https://www.medsciencegroup.us/journals/advances-in-toxicology-and-toxic-effects A Peertechz Open Access Journal en-us 04 Sep, 2025 https://www.medsciencegroup.us/articles/ATTE-9-122.php The global demand for dietary supplements has surged in response to growing public interest in preventive health strategies, nutritional optimization, and enhanced physical performance. This review critically examines the definition, classification, and physiological mechanisms of action of food supplements, with emphasis on herbal products used for weight control and athletic enhancement. It also explores emerging safety concerns related to product adulteration with synthetic pharmacological agents, including anorectics, diuretics, anabolic steroids, and stimulants, many of which are undeclared and banned due to severe health risks. Regulatory frameworks across different jurisdictions are compared, highlighting the dichotomy between the European Union’s precautionary model and the United States’ market-liberal approach. Post-marketing surveillance systems—including Nutri vigilance and RASFF—are assessed for their roles in monitoring adverse events and ensuring consumer safety. The study concludes with recommendations for harmonized testing protocols, mandatory transparency measures, and expanded public health education to mitigate risks and guide responsible use. Despite their popularity, concerns persist regarding efficacy, safety, and regulatory oversight. This review synthesizes recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs), systematic reviews, and case reports, with a focus on global regulatory frameworks—particularly in the Asia-Pacific and Australia. A novel classification system is proposed, and conflicting evidence is discussed. The study fills a critical gap by integrating athlete-specific safety data, doping control implications, and regional regulatory comparisons. 29 Aug, 2025 https://www.medsciencegroup.us/articles/ATTE-9-121.php Paint handling in developing countries is primarily artisanal, with minimal to no government oversight. Occupational exposure to paint chemicals has been linked to organ toxicities. However, its effects on these artisanal workers have not been fully elucidated. This study assessed changes in liver enzymes and lipid profiles in paint workers in Enugu metropolis, Enugu State, Nigeria. The study employed a cross-sectional design, involving 60 paint workers aged between 20 and 60 years, and 60 age-matched, apparently healthy subjects who had never worked with paint (controls). Serum activities of some liver enzymes, ALT, AST, and ALP, and concentrations of lipid parameters, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, VLDL, and triglycerides were determined. Results showed that paint workers had statistically significantly increased activities of ALT and AST (p = 0.000, each), and concentrations of LDL (p = 0.001), when compared with the controls. HDL was significantly reduced in paint workers (p = 0.000) when compared with the controls, while other parameters did not show any significant differences (p > 0.05, each). ALT, AST, total cholesterol, and LDL showed positive correlations with work duration (p = 0.000, each), while HDL had a negative correlation with work duration (p = 0.009). Other parameters did not show any significant change with work duration (p >0.05, each). These results indicate that paint workers in Enugu metropolis are at risk of toxic liver damage and lipid peroxidation, increasing the risk of cirrhosis and cardiovascular diseases. Mandatory use of personal protective equipment by workers, improved workplace ventilation, stricter regulatory oversight, and annual health evaluations are essential to mitigate these risks. 01 Feb, 2025 https://www.medsciencegroup.us/articles/ATTE-9-120.php In order to enhance the mechanical processing of aluminium alloys, the utilisation of aluminium alloys containing lead (Pb) and tin (Sn) has been adopted in many industrial applications. In order to improve the environmental impact and to open up further additional markets, a new aluminium alloy, EN AW 6026LF, has been developed by substituting Pb and Sn with Bi, which has been added as an alloying agent at a level of approximately 1%. Consequently, this study aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the potential of EN AW 6026LF for utilisation in food machinery and packaging applications. The experimental analyses conducted include microstructural characterisation, corrosion resistance on the bare and anodised alloy, and Bi migration tests in various aqueous simulants. The toxicity evaluations have shown that the release of Bi remains within safe limits under various conditions, which should ensure consumer safety. This comprehensive assessment underscores the versatility, sustainability, and regulatory compliance of EN AW 6026LF, which could be considered a viable alternative to traditional lead-containing alloys in environmentally sensitive and direct food contact applications. 