Search Results (884)

Mycotoxins, specifically aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), ochratoxin A (OTA), trichothecenes (TCNs), and patulin, are a group of secondary metabolites that can contaminate food, leading to severe health implications for humans. Their detection and analysis within forensic toxicology are crucial, particularly as they can be implicated in cases of poisoning, foodborne illnesses, or lethal chronic exposure. However, little is known about the application that mycotoxins could have in forensic investigations and especially about the possibility of extracting and quantifying these molecules on tissues or post-mortem fluids collected at autopsy. We propose a review of the scientific literature on autopsy case studies in which the presence of mycotoxins on cadavers in cases of acute and chronic exposure has been investigated and identified. This review demonstrates how the analysis of mycotoxins on cadavers could be fundamental in the study of mushroom poisonings or even in the investigation of the chronic effects of mycotoxins on the human organism, by virtue of the known carcinogenic and mutagenic effects of many of them. This paper aims to explore the multifaceted role of mycotoxins within forensic sciences, focusing on their detection methods, implications in criminal contexts, and their potential as forensic evidence, thereby underscoring the critical importance they could assume in post-mortem toxicology, public health prevention, and forensic investigations. Full article

The increasing consumption of chia seeds is followed by a growing interest in their nutritional and toxicological characterization. To assess the characterization of the essential and PTEs of this novel food, 20 samples of conventional and organic chia seeds available on the European market were analyzed using ICP-OES. Then, the dietary exposure to these elements was assessed. An exhaustive investigation into the metal content of this food serves to elucidate the paucity of existing knowledge. The results show that the levels of essential elements are similar in both types of production, while the levels of PTEs are higher in the organic samples. The exposure assessment indicates that Mn contributes the most among the essential elements, followed by Cu in women. Exposure to PTEs through doses of 50 g/day of chia seeds analyzed would hardly pose short-term health risks as the contributions are below 10%, except for Sr, although they could produce a long-term toxicological risk. To promote safety in chia seed consumption, it is recommended to encourage responsible and moderate consumption, continue monitoring PTE levels in this novel food, and establish concentration limits for PTEs in future European regulations. Full article

The depletion of conventional fuels and the state of the natural environment have influenced global policy, dictating a new direction for development and approaches to the use of renewable resources. One such resource is woody biomass, which can be used for energy purposes. A type of raw material with an unrecognized potential for utilization is waste biomass from the production of fruit tree seedlings. In this study, thirteen popular species of rootstock produced in Poland were collected and subjected to comprehensive analyses. After determining the calorific value of the collected wood waste, a comprehensive analysis of their suitability for energy purposes was conducted. The highest calorific value of 19.51 MJkg⁻¹ was recorded for waste biomass obtained from Mahaleb Cherry rootstocks in the first year of research, compared to P14 with 17.96 MJkg⁻¹. The content of other elements was also advantageous for Mahaleb Cherry. Considering the relatively large production of this type of waste biomass, it can be concluded that it has great energy potential and can largely meet energy needs in regions where fruit tree seedlings are mass-produced. Implementing the use of such raw materials in energy production will result in a reduction of anthropogenic impacts on the environment by decreasing the demand for standard energy resources. Full article

Background/Objectives: Early life gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in shaping immunity, metabolism, and overall health outcomes. This is relevant in healthy infants but may be even more crucial in infants with chronic devastating diseases, such as cystic fibrosis (CF). While the introduction of solid foods in healthy infants modifies the composition of colonic microbiota, less knowledge is available on those with CF. The aim of this descriptive observational study was to assess the composition of fecal microbiota in six exclusively breast-fed infants with CF, and then explore the changes induced upon the introduction of different foods. Methods: two types of fecal samples were collected from each subject: one during the exclusive-breastfeeding period, and the other after incorporating each new food in the ad libitum diet. The microbiota composition was analyzed by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Results: Wide heterogenicity in the composition at the phylum level (variable proportions of Actinobacteriota, Proteobacteria, and Firmicutes, and the absence of Bacteroidota in all subjects) was found, and different enterotypes were characterized in each subject by the main presence of one genus: Bifidobacterium in Subject 1 (relative abundance of 54.4%), Klebsiella in Subject 3 (49.1%), Veillonella in Subjects 4 and 5 (32.7% and 36.9%, respectively), and Clostridium in Subject 6 (48.9%). The transition to complementary feeding induced variable changes in microbiota composition, suggesting a subject-specific response and highlighting the importance of inter-individual variation. Conclusions: Further studies are required to identify which foods contribute to shaping colonic microbiota in the most favorable way for patients with CF using a personalized approach. Full article

