High levels of organochlorine pesticides in drinking water as a risk factor for type 2 diabetes: A study in north India

Unraveling the complexity of organophosphorus pesticides: Ecological risks, biochemical pathways and the promise of machine learning

Organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) are widely used in agriculture but pose significant ecological and human health risks due to their persistence and toxicity in the environment. While microbial degradation offers a promising solution, gaps remain in understanding the enzymatic mechanisms, degradation pathways, and ecological impacts of OPP transformation products. This review aims to bridge these gaps by integrating traditional microbial degradation research with emerging machine learning (ML) technologies. We hypothesize that ML can enhance OPP degradation studies by improving the efficiency of enzyme discovery, pathway prediction, and ecological risk assessment. Through a comprehensive analysis of microbial degradation mechanisms, environmental factors, and ML applications, we propose a novel framework that combines biochemical insights with data-driven approaches. Our review highlights the potential of ML to optimize microbial strain screening, predict degradation pathways, and identify key active sites, offering innovative strategies for sustainable pesticide management. By integrating traditional research with cutting-edge ML technologies, this work contributes to the journal's scope by promoting eco-friendly solutions for environmental protection and pesticide pollution control.

Classification and identification of risk factors for type 2 diabetes

The risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have been increasingly researched, but the lack of systematic identification and categorization makes it difficult for clinicians to quickly and accurately access and understand all the risk factors, which are categorized in this paper into five categories: Social determinants, lifestyle, checkable/testable risk factors, history of illness and medication, and other factors, which are discussed in a narrative review. Meanwhile, this paper points out the problems of the current research, helps to improve the systematic categorisation and practicality of T2DM risk factors, and provides a professional research basis for clinical practice and industry decision-making.

Multiple pesticide exposure and impaired glucose regulation in U.S. non-diabetic population

Prediabetes is a serious metabolic disorder that is often overlooked and 70% of individuals with prediabetes would eventually develop type 2 diabetes. The diabetogenic effects of pesticides have been reported in toxicological studies but their association with prediabetes is rarely investigated. We aimed to evaluate the association between pesticide exposure and impaired glucose regulation (IGR), including prediabetes (defined as impaired fasting glucose [IFG] and/or impaired glucose tolerance [IGT]) and insulin resistance, in a general U.S. non-diabetic population. Three classes of urinary pesticides, including organophosphorus pesticides (OPs), pyrethroid, and herbicides were measured. Generalized linear regression, restricted cubic spline, and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models were combined to evaluate their associations. 3,5,6-trichloropyridinol (TCPY) was positively associated with prediabetes and IGT (highest vs lowest TCPY quartile: prediabetes: OR: 1.97, 95% CI: 1.18, 3.31; IGT: OR: 2.03, 95% CI: 1.14, 3.66) in a linear dose-response manner (P for nonlinear<0.05). Another two metabolites of OPs, malathion dicarboxylic acid (MDCA) diacid and para-nitrophenol (PNP), were found to increase the odds ratio of insulin resistance (PNP: OR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.42; MDCA: OR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.70) with linear dose-response curves (P for nonlinear<0.05). Considering mutual exposure to multiple pesticides, TCPY, MDCA, and PNP made the most contributions in the mixture exposure and IGR. No obvious interactions among pesticides were found in the multiple exposure settings. The odds ratio of TCPY exposure and prediabetes was increased with advancing age but not related to body mass index (BMI). The results remained robust in sensitivity analysis with restricted participants without abnormal urinary creatinine and unsteady glucose or insulin levels. Our findings suggested the close relationship between OPs and impaired glucose regulation, especially in older adults, which provides insights into the prevention of diabetes at the earlier stage.

