addition model (when compared with parameters retrieved from individual a.i.) and the other three mixtures evaluated (I: chlorothalonil-propineb-deltamethrin+imidacloprid; II: chlorothalonil-propineb-ziram-thiocyclam; III: chlorothalonil-propineb-chlorpyrifos) produced an antagonistic effect on D. magna, thus suggesting less acute toxicity than their individual components. Subsequent chronic studies showed that one of the most toxic mixtures (II) negatively affected D. magna reproduction at sublethal concentrations indicating that this mixture poses a risk to this species if these pesticides co-exist in freshwater systems. These findings provide useful data to better estimate the impact of real agricultural practices related to the use of agrochemicals.

Eucalyptol antagonized the apoptosis and immune dysfunction of grass carp hepatocytes induced by tetrabromobisphenol A by regulating ROS/ASK1/JNK pathway

Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) is a common environmental pollutant which has multi-organ toxicity to mammals. Eucalyptol (EUC) has super antioxidant biological activity. However, in this experimental study, we probed into the mechanism of toxic of TBBPA exposure on Grass carp hepatocytes (L8824 cells) and the antagonistic impact of EUC on TBBPA. We treated L8824 cells with 8 μg/ml TBBPA and/or 20 μM EUC for 24 h in this test research. The experiment results suggested that TBBPA exposure induced elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), led to oxidative stress, decreased SOD and CAT activities, decreased GSH and T-AOC contents, exacerbated MDA accumulation, activated ASK1/JNK signaling pathway, and further increased the contents of mitochondrial dependent apoptosis pathway related indicators (Cyt-C, Bax, Caspase 9, Caspase 3), while Bcl-2 expression decreased. In addition, TBBPA exposure induced increased expression of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and decreased expression of IL-2, IFN-γ, Hepcidin, β-defensin, LEAP2. The oxidative stress level, ASK1/JNK signal pathway expression level, apoptosis ratio and cellular immune function of cells exposed to EUC alone did not change significantly. Combined exposure of TBBPA and EUC significantly reduced the proportion of apoptosis and restored cellular immune function. Therefore, these results suggest that EUC can effectively antagonize TBBPA-induced apoptosis and immune dysfunction of L8824 cells by regulating ROS/ASK1/JNK signaling pathway.

New Insights into How Melatonin Ameliorates Bisphenol A-Induced Colon Damage: Inhibition of NADPH Oxidase

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disruptor, widely employed, and detected in many consumer products and food items. Oral intake poses a great threat to intestinal health. Melatonin (MT) stands out as an endogenous, dietary, and therapeutic molecule with potent antioxidant capacity. To explore the protective effect of MT against BPA-induced colon damage and the role of NADPH oxidase (NOX) in this process, we established mice and colonic epithelial cell (NCM460) models of BPA exposure and treated with MT. In vitro and in vivo results showed that MT ameliorated BPA-induced oxidative stress, DNA damage, and the G2/M cell cycle arrest. MT also downregulated the expression of NOX family-related genes, reversed the inhibition of the base excision repair (BER) pathway, promoted the activation of non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) pathway, and suppressed the mRNA and protein expression of ATM, Chk1/2, and p53. Diphenyleneiodonium chloride (DPI), a NOX-specific inhibitor, also attenuated the toxic effects of BPA on NCM460 cells. Furthermore, molecular docking revealed that MT could bind to NOX. Conclusively, our finding suggested that MT can ameliorate BPA-induced colonic DNA damage by scavenging NOX-derived ROS, which further attenuates G2/M cell cycle arrest dependent on the ATM-Chk1/2-p53 axis.

Subacute Cadmium Exposure Induces Necroptosis in Swine Lung via Influencing Th1/Th2 Balance

Cadmium (Cd) is a type of toxic substance, which widely exists in nature. However, the effect of Cd exposure on the toxicity of swine lungs and its underlying mechanism involved have not yet been reported. In our study, we divided swine into two groups, including a control group (C group) and Cd-exposed group. Swine in the C group were fed a basic diet, whereas swine in the Cd group were fed a 20 mg Cd/kg diet. Immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, western blot analysis, and H&E staining were performed to detect necroptosis-related indicators. Our results found that after Cd exposure, Th1/Th2 imbalance occurred, miR-181-5p was down-regulated, TNF-α expression was increased, and the NF-κB/NLRP3 and JAK/STAT pathways and RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL axis were activated. Furthermore, histopathological examination showed necrosis in swine lung after Cd exposure. Together, the above-mentioned results indicate that subacute Cd exposure is closely linked with necroptosis in swine lung. Our study provided evidence that Cd may act through miR-181-5p/TNF-α to induce necroptosis in swine lung. The findings of this study supplement the toxicological study of Cd and provide a reference for comparative medicine.

ROS/ER stress contributes to trimethyltin chloride-mediated hepatotoxicity; Tea polyphenols alleviate apoptosis and immunosuppression

Trimethyltin chloride (TMT) is an organotin-based contaminant present in the water environment that poses a great threat to aquatic organisms and humans. The liver is the detoxification organ of the body and TMT exposure accumulates in the liver. Tea polyphenol (TP) is a natural antioxidant extracted from tea leaves and has been widely used as a food and feed additive. To investigate the mechanism of toxicity caused by TMT exposure on grass carp hepatocytes (L8824 cells) and the mitigating effect of TP, we established a hepatocyte model of TMT toxicity and/or TP treatment. L8824 cells were treated with 0.5 μM of TMT and/or 4 μg/mL of TP for 24 h and assayed for relevant indices. The results showed that TMT exposure caused oxidative stress, resulting in increased intracellular ROS content, resulting in intracellular ROS accumulation and increased MDA content, and inhibiting the activities of T-AOC, SOD, CAT, and GSH. Meanwhile, TMT exposure activated the endoplasmic reticulum apoptotic signaling pathway, resulting in abnormal expression of GRP78, ATF-6, IRE1, PERK, Caspase-3 and Caspase-12. In addition, TMT exposure also led to up-regulation of cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and decreased expression of IL-2, IFN-γ, and antimicrobial peptides Hepcidin, β-defensin, and LEAP2. However, the addition of TP could mitigate the above changes. In conclusion, TP can alleviate TMT exposure-mediated hepatotoxicity by inhibiting ROS/ER stress in L8824 cells. In addition, this trial enriches the cytotoxicity study of TMT and provides a new theoretical basis for the use of TP as a mitigating agent for TMT.

