{"topic_id":"evidence_exotic_gerbil_toxicology","category":"evidence","context":"---\ntopic_id: evidence_exotic_gerbil_toxicology\ncategory: evidence\ntitle: \"Evidence cluster — Gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) toxicology (peer-reviewed, Europe PMC)\"\nlang: en\nsource: \"Europe PMC (Europe PubMed Central) REST search, first-hand peer-reviewed abstracts, pulled 2026-08-01\"\nsource_file: pdf-raw/evidence/europepmc_gerbil_toxicology_2026-08-01.txt\ndate_parsed: 2026-08-01\ntokens_estimated: 5527\nverification:\n  method: substring_match\n  claims: 12\n  passed: 12\n  date: 2026-08-01\nsource_document: \"Peer-reviewed Gerbil toxicology literature (Europe PMC, first-hand abstracts)\"\ncitation:\n  authority: \"Europe PMC\"\n  title: \"Evidence cluster — Gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) toxicology (peer-reviewed, Europe PMC)\"\n  url: \"https://www.ebi.ac.uk/europepmc/\"\n  retrieved: \"2026-08-01\"\n  doc_type: \"first-hand abstracts (Europe PMC REST)\"\n  needs_review: false\n---\n\n# Evidence: Gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) toxicology\n\nSource: Europe PMC (Europe PubMed Central) REST search — first-hand peer-reviewed abstract records, pulled 2026-08-01.\nQueries covered toxicology, poisoning, intoxication, heavy metals, mycotoxins and (for relevant taxa) envenomation for Meriones unguiculatus.\nThe cluster returns **12** representative studies with abstracts below. Abstract text is verbatim from source; each study is traceable by PMID.\n\n## Studies\n- **PMID 41683765 (2026, International journal of molecular sciences)** — Effects of Pre- and Post-Supplementation of Taurine in the Hippocampus of a Gerbil Model of Transient Global Cerebral Ischemia.. Abstract (opening): Taurine is a free amino acid with various effects, such as developing the nervous system, an immune function, an antioxidative effect, enhancing muscle and cardiovascular function, and reducing fatigue. In this study, we investigated the effect of taurine supplementation on ischemic neuronal damage in the hippocampus of gerbils. Taurine (150 mg/kg) was orally administered to gerbils before and after induction of transient ischemia. Histologically, we examined surviving and degenerating neurons by neuronal nuclei immunostaining and fluoro-jade C (FJC) staining. Gliosis was morphologically confirmed by GFAP and Iba1 immunostaining. Compared to the ischemia and pre-treated gerbils, pre- and post-taurine supplementation was neuroprotective by maintaining higher number of mature NeuN-immunoreactive neurons and reducing neuronal death (FJC-stained cells) in the hippocampal CA1 region. Additionally, the ischemia-induced reactive astrocytosis and microgliosis was significantly mitigated by long-term taurine treatment in the gerbil hippocampus. Furthermore, we confirmed that pre- and post-taurine supplementation downregulated ischemia-mediated induction in the MAPK cascade, such as ERK, JNK, and p38, which are involved in oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and cell differentiation, and this treatment upregulated an ischemia-mediated reduction in antioxidants such as SOD2, GPX4, and anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2 in the gerbil hippocampus. Pre- and post-taurine supplementation also downregulated again the ischemic injury-mediated activation of transcriptional factor NFkβ, an important gene expression regulator, especially in the inflammatory response, and pro-apoptotic factor Bax in the gerbil hippocampus. Our present results suggest that pre- and post-taurine supplementation has potential in neuroprotection against ischemia-induced neuronal death and glial activation by attenuating oxidative stress and apoptosis.\n  Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41683765/\n- **PMID 41842687 (2026, Risk analysis : an official publication of the Society for Risk Analysis)** — Development of Dose-Response Models for the Ingestion Exposure Route and Stillbirth Outcome for Listeria monocytogenes.. Abstract (opening): Foodborne listeriosis can cause stillbirth in pregnant individuals, prompting numerous population-specific food safety guidelines. Dose-response models are employed in quantitative microbial risk assessments (QMRAs) to develop such guidelines; however, pregnant hosts are under-considered when developing dose-response models, and the few published dose-response models for pregnant hosts do not consider the biological plausibility of the model. Therefore, this study aims to develop biologically plausible