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One of the major mechanisms in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammation is the excessive production of reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen species, and therefore, oxidative stress. Spirulina ( Arthrospira) maxima has marked antioxidant activity in vivo and in vitro, as well as anti-inflammatory activity in certain experimental models, the latter activity being mediated probably by the antioxidant activity of this cyanobacterium. In the present study, chronic inflammation was induced through injection of Freund's complete adjuvant (CFA) in rats treated daily with Spirulina ( Arthrospira) maxima for 2 weeks beginning on day 14. Joint diameter, body temperature, and motor capacity were assessed each week. On days 0 and 28, total and differential leukocyte counts and serum oxidative damage were determined, the latter by assessing lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl content. At the end of the study, oxidative damage to joints was likewise evaluated. Results show that S. maxima favors increased mobility, as well as body temperature regulation, and a number of circulating leukocytes, lymphocytes, and monocytes in specimens with CFA-induced chronic inflammation and also protects against oxidative damage in joint tissue as well as serum. In conclusion, the protection afforded by S. maxima against development of chronic inflammation is due to its antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most commonly used pharmaceuticals in Mexico, but there is not proper regulation on the sale, use and disposal. These drugs can enter water bodies by diverse pathways, attaining significant concentrations and inducing damage on hydrobionts. Objective: To evaluate the oxidative stress and consequent damage to genetic material induced by DCF, IBP and NPX on Daphnia magna. Methods: The acute toxicity assays were performed to 48-h by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs evaluated. A sublethal assay were done after 48 h of exposure to DCF, IBP and NPX added to water with the concentration equivalent to the lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL), 9.7 mg/L for DCF, 2.9 mg/L for IBP and 0.017 mg/L for NPX. The DNA damage (comet assay) was evaluated at 12, 48 and 96 h. The oxidative biomarkers were evaluated: lipid peroxidation; protein carbonyl content; activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. Results: D. magna exposed to DCF, IBP and NPX showed a significant increase ( p < 0.05) with respect to controls in LPX. PCC was increased in IBP exposure. SOD and CAT activity were increased by exposure to IBP and NPX. GPX shows a significant increase with respect to control in IBP and DCF exposure and significant decrease by NPX exposure. DNA damage was observed in 48 and 96 h. Discussion and conclusion: DCF, IBP and NPX were responsible of alterations in biochemical biomarkers evaluated and DNA damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Madin Reservoir (MR), located in the State of Mexico, is fed mainly by the Rio Tlalnepantla. MR supplies potable water to the municipalities of Naucalpan and Atizapan, and various recreational activities take place in its vicinity, such as sailing and the fishing of diverse species including the common carp Cyprinus carpio. The purpose of this study was to determine the toxic effects of contaminants present in MR water and sediment on C. carpio. Five sampling stations were selected (those considered to have the most problems due to discharges). Water and sediment samples were taken and toxicity studies were performed, including acute toxicity (lethality) and subacute toxicity assays. The biomarkers used in the subacute assays were lipid peroxidation (LPX) and activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) in the liver and brain of test organisms. These biomarkers were also evaluated in local carp, i.e. carp with chronic exposure in situ to reservoir contaminants. Results show that contaminants in the water and sediment of the different sampling stations induce oxidative stress, this toxicity being more evident in samples from stations near the entry point of the Rio Tlalnepantla tributary and in local carp. This may be due to high contaminant levels as well as the fact that the physicochemical characteristics of the matrices might favor their bioavailability. Thus, both the water and sediment of this reservoir are contaminated with xenobiotics hazardous to C. carpio, a species consumed by the local human population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to determine the influence of the presence of one or more species in a system on Zn toxic response, acute (LC50 at 72 h) and sublethal toxicity (Zn uptake kinetics, and quantification of total protein content and lipid peroxidation levels) were evaluated in three benthic organisms (Hyallela azteca, Limnodrillus hoffmeisteri and Stagnicola attenuata). They were exposed either singly or together (single or multi-species test systems) to Zn-spiked sediment from Ignacio Ramirez Reservoir. Both assays showed that Zn-spiked sediments from Ignacio Ramirez Reservoir were toxic to S. attenuata, L. hoffmeisteri and H. azteca, and that toxic response was modified according to the number of species in the system. These differences may be due to multiple factors: such as benthic bioturbation which modifies physical and chemical characteristics of sediments and affects the fate and partitioning of sediment-bond contaminants, such as spiked Zn or other pollutants in sediments