Research Article
3 May 2026
Saudi Toxicology Journal (STJ) is the official journal of the Saudi Toxicology Society (STS) and hosted by digital commons of Elsevier. STJ is a peer-reviewed, multidisciplinary, open-access journal dedicated to advancing research across all areas of toxicological sciences. The journal operates a continuous publication model, ensuring rapid dissemination of high-quality research. STJ provides an international platform for scientific contributions addressing toxic agents, drug safety and efficacy, underlying mechanisms, analytical approaches, and the prevention and management of toxic exposures and their impact on human health.
The readership of STJ includes researchers, clinicians, toxicologists, pharmacists, forensic scientists, and professionals working in academic, healthcare, industrial, environmental, and regulatory settings worldwide, as well as postgraduate trainees and advanced undergraduate students with an interest in toxicological sciences.
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Volume 3, Issue 1 (2026)View issue
Featured Content
- Research Article15 April 2026
Subchronic Oral Exposure to Propylparaben Induces Endocrine Disruption and Genotoxicity in Male Rats
ropylparaben (PP) is widely employed as a preservative in consumer products such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food items, prompting increasing safety apprehensions due to its possible endocrine-disrupting properties. A controlled experimental investigation was conducted to assess the toxicological effects of sub-chronic propylparaben exposure on the testes of adult male rats. Twenty adult male rats (n = 20) were randomly assigned to two groups (10 rats per group): a control group receiving distilled water and a treated group receiving PP orally at a dosage of 100 mg/kg body weight once daily for four consecutive weeks. This dosage was selected based on prior toxicological research indicating detrimental reproductive consequences after repeated exposure. Toxicological, hormonal, histopathological, and genotoxic assessments were performed. Data were analyzed using an unpaired Student’s t-test and are presented as mean ± SEM, with statistical significance established at p < 0.05. Exposure to propylparaben resulted in marked toxicological disruptions and hormonal dysregulation, as reflected by a reduction in testosterone (142 ± 5.9 ng/dL, p < 0.0001), an increase in luteinizing hormone (10.4 ± 0.4 IU/L, p < 0.0001), and an elevation in follicle-stimulating hormone (9.6 ± 0.43 mIU/mL, p < 0.0001) compared to controls. Genotoxicity was evident through increased DNA damage, indicated by a heightened comet assay tail length (261.33 ± 4.1 µm, p < 0.0001). Histopathological evaluation demonstrated atrophy and structural disarray of seminiferous tubules, characterized by luminal constriction, epithelial degeneration, and localized tubular necrosis with associated inflammatory infiltration. These results indicate that repeated oral exposure to propylparaben induces measurable hormonal disturbances, genotoxicity, and structural damage to the testes, supporting concerns regarding its potential reproductive toxicity.
Current Articles
Most Popular Articles
- Research Article3 May 2026
Prevalence, Determinants, and Objective Risk of Unintentional Therapeutic Duplication Among Adults in Saudi Arabia
Background: Unintentional therapeutic duplication represents an underrecognized yet preventable contributor to medication-related harm, particularly in settings characterized by widespread over-the-counter (OTC) medicine use and self-medication practices. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of unintentional therapeutic duplication among adults in Saudi Arabia and identify sociodemographic and behavioral predictors associated with increased therapeutic duplication risk. Methods: A national crosssectional study was conducted between February 10 and April 28, 2025, using a structured, self-administered online questionnaire distributed via social media platforms. The survey assessed sociodemographic characteristics, medication-use behaviors, active-ingredient literacy, and duplication risk using both self-reported measures and scenario-based assessments. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors of elevated therapeutic duplication risk. Results: A total of 700 participants were included (mean age 34.2 ± 10.5 years; 58% female). The prevalence of self-reported therapeutic duplication within the preceding 90 days was 43.0%. Paracetamol-containing products were the most commonly implicated (32.0%), followed by nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (24.0%) and antihistamines (15.0%). The mean ingredient-literacy score was 5.1 ± 2.3 (out of 10), with only 48% correctly identifying duplication scenarios. In adjusted analysis, poor ingredient literacy (AOR 3.12, 95% CI 2.29–4.25), frequent OTC use (AOR 2.41, 95% CI 1.78–3.26), and lower educational attainment (AOR 1.89, 95% CI 1.32– 2.71) were independently associated with increased duplication risk ( p < 0.001). Conclusion: Unintentional therapeutic duplication is common among adults in Saudi Arabia and is strongly associated with limited activeingredient literacy. Targeted interventions focusing on patient education, improved labeling, and pharmacist-led counseling are warranted to mitigate preventable medication harm. - Research Article9 April 2026
β-Glucan Mitigates Valproic Acid-Induced Hepatorenal Toxicity in Rats
Valproic acid (VPA) is a common medication used to treat epilepsy, known for its broad-spectrum efficacy but also associated with hepatotoxicity and metabolic disturbances. β-glucan, a natural polysaccharide with hepatoprotective properties, may mitigate druginduced liver damage. The study sought to assess hepatorenal toxicity of VPA and investigate the potential protective and therapeutic effects of β-glucan. Forty male rats were randomly distributed into four groups. The treated group received VPA (500 mg/kg), β-glucan (50 mg/kg), or combinations for 14–21 days via intraperitoneal injection. Serum biochemical parameters (ALT, AST, ALP, urea, creatinine, lipids) were measured. Histopathological evaluation of hepatic tissue was performed. VPA caused significant elevations in serum ALT and AST, as well as histological liver damage. Co-treatment with β-glucan significantly attenuated hepatic and renal dysfunction in VPA-treated groups, preserving tissue architecture. VPA exhibited both hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic potential. However, β-glucan co-administration provided a protective effect against both VPA-induced hepatic and renal toxicities. Keywords: Valproic acid; hepatotoxicity; nephrotoxicity; β-glucan; oxidative stress - Research Article15 April 2026
Subchronic Oral Exposure to Propylparaben Induces Endocrine Disruption and Genotoxicity in Male Rats
ropylparaben (PP) is widely employed as a preservative in consumer products such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food items, prompting increasing safety apprehensions due to its possible endocrine-disrupting properties. A controlled experimental investigation was conducted to assess the toxicological effects of sub-chronic propylparaben exposure on the testes of adult male rats. Twenty adult male rats (n = 20) were randomly assigned to two groups (10 rats per group): a control group receiving distilled water and a treated group receiving PP orally at a dosage of 100 mg/kg body weight once daily for four consecutive weeks. This dosage was selected based on prior toxicological research indicating detrimental reproductive consequences after repeated exposure. Toxicological, hormonal, histopathological, and genotoxic assessments were performed. Data were analyzed using an unpaired Student’s t-test and are presented as mean ± SEM, with statistical significance established at p < 0.05. Exposure to propylparaben resulted in marked toxicological disruptions and hormonal dysregulation, as reflected by a reduction in testosterone (142 ± 5.9 ng/dL, p < 0.0001), an increase in luteinizing hormone (10.4 ± 0.4 IU/L, p < 0.0001), and an elevation in follicle-stimulating hormone (9.6 ± 0.43 mIU/mL, p < 0.0001) compared to controls. Genotoxicity was evident through increased DNA damage, indicated by a heightened comet assay tail length (261.33 ± 4.1 µm, p < 0.0001). Histopathological evaluation demonstrated atrophy and structural disarray of seminiferous tubules, characterized by luminal constriction, epithelial degeneration, and localized tubular necrosis with associated inflammatory infiltration. These results indicate that repeated oral exposure to propylparaben induces measurable hormonal disturbances, genotoxicity, and structural damage to the testes, supporting concerns regarding its potential reproductive toxicity. - Research Article14 April 2026
Severe Autoimmune Digital Vasculopathy in Systemic Sclerosis with Lupus- and Antiphospholipid-Spectrum Serologic Positivity and Libman–Sacks Endocarditis: A Case Report
