Article
Food Science & Technology
Davide Di Paola, Carmelo Iaria, Fabiano Capparucci, Marika Cordaro, Rosalia Crupi, Rosalba Siracusa, Ramona D'Amico, Roberta Fusco, Daniela Impellizzeri, Salvatore Cuzzocrea, Nunziacarla Spano, Enrico Gugliandolo, Alessio Filippo Peritore
Summary: This study confirmed the effects of AFB1 on zebrafish embryos and larvae, evaluated oxidative stress pathways, and the protective effect of Hericium extract. Results suggest that Hericium may counteract AFB1 toxicity mechanisms by promoting antioxidant defense systems and reducing lipid peroxidation in fish development.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Yong-Mei Hu, Yi-Rong Wang, Wen -Bin Zhao, Yan Yan Ding, Zheng-Rong Wu, Guang-Han Wang, Peng Deng, Shao-Yong Zhang, Jun-Xia An, Zhi-Jun Zhang, Xiong-Fei Luo, Ying-Qian Liu
Summary: Aspergillus flavus, a filamentous fungus, can contaminate agricultural crops with aflatoxins, posing threats to food security and the agricultural economy. Pterostilbene, a natural compound, exhibits strong antimicrobial activity and safety. In this study, pterostilbene was found to effectively inhibit A. flavus growth, aflatoxin B1 biosynthesis, and infection on peanuts by inducing oxidative stress and damaging biomolecules.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yingjie Wang, Fangju Liu, Xin Zhou, Mengru Liu, Haoran Zang, Xiao Liu, Anshan Shan, Xingjun Feng
Summary: Curcumin can alleviate AFB1-induced kidney damage by antagonizing oxidative stress and apoptosis.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pengpeng Wang, Yingli Wang, Tianyi Feng, Ziyin Yan, Di Zhu, Huixian Lin, Mudassar Iqbal, Dandan Deng, Muhammad Fakhar-e-Alam Kulyar, Yaoqin Shen
Summary: Hedyotis diffusa (HD) has a positive effect on AFB1-induced liver injury in ducks by activating the Nrf2 pathway to reduce hepatotoxicity.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Haitao Li, Rui Sang, Xin Zhao, Chunting Li, Wei Wang, Meng Wang, Bingjie Ge, Xuemei Zhang
Summary: In this study, it is found that taraxasterol, an active component of Taraxacum, can protect against immune-mediated liver injuries in poultry by activating the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway and regulating cell autophagy and apoptosis in AFB1-induced hepatocytes.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lu-xi Lin, Qin-qin Cao, Chao-dong Zhang, Ting-ting Xu, Ke Yue, Qinghao Li, Fang Liu, Xuebing Wang, Hai-ju Dong, Shu-cheng Huang, Fu-chun Jian
Summary: This study investigated the effects of AFB1 on the testes of sheep and found that AFB1 can cause testicular damage and dysfunction. The mechanisms involved rumen dysbacteriosis, testicular oxidative stress, and apoptosis.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Xiaotong Li, Zhiming Lv, Jia Chen, Eugenie Nepovimova, Miao Long, Wenda Wu, Kamil Kuca
Summary: The study found that Bacillus amyloliquefaciens B10 can alleviate AFB1-induced oxidative damage and apoptosis in the livers of mice by significantly reversing the biochemical indices, pathological changes, and expressions of genes and proteins related to oxidative stress and apoptosis.
