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Arsenic catastrophe has caused serious health hazards to the exposed population. An estimated 10 million people are exposed to arsenic poisoning through groundwater. The arsenic contamination through ground water has caused health diseases such as skin manifestations, loss of appetite, nausea, bowel disorders, neurological disorders etc. Therefore, there is need for search for proper therapeutic drug against arsenic induced toxicity in rats. In the present study, arsenic induced toxic model was developed by treating Charles Foster rats (n=18) with sodium arsenite orally at the dose of 8 mg/kg body weight daily for 60 days followed by administration of Bacopa moneri (Brahmi) leaf extract at the dose of 30mg/kg body weight daily by gavage method for 60 days. After the completion of the experiment, all the animals were sacrificed and their blood samples were collected along with their vital tissues. Following parameters were assayed such as haematological assay, biochemical assay and histopathological evaluation in the present study. The haematological study comprised of RBC counts, WBC counts, platelets counts and heamoglobin percentage. For biochemical evaluation, the liver function test and the kidney function test parameters along with free radical assay were carried out. The histopathological study also showed very high degree of degeneration in the hepatocytes and the nephrocytes in the vital organ's liver and kidney. But, after the administration of ethanolic leaf extract of Bacopa moneri, there was marked restoration in the studied parameters. The haematological parameters, the biochemical parameters as well as the histopathological study showed very significant outcomes. Therefore, the present studied medicinal plant Bacopa moneri possesses antidote effect against arsenic induced toxicity in Charles Foster rats which can be used as therapeutic drug in the future after clinical approval. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aimed to evaluate the lactoferrin (LF) effect on arsenic (As) and imidacloprid (IMI) toxicity in broiler chicks. One-week old broiler chicks (n=105) were divided into seven groups (x15 each). The animals were orally supplemented with As, IMI, and/or LF for 4 weeks as follows: Control (G1) no supplements, G2 supplemented with As, G3 supplemented with IMI, G4 supplemented with As+IMI, G5 supplemented with As+LF, G6 supplemented with IMI+LF, G7 supplemented with As+IMI+LF. Body weight and weight gain were recorded on weekly interval. Blood, serum, liver, kidney, and muscle samples were collected at the end of the experimental period for biochemical and histopathological examination. Body weight performance, hematological, serum, and liver tissue biochemical analysis revealed adverse changes in G2, G3, and G4 compared to control, G5, G6, and G7. There was higher tissue residue of As and IMI in G4 and G5 compared to G5, G6, and G7. Liver histopathological changes in the groups supplemented with As and/or IMI were observed with necrosis, congestion, and inflammatory cell aggregates. The use of LF in broiler chicks improves weight gain performance and modulates the adverse effects of As and/or IMI toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic (As) contamination poses a major threat to the sustainable production of wheat by disrupting its cellular structure, ionome, and antioxidant defense mechanisms. Therefore, it is important to identify As-tolerant wheat cultivars with a better ability to thrive in As-contaminated soil. For this purpose, two cultivars (SKD-1 and Borlaug-16) were exposed to As treatment (25 mg/L) for 21 days in a pot experiment and studied for morpho-physiological variations and ionomic profiling (using ICP-OES). The study revealed that Borlaug-16 accumulated more As in roots (0.21 µg/mL) than SKD-1 (0.15 µg/mL) and showed higher root-to-leaf translocation under As stress. The concentrations of trace elements (Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Mn, and Zn) in Borlaug-16 increased by 143%, 853%, 75%, 300%, 200%, and 168%, respectively, whereas those of mineral elements (Fe, K, Mg, and P) increased by 160%, 729%, 274%, and 397%, respectively, compared to SKD-1 under As stress. In addition, SKD-1 leaves showed higher cellular thickness in the upper and lower epidermis (Ep), whereas roots showed lower cellular thickness in Ep. SKD-1 showed a 23.69% decrease in root H2O2, whereas Borlaug-16 showed a 12.1% increase. Additionally, the Borlaug-16 leaf H2O2 content exhibited a significant increase of 68.94%. SKD-1 exhibited increased antioxidant activity in both roots (SOD, Ascorbate, Glutathione) and leaves (Ascorbate Proline, TAC). Thus, the SKD-1 cultivar was found to be tolerant to As toxicity by restricting As translocation and stimulating defense mechanisms. Such cultivars have the potential to provide safer grains for consumption and ensure sustainable production of wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, the impact of arsenolite oxide (As2O3) crystallites on the structural and optical properties of porous gallium arsenide (GaAs) is examined, focusing on understanding the potential passivation effect and its influence on material stability and safety. Utilizing a comprehensive set of analytical methods, including cathodoluminescence (CL) spectroscopy, Raman scattering spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction, the interaction between the GaAs substrate and arsenolite crystallites is characterized. The results indicate that the crystallites do not significantly alter the electronic and optical properties of the underlying GaAs, suggesting a possible passivating effect that could enhance device performance. However, concerns regarding arsenolite's environmental stability and toxicity prompt a cautious approach to its application. Herein, the need for further research into conditions conducive to natural oxide formation, exploration of alternative passivation strategies, and development of safe and stable oxide layers is underscored. Reproducible results are necessary to confirm the differences in CL signals between samples, as the current findings are based on single measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic arsenic-exposure causes neuromuscular disorders and other health anomalies. Damage to DNA and cytoskeletal/extracellular matrix is brought on by reactive-oxygen-species (ROS)-induced intrinsic antioxidant depletion (thiols/urate). Therapeutic chelating-agents have multiple side-effects. Objectives: The protection of (Camellia sinensis) tea-extract and role of uric-acid (UA) or allopurinol (urate-depletor) on arsenic-toxicity were verified in rat model. Methods: Camellia sinensis (CS dry-leaves), UA or allopurinol was supplemented to arsenic-intoxicated rats for 4-weeks. Purified theaflavins and their galloyl-ester were tested in-vitro on pure AChE (acetylcholinesterase) and their PDB/PubChem 3-D structures were utilized for in-silico binding studies. The primary chemical components were evaluated from CS-extracts. Biochemical analysis, PAGE-zymogram, DNA-stability comet analysis, HE-staining was performed in arsenic-exposed rat brain tissues. Results: Animals exposed to arsenic showed symptoms of erratic locomotion, decreased intrinsic antioxidants (catalase/SOD1/uric acid), increased AChE, and malondialdehyde. Cerebellar and cerebrum tissue damages were shown with increased levels of matrix-metalloprotease (MMP2/9) and DNA damage (comets). Allopurinol- supplemented group demonstrated somewhat similar biochemical responses. In the CS-group brain tissues especially cerebellum is considerably protected which is evident from endogenous antioxidant and DNA and cytoskeleton protection with concomitant inactivation of MMPs and AChE. Present study indicates theaflavin-digallate (TFDG) demonstrated the highest inhibition of purified AChE (IC50 = 2.19 µg/ml with the lowest binding free-energy; −369.87 kcal/mol) followed by TFMG (IC50 = 3.86 µg/ml, −347.06 kcal/mol) suggesting their possible restoring effects of cholinergic response. Conclusions: Favorable responses in UA-group and adverse outcome in allo-group justify the neuro-protective effects of UA as an endogenous antioxidant. Role of flavon-gallate in neuro protection mechanism may be further studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aimed to evaluate the lactoferrin (LF) effect on arsenic (As) and imidacloprid (IMI) toxicity in broiler chicks. One-week old broiler chicks (n=105) were divided into seven groups (x15 each). The animals were orally supplemented with As, IMI, and/or LF for 4 weeks as follows: Control (G1) no supplements, G2 supplemented with As, G3 supplemented with IMI, G4 supplemented with As+IMI, G5 supplemented with As+LF, G6 supplemented with IMI+LF, G7 supplemented with As+IMI+LF. Body weight and weight gain were recorded on weekly interval. Blood, serum, liver, kidney, and muscle samples were collected at the end of the experimental period for biochemical and histopathological examination. Body weight performance, hematological, serum, and liver tissue biochemical analysis revealed adverse changes in G2, G3, and G4 compared to control, G5, G6, and G7. There was higher tissue residue of As and IMI in G4 compared to G5, G6, and G7. Liver histopathological changes in the groups supplemented with As and/or IMI were observed with necrosis, congestion, and inflammatory cell aggregates. The use of LF in broiler chicks improves weight gain performance and modulates the adverse effects of As and/or IMI toxicity.