from Ignacio Ramirez Reservoir. In addition, the presence of more than one species in the system may lead to microenvironmental changes (pH, temperature, and organic matter and metabolic waste content), which can also contribute to toxic response differences. Also, particular characteristics of each of the species involved in the study became evident. The snail and amphipod are facultative benthic organisms, while the worm is obligate. Such way of life differences may have modified the bioavailability of contaminants, determining their toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Realistic concentrations of Bisphenol A can negavively affect the health of fish. • Bisphenol A upregulated the expression of inflammatory and apoptotic-related genes. • Exposure of fish to Bisphenol A resulted in hematopoietic alterations. • The liver was the most affected organ of fish after exposure to BPA. Despite much information regarding BPA toxicity in fish and other aquatic organisms, data is still misleading as most studies have utilized concentrations several orders of magnitude higher than those typically found in the environment. As an illustration, eight of the ten studies investigating the impact of BPA on the biochemical and hematological parameters of fish have employed concentrations on the order of mg/L. Therefore, the results may not accurately represent the effects observed in the natural environment. Considering the information above, our study aimed to 1) determine whether or not realistic concentrations of BPA might alter the biochemical and blood parameters of Danio rerio and trigger an inflammatory response in the fish liver, brain, gills, and gut and 2) determine which organ could be more affected after exposure to this chemical. Findings pinpoint that realistic concentrations of BPA prompted a substantial increase in antioxidant and oxidant biomarkers in fish, triggering an oxidative stress response in all organs. Likewise, the expression of different genes related to inflammation and apoptosis response was significantly augmented in all organs. Our Pearson correlation shows gene expression was closely associated with the oxidative stress response. Regarding blood parameters, acute exposure to BPA generated biochemical and hematological parameters increased concentration-dependent. Thus, it can be concluded that BPA, at environmentally relevant concentrations, threatens aquatic species, as it prompts polychromasia and liver dysfunction in fish after acute exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a micro-pollutant found in various environmental matrices at concentrations as low as ng/L. Recent studies have shown that this compound can cause oxidative damage and neurotoxic effects in aquatic organisms. However, there is a lack of research investigating the effects of BPA at environmentally relevant concentrations. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the neurotoxic effects of acute BPA exposure (96 h) at environmentally relevant concentrations (220, 1180, and 1500 ng/L) in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). The Novel Tank trial was used to evaluate fish swimming behavior, and our results indicate that exposure to 1500 ng/L of BPA reduced the total distance traveled and increased freezing time. Furthermore, the evaluation of biomarkers in the zebrafish brain revealed that BPA exposure led to the production of reactive oxygen species and increased acetylcholinesterase activity. Gene expression analysis also indicated the overexpression of mbp, α1-tubulin, and manf in the zebrafish brain. Based on our findings, we concluded that environmentally relevant concentrations of BPA can cause anxiety-like behavior and neurotoxic effects in adult zebrafish. [Display omitted] • Bisphenol-A disrupted the swimming behavior of Danio rerio. • Exposure to Bisphenol-A prompted oxidative stress in the Danio rerio brain. • Acetylcholinesterase is inhibited in the Danio rerio brain after acute exposure. • Upon Bisphenol-A exposure, mbp, α1-tubulin, and manf expression increased. • Realistic concentrations of Bisphenol-A prompted neurotoxicity in fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water contamination greatly impacts human health. The Metropolitan Area of the Valley of Mexico (MAVM) is one of the most densely inhabited and polluted places globally, with a significant problem being the rising water demand. The research aims to assess the impact of metals such as iron, aluminum, lead, cadmium, and total chromium, among others, in the water of the Madin Dam, a key reservoir in the area's water supply. The assessment concentrated on individuals who were in good health and had been exposed to these pollutants. It analyzed factors such as levels of oxidized proteins; changes in the function of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase); and their genetic expression, the occurrence of micronuclei, and the amount of DNA methylation. The findings were linked to the metals present in the MAVM drinking water, and the risk was evaluated. The research included four groups: two associated with the Madin Dam, consisting of persons living nearby or using water from the reservoir, and two acting as a control. The study highlighted a significant link between long-term exposure to pollutants in drinking water and elevated levels of oxidized proteins, increased micronuclei frequency, changes in antioxidant enzyme activity and gene expression, and a higher percentage of 5-methylcytosine. The risk assessment showed that people who use drinking water and/or consume fish from Madin Dam have a potential higher risk associated with metal contamination., Competing Interests: Declarations. All authors have read, understood, and have complied as applicable with the statement on “Ethical responsibilities of Authors.” Ethical approval and consent to participate: All applicable international, national, and institutional guidelines for human research were followed. All procedures were performed in accordance with the ethical standards of the institution where the studies were conducted. The study protocol was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the National School of Biological Sciences, IPN with registration number CEI-ENCB-SH-003–2018. All participants signed an informed consent form. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2025. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

As one of Mexico's most crucial water storage facilities, the Villa Victoria Reservoir (VVR) supplies water to over six million people residing in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area. In recent years, this water resource has been subjected to significant risks due to several factors, including human population growth, alterations in global climate patterns, excessive resource utilization, and insufficient protective regulations, thereby endangering not only the biocenosis itself, but also the water supply for numerous inhabitants. This study aimed to evaluate the current state of the reservoir through the determination of conventional and emerging pollutants present in the sampling points, as well as embryotoxicity and oxidative damage in Danio rerio embryos exposed to effluents from the VVR. Embryotoxicity was quantified using the General Morphology Score (GMS) and teratogenic index, whereas oxidative damage was assessed based on lipid peroxidation, hydroperoxide content, oxidized proteins, antioxidant enzyme activity, and gene expression. These results revealed the presence of heavy metals, diverse pharmaceutical compounds, and pesticides. In addition, elevated lipid, hydroperoxide, and protein oxidation accompanied by alterations in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzymatic activity were observed during exposure. GMS resulted in impaired embryo development and teratogenic effects, including pericardial, axial, and skeletal edema. Furthermore, the upregulation of genes associated with apoptotic processes and antioxidant defense reflects a comprehensive response to oxidative stress. The study concluded that pollutants in VVR water induced oxidative damage, modified antioxidant activity, elicited embryotoxicity, and upregulated oxidative damage-related genes. The findings underscore the necessity of undertaking restoration efforts for water sources, as pollution can potentially endanger aquatic organisms and human well-being., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

This study addresses the pressing issue of pollutants, particularly heavy metals and pharmaceuticals, infiltrating aquatic ecosystems due to untreated hospital effluents. These contaminants, known for their toxicity and bioaccumulative potential, adversely affect water quality and ecosystem health. The research focuses on the intricate relationship between oxidative stress and embryonic damage in Danio rerio exposed to hospital effluent, offering a detailed understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Concentrations of pharmaceutical residues (ng L -1 ) such as NSAIDs, corticosteroids, proton pump inhibitors, H2-receptor antagonists, and heavy metals (mg L -1 ) like Cd, As, Cu, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn were meticulously quantified. The effluent exhibited a significant embryolethal potential with an LC 50 of 2.328% and an EC 50 for malformation at 2.607%. Notable embryonic malformations included yolk sac edema, tail abnormalities, pericardial edema, scoliosis, craniofacial deformities, eye hypopigmentation, developmental delays, and body malformations. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to varying concentrations of the effluent (0.5% to 4.0%) and assessed for lethality and malformations at specific intervals (12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h post-fertilization). The study also scrutinized oxidative damage and monitored the expression of genes central to antioxidant processes, detoxification, and apoptosis (sod, cat, nrf2, cyp1a1, bax, casp3, casp6, casp7, and casp9) at 48-, 72-, and 96-h post-fertilization across all concentrations. Findings consistently revealed lipid and protein damage, heightened antioxidant activity, and altered gene expression at all time points and effluent concentrations. These results highlight the environmental threat posed by untreated hospital effluent, emphasizing the need for comprehensive effluent treatment measures to protect aquatic ecosystems from the detrimental impacts of pharmaceuticals and heavy metals. The study underscores the critical role of oxidative stress in embryonic damage and advocates for improved environmental stewardship and regulatory measures., Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethical approval: The study was approved by the Ethics and Research Committee of the Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Toluca, Mexico (Approval ID: RP.UAEM.ERC.142.2021). Consent to participate: Not applicable. Consent to publish: The authors grant permission to publish the results of the research. Competing interests: The authors do not declare any conflicts of interest., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

