2-Isopropyl-N-2,3-trimethylbutyramide (ITB) is a food-flavoring agent classified as an aliphatic amide. In 2016, the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives evaluated ITB and concluded that additional data on toxicity and in vivo genotoxicity are required for its safety evaluation. In this study, we comprehensively investigated ITB toxicity using reporter gene transgenic animals. Male F344 gpt delta rats were administered ITB by oral gavage at doses of 0, 5, 50, or 500 mg/kg/day for 13 weeks. Neurological symptoms were observed in the early phase of treatment at doses ≥50 mg/kg. Periportal hepatocellular vacuolation was observed histopathologically at doses ≥50 mg/kg, along with increased liver weight and serum alanine aminotransferase levels. Kidney weight increased and serum chloride levels decreased at doses ≥5 mg/kg, indicating that ITB exerted potential nephrotoxic effects at lower doses. Accordingly, the lowest observed adverse effect level in the present study was at 5 mg/kg/day. No significant changes in gpt and red/gam mutant frequencies were detected in the liver or kidney, demonstrating a lack of ITB genotoxicity. Immunohistochemical analysis of GST-P-positive foci also suggested that ITB showed no hepatocarcinogenic potential. Overall, our findings demonstrate that ITB induces hepatic and renal toxicity but shows no evidence of in vivo genotoxicity or hepatocarcinogenic potential, providing essential information for safety assessment.
{"title":"Evaluation of 2-isopropyl-N-2,3-trimethylbutyramide by a comprehensive toxicity study using gpt delta rats","authors":"Tatsuya Mitsumoto , Yuji Ishii , Norifumi Takimoto , Shinji Takasu , Moeka Namiki , Takeshi Toyoda , Kumiko Ogawa","doi":"10.1016/j.taap.2025.117686","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.taap.2025.117686","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>2-Isopropyl-<em>N</em>-2,3-trimethylbutyramide (ITB) is a food-flavoring agent classified as an aliphatic amide. In 2016, the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives evaluated ITB and concluded that additional data on toxicity and <em>in vivo</em> genotoxicity are required for its safety evaluation. In this study, we comprehensively investigated ITB toxicity using reporter gene transgenic animals. Male F344 <em>gpt</em> delta rats were administered ITB by oral gavage at doses of 0, 5, 50, or 500 mg/kg/day for 13 weeks. Neurological symptoms were observed in the early phase of treatment at doses ≥50 mg/kg. Periportal hepatocellular vacuolation was observed histopathologically at doses ≥50 mg/kg, along with increased liver weight and serum alanine aminotransferase levels. Kidney weight increased and serum chloride levels decreased at doses ≥5 mg/kg, indicating that ITB exerted potential nephrotoxic effects at lower doses. Accordingly, the lowest observed adverse effect level in the present study was at 5 mg/kg/day. No significant changes in <em>gpt</em> and <em>red</em>/<em>gam</em> mutant frequencies were detected in the liver or kidney, demonstrating a lack of ITB genotoxicity. Immunohistochemical analysis of GST-P-positive foci also suggested that ITB showed no hepatocarcinogenic potential. Overall, our findings demonstrate that ITB induces hepatic and renal toxicity but shows no evidence of <em>in vivo</em> genotoxicity or hepatocarcinogenic potential, providing essential information for safety assessment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23174,"journal":{"name":"Toxicology and applied pharmacology","volume":"507 ","pages":"Article 117686"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145744578","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-08DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2025.117685
Jin Ryeol An , Junsu Jeong , Hye Ryung Kim , Sooa Lee , Armin Sultana , Raju Das , Joohan Woo , Seong Woo Choi , Young Min Bae , Yeji Lim , Hongzoo Park , Mi Seon Seo , Won Sun Park
Duloxetine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that has been widely used to treat major depression; however, it has also been associated with severe neuropsychiatric side effects, including hallucinations, confusion, and suicide attempts. Nevertheless, the electrophysiological mechanisms underlying these adverse effects remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effect of duloxetine on cloned neuronal rat voltage-gated K+ (Kv) channel subunit Kv3.1, stably expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Duloxetine inhibited the Kv3.1 current in a concentration-dependent manner with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 2.04 ± 0.27 μM (approximately 5-fold higher than the peak therapeutic plasma concentration of 0.4 μM) and a Hill coefficient of 0.94 ± 0.08. This inhibitory effect was associated with accelerated current inactivation. The association and dissociation rate constants for duloxetine were 43.43 ± 4.57 μM−1·s−1 and 122.12 ± 68.2 s−1, respectively. In addition, duloxetine shifted the voltage dependence of Kv3.1 steady-state inactivation toward a more negative direction and led to use-dependent inhibition upon repetitive stimulation (1 and 2 Hz). Duloxetine also slowed recovery from inactivation. Docking analysis predicted that duloxetine binds to the central pore and interface between the voltage-sensing and pore domains on Kv3.1 channel, supporting the inhibitory mechanisms of duloxetine. Furthermore, duloxetine inhibited Kv3.1-mediated currents in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. Taken together, our results indicate that duloxetine inhibits Kv3.1 expressed in CHO cells in concentration-, time-, and use (open and inactivated states)-dependent manners, independently of its anti-depressive effects.