04 Jul, 2024 https://www.medsciencegroup.us/articles/ATTE-8-119.php The objective of this study was to determine the concentration of heavy metals in the soil and horticultural crops grown under irrigation in the Mojo and Koka sites in Oromia, Ethiopia, and to evaluate the potential health risks that these metals may cause to consumers. For this investigation, a total of 50 onion (Allium porrum L.) and 50 soil samples were gathered. The content of heavy metals was measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) after the samples were digested using microwave-assisted digestion. The mean concentrations of examined trace elements in onion (mg/kg) were found in the range of 0.80 to 0.95, for As 1.77 to 0.91 for Sn, 2.09 to 1.49 for Pb, 12.29 to 7.31 for B, 13.85 to 12.33 for Zn, 0.34 to 0.25 for Cd, 1.83 to 1.78 for Hg, 11.29 to 7.54 for Cu, 0.83 to 0.78 for Ni, 0.34 to 0.31 for Co, 78.39 to 42.19 for Fe, 17.03 to 11.56 for Mn, and 1.03to 1.02 for Cr. Given that the average levels of Pb, Hg, Cd, and As in onions at both irrigation sites surpassed the upper limit of allowable levels established by the joint FAO/WHO commission. These metals’ concentrations in soil are found to be within acceptable bounds. As compared to other literatures, their concentration exceeded in both irrigation sites. According to the metal pollution load index, the overall pollution load of trace metals, including As, Pb, Cd, and Hg, was found to be moderately higher in both irrigation locations for the majority of the onions under study. The results, which were computed using an adult consumer’s food intake, indicated that the Pb and Hg dietary exposure levels were much higher than the daily intake amounts that were considered tentatively tolerated. The soil-to-onion transfer factor showed that whereas Fe has a strong sorption to the soil colloids, metal Cu is comparatively poorly maintained in the soil. The degree of metal enrichment in soils and sediments is higher than in other literature, according to the soil pollution indices. Thus, swift action is needed to stop the issue and guarantee public safety along the food system’s supply chain. 10 May, 2024 https://www.medsciencegroup.us/articles/ATTE-8-118.php This study aimed to investigate the forensic uses and potential toxicity of silver nanoparticles on vital organs and different body systems. A systematic review methodology was used to identify and critically evaluate the literature on the forensic uses of silver nanoparticles in different fields and to assess their potential toxicity on various vital organs and body systems. The study found that silver nanoparticles have potential forensic uses, particularly in forensic biology and forensic toxicology, but there are concerns about their potential toxicity. The study recommends further research on the mechanisms of toxicity of silver nanoparticles and the development of safe and effective strategies for their use in forensic science. The study’s strengths include its systematic review methodology and use of multiple databases, while limitations include a limited time frame and focus on English language publications. Future research should focus on investigating the potential risks of silver nanoparticle exposure for forensic professionals. 16 Apr, 2024 https://www.medsciencegroup.us/articles/ATTE-8-117.php In this pilot study the herbicide tembotrione was detected in three dead nestling goshawks that suffered from excessive feather loss (also known as “pinching-off”) and other internal anomalies. Tembotrione is used in maize cultivation and it blocks an essential enzyme in most plants, thereby preventing photosynthesis. It also blocks this enzyme in birds, which may lead to aberrant chick development. The three goshawk nests were located near farms with maize cultivation and it is likely that the nestlings consumed tembotrione-contaminated prey. Further study is needed to clarify any causal relationship. 