Acute deltamethrin exposure induces oxidative stress, triggers endoplasmic reticulum stress, and impairs hypoxic resistance of crucian carp

Deltamethrin (Del) has been widely used for effectively controlling ectoparasites of crucian carp and was also strictly prohibited in a hypoxic environment. A previous study indicated that Del exposure causes gill injury in Carassius auratus, which is associated with oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress), but the precise mechanism is not well understood. Here, crucian carp were exposed to Del (0.61, 1.22, 2.44, 4.88 μg/L) for 24 h and then subjected to acute hypoxia challenge (1.0 mg/L) for 24 h. The results revealed that acute exposure to Del notably increased MDA content but markedly decreased CAT activities. Moreover, the T-AOC and SOD activities first increased and then decreased in the 4.88 μg/L Del group. Likewise, the mRNA levels of Nrf2 signaling and its target genes (ho-1, mt, sod, cat, and gpx1) were significantly downregulated in the high concentration exposure groups, while the mRNA levels of keap1 showed the opposite change trend. Meanwhile, Del exposure evoked the PERK-ATF4-CHOP and IRE1 signaling pathways and triggered ER stress in a dose-dependent manner in crucian carp. Importantly, we found that Del exposure significantly decreased the survival rate of crucian carp after hypoxia challenge by reducing oxygen uptake, modifying energy metabolism, and promoting lactate accumulation. Additionally, Del exposure aggravated gill damage and apoptosis under hypoxic stress, which was confirmed by histological assays. Collectively, we inferred that acute exposure to deltamethrin induces oxidative stress and ER stress and impairs hypoxic resistance of crucian carp.

Perfluorooctanoic acid promotes pancreatic β cell dysfunction and apoptosis through ER stress and the ATF4/CHOP/TRIB3 pathway

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a widely used chemical substance, causes an increased risk of human type 2 diabetes (T2D), but its underlying mechanism is not well elucidated. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether PFOA regulates the functions of pancreatic β cells, which are specialized for the biosynthesis and secretion of insulin. The treatment of the mouse pancreatic β cell line (MIN6 cells) with PFOA caused a time- and dose-dependent inhibition of cell viability in CCK-8 assays. Annexin V/PI and TUNEL staining results confirmed that exposure to a high PFOA dose (500 μM) promoted apoptosis of β cells, while a low dose (300 μM) had no effects on β cell survival. PFOA treatment, even at a low dose, diminished glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) in both primary islet perfusion and MIN6 cell experiments. RNA-sequencing data showed significantly increased expression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-associated genes, with tribbles homolog 3 (Trib3) ranking first among the altered genes. The activation of ER stress pathways was verified by qRT-PCR assays, and the ATF4/CHOP/TRIB3 pathway contributed to PFOA-induced β cell damage. The inhibition of TRIB3 expression significantly protected MIN6 cells from PFOA-induced GSIS defects and apoptosis by ameliorating ER stress. These findings reveal a link between ER stress and PFOA-induced β cell defects, opening up a new set of questions about the pathogenesis of T2D due to environmental chemicals.

Atrazine exposure induces necroptosis through the P450/ROS pathway and causes inflammation in the gill of common carp (Cyprinus carpioL.)

Atrazine (ATR) is used worldwide and has been confirmed be hazardous materials that harmful to the health of organisms. Since ATR was more persistent in the water, the specific damage caused by ATR to aquatic organisms should be concern. The role of P450/ROS has been proposed in many pathomechanisms. To explore whether P450/ROS mediated necroptosis and promote inflammatory response caused by ATR exposure, 120 common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) were randomly divided into four groups which were exposed to 0 μg/L, 4 μg/L, 40 μg/L and 400 μg/L ATR respectively. The residual levels of ATR and its metabolites increased, signs of necrosis and inflammation were found in the gills of the ATR-treatment groups. The levels of ROS and cytochrome P450 content were increased, and P450 enzymes were activated. The expression levels of the core components of necroptosis (RIPK1, RIPK3 and MLKL) increased. Moreover, gene expression of inflammatory factors (TNF-α, NF-κB, iNOS, COX-2, IL-1β and PTGE) increased significantly in the ATR-spiked group. Our results suggested that ATR exposure triggered necroptosis through the P450/ROS pathway and causes inflammation of common carp gill. This study provides valuable clue about the mechanism by which ATR causes injury to common carp gill.

Tannic acid through ROS/TNF-α/TNFR 1 antagonizes atrazine induced apoptosis, programmed necrosis and immune dysfunction of grass carp hepatocytes

Atrazine (ATR) is a commonly used triazine herbicide, which will remain in the water source, soil and biological muscle tissue for a long time, threatening the survival of related organisms and future generations. Tannic acid (TAN), a glucosyl compound found in gallnuts, has previously been shown to antagonize heavy metal toxicity, antioxidant activity, and inflammation. However, it is unclear whether TAN can antagonize ATR-induced Grass carp hepatocytes (L8824 cells) cytotoxicity. Therefore, we treated L8824 cells with 3 μg mL^-1 ATR for 24 h to establish a toxic group model. The experimental data of flow cytometry and AO/EB staining together showed that the ratio of apoptosis and necrosis in L8824 cells after ATR exposure was significantly higher than that in the control group. Furthermore, RT-qPCR showed that inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, INF-γ) were up-regulated and antimicrobial peptides (hepcidin, β-defensin and LEAP2) were induced down-regulated in L8824 cells, leading to immune dysfunction. The measurement results of oxidative stress-related indicators showed that the levels of ROS and MDA increased after ATR exposure, the overall anti-oxidative system was down-regulated. Western blotting confirmed that TNF-α/TNFR 1-related genes were also up-regulated. This indicates that ATR stimulates oxidative stress in L8824 cells, which in turn promotes the binding of TNF-α to TNFR 1. In addition, TRADD, FADD, Caspase-3, P53, RIP1, RIP3 and MLKL were found to be significantly up-regulated by Western blotting and RT-qPCR. Conditioned after ATR exposure compared to controls. It indicates that ATR activates apoptosis and necrosis of TNF-α/TNFR 1 pathway by inducing oxidative stress in L8824 cells. Furthermore, the use of TAN (5 μM) significantly alleviated the toxic effects of ATR on L8824 cells mentioned above. In conclusion, TAN restrains ATR-induced apoptosis, programmed necrosis and immune dysfunction through the ROS/TNF-α/TNFR 1 pathway.