dose-response models for pregnant hosts using infection and stillbirth as health outcomes. The inclusion criteria of dose-response data for this analysis required reporting of (i) quantified dose, (ii) Listeria monocytogenes as the target pathogen, (iii) infection and/or stillbirth as endpoints, and (iv) specificity to pregnant hosts. The datasets were fit individually and as pooled sets to exponential and beta-Poisson dose-response models using Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE). To establish uncertainty around the MLE estimates, 10,000 bootstrapped iterations were fit to the models. Recommended dose-response models for endpoints of stillbirth and infection were generated. The recommended model for infection was based on pooled guinea pig and gerbil maternal infection data fit to the beta-Poisson model, with parameters of: α = 0.0843 and N<sub>50</sub> = 1.01 × 10<sup>8</sup>. The recommended stillbirth dose-response model utilized a pooled guinea pig fetal brain infection and stillbirth dataset fit to the beta-Poisson model parameters of α = 0.575 and N<sub>50</sub> = 1.31 × 10<sup>7</sup>. Integrating such models into QMRAs for pregnant hosts supports a more health-protective assessment and decision-making process by separating sensitive populations from the general public when possible.\n  Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41842687/\n- **PMID 41772982 (2026, Veterinary medicine and science)** — Neuroprotective Effect of Sweet Potato Petiole and Leaf Dry-Powder in a Gerbil Model of Transient Cerebral Ischaemia.. Abstract (opening): <h4>Objectives</h4>This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of sweet potato petioles and leaves (PL), which are rich in polyphenols with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, using a gerbil model of transient cerebral ischaemia. We also evaluated the preventive potential of continuous PL intake against ischaemic brain injury.<h4>Methods</h4>Custom diets, formulated by adding 1% or 10% PL powder to MF standard diet, were provided ad libitum to gerbils after a 5-min bilateral common carotid artery occlusion for 7 days (post-ischaemia PL providing group). Diets were also provided from 7 days before to 7 days after the ischaemic episode (pre-ischaemia PL providing group, total 14 days). The number of viable neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region was assessed on postoperative Day 7.<h4>Results</h4>The number of viable neurons was significantly higher in both post- and pre-10% PL groups compared with that in the MF group (43.90 ± 3.28 in MF, 66.55 ± 6.60 in post 10% PL and 69.56 ± 3.30 in pre 10% PL; p < 0.01), although no significant differences were observed in the post- and pre-1% PL groups (55.49 ± 3.19 in post 1% PL 47.27 ± 2.61 in pre 1% PL). Moreover, comparison between the pre- and post-10% PL groups indicated that pre-ischaemic administration resulted in slightly higher number of viable neurons.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Continuous intake of sweet potato PL may support the prevention and mitigation of neuronal damage in ischaemic events.\n  Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41772982/\n- **PMID 41495641 (2026, BMC genomics)** — Comparative evolutionary and structural bioinformatic analysis of the human N-Acetyltransferase-2 (NAT2) gene with different mammalian and avian taxa.. Abstract (opening): Effective metabolization of exogenous compounds in humans is a key for health and drug efficacy albeit a complex process determined by one's genetic background. The enzyme, N-Acetyltransferase-2 (NAT2), which metabolizes different xenobiotic compounds (including folate) and various therapeutic drugs, is encoded by the NAT2 gene. Based on acetylation capacity, an individual is either a fast or slow acetylator. Although the apportionment of NAT2 gene and its acetylator types are widely documented in human populations, the evolutionary genetic affinities and functional background of NAT2 variations with closely-related taxa are not well understood. Herein, we have analyzed 60 NAT2 gene coding sequences (873 bp) representing 59 different taxa belonging to mammalian and avian taxa and two most prevalent human NAT2 alleles ((NAT2*4 and NAT2*6A) to document the phylogenetics relationship among taxa; to characterize DNA methylation patterns in this gene and to evaluate species specific binding efficiency to folate using molecular docking approach. Phylogenetic analysis showed 3 broad clades representing where humans and other primates were