Parental (F0) exposure to Cadmium and Ketoprofen induces developmental deformities in offspring (F1): A transgenerational toxicity assessment in zebrafish model.

In the aquatic environment, the primary pollutants of heavy metals and pharmaceuticals always occur in coexisting forms, and the research about combined impacts remains unclear, especially transgenerational effects. Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal that can damage the endocrine reproduction systems and cause thyroid dysfunction in fish. Meanwhile, ketoprofen (KPF) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can cause neurobehavioral damage and physiological impairment. However, to our knowledge, the combined exposure of Cd and KPF in transgenerational studies has not been reported. In this investigation, sexually mature zebrafish were subjected to isolated exposure and combined exposure to Cd (10 µg/L) and KPF (10 and 100 µg/L) at environmentally relevant concentrations for 42 days. In this background, breeding capacity, chemical accumulation rate in gonads, and tissue morphologies are investigated in parental fish. This is followed by examining the malformation rate, inflammation rate, and gene transcription in the F1 offspring. Our results indicate that combined exposure of Cd and KPF to the parental fish could increase the chemical accumulation rate and tissue damage in the gonads of fish and significantly reduce the breeding ability. Furthermore, these negative impacts were transmitted to its produced F1 embryos, reflected by hatching rate, body deformities, and thyroid axis-related gene transcription. These findings provide further insights into the harm posed by Cd in the presence of KPF to the aquatic ecosystems.

Is Laccase derived from Pleurotus ostreatus effective in microplastic degradation? A critical review of current progress, challenges, and future prospects.

Exploration of Pleurotus ostreatus as a biological agent in the degradation of persistent plastics like polyethylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, and polyethylene terephthalate, revealing a promising avenue toward mitigating the environmental impacts of plastic pollution. Leveraging the intrinsic enzymatic capabilities of this fungus, mainly its production of laccase, presents a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to breaking down complex polymer chains into less harmful constituents. This review focused on enhancements in the strain's efficiency through genetic engineering, optimized culture conditions, and enzyme immobilization to underscore the potential for scalability and practical application of this bioremediation process. The utilization of laccase from P. ostreatus in plastic waste management demonstrates a vital step forward in pursuing sustainable environmental solutions. By using the potential of fungal bioremediation, researchers can move closer to a future in which the adverse effects of plastic pollution are significantly mitigated, benefiting the health of our planet and future generations.

Letter to Editor: Comment on Ioanna Tsioti et al "Systemic Lipopolysaccharide Exposure Exacerbates Choroidal Neovascularization in Mice".

This study by Ioanna Tsioti and colleagues delves into the exacerbation of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) through systemic exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in a mouse model. The research highlights the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which systemic inflammation can influence ocular conditions, particularly in the context of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Utilizing a combination of in vivo fluorescein angiography, in situ hybridization, and flow cytometry, the study provides critical insights into the dynamic interaction between systemic inflammatory stimuli and CNV progression. Key findings include increased infiltration of monocyte-derived macrophages and enhanced Vegfα mRNA expression in Glul-expressing cells following systemic LPS exposure. These results suggest potential therapeutic targets for mitigating CNV associated with systemic inflammatory responses.

Co-occurrence of azorubine and bisphenol A in beverages increases the risk of developmental toxicity: A study in zebrafish model.

The prevalent use of Azorubine (E122) and the unintentional food additive, Bisphenol A (BPA), in ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages raises significant health concerns, especially for children. The combined impact on embryonic development must be explored despite individual safety assessments. Our investigation revealed that the combined exposure of E122 and BPA at beverage concentration significantly induces mortality and morphological deformities, including reduced growth, pericardial edema, and yolk sac edema. The co-exposure triggers oxidative stress, impairing antioxidant enzyme responses and resulting in lipid and cellular damage. Notably, apoptotic cells are observed in the neural tube and notochord of the co-exposed larvae. Critical genes related to the antioxidant response elements (nrf2, ho1, and nqo1), apoptosis activation (bcl2, bax, and p53), and pro/anti-inflammatory cytokines (nfkb, tnfa, il1b, tgfb, il10, and il12) displayed substantial changes, highlighting the molecular mechanisms. Behavior studies indicated hypo-locomotion with reduced thigmotaxis and touch response in co-exposed larvae, distinguishing it from individual exposures. These findings underscore the neurodevelopmental impacts of E122 and BPA at reported beverage concentrations, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive safety assessments, particularly for child consumption.

