Introduction. Modern toxicology faces the challenge of assessing the risks associated with prolonged exposure to low doses of industrial and household xenobiotics, as their effects are masked by the body’s compensatory mechanisms and may lead to functional and organic disorders. The purpose of this work is to evaluate the possibility of using a test system based on the assessment of activity parameters of isolated muscular organs to identify early signs of functional disorders induced by xenobiotics.

Material and methods. The experimental study was conducted on isolated hearts and lymphatic vessels of male outbred albino rats exposed to a 28‑day subchronic treatment with sodium nitrite at doses of 0.028, 0.28, and 2.8 mg/kg, and unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) at doses of 0.02, 0.2, and 2.0 mg/kg. Changes in the contractile function of the isolated heart and mesenteric lymphatic vessels following xenobiotic exposure were assessed, along with the myocardial resistance to ischemia‑reperfusion.

Results. Subchronic exposure to sodium nitrite and UDMH induced cardiotoxic effects manifested as a reduction in the integral index of the isolated heart contractility. Sodium nitrite suppressed myocardial contractility without affecting the heart rate. UDMH suppressed contractility and reduced the contraction rate of both the heart and lymphatic vessels, indicating inhibition of pacemaker activity. Both xenobiotics (except for sodium nitrite at the 2.8 mg/kg dose) caused dilation of the coronary bed, reduced the minute output of the lymphatic vessels, and impaired the recovery of cardiac function after ischemia‑reperfusion.

Limitations. The results were obtained in an experimental model using male white rats subjected to subchronic administration of sodium nitrite and unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine over a period of 28 days.

Conclusion. The combined use of ex vivo models of isolated heart and lymphatic vessels revealed early signs of functional disorders under subchronic exposure to sodium nitrite and UDMH at all tested doses. The use of this test system allows for obtaining a quantitative characterization of the cardiotoxic effect of a xenobiotic, identification of its targets, studying its potential mechanisms of action, and selecting effective agents for pharmacological correction.

Compliance with ethical standards. The study was approved by the Bioethics Commission of the Research Institute of Hygiene, Occupational Pathology and Human Ecology of the FMBA, of Russia (Conclusion No.14, dated January 22, 2026) and was carried out in accordance with the European Convention for the Protection of Vertebrate Animals used for Experimental and Other Scientific Purposes (ETS No. 123) and Directive 2010/63/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2010 on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes.

Authors’ contribution:
Laptev D.S. – design of the study, data processing and interpretation, writing;
Nechaykina O.V. – data collection, processing and interpretation, writing;
Petunov S.G. – study concept and design, data processing and interpretation, editing;
Bobkov D.V. – data collection, data processing, editing;
Radilov A.S. – data analysis and interpretation, editing.
All co‑authors – approval of the final version of the article, responsibility for the integrity of all its parts.

Conflict of interests. A.S. Radilov is a member of the editorial board of the journal “Toksikologicheskiy vestnik / Toxicological Review”, but he has no involvement in the decision to publish this article. The article has undergone the peer‑review procedure adopted by the journal. The authors declare that there are no apparent or potential conflicts of interest related to the publication of this article

Funding. The research was conducted as part of the state program of Russian Federation «Development of Healthcare».

Received: May 15, 2026 / Revised: July 30, 2026 / Accepted: August 3, 2026 / Published: September 16, 2026

Phenol is a widespread industrial workplace air pollutant but its hematotoxic effects and the mechanisms of its interaction with benzene during combined occupational exposure remain insufficiently studied.

The purpose of this review is to systematize current research data on toxicokinetics and molecular mechanisms of phenol’s hematotoxicity, as well as to assess its interaction with benzene under occupational exposure conditions.

A literature search was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and eLIBRARY.RU databases in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Out of 136 reviewed publications, 47 papers were selected for the review.

Phenol can undergo local bioactivation in the bone marrow, where tissues are characterized by high sulfatase and myeloperoxidase activity coupled with low sulfotransferase activity. This leads to the formation of highly reactive metabolites. These compounds inhibit topoisomerase IIα, disrupt erythroid differentiation, suppress immune cells, and induce oxidative stress. It has been revealed that genetic polymorphisms in detoxification and DNA repair enzymes can modulate individual susceptibility to the hematotoxic effects of phenol and its metabolites. Furthermore, in case of the combined exposure to phenol and benzene, the chemicals can act synergistically.

