Background and aim Among the variety of biologically active phytocompounds, polyphenols such as tannin have been found to effectively inhibit the growth of Fusarium oxysporum. Using a range of assays, the effects of gallic and tannic acid as well as seaweed crude tannin extracts (CTE) and their column chromatographic fractions 1 and 2 were investigated. Experimental approach Extraction of the tannin from seaweeds and separation using a Sephadex LH-20 column and thin-layer chromatography, then identifying the bioactive principles through GC-MS, and determination of the level of tannin using an HPLC C18 column can be accomplished. The antifungal activity was determined using diffusion bioassay, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and conidial population count of F. oxysporum. The mechanism of action of the tannins was recorded by measuring the levels of F. oxysporum mycelial cellulase, amylase, protease, lipase, and xylanase. Key findings Tannic acid has greater effects than gallic acid. Turbinaria ornata CTE significantly reduced the growth of F. oxysporum. Stoechospermum marginatum tannin fraction 1 showed the highest level of antifungal activity. For crude and fractions, the MIC values are 0.6 and 0.12%, respectively. F. oxysporum growth curve lacks a stationary phase. In comparison with brown algal crude tannins, the development of F. oxysporum conidia was dramatically inhibited by gallic acid and tannic acids. When compared to other tannin fractions that were assessed, conidial production was significantly reduced by Sargassum wightii tannin F2. The results demonstrated a dose-dependent reduction of enzyme activities of F. oxysporum by seaweeds CTE. At higher concentrations, T. ornata significantly reduced amylase and pectinase activities, whereas S. wightii reduced protease, cellulase, and xylanase activities, and S. marginatum reduced lipase activity. Conclusions To reduce cotton wilt in the field, use column chromatographic fractions of CTE from S. wightii, S. marginatum, and T. ornata in the near future.

Background and aim Snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs) are abundant multidomain enzymes with diverse biological functions. This study aimed to purify and characterize a novel SVMP, CcVMP-III, from Cerastes cerastes venom and assess its protective effects in pulmonary embolism murine model. Experimental approach CcVMP-III (110 kDa) was purified by chromatographic techniques and partially sequenced using N-terminal and LC-MS/MS analyses. Biological activities were evaluated using coagulation parameters (aPTT, TT, PT), clot degradation, and fibrin plate lysis. Thromboprotective efficacy was assessed using a thrombin-induced pulmonary embolism model. Key findings CcVMP-III was identified as a class-III SVMP containing metalloproteinase, disintegrin-like, and cysteine-rich domains. It selectively prolonged aPTT and TT without affecting PT and exhibited strong fibrinolytic and thrombolytic activities. In vivo, it significantly prevented pulmonary thrombus formation, demonstrating marked thromboprotective efficacy. Conclusion These findings emphasize the potential of CcVMP-III as a promising thromboprotective agent that may mitigate morbidity and mortality associated with thromboembolic events.

Background and aim Water pollution has become a global environmental problem, especially due to rise in toxicity of heavy metals even at low concentrations. Contaminated drinking water poses a significant threat to public health and this investigation was carried out on the Holy Kali Bein River in Punjab, India, to evaluate the contamination of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in surface water. This study describes the health risk of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the surface water of the River Holy Kali Bein by measuring the concentrations of 10 PTEs, applying correlation and principal component analysis to identify pollution sources, and evaluating carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks through chronic daily intake (CDI), and hazard quotient (HQ). Key findings The results showed that only 4 PTEs, such as chromium (Cr) BDL-0.157 mg/L, iron (Fe), 0.485–1.563 mg/L, manganese (Mn) BDL-0.264 mg/L and zinc (Zn) 0.218–0.744 mg/L were detected from water samples. Egenvalues 2.33 (PC1) and 1.05 (PC2) were extracted accounting for 82.57% of the total variance. Results showed the highest CDI value of 0.120 mg/kg-day for iron and HQ value of 0.1911 for Cr via dermal pathway in children indicating that residential receptors may be at risk for non-cancer from these elements. Conclusions Overall, the findings demonstrate that continuous exposure to heavy metals in rivulet Holy Kali Bein may pose significant health threats to local communities. This study will encourage the appropriate authorities and policymakers to recognize the areas that pose the most risk and to take professional measures to protect both human health and the ecosystem as a whole.