Abstract Recent studies have exhibited a very promising role of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) in mitigation of abiotic stresses in plants. Arbuscular mycorrhizae fungi (AMF) assisted plants to trigger their defense mechanism against abiotic stresses. Arsenic (As) is a non-essential and injurious heavy-metal contaminant. Current research work was designed to elucidate role of CuNPs (100, 200 and 300 mM) and a commercial inoculum of Glomus species (Clonex® Root Maximizer) either alone or in combination (CuNPs + Clonex) on physiology, growth, and stress alleviation mechanisms of E. sibiricus growing in As spiked soils (0, 50, and 100 mg Kg− 1 soil). Arsenic induced oxidative stress, enhanced biosynthesis of hydrogen peroxide, lipid peroxidation and methylglyoxal (MG) in E. sibiricus. Moreover, As-phytotoxicity reduced photosynthetic activities and growth of plants. Results showed that individual and combined treatments, CuNPs (100 mM) as well as soil inoculation of AMF significantly enhanced root growth and shoot growth by declining As content in root tissues and shoot tissues in As polluted soils. E. sibiricus plants treated with CuNPs (100 mM) and/or AMF alleviated As induced phytotoxicity through upregulating the activity of antioxidative enzymes such as catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) besides the biosynthesis of non-enzymatic antioxidants including phytochelatin (PC) and glutathione (GSH). In brief, supplementation of CuNPs (100 mM) alone or in combination with AMF reduced As uptake and alleviated the As-phytotoxicity in E. sibiricus by inducing stress tolerance mechanism resulting in the improvement of the plant growth parameters.

As an element with metalloid properties, arsenic is pervasively present in the environment and is recognized as a potent carcinogen. Consequently, the issue of human arsenic exposure has become a significant concern within the global public health sector. Numerous studies have indicated that arsenic induces cellular senescence through various mechanisms, including triggering epigenetic alterations, inducing the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), promoting telomere shortening, and causing mitochondrial dysfunction. This article collates and summarizes the latest research advancements on the involvement of cellular senescence in arsenic toxicity and explores the mechanisms of arsenic-induced toxicity. This study aims to provide new perspectives and directions for future research on arsenic toxicity and the development of prevention and treatment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study evaluated the repercussions of magnetopriming on the root system architecture of soybean plants subjected to arsenic toxicity using synchrotron radiation source based micro-computed tomography (SR-µCT). This will be used evey where as abbreviation for the technique for threedimensional imaging. Seeds of soybean were exposed to the static magnetic field (SMF) of strength (200 mT) for 1h prior to sowing. Magnetoprimed and nonprimed seeds were grown for 1 month in a soil-sand mixture containing four different levels of sodium arsenate (0, 5, 10, and 50 mg As kg-1 soil). The results showed that arsenic adversely affects the root growth in non-primed plants by reducing their root length, root biomass, root hair, size and number of root nodules, where the damaging effect of As was observed maximum at higher concentrations (10 and 50 mg As kg-1 soil). However, a significant improvement in root morphology was detected in magnetoprimed plants where SMF pretreatment enhanced the root length, root biomass, pore diameter of cortical cells, root hair formation, lateral roots branching, and size of root nodules and girth of primary roots. Qualitative analysis of x-ray micro-CT images showed that arsenic toxicity damaged the epidermal and cortical layers of the root as well as reduced the pore diameter of the cortical cells. However, the diameter of cortical cells pores in magnetoprimed plants was observed higher as compared to plants emerged from non-primed seeds at all level of As toxicity. Thus, the study suggested that magnetopriming has the potential to attenuate the toxic effect of As and could be employed as a pre-sowing treatment to reduce the phytotoxic effects of metal ions in plants by improving root architecture and root tolerance index. This study is the very first exploration of the potential benefits of magnetopriming in mitigating the toxicity of metals (As) in plant roots utilizing the micro-CT technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have exhibited a very promising role of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) in mitigation of abiotic stresses in plants. Arbuscular mycorrhizae fungi (AMF) assisted plants to trigger their defense mechanism against abiotic stresses. Arsenic (As) is a non-essential and injurious heavy-metal contaminant. Current research work was designed to elucidate role of CuNPs (100, 200 and 300 mM) and a commercial inoculum of Glomus species (Clonex® Root Maximizer) either alone or in combination (CuNPs + Clonex) on physiology, growth, and stress alleviation mechanisms of E. sibiricus growing in As spiked soils (0, 50, and 100 mg Kg− 1 soil). Arsenic induced oxidative stress, enhanced biosynthesis of hydrogen peroxide, lipid peroxidation and methylglyoxal (MG) in E. sibiricus. Moreover, As-phytotoxicity reduced photosynthetic activities and growth of plants. Results showed that individual and combined treatments, CuNPs (100 mM) as well as soil inoculation of AMF significantly enhanced root growth and shoot growth by declining As content in root tissues and shoot tissues in As polluted soils. E. sibiricus plants treated with CuNPs (100 mM) and/or AMF alleviated As induced phytotoxicity through upregulating the activity of antioxidative enzymes such as catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) besides the biosynthesis of non-enzymatic antioxidants including phytochelatin (PC) and glutathione (GSH). In brief, supplementation of CuNPs (100 mM) alone or in combination with AMF reduced As uptake and alleviated the As-phytotoxicity in E. sibiricus by inducing stress tolerance mechanism resulting in the improvement of the plant growth parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, 300 million people worldwide are exposed to groundwater arsenic poisoning in the recent time, while an estimated 10 million population are exposed to arsenic poisoning in Bihar (India). The arsenic contamination in ground water has caused serious health hazards in the exposed population. The typical symptoms of arsenicosis are observed in the exposed population mostly skin manifestations such as hyperkeratosis, melanosis, loss of appetite, neuro-behavioral disorders etc. Hence, the present study aims to develop novel drug discovery against arsenic induced toxicity in rat models. In the present study treatment groups received sodium arsenite orally at the dose of 8 mg/kg body weight daily for 90 days followed by administration of Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) seed extract at the dose of 500 mg/ kg body weight daily by gavage method for 60 days. Their biochemical levels like liver and kidney function tests were assayed and were found with elevated levels. Furthermore, their free radical assessment such as lipid peroxidation levels were assayed which was also found to be many folds higher. Furthermore, the arsenic concentration in the tissue of liver and kidney was significantly very high. But, after the administration of ethanolic seed extract of Ocimum sanctum, there was significant restoration in the biochemical and lipid peroxidation levels. Moreover, there was also reduction in the arsenic content in the liver and kidney tissues of rats. The phytoremedial effect of this novel plant (Ocimum sanctum) denotes that it possesses antidote effect against arsenic induced toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic (As), a hazardous metal, is widely found in industrial and agricultural wastewater, as well as in pesticides. Silicon (Si) can be crucial in mitigating As toxicity. This research aimed to investigate 0.5 and 1 mM Si treatments on Calendulaofficinalis under As toxicity (25 and 50 µM). As treatments significantly reduced growth characteristics, photosynthesis (Fv/Fm and photosynthetic pigments), and the accumulation of some essential elements (N, Ca, P, Zn, K, Mn, and Fe), while increasing the levels of H2O2, , and MG. Contrarily, the external application of Si to C. officinalis L. restricted As accumulation, leading to less oxidative damage and better accumulation of elements and photosynthesis. Additionally, the levels of sulfur-containing compounds (GSH, NPTs, PCs, and cysteine) increased, along with enhanced Gly