Conclusions. The obtained data indicate the need for a comprehensive study of the mechanisms of phenol toxicity and for the improvement of hygienic standards, taking into account combined exposure effects and genetic predisposition. It is also necessary to implement expanded biomonitoring (including the determination of specific metabolites in urine and blood, cytogenetic analysis, and in depth examination of high risk groups) among workers in coke and petrochemical industries.

Authors’ contribution:
Shabardina L.V., Bateneva V.A. – data collection and processing, text writing;
Minigalieva I.A. – study concept and design;
Bazhenov V.A. – data collection and processing.
All co‑authors approved the final version of the article and are responsible for the integrity of all its parts.

Conflict of interest. The authors declare that there are no obvious and potential conflicts of interest in connection with the publication of this article.

Funding. The study had no financial support.

Received: April 07, 2026 / Accepted: August 3, 2026 / Published: September 16, 2026

Introduction. Cadmium is a widespread ecopollutant. When ingested, cadmium exhibits a nephrotoxic effect, contributing to the increased incidence of urinary system. Polyphenolic substances of plant origin can have a nephroprotective effect and neutralize the toxic effect of xenobiotics, and therefore it is important to search, develop and study ways to use promising correction drugs.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of subchronic cadmium intoxication on the biochemical parameters of kidney damage, the body’s capacity for self‑recovery during the post-intoxication period, and the possibility of correcting disorders using Chamaenerion angustifolium extract with various methodological approaches.

Material and methods. Subchronic intoxication was performed with cadmium acetate at a dose of 1/50 LD₅₀ on 150 male Wistar rats. For correction, extract of Chamaenerion angustifolium enriched with enotein B was used in two variations: concurrently with the toxicant administration for 28 days and after the cessation of toxicant exposure for 28 days. Plasma levels of creatinine, uric acid, and urea were determined using standard photometric methods.

Results. A statistically significant increase in creatinine, uric acid, and urea was observed throughout the entire period of subchronic intoxication. After cadmium exposure ceased, no signs of complete renal function recovery were detected. Administration of Chamaenerion angustifolium extract resulted in a statistically significant reduction of these markers. Moreover, corrective measures during the exposure period and in the post‑intoxication period showed comparable efficacy.

Limitations. The limitations were related to the study design, using male rats and plasma as an object, as well as the lack of histological studies to analyze morphological changes in kidney tissues.

Conclusion. Cadmium affects the filtration capacity of the kidneys. The use of Chamaenerion angustifolium extract can significantly reduce the negative impact of the toxicant, and therefore this agent may be considered a promising option for correcting cadmium‑induced nephrotoxicity.

Compliance with ethical standards. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Kursk State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia (Protocol No. 3 dated 17/10/2022) and conducted in accordance with the European Convention for the Protection of Vertebrate Animals used for Experimental and Other Scientific Purposes (ETS No. 123) and Directive 2010/63/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2010 on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes.

Authors’ contributions:
Korolev V.A., Babkina L.A. – study concept and design;
Korolev V.A., Babkina L.A., Chertova R.Yu., Bushmina O.N., Ryzhaev V.A. – literature search, participation in the study, data processing;
Babkina L.A., Chertova R.Yu. – statistical analysis;
Korolev V.A., Babkina L.A., Chertova R.Yu., Bushmina O.N., Ryzhaeva V.N. – data analysis and interpretation;
Korolev V.A., Chertova R.Yu. – writing and editing.
All co‑authors approved the final version of the article and are responsible for the integrity of all its parts.

Conflict of interest. The authors declare no apparent or potential conflicts of interest related to the publication of this article.

Funding. The study had no sponsorship.

Received: March 19, 2026 / Revised: May 12, 2026 / Accepted: August 3, 2026 / Published: September 16, 2026

Sulfur dioxide is one of the most common anthropogenic air pollutants, posing a significant hazard to human health, especially in industrial regions.

The aim of this literature review is to summarize and systematize recent experimental data on the mechanisms and toxic effects of sulfur dioxide and its water-soluble derivatives (sulfite and bisulfite ions) in in vivo and in vitro models.

Based on the analysis of 64 publications selected from international and Russian databases, this review provides a detailed description of toxicokinetics and key pathogenetic pathways. We established that the leading mechanisms of toxicity include the induction of intense oxidative stress, a systemic proinflammatory response through NF-κB activation, and profound disruption of cellular energy metabolism due to mitochondrial dysfunction.