05 Apr, 2024 https://www.medsciencegroup.us/articles/ATTE-8-116.php The evolution of the cigarette industry took us from traditional to electronic cigarettes (e-cigs). These are electronic devices that produce nicotine-containing aerosols by heating a liquid (e-liquid) that contains the drug as well as other numerous compounds. Although designed to decrease the harmful effects of traditional cigarettes, little is known about the long-term health incidence of e-cigarettes. The chemical composition of e-liquids varies depending on their manufacturer, country of origin, and batches. Fundamentally, e-liquids contain glycerol, propylene glycol, water, and nicotine. However, a concerning number of toxic substances including heavy metals, nonmetals, pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds, and many other molecules have been identified in them. A wide number of analytical techniques have been employed in the identification and quantitation of these chemicals in liquids as well as aerosols. This review will discuss the numerous chemical substances associated with the use of e-cigarettes, including the potential impact of these on human health. Additionally, this work will address the available analytical tools as well as promising technologies that can contribute to future toxicological characterization efforts. This review also covers some of the global regulatory policies including their challenges and loopholes. 21 Dec, 2023 https://www.medsciencegroup.us/articles/ATTE-7-115.php There are critical challenges to measuring substance use exposure, particularly among adolescents, with major limitations to the most common methods of assessment – self-report and biomarker (urine, saliva) analysis. This study examines the use of wipe sampling as a measure of adolescent illicit substance exposure. Among low-income families, this study compared forensically analyzed wipe samples from 51 adolescents’ homes and cell phones with self-reported substance use to identify overlaps and discrepancies. There were major gaps between adolescents reporting any substance use in the past year and adolescents whose homes and/or cell phones tested positive for illicit substances via wipe sample analysis. This study builds upon previous adolescent substance use and exposure research, highlighting the profound limitations of self-reported use, and introducing wipe sampling as an effective measure of toxicant exposure. Wipe samples also provide a means to examine environmental contexts in new novel ways. 26 Oct, 2023 https://www.medsciencegroup.us/articles/ATTE-7-114.php Background: The ABDALA vaccine is a subunit vaccine developed for preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection and the progression of COVID-19 to severe forms, using as an active pharmaceutical ingredient a recombinant version of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor-binding domain (RBD) expressed in Pichia pastoris. The aim of the paper was to describe the safety profile of the ABDALA vaccine in monkeys (Cholorocebus aethiops sabaeus). For such aim, the vaccine was administered to the monkeys intramuscularly six times every 14 days, following the same scheme used in clinical trials done against COVID-19. Animals were allocated to four groups: Placebo, ABDALA Low-dose (50 µg per animal), ABDALA High-dose (100 µg per animal), and Reversion (100 µg per animal) to be submitted to a clinical, hematological and serum biochemical evaluation. Histopathological assessment of all tissues and organs was also conducted. Results: As the main results, all animals survived and negative effects were not detected during animal clinical evaluations. The body weight and rectal temperature exhibited no variations and hematological and serum biochemical parameters showed no alterations associated with ABDALA administration. Finally, the histopathological study confirmed the proliferation of spleen white pulp due to ABDALA administration. Conclusions: Therefore, results strongly suggest ABDALA does not cause toxic effects or damage in the organs of Chlorocebus aethiops sabaeus monkeys, indicating that it is a promising and safe novel vaccine to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans and the progression of COVID-19 to severe forms. 08 Jul, 2023 https://www.medsciencegroup.us/articles/ATTE-7-113.php Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of CAPE on oxidative stress and apoptosis against streptozotocin (STZ)-induced damage in rat testis after diabetes. Materials and methods: The rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: Control animals, Control animals given CAPE, STZ-induced diabetic animals, and STZ-induced diabetic rats given CAPE. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (55 mg/kg). Testicular damage was examined by using hematoxylin and eosin staining and apoptosis was determined by Caspase-3. Potential disorders associated with seminiferous tubular sperm formation were evaluated using the Johnsen score and seminiferous tubule diameters were measured using the Leica Q Win Plus Image Analysis System. Results: Diabetic rats showed an increase in degenerated germ cells along with a decrease in seminiferous tubule diameter. Also, Caspase-3 positive cells were significantly increased in diabetic rats compared to control rats. On the other hand, CAPE significantly reduced the damage and germ cell apoptosis in diabetic rat testis. In testis tissues samples. CAPE treatment significantly decreased the elevated tissue malondialdehyde levels, while increasing the reduced superoxide dismutase enzyme activity. Conclusion: These results suggest that CAPE administered intraperitoneally for 20 days to diabetic rats is a potentially beneficial agent that can be used to reduce testicular damage. 