Yeast Selenium Exerts an Antioxidant Effect by Regulating the Level of Selenoprotein to Antagonize Cd-Induced Pyroptosis of Chicken Liver

Cadmium (Cd) exposure can cause multiple organ damage in humans and animals by causing oxidative stress. Organic selenium can antagonize the toxic damage of heavy metals by exerting antioxidant effects. Oxidative stress can activate NLRP3/Caspase1-dependent pyroptosis, but it is not clear whether yeast selenium (Se Y) can antagonize Cd-induced pyroptosis in the chicken liver. In this experiment, we studied the effects of CdCl₂ single, Se Y single, and combined exposure on the pyroptosis of chicken liver. The results showed that Cd exposure induced oxidative stress in the chicken liver, and the expression of Sepx1, SelU, SelT, GPx1, GPx4, Dio1, Dio2, Dio3, TrxR1, TrxR2, TrxR3, SelH, SelI, SelO, SelK, SelPb, Selpp, and Sel15 decreased. In addition, NLRP3 inflammasome complex (NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing (ASC), and pro-Caspase1), Cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase (Caspase1), Interleukin-β (IL-1β), and Interleukin-18 (IL-18) were upregulated. The combined treatment of Se Y and Cd found that the antioxidant level and the expression level of selenoprotein recovered to the Se group, and the liver pyroptosis decreased. Principal component analysis and correlation analysis screened out that selenoprotein O (SelO) is negatively correlated with pyroptosis-related genes. In short, our data shows that Se Y exerts an antioxidant effect by increasing the expression of selenoproteins and antagonizing the pyroptosis of chicken liver induced by Cd. This study provides new ideas for the field of heavy metal toxicology research. And the selected SelO has an important reference significance for follow-up research.

Zinc Deficiency Aggravates Oxidative Stress Leading to Inflammation and Fibrosis in Lung of Mice

Zinc (Zn) is an essential trace element for the body. Studies have confirmed that Zn deficiency can cause oxidative stress. The purpose of the present study was designed to investigate the effect of Zn on fibrosis in lung of mice and its mechanism. Mice were fed with different Zn levels dietary, then we found that the Zn-deficient diet induced a decrease of Zn level in lung tissue. The results also revealed the alveolar structure hyperemia and an inflammatory exudated in the alveolar cavity. Moreover, immunohistochemical results showed that the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) increased. And the Sirius red staining indicated an increase in collagen with Zn deficiency. Furthermore, oxygen radicals (ROS) levels were significantly increased, and the antioxidants were significantly decreased. Meanwhile, inflammatory factors (TNF-α and IL-1β) were remarkably increased, and the ELISA results showed that collagen I, III, and IV and fibronectin (FN) were increased. In addition, the expressions of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMPs) were detected by qPCR. The results showed that the expression of TIMPs was increased but the expression of MMPs was decreased. The results of the experiment in vitro were consistent with that in vivo. All the results indicated that Zn deficiency aggravated the oxidative stress response of lung tissue to induce inflammation, leading to fibrosis in lung.

Eucalyptol relieves imidacloprid-induced autophagy through the miR-451/Cab39/AMPK axis in Ctenopharyngodon idellus kidney cells†

Imidacloprid (IMI) is a widely used neonicotinoid insecticide that has toxic effects on nontarget organisms. 1,8-Cineole (eucalyptol) is purified from essential oils in several aromatic plants and can prevent xenobiotic toxicity. The kidney is a major organ for xenobiotic elimination and thus has high risk of exposure. The purpose of this research was to clarify the effect of IMI exposure on autophagy in fish kidney cells, determine the potential of eucalyptol to provide cytoprotection from the toxicity of the neonicotinoid pesticide IMI, and identify its mechanism of action. Therefore, the Ctenopharyngodon idellus kidney cell line (CIK cell) was treated with 20 mg/L IMI and/or 20 μM eucalyptol for 48 h as the research objective. The results showed that IMI exposure induced autophagy accompanied by advanced autophagy markers BNIP3, Beclin1 and LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ in CIK cells, reduced the levels of miR-451, increased the expression of Cab39 and AMPK, inhibited AKT/mTOR signaling, and activated the JNK pathway. Eucalyptol treatment alleviated IMI-induced autophagy and relieved the activation of autophagy-associated signals. These results indicate that eucalyptol could alleviate IMI-induced autophagy through the miR-451/Cab39/AMPK axis in fish kidney cells. These results partly explained the mechanism of biological threat on fish under IMI exposure and the potential application value of EUC in aquaculture.

The endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondrial crosstalk is involved in the mitigation mechanism of eucalyptol on imidacloprid toxicity in Ctenopharyngodon idellus kidney cells

Imidacloprid (IMI), a systemic neonicotinoid insecticide widely used in agriculture, resulting in persistence in aquatic environments that threaten the survival of organisms. Eucalyptol (EUC), a monoterpenoid found in plants, can be applied to medicine, food, and aquaculture. However, the potential protective effects of EUC on cell damage under neonicotinoid pesticide toxicity, and the role of ER stress and its mediated apoptosis and necroptosis in it, remain unclear. Therefore, we treated Ctenopharyngodon idellus kidney (CIK) cells with 20 mg/L IMI and 20 μM EUC for 48 h. The results showed that IMI exposure caused a higher GRP78 levels, activated ATF6, PERK-eIF2α and IRE1-XBP1 pathways, led to the decline of ATPase activities and ATP content, induced the expression of cytokine (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and INF-γ), triggered BCL2/BAX-mediated apoptosis and RIP1/RIP3/MLKL-dependent necroptosis in the CIK cell line. Surprisingly, EUC had an effect against IMI-induced cytotoxicity, showing that it effectively mitigated the above-mentioned IMI-exposure-induced changes. Taken together, these results suggested that EUC could alleviated IMI-induced cell death and dysimmunity by recovering ER stress/mitochondria imbalance. These results partly explained the mechanism of biological threat on fish under IMI exposure and the potential application value of EUC in aquaculture.