The quality aspects of Ostrea edulis (O. edulis) cultured in Valli di Comacchio were examined across different seasons. Nutritional quality parameters, antioxidant activity, total carotenoids, and contaminants were determined in winter, summer, and autumn (December, June, and October). Seasonal variations in nutritional parameters were observed. In particular, in the winter samples, proteins, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, threonine, tyrosine, valine and methionine, isoleucine, potassium, and carotenoids showed the highest values, whereas oleic acid, linolenic acid, lysine, and magnesium exhibited the maximum values in the summer. Finally, lipids, carbohydrates, histidine, and magnesium were present at high values in the autumn. The antioxidant activity values differed between the two methods used (DPPH and photochemiluminescence assays); however, the oysters collected in June presented lower antioxidant capacity. Contaminant levels were always below the imposed concentration limits; however, higher levels of toxic metals were detected in the winter, while polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were detected in the summer and autumn. It is important to monitor the nutritional and toxicological quality of Ostrea edulis throughout the cultivation seasons, not only to enhance knowledge of this species and improve its cultivation systems but also to determine the optimal period for human consumption from both nutritional and toxicological perspectives. Full article

Hydroxyanthracene derivatives (HADs) are plant substances produced by a variety of plant species, including different Aloe, Rheum, and Rhamnus species and Cassia senna. These plants are often used in food supplements to improve bowel function. However, recently, the European Commission prohibited a number of HADs due to toxicological concerns. These HADs included aloin (aloin A and aloin B), aloe-emodin, emodin, and danthron. Most of the currently available analytical methods are restricted to the analysis of only these compounds and do not include other HADs. In this view, a multi-analyte method could be useful for both regulatory analysis and dietary intake studies. To this end, such a method, employing liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and targeting 16 different HADs, was developed and validated in this study. Limits of quantification were in the range from 0.025 mg kg⁻¹ to 1 mg kg⁻¹. The recovery of the method was within the acceptable range of 80% to 120%, with the exception of physcion. Repeatability varied from 0.5% to 11.6%, and the range for within-laboratory reproducibility was from 3.4% to 16.3%. The expanded measurement uncertainty was below 50% for all HADs. Subsequently, 24 commercial samples of food supplements and herbal infusions sourced in Belgium were analyzed. The results indicated that although the industry put a great effort into minimizing the amount of aloin and danthron present in food supplements, more than half of the products still exceeded the maximum tolerated levels suggested for aloe-emodin and emodin. Full article

Pulegone is a monoterpene ketone found in a variety of mint species. It has been classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). In previous studies, pulegone in food was analyzed exclusively via GC-MS, while ¹H NMR methods were limited to essential oils. The aim of this study was to develop an NMR method for the detection and quantification of pulegone in essential oils and foods. A mixture of methanol-d₄/chloroform-d₁ in a 1:1 ratio (v/v) was identified as the most effective solvent for separating pulegone signals. The essential oils were subjected to analysis at this solvent-mixture ratio. The extraction of pulegone was required for food analysis, and the steam distillation method proved to be more effective than the ultrasonic-assisted extraction method. The highest pulegone concentrations were identified in pennyroyal oil and muña oil, whereas lower levels were observed in other matrices, including corn mint oil and select food items. A toxicological assessment showed that the amount consumed did not exert any adverse effects on human health. Full article

Berberine is a natural substance obtained from the roots of common barberry which, due to its strong pharmacological activity, is a commonly tested ingredient of dietary supplements. However, ornamental barberries, which are widely available, have not been considered as a source of berberine so far. The research aimed to check whether the ornamental barberry leaves and twigs could be used as an easily accessible raw material for obtaining natural berberine-rich extract with biological activity. Twigs and leaves of seven cultivars of ornamental barberry extracts were assessed for their polyphenol content, antioxidant potential (FRAP and DPPH), and berberine content using high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). As a reference, commercially available roots of Berberis vulgaris were used. For the next step, selected extracts (two with high and two with low berberine content) were tested on three cell lines (HaCaT, A375, Caco-2) using neutral red assay, and pure berberine sulfate (1–100 μg mL⁻¹) was used as a control. Although the antioxidant potential of aqueous–methanol extracts of tested barberry was higher for the leaves than for the twigs, the berberine content was determined only in the twig extracts (from 42 to 676 mg 100 g⁻¹). Studies on cell lines have shown the general toxicity of barberry extracts, but the observed effect was not directly correlated with the content of the alkaloid. However, the extract showed greater activity compared to an analogous dose of pure berberine, suggesting a significant effect of the matrix composition. For the first time, it was shown that the twigs of selected cultivars of ornamental barberry can be considered as a promising berberine source for the pharmaceutical industry to develop new effective formulations. However, these findings require further studies. Full article