Comment on Maghsoudlou et al. Titled "Uveitis Associated with Monogenic Autoinflammatory Syndromes in Children".

The work by Maghsoudlou et al. provides a comprehensive examination of monogenic autoinflammatory syndromes (MAIS) in children, with a specific focus on uveitis as a significant clinical manifestation. It meticulously details the genetic underpinnings, clinical features, diagnostic criteria, and current therapeutic strategies, including the use of biologics. This critique highlights the strengths of the review and suggests further exploration in areas such as long-term treatment outcomes, genotype-phenotype correlations, and the impact of MAIS on quality of life. Future research could benefit from longitudinal studies and enhanced predictive models to improve management and treatment personalization.

Impact of climate change on the yield of medicinal plants in recent years.

Climate change significantly impacts the yield and quality of medicinal plants due to alterations in temperature, precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events. These changes affect the growth, secondary metabolite production, and geographical distribution of medicinal plants, leading to reduced yields and compromised medicinal properties. Adaptive strategies such as developing climate-resilient plant varieties, sustainable agricultural practices, and enhanced conservation efforts are essential to mitigate these effects. Increased research and collaborative efforts are necessary to safeguard these vital resources for future generations.

Letter to editor: Comment on "Clinical disease course and survival outcomes following disease recurrence in adenoid cystic carcinoma with and without NOTCH signaling pathway activation".

The study by Feeney et al. provides critical insights into the prognostic implications of NOTCH pathway activation in adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), particularly after disease recurrence. Utilizing both next-generation sequencing and immunohistochemistry, the research delineates the survival outcomes between NOTCH-activated and non-activated ACC groups, highlighting poorer outcomes in the former. The findings advocate for the targeted therapeutic approach and suggest a potential for personalized treatment strategies, emphasizing the need for further research into NOTCH pathway inhibitors and their clinical applications.

White feces syndrome in shrimp: Comprehensive understanding of immune system responses.

White feces syndrome (WFS) is a multifactorial disease that affects global shrimp production. The diagnostic approach to identify WFS involves traditional and molecular scientific methods by examining histopathology, bioassays, PCR (polymerase chain reaction), and calorimetric estimation. The pathogenesis of WFS is closely associated with Vibrio spp., intestinal microbiota (IM) dysbiosis, and Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP). It also has caused over 10-15 % loss in the aquaculture industry and is also known to cause retardation, lethargy and slowly leading to high mortality in shrimp farms. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the molecular mechanisms processed under the association of IM dysbiosis, Vibrio spp., and EHP to analyze the impact of disease on the innate immune system of shrimp. However, only very few reviews have described the molecular pathways involved in WFS. Hence, this review aims to elucidate an in-depth analysis of molecular pathways involved in the innate immune system of shrimp and their response to pathogens. The analysis and understanding of the impact of shrimp's innate immune system on WFS would help in developing treatments to prevent the spread of disease, thereby improving the economic condition of shrimp farms worldwide.

Cadmium and ketoprofen accumulation influences aquatic ecosystem demonstrated using in-vivo zebrafish model.

The growing concern about pollution and toxicity in aquatic as well as terrestrial organisms is predominantly caused due to waterborne exposure and poses a risk to environmental systems and human health. This study addresses the co-toxic effects of cadmium (Cd) and ketoprofen (KPF), representing heavy metal and pharmaceutical discharge pollutants, respectively, in aquatic ecosystems. A 96-h acute toxicity assessment was conducted using zebrafish embryos. The results indicated that high dosages of KPF (10, 15, and 100 µg/mL) and Cd (10 and 15 µg/mL) reduced survivability and caused concentration-dependent deformities such as scoliosis and yolk sac edema. These findings highlight the potential defects in development and metabolism, as evidenced by hemolysis tests demonstrating dose-dependent effects on blood cell integrity. Furthermore, this study employs adult zebrafish for a 42-day chronic exposure to Cd and KPF (10 and 100 µg/L) alone or combined (10 + 10 and 100 + 100 µg/L) to assess organ-specific Cd and KPF accumulation in tissue samples. Organ-specific accumulation patterns underscore complex interactions impacting respiratory, metabolic, and detoxification functions. Prolonged exposure induces reactive oxygen species formation, compromising antioxidant defense systems. Histological examinations reveal structural changes in gills, gastrointestinal, kidney, and liver tissues, suggesting impairments in respiratory, osmoregulatory, nutritional, and immune functions. This study emphasizes the importance of conducting extensive research on co-toxic effects to assist with environmental risk assessments and safeguard human health and aquatic ecosystems.