A systematic review of pesticide exposure, associated risks, and long-term human health impacts

Pesticides are widely used to control pests, but their widespread use raises concerns regarding potential health risks for humans. There are several routes through which pesticides can be ingested, inhaled, and absorbed, resulting in acute and long-term health consequences. This systematic review synthesizes the available evidence regarding the health risks and long-term effects of pesticide exposure, with a particular focus on epidemiological and toxicological studies. A systematic review was conducted by searching scientific databases i.e. Scopus, and Web of Science for peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2024. Studies were selected based on their focus on pesticide exposure, health risks, and long-term effects. Meta-analysis was conducted where sufficient homogeneity of outcomes allowed. This review identified consistent associations between chronic pesticide exposure and non-communicable diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders, and endocrine disruptions. An increased incidence of respiratory issues and neurodegenerative diseases was often associated with occupational exposure to pesticides. People exposed for a prolonged or high intensity time period, particularly agricultural workers, were more likely to experience long-term health effects. There are a number of factors that influences the ability to draw definitive conclusions, including variations in pesticide types, exposure levels, and health outcomes. Chronic exposure to pesticides presents significant health risks, particularly for individuals in high-exposure environments like agriculture. While evidence indicates strong associations with several long-term health conditions, additional research is necessary to elucidate dose-response relationships and mechanisms of action. This review underscores the necessity for enhanced regulatory measures and improved safety protocols to mitigate pesticide-related health risks.

The last decade epidemiologic concern of drinking water contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in Asian Countries: A scoping review

With the rapid industrialization and urbanization in Asian countries, the challenge of rising emerging contaminants in the environment, including the water cycle, has become more pronounced. Consequently, the presence of CECs in drinking water systems is inevitable due to their ubiquitous nature in aquatic environments. This scoping review aims to identify epidemiological concerns regarding drinking water CECs in Asian countries over the past decade by describing the types of assessed CECs, their associated health effects, and identifying gaps and future research prospects through a summary of relevant studies. Searches were conducted on PubMed and Scopus up to February 29, 2024. Included were epidemiological studies from the past 10 years (since January 2014) in Asian countries that assessed emerging contaminants in drinking water through direct measurement or analysis as factors. From an initial pool of 3198 results, 15 relevant studies were selected. These studies assessed various types of CECs, including disinfection byproducts (n = 10), endocrine disruptors (n = 2), pesticides (n = 2), and a protozoan pathogen (n = 1). The meticulous assessment of CECs and associated health outcomes in Asian epidemiological studies over the past decade has been deemed inadequate to address the wide range of ubiquitous CECs in drinking water and their potential health effects that have not yet been addressed. While not the sole objective, the primary aim of epidemiological studies is to inform policy decisions and increase awareness among the public and policymakers. Therefore, researchers in Asian countries, particularly in environmental and public health fields, should prioritize the development of research in this area by exploring more CECs type and associated health outcomes.

Associations between exposure to pesticides mixture and semen quality among the non-occupationally exposed males: Four statistical models

Most epidemiological studies on the associations between pesticides exposure and semen quality have been based on a single pesticide, with inconsistent major results. In contrast, there was limited human evidence on the potential effect of pesticides mixture on semen quality. Our study aimed to investigate the relationship of pesticide profiles with semen quality parameters among 299 non-occupationally exposed males aged 25-50 without any clinical abnormalities. Serum concentrations of 21 pesticides were quantified by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). Semen quality parameters were abstracted from medical records. Generalized linear regression models (GLMs) and three mixture approaches, including weighted quantile sum regression (WQS), elastic net regression (ENR) and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), were applied to explore the single and mixed effects of pesticide exposure on semen quality. In GLMs, as the serum levels of Bendiocarb, β-BHC, Clomazone, Dicrotophos, Dimethenamid, Paclobutrazole, Pentachloroaniline and Pyrimethanil increased, the straight-line velocity (VSL), linearity (LIN) and straightness (STR) decreased. This negative association also occurred between the concentration of β-BHC, Pentachloroaniline, Pyrimethanil and progressive motility, total motility. In the WQS models, pesticides mixture was negatively associated with total motility and several sperm motility parameters (β: -3.07∼-1.02 per decile, FDR-P<0.05). After screening the important pesticides derived from the mixture by ENR model, the BKMR models showed that the decreased qualities for VSL, LIN, and STR were also observed when pesticide mixtures were at ≥ 70th percentiles. Clomazone, Dimethenamid, and Pyrimethanil (Posterior inclusion probability, PIP: 0.2850-0.8900) were identified as relatively important contributors. The study provides evidence that exposure to single or mixed pesticide was associated with impaired semen quality.