I and Gly II activities and antioxidant activities (CAT, SOD, GR, and APX), leading to a notable drop in free toxic radicals and lipid peroxidation in As-stressed plants. Furthermore, Si supplementation regulated the thiol metabolism enzyme glutathione-S-transferase and improved cysteine synthesis by increasing the activities of serine acetyltransferase, cysteine synthase (CS), and adenylyl sulfate reductase. Therefore, this study showcases the significant contribution of Si in promoting growth, facilitating photosynthesis, and fostering As tolerance through various pathways, such as enhancing antioxidant activities, the glyoxalase system, non-enzymatic and enzymatic sulfur metabolism, reducing As uptake, and increasing the accumulation of essential elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Arsenic (As) is a heavy metal that is toxic to both plants and animals. Silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) can alleviate the detrimental effects of heavy metals on plants, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The study aims to synthesize SiNPs and reveal how they promote plant health in Arsenic-polluted soil. 0 and 100% v/v SiNPs were applied to soil, and Arsenic 0 and 3.2 g/ml were applied twice. Maize growth was monitored until maturity. Small, irregular, spherical, smooth, and non-agglomerated SiNPs with a peak absorbance of 400 nm were synthesized from Pycreus polystachyos. The SiNPs (100%) assisted in the development of a deep, prolific root structure that aided hydraulic conductance and gave mechanical support to the maize plant under As stress. Thus, there was a 40–50% increase in growth, tripled yield weights, and accelerated flowering, fruiting, and senescence. SiNPs caused immobilization (As(III)=SiNPs) of As in the soil and induced root exudates Phytochelatins (PCs) (desGly-PC2 and Oxidized Glutathione) which may lead to formation of SiNPs=As(III)–PCs complexes and sequestration of As in the plant biomass. Moreover, SiNPs may alleviate Arsenic stress by serving as co-enzymes that activate the antioxidant-defensive mechanisms of the shoot and root. Thus, above 70%, most reactive ROS (OH) were scavenged, which was evident in the reduced MDA content that strengthened the plasma membrane to support selective ion absorption of SiNPs in place of Arsenic. We conclude that SiNPs can alleviate As stress through sequestration with PCs, improve root hydraulic conductance, antioxidant activity, and membrane stability in maize plants, and could be a potential tool to promote heavy metal stress resilience in the field.

Arsenic compounds are colorless and odorless and toxicity can occur either acutely following ingestion of arsenicals with gastrointestinal disturbances or due to chronic exposure usually presenting with dermatologic lesions and peripheral neuropathy. We report a young couple who presented with signs and symptoms of painful sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy in a typical "stocking and glove" pattern. They had raised urinary arsenic levels with normal blood levels and thus, a diagnosis of chronic arsenic poisoning due to contaminated water intake was made after detecting elevated arsenic levels in their home water supply. Both patients underwent chelation therapy with dimercaprol for 14 days and reported subjective and objective improvement in symptoms with the reduction in urinary arsenic levels at the end of therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: Serendipita indica induced metabolic reprogramming in colonized plants complements phosphorus-management in improving their tolerance to arsenic stress on multifaceted biological fronts. Restoration of the anthropic damage done to our environment is inextricably linked to devising strategies that are not only economically sound but are self-renewing and ecologically conscious. The dilemma of heavy metal (HM) dietary ingestion, especially arsenic (As), faced by humans and animals alike, necessitates the exploitation of such technologies and the cultivation of healthy and abundant crops. The remarkable symbiotic alliance between plants and ‘mycorrhizas’ has evolved across eons, benefiting growth/yield aspects as well as imparting abiotic/biotic stress tolerance. The intricate interdependence of Serendipita indica (S. indica) and rice plant reportedly reduce As accumulation, accentuating the interest of microbiologists, agriculturists, and ecotoxicological scientists apropos of the remediation mechanisms of As in the soil–AMF–rice system. Nutrient management, particularly of phosphorus (P), is also praised for mitigating As phytotoxicity by deterring the uptake of As molecules due to the rhizospheric cationic competition. Taking into consideration the reasonable prospects of success in minimizing As acquisition by rice plants, this review focuses on the physiological, metabolic, and transcriptional alterations underlying S. indica symbiosis, recuperation of As stress together with nutritional management of P by gathering case studies and presenting successful paradigms. Weaving together a volume of literature, we assess the chemical forms of As and related transport pathways, discuss As–P–rice interaction and the significance of fungi in As toxicity mitigation, predominantly the role of mycorrhiza, as well as survey of the multifaceted impacts of S. indica on plants. A potential strategy for simultaneous S. indica + P administration in paddy fields is proposed, followed by future research orientation to expand theoretic comprehension and encourage field-based implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Arsenic (As) is a noxious metalloid for plants, animals and humans. Elevated levels of As in soils may cause it to accumulate to above-permissible levels in wheat grains, posing a threat to human health. Moreover, vulnerable population groups in developing countries have inadequate dietary zinc (Zn) linked to cereal-based diets. Aims: The present study evaluated the effect of soil Zn application on accumulation of As and Zn in grains of two Zn-biofortified wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars (Akbar-2019 and Zincol-2016). Methods: Wheat plants were grown on an alkaline calcareous soil spiked with three levels of As (0, 5 and 25 mg kg−1). Before sowing, two rates of Zn (0 and 8 mg kg−1) were also applied to the soil. Key results: Arsenic spiking in soil decreased plant dry matter yield, chlorophyll pigments, and phosphorus (P) and Zn accumulation, and increased As accumulation in wheat. By contrast, soil Zn application enhanced crop yield and increased P and Zn accumulation, with a simultaneous decrease in As accumulation in both cultivars. Compared with the Zn control, soil Zn application decreased grain As concentration by 26%, 30% and 32% for plants grown in soil spiked with 0, 5 and 25 mg As kg−1, respectively. Conclusions: Applying Zn to As-spiked soil mitigates the harmful effects of As by increasing Zn and decreasing As concentrations in wheat, resulting in improved grain quality for human consumption. Implications: Zinc application to crop plants should be recommended for addressing the health implications associated with As-contaminated crops and human Zn deficiency. Wheat grown on soils contaminated by arsenic (As) may accumulate toxic levels of As in grains, allowing As to enter the human food chain. The study evaluated the effect of soil zinc (Zn) application on grain As and grain accumulation of Zn in two Zn-biofortified wheat cultivars grown on As-contaminated soil. Soil Zn application decreased grain As accumulation to below the permissible limit of 0.15 mg As kg−1 and simultaneously increased grain Zn accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic (As) exposure in drinking water has become a serious public health issue. AS3MT gene is involved in the metabolism of arsenic, so a single nucleotide polymorphism in this gene may lead to the development of type 2 diabetes in arsenic-exposed areas. This study aimed to evaluate the association of the AS3MT gene with the development of type 2 diabetes in highly arsenic-exposed areas of Punjab, Pakistan. Total 200 samples equal in number from high arsenic exposed-areas of Lahore (Nishtar) and Kasur (Mustafa Abad) were collected. rs11191439 was utilized as an influential variable to evaluate the association between arsenic metabolism and diabetes status to find a single nucleotide polymorphism in the AS3MT gene. We observed the arsenic level in drinking water of the arsenic-exposed selected areas 115.54 ± 1.23 µg/L and 96.88 ± 0.48 µg/L, respectively. The As level in the urine of diabetics (98.54 ± 2.63 µg/L and 56.38 ± 12.66 µg/L) was higher as compared to non-diabetics (77.58 ± 1.8 µg/L and 46.9 ± 8.95 µg/L) of both affected areas, respectively. Correspondingly, the As level