This review describes systemic toxic effects of sulfur dioxide, extending beyond its direct irritant effect on the respiratory tract. Evidence is presented of damage to the cardiovascular system (cardiomyocyte apoptosis and structural myocardial changes), nervous system (neuroinflammation, synaptic dysfunction, and neuronal apoptosis), and reproductive function (impaired spermatogenesis, damage to the blood-testis barrier, and ovarian suppression). In addition, the genotoxic potential of sulfur dioxide and its role in disrupting cellular energy homeostasis are discussed. The findings expand our understanding of the fundamental principles of sulfur dioxide toxicity.

Author contributions:
Bateneva V.A., Nikogosyan K.M., Slobodchikova A.S. – data collection and analysis, draft manuscript preparation;
Minigalieva I.A. – goal formulation, approval of the final version;
Rybina T.M. – data collection and analysis.
All co-authors are responsible for approving the final version of the article and ensuring the integrity of all its parts

Conflict of interest. The authors declare no obvious or potential conflicts of interest in connection with the publication of this article.

Funding. The authors declare no obvious or potential conflicts of interest in connection with the publication of this article.

Received: March 2, 2026 / Revised: June 3, 2026 / Accepted: August 3, 2026 / Published: September 16, 2026

Chemotherapy‑induced peripheral polyneuropathy (CIPN) is one of the most common complications of anticancer therapy. It often leads to early suspension of treatment or dose reduction and represents a serious problem, as there are currently no effective methods for the prevention and treatment of this syndrome.

This review summarizes data on the epidemiology and clinical presentation of the disease and examines the mechanisms of taxanes antitumor action.

Taxanes are anticancer drugs that target microtubules, which are highly dynamic cytoskeletal structures. One of the most frequently used and neurotoxic agents in this group is paclitaxel. By binding to the inner surface of microtubules near the nucleotide‑binding site of β‑tubulin, paclitaxel inhibits tubulin depolymerization. This disrupts the mitotic spindle formation, blocks the cell cycle in tumor cells at the G2/M phase, arrests mitosis, and triggers apoptotic programmed cell death. Mitochondrial-modulated non-apoptotic cell death is considered to be of great importance. The therapeutic activity of paclitaxel also depends on its effects on various cell populations present in the tumor microenvironment.

Clinical presentation of paclitaxel toxicity on the peripheral nervous system is characterized by bilateral, distal, symmetrical axonal neuropathy. Clinical variants of the disease, including persistent neuropathy, are described.

Author’s contribution:
Savateeva-Lyubimova T.N. – selection and analysis of scientific literature, writing text, approval of the final version of the article, responsibility for the integrity of all parts of the article;
Sivak K.V., Stosman K.I. – editing.

Conflict of interest. The authors declare no apparent or potential conflicts of interest related to the publication of this article.

Funding. The study had no financial support.

Received: May 5, 2026 / Revised: June 2, 2026 / Accepted: August 3, 2026 / Published: September 16, 2026

Introduction. The oil refining and petrochemical sectors of the chemical industry in the Republic of Belarus are represented by several relatively large enterprises, the operation of which necessitates the safe disposal of production waste.

Materials and Methods. The following wastes were selected for study: sludge from heavy pyrolysis resin storage tanks and spent catalysts containing aluminium oxide. The study utilized test models consisting of two laboratory-bred aquatic invertebrate species: the gastropod Lymnaea stagnalis and the ciliated ciliate Tetrahymena pyriformis. Higher plant seeds and a culture of the earthworm Eisenia foetida were also used.

Results. Waste toxicity assessment using the Eisenia foetida test model revealed a decrease in oligochaete survival in the waste concentration range of 15.0 to 60.0 g/kg. Petrochemical sludge was classified as moderately hazardous waste (hazard class 3) using the Lymnaea stagnalis test model. Chronic exposure of Tetrahymena pyriformis to spent catalysts resulted in a cumulation coefficient of 0.90 and a maximum ineffective dose of 0.1 mg/ml. The studied waste did not exhibit phytotoxic effects.

Limitations. The study is limited to the assessed chemical industry wastes and the alternative test models used for biotesting.

Conclusion. The results of the conducted studies demonstrate the feasibility of using an integrated approach to biotesting chemical industry wastes. When using alternative test models to assess petrochemical sludge and spent catalyst wastes based on ecotoxicity, a final hazard class of 3 (moderately hazardous waste) was established.

Compliance with ethical standards. The experimental studies conducted do not require the submission of a bioethics committee opinion.

