Cancer metabolism is sustained both by enhanced aerobic glycolysis, characteristic of the Warburg phenotype, and oxidative metabolism. Cell survival and proliferation depends on a dynamic equilibrium between mitochondrial function and glycolysis, which is heterogeneous between tumors and even within the same tumor. During oxidative phosphorylation, electrons from NADH and FADH₂ originated in the tricarboxylic acid cycle flow through complexes of the electron transport chain. Single electron leaks at specific complexes of the electron transport chain generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are a concentration-dependent double-edged sword that plays multifaceted roles in cancer metabolism. ROS serve either as signaling molecules favoring cellular homeostasis and proliferation or damage DNA, protein and lipids, causing cell death. Several aspects of ROS biology still remain unsolved. Among the unknowns are the actual levels at which ROS become cytotoxic and if toxicity depends on specific ROS species or if it is caused by a cumulative effect of all of them. In this review, we describe mechanisms of mitochondrial ROS production, detoxification, ROS-induced cytotoxicity, and the use of antioxidants in cancer treatment. We also provide updated information about critical questions on the biology of ROS on cancer metabolism and discuss dogmas that lack adequate experimental demonstration. Overall, this review brings a comprehensive perspective of ROS as drivers of cancer progression, inducers of cell death, and the potential use of antioxidants as anticancer therapy.

Nematophagous fungi are a biological control tool used against gastrointestinal nematodes in livestock. These fungi prey on free-living larvae in faeces and could be affected by active drugs excreted post-treatment. This study aimed to determine in vitro and under environmental conditions the effect of the following anthelmintics on the fungus Duddingtonia flagrans: ivermectin, levamisole, albendazole, fenbendazole and ricobendazole. The in vitro effect of anthelmintics on fungal growth and predatory capacity was assessed in corn meal agar and coprocultures, respectively. Ivermectin (1, 2 and 10 ppm), fenbendazole (0.027, 0.054 and 1 ppm) and albendazole (1 ppm) significantly affected fungal development. The fungal efficacy against L3 was high in the control and levamisole coprocultures but decreased significantly in the presence of albendazole, fenbendazole, ricobendazole and ivermectin. The impact of levamisole on D. flagrans was further assessed under environmental conditions in autumn and winter; the fungal efficacy measured in faecal pats and the surrounding herbage was not affected by levamisole at any time. This study shows that using albendazole, fenbendazole, ricobendazole or ivermectin may compromise fungal activity, as these drugs affect the free-living stages of nematodes in faeces, but levamisole can be safely considered in parasite control strategies involving D. flagrans and anthelmintic treatments.

Dogs harbour a wide range of endoparasites, many of which pose a significant risk to public health globally due to their zoonotic potential. Addressing the dynamics of zoonotic parasites comprehensively requires epidemiological studies under the One Health paradigm, incorporating multidisciplinary methodologies to explore the complex interactions among humans, animals and the environment. The present study aimed to investigate the presence of canine parasites in public green places (PGPs) in Tandil, Argentina, using epidemiological and geographical tools to enhance efforts towards the prevention and control of canine parasitic diseases impacting public health. Between August 2024 and January 2025, 893 canine faecal samples were collected through a randomised two-stage sampling process from 92 public green places. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 29.9% and the identified parasites were Trichuris vulpis, Ancylostoma caninum, Eucoleus spp., Uncinaria stenocephala, Toxascaris leonina, and Cystoisospora sp. Risk factors identified included the presence of playgrounds and a higher dog density, while protective factors comprised sampling during spring vs. winter and presence of areas of bare soil on the public green places. Spatial analysis revealed clusters of high prevalence in areas with lower socioeconomic status, and clusters of low prevalence in higher socioeconomic areas. These findings emphasise the need for targeted preventive measures, including responsible pet ownership policies. Moreover, the methodological approach adopted could be replicated in other regions to enhance public health protection and mitigate the risks associated with zoonotic parasitic diseases.