found to be closely related. The CpG analysis revealed a one conserved region of same length (total 200 bp) across taxa as well as variable short regions of differing lengths (ranging from minimum 50 to maximum 100 bp length sequences) in some taxa. Molecular docking showed variable binding affinities of NAT2 protein models with human slow acetylator allele (NAT2*6A) showing highest binding affinity to folate, indicative of adaptive response to folate bioavailability. Through our analysis we highlight the evolutionary conservation and functional divergence in NAT2 gene across Mammals and Aves likely to be driven by ecological and dietary factors. Our findings provide new insights into evolutionary adaptations to processing folate across various taxa, which may be significant in studies focusing on evolutionary genetics of drug metabolism.\n  Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41495641/\n- **PMID 41776390 (2026, Biological procedures online)** — Conventional and Novel Approaches to Establishing Mouse Models of Gastric Cancer in the Past, Present, and Potential Post-H. Pylori Infection Era.. Abstract (opening): Gastric cancer remains a major cause of global cancer-related morbidity and mortality. Mouse models are indispensable tools for preclinical research into its mechanisms and therapies. Although Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is the primary risk factor for gastric cancer, developing mouse models based on this pathogen faces significant challenges. These include low bacterial colonization and survival rates, unpredictable and protracted tumorigenesis timelines, restrictions of host genetic backgrounds, the complexity of inflammatory and immune microenvironments, difficulties in standardized pathological assessment, and poor model reproducibility. In light of these limitations, research efforts have diversified into four principal categories of modeling approaches: chemical carcinogen-induced models, microbe-infected models (particularly those involving H. pylori), xenograft models, and genetically engineered mouse models. Each strategy offers distinct advantages and constraints, necessitating careful selection based on specific research objectives. This review comprehensively examines both conventional and emerging methods for establishing gastric cancer mouse models, situating them within a historical and evolving research landscape from past reliance on H. pylori to present and future approaches in the potential post-H. pylori infection era. We emphasize the applicability and compatibility of each modeling system with particular research goals, providing critical insights for selecting optimal in vivo platforms to advance the study of gastric carcinogenesis.\n  Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41776390/\n- **PMID 41560983 (2026, Learning health systems)** — A Perspective on Software Intelligence for Autonomous Transformations in Biomedical Data and Knowledge.. Abstract (opening): <h4>Introduction</h4>Persistent knowledge is essential for propagating the learning health system (LHS) cycle. Integral to the cycle are iterative transformations of data into knowledge. However, human efforts to undertake these transformations are increasingly challenged when dealing with larger data scales and complexities. Data sets within repositories and archives are often underutilized unless specifically requested for research programs. Specialized software algorithms (agents) can use existing knowledge for learning tasks, explore their environment, discover and create goals, and interact with humans.<h4>Methods</h4>This paper examines the potential role of software intelligence for autonomous transformations of data and knowledge. Agents can perform various goal-directed tasks. Multi-agent systems can be utilized for data collection, description, preparation, modeling, and knowledge-mining tasks. Knowledge representation, ontologies, semantic web standards, knowledge bases, and graphs can lead to a higher level of directed learning. Agents can develop reasoning abilities and self-generate goals by leveraging semantic relationships between various datasets.<h4>Results</h4>A conceptual framework for an intelligent biomedical platform (IBP) is proposed. The IBP comprises four layers: infrastructure (IS), user interface (UI), coordination system (CS), and data and knowledge (DK). It also integrates a network of multi-agent systems for clinical decision-making and knowledge-mining tasks. Intelligence in the platform results from the interaction of the IS, UI, CS, and DK agents. These agents can implement multiple inferential steps using the data and knowledge within accessible repositories. Large language models can be integrated with various knowledge resources and domain-specific databases, thereby improving the accuracy of results.