Gladys Alejandra Toledo Ibarra

Gladys Alejandra Toledo Ibarra:
She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Biological Chemistry, with a specialization in Clinical Chemistry, from the Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit. She developed the research project entitled *“Evaluation of physicochemical parameters and contamination in the Boca de Camichín estuary and its effect on antioxidant enzyme activity (Crassostrea corteziensis)”*, through which she obtained her degree in 2012.

Subsequently, she completed a Master’s degree in Biological-Agricultural Sciences with a specialization in Environmental Sciences at the Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit. During her master’s studies, she developed the research project entitled *“Effect of diazinon on the non-neuronal cholinergic system in lymphocytes of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)”*, obtaining her degree in 2015.

She later joined the Ph.D. program in Biomedical Sciences at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. During her doctoral studies, she carried out the research project entitled *“Evaluation of in vitro exposure to diazoxon in splenocytes of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) on AChR expression and pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines”*, earning the degree of Doctor of Science in 2023.

Regarding her professional experience, she has been a full-time professor at the Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit since 2012. In 2020, she participated in the creation of a new undergraduate program at the university: the Bachelor’s Degree in Translational Environmental Biomedicine, an innovative academic program that promotes the training of scientists from the undergraduate level and fosters a vision aligned with the Organización Mundial de la Salud through the “One Health” paradigm. She currently serves as a faculty member in this program and also collaborates with the Graduate Program (Master’s and Ph.D.) in Biological-Agricultural Sciences at the same institution.

She is part of the research team at the National Laboratory for Food Safety Research (LANIIA), Nayarit Unit, at the Centro Nayarita de Innovación y Transferencia de Tecnología (CENITT), where she has actively participated in the foundation and consolidation of a National Laboratory endorsed by CONAHCYT and certified and accredited by the Mexican Accreditation Entity (EMA). Since joining, she has promoted scientific outreach strategies with various sectors of society, particularly the academic community, the business sector, and agricultural and fisheries producers.

At LANIIA, she has developed the following research lines:

**I) Neuro-immunotoxicology of organophosphate pesticides:**
This line was developed during her graduate studies and seeks to construct a neuro-immunotoxicity mechanism induced by organophosphate pesticides, substances widely used for pest and disease vector control. The knowledge generated aims to:
a) Understand neuro- and immunotoxic effects in non-target organisms such as pollinating insects, aquatic invertebrates, fish, birds, mammals, and humans.
b) Propose therapeutic strategies to mitigate toxic effects caused by pesticide exposure.
c) Raise awareness of risks to human health, particularly the development of chronic inflammatory diseases in exposed populations.
d) Communicate environmental health risks associated with organophosphate exposure.
e) Promote public policies for the proper use of pesticides.

**II) Evaluation of classical and emerging contaminants:**
This line began during her undergraduate studies and has continued in her professional work. It seeks to assess the presence of classical chemical contaminants (organochlorine pesticides, organophosphate pesticides, and metals) and emerging contaminants (antibiotics and microplastics) in food matrices. Current research focuses on evaluating these contaminants in white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) cultivated in the state of Nayarit. Ensuring shrimp farming safety is crucial, as this crustacean is a primary and widely consumed protein source in Mexico. The research determines whether contaminant levels comply with national and international regulations and whether they pose a health risk to consumers. Importantly, it promotes Good Aquaculture Production Practices (GAPP) in shrimp farming in Nayarit through workshops with producers based on diagnostic findings.

**III) COVID-19:**
This line emerged at LANIIA during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the laboratory where she is affiliated was accredited by INDRE-SSA to offer molecular diagnostic testing for SARS-CoV-2, conducting more than 10,000 tests, mainly for university personnel and low-income individuals, most of which were provided free of charge. During this period, she conducted research on immunological memory generation in children following COVID-19 infection and evaluated neurological effects in patients with post-COVID syndrome. She also participated in studies aimed at understanding SARS-CoV-2 behavior in humans.

Her main research lines have been consolidated into three major research projects. She served as principal investigator of the project *“Cholinergic regulation of leukocyte cytokine profile: a predisposing factor for inflammatory diseases”* (SIP22-036), funded by the Scientific Vocations Generation Program (UAN Patronato 2020 special fund) with $200,000 MXN. The project hosted high school and undergraduate students through the DELFIN Scientific Research Summer Program and led to the completion of an undergraduate degree thesis.

She also led the project *“Monitoring emerging chemical contaminants in Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp cultivated in Nayarit”* (SIP22-164) and *“Evaluation of organophosphate pesticides and their effect on oxidative stress induction in Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp cultivated in Nayarit”*, funded in 2023 with $97,000 MXN. These projects also supported student research stays and undergraduate thesis development. Research findings have been disseminated at national and international scientific forums, including the National Congress of Immunology, the State and National Congress of Biology, and the International Congress on Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals, among others.

She has also collaborated on externally funded projects (CONAHCYT) within her consolidated academic body “Translational Environmental Biomedicine” (UAN-CA-308), registered at the Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit.

As a result of her scientific activity, she is the author of 41 scientific articles, including more than 10 as first author and two as corresponding author. According to Google Scholar, her work has received 610 citations (H-index 14), and in Scopus she has over 300 Type A citations and an H-index of 10.

She is also the author of three book chapters in prestigious publishing houses. Notably, the chapter entitled *“Phylogeny of the Immune System”* is part of the book *Immunology: Molecular, Cellular and Translational*, the first immunology textbook written in Spanish for Latin American students, published by Wolters Kluwer (currently in its third edition).

In her academic service, she is a member of the Mexican Society of Immunoendocrinology and the Mexican Society of Immunology, and a member of the Thematic Network on Pesticide Toxicology. At her institution, she serves as Coordinator of the Academy of Scientific Administration and Communication and is a member of the curriculum committee of the Bachelor’s Degree in Translational Environmental Biomedicine since 2021. She is also part of the consolidated academic body in Translational Environmental Biomedicine. She has conducted research stays at prestigious national institutions such as CINVESTAV (Zacatenco and Mérida), ENCB-IPN, and the National Institute of Psychiatry. To date, she has supervised two Master’s theses (SNP-CONAHCYT programs), co-supervised three undergraduate theses, directed one undergraduate thesis, and served on advisory committees for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students.

She actively participates in science outreach and scientific vocation programs, including DELFIN, EXPLORA, and scientific vacation programs. She organizes outreach events such as *Diverticiencias* Summer Course, Molecular Biology for Girls, *Microscopic World*, International Day of Women and Girls in Science, and *Science Fridays*, among others. Since January 2024, she has participated in the weekly Radio UAN capsule *“This Week in Science.”* She also promotes initiatives to reduce the gender gap in science through dialogue panels, workshops, and science activities for girls.

Regarding recognitions, she has held the “Desirable Profile” recognition from the Mexican Ministry of Education (SEP) since 2021, received the 2013 State Youth Award in Science and Technology, won 1st place at Regional Expociencias 2010 and 3rd place at National Expociencias 2010. Since 2025, she has been a member of the National System of Researchers (Level I).

Finally, it is important to highlight that her research lines promote the identification of environmental health problems and propose solution strategies in food safety and the environment–health relationship, directly contributing to improving population quality of life.