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Heliyon Dec 2023This research examined the bioremediation of pesticides (Carbofuran and Paraquat) contaminated farmyard soil using compost and Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium (NPK)...
This research examined the bioremediation of pesticides (Carbofuran and Paraquat) contaminated farmyard soil using compost and Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium (NPK) fertilizer. Microcosms representing each treatment were set-up in triplicates. Biostimulation was done using two concentrations (0.5 % and 1.0 % w/w) of NPK fertilizer and compost, following pesticides application at recommended rates [Carbofuran (1 g/kg) and Paraquat (5 ml/kg)] and four times the recommended rates. Two control soils were set-up; Abiotic control (sterile farmyard soil + pesticide) and Control (farmyard soil without treatment). Monitoring of the dynamics in microbial community abundance, and pesticide residues during the biostimulation period was done weekly for 28 days, using standard enumeration method, and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), respectively. At the end of the monitoring period, considerable reduction in pesticide residues across the treatment set-ups was recorded. In Carbofuran-treated soils, there were no complete, but considerable losses in residual pesticide, however, in most of the Paraquat-treated soils, there were complete losses within 21 days. Lower pesticide residues were recorded in set-ups amended with compost than NPK, across both Carbofuran and Paraquat-treated soils. After pesticides application, decreases in microbial counts were recorded at Day 7 across all the treatments, followed by increases from Day 14-21, then decreases at Day 28. Microbial counts were lower in Carbofuran than in Paraquat-treated soils irrespective of nutrient (compost and NPK) amendments. Bacterial and fungal counts were in the magnitude of 10 and 10 CFU/g soil, respectively. Also, increased counts were recorded for Actinomycetes, Nitrifiers, Phosphate solubilizers across all treatments, and were in magnitude of 10-10 CFU/g soil. Soil microorganisms could breakdown and eliminate large concentrations of Carbofuran and Paraquat in compost-amended soils than in NPK-amended soils. This study suggests that bioremediation of pesticides contaminated soils can be achieved and enhanced by stimulating the indigenous microbial community with requisite nutrients (compost).
PubMed: 38144266
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23133 -
The Science of the Total Environment Jun 2024Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder and leading cause of death worldwide, whose pathogenesis has been linked to toxic environmental exposures. We... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder and leading cause of death worldwide, whose pathogenesis has been linked to toxic environmental exposures. We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines (i) to compile, and group by exposure setting (non-specified general; residential; occupational), environmental factors reported to modulate the risk of developing PD and (ii) to map and geospatially analyze global regions of both research activity and paucity. Among the broader environmental settings, occupational exposures had the highest average odds ratio value at 3.82, followed by general (non-specified or mixed) exposures at 3.07, and residential exposures at 2.36. Occupational exposure to industrial toxins was the highest ranked subset of exposures with an odds ratio of 10.74. Among the studies meeting the inclusion criteria, 75 % were conducted in Europe or the Western United States. The number of individuals partaking per study ranged from a high of 55,585 (Taiwan) to a low of 233 (Faroe Islands), with a mean of n = 14,462. The top three environmental factors associated with high odds ratios for increased risk of developing PD were (i) exposure to dyes (25.33), (ii) methylene chloride (16.5) and specifically in adult men (iii) consumption of fatty whale meat (10.57), which is known to harbor a broad spectrum of so called persistent, bioaccumulative, toxic (PBT) pollutants. Geospatially, the highest odds ratio values were identified in European countries, whereas notable data gaps were revealed for South America, Australia, Africa, and the majority of Asia with the exception of Taiwan. Whereas occupational exposures to industrial chemicals, such as harmful dyes and methylene chloride, ranked highest in risk values, available data suggest notable opportunities for reducing PD cases globally by limiting harmful environmental exposures to a spectrum of toxic chemicals, particularly via the food intake route. Thus, current efforts in improving environmental quality globally by limiting toxic emission may deliver the added benefit of helping to reign in PD. Agents of concern in this respect include pesticides (e.g., paraquat, demeton, monocrotophos), particulate matter associated with air pollution, and a spectrum of organic and inorganic neurotoxins including heavy metals.
Topics: Parkinson Disease; Humans; Environmental Exposure; Environmental Pollutants; Risk Factors; Occupational Exposure
PubMed: 38685425
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172838 -
Redox Biology Dec 2023Thiosulfate sulfurtransferase (TST, EC 2.8.1.1) was discovered as an enzyme that detoxifies cyanide by conversion to thiocyanate (rhodanide) using thiosulfate as...
