Organochlorine pesticide residues in plants and their possible ecotoxicological and agri food impacts

Nano-interface enhanced electrochemical sensing of hazardous organochlorine pesticides and prospects with ZnO based nanomaterials

Detection and analysis of organochlorine pesticides (OCP) residue is getting significant research importance because of their extensive use despite their hazardous effects on the health of people and the ecosystem. Despite the implementation of regulations and bans to safeguard human health and the environment, reports frequently reveal the continued use of these harmful chemicals in quantities exceeding the recommended limits set by regulatory boards. Data on the use of OCP from India, the most populous country, and African countries is not very encouraging. Conventional methods used for pesticide identification rely on high-cost and bulky instruments, which are also time-consuming and resource-intensive. Therefore, a low-cost, simple, easy-to-handle, and portable pesticide detection device is the need of the hour to enhance the convenience of routine detection and analysis. Nanomaterial-based sensors, composed of metal oxides, polymers, metals, enzyme-functionalized nanostructures, and nanocomposites, hold significant potential for monitoring pesticides, even at extremely low levels, and offer a unique alternative to traditional detection methods. This study examines the potential health risks associated with OCP residues and commonly used analytical techniques for pesticide detection. It also thoroughly examines the latest developments in nanomaterial-based electrochemical sensors, specifically focusing on ZnO-based nanomaterials for OCP detection. Researchers have successfully experimented with ZnO nanomaterials for pesticide degradation, in addition to their use in detection. This review provides a summary of the detection limits, linear ranges, and various fabrication methods of these developed sensors. It also addresses the practicality issues and detection strategies, thereby providing a comprehensive overview of the state of the art in OCP detection using nanomaterials. Furthermore, this review provides insights on potential future perspectives in the area from the authors' standpoint.

Effects of realistic pesticide mixtures on the springtail Folsomia candida

The application of multiple pesticides over the last decades has resulted in their frequent and in some cases long-term presence in soils as complex mixtures. This work assessed the toxicity of realistic pesticide mixtures to the springtail Folsomia candida observed in 11 case study sites. Each mixture was composed of five pesticides (as active substances or metabolites), chosen based on their occurrence in soil and expected risk to soil invertebrates. Reproduction tests were conducted in natural agricultural soil, and the springtails were exposed to three concentrations of the selected pesticides: the median environmental concentration (MEC), the predicted environmental concentration (PEC), and five times PEC (5PEC). No significant effect was observed at MEC exposure in any case study sites; however, effects on reproduction, adult survival, and adult size were observed at PEC and 5PEC exposures in five case study sites. Risk quotients (RQs) of individual pesticides were calculated by dividing the exposure concentrations (MEC, PEC, and 5PEC) by the no observed effect concentration values from the literature, and the sum of the five pesticides was calculated as ∑RQ in each case study site. The toxicity at PEC exposure was higher than expected based on the ∑RQ in two case study sites, indicating a possible synergistic mixture effect. This work provides new information on the effects of realistic pesticide mixtures. Further research is required to clarify whether the current risk assessment of individual pesticides adequately protects soil species from exposure to multiple pesticide residues that may occur in even more complex mixtures.

Breast adipose tissue level of organochlorine pesticides as a risk factor in breast cancer: A cross sectional study in North Indian females

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were extensively used in India in agriculture as insecticides and in public health programs to control vector borne diseases like Malaria, and typhus. This rampant use led OCPs to persist in the environment due to their resistance to natural degradation and biotransformation, consequently, enter the human body through the food chain and bio-accumulate in adipose tissue as they are lipophillic. Exposure to OCPs have been linked to various diseases due to their endocrine disrupting properties, and lipophillic nature. The purpose of the study is to estimate the OCPs level in the breast cancer patients, and to compare the OCP levels within breast cancer patients based on their clinical features. A case control study was conducted on 100 breast cancer cases and 100 controls of benign breast disease patients. Quantification of OCPs was done by Gas Chromatography system equipped with 63 Ni Electron Capture Detector. Significantly higher levels of γHCH, Endosulfan-II, p'p'DDT, p'p' DDD and o'p'DDT were found in cases with respect to controls (p < 0.05). The odds ratios (ORs) show a significant association of Endosulfan-II (1.3) and p'p'DDT (2.7) levels with risk of breast cancer. Further, significantly higher levels of γHCH, p'p'DDT and Endosulfan-II were found in lymph node metastasis cases and γHCH and pp'DDD in advanced tumor stage cases as compared to the cases without lymph node involvement, and early tumor stage respectively. The findings of the present study support the contribution of OCPs in the pathophysiology of breast cancer. Further, OCPs like p'p'DDT, Endosulfan-II, and γHCH may promote the progression of breast cancer by influencing the metastatic ability through lymphatic pathway.