30 Jun, 2023 https://www.medsciencegroup.us/articles/ATTE-7-112.php Wastewaters are frequently harmful to both the environment and human health since they are both directly and indirectly released into surface waters. The aim of this study was to determine physicochemical properties and to assess the levels of heavy metals in wastewater. Wastewater samples were collected from Koka and Mojo from the Oromia region, Ethiopia. Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) was used to determine the concentration of these heavy metals. The conductivity of wastewater obtained from the Mojo and Koka sites ranged from 1141.33 to 1498.32µS/cm and 1066.33 to 1243.72µS/cm, respectively. The maximum and minimum BOD effluent from Mojo and Koka sites were 1044.78mg/L and 794.73mg/L, and 883.00mg/L and 772.67mg/L, respectively. The COD value was found to range between 1466.08mg/L and 1615.38mg/L in the Mojo area and 1352.65mg/L to 1530.83mg/L in the Koka area, respectively. High BOD levels are a sign of contamination and could indicate a lack of oxygen for living things. In every one of the sample sites, it exceeds the recommended level. High COD levels suggest hazardous conditions and the presence of organic compounds that are resistant to biological processes. The maximum TDS of the effluents, which is more than the recommended limit, were found to be 2417.08mg/L and 2317.06mg/L in Mojo and Koka areas, respectively. Overall concentrations of heavy metals (As, Pb, B, Zn, Cd Hg, Cu, Ni, Co, Fe, Mn and Cr) in mg/L were found to be in the permissible range except for mercury (Hg). The wastewater had heavy metal Hg that was higher than the limits advised by the WHO and US EPA. The studies’ findings imply that the effluents are harmful by nature and need considerable treatment before being released into the ecosystem on land. 26 Jul, 2022 https://www.medsciencegroup.us/articles/ATTE-6-111.php Codeine, an opiate derivate, which induces pleasure and euphoria in users, is contained in many OTC cough syrups as dextromethorphan. In 2011, its abuse has been reported in Nigeria from consumption of codeine-based cough syrup such as Benylin containing codeine syrup (BCS). Thereafter, the neurobehavioural alteration was reported with BCS in mice. 45 Swiss male mice (20 g -25 g) were grouped into control, low dose-(10.95 ml/kg BCS) and High dose-(21.90 ml/kg of BCS). BCS was given orally above the therapeutic dose for 4weeks. Blood samples were collected after 7 and 28days under mild ether anesthesia into plain and heparinized bottles to assess hematological indices, serum creatinine level, and activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Thereafter, the brain, lung, and liver were excised and processed for brain protein level and histopathological observation. Data were analyzed using Two-way ANOVA at P < 0.05. At both doses, BCS reduced hemoglobin concentration (10.56; 21.69%), lymphocyte count (10.54; 29.22%) and brain protein level (4.86±0.81; 4.86 ± 0.80 vs 9.20 ± 0.61 g/l) while white blood cell count (20.47; 46.08%), serum creatinine level (5.36; 18.75%), AST (26.31; 32.77%) and ALT (22.90; 36.70%) activities were increased compared to control. Histology shows marked necrosis and chronic infiltration by inflammatory cells in the brain, liver, and lung. Acute and chronic treatment of mice with Benylin with codeine resulted in significant alterations in blood and vital body organs such as kidney, liver, lung, and brain in a dose-dependent manner. 03 Mar, 2021 https://www.medsciencegroup.us/articles/ATTE-5-110.php Heavy metals and pollutants are gaining more and more attention nowadays. Heavy metals at high concentrations have an undesirable effect on soil, plants, animals, and humans. The high concentrations of these minerals reduce the activity of microbiological organisms, which affect the quality of the soil and is reflected in the inhibition of the physiological activity of plants. If plants absorb these minerals, they affect the food chain and thus reflect on plants and animals. Heavy metals have an effect on water bodies and marine organisms, as water pollution with these minerals leads to an increase in the production of reactive oxygen species that cause harm to fish and marine organisms. Therefore, it is necessary to use fertilizers that are free of those heavy metals in order to get rid of the harmful effects of heavy metals. 