in the blood of diabetics (6.48 ± 0.08 µg/L and 5.49 ± 1.43 µg/L) and non-diabetics (6.22 ± 0.12 µg/L and 5.26 ± 0.24 µg/L) in the affected areas. Genotyping showed significant differences in the frequencies of alleles among cases and controls. Nevertheless, notable disparities in genotype distribution were observed in SNPs rs11191439 (T/C) (P < 0.05) and when comparing T2D patients and non-diabetic control subjects. The AS3MT gene and clinical parameters show a significant association with the affected people with diabetes living in arsenic-exposed areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic (As) is a heavy metal that is toxic to both plants and animals. Silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) can alleviate the detrimental effects of heavy metals on plants, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The study aims to synthesize SiNPs and reveal how they promote plant health in Arsenic-polluted soil. 0 and 100% v/v SiNPs were applied to soil, and Arsenic 0 and 3.2 g/ml were applied twice. Maize growth was monitored until maturity. Small, irregular, spherical, smooth, and non-agglomerated SiNPs with a peak absorbance of 400 nm were synthesized from Pycreus polystachyos. The SiNPs (100%) assisted in the development of a deep, prolific root structure that aided hydraulic conductance and gave mechanical support to the maize plant under As stress. Thus, there was a 40–50% increase in growth, tripled yield weights, and accelerated flowering, fruiting, and senescence. SiNPs caused immobilization (As(III)=SiNPs) of As in the soil and induced root exudates Phytochelatins (PCs) (desGly-PC2 and Oxidized Glutathione) which may lead to formation of SiNPs=As(III)–PCs complexes and sequestration of As in the plant biomass. Moreover, SiNPs may alleviate Arsenic stress by serving as co-enzymes that activate the antioxidant-defensive mechanisms of the shoot and root. Thus, above 70%, most reactive ROS (OH) were scavenged, which was evident in the reduced MDA content that strengthened the plasma membrane to support selective ion absorption of SiNPs in place of Arsenic. We conclude that SiNPs can alleviate As stress through sequestration with PCs, improve root hydraulic conductance, antioxidant activity, and membrane stability in maize plants, and could be a potential tool to promote heavy metal stress resilience in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluation of the arsenic content in food has always been an important issue due to its high toxicity. This is especially relevant for Vietnam, a country with high arsenic contamination. The present study focuses on the development of a model function to predict As uptake in the vegetable Brassica perviridis as a function of the conditions of plant growth and soil parameters. The content of the As and Fe in the samples was determined by neutron activation analysis at the IBR-2 reactor; the soil pH and total organic carbon content were measured in the Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology –Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute (Hanoi, Vietnam). Obtained data have shown that As uptake in the Brassica perviridis plants grown in northern Vietnam could be presented as a function of soil parameters such as pH, organic carbon content, and Fe content, but is not dependent on As content in soil. Particularly high Fe content in Vietnamese soils contribute to As immobilization and prevent its uptake by plants. Regression Data Analysis was used to extract the model function with good corresponding statistics: correlation factor R > 0.97, the probability p-value of independent variable coefficients in the range from 1.86E-07 to 0.007, and the significance F of the model < 1.49E-11. The obtained values demonstrate the reliability and the trueness of the applied model at given soil characteristics and conditions of plants cultivation. The concertation of As in irrigating water could be regarded as the main source of the As uptake in plants and need to be investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic (As) toxicity is a serious hazard to agricultural land due to growing industrialization, which has a negative effect on wheat crop yields. To address this issue, using seaweed extract and Azospirillum brasilense has emerged as an effective strategy for improving yield under stress conditions. However, the combined application of A. brasilense and seaweed extract in wheat crops under As toxicity has not been fully explored. The effectiveness of combining A. brasilense and seaweed extract in reducing As toxicity in wheat production was examined in this study through a 2-year pot experiment with nine treatments. These treatments included a control with no additives and two As concentrations (50 and 70 μM). At 50 and 70 μM, As was tested alone, with seaweed extract, with A. brasilense, and both. Significant results were achieved in reducing As toxicity in wheat crops. Arsenic at 70 μM proved more harmful than at 50 μM. The application of A. brasilense and seaweed extract was more effective in improving crop growth rates, chlorophyll levels, and stomatal conductance. The combined application notably decreased As concentration in wheat plants. It was concluded that applying A. brasilense and seaweed extract not only improves wheat growth but can also improve soil parameters under As toxicity conditions by increasing organic matter contents, boosting nutrient availability, and increasing the production of antioxidant enzymes.

The present study evaluated the repercussions of magnetopriming on the root system architecture of soybean plants subjected to arsenic toxicity using synchrotron radiation source based micro-computed tomography (SR-µCT). This will be used evey where as abbreviation for the technique for three-dimensional imaging. Seeds of soybean were exposed to the static magnetic field (SMF) of strength (200 mT) for 1h prior to sowing. Magnetoprimed and non-primed seeds were grown for 1 month in a soil–sand mixture containing four different levels of sodium arsenate (0, 5, 10, and 50 mg As kg−1 soil). The results showed that arsenic adversely affects the root growth in non-primed plants by reducing their root length, root biomass, root hair, size and number of root nodules, where the damaging effect of As was observed maximum at higher concentrations (10 and 50 mg As kg−1 soil). However, a significant improvement in root morphology was detected in magnetoprimed plants where SMF pretreatment enhanced the root length, root biomass, pore diameter of cortical cells, root hair formation, lateral roots branching, and size of root nodules and girth of primary roots. Qualitative analysis of x-ray micro-CT images showed that arsenic toxicity damaged the epidermal and cortical layers of the root as well as reduced the pore diameter of the cortical cells. However, the diameter of cortical cells pores in magnetoprimed plants was observed higher as compared to plants emerged from non-primed seeds at all level of As toxicity. Thus, the study suggested that magnetopriming has the potential to attenuate the toxic effect of As and could be employed as a pre-sowing treatment to reduce the phytotoxic effects of metal ions in plants by improving root architecture and root tolerance index. This study is the very first exploration of the potential benefits of magnetopriming in mitigating the toxicity of metals (As) in plant roots utilizing the micro-CT technique.

Arsenic pollution is a growing menace in major parts of West Bengal, India and Bangladesh. Arsenic phytoremediation abilities of two common plants Pteris vittata and Eichhornia crassipes growing abundantly under natural tropical conditions of India were biochemically analyzed. Reactive oxygen species, taking total peroxide and malondialdehyde contents as the parameters, indicate the extent of arsenic induced oxidative stress, while the activities of the scavenging enzymes catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase indicate the comparative effectiveness of the two plants in arsenic detoxification. Total peroxide and MDA contents were significantly higher in all samples of Eichhornia as compared to Pteris throughout the experimental period while the three scavenging enzymes viz. catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase exhibited higher activities in Pteris with increasing arsenic concentration while Eichhornia showed a reverse trend. The comparative study reveals that Pteris vittata is the more efficient plant in combating and tolerating arsenic stress, as revealed by the results obtained of biochemical constituents and enzymatic profile. Of the two selected plant species,Pteris is found to be more effective in arsenic removal can serve as a cheap and easily available green source for arsenic detoxification.