In this review, we toxicologically assessed the naturally occurring toxin domoic acid. We used the One Health approach because the impact of domoic acid is potentiated by climate change and water pollution on one side, and reflected in animal health, food security, human diet, and human health on the other. In a changing environment, algal blooms are more frequent. For domoic acid production, the growth of Pseudo-nitzschia diatoms is of particular interest. They produce this toxin, whose capability of accumulation and biomagnification through the food web impacts other organisms in the ecosystem. Domoic acid targets nervous system receptors inducing amnestic shellfish poisoning, among other less severe health-related problems. However, the impact of domoic acid on non-target cells is rather unknown, so we reviewed the currently available literature on cytogenetic effects on human and animal cells. The results of different studies indicate that domoic acid has the potential to induce early molecular events, such as oxidative imbalance and DNA damage, thus posing an additional threat which needs to be thoroughly addressed and monitored in the future. Full article

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites of filamentous fungi and ubiquitous dietary contaminants. Aflatoxins, a group of mycotoxins with high prevalence and toxicity, have raised a high level of public health concern, the most prevalent and toxic being aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). Many aspects appertaining to AFB1 poisoning are not well understood. Yet this information is necessary to devise appropriate surveillance and mitigation strategies against human and animal aflatoxicosis. This review provides an in-depth update of work carried out on mycotoxin poisoning, particularly aflatoxicosis in humans and animals, to identify gaps in knowledge. Hypotheses explaining the functional significance of mycotoxins in fungal biology and their dietary epidemiological data are presented and briefly discussed. The toxicology of aflatoxins and the challenges of their mitigation are discussed in depth. It was concluded that the identification of potential mycotoxin-hazard-prone food items and quantification of the associated risk of cancer ailments in humans is a prime priority. There is a dearth of reliable sampling methodologies for estimating AFB1 in animal feed. Data update on AFB1 in animal feed and its implication in animal production, mitigation strategies, and elucidation of risk factors to this hazard is required. To reduce the burden of aflatoxins, surveillance employing predictive technology, and biocontrol strategies seem promising approaches. Full article

Cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) is an indole-tetramic acid neurotoxin produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium genera present mainly in fruit, cereals and nuts. This study compares the cytotoxicity produced by CPA after 24, 48 and 72 h of exposure using both monolayers and 3D spheroids in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Furthermore, CPA toxicokinetics was evaluated using in silico models. Cytotoxicity increased dose- and time-dependently, as shown by the MTT assay. The lowest CPA IC₅₀ values were found in the monolayer study compared to the 3D spheroids at all exposure times (24 h: 864.01 vs. 1132; 48 h: 437 vs. 1069; 72 h: 392 vs. 567 nM). The CPA exposure on SH-SY5Y spheroid organization and morphology was also studied. Morphological changes, including spheroid disaggregation, were observed after mycotoxin exposure. The in silico methods, SwissADME and admetSAR, were used for short and full ADMEt profiles of CPA. The ADMEt predictive profile shows high gastrointestinal absorption and ability to penetrate the blood–brain barrier. Including in silico studies emphasizes the comprehensive approach to understanding mycotoxin toxicity and risk assessment. By combining in vitro 3D spheroid models with computational simulations, this study aims to provide a holistic perspective on the effects of CPA, enhancing the accuracy and relevance of our findings. Full article

Objective: To investigate the effects of licorice functional ingredient intake on blood pressure, explore its potential mechanisms of action, and provide safety information for personalized nutritional interventions in special populations and for the application of licorice-derived functional foods. Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Medline, Embase, EBSCO, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science databases were searched from inception to 31 August 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the intake of licorice or its functional components were included. The range of continuous variables was assessed using the weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals. Genes associated with hypertension were screened using an online database. Machine learning, receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve analysis, molecular docking, and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were employed to explore the potential mechanisms underlying licorice-induced blood pressure fluctuations. Results: Eight RCTs (541 participants) were included in the meta-analysis, which indicated interventions containing glycyrrhizic acid (GA) as the main component increased systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (SBP: WMD [95% CI] = 3.48 [2.74, 4.21], p < 0.001; DBP: WMD [95% CI] = 1.27 [0.76, 1.78], p < 0.001). However, interventions dominated by licorice flavonoids(LF) had no significant effect on SBP or DBP (SBP: WMD [95% CI] = 0.58 [−1.15, 2.31], p = 0.511; DBP: WMD [95% CI] = 0.17 [−1.53, 1.88], p = 0.843). Three machine learning algorithms identified five biomarkers associated with hypertension: calmodulin 3 (CALM3), cluster of differentiation 9 (CD9), growth factor independence 1B transcriptional repressor (GFI1B), myosin light chain kinase (MYLK), and Ras suppressor-1 (RSU1). After removing biomarkers with lower validity and reliability, GFI1B, MYLK, and RSU1 were selected for subsequent analysis. The network toxicology results suggested that GA and its metabolite glycyrrhetinic acid may act on GFI1B, MYLK, and RSU1, influencing blood pressure fluctuations by modulating nitrogen metabolism signaling pathways. Conclusions: There were distinct differences in the effects of licorice functional components on blood pressure. Functional constituents dominated by GA were shown to increase both SBP and DBP, whereas those dominated by LF did not exhibit significant effects on blood pressure. The hypertensive mechanism of GA may involve the modulation of GFI1B, MYLK, and RSU1 to regulate nitrogen metabolic pathways. Full article