FOOD AND CHEMICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Qin-qin Cao, Lu-xi Lin, Ting-ting Xu, Ying Lu, Chao-dong Zhang, Ke Yue, Shu-cheng Huang, Hai-ju Dong, Fu-chun Jian
Summary: The study showed that AFB1 exposure in sheep led to impaired liver and kidney function, as well as changes in meat quality such as muscle fiber structure, drip loss, and color. Additionally, AFB1 caused oxidative stress, inflammation, and altered gut microbiota, all of which contribute to the damage of meat quality.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Jinglin Ma, Yanrong Liu, Yongpeng Guo, Qiugang Ma, Cheng Ji, Lihong Zhao
Summary: AFB1 induces oxidative stress in macrophages by affecting the respiratory chain, leading to increased ROS production. KEGG analysis reveals that AFB1 also affects multiple immune regulatory pathways.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kang Cheng, Jingyi Niu, Xiaotong Zheng, Yining Qiao, Jinyan Zhang, Rui Guo, Guorun Dong, Zhihua Song, Jin Huang, Jinrong Wang, Yong Zhang
Summary: Polydatin (PD), a natural polyphenol, has been shown to protect and treat liver disorders through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study further demonstrates the protective effect of PD against AFB1-induced liver injury by reducing oxidative stress, inhibiting inflammation, and improving mitophagy.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Dan Xu, Shurui Peng, Rui Guo, Lishan Yao, Haizhen Mo, Hongbo Li, Hongxin Song, Liangbin Hu
Summary: The study showed that EGCG could prevent aflatoxin contamination by inhibiting the biosynthesis of aflatoxin B-1 and reducing oxidative stress. Furthermore, EGCG inhibited AFB(1) biosynthesis through the MAPK signaling pathway and by regulating transcription factor AtfA.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ezgi Nur Demirkapi, Sinan Ince, Hasan Huseyin Demirel, Damla Arslan-Acaroz, Ulas Acaroz
Summary: This study demonstrates the protective effect of polydatin (PD) against oxidative stress caused by aflatoxin B-1 (AFB(1)) in mice. PD administration at increasing doses effectively reduced oxidative stress, DNA damage, and inflammation induced by AFB(1). Furthermore, PD improved liver and kidney tissue damage caused by AFB(1). These findings highlight the potential of PD as a therapeutic agent against AFB(1)-induced toxicity.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yeqi Zhao, Tiancheng Wang, Peng Li, Jia Chen, Eugenie Nepovimova, Miao Long, Wenda Wu, Kamil Kuca
Summary: This study demonstrated that Bacillus amyloliquefaciens B10 can alleviate AFB1-induced kidney injury in mice by reversing biochemical indices and protein expressions. This suggests that B. amyloliquefaciens B10 may have a protective effect against AFB1 toxicity.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Carine Al-Ayoubi, Maria Alonso-Jauregui, Amaya Azqueta, Julien Vignard, Gladys Mirey, Ophelie Rocher, Olivier Puel, Isabelle P. Oswald, Ariane Vettorazzi, Laura Soler
Summary: Versicolorin A (VerA), a precursor of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), induces genotoxicity by causing DNA damage and activating DNA repair pathways. This study highlights the potential carcinogenicity of VerA exposure, even at low concentrations, and calls for further research on this emerging food contaminant.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Alja Stern, Veronika Furlan, Matjaz Novaz, Martina Stampar, Zala Kolenc, Katarina Kores, Metka Filipic, Urban Bren, Bojana Zegura
Summary: The study demonstrated that xanthohumol and its derivatives can act as scavengers of aflatoxin B1 exo-8,9-epoxide (AFBO), reducing DNA adduct formation and cellular damage. In vitro experiments further confirmed the chemoprotective effects of xanthohumol.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Amira Akacha, Riadh Badraoui, Tarek Rebai, Lazhar Zourgui
Summary: This study evaluated the role of Opuntia ficus indica ethanolic extract in protecting against testicular damage induced by Methotrexate (MTX) in rats. The results showed that MTX had destructive effects on sperm count, motility, and testosterone levels, as well as increased oxidative stress in the testis. However, treatment with Opuntia ficus indica extract improved testicular histology, reduced oxidative stress, and improved sperm parameters and testosterone levels. In conclusion, Opuntia ficus indica extract has potential fertility-boosting effects and can protect against MTX-induced testicular injury in rats.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sami Zaafrane, Kaouthar Maatouk, Sana Alibi, Hedi Ben Mansour
Summary: Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a gram-negative bacterium found worldwide in seawater and is a major cause of seafood gastroenteritis. A study in Tunisia investigated the presence of this bacterium in seawater samples and found that only a small number of samples were positive for V. parahaemolyticus. Two isolates were identified with specific toxin genes, indicating their potential virulence.
JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zaafrane Sami, Maatouk Kaouthar, Cherif Nadia, Ben Mansour Hedi
Summary: This study investigated the impact of sunlight and salinities on the survival of Vibrio parahaemolyticus strains. The results showed that sunlight exposure caused the strains to become non-culturable but viable. The tdh positive strains were more culturable than the non-virulent or trh positive strain. The survival time was longer at certain salinities and the non-pathogenic strain survived longer than the virulent ones. Resuscitation experiments did not revive the non-culturable bacteria. Microscope observations showed that the strains remained motile after losing their culturability.
WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Karima Bekir, Asma Beltifa, Ferdaws Maatouk, Nezar H. Khdary, Houcine Barhoumi, Hedi Ben Mansour
Summary: A DNA biosensor based on a modified gold electrode was developed for the ultratrace determination of genotoxicity antibiotics in hospital wastewater. The biosensor exhibited excellent performance and the level of genotoxicity was found to be proportional to the concentration of antibiotics detected. Comet assay was used to measure the DNA damage induced by xenobiotics, and Gabes hospital wastewater showed the highest genotoxic effect.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Ambrogina Albergamo, Angela Giorgia Potorti, Giuseppa Di Bella, Nawres Ben Amor, Giovanna Lo Vecchio, Vincenzo Nava, Rossana Rando, Hedi Ben Mansour, Vincenzo Lo Turco
Summary: This study analyzed various dried by-products from the Tunisian O. ficus-indica and found that the peel and fruit of the cactus were abundant in fiber, while the seeds were high in protein and potentially a source of edible oil rich in linoleic acid. The cactus and peel had high levels of magnesium, potassium, manganese, and iron, while the fruit pulp mainly consisted of glucose and arabinose. The peel also contained a significant amount of polyphenols and other bioactive compounds. The findings suggest that the Tunisian prickly pear cactus has potential for sustainable production, waste management, and health benefits.
Article
Microbiology
Amel Jebara, Wafa Hassen, Amira Ousleti, Lotfi Mabrouk, Ahlem Jaziri, Giuseppa Di Bella, Hedi Ben Mansour
Summary: This study aimed to determine multidrug resistance patterns among isolated epi-endophytic bacterial strains in Posidonia oceanica seagrass from Mahdia coastal seawater. The analysis of bacterial community structure and diversity revealed site-specific bands and common bands across samples. The identified bacterial strains showed resistance to commonly used antibiotics in Tunisia, with strain S5-L13 exhibiting the highest multidrug resistance.
ARCHIVES OF MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Wafa Hassen, Ines Mehri, Asma Beltifa, Angela Giorgia Potorti, Nabila Khellaf, Ranya Amer, Joris Van Loco, Abdennaceur Hassen, Giuseppa Di Bella, Nezar H. Khdary, Hedi Ben Mansour
Summary: This study examined the physicochemical and microbiological quality of wastewater discharged along the Mediterranean Sea. The results showed that the quality of treated wastewater was better than raw wastewater, and it met the standard limits in all Mediterranean countries. The wastewater treatment process used in Italy was effective in reducing pollution parameters. The presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the wastewater indicated the widespread circulation of antibiotic resistance due to the excessive use of antibiotics.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Houcine Dab, Said Ben Hamed, Wassim Hodroj, Lazhar Zourgui
Summary: This study aimed to explore the inflammatory response and oxidative stress state in diabetes and unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) separately and in combination. The results showed that diabetes and UCMS separately increased the expression of inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-alpha, and their combined effect was more significant. In addition, diabetes and UCMS also inhibited the activity of antioxidant enzymes SOD and CAT, and increased lipid peroxidation levels. The findings suggest that UCMS worsens the inflammatory response and lipid peroxidation, providing insights into depression-induced organ damage.
BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGICAL EQUIPMENT
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Wiem Sdiri, Huda S. S. AlSalem, Soha T. T. Al-Goul, Mona S. S. Binkadem, Hedi Ben Mansour
Summary: This study investigated the effects of wastewater on soil physical and chemical properties using manual irrigation (MI) and surface drip irrigation (SDI) systems. Soil samples were collected from three depths before and after the 12-month experiment for analysis. The results showed that wastewater application maintained soil quality and promoted soil microbial activity and organic matter (OM) mineralization. The study also found that treated wastewater (TWW) fertilization had positive effects on nutrient levels in the topsoil, while SDI system blocked the translocation of metals to plants and their accumulation in soil.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Amira Oueslati, Samia Dabbou, Nosra Methneni, Giuseppe Montevecchi, Vincenzo Nava, Rossana Rando, Giovanni Bartolomeo, Andrea Antonelli, Giuseppa Di Bella, Hedi Ben Mansour
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of poultry meat industry wastewater on irrigating olive trees and its impact on pomological criteria and olive oil quality. The results showed that irrigating olive trees with diluted poultry wastewater can improve pomological criteria and obtain olive oil with higher oil content. Poultry wastewater irrigation also increases the content of polyphenols in the oil. However, heavy metals accumulation was observed in both fruits and olive oil when using poultry wastewater for irrigation. In conclusion, poultry wastewater is the best alternative to improve olive oil quality among the water qualities compared in this study.