Diabetes mellitus and serum organochlorine pesticides mixtures in Mexican women

BACKGROUND

Very recently, it has been reported that exposure to different mixtures of organochlorine pesticides (OCP) is associated with the development of diabetes mellitus (DM). In Mexico, DM is a public health problem that might be related to the historical intense use of OCP. We aimed to evaluate, the association between DM and serum concentrations of OCP mixtures, and identify the main contributors within them.

METHODS

We conducted a secondary cross-sectional analysis on the control group from a breast cancer population-based case-control study conducted from 2007 to 2011 in Northern Mexico. We identified 214 self-reported diabetic women and 694 non-diabetics. We obtained direct information about sociodemographic, lifestyle and reproductive characteristics. We determined 24 OCP and metabolites in serum by gas chromatography using an electron capture micro detector. We used Weighted Quantile Sum regression to assess the association of DM and exposure to multiple OCP, and the contribution of each compound within the mixture.

RESULTS

We found a positive adjusted association between DM and an OCP mixture (OR: 2.63, 95%CI: 1.85, 3.74), whose primary contribution arose from p, p'-DDE (mean weight 23.3%), HCB (mean weight 17.3%), trans nonachlor (mean weight 15.4%), o, p'-DDE (mean weight 7.3%), heptachlor epoxide (mean weight 5.9%), oxychlordane (mean weight 4.7%), and heptachlor (mean weight 4.5%). In addition, these OCP along with p, p'-DDT and cis chlordane, were of concern and remained associated when excluding hypertensive women from the analysis (OR 2.55; 95% CI 1.56, 4.18).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate, for the first time in a Latin-American population, that the concomitant exposure to multiple OCP is associated with DM. Further research is needed since the composition of OCP mixtures may vary according to regional pesticides use patterns.

Pesticides impacts on human health and the environment with their mechanisms of action and possible countermeasures

Pesticides are chemical constituents used to prevent or control pests, including insects, rodents, fungi, weeds, and other unwanted organisms. Despite their advantages in crop production and disease management, the use of pesticides poses significant hazards to the environment and public health. Pesticide elements have now perpetually entered our atmosphere and subsequently contaminated water, food, and soil, leading to health threats ranging from acute to chronic toxicities. Pesticides can cause acute toxicity if a high dose is inhaled, ingested, or comes into contact with the skin or eyes, while prolonged or recurrent exposure to pesticides leads to chronic toxicity. Pesticides produce different types of toxicity, for instance, neurotoxicity, mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, teratogenicity, and endocrine disruption. The toxicity of a pesticide formulation may depend on the specific active ingredient and the presence of synergistic or inert compounds that can enhance or modify its toxicity. Safety concerns are the need of the hour to control contemporary pesticide-induced health hazards. The effectiveness and implementation of the current legislature in providing ample protection for human health and the environment are key concerns. This review explored a comprehensive summary of pesticides regarding their updated impacts on human health and advanced safety concerns with legislation. Implementing regulations, proper training, and education can help mitigate the negative impacts of pesticide use and promote safer and more sustainable agricultural practices.

Combined effects of organochlorine pesticides on type 2 diabetes mellitus: Insights from endocrine disrupting effects of hormones

Association between organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) exposure and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains contradictory, and the evidence is mostly focused on a single exposure. Here, we assessed the associations between individual and combined OCPs exposure and T2DM, and explored the underlying mechanism of sex hormones and the methylation levels of sex hormone receptors in above associations. A case-control study with 1812 participants was performed. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and pyrosequencing were used to measure plasma OCPs, serum sex hormones, and whole blood methylation levels of sex hormone receptors, respectively. Generalized linear models were used to analyze the relationships between OCPs, sex hormones, the methylation levels of sex hormone receptors, and T2DM. Quantile based g-computation (QGC) and Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) were employed to assess the combined OCPs exposure. The roles of sex hormones and the methylation levels of their receptors were evaluated by moderating mediation models. After adjusting for covariates, each unit (2.718 ng/ml) increase in p,p'-DDE was associated with a higher risk of T2DM in males (odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.066 (1.023, 1.112)). QGC and BKMR showed a positive combined effect in the associations of OCPs mixtures on T2DM among premenopausal females, and positive effects but not statistically significant among males and postmenopausal females. p,p'-DDE was the largest contributor for the positive associations. Furthermore, testosterone mediated 21.149% of the associations of p,p'-DDE with T2DM moderated by the androgen receptor methylation (ARm) located in CpG island 1. Individual and mixtures of OCPs exposure were positively linked to elevated risk of T2DM. Testosterone and ARm may participate in the related processes of OCPs with T2DM, providing new insights into the adverse endocrine effects caused by OCPs and specific pathways for the etiology and control of diabetes.