Background: Arsenic is a naturally occurring element that poses a significant threat to human health due to its widespread presence in the environment, affecting millions worldwide. Sources of arsenic exposure are diverse, stemming from mining activities, manufacturing processes, and natural geological formations. Arsenic manifests in both organic and inorganic forms, with trivalent meta-arsenite (As3+) and pentavalent arsenate (As5+) being the most common inorganic forms. The trivalent state, in particular, holds toxicological significance due to its potent interactions with sulfur-containing proteins. Objective: The primary objective of this review is to consolidate current knowledge on arsenic toxicity, addressing its sources, chemical forms, and the diverse pathways through which it affects human health. It also focuses on the impact of arsenic toxicity on various organs and systems, as well as potential molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in arsenic-induced pathogenesis. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted, encompassing studies from diverse fields such as environmental science, toxicology, and epidemiology. Key databases like PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Science Direct were searched using predetermined criteria to select relevant articles, with a focus on recent research and comprehensive reviews to unravel the toxicological manifestations of arsenic, employing various animal models to discern the underlying mechanisms of arsenic toxicity. Results: The review outlines the multifaceted aspects of arsenic toxicity, including its association with chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and neurotoxicity. The emphasis is placed on elucidating the role of oxidative stress, genotoxicity, and epigenetic modifications in arsenic-induced cellular damage. Additionally, the impact of arsenic on vulnerable populations and potential interventions are discussed. Conclusions: Arsenic toxicity represents a complex and pervasive public health issue with far-reaching implications. Understanding the diverse pathways through which arsenic exerts its toxic effects is crucial to developing effective mitigation strategies and interventions. Further research is needed to fill gaps in our understanding of arsenic toxicity and to inform public health policies aimed at minimising exposure. Arsenic toxicity is a crucial public health problem influencing millions of people around the world. The possible sources of arsenic toxicity includes mining, manufacturing processes and natural geological sources. Arsenic exists in organic as well as in inorganic forms. Trivalent meta-arsenite (As3+) and pentavalent arsenate (As5+) are two most common inorganic forms of arsenic. Trivalent oxidation state is toxicologically more potent due to its potential to interact with sulfur containing proteins. Humans are exposed to arsenic in many ways such as environment and consumption of arsenic containing foods. Drinking of arsenic-contaminated groundwater is an unavoidable source of poisoning, especially in India, Bangladesh, China, and some Central and South American countries. Plenty of research has been carried out on toxicological manifestation of arsenic in different animal models to identify the actual mechanism of aresenic toxicity. Therefore, we have made an effort to summarize the toxicology of arsenic, its pathophysiological impacts on various organs and its molecular mechanism of action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Arsenic is group 1 carcinogen, discharged through natural processes and human activities. • Elevated levels in soil/water lead to arsenic accumulation in plants/crops. • Consumption of contaminated plants exposes millions to significant health risks. Arsenic (As), a naturally occurring metalloid with potential harmful effects, is categorized as a group 1 carcinogen and is discharged into the soil and environment through both natural processes and various human activities. Elevated levels of As, particularly, in soil and water contribute to As accumulation in plants/crops. Consumption of these contaminated plants or plant parts exposes millions of individuals to significant health risks. Addressing the current environmental challenges posed by As contamination, phytobial remediation is a cutting-edge technique that employs the combined use of plants and microbes to effectively tackle the issue of environmental pollution caused by As. In recent times, there has been significant acclaim for plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF)/fungi in the field of phytoremediation, as it not only enhances plant metal tolerance but also stimulates plant growth. This approach holds immense potential for achieving extensive removal of As on a large scale from contaminated water sources and agricultural lands. This review consolidates evidence supporting the efficacy of plant-microbe partnerships in augmenting the tolerance thresholds of host plants. By shedding light on the capacity of these advantageous microorganisms, the review underscores their pivotal role in facilitating the adaptation of plants to arsenic-contaminated environments. In doing so, it contributes to the evolving discourse on sustainable strategies for mitigating the environmental and health impacts of As contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At a great many locations worldwide, the safety of drinking water is not assured due to pollution with arsenic. Arsenic toxicity is a matter of both systems chemistry and systems biology: it is determined by complex and intertwined networks of chemical reactions in the inanimate environment, in microbes in that environment, and in the human body. We here review what is known about these networks and their interconnections. We then discuss how consideration of the systems aspects of arsenic levels in groundwater may open up new avenues towards the realization of safer drinking water. Along such avenues, both geochemical and microbiological conditions can optimize groundwater microbial ecology vis-à-vis reduced arsenic toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both excessive alcohol consumption and exposure to high levels of arsenic can lead to neurodegeneration, especially in the hippocampus. Co-exposure to arsenic and alcohol can occur because an individual with an Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is exposed to arsenic in their drinking water or food or because of arsenic found directly in alcoholic beverages. This study aims to determine if co-exposure to alcohol and arsenic leads to worse outcomes in neurodegeneration and associated mechanisms that could lead to cell death. To study this, mice were exposed to a 10-day gavage model of alcohol-induced neurodegeneration with varying doses of arsenic (0, 0.005, 2.5, or 10 mg/kg). The following were examined after the last dose of ethanol: (1) microglia activation assessed via immunohistochemical detection of Iba-1, (2) reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) using a colorimetric assay, (3) neurodegeneration using Fluoro-Jade® C staining (FJC), and 4) arsenic absorption using ICP-MS. After exposure, there was an additive effect of the highest dose of arsenic (10 mg/kg) in the dentate gyrus of alcohol-induced FJC+ cells. This additional cell loss may have been due to the observed increase in microglial reactivity or increased arsenic absorption following co-exposure to ethanol and arsenic. The data also showed that arsenic caused an increase in CYP2E1 expression and ROS/RNS production in the hippocampus which could have independently contributed to increased neurodegeneration. Altogether, these findings suggest a potential cyclical impact of co-exposure to arsenic and ethanol as ethanol increases arsenic absorption but arsenic also enhances alcohol's deleterious effects in the CNS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic (As), a metalloid of considerable toxicity, has become increasingly bioavailable through anthropogenic activities, raising As contamination levels in groundwater and agricultural soils worldwide. This bioavailability has profound implications for plant biology and farming systems. As can detrimentally affect crop yield and pose risks of bioaccumulation and subsequent entry into the food chain. Upon exposure to As, plants initiate a multifaceted molecular response involving crucial signaling pathways, such as those mediated by calcium, mitogen-activated protein kinases, and various phytohormones (e.g., auxin, methyl jasmonate, cytokinin). These pathways, in turn, activate enzymes within the antioxidant system, which combat the reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS and RNS) generated by As-induced stress. Plants exhibit a sophisticated genomic response to As, involving the upregulation of genes associated with uptake, chelation, and sequestration. Specific gene families, such as those coding for aquaglyceroporins and ABC transporters, are key in mediating As uptake and translocation within plant tissues. Moreover, we explore the gene regulatory networks that orchestrate the synthesis of phytochelatins and metallothioneins, which are crucial for As chelation and detoxification. Transcription factors, particularly those belonging to the MYB, NAC, and WRKY families, emerge as central regulators in activating As-responsive genes. On a post-translational level, we examine how ubiquitination pathways modulate the stability and function of proteins involved in As metabolism. By integrating omics findings, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the complex genomic landscape that defines plant responses to As. Knowledge gained from these genomic and epigenetic insights is pivotal for developing biotechnological strategies to enhance crop As tolerance.

Magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) have been attracted by the scientific community for their combating action against heavy metal stress in plants. However, their role towards the mitigation of arsenic (As) induced toxicity is still obscure. In the present study, MgO NPs were synthesized through the green route and assessed their efficacy towards the reduction of As accumulation and phytotoxicity in As-stressed rice cultivar MTU-1010 under laboratory conditions. Initially, rice seedlings were grown under separate and combined applications of As (10 mg/L) and MgO NPs (0, 10, 50, and 100 mg/L) and further analyzed plant growth attributes and As accumulation in rice seedlings. Characterization of biosynthesized MgO NPs by UV–Vis spectrophotometer, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM–EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis showed the cubic in shape, and crystalline nature (73.10%) with average size ranges from 17–23 nm. The growth experiment showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in seed germination, seedling growth, photosynthetic and other pigments content, and biomass accumulation in rice seedlings under the combined application of As (10 mg/L) and MgO NPs (50 mg/L) as compared to only As (10 mg/L) treatment. Additionally, As exposure resulted in declined primary metabolites such as soluble sugars and protein. However, the application of MgO NPs exhibited the alleviation of As toxicity through significant (p < 0.05) reduction of As accumulation by 34 and 53% in roots and 44 and 62% in shoots of rice seedlings under 50 and 100 mg/L MgO NPs supplementations, respectively and restored the accumulation of the primary metabolites. Furthermore, MgO NPs demonstrated the ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) like hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide anion (O2•−), through significant (p < 0.05) promotion of non-enzymatic (carotenoid, anthocyanin, flavonoid, and proline) and enzymatic (CAT, POD, and SOD) antioxidant defence under As stress. These findings highlighted the potential of green synthesized MgO NPs towards the mitigation of As contamination in rice plants. However, future study is necessary to unfold the actual mechanisms responsible for the protective effects of MgO NPs and to screen out the optimal dose to be used to formulate a potent nanofertilizer for sustainable rice production in metal-contaminated soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic and antimony are metalloids with profound effects on biological systems and human health. Both elements are toxic to cells and organisms, and exposure is associated with several pathological conditions including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. At the same time, arsenic- and antimony-containing compounds are used in the treatment of multiple diseases. Although these metalloids can both cause and cure disease, their modes of molecular action are incompletely understood. The past decades have seen major advances in our understanding of arsenic and antimony toxicity, emphasizing genotoxicity and proteotoxicity as key contributors to pathogenesis. In this review, we highlight mechanisms by which arsenic and antimony cause toxicity, focusing on their genotoxic and proteotoxic effects. The mechanisms used by cells to maintain proteostasis during metalloid exposure are also described. Furthermore, we address how metalloid-induced proteotoxicity may promote neurodegenerative disease and how genotoxicity and proteotoxicity may be interrelated and together contribute to proteinopathies. A deeper understanding of cellular toxicity and response mechanisms and their links to pathogenesis may promote the development of strategies for both disease prevention and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic toxicity has become a major global health concern for humans and animals due to extensive environmental and occupational exposure to arsenic-contaminated water, air, soil, and plant and animal origin food. It has a wide range of detrimental effects on animals, humans, and the environment. As a result, various experimental and clinical studies were undertaken and are undergoing to understand its source of exposures, pathogenesis, identify key biomarkers, the medical and economic impact on affected populations and ecosystems, and their timely detection and control measures. Despite these extensive studies, no conclusive information for the prevention and control of arsenic toxicity is available, owing to complex epidemiology and pathogenesis, including an imprecise approach and repetitive work. As a result, there is a need for literature that focuses on recent studies on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, detection, and ameliorative measures of arsenic toxicity to assist researchers and policymakers in the practical future planning of research and community control programs. According to the preceding viewpoint, this review article provides an extensive analysis of the recent progress on arsenic exposure to humans through the environment, livestock, and fish, arsenic toxicopathology, nano-biotechnology-based detection, and current remedial measures for the benefit of researchers, academicians, and policymakers in controlling arsenic eco-toxicology and directing future research. Arsenic epidemiology should therefore place the greatest emphasis on the prevalence of different direct and indirect sources in the afflicted areas, followed by control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic is a carcinogenic and poisonous metalloid that is found in enormous quantities owing to geological and/ or human activity releasing it into the environment. Because of the persistent poisoning of drinking water, land and agriculture in many parts of the world, the hazardous effects of As have drawn attention from all over the world. Microbial activity in the soil may impact metal(loid) mobility and bioavailability. Numerous investigations have been carried out about the build-up and differentiation of As in rice plants, a significant global staple food that is widely grown in regions that are highly polluted with As, such as Bangladesh, China, Taiwan, India and so on. Climate, soil type, rice variety, and other variables are some of the numerous factors that affect the accumulation of As in rice. It has been addressed how rice may be harmful to arsenic and how microbial remediation might help. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic poses a significant health risk worldwide, impacting the gut microbiota, reproductive health, and development. To address this issue, a cost-effective method like probiotic supplementation could be beneficial. However, the interplay between arsenic toxicity, probiotics, gut microbiota, and maternal transcript modulation remains unexplored. This study investigates the impact of Lactobacillus rhamnosus (L. rhamnosus) DSM 20021 on the proportions of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, as well as its effects on embryonic development in zebrafish induced by arsenic trioxide (As2O3). Adult zebrafish were exposed to both high and environmentally relevant concentrations of As2O3 (10, 50, and 500 ppb) for 1, 6, and 12 weeks. qPCR analysis revealed increased proportions of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes in all As2O3-exposed and As2O3 + L. rhamnosus-exposed groups, while no significant changes were observed in groups exposed only to L. rhamnosus DSM 20021. The larvae, exposed to 500 ppb of As2O3 for 12 weeks, exhibited low growth, decreased survival rates, and morphological deformities. However, these adverse effects were reversed upon exposure to only L. rhamnosus DSM 20021. Furthermore, the expression of DVR1 and ABCC5, which are involved in defense against xenobiotics and embryo development, decreased significantly in As2O3 (500 ppb) and As2O3 (500 ppb) + L. rhamnosus-exposed groups, whereas ameliorative effects were observed in only L. rhamnosus DSM 20021-exposed groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic toxicity, imposed mainly by arsenic-contaminated groundwater, is considered a critical threat to global communal health, as there is no specific and proven conventional therapy for chronic arsenic toxicity, i.e., arsenicosis, which is an insidious global public health menace affecting 50 countries. Alternative options should, therefore, be explored for the mitigation of arsenicosis. Literature survey reveals several natural compounds from plants possess significant protective efficacy against arsenic toxicity in chiefly preclinical and few clinical investigations. The studies on the ameliorative effects of plant-derived natural compounds against arsenic toxicity published in the last 25 years are collated. Fortyeight plant-based natural compounds possess alleviative effects on experimental arsenic-induced toxicity in animals, six of which have been reported to be clinically effective in humans. A potential nutraceutical or therapeutic candidate against arsenicosis for humans may thus be developed with the help of recent advancements in research in this area, along with the currently available treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The suffering from arsenic toxicity is a long-standing concern in Asian countries. The role of the key factors (arsenic intake, age and sex) regulating arsenic toxicity is aimed to evaluate for a severely exposed population from Murshidabad district, West Bengal. Mean arsenic