15 Jun, 2020 https://www.medsciencegroup.us/articles/ATTE-4-109.php Background: Human exposure to xenobiotics, especially priority heavy metals (lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury and chromium), is unavoidable because of their involvement in industrial applications, accumulation in the environment over time and non-biodegradability. Unfortunately, they induce unprecedented biochemical and pathological changes on those exposed to them, causing oxidative damages and organ toxicities. 19 Mar, 2020 https://www.medsciencegroup.us/articles/ATTE-4-108.php Occupational exposures in different industries may pose serious health impacts. A number of epidemiological studies have focused on the association of occupational exposures and adverse health effects. The need of the hour is to focus on the reproductive health of workers engaged at different jobs in varied industries. Increasing environmental as well as occupational exposures have led to serious effects on the reproductive health of workers and have also endangered the life of future generations. The present paper highlights the impact of occupational exposures on iron industry workers. Future health based researches are recommended so as to assess the impact of occupational exposures on reproductive capabilities of workers. 17 Mar, 2020 https://www.medsciencegroup.us/articles/ATTE-4-107.php Background: Snake venoms are natural sources of proteins and peptides with several biological activities. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the in vitro toxicity of crude Bothrops jararaca (B. jararaca) venom on different human tumor cells and investigate its action mechanism. Material and methods: The crude venom from B. jararaca was provided by State Foundation for Health Research and Production and Center of Toxicological Information of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. To investigate different sensitivities of normal and cancer cell lines, cell viability was measured by using the MTT and neutral red uptake assays. 24 Dec, 2019 https://www.medsciencegroup.us/articles/ATTE-3-106.php Purpose: To further investigate the inflammatory response as one of the leading factors in the development of delayed limbal stem cell deficiency, clinically manifested by corneal neovascularization , following sulfur mustard ocular exposure in rabbits and to evaluate potential therapy. Materials and methods: Right eyes of rabbits were exposed to sulfur mustard vapor. Clinical examination was performed and the growth of corneal blood vessels was evaluated. Inflammatory cells (neutrophils, macrophages, antigen-presenting cells and T cells) were identified immunohistochemically. Tacrolimus (Prograf, Teva, 5mg/ml) an immuno-modulator drug, was tested via sub-conjunctival injection (50µl), started either before or after the development of neovascularization (72h and 4weeks, respectively) given once a week for 3weeks. 03 Dec, 2019 https://www.medsciencegroup.us/articles/ATTE-3-105.php Pesticides which constitute an group of environmental pollutants are commonly used in agriculture to protect crops. Pesticide exposure may be associated with increased risk of genotoxicity and carcinogenesis. Therefore, they pose a potential risk to farmers and environment. 21 Nov, 2019 https://www.medsciencegroup.us/articles/ATTE-3-104.php Snakebites are a real health problem in Morocco because of the diversity of the ophidian fauna and the signifi cant morbidity and mortality if treatment measures are delayed. The Moroccan Poison Control Center reports hundreds of snakebites every year. 17 Sep, 2019 https://www.medsciencegroup.us/articles/ATTE-3-103.php Introduction: Saccharum offi cinarum is the source of the popularly used refi ned sugar, with reported anti-androgenic effects. Saccharum offi cinarum Molasses (SOM), a sweet byproduct obtained during sugar production, rich in phenolic compounds, minerals and organic acids is being explored as a substitute sweetener for refi ned sugar due to its nutritional advantage. However, paucity of knowledge of its effects on reproductive functions prompts this study designed to assess activities of testicular cells cultured in SOM fractions. 17 Dec, 2016 https://www.medsciencegroup.us/articles/ATTE-1-102.php Entomopathogenic fungi are of particular interest now as the likely source of a new class of insecticides. This interest stems from the fact that these organisms naturally present in the environment, in most cases selectively affect specific organisms, and metabolites produced by them do not pass into the food chain. 21 Jun, 2016 https://www.medsciencegroup.us/articles/ATTE-1-101.php Background: A study published by St-Onge at al. (2012), identified an important variation in practice in regards to the management of calcium channel blocker (CCB) poisoning.