Association between combined exposure to organochlorine pesticides and history of uterine fibroids in NHANES: findings from four statistical models

BACKGROUND

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are extensively dispersed throughout the environment, which potentially have harmful impacts on the female reproductive system. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to clarify the association between exposure to OCPs and the history of uterine fibroids in American women.

METHODS

The present study comprised female individuals who were over 20 years old and were selected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The logistic regression models were used to investigate the associations between eight primary serum OCP compounds and uterine fibroids. The collective impact of OCP compounds on the overall association with uterine fibroids was assessed using three statistical approaches: weighted quantile sum regression (WQS), quantile g-computation model (Qgcomp), and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) model.

RESULTS

In the end, a total of 931 individuals were included in the analysis. Out of the total, 126 participants were identified as patients with uterine fibroids. Upon accounting for covariables, the logistic regression analysis revealed a positive association between the highest tertiles of OCP compounds and ln-transformed OCP compounds and the history of uterine fibroids. The analysis of WQS and Qgcomp showed that a 25% increase in the mixture of OCPs was associated with a higher likelihood of having a history of uterine fibroids, with odds ratios (ORs) of 1.49 (95% CI: 1.02, 2.19) and 1.64 (95% CI: 1.15, 2.35), respectively. The primary factor behind this association was oxychlordane. In addition, the overall findings of BKMR demonstrated a consistent and increasing pattern, indicating a robust positive association between the amount of serum OCP compounds and the history of uterine fibroid.

CONCLUSION

Our study conclusively established associations between OCPs and history of uterine fibroid. The simultaneous exposure to these chemicals is associated with an increased prevalence of uterine fibroid. Among these chemicals, oxychlordane has the most impact on the overall combined effect.

Computational and biochemical characterization of the immobilized esterase of Salinicoccus roseus for pesticide degradation

The continuous exposure of chemical pesticides in agriculture, their contamination in soil and water pose serious threat to the environment. Current study used an approach to evaluate various pesticides like Hexaconazole, Mancozeb, Pretilachlor, Organophosphate and λ-cyhalothrin degradation capability of esterase. The enzyme was isolated from Salinicoccus roseus. Genome analysis unveiled the carboxylesterase genes underlying the degradation of pesticides, and was located between 2070Mbp to 2080Mbp region. Herein, partially purified esterase was immobilized into beads by mixing with an equal volume (1:1) of sodium alginate solution [2.5% (w/v)].Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the beads showed the microspheres for enhanced enzyme-substrate reaction, wide peak at 3316, 1635 and 696 cm- 1 in Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) represented intermolecular hydrogen bonding, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) reaffirmed the binding of esterase entrapped into the beads. Maximum degradation rate (after 4 days) for free enzyme accounted 83.2% in Hexaconazole. Degradation rate moderately increased 4% in the presence of immobilized esterase. Degradation products were detected by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Cytotoxicity test (root length and mitotic index) revealed differences in various treatments. Enzyme kinetics parameters, Michaëlis-Menten constant (KM) 6.61 mM and maximum velocity (Vmax) 1.89 µmol/min/mg increased after immobilization. Further, molecular docking results validated that esterase contributed to pesticide degradation by catalytic triad of Ser93-His222-Phe24, ligand interactions, and specific binding pockets. Additionally, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations confirmed the protein-ligand conformational stability. Hence, present study highlighted an effective method for improving the catalytic properties of esterase, and also potential candidate for bioremediation of pesticides.

