Allelopathy is a biological event in which organisms affect the growth and development of other species through the release of secondary metabolites termed allelochemicals. species are known for their rich production of these metabolites, which present bioactive potential and allelopathic potential. Baillon is a plant that has been traditionally used in folk medicine for its pharmaceutical properties, although this plant presents phytoconstituents that exhibit allelopathic properties, which have been poorly explored. Thus, this study (1) aimed to identify the phytoconstituents and measure allelopathic activity of aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of Baillon and (2) to determine influence of these phytocompounds on seed germination and initial growth of L. L. coleoptile growth and genotoxicity utilizing L. Data demonstrated the presence of several compounds, predominantly quercetin, kaempferol, and apigenin derivatives. These compounds may be responsible for - initiated inhibitory effects on seed germination and early development of and wheat coleoptiles growth. Further, the secondary metabolites may have interfered with roots cells of reducing mitotic index, increasing number of chromosomal aberrations, and inducing micronuclei formation, which indicate the genotoxic potential of extracts from . Therefore, this specie from genus appears to be a promising source of natural allelochemicals that might be used for both sustainable management of invasive plants and environmental toxicity assessment studies.

Over the past 5 decades, sex ratio at birth (SRB) has declined significantly. It is noteworthy that SRBs may vary considerably across geographical regions and time periods, making them a valuable indicator of general population health and a potential signal of adverse environmental conditions. Long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM) was associated with higher SRBs as well as increased lung cancer risk. It is unclear whether the relationship between these two parameters is coincidental or whether elevated SRBs in PM air-polluted areas might serve as a predictor of lung cancer risk. The aim of this study was to examine the possible association between SRBs and the likelihood of death attributed to lung cancer. In order to achieve this aim, studies were conducted, in which PM levels, number of SRBs, and standardized mortality ratio (SMR) for lung cancer were determined for 66 municipalities in Taiwan from 2010 to 2023. SRBs were found to display a non-significant positive association with lung cancer mortality risk in women. The relative risks (RRs) in the second, third, and fourth quartiles of SRB were 1.019 (95% CI = 0.961-1.080), 1.031 (95% CI = 0.973-1.093), and 1.028 (95% CI = 0.970-1.090), respectively, compared with the lowest quartile of SRB. For men, they were 0.992 (95% CI = 0.946-1.040), 0.996 (95% CI = 0.950-1.045), and 1.03 (95% CI = 0.982-1.081). Data suggested that routine monitoring of SRBs may not be sufficiently sensitive to serve as a reliable screening measure for detection of population-level health risk based upon lung cancer findings, particularly in areas with high levels of PM air pollution.

Yerba mate () is a South American plant known to contain high amounts of phenolic content which are associated with health benefits. This study aimed to (1) formulate and characterize functional beverages based upon mate tea (MT) and its combinations with jabuticaba (, MT60JAB40) and pitanga (, MT90PIT10) and (2) to determine their cytotoxic potential against human liver tumor cells (HuH7.5) using the MTT assay. Assessment of these product combinations in drinks was not previously conducted. Physicochemical analysis demonstrated that addition of fruit juices to significantly altered pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids, and color. Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity (DPPH assay) were highest in the pure MT formulation. Despite a reduction in antioxidant capacity with fruit addition, all beverages retained significant phenolic levels. MT displayed concentration- and time-dependent cytotoxicity using 12.5 µl/ml. MT60JAB40 and MT90PIT10 also exhibited cytotoxic effects, although primarily at higher concentrations. These findings suggest that yerba mate-based beverages, especially in combination with native fruits, hold promise as bioactive functional products with potential cytotoxic on tumor cells.