Thiosulfate sulfurtransferase (TST, EC 2.8.1.1) was discovered as an enzyme that detoxifies cyanide by conversion to thiocyanate (rhodanide) using thiosulfate as substrate; this rhodanese activity was subsequently identified to be almost exclusively located in mitochondria. More recently, the emphasis regarding its function has shifted to hydrogen sulfide metabolism, antioxidant defense, and mitochondrial function in the context of protective biological processes against oxidative distress. While TST has been described to play an important role in liver and colon, its function in the brain remains obscure. In the present study, we therefore sought to address its potential involvement in maintaining cerebral redox balance in a murine model of global TST deficiency (Tst mice), primarily focusing on characterizing the biochemical phenotype of TST loss in relation to neuronal activity and sensitivity to oxidative stress under basal conditions. Here, we show that TST deficiency is associated with a perturbation of the reactive species interactome in the brain cortex secondary to altered ROS and RSS (specifically, polysulfide) generation as well as mitochondrial OXPHOS remodeling. These changes were accompanied by aberrant Nrf2-Keap1 expression and thiol-dependent antioxidant function. Upon challenging mice with the redox-active herbicide paraquat (25 mg/kg i.p. for 24 h), Tst mice displayed a lower antioxidant capacity compared to wildtype controls (C57BL/6J mice). These results provide a first glimpse into the molecular and metabolic changes of TST deficiency in the brain and suggest that pathophysiological conditions associated with aberrant TST expression and/or activity renders neurons more susceptible to oxidative stress-related malfunction.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Thiosulfate Sulfurtransferase; Kelch-Like ECH-Associated Protein 1; NF-E2-Related Factor 2; Antioxidants; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Oxidation-Reduction; Brain; Oxidative Stress
PubMed: 38000344
DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102965 -
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety Jun 2024Paraquat (PQ) is a widely used herbicide that poisons human by accident or intentional ingestion. PQ poisoning causes systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS)...
BACKGROUND
Paraquat (PQ) is a widely used herbicide that poisons human by accident or intentional ingestion. PQ poisoning causes systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) resulting in acute lung injury (ALI) with an extremely high mortality rate. Blood trematode Schistosoma japonicum-produced cystatin (Sj-Cys) is a strong immunomodulatory protein that has been experimentally used to treat inflammation related diseases. In this study, Sj-Cys recombinant protein (rSj-Cys) was used to treat PQ-induced lung injury and the immunological mechanism underlying the therapeutic effect was investigated.
METHODS
PQ-induced acute lung injury mouse model was established by intraperitoneally injection of 20 mg/kg of paraquat. The poisoned mice were treated with rSj-Cys and the survival rate was observed up to 7 days compared with the group without treatment. The pathological changes of PQ-induced lung injury were observed by examining the histochemical sections of affected lung tissue and the wet to dry ratio of lung as a parameter for inflammation and edema. The levels of the inflammation related cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α and regulatory cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β were measured in sera and in affected lung tissue using ELISA and their mRNA levels in lung tissue using RT-PCR. The macrophages expressing iNOS were determined as M1 and those expressing Arg-1 as M2 macrophages. The effect of rSj-Cys on the transformation of inflammatory M1 to regulatory M2 macrophages was measured in affected lung tissue in vivo (EKISA and RT-PCR) and in MH-S cell line in vitro (flow cytometry). The expression levels of TLR2 and MyD88 in affected lung tissue were also measured to determine their role in the therapy of rSj-Cys on PQ-induced lung injury.
RESULT
We identified that treatment with rSj-Cys significantly improved the survival rate of mice with PQ-induced lung injury from 30 % (untreated) to 80 %, reduced the pathological damage of poisoning lung tissue, associated with significantly reduced levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6 from 1490 to 590 pg/ml, TNF-α from 260 to 150 pg/ml) and increased regulatory cytokines (IL-10 from360 to 550 pg/ml, and TGF-β from 220 to 410 pg/ml) in both sera (proteins) and affected lung tissue (proteins and mRNAs). The polarization of macrophages from M1to M2 type was found to be involved in the therapeutic effect of rSj-Cys on the PQ-induced acute lung injury, possibly through inhibiting TLR2/MyD88 signaling pathway.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study demonstrated the therapeutic effect of rSj-Cys on PQ poisoning caused acute lung injury by inducing M2 macrophage polarization through inhibiting TLR2/MyD88 signaling pathway. The finding in this study provides an alternative approach for the treatment of PQ poisoning and other inflammatory diseases.