Pesticide-induced metabolic disruptions in crops: A global perspective at the molecular level

Pesticide pollution has emerged as a critical global environmental issue of pervasive concern. Although the application of pesticides has provided substantial benefits in controlling weeds, pests, and crop diseases, their indiscriminate use poses considerable challenges to soil health and food safety. Pesticides can be absorbed by crops through either foliar or root uptake, resulting in deleterious effects such as extensive tissue damage, growth inhibition, and reduced crop quality. Beside these visible effects, pesticides can alter gene expression and disrupt cellular signaling transduction, thereby interfering with essential metabolic processes even inducing toxic stress. Moreover, pesticides can interact intricately with biomolecules (e.g. proteins, nucleic acid) in crops, causing significant alterations in protein structure and physiological function. This review focuses on pesticide residues and their associated toxicity, emphasizing their pervasive influence on vital physiological and metabolic pathways, including carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and fatty acid metabolism. Particular attention is given to elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying these disturbances, specifically regarding transcriptional regulation, cell signaling pathways, and biomolecular interactions. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of multifaceted effects of pesticides and to underscore the necessity for sustainable agricultural practices to safeguard crop yield and quality.

Electrochemically assisted remediation of a highly chlorinated organic polluted sludge: A full-scale case study

Electrochemical technology has emerged as an effective method to remediate soils in a laboratory environment. However, its practical application is often challenging due to the complexity of adopting small-scale parameters and identifying all the potential problems during the operation of electrokinetic plants. Here, a prototype demonstration in a space environment (Technology Readiness Level 7) is reported to remediate a 5 × 5 m2 plot of a leachate pond from a landfill containing dense sludge contaminated with chlorinated organic compounds. Bench-scale tests (50 kg per mock-up) were initially carried out to evaluate the effects of the key parameters (electric field, surfactants, and electrode materials) and demonstrated the feasibility of reducing contaminant concentrations in the sludge through dehalogenation and volatilisation. The average electro-osmotic flux was 0.23 cm day-1, comparable to that reported for silty soils. Iron electrodes enhanced electrokinetic water transport and reduced acidification, while glassy carbon electrodes increased water volatilisation, acidity near the anode, and dehalogenation of chlorinated hydrocarbons. Based on these findings, the full-scale design and operating conditions were selected. After 590 h of operation, the total pollutant concentration was reduced by 34 %, mainly due to volatilisation, using a sequence of six iron-electrode arrays at 1 V cm-1, which increased the sludge temperature over 60 °C. An evaporation rate of 0.021 cm d-1 and an electro-osmotic flux of 0.62 cm d-1 were achieved, consistent with the bench tests. These findings demonstrate the potential of electrokinetic plants for the remediation of sludges and provide expertise applicable to future remediation at other contaminated sites.

Unmasking the spread, carcinogenic-non carcinogenic risk characterization, and source fingerprinting of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in soil and vegetables of Gaya, Bihar, India

The use of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in specific regions is still prevalent. Moreover, the impact of past utilization can be observed in the present environmental matrices. The present study monitored the extent of contamination of OCPs in the soil and vegetable samples of Gaya, Bihar, India. For this, 63 soil and vegetable samples were collected from the vegetable cultivated area of Gaya. The collected samples were extracted using a Soxhlet extraction unit and OCPs were analysed with a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry detector. The concentration data generated from the analysis were interpreted using statistical tools and software. Mean concentration (μg/g) of Σ19OCPs in soil from residential, agricultural, commercial, and polyhouse sites were 0.69, 2.21, 0.17, and 0.72, respectively. Similarly, in vegetable samples, mean concentration (μg/g) of Σ19OCPs were 0.91, 0.96, 1.00, and 0.67, respectively. Among the monitored vegetable types, the concentration of OCPs increased in the order: pods > tubers > leaves > fruits > roots > stem. The bioconcentration factor of 19 OCPs showed that 61.90% of vegetable samples were hyperaccumulators. The results of molecular diagnostic ratio and positive matrix factorization reported the recent inputs of heptachlor, aldrin, endrin and methoxychlor; the past application of dichlorodimethyltrichloroethane (DDT), endosulfan, and chlordane; and the degradation of DDT to its metabolites and aldrin to dieldrin, which make up an overall source profile of OCPs in study area. The study found that incremental lifetime cancer risks and hazard quotients ranged from 6.98 × 10-8 to 1.31 × 10-5 and 4.25 × 10-2 to 4.63 × 10-1, respectively in vegetable samples which indicate low to high ILCR and low non-carcinogenic risk to populations exposed to OCPs. The study indicates the long lasting impact of past pesticide use by studying the contamination in soil and vegetables, and raises serious concerns about food safety. The contamination poses direct health risk to consumers related to potential carcinogenic and endocrine disrupting effects. Thus monitoring on the ground level could be a force to modify region specific policies, health, and remediation measures related to exposure to OCPs.