Determination of pesticide residue in marginal lagoons of natural parks in Brazil using an improved calibrate passive sampler

Passive sampling is a sensitive and efficient method for analyzing pesticides in water. This article describes a hollow fiber liquid-phase microextraction (HF-LPME) device that was improved using polypropylene membranes grafted with nanocellulose for the passive sampling of pesticides in water. A comprehensive gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GCxGC/Q-TOFMS) system was used to separate, identify, and quantify pesticides. The sampling rates of 38 moderately hydrophobic to hydrophobic agricultural pesticides (2.18 < log Kow < 6.89) from different chemical classes, including the main triazine, organochlorine and organophosphate compounds, were calculated. A calibration process was applied to evaluate the role of flow velocity and select potential candidates for a possible performance reference compound (PRC). Sampling rates varied between 0.17 mL d-1 and 23.15 mL d-1. The accumulation curves identified linear periods ranging from 3 to 18 days. The new passive sampler device was applied for 8 days in rivers and marginal lagoons of natural parks of the São Francisco basin in Minas Gerais, Brazil and identified 10 target pesticides. Furthermore, 10 non-targeted pesticides were detected by the GCxGC/Q-TOFMS method.

Breaking boundaries: Artificial intelligence for pesticide detection and eco-friendly degradation

Pesticides are extensively used agrochemicals across the world to control pest populations. However, irrational application of pesticides leads to contamination of various components of the environment, like air, soil, water, and vegetation, all of which build up significant levels of pesticide residues. Further, these environmental contaminants fuel objectionable human toxicity and impose a greater risk to the ecosystem. Therefore, search of methodologies having potential to detect and degrade pesticides in different environmental media is currently receiving profound global attention. Beyond the conventional approaches, Artificial Intelligence (AI) coupled with machine learning and artificial neural networks are rapidly growing branches of science that enable quick data analysis and precise detection of pesticides in various environmental components. Interestingly, nanoparticle (NP)-mediated detection and degradation of pesticides could be linked to AI algorithms to achieve superior performance. NP-based sensors stand out for their operational simplicity as well as their high sensitivity and low detection limits when compared to conventional, time-consuming spectrophotometric assays. NPs coated with fluorophores or conjugated with antibody or enzyme-anchored sensors can be used through Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectrometry, fluorescence, or chemiluminescence methodologies for selective and more precise detection of pesticides. Moreover, NPs assist in the photocatalytic breakdown of various organic and inorganic pesticides. Here, AI models are ideal means to identify, classify, characterize, and even predict the data of pesticides obtained through NP sensors. The present study aims to discuss the environmental contamination and negative impacts of pesticides on the ecosystem. The article also elaborates the AI and NP-assisted approaches for detecting and degrading a wide range of pesticide residues in various environmental and agrecultural sources including fruits and vegetables. Finally, the prevailing limitations and future goals of AI-NP-assisted techniques have also been dissected.

Review of scientific literature on available methods of assessing organochlorine pesticides in the environment

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are persistent organic pollutants (POPs) widely used in agriculture and industry, causing serious health and ecological consequences upon exposure. This review offers a thorough overview of OCPs analysis emphasizing the necessity of ongoing work to enhance the identification and monitoring of these POPs in environmental and human samples. The benefits and drawbacks of the various OCPs analysis techniques including gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), gas chromatography-electron capture detector (GC-ECD), and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) are discussed. Challenges associated with validation and optimization criteria, including accuracy, precision, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantitation (LOQ), must be met for a method to be regarded as accurate and reliable. Suitable quality control measures, such as method blanks and procedural blanks, are emphasized. The LOD and LOQ are critical quality control measure for efficient quantification of these compounds, and researchers have explored various techniques for their calculation. Matrix interference, solubility, volatility, and partition coefficient influence OCPs occurrences and are discussed in this review. Validation experiments, as stated by European Commission in document SANTE/11813/2017, showed that the acceptance criteria for method validation of OCP analytes include ≤20 % for high precision, and 70-120 % for recovery. This may ultimately be vital for determining the human health risk effects of exposure to OCP and for formulating sensible environmental and public health regulations.