<h4>Conclusion</h4>An IBP supported by a multi-agent system can enhance the autonomous transformation of data and knowledge. Including software intelligence within current repositories and archives enhances data reuse and the generation of new knowledge. With the addition of software reasoning capabilities in biomedical platforms, the LHS cycle can be efficiently propagated to aid in newer biomedical discoveries.\n  Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41560983/\n- **PMID 42121721 (2026, Animals : an open access journal from MDPI)** — Tiletamine-Zolazepam Use in Exotic Pets and Wildlife Anesthesia: A Narrative Review Towards Practical Guidelines.. Abstract (opening): This narrative review examines the clinical application of tiletamine-zolazepam (TZ) in exotic pet and wildlife anesthesia, addressing the complexities inherent in managing a broad taxonomic spectrum with diverse physiological profiles and temperaments. As a fixed-dose combination, TZ is a cornerstone of multimodal protocols designed to achieve balanced anesthesia. Its lyophilized formulation permits reconstitution with various sedative solutions, facilitating low-volume administration, a critical requirement for the immobilization of wildlife and small exotic patients. Given the significant variability in species-specific responses and environmental influences, selecting and adapting appropriate TZ-based protocols remain a challenge for practitioners. By synthesizing heterogeneous data into expert-validated guidance, this review provides specialized and general veterinarians with practical considerations for the judicious use of TZ. Emphasis is placed on integrating TZ within multimodal protocols to mitigate arousal risks, ensure consistent immobilization, and facilitate rapid recovery. This approach seeks to optimize anesthetic outcomes and promote animal welfare across these physiologically diverse populations.\n  Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42121721/\n- **PMID 42328674 (2026, PeerJ)** — Complete mitochondrial genome analyzes of four gerbil species (Rodentia: Gerbillinae) distributed in Türkiye.. Abstract (opening): <h4>Background</h4>The genus <i>Meriones</i> Illiger, 1811 is widely distributed in the Middle East, Northern Africa, and Central Asia. In spite of many studies evaluating the gerbil phylogeny, the systematics of this genus is controversial because studies analyzing a single gene region yield inconsistent results. The presented research provides the first complete mitogenomes of four gerbil species (<i>Meriones crassus, Meriones persicus, Meriones tristrami,</i> and <i>Meriones vinogradovi</i>) distributed in Türkiye and novel and strong results to clarify the phylogenetic relationships of these gerbils.<h4>Methods</h4>Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) was performed using the specimens from Türkiye. Other gerbil species (<i>M. tamariscinus, M. meridianus (M. dahli), M. unguiculatus, M. libycus, Rhombomys opimus, Psammomys obesus, Brachiones przewalskii,</i> and <i>Gerbilliscus leucogaster</i>) were also included in the phylogenetic analyses. In addition to determining the mitogenome characteristics, mean genetic distance values, haplotype and nucleotide diversity values, numbers of mutations and polymorphic sites were calculated, and a Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood trees were constructed along with the divergence times.<h4>Results</h4>Most of the 37 gene regions were encoded on the H-strand; the GC% ratio varied between 36.9 and 38.1% among the four species that show their genomes were AT-rich. Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood trees gave well-supported genetic relationships: <i>P. obesus</i> and <i>G. leucogaster</i> were located as the most distant species, and <i>M. tamariscinus</i> and <i>R. opimus</i> were found to be closer. <i>M. meridianus, M. unguiculatus,</i> and <i>M. persicus</i> and <i>M. tristrami</i>, <i>M. crassus</i>, <i>M. libycus</i>, and <i>M. vinogradovi</i> formed two differentiated lineages. In the latter lineage, <i>M. tristrami</i> and <i>M. crassus</i> were clustered. Also, <i>B. przewalskii</i> was linked to the former two lineages. In addition, mean genetic distance values between <i>Meriones</i> species were determined to be 7.04-16.59%, in accordance with the results of the phylogenetic approach. It was also calculated that the species mentioned above diverged 11.04 MYA (95% HPD: 7.94-14.68), corresponding to the Late Miocene Epoch.