Engineered stone (ES) fabrication workers face risks from exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS), leading to accelerated silicosis. Toxicological data to elucidate pulmonary effects attributed to ES dusts, particularly those with varying compositions, are lacking. This study aimed to determine pulmonary effects following intratracheal instillation (IT) of ES dust in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats received a single 10 mg IT dose of dust from one of three ES types containing varying amounts of crystalline silica (CS) (ES A [high CS], ES B [mid CS], ES C [low CS]), or granite, MIN-U-SIL 5 (MS 5, positive control), or saline. Pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis were assessed via bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) analysis and lung histology at 1-, 21-, and 84-days post-exposure. Early BALF inflammation as evidenced by increased levels of neutrophils and lymphocytes, and cytotoxicity by elevated LDH activity was found in all exposure groups. Neutrophils primarily correlated with higher CS content (MS 5, ES A, ES B). Persistent inflammation comparable with pure silica was noted by increased levels of neutrophils and macrophages and cytotoxicity by elevated LDH activity at 21- and 84-days post-exposure was most pronounced in MS 5 and high-CS ES A groups. By 84-day post-exposure, granulomatous inflammation in lung, BALF and lymph node, was associated with alveolar lipoproteinosis, type II epithelial changes, lymph node and alveolar fibrosis. Toxicity appeared to be driven by complex interactions between silica and trace metal content of dust. These findings warrant further research to assess combined effects of particle characteristics and chemical co-exposures.

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) contamination poses persistent risks to aquatic ecosystems and human health, requiring the development of adsorbents that combine rapid uptake, high capacity, and easy magnetic recovery. The aim of this study was to synthesize a novel graphene oxide/nickel ferrite nanocomposite (GO/NiFe₂O₄) utilizing a hydrothermal route to integrate the surface functionality of GO with ferrimagnetic properties of NiFe₂O₄ for efficient Cr(VI) removal. The hybrid material was characterized by SEM-EDS, XRD, FT-IR, Raman spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometry, confirming ferrimagnetic behavior at room temperature and retention of GO's oxygenated functional groups that serve as high-affinity binding sites. Batch adsorption experiments (40-300 mg/L) in an acidic medium revealed rapid kinetics and short equilibrium times. Nonlinear modeling identified the Elovich model as the best fit, indicating heterogeneous surface energies and multistage mass transfer. Equilibrium data (20-40 °C) fitted the Sips isotherm, confirming heterogeneous multilayer adsorption. Thermodynamic parameters (ΔG < 0; ΔH < 0) indicated a spontaneous and exothermic process. Regeneration tests using HCl demonstrated efficient desorption and reusability. The proposed mechanism involves electrostatic attraction of Cr(VI) oxyanions, interfacial reduction to Cr(III), coordination to ferrite and oxygenated sites, and post-reduction cation-π stabilization acting synergistically. These results demonstrate the novelty of this study-the first systematic integration of Elovich and Sips modeling to correlate kinetic and equilibrium behaviors in a GO/NiFe₂O₄ system-providing mechanistic insight and confirming the material's high performance and reusability for scalable Cr(VI) remediation.

Tobacco consumption remains one of the leading causes of preventable diseases and deaths worldwide. Among its major constituents, nicotine (NIC) and tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) stand out attributed to their toxicological and carcinogenic potential. While NIC is primarily recognized for its addictive properties, TSNAs such as N'-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) and 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) are well-established procarcinogens derived from nicotine metabolism. Although the genotoxic and mutagenic effects of NNN and NNK have been extensively documented, the impact of their combined exposure with NIC remains poorly understood. This study investigated the mutagenic and recombinogenic activities of NIC in association with NNN and NNK using the wing somatic mutation and recombination test (SMART). Two experimental designs were applied: the standard cross, with basal levels of cytochrome P450-dependent metabolic activity, and the high bioactivation cross, characterized by elevated P450 levels essential for metabolic activation of procarcinogens and promutagens. Data demonstrated that NIC, NNN, and NNK tested individually did not significantly alter mutant clone frequencies. However, combined treatment of NNN 0.001 mg/ml and NNK 0.001 mg/ml in the high bioactivation cross induced a significant rise in total frequency of mutant spots. Further analysis revealed that 73.5% of induced genetic alterations were attributable to somatic recombination events. These findings demonstrate the genotoxic potential of combined TSNAs, suggesting that simultaneous exposure may potentiate genetic damage primarily through recombination mechanisms, emphasizing an important risk factor for tobacco-related health outcomes.