The Villa Victoria dam is one of the most important storage reservoirs in Mexico since it distributes water to more than 20 million inhabitants in the Metropolitan Zone of Mexico City. In this dam, the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is an important food resource for the inhabitants, so the aim of this work was to evaluate the oxidative damage (lipoperoxidation, oxidized proteins, antioxidant enzymes activity and gene expression), AChE, embryotoxicity and behavioral changes in C. carpio embryos and larvae exposed to water from Villa Victoria dam for 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. The embryotoxicity was evaluated trough the General Morphology Score (GMS) and the teratogenic index. Behavioral changes in basal locomotor activity and thigmotaxis were evaluated in a DanioVision, Noldus ™. An increase in lipid and protein oxidation as well as modification of CAT, SOD and GPx enzymatic activity was observed during the exposure times. The GMS indicated a low development in the embryos, the teratogenic index was less than 1, however teratogenic effects as yolk edema, fin malformation, head malformation and scoliosis were observed. In parallel, an increase in AChE activity and gene expression was observed reflecting changes in distance traveled of the basal locomotor activity and thigmotaxis at the sampling points. In conclusion, pollutants in water from Villa Victoria dam caused oxidative damage, changes in SOD, CAT, GPx and AChE activity as well as embryotoxicity and modifications in the behavior of C. carpio larvae. This study demonstrates the need to implement restoration programs for this reservoir since, contamination in the Villa Victoria dam could eventually endanger aquatic life and human health., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This study delves into the eco-endocrinological dynamics concerning the impact of dexamethasone (DXE) on the interrenal axis in juvenile carp, Cyprinus carpio. Through a comprehensive analysis, we investigated the effects of DXE exposure on oxidative stress, biochemical biomarkers, gene expression, and bioaccumulation within the interrenal axis. Results revealed a concentration-dependent escalation of cellular oxidation biomarkers, including 1) hydroperoxides content (HPC), 2) lipid peroxidation level (LPX), and 3) protein carbonyl content (PCC), indicative of heightened oxidative stress. Concurrently, the activity of critical antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT), significantly increased, underscoring the organism's response to oxidative insult. Notable alterations were observed in biochemical biomarkers, particularly Gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, with GGT displaying a significant decrease with increasing DXE concentrations. Gene expression analysis revealed a significant upregulation of stress and inflammation response genes, as well as those associated with sensitivity to superoxide ion presence and calcium signaling, in response to DXE exposure. Furthermore, DXE demonstrated a concentration-dependent presence in interrenal tissue, with consistent bioconcentration factors observed across all concentrations tested. These findings shed light on the physiological and molecular responses of juvenile carp to DXE exposure, emphasizing the potential ecological implications of DXE contamination in aquatic environments. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for assessing the environmental impact of glucocorticoid pollutants and developing effective management strategies to mitigate their adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Current and thorough information on the ecotoxicological consequences of pharmaceuticals is accessible globally. However, there remains a substantial gap in knowledge concerning the potentially toxic effects of COVID-19 used drugs, individually and combined, on aquatic organisms. Given the factors above, our investigation assumes pivotal importance in elucidating whether or not paracetamol, dexamethasone, metformin, and their tertiary mixtures might prompt histological impairment, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in the liver of zebrafish. The findings indicated that all treatments, except paracetamol, augmented the antioxidant activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAD), along with elevating the levels of oxidative biomarkers such as lipid peroxidation (LPX), hydroperoxides (HPC), and protein carbonyl content (PCC). Paracetamol prompted a reduction in the activities SOD and CAT and exhibited the most pronounced toxic response when compared to the other treatments. The gene expression patterns paralleled those of oxidative stress, with all treatments demonstrating overexpression of bax, bcl2, and p53. The above suggested a probable apoptotic response in the liver of the fish. Nevertheless, our histological examinations revealed that none of the treatments induced an apoptotic or inflammatory response in the hepatocytes. Instead, the observed tissue alterations encompassed leukocyte infiltration, sinusoidal dilatation, pyknosis, fatty degeneration, diffuse congestion, and vacuolization. In summary, the hepatic toxicity elicited by COVID-19 drugs in zebrafish was less pronounced than anticipated. This attenuation could be attributed to metformin's antioxidant and hormetic effects., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