{"title":"Duloxetine-induced inhibition of voltage-gated K+ 3.1 (Kv3.1) channels and underlying electrophysiological mechanisms","authors":"Jin Ryeol An , Junsu Jeong , Hye Ryung Kim , Sooa Lee , Armin Sultana , Raju Das , Joohan Woo , Seong Woo Choi , Young Min Bae , Yeji Lim , Hongzoo Park , Mi Seon Seo , Won Sun Park","doi":"10.1016/j.taap.2025.117685","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.taap.2025.117685","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Duloxetine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that has been widely used to treat major depression; however, it has also been associated with severe neuropsychiatric side effects, including hallucinations, confusion, and suicide attempts. Nevertheless, the electrophysiological mechanisms underlying these adverse effects remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effect of duloxetine on cloned neuronal rat voltage-gated K<sup>+</sup> (Kv) channel subunit Kv3.1, stably expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Duloxetine inhibited the Kv3.1 current in a concentration-dependent manner with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC<sub>50</sub>) of 2.04 ± 0.27 μM (approximately 5-fold higher than the peak therapeutic plasma concentration of 0.4 μM) and a Hill coefficient of 0.94 ± 0.08. This inhibitory effect was associated with accelerated current inactivation. The association and dissociation rate constants for duloxetine were 43.43 ± 4.57 μM<sup>−1</sup>·s<sup>−1</sup> and 122.12 ± 68.2 s<sup>−1</sup>, respectively. In addition, duloxetine shifted the voltage dependence of Kv3.1 steady-state inactivation toward a more negative direction and led to use-dependent inhibition upon repetitive stimulation (1 and 2 Hz). Duloxetine also slowed recovery from inactivation. Docking analysis predicted that duloxetine binds to the central pore and interface between the voltage-sensing and pore domains on Kv3.1 channel, supporting the inhibitory mechanisms of duloxetine. Furthermore, duloxetine inhibited Kv3.1-mediated currents in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. Taken together, our results indicate that duloxetine inhibits Kv3.1 expressed in CHO cells in concentration-, time-, and use (open and inactivated states)-dependent manners, independently of its anti-depressive effects.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23174,"journal":{"name":"Toxicology and applied pharmacology","volume":"507 ","pages":"Article 117685"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145726257","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-08DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2025.117681
Aml A. El-Din, Dina M. Tahoon, Maaly A. Abd Elmaaboud, Fleur F. Abd Elmoniem, Amany A. Abdin
Background
Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) is a common and inevitable side effect of systemic cancer treatment. There is an urgent need for novel therapies for cancer patients suffering from hair loss to improve their quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the potential protective effect of concentration-dependent topical resveratrol on hair follicles via targeting sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling and its related downstream regulatory (Sirt-1), proliferative (Ki-67), and apoptotic status (caspase-3 and Bcl-2) pathways in cyclophosphamide-induced alopecia in female C57BL/6 mice model. Methods: All animals were subjected to depilation at the start of the experiment, then mice were divided into 5 equal groups as follows: Control group, cyclophosphamide (CPA)-untreated alopecia group, minoxidil (MXL) + CPA-alopecia, Resveratrol low concentration (RSV L10) + CPA-alopecia, Resveratrol high concentration (RSV H80) + CPA-alopecia. The effects of these drugs on hair coverage score, Shh signaling, Sirt-1, proliferation, and apoptosis were assessed. Results: Low concentration of topical RSV showed a significant increase in hair coverage score. Shh, Sirt-1, immunohistochemical expression levels of Ki-67, and Bcl-2 were significantly elevated, significantly decreasing caspase-3 expression in skin tissue. Moreover, the superiority extended to include histopathological findings and dermatoscopic skin monitoring compared to the groups that received either topical minoxidil 2 % or RSV at high concentration. Conclusion: Topical low-dose resveratrol protects against CIA by activating Shh signaling and modulating follicular proliferative and apoptotic pathways.