Sex ratio at birth (SRB) is a simple, noninvasive way to monitor population reproductive health. Some metals might function as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) with known estrogenic or androgenic effects and were reported to potentially influence SRBs. The metal arsenic (As) is a major risk factor for blackfoot disease (BFD), a peripheral vascular disease, endemic to southwest Taiwan for more than 50 years attributed to residents' consumption of local artesian well water, which contained high levels of this metal. In the early 1960s, a tap water supply system was implemented in BFD-endemic areas. By the mid-1970s, individuals residing in the areas had stopped using artesian well water for drinking or cooking. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of long-term exposure to As in drinking water on the SRBs. Annual numbers of male and female births were obtained from Taiwan's Department of Household Registration, Ministry of Interior Affairs. Sex ratios at birth were calculated for BFD-endemic areas for the years from 1947 to 2024. Compared to the entire Taiwan, the BFE-endemic area displayed an odds ratio (OR) of 0.9966 (95% CI = 0.9804-1.013) for producing a male child between 1947 and 1980. However, from 1980 onwards, the OR for having a boy was significantly increased in the areas (OR = 1.0311, 95% CI = 1.0114-1.0512) compared to the time residents imbibed water from artesian well water containing high amounts of As (1947-1980). These findings provide increasing evidence that As exposure produced changes in SRBs in Taiwan.

Industrial effluents may contain a wide range of contaminants capable of producing adverse environmental effects even after conventional treatment. This study aimed to assess the phytotoxic potential of effluents derived from a waste treatment company located in a rural area of Minas Gerais, Brazil, by integrating physicochemical analyses and terrestrial plant bioassays. Samples were collected from raw and treated effluents, as well as nearby surface waters, and tested using four plant species: , , , and . Biological endpoints included germination percentage (%G), germination speed index (GSI), fresh biomass, and seedling growth parameters. The treated effluent exhibited elevated levels of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), nickel, and surfactants, which exceeded environmental regulatory limits. Among the tested species, demonstrated the highest sensitivity across all endpoints, displaying an average inhibition of 31.59% and the highest Integrated Biological Response (IBR) value. The combination of sensitivity indices and IBR confirmed the toxic potential of treated effluent, emphasizing the relevance of bioassays as complementary tools to traditional physicochemical assessments. These findings indicate the limitations of current treatment processes and reinforce the need for ecotoxicological monitoring using multiple plant models to detect sublethal and potentially genotoxic effects of effluent discharge on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Short- and ultra-short per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) such as perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA, 4C), perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS, 4C), trifluoroacetic acid (TFA, 2C) and trifluoromethane sulfonic acid (TFMS, 1C) were detected in various environmental matrices, but studies addressing the effects attributed to exposure are still scarce. This study aimed to (1) investigate acute toxicity of these emerging PFAS using (immobility, mortality, reproduction, and body size) and (morphological changes and reproduction) and (2) assess the sub-chronic/chronic toxicity of TFA in both species. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity was also assessed in both species after long-term exposure to TFA. Chemical analysis confirmed presence and stability of the 4 PFAS in exposure media. For all tested PFAS, endpoints examined after acute tests were not markedly affected by exposure and LC values were > 1000 mg/L. However, this toxicity was significantly affected by media acidification induced by the tested chemicals (LC = 316 and 31,6 mg/L for and , respectively). Long-term exposure to TFA did not significantly induce any effect on both species and GST levels were not altered. Overall, results suggest lower toxicity of ultra/short-chain PFAS to these species under selected exposure conditions. However, additional studies investigating multigenerational effects of these PFAS using realistic environmental concentrations are needed to overcome the significant gaps in our understanding of short/ultra-short PFAS-induced toxicity.

Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide worldwide; however, most toxicity studies utilizing plants have been conducted in aqueous solutions, thus overlooking the role of soil properties in modulating herbicidal effects. The aim of this study was to examine the phyto-, cyto-, and genotoxic responses following exposure to glyphosate-contaminated soil. This would thus address a critical knowledge gap regarding herbicide-initiated toxicity under realistic environmental conditions. Glyphosate concentrations were tested in a geometric series with a 2× ratio, ranging from 1 to 1024 mg a.i./kg of soil, based upon levels found in agricultural environments. The parameters examined included germination rate, root length, cell viability, mitotic index, and frequency of chromosomal alterations. Glyphosate concentrations ranging from 16 to 1024 mg a.i./kg inhibited root growth and damaged cell membrane integrity, whereas levels from 1, 4, and 128 mg a.i./kg increased cell division associated with reduced mitotic index at 512 mg a.i./kg. Genotoxic effects were observed from 4 to 1024 mg a.i./kg. While low and intermediate concentrations primarily triggered genotoxic effects, the highest concentrations (256 to 1024 mg a.i./kg) promoted marked cytotoxicity. These findings provide novel evidence that glyphosate in soil might induce biphasic and multiparametric responses in , reinforcing the importance of using soil-based bioassays for environmental risk assessment.

Engineered stone (ES) fabrication generates respirable dust containing crystalline silica (CS), linked to accelerated silicosis outbreaks. Mechanisms underlying this toxicity, particularly the role of particle aging, remain unclear. In the occupational setting, workers are exposed to engineered stone dust (ESD) upon generation by cutting and grinding ES; however, ESD-initiated toxicity is frequently studied in labs using aged particles. This study aimed to compare radical generation and cytotoxicity of fresh versus aged ESD. Three different respirable ES types (ES A: 60% CS; B: 20%; C: 0%), granite (30%), and Min-u-Sil 5 (MS5, 99.5%) were generated using an automated cutting system and analyzed either freshly stored under N at -80°C or after aging in air at room temperature for 2 weeks. RAW 264.7 macrophages were exposed to particles (10 µg/well, 100 µg/ml, 31.25 µg/cm, 24 hr), and viability, apoptosis, necrosis, and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured. Fresh ESD/granite exhibited significantly higher electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) radical signals than aged counterparts and MS5. Fresh ES/granite reduced macrophage viability, while aged materials/MS5 did not. Apoptosis increased with all particles where fresh/aged difference occurred only in ES B. Necrosis rose markedly with fresh ES A. Intracellular ROS was elevated by some materials, but N-acetylcysteine (NAC) antioxidant failed to prevent cytotoxicity induced by fresh particles. In conclusion, freshly generated ESD displayed greater radical-generating capacity and distinct cytotoxic effects compared to aged ESD, influenced by factors beyond CS content. ROS-independent mechanisms appear crucial for acute cytotoxicity. These findings indicate particle aging as a critical factor in ESD toxicological assessment.

Cancer constitutes a major cause of death globally. Many current treatments are not very selective and often harm healthy cells. Inflammation is known to be associated with tumor growth, yet anti-inflammatory drugs alone are rarely used in a targeted manner. The aim of this study was to examine the synergic activity of two frequently used anti-inflammatory drugs, dexamethasone acetate (DA), and nimesulide (NIME) in nanoencapsulated form to diminish toxicity but enhance therapeutic effectiveness. The stability of the nanocapsules was established by applying light scattering, zeta potential, electron microscopy, and HPLC-DAD. The nanocapsules remained intact over time and exhibited a porosity and regular even shape, ideal for slow drug release. The encapsulated drugs initiated less harm to healthy HaCaT and L929 cells maintaining activity against cancer cells (HeLa, A375). Docking tests indicated that DA was bound effectively to the MMP-13/TIMP-2 complex, indicative of potential anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. Molecular docking analysis noted that DA exhibited a stronger binding affinity to the target protein compared to NIME (binding energy: -8.7 kcal/mol, Ki: 0.423 µM vs. NIME: -6.8 kcal/mol, Ki: 10.4 µM), indicating a higher propensity for interaction. Further, DFT analysis demonstrated that NIME possessed a smaller HOMO - LUMO gap (0.132 eV), suggesting greater chemical reactivity, whereas DA exhibited a larger gap (2.806 eV), indicative of enhanced molecular stability. Computational results suggested that NIME was more reactive, while DA was more stable. Data suggest that nanocapsules may diminish side effects without reducing the benefits of these drugs against tumors.