Chronic exposure to deltamethrin disrupts intestinal health and intestinal microbiota in juvenile crucian carp

The indiscriminate use of deltamethrin in agriculture and aquaculture can lead to residues increased in many regions, which poses negative impacts on intestinal health of aquatic organisms. Although the potential toxicity of deltamethrin have recently attracted attention, the comprehensive studies on intestinal injuries after chronic deltamethrin exposure remain poorly understood. Herein, in a 28-day chronic toxicity test, crucian carp expose to different concentrations of deltamethrin (0, 0.3, and 0.6 μg/L) were used as the research object. We found that the morphology changes and increased goblet cells in intestinal tissue, and the extent of tissue injury increased along with the increasing exposure dose of deltamethrin. Additionally, the genes expression of antioxidant activity (Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (Cu-Zn SOD), glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1), and catalase (CAT)), inflammatory response (tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interferon gamma (IFNγ), and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β)), and tight junctions (Claudin 12 (CLDN12), and tight junction protein 1 (ZO-1)) dramatically increased. Meanwhile, the apoptosis and autophagy process were triggered through caspase-9 cascade and autophagy related 5 (ATG5)- autophagy related 12 (ATG12) conjugate. Besides, chronic deltamethrin exposure increased the amount of Proteobacteria and Verrucomicrobiota, while decreased Fusobacteriota abundance, resulting in intestinal microbiota function disorders. In summary, our results highlight that chronic exposure to deltamethrin cause serious intestinal toxicity and results in physiological changes and intestinal flora disturbances.

Microplastics and di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate synergistically induce apoptosis in mouse pancreas through the GRP78/CHOP/Bcl-2 pathway activated by oxidative stress

With the widespread use of plastics, microplastics (MPs) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) have become emerging environmental pollutants. The combined toxicity of MPs and DEHP on the mouse pancreas and the specific mechanism of toxicity remain unclear. To establish in vitro and in vivo models to address these questions, mice were continuously exposed to 200 mg/kg/d DEHP and 10 mg/L MPs for 4 weeks. In vitro, MIN-6 cells were treated with 200 μg/mL MPs and 200 μM DEHP for 24 h. Based on toxicity assessed using CCK8 of the equivalent TU binary mixture, the IC50 of the TU-mix of DEHP and MPs 0.692 < 0.8, indicating a synergistic effect of the two toxicants. Meanwhile, our data revealed that compared to the control group, MPs and DEHP combined treatment increased ROS levels, inhibited the activity, and enhanced the expression of GRP78, and CHOP. Simultaneously, activated CHOP decreased the expression of Bcl-2, and increased the expression of Bax. In conclusion, DEHP and MPs synergistically induce oxidative stress, and activate the GRP78/CHOP/Bcl-2 pathway to induce pancreatic apoptosis in mice. Our finding provides a new direction for the research on the specific mechanism of MPs and DEHP combined toxicity.

Selenium Deficiency Induces Apoptosis and Necroptosis Through ROS/MAPK Signal in Human Uterine Smooth Muscle Cells

Selenium (Se) is one of the essential trace elements; its deficiency induces ROS production and cell death in cardiomyocytes, skeletal muscle cells, and vascular smooth muscle cells, but it is still not clear the impact of Se deficiency on human uterine smooth muscle cells (HUSMCs). To investigate the effect of low Se on the mRNA expression of selenoproteins, the mRNA and protein expression of apoptosis and necroptosis of HUSMCs and their mechanism, Se deficient HUSMCs mode was established through culturing with 1% FBS containing 0 ng/mL, 0.7 ng/mL, and 7 ng/mL Se, and 10% FBS was as the control group. Then, the apoptosis and necroptosis rates, intracellular ROS content and the expression levels of selenoproteins, apoptosis, necroptosis, MAPK pathway-related genes were examined under different Se concentrations. The results showed that Se deficiency led to the augment of cell apoptosis and necroptosis in HUSMCs (p < 0.05), downregulated (p < 0.05) 19 selenoproteins (GPX1, GPX2, GPX3, GPX4, GPX6, Dio3, Txnrd2, Txnrd3, SEPHS2, SEL15, SELH, SELI, SELM, SELN, SELO, SELS, SELT, SELV, and SELW), while Dio2, SELK, Txnrd1, and MSRB1 were not affected by Se deficiency (p ≥ 0.05). In addition, Se deficiency led to increased intracellular ROS content, p-P38 and p-JNK gene expression levels (p < 0.05), the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway Bax, Casp9 and Cle-Casp3 protein expression levels (p < 0.05), and decreased Bcl2 protein expression level (p < 0.05), simultaneously, increased necroptosis marker genes RIP1, RIP3, and MLKL protein expression levels (p < 0.05) with a dose-dependent pattern. The above results indicate that Se deficiency induces HUSMCs apoptosis and necroptosis through the ROS/MAPK pathway and is closely related to selenoproteins.

Selenium Deficiency Promotes Oxidative Stress-Induced Mastitis via Activating the NF-κB and MAPK Pathways in Dairy Cow

Selenium (Se) is an antioxidant and immunomodulator that can participate in the control of specific endocrine pathways. Disturbance of redox homeostasis is closely related to the pathogenesis of many diseases. Se is also an important nutrient element for dairy cows. First, oxidative stress (OS) induced by Se deficiency was investigated along with a possible mechanism of its induction of mammary gland inflammation. This investigation used in vivo and in vitro experiments for verification. Once the OS response was triggered, the activity of antioxidant enzymes was reduced by regulation of the concentration of Se, which led to the accumulation of ROS. TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 secretion was promoted to activate the NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway. This process further promoted the accumulation of cytokines that aggravated the inflammatory response. Herein, it was verified that Se deficiency induces OS, which leads to ROS accumulation and the secretion of inflammatory factors to activate the NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway and promote the occurrence of mastitis.

Tea polyphenols alleviates acetochlor-induced apoptosis and necroptosis via ROS/MAPK/NF-κB signaling in Ctenopharyngodon idellus kidney cells

Overuse of acetochlor pollutes soil and rivers, causing threats to the ecosystem. Studies found that acetochlor exposure could damage multiple organs and tissues in fish and mammal. Tea polyphenols (TP), a natural antioxidant that extracted from tea, has been widely used in food and feed additions. However, the mechanism by which acetochlor causes tissue damage is unclear, and its mitigating agent has yet to be developed. Therefore, we established acetochlor exposure and TP mitigation models by treating Ctenopharyngodon idellus kidney (CIK) cells with 20 μM acetochlor and/or 2.5 μg/mL TP for 24 h, and detected the programmed cell death and its related pathways. The results showed that acetochlor exposure modified antioxidant enzyme activities, induced oxidative stress, resulted in the decline of MMP and ATP levels, enhanced glycolysis and lactate accumulation, and triggered apoptosis and necroptosis in CIK cells. However, TP could inhibit CYP450s expression, activate Nrf2 pathway, enhance antioxidant capacity, further effectively alleviate acetochlor-induced CIK cell death. Overall, the present study proved that acetochlor exposure triggered mitochondrial damage and lactate accumulation-mediated apoptosis and necroptosis through CYP450s/ROS/MAPK/NF-κB pathway. Furthermore, TP could alleviate effectively cell death through relieving oxidative stress and lightening Warburg-like effect.