Background: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune connective tissue disease characterized by prominent vasculopathy, which may lead to severe digital ischemia and ulceration. The coexistence of SSc-related vasculopathy with lupus- and antiphospholipid-spectrum manifestations, including Libman–Sacks endocarditis, is uncommon and poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Case Presentation: We report a 37-year-old female with a systemic sclerosis phenotype and overlapping lupus- and antiphospholipid-spectrum features, who presented with severe bilateral digital ischemia and ulceration. Investigations revealed active autoimmune disease with inflammatory, immunologic, and vascular involvement, along with Libman–Sacks endocarditis. Imaging excluded large-vessel occlusive disease. The patient was treated with targeted vasodilator therapy and immunomodulatory agents, resulting in marked clinical improvement with healing of digital ulceration and resolution of ischemic discoloration. Conclusion: This case highlights a rare overlap connective tissue disease phenotype presenting with severe autoimmune-mediated digital vasculopathy and Libman–Sacks endocarditis. Early recognition and a multidisciplinary, individualized treatment approach may lead to favorable outcomes in complex autoimmune overlap syndromes. - Research Article20 March 2026
First Epidemiological Assessment: Syphilis Seroprevalence among Asymptomatic Blood Donors in Merowe, Northern Sudan, 2022
Syphilis remains a significant transfusion-transmissible infection, yet regional epidemiological data from Northern Sudan are lacking. This study aimed to establish preliminary baseline syphilis seroprevalence among asymptomatic blood donors in Merowe, Northern Sudan. A cross-sectional study was conducted in January 2022 at the Merowe blood donation center. Eighty-nine consecutive asymptomatic male blood donors were screened for anti-Treponema pallidum antibodies using a commercial Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kit (Fortress Diagnostics, UK). Demographic data were collected via structured questionnaire. The overall seroprevalence was 2.25% (2/89; 95% CI: 0.6–7.9%). The donor population median age was 32 years (range: 18–64). Both reactive donors were referred for confirmatory testing and clinical management. This first syphilis seroprevalence report from Merowe provides preliminary regional data, highlights the importance of continued screening, and underscores the need for larger-scale surveillance in demographically dynamic regions. The findings should be interpreted with caution given the small sample size and single-center design. - Case Report28 January 2026
Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Behaviors Towards Invasive Meningococcal Disease and Its Vaccination Among Young Adults in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Background: Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) remains a life-threatening infection associated with high mortality and long-term morbidity. Effective vaccines are available but meningococcal vaccination in Saudi Arabia is not mandatory outside specific high-risk groups. Public knowledge, attitudes and behaviors (KAB) toward IMD and its vaccination play a pivotal role in disease prevention and vaccine uptake. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 382 residents of Saudi Arabia between July and August 2024 using a validated, Arabictranslated questionnaire distributed via social media. The survey assessed socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of IMD, attitudes toward vaccination, vaccination behaviors and sources of information. Knowledge scores were categorized as good (≥2) or poor (<2). Data were analyzed using SPSS. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of knowledge and vaccine acceptance. Results: Most participants we` re male (90.3%), Saudi nationals (94.2%), students (71.2%) and residents of Mecca (98.7%), with a mean age of 23.9 ± 8.2 years. Good knowledge of IMD was observed in 71.7% of respondents; however, misconceptions regarding disease transmission were prevalent, with 63.1% incorrectly identifying insects as the main transmission route. Although 86.6% expressed willingness to receive the meningococcal vaccine, only 51.8% were aware of vaccine availability. Age, occupation, education level and nationality were significant predictors of knowledge, while occupation was the only significant predictor of vaccine acceptance. Conclusions: Despite generally favorable attitudes toward meningococcal vaccination, substantial knowledge gaps and misinformation persist. Healthcare providers and digital platforms represent critical channels for targeted public health education. Strengthening awareness strategies may enhance vaccine uptake and support national and global meningitis elimination goals. Keywords: Meningococcal Disease, Meningitis, Vaccination, Knowledge, Attitude, Saudi Arabia, Public Health.