Artemisinin herbal combo breakers: navigating malaria treatment's double-edged sword.

Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) have transformed malaria treatment, boasting high efficacy and tolerability. However, emerging resistance jeopardises their long-term effectiveness. ACTs' ability to target multiple parasite stages mitigates resistance risks, but severe malaria cases may require additional interventions. Research on combining ACTs with adjunctive therapies shows promise, but optimal regimens remain unclear. Vigilant resistance monitoring and innovative approaches are crucial to sustaining ACT efficacy. We highlight the ACTs' benefits, limitations, and potential synergies, emphasising the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to combat malaria's evolving challenges.

Blue healing: marine biopolymers' dual role in diabetic wounds and palliative care.

Chronic Diabetic wounds pose significant challenges in healthcare due to prolonged healing times and increased susceptibility to infections. Traditional wound dressings often fall short in providing an optimal environment for healing. Owing to their biocompatibility and biodegradability, natural polysaccharides present promising wound management alternatives. This review highlights the potential of polysaccharides derived from diverse sources, including marine organisms, in promoting wound healing. While considerable progress has been made in understanding their haemostatic, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory properties, further research is needed to elucidate their precise mechanisms of action and optimise their therapeutic efficacy. Harnessing the unique characteristics of marine-based polysaccharides holds excellent promise for future advancements in wound care, particularly in the detection and treatment of diabetic wound infections.

Tanshinone IIA from Salvia miltiorrhiza alleviates follicular maturation arrest symptoms in zebrafish via binding to the human androgen receptors and modulating Tox3 and Dennd1a.

Follicular maturation arrest is a prevalent endocrine disorder characterized by hormonal imbalance, ovarian dysfunction, and metabolic disturbances leading to Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Tanshinone IIA (TIIA), a bioactive compound derived from Salvia miltiorrhiza, has shown promising therapeutic potential in various diseases, including cardiovascular diseases and cancer. However, its effects on reproductive health and gynecological disorders, particularly PCOS, remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the potential therapeutic effects of TIIA on ovarian function. Using a combination of experimental and computational approaches, we elucidated the molecular mechanisms underlying TIIA's pharmacological impact on ovarian function, follicular development, and androgen receptor signaling. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations revealed that TIIA interacts with the human androgen receptor (HAR), modulating its activity and downstream signaling pathways. Our results demonstrate that TIIA treatment alleviates PCOS-like symptoms in a zebrafish model, including improved follicular development, lowered GSI index, improved antioxidant status (SOD, CAT), decreased LDH levels, and enhanced AChE levels by regulating Tox3 and Dennd1a pathway. Our findings suggest that TIIA may hold promise as a novel therapeutic agent for the management of PCOS or ovulation induction.

Daidzein ameliorates nonmotor symptoms of manganese-induced Parkinsonism in zebrafish model: Behavioural and biochemical approach.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative movement disorder characterized by motor dysfunction. Environmental factors, especially manganese (Mn), contribute significantly to PD. Existing therapies are focused on motor coordination, whereas nonmotor features such as neuropsychiatric symptoms are often neglected. Daidzein (DZ), a phytoestrogen, has piqued interest due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anxiolytic properties. Therefore, we anticipate that DZ might be an effective drug to alleviate the nonmotor symptoms of Mn-induced Parkinsonism. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Naïve zebrafish were exposed to 2 mM of Mn for 21 days and intervened with DZ. Nonmotor symptoms such as anxiety, social behaviour, and olfactory function were assessed. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and antioxidant enzyme status were measured from brain tissue through biochemical assays. Dopamine levels and histology were performed to elucidate neuroprotective mechanism of DZ. KEY RESULTS: DZ exhibited anxiolytic effects in a novel environment and also improved intra and inter fish social behaviour. DZ improved the olfactory function and response to amino acid stimuli in Mn-induced Parkinsonism. DZ reduced brain oxidative stress and AChE activity and prevented neuronal damage. DZ increased DA level in the brain, collectively contributing to neuroprotection. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: DZ demonstrated a promising effect on alleviating nonmotor symptoms such as anxiety and olfactory dysfunction, through the mitigation of cellular damage. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of DZ in addressing nonmotor neurotoxicity induced by heavy metals, particularly in the context of Mn-induced Parkinsonism.