concentrations in drinking water supplied through tube well, Sajaldhara treatment plant and pipeline were observed as 208, 27 and 54 µg/l, respectively. Urinary arsenic concentration had been observed as < 3–42.1, < 3–56.2 and < 3–80 µg/l in children, teenagers and adults, respectively. Mean concentrations of hair and nail arsenic were found to be 0.84 and 2.38 mg/kg; 3.07 and 6.18 mg/kg; and 4.41 and 9.07 mg/kg, respectively, for the studied age-groups. Water arsenic was found to be associated with hair and nail (r = 0.57 and 0.60), higher than urine (r = 0.37). Arsenic deposition in biomarkers appeared to be dependent on age; however, it is independent of sex. Principal component analysis showed a direct relationship between dietary intake of arsenic and chronic biomarkers. Nail was proved as the most fitted biomarker of arsenic toxicity by Dunn's post hoc test. Monte Carlo sensitivity analysis and cluster analysis showed that the most significant factor regulating health risk is 'concentration of arsenic' than 'exposure duration', 'body weight' and 'intake rate'. The contribution of arsenic concentration towards calculated health risk was highest in teenagers (45.5–61.2%), followed by adults (47.8–49%) and children (21–27.6%). Regular and sufficient access to arsenic-safe drinking water is an immediate need for the affected population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic toxicity, imposed mainly by arsenic-contaminated groundwater, is considered a critical threat to global communal health, as there is no specific and proven conventional therapy for chronic arsenic toxicity, i.e., arsenicosis, which is an insidious global public health menace affecting 50 countries. Alternative options should, therefore, be explored for the mitigation of arsenicosis. Literature survey reveals several natural compounds from plants possess significant protective efficacy against arsenic toxicity in chiefly preclinical and few clinical investigations. The studies on the ameliorative effects of plant-derived natural compounds against arsenic toxicity published in the last 25 years are collated. Forty-eight plant-based natural compounds possess alleviative effects on experimental arsenic-induced toxicity in animals, six of which have been reported to be clinically effective in humans. A potential nutraceutical or therapeutic candidate against arsenicosis for humans may thus be developed with the help of recent advancements in research in this area, along with the currently available treatments.

The selection of adequate plants that can cope with species that can live in contaminated/degraded and abandoned mining areas is of utmost importance, especially for environmental management and policymakers. In this framework, the use of a fast-growing forestry species, such as Eucalyptus nitens, in the recovery of arsenic (As) from artificially contaminated soils during a long-term experiment was studied. Roots can accumulate to levels ranging between 69.8 and 133 μg g−1 for plants treated with 100 and 200 µg As mL−1, respectively, while leaves between 9.48 μg g−1 (200 As) and 15.9 μg g−1 (100 As) without apparent morphological damage and toxicity symptoms. The C-assimilation machinery performance revealed a gradual impact, as evaluated through some gas exchange parameters such as the net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance to H2O (gs), and transpiration rate (E), usually with the greater impacts at the highest As concentration (200 As), although without significantly impacting the PSII performance. The As effects on the uptake and translocation of Ca, Fe, K, and Zn revealed two contrasting interferences. The first one was associated with Zn, where a moderate antagonism was detected, whereas the second one was related to Fe, where a particular enrichment in leaves was noted under both As treatments. Thus, it seems to exist a synergistic action with an impact on the levels of the photosynthetic pigments in As-treated plant leaves, compared with control plants. E. nitens must be considered as an alternative when phytoremediation processes are put into practice in our country, particularly in areas with cool climatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic (As) is a highly toxic metalloid present naturally in the earth's crust. In developing countries apart from drinking water, one major reason for arsenic toxicity among human beings is through contaminated crops and vegetables. The nutritional quality of the crops and vegetables grown in the arsenic-infested area gets compromised. A major challenge is to protect the vegetables and crops from arsenic contamination. Attempts have been made through different remediation technologies. The present research is designed to reduce the arsenic load in arsenic-sensitive (non-hyperaccumulator) plants by co-cultivation with hyperaccumulator plants, thus saving food chain contamination to humans. In the present study, done in potted plants, it has been found that co-cultivated B. oleracea has 1.5 times decreased arsenic translocation compared to the control plant; on the contrary, hyperaccumulator B. juncea showed higher translocation. Plant health biomarkers like total chlorophyll and protein contents were two times higher in co-cultivated B. oleracea compared to the As-treated control which actually seconds the fact of less translocation in the co-cultivated plants. The stress marker like proline content, super oxide dimutase, and malondialdehyde content showed a decrease in co-cultivated B. oleracea compared to the control plant grown in arsenic-infested soil which again reflected less stress in co-cultivated plants. From these findings of the research, we can hypothesize that hyperaccumulator B. juncea might save B. oleracea from arsenic-induced toxicity when co-cultivated and thus can save food chain-mediated contamination to human beings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic (As) is one of the human carcinogens with a global peril to human health through direct or indirect exposure to contaminated water, food, air and skin contact. As a result, research on arsenic remediation has surged. However, no report evaluating the trends of studies on the subject has been documented. Therefore, the present study was conducted to examine global research trends on arsenic removal and remediation. Web of Science and Scopus were explored to retrieve published papers on the subject between 1929 and 2020. In all, 2605 articles were published within the survey period, with annual mean and growth rate of 28.63 and 11.11%, respectively. Research productivity raised consistently and peaked in 2019 (9.9%) and 2020 (9.2%). China (n = 574, 22%) ranked first followed by India (n = 361, 10%) and the United States (n = 239, 9.2%). The top 20 productive authors published articles between 19 and 49 with total citations of 442 to 511. The highest recurrent Keywords were arsenic (n = 992, 38.08%), adsorption (n = 519, 19.2%) and arsenic removal (n = 435, 16.72%). This study revealed an improved global research on Arsenic removal with greater research outputs from both developed and developing countries; however, the global collaboration appears to be low (collaboration index of 2.5), hence, the policymakers, governments and researchers should encourage international collaborations and establish research programs that can monitor arsenic contamination globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic poisoning is one of the major devastation and horrific concerns across the globe. Its concentration in the environment is continuously increasing over time, and hence it may play a role of exterminator for the future civilization. Cancer is the one of the main detrimental outcomes of arsenic poisoning. The International Agency for Research on Cancer suggested arsenic as a class-1 carcinogen. The underlying mechanism pertaining to arsenic-induced carcinogenesis is still enigmatic. Although plentiful evidences have vouched that the redox machinery is the main culprit for arsenic-induced carcinogenesis, however several reports have documented regarding participation of mitochondria as the root originators of the redox signaling in arsenic-induced carcinogenesis. Moreover, the redox machinery system plays a vital role in regulating mitochondrial biogenesis and homeostasis. However, there is still a knowledge gap regarding the influence of redox machinery systems on mitochondrial biogenesis and homeostasis in the development of arsenic-induced carcinogenesis. The objectives of this paper are to review and evaluate the role of mitochondrial biogenesis in the development of arsenic-induced carcinogenesis in addition to the possible therapeutic option for modulation of such signaling mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At a great many locations worldwide, the safety of drinking water is not assured due to pollution with arsenic. Arsenic toxicity is a matter of both systems chemistry and systems biology: it is determined by complex and intertwined networks of chemical reactions in the inanimate environment, in microbes in that environment, and in the human body. We here review what is known about these networks and their interconnections. We then discuss how consideration of the systems aspects of arsenic levels in groundwater may open up new avenues towards the realization of safer drinking water. Along such avenues, both geochemical and microbiological conditions can optimize groundwater microbial ecology vis-à-vis reduced arsenic toxicity.