{"title":"Targeting sonic hedgehog (shh) signaling pathways by the concentration–dependent topical resveratrol for protection from cyclophosphamide-induced alopecia in a mouse model","authors":"Aml A. El-Din, Dina M. Tahoon, Maaly A. Abd Elmaaboud, Fleur F. Abd Elmoniem, Amany A. Abdin","doi":"10.1016/j.taap.2025.117681","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.taap.2025.117681","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) is a common and inevitable side effect of systemic cancer treatment. There is an urgent need for novel therapies for cancer patients suffering from hair loss to improve their quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the potential protective effect of concentration-dependent topical resveratrol on hair follicles via targeting sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling and its related downstream regulatory (Sirt-1), proliferative (Ki-67), and apoptotic status (caspase-3 and Bcl-2) pathways in cyclophosphamide-induced alopecia in female C57BL/6 mice model. Methods: All animals were subjected to depilation at the start of the experiment, then mice were divided into 5 equal groups as follows: Control group, cyclophosphamide (CPA)-untreated alopecia group, minoxidil (MXL) + CPA-alopecia, Resveratrol low concentration (RSV L10) + CPA-alopecia, Resveratrol high concentration (RSV H80) + CPA-alopecia. The effects of these drugs on hair coverage score, Shh signaling, Sirt-1, proliferation, and apoptosis were assessed. Results: Low concentration of topical RSV showed a significant increase in hair coverage score. Shh, Sirt-1, immunohistochemical expression levels of Ki-67, and Bcl-2 were significantly elevated, significantly decreasing caspase-3 expression in skin tissue. Moreover, the superiority extended to include histopathological findings and dermatoscopic skin monitoring compared to the groups that received either topical minoxidil 2 % or RSV at high concentration. Conclusion: Topical low-dose resveratrol protects against CIA by activating Shh signaling and modulating follicular proliferative and apoptotic pathways.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23174,"journal":{"name":"Toxicology and applied pharmacology","volume":"507 ","pages":"Article 117681"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145726284","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-08DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2025.117682
Na Lu , Yuan-wen Cai , Qi-hai Cai , Xiu-wen Liang , Nuo Sun , On-kei Chan , Zi-jian Shi , Bo Hu , Xian-hui He , Qing-bing Zha , Dong-yun Ouyang
Andrographolide (Andro), the major bioactive component of Andrographis paniculata, exhibits potent anti-inflammatory properties but has raised safety concerns due to reported organ toxicity. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying Andro's in vitro and in vivo toxicity. In mice, single dose (≤100 mg/kg) Andro administration showed no acute toxicity, with no overt histopathological organ injury. But repeated administration of the same dose of Andro triggered damage in lung, liver, uterus, and kidney, characterized by pulmonary alveolar disruption, renal tubular edema, and elevated serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Concurrent with systemic injury, PANoptosis was induced by Andro in these organs, as evidenced by the activation of caspase-1/−8/−3 (apoptosis), gasdermin D/E (GSDMD/E, pyroptosis), and MLKL (necroptosis), indicating the correlation between PANoptosis and organ toxicity. In vitro, Andro caused lytic cell death in macrophages and other cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. During this process, Andro induced rapid activation of caspase-8, followed by caspase-1/−3 and GSDME cleavage and phosphorylation of MLKL (p-MLKL), indicative of the activation of the PANoptosis signaling pathway. Consistent with this, Andro induced lytic cell death was markedly attenuated by caspase-1 inhibitor VX-765, pan-caspase inhibitors (IDN-6556, Z-VAD-FMK) and GSDMD/E inhibitor (disulfiram). In addition, RIPK1 inhibition (by Nec-1) partially reduced cell death, confirming RIPK1-dependent necroptosis as a minor contributor. In conclusion, our data establish PANoptosis as an important mechanism of Andro-induced organ injury, providing a mechanistic framework for Andro's dichotomous bioactivity, informing evidence-based dosing strategies to maximize therapeutic efficacy while mitigating toxicity risks in clinical practice.