The chemical characterization of the species identified compounds with diverse beneficial pharmacological potential, making it a target for extensive research. The aim of this study was to investigate the phytotoxic and cytogenotoxic effects attributed to exposure to , leaf extracts obtained from different positions in the canopy (inside and periphery) and through aqueous and hydroethanolic extraction methods. Bioassays were conducted using L. measuring parameters such as germination percentage on days 4 and 7, germination speed index, shoot length, root elongation, percentage of abnormal seedlings, and cytogenetic parameters (mitotic index and frequency of chromosomal abnormalities). The results demonstrated that different leaf extracts of displayed no variation in phytochemical composition, with the presence of flavonoids, phenols, tannins, catechin, saponins, and terpenes. However, the collection position and extraction method have a significant impact on the allelopathic potential of the different extracts. Peripheral leaves, when subjected to hydroethanolic extraction, demonstrated greater efficiency, showing phytotoxic effects on root elongation and morphological abnormalities. Furthermore, a mitodepressive effect greater than 50% was observed, without the detection of genotoxic damage. Thus, this study provides the first evidence that extracts possess allelopathic potential, especially in the post-emergence phase in bioassays with , inducing morphological and cytotoxic alterations. These results highlight the feasibility of using these extracts and pave the way for future research, contributing to the development of more ecological alternatives in agriculture.

Flumioxazin-based herbicides are frequently used in agriculture to control broadleaf weeds attributed to their high efficacy, rapid action, and residual soil activity, making these compounds a preferred choice over other herbicides in pre-emergence weed control. Due to their beneficial properties, use of these herbicides has significantly increased in recent years, raising concerns regarding potential environmental risks. This study aimed to examine the effects of a commercial flumioxazin-based formulation on different plant models. The species L. L. L. and L. were used to assess the herbicide's impact on seed germination and early seedling development. In addition, the genotoxic effects of the herbicide on L. root tip cells were analyzed, including determination of mitotic index, chromosomal aberrations, and the presence of micronuclei. Data demonstrated that flumioxazin-based herbicide produced significant effects on seedling development in all 4 plant models, particularly at concentrations higher than those recommended for agricultural use ( > 0.05 g/L). Differential sensitivity was observed amongst the species, with being the most sensitive, emphasizing the importance of determining effects across a variety of plant organisms. Genotoxicity responses in showed effects at a dose 6-fold higher than the recommended field application amount. However, at doses within the recommended range, flumioxazin-based herbicide was considered low-risk in the terrestrial environment. Evidence indicates the need for caution in agrochemical use and emphasizes the importance of plant models in ecotoxicological studies to promote more sustainable agriculture.

Pediatric high-grade gliomas remain a significant therapeutic challenge due to their resistance to conventional treatments. The aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxic potential of solamargine (SM), a natural glycoalkaloid, alone and in combination with the chemotherapeutic agent temozolomide (TMZ) against the human KNS-42 glioma cell line. Solamargine significantly reduced cell viability and proliferation in a concentration-, time-, and hypoxia-dependent manner, while selectively sparing non-tumor human astrocytes (NHA). Morphological changes indicative of cell stress and death were observed, although SM did not markedly impair the migratory capacity of KNS-42 cells. In contrast, TMZ exhibited limited cytotoxicity against KNS-42 cells but demonstrated off-target effects on NHA cells. Combination therapy resulted in significant antagonism, with TMZ diminishing the cytotoxic effects of SM. These findings indicate the potential of SM to serve as a selective therapeutic agent for gliomas. Data obtained emphasize (1) the need for further research to optimize combination strategies and (2) to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of drug interactions.