PubMed: 38905933
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116615 -
PeerJ 2023A high glucose diet (HGD) is associated with many metabolic diseases including type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, a HGD increases the oxidative...
A high glucose diet (HGD) is associated with many metabolic diseases including type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, a HGD increases the oxidative stress resistance of young animals but shortens their lifespan. To investigate the role of HGD feeding on the aging of aged animals, we tested for oxidative stress resistance and changes in lifespan using . We showed that a HGD extends the lifespan of aged worms that are dependent on oxidative stress resistance. Furthermore, we measured the lifespan of oxidative stress responding genes of HGD-fed worms. We found that and are highly expressed in HGD and paraquat (PQ) treated worms. Further experiments indicated that intestinal is essential for the HGD induced lifespan extension of aged worms. Our studies provide new insights into understanding the correlation between glucose metabolism, oxidative stress resistance, and aging.
Topics: Animals; Caenorhabditis elegans; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Diet; Glucose; Longevity; Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins
PubMed: 37663291
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15845 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2023Aging and age-related diseases are important study topics due to their associations with progressive physiological damage to genes, cells, tissues, and the entire...
Aging and age-related diseases are important study topics due to their associations with progressive physiological damage to genes, cells, tissues, and the entire organism, which ultimately affects the functional efficiency of organs. Murr. is a functional food that is known for its high contents of anthocyanins and spermidines, both of which have been demonstrated to have positive effects on anti-aging activity and anti-oxidation. In this study, we used HPLC-MS to analyze the constituents of Murr. Extract (LRM) and investigated their potential mechanism for exerting antioxidative effects in D-galactose (D-Gal) aging model mice. LRM (25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, and 100 mg/kg) improved cognitive function in D-Gal-treated mice, as shown by reduced escape latencies and increased platform crossings in behavioral tests. We measured the contents of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and the enzyme activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in mice serum and brain after 6 weeks of D-Gal treatment. LRM decreased the contents of LPO and MDA and increased the enzyme activities of SOD and GSH-Px, indicating the protection effect of LRM against D-Gal-induced oxidative stress. Additionally, LRM can inhibit oxidative stress in cells by reducing intracellular ROS levels and restoring mitochondrial membrane potential, thereby inhibiting paraquat (PQ)-induced cellular senescence and delaying cell aging. Therefore, LRM has the potential to be a healthcare product for the treatment of age-related diseases.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Lycium; Anthocyanins; Oxidative Stress; Antioxidants; Glutathione Peroxidase; Ethanol; Superoxide Dismutase; Plant Extracts; Galactose; Malondialdehyde
PubMed: 38005337
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28227615 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2023L. exhibits promising potential for the development of functional foods due to its documented pharmacological and biological activities. This study investigated the...
L. exhibits promising potential for the development of functional foods due to its documented pharmacological and biological activities. This study investigated the antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties of kombucha. The results demonstrated potent antioxidant activity with an IC value of 76.7 ± 9.6 µL/mL for the DPPH assay and 314.2 ± 16.9 µL/mL for the ABTS assay. Additionally, the kombucha demonstrated alpha-glucosidase inhibitory with an IC value of 142.7 ± 5.2 µL/mL. This in vitro antioxidant potential was further validated in vivo using . fed a high-sugar diet and supplemented with pure kombucha revealed significant increases in DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging activity. on a high-sugar diet supplemented with varying kombucha concentrations manifested enhanced resistance to oxidative stresses induced by HO and paraquat. Concurrently, there was a notable decline in lipid peroxidation levels. Additionally, significant upregulations in CAT, SOD1, and SOD2 activities were observed when the high-sugar diet was supplemented with kombucha. Furthermore, in vivo assessments using demonstrated significant reductions in alpha-glucosidase activity when fed with kombucha (reduced by 34.04%, 13.79%, and 11.60% when treated with 100%, 40%, and 10% kombucha, respectively). A comprehensive GC-MS and HPLC analysis of kombucha detected the presence of antioxidative and anti-glucosidase compounds. In conclusion, kombucha exhibits considerable antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties, demonstrating its potential as a beneficial beverage for health promotion.
PubMed: 38002116
DOI: 10.3390/foods12224059 -
F1000Research 2020Pesticide exposure might increase risk of lung cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between the historical use of pesticides and lung...
BACKGROUND
Pesticide exposure might increase risk of lung cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between the historical use of pesticides and lung cancer using a case-control design.