{"title":"Andrographolide-induced PANoptosis underlies its multiple organ toxicity in mice","authors":"Na Lu , Yuan-wen Cai , Qi-hai Cai , Xiu-wen Liang , Nuo Sun , On-kei Chan , Zi-jian Shi , Bo Hu , Xian-hui He , Qing-bing Zha , Dong-yun Ouyang","doi":"10.1016/j.taap.2025.117682","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.taap.2025.117682","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Andrographolide (Andro), the major bioactive component of <em>Andrographis paniculata</em>, exhibits potent anti-inflammatory properties but has raised safety concerns due to reported organ toxicity. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying Andro's <em>in vitro</em> and <em>in vivo</em> toxicity. In mice, single dose (≤100 mg/kg) Andro administration showed no acute toxicity, with no overt histopathological organ injury. But repeated administration of the same dose of Andro triggered damage in lung, liver, uterus, and kidney, characterized by pulmonary alveolar disruption, renal tubular edema, and elevated serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Concurrent with systemic injury, PANoptosis was induced by Andro in these organs, as evidenced by the activation of caspase-1/−8/−3 (apoptosis), gasdermin D/E (GSDMD/E, pyroptosis), and MLKL (necroptosis), indicating the correlation between PANoptosis and organ toxicity. <em>In vitro</em>, Andro caused lytic cell death in macrophages and other cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. During this process, Andro induced rapid activation of caspase-8, followed by caspase-1/−3 and GSDME cleavage and phosphorylation of MLKL (p-MLKL), indicative of the activation of the PANoptosis signaling pathway. Consistent with this, Andro induced lytic cell death was markedly attenuated by caspase-1 inhibitor VX-765, pan-caspase inhibitors (IDN-6556, <em>Z</em>-VAD-FMK) and GSDMD/E inhibitor (disulfiram). In addition, RIPK1 inhibition (by Nec-1) partially reduced cell death, confirming RIPK1-dependent necroptosis as a minor contributor. In conclusion, our data establish PANoptosis as an important mechanism of Andro-induced organ injury, providing a mechanistic framework for Andro's dichotomous bioactivity, informing evidence-based dosing strategies to maximize therapeutic efficacy while mitigating toxicity risks in clinical practice.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23174,"journal":{"name":"Toxicology and applied pharmacology","volume":"507 ","pages":"Article 117682"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145726262","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-08DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2025.117684
Ruijing Li , Weili Yang , Lijuan Zheng , Xingxue Yan , Cuihua Liu , Yaodong Zhang , Jitong Li
Prenatal alcohol exposure is a leading cause of developmental abnormalities and neurobehavioral deficits, collectively known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). The underlying molecular mechanisms, however, are not fully elucidated, hindering the development of effective therapeutic strategies. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death driven by lipid peroxidation, has emerged as a key pathological process in various diseases. Gastrodin (GAS), the primary bioactive component of Gastrodia elata, has demonstrated potent antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of GAS against alcohol-induced developmental and neurotoxic damage and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Using a zebrafish larval model, we found that exposure to 200 mM alcohol from 2 to 24 hours post-fertilization (hpf) induced significant developmental toxicity, including a decreased hatching rate, body length and eye diameter, and increased morphological malformations in larvae. Alcohol-exposed larvae also exhibited severe neurobehavioral deficits, characterized by a reduction in movement distance and average velocity in dark conditions. Mechanistically, alcohol exposure triggered ferroptosis, evidenced by an increase in intracellular Fe2+, malondialdehyde (MDA), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, alongside a decrease in the levels of glutathione (GSH) and reduced glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activities. Co-treatment with GAS (200 mg/L) significantly ameliorated these alcohol-induced developmental and neurobehavioral defects. GAS administration effectively suppressed the hallmarks of ferroptosis by restoring the ROS level and altering the expression of genes related to oxidative stress. In addition, GAS suppressed alcohol-induced cell apoptosis, downregulated caspase3b, bax, caspase8, and upregulated bcl2 in mRNA levels. Molecular analysis revealed that GAS exerts its anti-ferroptotic effect by activating Nrf2/GPX4 signaling pathway, which was suppressed by alcohol. Our findings indicate that ferroptosis plays a key role in alcohol-induced developmental neurotoxicity, and GAS provides protection by activating the Nrf2/GPX4 axis. This suggests that GAS could be a potential therapeutic option for reducing the negative effects of prenatal alcohol exposure.