Study on the preservation effect of 60Co-γ ray irradiation on potatoes

To evaluate the effect of irradiation on the preservation of potatoes, fresh potatoes were selected as the irradiation objects, and irradiated with 60Co-γ radiation source for 0, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 Gy, respectively. During the irradiation, the well-packaged Y1.79Bi0.01Eu0.2MgTiO6 novel thermoluminescence dosimeter material was placed together with the potatoes at the same position. Then, the potatoes were stored in the same temperature and humidity environment, and the quality changes of the potatoes were observed. The Y1.79Bi0.01Eu0.2MgTiO6 material had good performance indicators, and was used to measure the irradiation dose of the potatoes. The experiment showed that irradiation could appropriately extend the storage time of potatoes, and gamma irradiation of about 1000 Gy could achieve the best preservation effect. The main pathogenic fungi that cause dry rot of potatoes were Fusarium solani and Fusarium oxysporum, and the appropriate dose of 60Co-γ irradiation could effectively inhibit the spread and growth of these fungi.

Comprehensive multiresidue chromatographic methods for monitoring pesticides in agricultural areas and corresponding plant protection zones

This article reports a comprehensive analytical method for the identification and quantification of a broad range of pesticides in green plant crops. The sample preparation method for pesticides involved an optimization of the QuEChERS-based extraction protocol, with sample mass, volume of added water, and the type of cleanup sorbent as variables. A sorbent combination based on ENVI-Carb and ChloroFiltr was examined. A highly efficient method was developed for the purification of plant extracts with 900 mg MgSO4, 150 mg PSA, and 15 mg ENVI-Carb at the d-SPE stage, combined with gas chromatography and liquid tandem mass spectrometry for the determination of 197 pesticides in crop plants containing chlorophyll. The method was validated in accordance with the requirements of international guidelines SANTE/11312/2021. The method was applied to quantify pesticide residues in 29 pairs of green crop plants and plants from the corresponding crop protection zone to verify whether the zones are effective barriers to prevent pesticides from penetrating outside agricultural areas. The number and types of agrochemical preparations were chosen by farmers. In total, more than 60 one- and several-component pesticide formulations were applied to the crops included in the study. The pesticide residues were detected in 21 crop samples and 3 samples from protection zones. Epoxiconazole, an active substance that was banned for use in 2021, was found in a spring barley sample. Based on the conducted research, the effectiveness of the protection zones has been clearly demonstrated, and it has been proven that environmental migration of pesticides and unauthorized agricultural practices pose a risk to ecosystems.

Occurrence of chlorpyrifos and organochlorine pesticides in a native bumblebee (Bombus pauloensis) living under different land uses in the southeastern Pampas, Argentina

Pollinators such as Apidae bees are vital for ecosystems and food security. Unfortunately, their populations have declined due to several factors including pesticide use. Among them, the organophosphate insecticide chlorpyrifos, poses a global threat, while legacy compounds like organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) easily bioaccumulate, increasing the concern. Bombus pauloensis, a widely distributed native bee in Argentina, is used for commercial pollination; however, information regarding their health status is scarce. This study assessed chlorpyrifos and OCP levels in B. pauloensis (workers and males) and related environmental matrices living from three different land uses schemes, by means of GC-ECD and GC-MS. The ornamental horticulture field (OP) showed the highest total pesticide concentrations in workers (13.1 ng/g), flowers and soils, whereas the organic agriculture field (OA) exhibited the lowest. Chlorpyrifos was the most abundant compound, accounting for at least 20 % of pesticide load across all matrices. The food production horticulture field (FH) had the highest chlorpyrifos concentration in workers, males and soils (5.0, 4.4 and 3.3 ng/g, respectively), suggesting a local greater usage, whereas OA showed the lowest. Regarding OCPs groups, Drins and DDTs were predominant in most matrices, with FH males registering the highest levels (4.0 and 2.5 ng/g, respectively), closely followed by OP. However, metabolites' contribution indicated historical use and atmospheric inputs in all sites. Multivariate analyses confirmed the significance of site and bumblebee sex to explain pesticide composition. Males from all sites exhibited higher chlorpyrifos levels than workers and this trend was similar for some OCP groups. Overall, OA differed from FH and OP, indicating a correlation between production modes and pesticide profiles. This study demonstrates the value of B. pauloensis as a pesticide biomonitor but also offers insights into its populations' health in the area. In this sense, this information could be useful towards the preservation of this crucial pollinator.