Selenium Alleviates Inflammation in Staphylococcus aureus-Induced Mastitis via MerTK-Dependent Activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway in Mice

Mastitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus infection not only causes serious economic losses, but also affects human health. Se plays an important role in body immunity. However, the mechanisms by which Se regulates mastitis induced by S. aureus are still principally unknown. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether Se can inhibit mastitis induced by S. aureus through regulation of MerTK. Sixty BALB/c female mice were fed low, normal, or high Se concentrations for 7 weeks and then randomly divided into six groups (Se-Low Control group (LSN), Se-Normal Control group (NSN), Se-High Control group (HSN), Se-Low S. aureus group (LSS), Se-Normal S. aureus group (NSS), Se-High S. aureus group (HSS)). The regulation of Se on MerTK was detected via histopathological staining, western blot analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and qRT-PCR. With increased selenium concentrations, the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α decreased, while the phosphorylation levels of MerTK, PI3K, AKT, and mTOR increased. Therefore, this study showed that Se could alleviate S. aureus mastitis by activating MerTK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

Comparative assessment on the probable mechanisms underlying the hepatorenal toxicity of commercial imidacloprid and hexaflumuron formulations in rats

Pesticides are viewed as a major wellspring of ecological contamination and causing serious risky consequences for people and animals. Imidacloprid (IM) and hexaflumuron (HFM) are extensively utilized insect poisons for crop assurance on the planet. A few investigations examined IM harmfulness in rodents, but its exact mechanism hasn't been mentioned previously as well as the toxicity of HFM doesn't elucidate yet. For this reason, the present study was designed to explore the mechanism of each IM and HFM-evoked rat liver and kidney toxicity and to understand its molecular mechanism. 21 male Wistar albino rats were divided into 3 groups, as follows: group (1), normal saline; group (2), IM; and group (3), HFM. Both insecticides were orally administered every day for 28 days at a dose equal to 1/10 LD50 from the active ingredient. After 28 days postdosing, rats were anesthetized to collect blood samples then euthanized to collect liver and kidney tissue specimens. The results showed marked changes in walking, body tension, alertness, and head movement with a significant reduction in rats' body weight in both IM and HFM receiving groups. Significant increases in MDA levels and decrease of GHS levels were recorded in liver and kidney homogenates of either IM or HFM groups. Liver and kidney tissues obtained from both pesticide receiving groups showed extensive histopathological alterations with a significant increase in the serum levels of ALT, AST, urea, and creatinine and a decrease in total proteins, albumin, and globulin levels. In addition, there was upregulation of the transcript levels of casp-3, JNK, and HO-1 genes with strong immunopositivity of casp-3, TNF-ὰ, and NF-_KB protein expressions in the liver and kidneys of rats receiving either IM or HFM compared with the control group. In all studied parameters, HFM caused hepatorenal toxicity more than those induced by IM. We can conclude that each IM and HFM provoked liver and kidneys damage through overproduction of ROS, activation of NF-_KB signaling pathways and mitochondrial/JNK-dependent apoptosis pathway.

Lithium intoxication induced pyroptosis via ROS/NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome regulatory networks in kidney of mice

Humans and animals may be exposed to increasing contaminant lithium (Li) concentrations in the environment with the use and disposal of Li-containing products. Meanwhile, Li plays a key role in the treatment of human mental disorders, while the excessive accumulation of Li salts in the body can cause renal damage and nephrotic syndrome. In this study, the mechanism of renal inflammatory reaction induced by Li excessive intake was studied by establishing mice models in vitro and in vivo. The results of histopathology staining and TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling assay showed that high Li condition (Lithium carbonate, 20 mg/kg/twice a day, i.e., for 30 consecutive days) caused inflammatory damage and apoptosis in kidney tissue cells. Western blot, qPCR, and immunohistochemical analysis were used to further study. In the vivo experiments, we found that Li reduced antioxidant enzyme capacity (glutathione peroxidase, total superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity, and catalase) and induced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, excessive Li activated nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptors domains-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, resulting in activation of inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor-α and IL-1β in the kidney of mice. In the vitro study, ROS as an upstream signal phosphorylated IκBα and NF-κB, up-regulated the NLRP3 inflammasome, increased caspase3, 6, 7, and 9 to exaggerate inflammation response, finally inducing pyroptosis in renal cells.

Neonicotinoids: mechanisms of systemic toxicity based on oxidative stress-mitochondrial damage

Neonicotinoids are the most widely used pesticides in the world. However, research studies have shown that it can affect the cognitive abilities and health of non-target bees and other wild pollinators by inducing DNA damage, apoptosis and mitochondrial damage, injure to its central nervous system, and it is even developmentally neurotoxic to mammals and humans, with mitochondria being an important target of neonicotinoids. Therefore, this article reviews the role of mitochondrial morphology, calcium ions (Ca²⁺) homeostasis, respiratory function, apoptosis, and DNA damage in neonicotinoids-induced systemic toxicity. Additionally, it evaluates the protective effects of various active substances including vitamin C, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), curcumin (CUR), glutathione reduced (GSH), caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), resveratrol, and thymoquinone (TQ) on neonicotinoids-induced toxicity. This review manuscript found that mitochondria are important targets to neonicotinoids. Neonicotinoids can cause DNA damage, apoptosis, protein oxidation, and lipid peroxidation in non-target organisms by altering mitochondrial Ca²⁺ homeostasis, inhibiting mitochondrial respiration, and inducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Several active substances (vitamin C, NAC, CUR, GSH, resveratrol, CAPE, and TQ) play a protective role against neonicotinoid-induced systemic toxicity by inhibiting ROS signaling pathways, apoptosis, and lipid peroxidation. This review manuscript emphasizes the importance and urgency of the development of neonicotinoid antidotes, emphasizes the prospect of the application of targeted mitochondrial antidotes, and prospects the development of neonicotinoid antidotes in order to provide some strategies for the prevention of neonicotinoid toxicity.