Background and aim Potassium bromate (KBrO3) is a potent oxidizing agent and Group 2B carcinogen with well-documented nephrotoxic, hepatotoxic, reproductive, neurotoxic, and endocrine-disrupting effects. Its toxicity is mediated through oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial dysfunction, DNA damage, and apoptosis. Despite global regulatory restrictions, human exposure persists through incompletely converted residues in baked products and as a byproduct of ozone-treated water. Most existing studies focus on acute, high-dose, single-organ effects, leaving critical gaps in systemic, chronic, and heritable outcomes. This review synthesizes mechanistic evidence of KBrO3 toxicity and critically evaluates the mitigation strategies, integrating a transgenerational and systems toxicology perspective. Scope of review We provide a consolidated mechanistic framework linking KBrO3-induced ROS generation to lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial destabilization, and downstream cell death and inflammatory signaling. Evidence strength is critically appraised for Nrf2 activation, mitochondrial preservation, and DNA repair in KBrO3 models. Mitigation strategies including phytochemicals, antioxidants, and nano-formulations are assessed for bioavailability, tissue distribution, and safety. We also highlight the research gaps regarding benchmark dose modeling, low-dose relevance, and multigenerational effects, emphasizing the translational limitations of current high-dose studies. Conclusion KBrO3 elicits multi-organ toxicity through redox imbalance and disruption of cellular homeostasis. Although several agents show protective efficacy, their pharmacokinetics, chronic safety, and effectiveness at environmentally relevant exposures remain poorly characterized. We propose integrative, cross-organ, and multigenerational approaches using zebrafish as a high-throughput model to advance mechanistic understanding and inform risk assessment and mitigation strategies.

Background and Aim Cancer has become one of the major global health threats. Venoms, used by animals for defense and predation have long intrigued researchers for their potential in treating various diseases, especially snake venoms. These venoms contain various bioactive components studied for pharmacological applications, including anticancer effects. Viperid venoms, in particular, have attracted attention due to their complex composition rich in enzymes such as metalloproteinases, disintegrins, and phospholipases, which are known to affect cancer cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Key Findings and Conclusions This review compiles findings on the anticancer properties of viperid venoms from Near and Middle-East regions, emphasizing their effects on cancer cell lines. Although in vitro results are promising, no venom-derived drug has yet been approved for cancer treatment. Addressing translational barriers through advanced models and targeted delivery systems may help realize the therapeutic potential of viperid venoms.

Background and Aim Repeats-in-toxins (RTX) are a diverse family of virulence factors secreted by Gram-negative bacteria, playing a critical role in host–pathogen interactions. These multifunctional toxins disrupt host cell membranes, interfere with immune signaling, and contribute to bacterial survival and disease progression. Experimental Approach The host immune response to RTX toxins involves both innate and adaptive mechanisms, including cytokine production, inflammasome activation, and antibody-mediated neutralization. However, host-specific factors like age, sex, genetic predisposition, and environmental influences can modulate immune responses, potentially affecting disease severity and vaccine efficacy. Key Findings and Conclusions RTX toxins have been explored for both diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Their structural motifs serve as molecular markers for bacterial identification, and RTX-based vaccines, including subunit and DNA vaccines, show promise in preventing infections. However, antigenic variability and mechanisms of immune evasion pose significant hurdles to vaccine development. Moreover, challenges in vaccine development extend beyond antigenic variability, including aspects like effective delivery systems and appropriate adjuvants. Advances in computational modeling and epitope prediction may facilitate the design of broad-spectrum RTX vaccines. Future research should focus on optimizing immunization strategies and investigating RTX toxins as potential immunomodulators. Understanding RTX toxin–host interactions will be crucial for improving disease control and therapeutic interventions.