Authors’ contribution:
|Hrynchak V.A. – responsible for the integrity of all parts of the article and approval of the final version;
Kamliuk S.N. – data collection and processing, statistical analysis, and writing;
Ilyukova I.I. – study concept and design, data processing;
Gomolko T.N. – data processing and editing;
Yurkevich E.S. – statistical analysis and writing;
Petrova S.Yu. – data collection, editing;
Lappo L.G. – data collection, writing.

Conflict of interest. The authors declare no obvious or potential conflicts of interest in connection with the publication of this article.

Funding. The research was carried out within the framework of research work of the Belarusian Institute of System Analysis and Information Support of Scientific and Technical Sphere (state registration numbers 20230442 and 20230333).

Received: March 10, 2026 / Revized: May 18, 2026 / Accepted: August 3, 2026 / Published: September 16, 2026

Introduction. The identification of chemicals of concern is one of the main directions in the field of international chemical safety. These chemicals have negative impact on human health and the environment possessing carcinogenic, mutagenic, reprotoxic, endocrine disruptors effects as well as acute and chronic toxicity to aquatic biota. Therefore, they need to be regulated both at the national and international levels. The identification of these substances serves as the basis for subsequent regulatory changes, including development of hygienic and environmental standards, as well as prohibitive and restrictive measures.

Some international organizations refer nonylphenols and their ethoxylated derivatives to the chemicals of concern. As nonylphenols and nonylphenol ethoxylates are widely used in industry and household being the parts of detergents, paints and varnishes, polymer dispersions, pesticides, petrochemical and other products, they can affect a large number of people from different age groups. Therefore, they have come into focus of national scientific and regulatory organizations.

The purpose of this study is a comparative analysis of the toxicity and hazard of nonylphenols and nonylphenol ethoxylates for human health and the environment, as well as identification the priority areas for their further regulation.

Material and methods. The objects of the study were nonylphenols, including technical mixtures and individual linear and branched isomers (CAS 25154-52-3, 84852-15-3, 104-40-5), as well as ethoxylated derivatives with varying degrees of ethoxylation (CAS 9016-45-9, 37205-87-1, 7311-27-5, 68412-54-4), widely used as nonionic surfactants. Toxicity and hazard assessment was carried out based on the information from the official open national and international sources: ARIPS database “Hazardous Substances”, ECHA CHEM, PubChem, ECOTOX, documents of the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), as well as publications indexed in the databases Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, ResearchGate, eLIBRARY.RU and CyberLeninka. The physical and chemical properties of substances, environmental fate, (eco)toxicity, international and national regulation, and possible chemical alternatives are under discussion.

Results. The comparative analysis has shown that nonylphenols are more hazardous to human health and the environment than nonylphenol ethoxylates. Nonylphenols have negative impact on reproductive and endocrine systems. In addition, they possess pronounced corrosive properties and high toxicity to aquatic biota. In contrast, nonylphenol ethoxylates do not have reproductive and endocrine effects, but their environmental fate with the formation of nonylphenols and low ethoxylated derivatives as well as high aquatic toxicity make them hazardous. The national and international approaches to regulation were also discussed with the identification of some promising chemical alternatives that need to be evaluated.

Limitations. The study is limited to the analysis of open literature sources, including Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, ResearchGate, Cyberleninka, RSCI, eLIBRARY.RU databases.

Conclusion. The results obtained can be used for the justification of national regulatory changes in relation to nonylphenols and nonylphenol ethoxylates, including the development and implementation of prohibitive and restrictive measures, as well as the gradual replacement of these compounds with safer alternatives.

Compliance with ethical standards. The study does not require a report from the Bioethics Commission.

Authors’ contribution:
Khamidulina Kh.Kh., Tarasova E.V. – concept and design of the study, editing, approval of the final version of the article, responsibility for the integrity of all parts of the article;
Kurpidinov K.S., Gonyukova E.S., Nazarenko A.K. – collecting and processing material, writing text, editing.

Conflict of interest. Khamidulina Kh.Kh., Tarasova E.V. are members of the editorial board of the journal “Toxicological Review”, but have nothing to do with the decision to publish this article. The article has passed the review procedure accepted in the journal. The authors declare no other conflicts of interest.

Funding. The study was carried out as part of the research project “Development and scientific substantiation of chemical alternatives to replace highly hazardous components in various types of products” in accordance with the set of process activities “Research and development work to ensure chemical and biological safety of the Russian Federation” of the state program of the Russian Federation “Scientific and technological development of the Russian Federation”.

Received: May 20, 2026 / Accepted: August 3, 2026 / Published: September 16, 2026