Melatonin relieves 2,2,4,4-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47)-induced apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction through the AMPK-Sirt1-PGC-1α axis in fish kidney cells (CIK)

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) exist in aquatic environments with nephrotoxicity to non-target aquatic species. Melatonin (MT) exhibits an inhibitory effect of oxidative stress and apoptosis in various diseases. 2, 2', 4, 4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47) is the main homolog of PBDE samples. Therefore, we investigated the toxic mechanism of BDE-47 and the alleviation effect of MT, the ctenopharyngodon idellus kidney (CIK) cells were treated with BDE-47 (100 μM) and/or MT (60 μM) for 24 h. Firstly, BDE-47 exposure could inhibit oxidative stress-related antioxidant enzymes (T-AOC, SOD, CAT and GPx) and increase the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) to cause oxidative stress. Secondly, BDE-47 enhanced mitochondrial division and inhibited fusion to induce mitochondrial membrane potential in CIK cells. BDE-47 enhanced the mRNA and protein levels of mitochondrial-pathway apoptosis related genes (Cas 3, Cyt-c, and BAX). Thirdly, BDE-47 treatment decreased the expression levels of mitochondrial-related regulatory factors AMPK-Sirt1-PGC-1α signal pathway. Intriguingly, BDE-47-induced oxidative stress, mitochondrial pathway apoptosis and mitochondrial dynamics disorder could be alleviated by MT treatment. Overall, we concluded that MT could relieve BDE-47-induced oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis through the AMPK-Sirt1-PGC-1α axis. These results enrich the mechanisms of BDE-47 poisoning and reveal that MT treatment may be a potential strategy for solving BDE-47 poisoning.

Albicanol modulates oxidative stress and the p53 axis to suppress profenofos induced genotoxicity in grass carp hepatocytes

The organophosphorus pesticide profenofos (PFF) is widely used as an environmental contaminant, and it can remain in water bodies causing serious harm to aquatic organisms. Albicanol is a sesquiterpenoid with potent antioxidant and antagonistic activities against heavy metal toxicity. However, the mechanism of PFF induced genotoxicity in fish hepatocytes and the role Albicanol can play in this process are unknown. In this study, the model was established by treating grass carp hepatocytes with PFF (150 μM) and/or Albicanol (5 × 10^-5 μg mL^-1) for 24 h. The results showed that PFF exposure arrested L8824 cells in the G1-S phase. PFF caused the increase of MDA level in L8824 cells, while the decrease of SOD, CAT and T-AOC levels caused oxidative stress. Elevated levels of γH2AX, tail moment, tail length, % DNA and 8-OHdG indicated that PFF caused DNA damage in L8824 cells. PFF inhibited the expression levels of cell cycle related regulatory genes (cyclin A, cyclin D, cyclin E, CDK2 and CDK4) by upregulating p53/p21 genes and activating the p53 signaling pathway. Albicanol was used to significantly reduce the above effects caused by PFF exposure on hepatocytes in grass carp. Albicanol could reduce the increase in the proportion of cells in the G1-S phase caused by PFF. In summary, Albicanol could inhibit the genotoxicity of L8824 cells resulted from PFF exposure by decreasing oxidative stress and the p53 pathway.

Ammonia induces autophagy via circ-IFNLR1/miR-2188-5p/RNF182 axis in tracheas of chickens

Ammonia (NH₃ ), an air pollutant in the living environment, has many toxic effects on various tissues and organs. However, the underlying mechanisms of NH₃ -induced tracheal cell autophagy remains poorly understood. In present study, chickens and LMH cells were used as NH₃ exposure models to investigate toxic effects. The change of tracheal tissues ultrastructure showed that NH₃ exposure induced autolysosomes. The differential expression of 12 circularRNAs (circRNAs) was induced by NH₃ exposure using circRNAs transcriptome analysis in broiler tracheas. We further found that circ-IFNLR1 was down-regulated, and miR-2188-5p was up-regulated in tracheal tissues under NH₃ exposure. Bioinformatics analysis and dual luciferase reporter system showed that circ-IFNLR1 bound directly to miR-2188-5p and regulated each other, and miR-2188-5p regulated RNF182. Overexpression of miR-2188-5p caused autophagy and its inhibition partially reversed autophagy in LMH cells which were caused by ammonia stimulation or knockdown of circ-IFNLR1. The expressions of three autophagy-related genes (LC3, Beclin 1, and BNIP3) were observably up-regulated. Our results indicated that NH₃ exposure caused autophagy through circ-IFNLR1/miR-2188-5p/RNF182. These results provided new insights for the study of ammonia on environmental toxicology on ceRNA and circRNAs in vivo and vitro.

Impact of imidacloprid exposure on the biochemical responses, transcriptome, gut microbiota and growth performance of the Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei

The widespread use of neonicotinoid insecticides, such as imidacloprid, in agriculture is one of the key factors for the drop in the survival of invertebrates, including decapod crustaceans. However, there is currently a lack of comprehensive studies on the chronic toxicity mechanisms in decapod crustaceans. Here, the concentration-dependent effects of imidacloprid on the physiology and biochemistry, gut microbiota and transcriptome of L. vannamei , and the interaction between imidacloprid, gut microbiota and genes were studied. Imidacloprid caused oxidative stress, leading to reduced growth and to immunity and tissue damage in L. vannamei . Imidacloprid increased the gut pathogenic microbiota abundance and broke the steady state of the gut microbiota interaction network, resulting in microbiota function disorders. Chronic imidacloprid exposure induced overall transcriptome changes in L. vannamei . Specifically, imidacloprid caused a large number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) to be significantly downregulated. The inhibition of autophagy-related pathways revealed the toxic process of imidacloprid to L. vannamei . The changes in phase I and II detoxification gene expression clarified the formation of a detoxification mechanism in L. vannamei . The disturbance of circadian rhythm (CLOCK) caused by imidacloprid is one of the reasons for the increase in gut pathogenic microbiota abundance.