{"title":"Gastrodin alleviates alcohol-induced developmental and neurotoxic effects in zebrafish larvae by suppressing ferroptosis via regulating the Nrf2/GPX4 signaling pathway","authors":"Ruijing Li , Weili Yang , Lijuan Zheng , Xingxue Yan , Cuihua Liu , Yaodong Zhang , Jitong Li","doi":"10.1016/j.taap.2025.117684","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.taap.2025.117684","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Prenatal alcohol exposure is a leading cause of developmental abnormalities and neurobehavioral deficits, collectively known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). The underlying molecular mechanisms, however, are not fully elucidated, hindering the development of effective therapeutic strategies. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death driven by lipid peroxidation, has emerged as a key pathological process in various diseases. Gastrodin (GAS), the primary bioactive component of <em>Gastrodia elata</em>, has demonstrated potent antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of GAS against alcohol-induced developmental and neurotoxic damage and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Using a zebrafish larval model, we found that exposure to 200 mM alcohol from 2 to 24 hours post-fertilization (hpf) induced significant developmental toxicity, including a decreased hatching rate, body length and eye diameter, and increased morphological malformations in larvae. Alcohol-exposed larvae also exhibited severe neurobehavioral deficits, characterized by a reduction in movement distance and average velocity in dark conditions. Mechanistically, alcohol exposure triggered ferroptosis, evidenced by an increase in intracellular Fe<sup>2+</sup>, malondialdehyde (MDA), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, alongside a decrease in the levels of glutathione (GSH) and reduced glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activities. Co-treatment with GAS (200 mg/L) significantly ameliorated these alcohol-induced developmental and neurobehavioral defects. GAS administration effectively suppressed the hallmarks of ferroptosis by restoring the ROS level and altering the expression of genes related to oxidative stress. In addition, GAS suppressed alcohol-induced cell apoptosis, downregulated <em>caspase3b</em>, <em>bax</em>, <em>caspase8</em>, and upregulated <em>bcl2</em> in mRNA levels. Molecular analysis revealed that GAS exerts its anti-ferroptotic effect by activating Nrf2/GPX4 signaling pathway, which was suppressed by alcohol. Our findings indicate that ferroptosis plays a key role in alcohol-induced developmental neurotoxicity, and GAS provides protection by activating the Nrf2/GPX4 axis. This suggests that GAS could be a potential therapeutic option for reducing the negative effects of prenatal alcohol exposure.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23174,"journal":{"name":"Toxicology and applied pharmacology","volume":"507 ","pages":"Article 117684"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145726274","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-07DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2025.117683
Katherine Roth , Zhao Yang , Manisha Agarwal , Katherine Gurdziel , Michael C. Petriello
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been associated with elevated cholesterol, a clinically-relevant risk factor for atherosclerosis. Macrophages are key mediators of atherosclerosis progression through their polarization to various subsets including inflammatory macrophages and foam cells. However, studies examining impacts of PFAS on macrophages in the context of atherosclerosis are lacking. Here, we investigate the impact of PFAS mixtures on cholesterol subfractions and transcriptional profiling of aortic macrophages during early atherosclerosis. Male low density lipoprotein receptor (Ldlr) deficient mice were fed an atherogenic diet and exposed via their drinking water to a mixture of 5 PFAS (i.e., PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, and GenX), each at a concentration of 2 mg/L, for 7 weeks. Circulating cholesterol subfractions and subclasses were analyzed, and aortic macrophages were isolated using immuno-magnetic beads for RNA-sequencing. Total circulating cholesterol was significantly elevated by 10 % following PFAS exposure which was predominately due to a 25 % increase in intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL). The densest subfraction of low-density lipoprotein, LDL7, also increased by 206 %. RNA sequencing of aortic macrophages revealed PFAS downregulated 389 and upregulated 593 genes; many related to lipid metabolism and foam cell development. Specifically, expression of inflammatory mediators chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 2 (Cxcl2) and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 17 (Cxcl17) were significantly increased due to PFAS (2.4 log2 fold change and 10.4 log2 FC respectively) and levels of lipid metabolism and transport genes fatty acid binding protein 4 (Fabp4) and fatty acid synthase (Fasn) were similarly increased (3 log2 FC and 5.2 log2 FC respectively). This work provides additional mechanistic information related to PFAS-mediated acceleration of atherosclerosis.