Article
Agronomy
Rossella Vadala, Vincenzo Nava, Vincenzo Lo Turco, Angela Giorgia Potorti, Rosaria Costa, Rossana Rando, Hedi Ben Mansour, Nawres Ben Amor, Asma Beltifa, Antonello Santini, Giuseppa Di Bella
Summary: The reclaim of less-used plant sources is a sustainable alternative to meet the growing demand for healthy and eco-friendly foods. This study analyzed the phytochemical profile of several commercial edible oils and found that wheat germ oil had the highest nutritional impact, while pumpkin seed oil had high levels of squalene and is considered a valuable functional food. Nigella oil had the highest total polyphenolic content, justifying its stability and antioxidant properties. Daily consumption of bitter almond or souchet oil can contribute to alpha-tocopherol intake and provide beneficial effects on human health and nutrition.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Houcine Dab, Said Ben Hamed, Amel Jery, Amel Chehidi, Lazhar Zourgui
Summary: The study investigated the effects of S. officinalis on copper sulfate toxicity and found that it has potential beneficial effects on proinflammatory response and antioxidant status.
DRUG AND CHEMICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Asma Kassab, Yassine Khalij, Yosra Ayed, Najla Dar-Odeh, Amal A. Kokandi, Meriam Denguezli, Monia Youssef
Summary: Background: Vitiligo is a common chronic hypomelanotic skin disorder. The study investigates the important markers associated with vitiligo pathogenesis, including redox status, inflammation, and immune profile, in patients with vitiligo.
Methods: The study included 96 subjects: 30 patients with active non-segmental vitiligo, 30 patients with stable non-segmental vitiligo, and 36 controls. Various serum parameters were assessed.
Results: Antioxidant status, catalase activity, glutathione peroxidase activity, and glutathione-S-transferase activity were significantly lower in vitiligo patients than in controls. Superoxide dismutase activity was significantly higher in vitiligo patients. Malondialdehyde and advanced oxidation protein products levels were significantly higher in vitiligo patients. C reactive protein and interleukin-15 were significantly higher in vitiligo patients. Chemokines CXCL9 and CXCL10 were significantly higher in vitiligo patients.
Conclusions: In vitiligo, oxidative damage induces an increase in pro-inflammatory IL-15, which in turn promotes IFN-gamma-inducible chemokines such as CXCL9 and CXCL10. The VASI score is linked to IL-15 levels. Inhibiting IL-15 could be a potential targeted treatment for suppresses the early interplay between oxidant stress and IL-15 keratinocyte production, as well as between resident and recirculating memory T cells.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Imene Fekih, Sana Hamila, Sarra Bchir, Hedi Ben Mansour
Summary: Freshwater scarcity is a major environmental problem, and water reuse is a possible solution to cope with the shortage of water for agriculture irrigation. This study evaluated the irrigation effect of treated effluent from a wastewater treatment plant in Tunisia on parsley and alfalfa. The results showed that wastewater with a 25% dilution and further treatment positively affected plant physiological parameters, while higher dilutions had negative effects. Tap water showed the best irrigation effects. A pot trial also showed that further treated wastewater was more suitable for irrigation compared to untreated wastewater. The findings suggest that treated wastewater can be used as a hydric alternative to resolve water deficit issues in semi-arid countries.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bouthaina Souaf, Nosra Methneni, Asma Beltifa, Vincenzo Lo Turco, Anthony Danioux, Federica Litrenta, Mouncef Sedrati, Hedi Ben Mansour, Giuseppa Di Bella
Summary: Plasticizers, commonly used in plastic manufacturing, tend to end up in the marine environment through the ageing of plastic products. The pollution caused by phthalate acid esters (PAEs) and their alternatives has become a serious concern due to their ubiquity in the environment and aquatic organisms. This study detected four PAEs (DEP, DiBP, DBP, DEHP) and one non-phthalate plasticizer (DEHT) in different marine compartments. The results revealed that DEHT was the most abundant and frequently detected congener, indicating its potential bioaccumulation in marine organisms through the food chain. Furthermore, the seasonal variations of plasticizers were greatly influenced by environmental factors such as industrial and urban discharges.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