Microorganisms can solve the global problem of arsenic (As) contamination in soil and water, by eliminating the hazardous metalloid from contaminated habitats. A native As-resistant PMM6 strain was isolated from the tainted agricultural field in Durgapur, India. Following phenotypic investigations, fatty acid methyl ester analysis, and 16S rDNA sequence-based homology, it was identified as Bacillus cereus. Various analytical techniques such as atomic absorption spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy studies revealed a positive correlation between the strain's resistance properties against arsenate (75 mM) and arsenite (25 mM) and the biosorption and bioaccumulation of arsenic. The strain exhibited several important plant growth-promoting traits, including indole-3-acetic acid production (110.0±0.33μg/mL), 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase activity (2334.2±1.90 nm α-ketobutyrate/mg protein/h), phosphate solubilization, and siderophore production (68.0±2%). These traits facilitated the growth augmentation of rice seedlings under As stress, both in terms of physiological and biochemical parameters. Compared to uninoculated soil, the use of strain PMM6 helped to reduce As mobilization and oxidative stress in rice seedlings growing in As-spiked soil. Therefore, strain PMM6 holds the potential as bioremediator to restore As-contaminated agricultural lands while also promoting the growth of rice seedlings. It could thus be utilized in the bioremediation of As-contaminated agricultural lands in the near future. • A native arsenic-resistant rhizobacterium Bacillus cereus PMM6 was isolated from rice fields. • The strain showed a higher degree of resistance to both arsenite and arsenate. • PMM6 strain exhibited several PGPR traits including acc deaminase activity. • Biotransformation and bioaccumulation of As in PMM6 was confirmed from various in vitro studies. • PMM6 was found to promote rice seedling growth under arsenic-stressed conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental pollution caused by arsenic or its compounds is called arsenic pollution. Arsenic pollution mainly comes from people's mining and smelting of arsenic compounds. In addition, the widespread use of arsenic compounds, such as the use and production of arsenic-containing pesticides, is also a source of arsenic contamination. Arsenic contamination leads to an increased risk of arsenic exposure, and the multi-organ toxicity induced by arsenic exposure is a global health problem. As a non-mammalian vertebrate with high nutrient levels, chickens readily absorb and accumulate arsenic from their food. Relevant studies have shown that arsenic exposure induces hepatotoxicity in chickens, and there has been a steady stream of research into the specific mechanisms involved. PANoptosis, a newly discovered and unique mode of programmed cell death (PCD) characterized by both apoptosis, cellular pyroptosis, and necroptosis. There are no studies to indicate whether chicken liver toxicity due to arsenic is associated with PANoptosis. Therefore, we established chicken animal models and chicken primary hepatocyte models exposed to different arsenic concentrations to dissect the role and mechanism of PANoptosis in arsenic exposure-induced hepatotoxicity in chickens. Our histopathological results showed that arsenic treatment caused dose-dependent damage to chicken liver structure. Meanwhile, different doses of arsenic treatment groups caused significant up-regulation of the protein level of ZBP1, a key factor of PANoptosis. And then consequently triggered the abnormal gene and protein expression levels of apoptosis-associated factors (Caspase-8, Caspase-7, Caspase-3), cellular pyroptosis-associated factors (NLRP3, ASC, GSDMD) and necroptosis-associated factors (RIPK1, RIPK3, MLKL). In conclusion, our study revealed that PANoptosis is involved in arsenic-induced chicken hepatotoxicity. Our findings provide a new perspective on the pathogenesis of arsenic exposure-induced hepatotoxicity in chickens. [Display omitted] • Arsenic exposure induces hepatotoxicity in chickens. • Arsenic acts synergistically on cell death through cellular pyroptosis, apoptosis and necroptosis (PANoptosis). • PANoptosis plays an important role in arsenic-induced hepatotoxicity in chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • BCN pretreatment protects HaCaT cells from PAO-induced cytotoxicity. • PAO suppresses SIRT3 expression and induces ROS-mediated apoptosis in HaCaT cells. • BCN protects HaCaT cells by inhibiting excessive ROS via restoring SIRT3/AKT activity. Phenylarsine oxide (PAO) is a known environmental pollutant and skin keratinocytes are most seriously affected. Baicalin (BCN) was reported to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, but its protective effect against PAO toxicity is unknown. This study aimed at exploring whether baicalin can reverse the toxicity of human epidermal keratinocytes that are subjected to PAO exposure and underlying mechanisms. In silico analysis from a publicly accessible HaCaT cell transcriptome dataset exposed to chronic Arsenic showed significant differential expression of several genes, including the genes related to DNA replication. Later, we performed in vitro experiments, in which HaCaT cells were exposed to PAO (500 nM) in the existence of BCN (10–50 µM). Treatment of PAO alone induces the JNK, p38 and caspase-3 activation, which were engaged in the apoptosis induction, while the activity of AKT was significantly inhibited, which was engaged in the suppression of apoptosis. PAO suppressed SIRT3 expression and induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), causing a marked reduce in cell viability and apoptosis. However, BCN treatment restored the PAO-induced suppression of SIRT3 and AKT expression, reduced intracellular ROS generation, and markedly suppressed both caspase-3 activation and apoptosis induction. However, the protective effect of BCN was significantly attenuated after pretreatment with nicotinamide, an inhibitor of SIRT3. These findings indicate that BCN protects against cell death induced by PAO via inhibiting excessive intracellular ROS generation via restoring SIRT3 activity and reactivating downstream AKT pathway. In this study, we firstly shown that BCN is an efficient drug to prevent PAO-induced skin cytotoxicity, and these findings need to be confirmed by in vivo and clinical investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic (As) represents a hazardous, carcinogenic substance transported in the food chain causing severe health issues. Several technologies are implemented to minimize arsenic accumulation and toxicity to plants and soil. Traditional arsenic remediation methodologies utilize soil washing, land filling, and chemical stabilization. Soil microorganisms' applications render cost-effective and eco-friendly arsenic toxicity alleviation. Microorganisms-mediated methods have gained momentum over traditional remediation in recent years. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are predominant microorganisms forming symbiosis with terrestrial plant roots. AMF mycelium interacts with the rhizosphere network and improves essential nutrient acquisition, water absorption, and plant growth. AMF also accounts for stress management and plant protection. Directly or indirectly AMF mitigates arsenic metal stress through plant growth and augmented physiological mechanisms. The AMF-mediated arsenic toxicity management encompasses the symbiosis between AMF and host plant. AMF mycelium acts as a metal sink and reduces soil arsenic concentrations, accumulation, and translocation of arsenic in roots and shoots. Thus, AMF inoculation reduces arsenic mobilization and increases arsenic biological dilution. Consequently, arsenic accumulation induces a decrease in oxidative stress. AMF aids the host plant growth and maintains the phosphate/arsenate ratio in the plant tissues. Thereby, a suitable environment is created in arsenic-contaminated soils by AMF. Environmental management of As toxicity, tolerance, and remediation strategies are correlated for sustainable agriculture. • Arsenic (As) corresponds to class-I carcinogen exhibiting toxicity and entered into food chain. • AMF forms symbiosis with almost 90% of terrestrial plants and alleviate metalloid toxicity. • Increased P/As molar ratio refers to the prominent indicator of AMF mediated alleviation of As. • AMF not only alleviate arsenic stress but also improve plant growth promoting characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]