<h4>Conclusion</h4>In contrast to previous studies, this study supports the paraphyly of subgenus <i>Pallasiomys</i> regarding the <i>M. persicus</i>' position with high reliability results. Besides, the paraphyletic status of the genus <i>Meriones</i> was proved with the phylogenetic relationship of <i>B. przewalskii</i> and <i>Meriones</i> species. It was also emphasized that mitogenome analyses are notably effective in order to study problematic systematics of rodent groups like <i>Meriones</i>.\n  Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42328674/\n- **PMID 42329967 (2026, PLoS neglected tropical diseases)** — Amebiasis as a neglected tropical disease: Current knowledge gaps and future directions.. Abstract (opening): Entamoeba histolytica is a protozoan parasite that causes amebic colitis, a leading cause of severe diarrheal disease worldwide, and amebic liver abscess, the most common extraintestinal manifestation of infection. The disease burden is highest in resource-limited settings but remains clinically important in travelers and men who have sex with men in non-endemic regions. Although most infections are asymptomatic, severe and fulminant disease is associated with high mortality, particularly among individuals exposed to corticosteroids or other forms of immunosuppression. The increasing use of molecular diagnostic tools has improved understanding of the epidemiology of E. histolytica and enabled distinction from morphologically identical but nonpathogenic Entamoeba species; however, these diagnostics remain underutilized in many endemic settings due to cost and infrastructure limitations. Treatment options remain limited, with nitroimidazoles constituting the only drug class available for symptomatic invasive disease, leaving few alternatives for patients who cannot tolerate therapy or in the event of emerging resistance. Despite advances in understanding parasite pathogenesis and the application of high-throughput technologies, no licensed vaccine exists, and progress toward vaccine development has been minimal. These persistent gaps highlight the need to reprioritize amebiasis as a neglected tropical disease and to accelerate investment in diagnostics, therapeutics, and preventive strategies.\n  Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42329967/\n- **PMID 41959669 (2026, iScience)** — Dynamic tracking of breastfeeding and weaning in carbon isotopes of tooth enamel.. Abstract (opening): Stable carbon isotopes are fundamental for dietary and life-history reconstructions across living and fossil mammals. However, commonly used enamel-diet isotopic offsets are primarily derived from large herbivores and rarely account for breastfeeding in developing teeth. We present controlled feeding experiments using mother-pup pairs of four rodent species to quantify dynamic change in the carbon isotope composition of tooth enamel during early development. Breastfeeding induces a <sup>13</sup>C depletion of up to 4 per mil in early-forming teeth. The weaning signal is propagated from the first molar (m1) through m3 with a progressive change from milk to a fully adult diet, with a \"half-life\" of about 20 days for the rodents<i>.</i> Despite lipid-rich dietary influence, the offset between enamel and progressively changing diet stabilizes at 12.1 per mil in small mammals, consistent with enrichment values measured in later-forming teeth. This framework advances our understanding of life-history strategies and the ecology of mammals in the past.\n  Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41959669/\n- **PMID 41947179 (2026, BMC veterinary research)** — Synergistic pollution-climate-host interactions drive nonlinear flea dynamics on Mongolian gerbils.. Abstract (opening): BACKGROUND: As climate change and human activities intensify, the ecological responses of rodent ectoparasitic flea (Siphonaptera) communities and their population dynamics exhibit nonlinear characteristics. However, the synergistic effects of air pollution and climatic drivers, and the critical role of host traits in modulating these interactions, remain poorly understood. METHODS: We conducted a nine-month field survey of Mongolian gerbils and their fleas on the Ordos Plateau, China, integrating our collections with high-resolution meteorological