Organophosphorus and carbamate pesticides: Molecular toxicology and laboratory testing

Population and food requirements are increasing daily throughout the world. To fulfil these requirements application of pesticides is also increasing. Organophosphorous (OP) and Organocarbamate (OC) compounds are widely used pesticides. These pesticides are used for suicidal purposes too. Both inhibit Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and cholinergic symptoms are mainly used for the diagnosis of pesticide poisoning. Although the symptoms of the intoxication of OP and OC are similar, recent research has described different targets for OP and OC pesticides. Researchers believe the distinction of OP/OC poisoning will be beneficial for the management of pesticide exposure. OP compounds produce adducts with several proteins. There is a new generation of OP compounds like glyphosate that do not inhibit AChE. Therefore, it's high time to develop biomarkers that can distinguish OP poisoning from OC poisoning.

Review of scientific literature on available methods of assessing organochlorine pesticides in the environment

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are persistent organic pollutants (POPs) widely used in agriculture and industry, causing serious health and ecological consequences upon exposure. This review offers a thorough overview of OCPs analysis emphasizing the necessity of ongoing work to enhance the identification and monitoring of these POPs in environmental and human samples. The benefits and drawbacks of the various OCPs analysis techniques including gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), gas chromatography-electron capture detector (GC-ECD), and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) are discussed. Challenges associated with validation and optimization criteria, including accuracy, precision, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantitation (LOQ), must be met for a method to be regarded as accurate and reliable. Suitable quality control measures, such as method blanks and procedural blanks, are emphasized. The LOD and LOQ are critical quality control measure for efficient quantification of these compounds, and researchers have explored various techniques for their calculation. Matrix interference, solubility, volatility, and partition coefficient influence OCPs occurrences and are discussed in this review. Validation experiments, as stated by European Commission in document SANTE/11813/2017, showed that the acceptance criteria for method validation of OCP analytes include ≤20 % for high precision, and 70-120 % for recovery. This may ultimately be vital for determining the human health risk effects of exposure to OCP and for formulating sensible environmental and public health regulations.

Electrocatalytic hydro-dehalogenation of halogenated organic pollutants from wastewater: A critical review

Halogenated organic pollutants are often found in wastewater effluent although it has been usually treated by advanced oxidation processes. Atomic hydrogen (H*)-mediated electrocatalytic dehalogenation, with an outperformed performance for breaking the strong carbon-halogen bonds, is of increasing significance for the efficient removal of halogenated organic compounds from water and wastewater. This review consolidates the recent advances in the electrocatalytic hydro-dehalogenation of toxic halogenated organic pollutants from contaminated water. The effect of the molecular structure (e.g., the number and type of halogens, electron-donating or electron-withdrawing groups) on dehalogenation reactivity is firstly predicted, revealing the nucleophilic properties of the existing halogenated organic pollutants. The specific contribution of the direct electron transfer and atomic hydrogen (H*)-mediated indirect electron transfer to dehalogenation efficiency has been established, aiming to better understand the dehalogenation mechanisms. The analyses of entropy and enthalpy illustrate that low pH has a lower energy barrier than that of high pH, facilitating the transformation from proton to H*. Furthermore, the quantitative relationship between dehalogenation efficiency and energy consumption shows an exponential increase of energy consumption for dehalogenation efficiency increasing from 90% to 100%. Lastly, challenges and perspectives are discussed for efficient dehalogenation and practical applications.

