Antagonistic Effects of Enrofloxacin on Carbendazim-Induced Developmental Toxicity in Zebrafish Embryos

Carbendazim (CAR) and enrofloxacin (ENF) are frequently detected in fruits and meat products, respectively. Since most people consume fruits, vegetables, and meat products, combined exposure is possible, necessitating further evaluation of toxic interactions. In this study, the developmental toxicity of separate and combined exposure was examined in zebrafish embryos. Carbendazim exposure at 0.79 mg/L and above significantly affected developmental parameters, while enrofloxacin alone had no substantial effects on these developmental parameters within the selected concentration range (0.10–0.40 mg/L). Surprisingly, ENF antagonized the CAR-evoked reduction in the 48 hpf (hours post-fertilization) hatching rate and the increases in the 96 hpf malformation and lethality rates. The results revealed that the antagonism might be associated with reciprocal effects of these compounds on metabolism-related genes, such as cyp7a1 and apoa1a. These results reveal a complex interaction between ENF and CAR on metabolic regulation during development and highlight the importance of combined assessment for agents with the potential for simultaneous exposure.

Combined Negative Effects of Microplastics and Plasticizer DEHP: the Increased Release of Nets Delays Wound Healing

Introduction: Environmental pollutants microplastics (MPs) and di (2-ethyl) hexyl phthalate (DEHP) can cause damage to multiple organs by causing oxidative stress. Oxidative stress participates in the healing of skin wounds through the release of neutrophil extranets (Nets). Here, we studied the effects of DEHP and MPs on skin wound healing in mice after single and combined exposure for 1 month. Results: The results showed that MPs delayed the healing of skin wounds, and the combination of the two delayed wound healing more significantly. The results of in vivo and in vitro experiments showed that the release of oxidative stress and Nets in the single exposure group increased, and the combined exposure group increased more. Further mechanism studies showed that the skin chemokines of the single exposure group increased, the NF-κB pathway was activated, the Wnt pathway was inhibited, and the epidermal growth factor and fibrosis-related indicators decreased. The combined exposure group showed a more obvious trend.Conclusion: In summary, the above results indicate that DEHP combined with MPs induces an increase in the release of Nets by causing excessive skin ROS production and increases the expression of chemokines and interferes with the expression of healing factors by regulating the NF-κB and Wnt pathways.

Vibration Disease: Exposure Level and Duration-Dependent Characteristics and Features of the Clinical Picture Following Local and Combined Local and Whole Body Vibration

Introduction: Vibration disease is induced by a long-term occupational exposure to vibration above the maximum permissible level and is manifested by damage to the peripheral vascular and nervous systems and disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Objective: To study the exposure level and duration dependency and features of the clinical picture of vibration disease in workers exposed to local and combined local and whole body vibration. Materials and methods: The study included 136 male workers. Cohort I consisted of 60 patients (mean age: 49.5 ± 7.4 years) with vibration disease related to the local vibration exposure; cohort II included 76 patients (mean age: 55.7 ± 4.8 years) with vibration disease induced by the combined exposure to hand-arm and whole body vibration. Results: The examined subjects worked in harmful working conditions of classes 3.1–3.4. Measured vibration exceeded maximum permissible values at most workplaces. Levels of local vibration did not differ significantly between the cohorts and amounted to 115.0 and 118.0 dB; the level of whole body vibration in cohort II was 116.0 dB. Shorter work experience and younger age at the time of diagnosing the occupational disease were registered in people exposed to local vibration only compared to those with a combined exposure. The angiodystonic syndrome was twice as frequent in cohort I, while cohort II had a larger proportion of patients with concomitant diseases (low back pain, periarthrosis, etc.). Conclusion: Our findings indicate the necessity to reduce occupational exposures to vibration and take appropriate therapeutic and preventive measures in order to maintain health and work ability of employees.