{"title":"Exposure to a PFAS mixture alters cholesterol lipoprotein subfractions and induces a foam cell-like aortic macrophage expression profile in hyperlipidemic LDLr−/− mice","authors":"Katherine Roth , Zhao Yang , Manisha Agarwal , Katherine Gurdziel , Michael C. Petriello","doi":"10.1016/j.taap.2025.117683","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.taap.2025.117683","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Per</em>- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been associated with elevated cholesterol, a clinically-relevant risk factor for atherosclerosis. Macrophages are key mediators of atherosclerosis progression through their polarization to various subsets including inflammatory macrophages and foam cells. However, studies examining impacts of PFAS on macrophages in the context of atherosclerosis are lacking. Here, we investigate the impact of PFAS mixtures on cholesterol subfractions and transcriptional profiling of aortic macrophages during early atherosclerosis. Male low density lipoprotein receptor (Ldlr) deficient mice were fed an atherogenic diet and exposed via their drinking water to a mixture of 5 PFAS (i.e., PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, and GenX), each at a concentration of 2 mg/L, for 7 weeks. Circulating cholesterol subfractions and subclasses were analyzed, and aortic macrophages were isolated using immuno-magnetic beads for RNA-sequencing. Total circulating cholesterol was significantly elevated by 10 % following PFAS exposure which was predominately due to a 25 % increase in intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL). The densest subfraction of low-density lipoprotein, LDL7, also increased by 206 %. RNA sequencing of aortic macrophages revealed PFAS downregulated 389 and upregulated 593 genes; many related to lipid metabolism and foam cell development. Specifically, expression of inflammatory mediators chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 2 (<em>Cxcl2</em>) and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 17 (<em>Cxcl17</em>) were significantly increased due to PFAS (2.4 log2 fold change and 10.4 log2 FC respectively) and levels of lipid metabolism and transport genes fatty acid binding protein 4 (<em>Fabp4</em>) and fatty acid synthase (<em>Fasn</em>) were similarly increased (3 log2 FC and 5.2 log2 FC respectively). This work provides additional mechanistic information related to PFAS-mediated acceleration of atherosclerosis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23174,"journal":{"name":"Toxicology and applied pharmacology","volume":"507 ","pages":"Article 117683"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145715979","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-06DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2025.117677
Scott W. Ventrello, Kayla A. Lea, Lisa J. Bain
{"title":"Corrigendum to “Arsenic exposure affects Pdgfrα stromal cells in the ileum of the small intestine” [Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology Volume 505, December 2025, 117582]","authors":"Scott W. Ventrello, Kayla A. Lea, Lisa J. Bain","doi":"10.1016/j.taap.2025.117677","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.taap.2025.117677","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":23174,"journal":{"name":"Toxicology and applied pharmacology","volume":"508 ","pages":"Article 117677"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145709327","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-04DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2025.117676
Kamrun Nahar Rossi , Faysal Abedin , Nayan Chandra Mohanto , Biplob Ahmed , Sobuj Mia , Nesar Uddin , Rajoana Karim Rimi , Osman Goni , Sharon Jahan Sarder , Sajib Hossain , Mainul Islam , Ahsanul Mahbub Jubayar , Md Shofikul Islam , Shakhawoat Hossain , Md Ashraful Hoque , Daigo Sumi , Zahangir Alam Saud , Seiichiro Himeno , Khaled Hossain
Arsenic (As) exposure is linked to a special type of obesity without increasing body mass index. This obesity is accompanied by the reduction of skeletal muscle mass and elevation of insulin resistance (IR). Obesity and IR are the key risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs). Ghrelin, a small peptide hormone, is linked to CMDs through multiple mechanisms. However, the ghrelin-disrupting activity of As and its implication in the promotion of CMDs has not yet been documented. Therefore, this study was designed to explore the association of As exposure with serum ghrelin levels and its relation to the risk of CMDs, particularly obesity, skeletal muscle mass reduction, and IR in the participants (n=421) selected from low- and high-As exposure rural areas in Bangladesh. The participants in high-exposure areas had a significantly lower median interquartile range of serum ghrelin levels than those in low-exposure area. Serum ghrelin levels of the participants were decreased with increasing concentrations of As in drinking water, hair, and nails. Ghrelin levels were inversely linked to obesity measures related to As exposure, including waist circumference, triceps skinfold thickness, and serum leptin levels. Decreased ghrelin levels were associated with the reduction of muscle mass measures, serum creatinine levels, and lean body mass. Ghrelin levels were decreased with increasing levels of insulin and IR as assessed by HOMA-IR. Furthermore, As-related HOMA-IR was significantly mediated by lowering the ghrelin levels. These findings collectively indicated that the ghrelin-disrupting activity of As might be involved in the pathophysiology of As-promoted CMDs.