Background and Aim: Due to a large part to its aggressive invasiveness and quick growth, lung cancer continues to rank among the world’s top causes of cancer-related death. The pathophysiology of this disease has been linked to ion channels, specifically voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs), according to the recent research. In a number of malignancies, including lung adenocarcinoma, VGSCs are linked to altering membrane potential and increasing metastasis. AahII toxin, a highly selective VGSCs blocker, derives from the venom of Androctonus australis hector scorpion. However, systemic toxicity with repeated administration prevents it from being used in therapeutic settings. This study used a urethane-induced lung cancer model to assess the therapeutic potential of encapsulated AahII in chitosan nanoparticles (AahII-CNPs). Experimental Approach: To increase its biocompatibility and decrease its toxicity, AahII toxin was encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles. AahII-CNPs were given intranasally to animals that present lung tumors caused by urethane. EGFR, Ki-67, BCL-2, and immune cell infiltration were among the markers used in immunohistochemical and molecular studies to evaluate the treatment’s effects on angiogenesis, proliferation, apoptosis, immunological response, and oxidative stress. Key Findings: Reduced expression of EGFR, Ki-67, and BCL-2 demonstrated that intranasal delivery of AahII-CNPs effectively prevented tumor angiogenesis and cell proliferation. Additionally, the formulation induced apoptosis and had immunomodulatory effects, as shown by a decrease in granulocyte infiltration and an increase in natural killer (NK) cell infiltration. Its anticancer activity was further enhanced by the restoration of oxidative balance in lung tissue by AahII-CNPs. Results demonstrate the therapeutic potential of AahII-CNPs as a new bioengineered formulation for lung cancer treatment. Conclusions: The chitosan encapsulation method of AahII’s targeted administration and decreased toxicity provide a viable approach to modifying important neoplastic pathways and boosting the host immune response. One promising option for more preclinical research in lung cancer treatment is AahII-CNPs.

This review examines the use of essential oils in biopesticides from 2002 to 2023, highlighting trends, major contributors, key publications, and future directions. Research on essential oils has grown globally, with notable contributions from Brazil, India, Italy, and the USA. Articles dominate the 480 publications analyzed. Future research should address pest management mechanisms, active compounds, formulations, and contact toxicity. Challenges include complex formulations, regulatory barriers, resistance, and environmental concerns. Interdisciplinary collaboration is vital for integrating essential oils into pest management strategies, promoting sustainable alternatives to synthetic pesticides, ecological sustainability, and enhanced food security.

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) are among the stable and dangerous environmental pollutants that cause complications in the human body. The present study was conducted to assess the health risk of PTEs in corn fields in southwestern Iran. In the summer and autumn of 2022, 180 samples were collected from corn fields in six regions of Khuzestan Province. Potential elements were measured using the atomic absorption method and an AA240Z device. The average concentrations of Cd, Ni, Zn, and Cu in soil samples from corn fields were found to be 0.20 ± 0.01, 48.96 ± 12.63, 59.93 ± 8.77, and 27.31 ± 5.92 mg/kg, respectively. There was no significant difference in the concentrations of PTEs between the two sampling periods (p > 0.05), but a significant difference was observed among the concentrations of PTEs in the six studied farms (p < 0.05). The highest transfer factor for Zn in corn was 0.62, while the transfer factor for Cu was 0.12, which was lower than that of other elements. The average concentrations of Cd, Ni, Zn, and Cu in corn samples from agricultural fields during the summer and autumn seasons were 0.058, 21.39, 36.52, and 6.60 mg/kg, respectively. The Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) for Cd, Ni, Zn, and Cu was 0.33, 6.11, 0.69, and 0.94 for adults and 1.54, 28.52, 3.24, and 4.4 for children. THQ values for the metals in corn for children were higher than 1. Additionally, the THQ for Ni in adults was higher than 1, indicating a potential health risk. Therefore, based on the data analysis, the THQ of Cd, Ni, Cu, and Zn in corn can pose a danger to human health. According to the results of the Cd carcinogenesis risk index, corn consumption appears to be hazardous for both adults and children.

Intraspecific variation in snake venom composition has been the subject of many studies, revealing the differences in venom proteomes according to age, diet, sex, and geographic region. Previous research on M. lebetinus venom mainly focused on protein purification, proteomic characterization, and biological activities. Although venom proteomes of its subspecies from different geographical areas were compared, it is a widespread species and there is limited knowledge regarding the individual venom variation of M. lebetinus in the same area. In this study, individual variation in M. lebetinus obtusa venom was investigated in terms of protein profiles, protease, phospholipase A2, ʟ-amino acid oxidase, hyaluronidase and phosphodiesterase, and hemolytic activities based on nine individuals collected in the province of Şanlıurfa (southeastern Türkiye). HPLC analysis indicated more striking differences compared to SDS-PAGE. Phosphodiesterase activity varied most between the individuals, followed by hyaluronidase and phospholipase A2. Hemolytic activity did not show significant alteration based on the blood agar method. The results of this initial study revealed that M. lebetinus venom shows variation between the individuals inhabiting the same habitat, which should be taken into account in the development of antivenoms and the clinical assessment of the bite cases.