One of the most important causes of disease and premature death in the world is environmental pollution. The presence of pollutants in both water and air contributes to the deterioration of the health of human populations. The Mexico City Metropolitan Area is one of the most populous and affected by air pollution worldwide; in addition, in recent years there has been a growing demand for water, so urban reservoirs such as the Madin dam are vital to meet the demand. However, this reservoir is highly polluted due to the urban settlements around it. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate oxidative stress in clinically healthy subjects by means of the degree of lipoperoxidation, as well as the modification of serum enzyme levels, such as alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase associated with air and drinking water pollutants from three zones of the Mexico City Metropolitan Area, two of them related to Madin Dam. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between March 2019 and September 2021 in 142 healthy participants (age range 18-65 years). Healthy subjects were confirmed by their medical history. The results showed that chronic exposure to air (SO 2 ) and water pollutants (Al and Fe) was significantly associated with elevated levels of lipoperoxidation. There was evidence that contamination from the Madín dam can generate oxidative stress and affect the health status of people who receive water from this reservoir or who consume fish that inhabit it., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Availability of toxics in aquatic bodies is limited by the physicochemical characteristics of sediments and water, as well as by the interactions between the different xenobiotics and inhabits species. The aim of this work was to relate the effect produced by zinc (Zn) spiked in sediments of the Ignacio Ramirez dam (PIR), in isolated and microcosms models, on ATP concentration of three benthic organisms with the metal biodisponibility. The selected species were a crustacean, an annelid and a mollusk: Hyalella azteca (Amphipoda: Hyalellidae), Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri (Oligochaeta: Tubificidae) and Stagnicola attenuata (Basommatophora: Lymnaeidae), species that are found at high proportions in the reservoir and use different spaces in the benthos. Samples of sediments and organisms were collected from the PIR during the dry season (February of 1999). Metal concentration (Zn, Fe, Cu and Ni), pH, texture, particle size, total nitrogen and organic matter were determined in sediments. Sublethal studies were carried out using two types of static systems (organisms isolated and in microcosms). Both models contained PIR sediments enriched with Zn (nominal concentration of 0.8129 mg/kg) and synthetic water in a proportion of 1:4. The test organisms were added to the systems once the equilibrium was reached (2 hr) considering the biomass quantity with respect to volume (1.0 g of organism by each 100 ml of water:sediment). After 0, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 hr of exposure, samples of sediment and hydrobionts were taken, and Zn content was quantified by atomic absorption. ATP concentration was also determined in organisms. The effect produced by natural sediments spiked with Zn is increased by the presence of more than one specie in the system (microcosm). With respect to Zn levels, two of the organisms tend to lose this metal in isolated and microcosm models, probably as a regulation strategy in its accumulation, as well as Fe presence in the reservoir sediments. Therefore, H. azteca maintained a constant Zn levels during the whole experiment. It is possible that the caption rate is so low in this organism that it does not need another regulatory mechanism. A decrement in ATP in worms and amphipods was observed in both systems at all exposure times. Possibly Zn and other metals present in the sediments interfere with the energy production enzymes by binding to SH groups. Nevertheless this biomolecule increased in snails in microcosms at all exposure times and in isolated systems at the end of the experiment, probably due to compensatory mechanisms and reduction in energy consumption present in mollusks during heavy metals exposure.

Previous studies indicated the presence of high concentrations of nickel in the "El truchón" ponds (in México), so it was necessary to find a possible correlation between sediment physicochemical properties of this water body and the damage that could be produced on the rainbow trout which culture is done in a rustic reservoir. The study was initiated with the determination of the physicochemical properties of the trout farm sediments, which are; granular composition, total nitrogen percentage, organic matter content, pH, redox potential, cationic interchange capacity, and Ni concentration. LC50 of Ni at 96 h was determined on Onchorynchus mykiss in the system water-sediment from the trout farm at equilibrium time. In the same system the sublethal toxicity of Ni was evaluated by the determination of metallotioneine (MT) levels, o-demethylase activity (OD) and protein concentration. The results showed a significant increment in the three-biochemical parameters. A linear relation was observed between Ni concentration and MT, OD and protein concentration, so these damage biomarkers are recommended in order to evaluate Ni toxicity. Probably these effects were due to the physicochemical characteristics of the sediments, which may give a high capacity to store metal in it. According to the obtained results it was suggested not to use rustic ponds in the fish culture, and use concrete ponds to avoid the accumulation of toxic compounds or make periodic sediments remotion.