{"title":"Ghrelin-disrupting activity of arsenic and its relation to cardiometabolic diseases","authors":"Kamrun Nahar Rossi , Faysal Abedin , Nayan Chandra Mohanto , Biplob Ahmed , Sobuj Mia , Nesar Uddin , Rajoana Karim Rimi , Osman Goni , Sharon Jahan Sarder , Sajib Hossain , Mainul Islam , Ahsanul Mahbub Jubayar , Md Shofikul Islam , Shakhawoat Hossain , Md Ashraful Hoque , Daigo Sumi , Zahangir Alam Saud , Seiichiro Himeno , Khaled Hossain","doi":"10.1016/j.taap.2025.117676","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.taap.2025.117676","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Arsenic (As) exposure is linked to a special type of obesity without increasing body mass index. This obesity is accompanied by the reduction of skeletal muscle mass and elevation of insulin resistance (IR). Obesity and IR are the key risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs). Ghrelin, a small peptide hormone, is linked to CMDs through multiple mechanisms. However, the ghrelin-disrupting activity of As and its implication in the promotion of CMDs has not yet been documented. Therefore, this study was designed to explore the association of As exposure with serum ghrelin levels and its relation to the risk of CMDs, particularly obesity, skeletal muscle mass reduction, and IR in the participants (<em>n</em>=421) selected from low- and high-As exposure rural areas in Bangladesh. The participants in high-exposure areas had a significantly lower median interquartile range of serum ghrelin levels than those in low-exposure area. Serum ghrelin levels of the participants were decreased with increasing concentrations of As in drinking water, hair, and nails. Ghrelin levels were inversely linked to obesity measures related to As exposure, including waist circumference, triceps skinfold thickness, and serum leptin levels. Decreased ghrelin levels were associated with the reduction of muscle mass measures, serum creatinine levels, and lean body mass. Ghrelin levels were decreased with increasing levels of insulin and IR as assessed by HOMA-IR. Furthermore, As-related HOMA-IR was significantly mediated by lowering the ghrelin levels. These findings collectively indicated that the ghrelin-disrupting activity of As might be involved in the pathophysiology of As-promoted CMDs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23174,"journal":{"name":"Toxicology and applied pharmacology","volume":"507 ","pages":"Article 117676"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145696415","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Corrigendum to “Elucidating the distinctive regulatory effects and mechanisms of active compounds in Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge via network pharmacology: Unveiling their roles in the modulation of platelet activation and thrombus formation” [Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology volume 484, March 2024, 116871]","authors":"Ying Zhang , Guang Xin , Qilong Zhou , Xiuxian Yu, Lijuan Feng, Ao Wen, Kun Zhang, Tingyu Wen, Xiaoli Zhou, Qiuling Wu, Hongchen He, Wen Huang","doi":"10.1016/j.taap.2025.117668","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.taap.2025.117668","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":23174,"journal":{"name":"Toxicology and applied pharmacology","volume":"508 ","pages":"Article 117668"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145696439","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-04DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2025.117667
Giorgio Antoniolli , Gilberto Carlos Franchi Junior , Keli Lima , Rayssa de Mello Lopes , Euzebio Guimarães Barbosa , João Agostinho Machado-Neto , Carmen Silvia Passos Lima , Tiago Rodrigues , Fernando Coelho