METHODS
This case-control study compared a lifetime pesticide exposure of 233 lung cancer cases, and 447 healthy neighbours matched for gender, and age (±5 years). Data on demographic, pesticide exposure and other related factors were collected using a face-to-face interview questionnaire. Associations between lung cancer and types of pesticides as well as individual pesticides were analysed using logistic regression adjusted for gender, age, cigarette smoking, occupation, cooking fumes exposure, and exposure to air pollution.
RESULTS
It was found that lung cancer was positively associated with the lifetime use of herbicides and insecticides. Compared to people in the non-exposed groups, those in Q3-Q4 days of using herbicides and insecticides had an elevated risk of lung cancer, with odds ratio (OR) between 2.20 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.24-3.89), and 3.99 (95% CI 1.62-7.11) (p < 0.001). For individual pesticides, those presenting a significant association with lung cancer were dieldrin (OR = 2.56; 95% CI 1.36-4.81), chlorpyrifos (OR = 3.29; 95 % CI 1.93-5.61), and carbofuran (OR = 2.10; 95% CI 1.28-3.42). It was also found, for the first time, carbofuran, glyphosate, and paraquat to be significantly associated with lung cancer.
CONCLUSIONS
The study confirmed dieldrin, and chlorpyrifos as risk factors and suggested carbofuran, glyphosate, and paraquat as potential risk factors for the disease. The paper stands as a noteworthy contribution to literature, particularly because the majority of publications on the topic originate from developed Western countries. However, further studies are imperative to validate the results and pinpoint additional individual pesticides that may be associated with lung cancer.
Topics: Humans; Pesticides; Insecticides; Chlorpyrifos; Case-Control Studies; Carbofuran; Lung Neoplasms; Dieldrin; Paraquat; Thailand; Occupational Exposure; Herbicides
PubMed: 38435081
DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.24114.4 -
Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and... Oct 2023Paraquat, one of the most widely used herbicides, poses a significant risk of mortality through self-poisoning and subsequent multiple organ failure. The primary...
BACKGROUND
Paraquat, one of the most widely used herbicides, poses a significant risk of mortality through self-poisoning and subsequent multiple organ failure. The primary objective aimed to identify the factors associated with death in patients poisoned by paraquat.
METHODS
A cross-sectional retrospective review was conducted at a tertiary referral hospital over five years. Eligible patients presented with acute paraquat toxicity between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2020. Medical records of 148 patients were reviewed.
RESULTS
The in-hospital fatality rate was found to be 21.8%. Multivariate analysis revealed that the amount of paraquat ingested and clinical presentations, particularly pulmonary and cardiovascular system disorders, were significantly associated with mortality.
CONCLUSION
Our study highlights that the amount of paraquat ingested, along with the presence of pulmonary and cardiovascular system disorders, can serve as prognostic indicators for mortality rates in cases of paraquat poisoning. These findings have important implications for physicians in predicting the prognosis and mortality of paraquat poisoning patients.
PubMed: 37864257
DOI: 10.1186/s40545-023-00635-z -
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety Nov 2023In the environmental safety area, the widespread use of the herbicide Paraquat (PQ) poses a great threat to hydrobionts and mammals. Due to the lack of specific...
In the environmental safety area, the widespread use of the herbicide Paraquat (PQ) poses a great threat to hydrobionts and mammals. Due to the lack of specific antidote, it may lead to irreversible pulmonary fibrosis with a mortality rate of 60%. Therefore, it is necessary to develop an effective and specific PQ antidote. The g-CN (HPCN) with excellent surface physicochemical properties was prepared by a two-step calcination method using urea and dicyandiamide as raw materials, showing a significant photocatalyst against environmental PQ pollution. The SEM results showed that HPCN possesses a porous layered structure. X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy indicated that the conjugated aromatic rings were orderly stacked, forming a 2D layered structure of g-CN. The HPCN had a larger specific surface area (56.84 m g) and pore volume (0.2718 cm g), which enhanced its adsorption capacity and photocatalytic activity. HPCN exhibited an effective adsorption rate of 38.25% for PQ in water under light. Compared with the PQ group (54.8%), the cell viability of the HPCN group (91.4%) significantly increased by 36.6%, and the SEM observation revealed the restoration of normal cell morphology. The HPCN effectively reduced PQ content in zebrafish and mice in vivo, resulting in an approximately 70% increase in survival rate. The UV-Vis results indicated that the adsorption rate of HPCN for PQ in zebrafish was 43.5%. The enhanced catalytic performance of HPCN provides a promising solution for the detoxification of PQ and of other environmental pollutants.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Paraquat; Zebrafish; Antidotes; Herbicides; Pulmonary Fibrosis; Mammals
PubMed: 37856982
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115594