and Air Quality Index (AQI) data. We developed a “climate-pollution-host” framework, employing Redundancy Analysis (RDA) and Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMMs) to systematically analyze the interactive effects of these multiple stressors on flea communities and populations. RESULTS: Air Quality Index (AQI), a previously overlooked factor, emerged as a key driver of flea dynamics. Complex, nonlinear interactions between AQI and climatic variables defined two critical high-risk transmission zones: (1) areas with moderate temperatures (15–20 °C) and high pollution (AQI > 60), particularly under southwesterly winds, and (2) areas with low temperatures (10–15 °C) and high pollution (AQI > 42) under low-wind conditions. The impact of these environmental stressors was significantly modulated by host biology; the positive effect of pollution on flea loads was most pronounced on subadult and reproductive individuals when AQI exceeded 50, a pattern consistent with the framework of an immunocompetence-energy trade-off. Ultimately, these complex drivers resulted in distinct ecological niche differentiation between the two dominant flea species: Xenopsylla conformis conformis preferred temperate, high-AQI conditions, whereas Nosopsyllus laeviceps kuzenkovi was more tolerant of low-temperature and high-wind stress. CONCLUSIONS: Our study identifies the Air Quality Index (AQI) as a critical driver of flea community dynamics. We demonstrate that complex, multi-way interactions between AQI, climatic variables, and host traits nonlinearly regulate flea abundance and define high-risk transmission zones. This climate–pollution–host interaction framework provides a novel and powerful approach for understanding and predicting vector ecology under multifaceted environmental change.\n  Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41947179/\n- **PMID 41738060 (2026, Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment)** — Ferroptosis in Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury: Mechanistic Drivers and Therapeutic Frontiers.. Abstract (opening): Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent cell death pathway driven by lipid peroxidation, critically contributes to cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. In ischemic stroke, neuronal ferroptosis arises from iron overload and antioxidant system failure. Excessive Fe<sup>2</sup>⁺ fuels hydroxyl radical production via the Fenton reaction, accelerating lipid peroxidation in PUFA-rich membranes. Concurrently, cysteine depletion and GPX4 inactivation disrupt the GPX4-glutathione antioxidant axis, allowing toxic lipid peroxide accumulation. Enzymes like ACSL4 and LPCAT3 esterify PUFAs into phospholipids, enabling lipoxygenases (LOXs) to generate peroxides, while impaired repair pathways (eg, FSP1-CoQ10) exacerbate damage. Therapeutic strategies target iron chelators (eg, deferoxamine), lipid peroxidation inhibitors (liproxstatin-1), and GPX4 activators to restore redox balance. Targeting propagation mediators (eg, Galectin-13, which reduces SLC7A11 membrane localization) may limit damage spread. Combinatorial therapies addressing iron regulation and lipid peroxidation pathways offer promising neuroprotection against I/R-related neurodegeneration, positioning ferroptosis as a key druggable target.\n  Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41738060/\n\nSource text: `pdf-raw/evidence/europepmc_gerbil_toxicology_2026-08-01.txt` (Europe PMC first-hand abstracts, pulled 2026-08-01).\n","sources":["Europe PMC — Evidence cluster — Gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) toxicology (peer-reviewed, Europe PMC) (retrieved 2026-08-01)"],"source":{"authority":"Europe PMC","title":"Evidence cluster — Gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) toxicology (peer-reviewed, Europe PMC)","url":"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41683765/","retrieved":"2026-08-01","ref":"PMID 41683765","doc_type":"official PDF","source_document":"Peer-reviewed Gerbil toxicology literature (Europe PMC, first-hand abstracts)","verification_file":"pdf-raw/evidence/europepmc_gerbil_toxicology_2026-08-01.txt"},"source_document":"Peer-reviewed Gerbil toxicology literature (Europe PMC, first-hand abstracts)","source_file":"pdf-raw/evidence/europepmc_gerbil_toxicology_2026-08-01.txt","tokens_estimated":600,"generated_at":null,"tip":"Use /api/v1/topics to discover more topics. /api/v1/nutrient for precise single-point queries. /api/v1/cross_compare for 2-3 standard comparisons."}