The bioactive compounds in herbal extracts may provide effective hair loss treatments with fewer side effects compared to synthetic medicines. This study evaluated the effects of Buebang 3 CMU and Sanpatong rice bran extracts, macerated with dichloromethane or 95% ethanol, on hair growth promotion and hair loss prevention. Overall, Buebang 3 CMU extracts contained significantly higher levels of bioactive compounds, including γ-oryzanol, tocopherols, and various polyphenols such as phytic acid, ferulic acid, and chlorogenic acid, compared to Sanpatong extracts. Additionally, ethanolic extracts demonstrated greater bioactive content and antioxidant activities than those extracted with dichloromethane. These compounds enhanced the proliferation of human hair follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs) by 124.28 ± 1.08% (p < 0.05) and modulated anti-inflammatory pathways by reducing nitrite production to 3.20 ± 0.36 µM (p < 0.05). Key hair growth signaling pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin (CTNNB1), Sonic Hedgehog (SHH, SMO, GLI1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), were activated by approximately 1.5-fold to 2.5-fold compared to minoxidil. Also, in both human prostate cancer (DU-145) and HFDPC cells, the ethanolic Buebang 3 CMU extract (Et-BB3-CMU) suppressed SRD5A1, SRD5A2, and SRD5A3 expression—key pathways in hair loss—by 2-fold and 1.5-fold more than minoxidil and finasteride, respectively. These findings suggest that Et-BB3-CMU holds promise for promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss. Full article

Background: Every year the global incidence of obesity increases considerably and among the factors that favor it is bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor widely used in plastics and omnipresent in many everyday objects. Methods: A total of 19 studies published between 2018 and 2023 that addressed the relationship between BPA exposure and obesity were included in this review in order to better understand its behavior and mechanisms of action. Results: The studies reviewed conclude that BPA is an obesogen that alters the function of hormonal receptors, promotes metabolic syndrome, affects certain genes, etc., leading to a greater risk of developing obesity. With important emphasis on the ability to cause epigenetic changes, thus transmitting the effects to offspring when exposure has occurred during critical stages of development such as during gestation or the perinatal period. Conclusions: There is sufficient evidence to show that BPA is a risk factor in the development of obesity. Even so, further research is necessary to exhaustively understand the causal relationship between the two in order to develop prevention measures and avoid possible future adverse effects. Full article

Background: The oils obtained from the seeds of Nigella sativa, also named black cumin, are rich in bioactive compounds that strengthen immunity and support human health. This study aimed to compare Nigella sativa oils pressed from Egyptian (Eg-NSSO), Ethiopian (Et-NSSO), and Syrian (Sy-NSSO) seeds. Methods: The analyzed oils were obtained from a local company. The content of phenolic compounds, tocochromanols, phytosterols, volatile compounds, triglycerides, and fatty acids composition was determined using chromatographic methods. The oxidative stability was determined by Rancimat technique as well as the determination of DPPH and ABTS scavenging activity. As an assessment of bioactivity, the antimicrobial and anti-aflatoxigenic properties of oils were evaluated. Results: Ethiopian oil had highest content of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, phytosterols, and tocochromanols and was characterized by the longest induction period (IP = 7.89 h). The share of thymoquinone was the highest in Ethiopian oil (34.84%), followed by Egyptian (27.36%), then Syrian (22.59%). Ethiopian oil recorded a high antibacterial activity, while Egyptian oil showed a unique antifungal activity against toxigenic fungi. Aflatoxins’ secretion into liquid medium containing NSSO was reduced, especially with Egyptian oil. Full article