Benzene is a human carcinogen whose exposure to concentrations below 1 ppm (3.19 mg·m⁻³) is associated with myelotoxic effects. The determination of biomarkers such as trans-trans muconic acid (AttM) and S-phenylmercapturic acid (SPMA) show exposure without reflecting the toxic effects of benzene. For this reason, in this study, the urinary metabolome of individuals exposed to low concentrations of benzene was investigated, with the aim of understanding the biological response to exposure to this xenobiotic and identifying metabolites correlated with the toxic effects induced by it. Ultra-efficient liquid chromatography coupled to a quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometer (UHPLC-ESI-Q-ToF-MS) was used to identify metabolites in the urine of environmentally (n = 28) and occupationally exposed (n = 32) to benzene (mean of 22.1 μg·m⁻³ and 31.8 μg·m⁻³, respectively). Non-targeted metabolomics analysis by PLS-DA revealed nine urinary metabolites discriminating between groups and statistically correlated with oxidative damage (MDA, thiol) and genetic material (chromosomal aberrations) induced by the hydrocarbon. The analysis of metabolic pathways revealed important alterations in lipid metabolism. These results point to the involvement of alterations in lipid metabolism in the mechanisms of cytotoxic and genotoxic action of benzene. Furthermore, this study proves the potential of metabolomics to provide relevant information to understand the biological response to exposure to xenobiotics and identify early effect biomarkers.

Pesticides constitute a category of chemical products intended specifically for the control and mitigation of pests. With their constant increase in use, the risk to human health and the environment has increased proportionally due to occupational and environmental exposure to these compounds. The use of these chemicals is associated with several toxic effects related to acute and chronic toxicity, such as infertility, hormonal disorders and cancer. The present work aimed to study the metabolic profile of individuals occupationally exposed to pesticides, using a metabolomics tool to identify potential new biomarkers. Metabolomics analysis was carried out on plasma and urine samples from individuals exposed and non-exposed occupationally, using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). Non-targeted metabolomics analysis, using principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) or partial least squares discriminant orthogonal analysis (OPLS-DA), demonstrated good separation of the samples and identified 21 discriminating metabolites in plasma and 17 in urine. The analysis of the ROC curve indicated the compounds with the greatest potential for biomarkers. Comprehensive analysis of the metabolic pathways influenced by exposure to pesticides revealed alterations, mainly in lipid and amino acid metabolism. This study indicates that the use of metabolomics provides important information about complex biological responses.

The global reliance on commodity oils has intensified the search for alternative plant-based sources capable of meeting increasing worldwide demand. The utilization of fruits from the Brazilian Savanna and their associated byproducts offers numerous possibilities, as these native species are rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds with nutraceutical potential. However, gaps remain in the characterization of their lipid profiles, particularly with respect to processing residues. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the fatty acid profiles of various parts of araticum (Annona crassiflora), baru (Dipteryx alata), buriti (Mauritia flexuosa), and pequi (Caryocar brasiliense) fruits using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The total content of monounsaturated fatty acids exceeded that of saturated fatty acids in residues, including baru pulp and peel, buriti peel, and pequi seed. Notably, essential fatty acids were abundant in the fruit side streams, with omega-9 fatty acids particularly abundant in buriti peel. Baru seeds were notable for their high omega-6 fatty acid content, which was also observed in the pulp and peel of baru. Lipid quality indices (AI, TI, h/H, and HPI) varied substantially among fruit fractions. The lowest TI values were observed in buriti peel (0.2) and pequi pulp (0.2), while high h/H and HPI values were found in buriti peel (155.8 and 46.5, respectively), pequi pulp (133.4 and 48.6, respectively), and araticum seed (48.8 and 13.3, respectively). These results indicate favorable lipid quality characteristics in some fruit fractions and highlight the potential of these byproducts as alternative sources of nutritionally relevant lipids. Their utilization may also support sustainable and responsible consumption, provide additional income opportunities for producers, and contribute to biome preservation. Further biological and clinical studies are needed to determine whether these lipid characteristics translate into measurable health effects.