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Current Research on the Cytotoxicity of Drugs to Humans and Animals

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A special issue of Toxics (ISSN 2305-6304). This special issue belongs to the section "Drugs Toxicity".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2021) | Viewed by 27381

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Aleksandra Zielinska

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Guest Editor

Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszyńska 32, 60-479 Poznań, Poland
Interests: lipid nanoparticles; drug delivery and targeting; nanotoxicology and nanosafety; pharmaceutical chemistry; cosmetics; nanomedicine; clinical trials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Research on the prevention and treatment of several chronic diseases is constantly growing worldwide. In recent years, there has been a rapid increase in the design and development of new drugs for human and animal use. In order to ensure the highest standards of treatment, in vitro cytotoxic assays and in vivo toxicological studies are required to ensure the safety of a drug formulation.

The chronic use of drugs with immunosuppressive and cytotoxic effects may break down organs such as kidneys, stomach, liver, and intestines, causing side effects that are sometimes life-threatening. Furthermore, antineoplastic drugs (known for their cytotoxic activity) from different sources and with different mechanisms of action are commonly used in large doses.

This Special Issue aims to cover the current research in human and veterinary medicine focused on the cytotoxicity of drugs, and expects to receive contributions describing the recent advances and technological challenges encountered in new approaches to reduce adverse side effects of such drugs. Research and review papers on the safe use of drugs, and the potential risk of side effects in humans and animals, are also welcome.

Dr. Aleksandra Zielinska
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Toxics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

cytotoxicity assay
immunosuppressive drugs
cytostatic/antineoplastic drugs
side effects
clinical trials
in vitro and in vivo studies
breakthrough treatment of diseases in humans and animals

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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10 pages, 2498 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Rutin-Functionalized Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes: Molecular Docking, Physicochemistry and Cytotoxicity in Fibroblasts

by Conrado M. S. Neto, Felipe C. Lima, Renata P. Morais, Lucas R. M. de Andrade, Renata de Lima, Marco V. Chaud, Matheus M. Pereira, Ricardo L. C. de Albuquerque Júnior, Juliana C. Cardoso, Aleksandra Zielińska, Eliana B. Souto, Álvaro S. Lima and Patrícia Severino

Toxics 2021, 9(8), 173; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/toxics9080173 - 22 Jul 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2388

Abstract

Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT) have been functionalized with rutin through three steps (i. reaction step; ii. purification step; iii. drying step) and their physicochemical properties investigated with respect to morphological structure, thermal analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and cytotoxicity. The molecular docking suggested the rutin-functionalized MWCNT occurred by hydrogen bonds, which was confirmed by FTIR assays, corroborating the results obtained by thermal analyses. A tubular shape, arranged in a three-dimensional structure, could be observed. Mild cytotoxicity observed in 3T3 fibroblasts suggested a dose–effect relationship after exposure. These findings suggest the formation of aggregates of filamentous structures on the cells favoring the cell penetration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research on the Cytotoxicity of Drugs to Humans and Animals)

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17 pages, 3290 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phytochemical and Safety Evaluations of Zingiber ottensii Valeton Essential Oil in Zebrafish Embryos and Rats

by Wisit Thitinarongwate, Raktham Mektrirat, Wutigri Nimlamool, Parirat Khonsung, Surachai Pikulkaew, Siriporn Okonogi and Puongtip Kunanusorn

Toxics 2021, 9(5), 102; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/toxics9050102 - 03 May 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3358

Abstract

Zingiber ottensii Valeton (ZO) exhibits pharmacological activity and has long been used in traditional medicine. However, reports about its safety profiles are limited. The present study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical profile and the toxic effects of ZO essential oil on the development of zebrafish and acute oral toxicity in rats. The essential oil was isolated from ZO rhizomes, and phytochemicals were analyzed using a gas chromatography–mass spectrometer (GC–MS). The embryotoxic and teratogenic effects of ZO essential oil were evaluated in zebrafish embryos and larvae and the acute oral toxicity was determined in rats. GC–MS results showed the essential oil contained zerumbone as a major phytoconstituent (24.73%). The zebrafish embryotoxicity of ZO essential oil appeared to be concentration- and time-dependent manner, with a moderate LC₅₀ (1.003 µg/mL). Teratogenicity in zebrafish embryos also included morphological defects, decreased hatchability, and reduced heart rate. In rats, ZO essential oil (2000 mg/kg, p.o.) resulted in no mortality or significant toxicities. These findings suggest that ZO has embryotoxic and teratogenic effects in zebrafish embryos but does not result in death or acute oral toxicity in rats. Further long-term toxicity studies are needed to confirm the safety of products developed from ZO essential oil. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research on the Cytotoxicity of Drugs to Humans and Animals)

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Review

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19 pages, 1641 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Cytotoxicity of Thiopurine Drugs in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

by Oliwia Zakerska-Banaszak, Liliana Łykowska-Szuber, Michał Walczak, Joanna Żuraszek, Aleksandra Zielińska and Marzena Skrzypczak-Zielińska

Toxics 2022, 10(4), 151; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/toxics10040151 - 22 Mar 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4669

Abstract

The effectiveness of thiopurine drugs in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) was confirmed more than a half-century ago. It was proven that these can be essential immunomodulatory medications. Since then, they have been used routinely to maintain remission of Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). The cytotoxic properties of thiopurines and the numerous adverse effects of the treatment are controversial. However, the research subject of their pharmacology, therapy monitoring, and the search for predictive markers are still very relevant. In this article, we provide an overview of the current knowledge and findings in the field of thiopurines in IBD, focusing on the aspect of their cytotoxicity. Due to thiopurines’ benefits in IBD therapy, it is expected that they will still constitute an essential part of the CD and UC treatment algorithm. More studies are still required on the modulation of the action of thiopurines in combination therapy and their interaction with the gut microbiota. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research on the Cytotoxicity of Drugs to Humans and Animals)

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19 pages, 2077 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Nanopesticides in Agriculture: Benefits and Challenge in Agricultural Productivity, Toxicological Risks to Human Health and Environment

by Marco Chaud, Eliana B. Souto, Aleksandra Zielinska, Patricia Severino, Fernando Batain, Jose Oliveira-Junior and Thais Alves

Toxics 2021, 9(6), 131; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/toxics9060131 - 04 Jun 2021

Cited by 106 | Viewed by 15507

Abstract

Nanopesticides are nanostructures with two to three dimensions between 1 to 200 nm, used to carry agrochemical ingredients (AcI). Because of their unique properties, the loading of AcI into nanoparticles offers benefits when compared to free pesticides. However, with the fast development of new engineered nanoparticles for pests’ control, a new type of environmental waste is being produced. This paper describes the nanopesticides sources, the harmful environmental and health effects arising from pesticide exposure. The potential ameliorative impact of nanoparticles on agricultural productivity and ecosystem challenges are extensively discussed. Strategies for controlled release and stimuli-responsive systems for slow, sustained, and targeted AcI and genetic material delivery are reported. Special attention to different nanoparticles source, the environmental behavior of nanopesticides in the crop setting, and the most recent advancements and nanopesticides representative research from experimental results are revised. This review also addresses some issues and concerns in developing, formulating and toxicity pesticide products for environmentally friendly and sustainable agriculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research on the Cytotoxicity of Drugs to Humans and Animals)

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