Widespread use of toxic agrochemicals and pesticides for agricultural products storage in Africa and developing countries: Possible panacea for ecotoxicology and health implications

Chemicals used for storage majorly possess insecticidal activities - deterring destructive insect pests and microorganisms from stored agricultural produce. Despite the controversy about their safety, local farmers and agro-wholesalers still predominantly use these chemicals in developing countries, especially Africa, to ensure an all-year supply of agriproducts. These chemicals could have short- or long-term effects. Despite the state-of-the-art knowledge, factors such as poor education and awareness, limited agricultural subventions, quests for cheap chemicals, over-dosage, and many more are the possible reasons for these toxic chemicals' setback and persistent use in developing countries. This paper provides an up-to-date review of the environmental and ecological effects, as well as the health impacts arising from the indiscriminate use of toxic chemicals in agriproducts. Existing data link pesticides to endocrine disruption, genetic mutations, neurological dysfunction, and other metabolic disorders, apart from the myriad of acute effects. Finally, this study recommended several naturally sourced preservatives as viable alternatives to chemical counterparts and emphasized the invaluable role of education and awareness programs in mitigating the use in developing nations for a sustainable society.

Multi-residue analysis of certain lanolin nipple care products for trace contaminants

BACKGROUND

Topical lanolin is commonly used on nipples to aid breastfeeding success. The raw material undergoes refinement to remove contaminants such as pesticides, which may accumulate from exogenous environmental sources. The level of refinement influences final lanolin purity. For use in nipple creams, a lanolin which complies with a published monograph (either USP or Ph. Eur.) is desirable to ensure a non-toxic product with neutral taste and smell, and low allergenicity.

METHODS

The aim of this study was to determine the residual trace pesticide levels and quantify the Free Lanolin Alcohols (FLA) levels in two commercially available lanolin products (HPA LANOLIN (Lansinoh Laboratories Inc.); PURELAN (Medela AG)) and two lanolin ingredients (PHARMALAN PH EU-SO-(RB) and CORONA-8 SO-(RB) (Croda, Goole, UK)) using established validated methods. Test samples were subjected to Gas-Chromatographic and Liquid-Chromatographic analysis to quantify and identify a panel of 178 pesticide residues. FLA levels and the presence of oxidative metabolites were also determined.

RESULTS

The purity of the lanolin ingredients was consistent with expectations based on their level of refinement; lanolin in compliance with the Ph. Eur. monograph demonstrated the highest level of purity. Differences were seen between the lanolin nipple creams tested, in terms of FLA levels and pesticide residue levels. Specifically, the HPA LANOLIN contained an extremely low level of FLA (0.61%), which was fourfold less than in the PURELAN (2.76%). Additionally, the HPA LANOLIN did not contain any detectable pesticide residues. The PURELAN was found to contain a number of pesticide residues, however the detected levels were low and within the permitted limits and so despite their presence, the PURELAN was still compliant with the relevant monographs.

CONCLUSIONS

This data reinforces that the purity of monograph compliant Lanolin makes it suitable for use on the nipples of breastfeeding mothers. A higher level of refinement leads to a reduction in pesticide contaminants also reduces FLA levels in the final material, minimizing the risk of allergenicity.

Putative interactions between transthyretin and endosulfan II and its relevance in breast cancer

The unregulated use of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) has been linked to spread of breast cancer (BC), but the underlying biomolecular interactions are unknown. Using a case-control study, we compared OCP blood levels and protein signatures among BC patients. Five pesticides were found in significantly higher concentrations in breast cancer patients than in healthy controls: p',p' dichloro diphenyl trichloroethane (DDT), p'p' dichloro diphenyl dichloroethane (DDD), endosulfan II, delta-hexachlorocyclohexane (dHCH), and heptachlor epoxide A (HTEA). According to the odds ratio analysis, these OCPs, which have been banned for decades, continue to raise the risk of cancer in Indian women. Proteomic analysis of plasma from estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer patients revealed 17 dysregulated proteins, but transthyretin (TTR) was three times higher than in healthy controls, which is further validated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Molecular docking and molecular dynamics studies revealed a competitive affinity between endosulfan II and the thyroxine-binding site of TTR, pointing towards the significance of the competition between thyroxin and endosulfan, resulting in endocrine disruption leading to breast cancer. Our study sheds light on the putative role of TTR in OCP-mediated BC, but more research is needed to decipher the underlying mechanisms that can be used to prevent the carcinogenic effects of these pesticides on women's health.