This study reports the synthesis, physicochemical characterization, and preliminary pharmacological evaluation of a novel 2-substituted quinazolin-4(3H)-one, Qona11. The compound was synthesized from 2-aminobenzamide and 1H-benzo[d]imidazole-2-carbaldehyde in dimethyl sulfoxide with a 55 % yield, in a catalyst-free, atom-efficient process that adheres to Green Chemistry principles. Structural confirmation was achieved through IR (1667 cm−1, carbonyl), 1H NMR (13.50 and 12.50 ppm, NH protons), and 13C NMR (161.17 ppm, carbonyl carbon). In silico analysis suggested Qona11 possesses favorable oral bioavailability, high intestinal absorption, limited CYP450 inhibition, and predicted blood-brain barrier permeability. Toxicity predictions highlighted potential hepatotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and respiratory toxicity, while no significant risks for cardiotoxicity, carcinogenicity, immunotoxicity, or cytotoxicity were found. Comparative analysis with idelalisib revealed similar toxicity profiles to Qona11, distinct from vincristine. Biological evaluation in acute leukemia models demonstrated concentration- and time-dependent cytotoxicity, with Jurkat T-ALL cells being more sensitive (IC50 2.3 μM) than NB4 APL cells (IC50 12.7 μM). Flow cytometry confirmed apoptosis induction in Jurkat cells via mitochondrial permeabilization and caspase 3 activation. In vivo studies in NOD/SCID mice bearing Jurkat xenografts showed that Qona11 (100 mg.kg−1) was well tolerated with no systemic toxicity, although it did not inhibit leukemia cell proliferation in immune-independent models. Overall, Qona11 exhibits promising anticancer activity and low systemic toxicity, warranting further preclinical investigation in solid tumor models and combination therapies.
{"title":"In Silico, in vitro, and in vivo studies of a 2-substituted quinazolin-4(3H)-one in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia","authors":"Giorgio Antoniolli , Gilberto Carlos Franchi Junior , Keli Lima , Rayssa de Mello Lopes , Euzebio Guimarães Barbosa , João Agostinho Machado-Neto , Carmen Silvia Passos Lima , Tiago Rodrigues , Fernando Coelho","doi":"10.1016/j.taap.2025.117667","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.taap.2025.117667","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study reports the synthesis, physicochemical characterization, and preliminary pharmacological evaluation of a novel 2-substituted quinazolin-4(3<em>H</em>)-one, Qona11. The compound was synthesized from 2-aminobenzamide and 1<em>H</em>-benzo[<em>d</em>]imidazole-2-carbaldehyde in dimethyl sulfoxide with a 55 % yield, in a catalyst-free, atom-efficient process that adheres to Green Chemistry principles. Structural confirmation was achieved through IR (1667 cm<sup>−1</sup>, carbonyl), <sup>1</sup>H NMR (13.50 and 12.50 ppm, NH protons), and <sup>13</sup>C NMR (161.17 ppm, carbonyl carbon). <em>In silico</em> analysis suggested Qona11 possesses favorable oral bioavailability, high intestinal absorption, limited CYP450 inhibition, and predicted blood-brain barrier permeability. Toxicity predictions highlighted potential hepatotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and respiratory toxicity, while no significant risks for cardiotoxicity, carcinogenicity, immunotoxicity, or cytotoxicity were found. Comparative analysis with idelalisib revealed similar toxicity profiles to Qona11, distinct from vincristine. Biological evaluation in acute leukemia models demonstrated concentration- and time-dependent cytotoxicity, with Jurkat T-ALL cells being more sensitive (IC<sub>50</sub> 2.3 μM) than NB4 APL cells (IC<sub>50</sub> 12.7 μM). Flow cytometry confirmed apoptosis induction in Jurkat cells <em>via</em> mitochondrial permeabilization and caspase 3 activation. <em>In vivo</em> studies in NOD/SCID mice bearing Jurkat xenografts showed that Qona11 (100 mg.kg<sup>−1</sup>) was well tolerated with no systemic toxicity, although it did not inhibit leukemia cell proliferation in immune-independent models. Overall, Qona11 exhibits promising anticancer activity and low systemic toxicity, warranting further preclinical investigation in solid tumor models and combination therapies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23174,"journal":{"name":"Toxicology and applied pharmacology","volume":"507 ","pages":"Article 117667"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145696370","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}