Efficiency of mesoporous silica/carboxymethyl β-glucan as a fungicide nano-delivery system for improving chlorothalonil bioactivity and reduce biotoxicity

Understanding the lethal effects of pesticides nano formulations on the targeted organisms (pathogens) and the non-targeted organisms (fish, earthworms, etc) is essential in assessing the probable impact of new technologies on agriculture and environment. Here we evaluated the bioactivity and the biotoxicity of new type of fungicide smart-delivery formulation based on conjugating carboxymethylated-β-glucans on the mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) surface after loading chlorothalonil (CHT) fungicide in the MSNs pores. The obtained formulation has been characterized with FE-SEM, and HR-TEM. The CHT loading efficiency has been measured with TGA. The bioactivity of the obtained formulation (CHT@MSNs-β-glucans) has been tested against four pathogens, fusarium head blight (Fusarium graminearum), sheath rot (Sarocladium oryzae), rice sheath blight (Rhizoctonia solani), and soyabean anthracnose (Colletotrichum truncatum) compared with CHT WP 75% commercial formulation (CHT-WP) and technical CHT. The environmental biotoxicity of CHT@MSNs-β-glucans compared with CHT-WP has been tested toward earthworm (Eisenia fetida) and zebra fish (Danio rerio). The results showed that CHT@MSNs-β-glucans has an excellent bioactivity against the subjected pathogens with better inhabiting effects than CHT-WP. CHT@MSNs-β-glucans toxicity to Eisenia fetida was found 2.25 times lower than CHT-WP toxicity. The LC₅₀ of CHT@MSNs-β-glucans to zebra fish after the first 24h was 2.93 times higher than CHT-WP. After 96h of treatment, the LC₅₀ of CHT@MSNs-β-glucans was 2.66 times higher than CHT-WP. This work highlighted the necessity to increase the mandatory bioassays of nano formulations with the major non-target organisms in the environmental risk assessment of new pesticide formulations.

Exosomal lnc-AFTR as a novel translation regulator of FAS ameliorates Staphylococcus aureus-induced mastitis

Although the specific expression of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in mastitis tissue has been reported, few studies have involved the differential expression of lncRNA in mastitis exosomes (Exo) and its mechanism and function. We screened an lncRNA associated with FAS translational regulation (lnc-AFTR) through exosomal RNA sequencing, and clarified its function and molecular mechanism. Lnc-AFTR is markedly downregulated in Staphylococcus aureus-Exo and S. aureus-induced MAC-T cell as well as mastitis tissue. Overexpression of lnc-AFTR exosomes (oe-AFTR-Exo) significantly improves cell damage induced by S. aureus, including inhibiting apoptosis, promoting proliferation, and increasing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α] and interleukin-1β [IL-1β]). Oe-AFTR-Exo also suppressed the activation of Caspase-8, Caspase-3, and JNK. Dual-luciferase report analysis confirmed that lnc-AFTR interacts with FAS mRNA directly to hinder translation process, but does not degrade FAS mRNA. Overexpression of lnc-AFTR in MAC-T cells obviously reduced S. aureus-induced apoptosis and inflammation. Knockdown of lnc-AFTR significantly increased FAS and promoted the activation of Caspase-8, Caspase-3, and JNK caused by S. aureus. In summary, these results revealed the mechanism by which lnc-AFTR directly bound FAS mRNA to prevent translation, and confirmed that the exosomal lnc-AFTR exerted anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects by inhibiting the activation of TNF signaling pathway and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling pathway.

Exposure to imidacloprid induce oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, apoptosis and mitophagy via NF-kappaB/JNK pathway in grass carp hepatocytes

Imidacloprid (IMI) is a neonicotinoid compound widely used in agriculture production, causing surface water pollution and threatening non-target organisms. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of IMI on grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) liver cell (L8824) injury. The L8824 cells were exposed to different doses of IMI (65 mg/L, 130 mg/L and 260 mg/L) for 24 h. Our results demonstrated that exposure IMI significantly suppressed the activity of anti-oxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT and T-AOC) and accumulated oxidase (MDA) levels, and promoting reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in L8824 cells. Additionally, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ m), mitochondria-derived ROS and ATP content and the MitoTracker Green indicated that IMI aggravated mitochondrial dysfunction, thereby inducing inflammation and enhancing pro-inflammatory genes (NF-kappaB, TNFα, IL-1β and IL-6) expressions. However, the addition of 2 mM N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) can reverse these adverse effects of high-dose IMI- induced. Hence, ROS is the main factor of IMI-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation. We further found that exposure to IMI induced apoptosis, which is characterized by promoting release of cytochrome c (Cyt-C), and increasing the expression of Bcl-2-Associated X (BAX), cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinases (Caspase 9 and 3), decreasing Bcl-2 level. Immunofluorescent staining, qRT-PCR and Western Blot results indicated that IMI exposure also activated mitophagy, which was demonstrated by the expression of mitophagy-related genes (BNIP3, LC3B and P62). Conversely, scavenging JNK by SP600125(10 μM) alleviated the expression of mitochondrial apoptosis and mitophagy-related gene induced by high-dose IMI. Therefore, these results of study demonstrated that IMI-induced oxidative stress to regulate mitochondrial dysfunction, thus causing inflammation, mitochondrial apoptosis and mitophagy in grass carp hepatocytes through NF-kappaB/JNK pathway.

Cadmium exposure activates the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway through miRNA-21, induces an increase in M1 polarization of macrophages, and leads to fibrosis of pig liver tissue

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic substance that pollutes the environment with multiple organs. Long-term exposure to Cd can cause fibrosis in the lungs and other organs of animal body. This article explored the effects of subacute Cd exposure on pig liver fibrosis, as well as the polarization of microRNA (miRNA) and M1/M2 macrophages during this process. Based on the establishment of the pig subacute CdCl2 exposure model, we used immunofluorescence staining, Masson staining, qRT-PCR and western blotting to conduct further research. The results showed that Cd exposure can increase the expression of miRNA-21, decrease the expression of TGF-β and SMAD7, increase the expression of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, cause the M1/M2 imbalance and the increase of M1 polarization. Meantime, it causes the secretion of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), and causes an imbalance in the expression of TIMP1, MMP2, and MMP9, which are related to the degree of fibrosis. And the expression of α-SMA, COL1 and COL3 were up-regulated. In the pig, these results indicate that liver fibrosis caused by subacute CdCl2 exposure is induced by the M1 polarization of macrophages through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway activated by miRNA-21 signaling pathway. These research results not only enrich the theoretical basis and reference value of Cd toxicology research, but also provide new references and new research ideas for comparative medicine.