Health risk of consuming Sphoeroides spp. from the Navachiste Lagoon complex due to its trace metals and organochlorine pesticides content

The Navachiste complex (NAV) is impacted by neighbored human activities and is located in the southwestern coastal zone of the Gulf of California. The study determines the trace metal (TM) and organochlorine pesticides (OCP) health risk content in the edible tissue of Sphoeroides spp. from NAV. The daily intakes (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI), and carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks were calculated. Twenty OCP and seven TM were detected. Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn were above MRLs. The γ‒Chlordane was the most frequent OCP. The highest average concentration was for α‒HCH, followed by γ‒chlordane. With the high ratios of γ‒HCH, p, p'‒ DDD and p, p'‒DDD, and the absence of p, p'‒ DDT, the higher ratios for dieldrin and endrin than for aldrin, α‒ chlordane, γ‒chlordane, heptachlor, and heptachlor epoxide indicates historical contamination. In contrast, the residual products of methoxychlor, endosulfan, and its isomers indicate endosulfan's recent use. The TM EDI, THQ > 1 (at 120 g day-1), and the ILCR (> 1 × 10-6) were above minimum levels, showing a high-risk potential for cancer development in the long term.

Derivatives of Plastics as Potential Carcinogenic Factors: The Current State of Knowledge

Simple Summary

Nowadays, micro- and nanoplastic particles can be found almost everywhere, being especially harmful for humans. Their absorption, primarily via inhalation and digestive routes, might lead to a particularly dangerous accumulation of those substances within the human body. Due to the alarming increase in contamination worldwide and excessive production of plastics and synthetic materials, there is an urgent need to investigate the effects of those substances on human health. So far, it has been observed that nano- and microplastics might be extremely harmful, leading to serious health conditions, such as cancers of various human body systems.

Abstract

Micro- and nanoplatics have been already reported to be potential carcinogenic/mutagenic substances that might cause DNA damage, leading to carcinogenesis. Thus, the effects of micro- and nanoplastics exposure on human health are currently being investigated extensively to establish clear relationships between those substances and health consequences. So far, it has been observed that there exists a definite correlation between exposure to micro- and nanoplastic particles and the onset of several cancers. Therefore, we have conducted research using PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases, searching for all the research papers devoted to cancers that could be potentially related to the subject of exposure to nano- and microplastics. Ultimately, in this paper, we have discussed several cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma, pancreatic cancer, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, biliary tract cancer, and some endocrine-related cancers.

Comparative low lethal effects of three insecticides on demographical traits and enzyme activity of the Spodoptera exigua (Hübner)

Many species of devastating insect pests have acquired a high degree of resistance to insecticides in the field during the last few decades. Spodoptera exigua, for example, is the most damaging pests of economic crops with a worldwide spread. In a present study, the comparative growth, reproduction, and detoxification enzyme activity were evaluated along with exposure to three insecticides at low lethal doses of lufenuron, indoxacarb, and spinosad as compared to the control. Results indicate that the larval developmental time was significantly extended on lufenuron (21.5 ± 29 days) followed by indoxacarb (20.28 ± 0.24 days) and spinosad (19.74 ± 0.23 days) as compared to that on the control (18.13 ± 0.13 days). Similarly, the lowest number of eggs of S. exigua females were recorded on lufenuron (328.75 ± 50.81 eggs) followed by spinosad (367 ± 36.4 eggs) and indoxacarb (411.58 ± 42.38 eggs) as compared to that on the control (560.2 ± 13.47). Interestingly, the lowest intrinsic rate of increase (r) (0.121 ± 0.009) and highest mean generation time (T) (36.2 ± 0.35 days) were observed when larvae were treated to a low lethal concentration (LC₂₀) of lufenuron as compared to that of indoxacarb, spinosad, and control. In addition, considerably lower activity of all detoxification enzymes in larvae was recorded on lufenuron after control as compared to that on indoxacarb and spinosad. Our study serves as a reference and basis for the toxicity and low lethal evaluation of lufenuron, indoxacarb, and spinosad on life table parameters and enzymatic properties in S. exigua, which may contribute to identifying targets for effective control of S. exigua.