Inhalation of emissions from dimensional (3D) printing with polycarbonate feedstock generated particulate and volatile chemicals as well as respirable bisphenol A (BPA). BPA is a known endocrine disruptor that affects both reproductive and metabolic endocrine functions. The goal of this study was to determine whether exposure to emissions generated by 3D-printing with PC stock disrupted endocrine function in a male Sprague Dawley rat model. In the current study, inhalation of 3D emissions (3DE) at an average 2.5 mg/m/day increased circulating estradiol levels after 15 and 30 days' exposure, and elevated testosterone levels after 15 days 3DE exposure. Changes also occurred in circulating concentrations of the anterior pituitary hormone and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) following 30 days' exposure to 3DE. These alterations in circulating steroid hormones were associated with changes in gonadotropin and thyroid stimulating hormone () transcript levels in pituitary and estradiol receptor as well as in transcripts for inflammatory factors in olfactory bulb and gonadotropin releasing hormone transcript levels in the hypothalamus. Data are in agreement with studies demonstrating that exposure to BPA results in endocrine disruption. These findings are also consistent with the hypothesis that inhalation of 3DE may constitute another route of exposure that needs to be considered taking into account the endocrine disrupting effects generated by inhalation of 3DE.

Blood lead (Pb) monitoring plays an important role in identifying children experiencing increased Pb exposure based upon their elevated blood Pb levels (PbB). Following actions to decrease Pb exposure, it is important to understand whether a slow decline in PbB is due to the slow reduction in bone Pb following prolonged exposure or due to continued exposure from an unknown source. The goal of this study was to examine the ability of the All Ages Lead Model (AALM) version 3.0 to predict long-term clearance kinetics of PbB in children. Data for six children exhibiting increased Pb exposure during home renovations lasting 4-20 months were obtained from a published study. The AALM was used to simulate PbB kinetics in children following removal of this residential renovation exposure. Quantitative analyses showed reliable agreement between predicted and observed PbB data as well as halftimes for PbB clearance, which ranged from 7.8 to 38 months. The AALM can predict long-term PbB clearance in children who were exposed to Pb for months to years during home renovations. Short-term (1 week or less) PbB clearance was most affected by exposure duration with minimal effects attributed to exposure magnitude. Long-term (months to years) PbB clearance was affected by both the magnitude and duration of renovation exposure. In addition to PbB monitoring, AALM simulations might improve understanding of probable causes for changes in and contributors to children's PbB.

The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of the ethyl acetate extract (EA) of DL0004, a native fungal species recently isolated in Vietnam and its purified compound, nicotinic acid (NCA), using assays. Data showed that both EA and NCA significantly inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages without inducing cytotoxicity. Further, western blot analysis demonstrated that both agents suppressed the activation of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) subunit p50 and p65 in a concentration-dependent manner, with NCA exhibiting greater potency at lower concentrations. In addition, EA and NCA effectively protected cellular DNA and proteins against hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced oxidative damage, confirming their antioxidant potential. These findings suggest that and its constituents, particularly NCA, possess promising anti-inflammatory activities as evidenced by suppression of NO production, NF-κB activation, and oxidative stress.

Glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) are among the most widely used chemical agents in modern agriculture, raising environmental and health concerns due to their persistence in the environment. The aim of this study was to examine the toxicological effects attributed to exposure to two GBHs: a newly released sales-restricted commercial formulation (XEQUE MATE HT IHARA® - GBHn) and a publicly available gardening formulation (CITROMAX MAX 20 - GBHg), using immobilization bioassays with , a saltwater filter-feeding invertebrate, and , a free-living nematode. Organisms were exposed to increasing concentrations of each herbicide, and immobilization was assessed after 24 hr. Both GBHs initiated dose-dependent toxicity, with immobilization reaching 100% for GBHg in and 73.4% for GBHn in at the highest concentration tested. The Sensitivity Index (SI) indicated that appeared to be more sensitive to GBHg, while was more susceptible to GBHn. Despite these differences, both herbicides exhibited similar Overall Sensitivity Index (OSI) values-0.73 for GBHg and 0.75 for GBHn - indicating comparable overall toxicity profiles. These findings suggest that GBHn does not present a markedly higher environmental risk than existing formulations. However, the results emphasize the importance of continuous ecotoxicological monitoring of new glyphosate formulations.

The aim of this study was to investigate oxidative stress, biotransformation and bioaccumulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in tropical estuarine food webs including fish (), fiddler crab (), blue crab (), prawn (), periwinkle () and sediment samples at three sites, Adiabo (control site), Obutong and Nsidung representing different degrees of anthropogenic contamination along Cross River Estuary, Nigeria. Hepatic oxidative stress and biotransformation enzyme activities glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), glutathione reductase (Gr), glutathione S-transferase (Gst), uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltranferease (Udpgt), 7-ethoxy-, methoxy-, pentoxy-, and benzyloxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD, MROD, PROD and BROD) and PAHs levels were determined. Data demonstrated species- and site-specific mediated toxicological effects in oxidative stress, biotransformation responses, and PAHs bioaccumulation in biota and sediments from contaminated sites (Obutong and Nsidung), compared to control (Adiabo). The EROD, MROD, BROD, PROD activities and GPx, Gr, Gst, Udpgt exhibited significant increase in biota collected from contaminated sites at Obutong and Nsidung compared with control Adiabo. These biomarker response observations paralleled PAHs accumulation at Obutong and Nsidung suggesting PAHs exposure induced oxidative and biotransformation biomarker responses. Principal component analysis (PCA) produced significant associations between variables indicating sites were major factors determining contaminants uptake and biomarker responses in biota (fish, crabs, prawn and periwinkle). Data demonstrated site and species-specific occurrence and concentrations of PAHs in sediment and tropical estuarine food webs with corresponding biotransformation and oxidative stress responses on resident biota. Concentrations of PAHs detected in these tropical food webs indicate serious human food safety and environmental health concerns.

Immune responses occur through orchestration of various immune components. Considering immune system complexity, immunotoxicity was evaluated primarily in rodents. Worldwide restrictions in animal use for toxicity research has driven development of methods for screening chemicals postulated to be potentially immunotoxic. One assay of immunotoxicity (IMMUNOTOX-T) uses human monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1. Since cytokine profiling might predict immunotoxicities, the aim of this study was to determine levels of 27 cytokines derived from THP-1 cells in response to chemical treatment. Seven immunosuppressives and 14 non-immunotoxicants were used as references to distinguish between immunosuppression and aberrant immunostimulation. Immunotoxicity of 41 immunomodulatory chemicals, at 0.01×, 0.1×, or 0.5× of 75% cell viability concentrations, was tested under blinded conditions by measuring relative cytokine production level (RCPL, %) versus control. The mean cytokine production value for immunosuppressants (MCPVS) of each cytokine was calculated by averaging mean RCPLs of three test concentrations of seven immunosuppressants. The acceptable cytokine production range (ACPR) for 14 non-immunotoxicants was defined as the highest mean RCPL of these 14 non-immunotoxicants for each cytokine. A target test substance was considered immunotoxic if mean RCPL of three test concentrations of the substance for at least one cytokine was below MCPVS or above the highest ACPR. Of 41 substances tested, 40, all except toluene, exhibited immunotoxic properties, with 9 and 6 substances downregulating and upregulating immune activity, respectively. This assay may contribute to the identification of immunotoxicological properties attributed to exposure to chemical substances.