Glycolysis and Reactive Oxygen Species Production Participate in T-2 Toxin-Stimulated Chicken Heterophil Extracellular Traps

T-2 toxin (T-2) is a kind of trichothecene toxin produced from Fusarium fungi, which is an environmental pollutant that endangers poultry and human health. Heterophil extracellular traps (HETs) are not only a form of chicken immune defense against pathogen infection but also involved in pathophysiological mechanisms of several diseases. However, the immunotoxicity of T-2 on HET formation in vitro has not yet been reported. In this study, heterophils were exposed to T-2 at doses of 20, 40, and 80 ng/mL for 90 min. Observation of the structure of HETs by immunofluorescence staining and the mechanism of HET formation was analyzed by inhibitors and PicoGreen. These results showed that T-2-triggered HET formation consisted of DNA, elastase, and citH3. Furthermore, T-2 increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and the formation of T-2-triggered HETs was also decreased by the inhibitors of glycolysis, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase, p38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)_1/2 signaling pathways, suggesting that T-2-induced HETs are associated with glycolysis, ROS production, ERK_1/2 and p38 signaling pathways, and NADPH oxidase. Taken together, this study elucidates the mechanism of T-2-triggered HET formation, and it may provide new insight into understanding the immunotoxicity of T-2 to early innate immunity in chickens.

Pharmacophore based in silico study with laboratory verification-environmental explanation of prostate cancer recurrence

The prediction of harmful effects can guide research on the health hazards of environmental pollutants. The development of a computer-aided drug design in pharmacological technology and omics database remarkably facilitates the prediction of the possible harmful effects of hazardous substances. In this study, the pharmacophore target database based on molecular structure served as a bridge between pollutants and genes and combined with the omics database and molecular pathway enrichment technology to predict the potential prostatic cancer-promoting effect of dibutyl phthalate. Cell experiments and gene expression were carried out to verify the previous prediction, and the characteristics of harmful effects were further explored. Low concentrations of dibutyl phthalate may have androgen-independent prostate cancer-promoting effects, which may put patients receiving androgen deprivation therapy in danger. This study suggests the potential negative effects of phthalates on prostate cancer and a method for predicting harmful effects on the basis of pharmacology technology.

Hydrogen sulfide exposure induces pyroptosis in the trachea of broilers via the regulatory effect of circRNA-17828/miR-6631-5p/DUSP6 crosstalk on ROS production

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is an air pollutant to cause tracheal injury. Pyroptosis is responsible for tissue injury through reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) chelate microRNAs and reduce their inhibitory effect on other transcripts, thus affecting ROS levels and pyroptosis. However, it is not clear how H₂S regulates pyroptosis via the ceRNA axis. Therefore, we established a broilers model of H₂S exposure for 42 days to assess pyroptosis and obtain a ceRNA network by immunohistochemistry and RNA sequencing. We detected pyroptosis induced by H₂S and verified circRNA-IGLL1-17828/miR-6631-5p/DUSP6 axis by a double luciferase reporter assay. We also measured ROS levels and the expression of pyroptotic indicators such as (Caspase1) Casp-1, Interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and Interleukin 1β (IL-18). miR-6631-5p knockdown decreased pyroptotic indicators induced by H₂S. Overexpression of miR-6631-5p or DUSP6 knockdown stimulated ROS generation and upregulated pyroptotic indicators. N-acetyl-_L-cysteine (NAC) decreased pyroptotic indicators and ROS levels both induced by miR-6631-5p. Moreover, circRNA-IGLL1-17828, participated in intermolecular competition as a ceRNA of DUSP6. In conclusion, circRNA-IGLL1-17828/miR-6631-5p/DUSP6 crosstalk regulated H₂S-induced pyroptosis in broilers trachea via ROS generation. This is the first study to reveal regulation mechanism of circRNA-related CeRNAs on pyroptosis induced by H₂S, providing important reference for environmental toxicology.

Subacute cadmium exposure promotes M1 macrophage polarization through oxidative stress-evoked inflammatory response and induces porcine adrenal fibrosis

Cadmium (Cd) is a widely distributed environmental pollutant with immunotoxicity and endocrine toxicity. M1/M2 macrophages participate in the immune response and exert an essential influence on fibrosis. Nevertheless, whether Cd can induce porcineadrenal fibrosis by affecting the polarization of M1/M2 macrophages and its potential regulatory mechanism have not been explored. We added 20 mg/kg CdCl₂ to the pig diet for 40 days to investigate the fibrogenic effect of subacute Cd exposure on the adrenal gland. The results indicated that the ACTH and CORT in serum were decreased by 15.26 % and 21.99 %, respectively. The contents of adrenal mineral elements Cd, Cr, Mn were increased up to 34, 1.93, 1.42 folds and Co, Zn, Sn were reduced by 21.57 %, 20.52 %, 15.75 %. Concurrently, the pro-oxidative indicators (LPO, MDA and H₂O₂) were increased by 1.85, 2.20, 2.77 folds and 3.60, 11.15, 4.11 folds upregulated mRNA levels of TLR4, NF-κB, NLRP3 were observed. Subsequently, the expression of M1 macrophages polarization markers (IL-6, iNOS, TNF-α, CCL2 and CXCL9) were raised by 2.03, 2.30, 2.35, 1.58, 1.56 folds, while M2 macrophages (IL-4, CCL24, Arg1, IL-10, MRC1) showed a 62.34 %, 31.88 %, 50.26 %, 74.00 %, 69.34 % downregulation. The expression levels of AMPK subunits and genes related to glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and fatty acid oxidation (FAO) were also markedly increased. Additionally, the expression level of TGF-β1, Smad2/3 and downstream pro-fibrotic markers was obviously upregulated. Taken together, we conclude that Cd activates the oxidative stress-mediated TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammatory signal transduction, leading to porcine adrenal fibrosis by promoting macrophage polarization toward M1.

Dioscin prevents DSS-induced colitis in mice with enhancing intestinal barrier function and reducing colon inflammation

Dioscin is a natural steroid saponin derived from plants of the genus Dioscoreaceae. Previous studies have proved its effects of antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and hypolipidemic. In this study, our aim was to explore the protective effect and preliminary mechanism of Dioscin on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. The results showed that Dioscin reduced DSS-induced disease activity index (DAI) increase, colon length shortening and colon pathological damage. In addition, Dioscin reduced excessive inflammation by reversing the cytokines levels, reducing intestinal macrophage infiltration and promoting macrophage polarization to M2 phenotype. At the same time, Dioscin maintained the intestinal barrier function by increasing the expression of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), occludin and mucin (Muc)-2. Moreover, Dioscin inhibited NF-κB, MAPK signaling and nucleotide oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain ontaining 3(NLRP3) inflammasome pathway in DSS-induced colitis. These results suggest that Dioscin is a competent candidate for ulcerative colitis (UC) therapy in the future.