Comparison of the drinking water standard for pesticides of the Brazil with other countries

The objective was to compare the types and concentrations of pesticides allowed in the water potability standard for human supply in Brazil with other countries considered to be the largest consumers of pesticides in dollars invested in purchase/trade. This is a descriptive and documentary study, with data collection in regulations available in official government websites in Brazil, USA, China, Japan, France, Germany, Canada, Argentina, India, Italy, and World Health Organization (WHO). Since Germany, France and Italy are part of the European Union (EU), the legislative resolution of the European Parliament was adopted. Pesticides number and maximum permitted values (MPV) differ between the countries and WHO. In the Brazilian ordinance there are forty pesticides, a number like the USA, Canada, China, and WHO, but that represents only 8% of the total pesticides registered for agricultural use in Brazil. When comparing the ordinance of Brazil with EU the values are only the same for Aldrin + Dieldrin. For other, amounts between 2 and 5000 times more are allowed in Brazil. Brazilian regulations do not establish a total value for the mixture of pesticides in water, only individual limits, which together can reach 1677.13 μg/L, while in EU standards it is only 0.5 μg/L. The study showed discrepancies of the pesticides allowed in water potability standard of the Brazil with other countries, but features 12 pesticides with the same concentrations as WHO guidelines, thus, a worldwide standardization in water potability regulations is necessary to promote health and reducing risk of exposure.

Pesticides and Their Impairing Effects on Epithelial Barrier Integrity, Dysbiosis, Disruption of the AhR Signaling Pathway and Development of Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases

The environmental and occupational risk we confront from agricultural chemicals increases as their presence in natural habitats rises to hazardous levels, building a major part of the exposome. This is of particular concern in low- and middle-income countries, such as Brazil, known as a leading producer of agricultural commodities and consumer of pesticides. As long as public policies continue to encourage the indiscriminate use of pesticides and governments continue to support this strategy instead of endorsing sustainable agricultural alternatives, the environmental burden that damages epithelial barriers will continue to grow. Chronic exposure to environmental contaminants in early life can affect crucial barrier tissue, such as skin epithelium, airways, and intestine, causing increased permeability, leaking, dysbiosis, and inflammation, with serious implications for metabolism and homeostasis. This vicious cycle of exposure to environmental factors and the consequent damage to the epithelial barrier has been associated with an increase in immune-mediated chronic inflammatory diseases. Understanding how the harmful effects of pesticides on the epithelial barrier impact cellular interactions mediated by endogenous sensors that coordinate a successful immune system represents a crucial challenge. In line with the epithelial barrier hypothesis, this narrative review reports the available evidence on the effects of pesticides on epithelial barrier integrity, dysbiosis, AhR signaling, and the consequent development of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.

Pesticide occurrence in an agriculturally intensive and ecologically important coastal aquatic system in Australia

Coastal agricultural practices are often located in catchments upstream of ecologically important aquatic systems. Here, we investigate the occurrence of pesticides in a coastal creek flowing into a habitat-protected area within the Solitary Islands Marine Park, Australia. Water samples were collected from six sites along a creek transect during three sampling periods. Samples were analysed for 171 pesticide analytes, including organochlorines, organophosphates, herbicides, and fungicides. Five insecticides, two herbicides, and two fungicides were detected. The neonicotinoid imidacloprid was detected at 5 out of 6 sites, with concentrations reaching 294 μg L^-1, the highest yet detected in Australian waterways. The organophosphate insecticide dimethoate was detected at 4 sites, which occurred at the 2nd highest detected concentration in the study (12.8 μg L^-1). The presence of these pesticides in the aquatic environment downstream of horticulture in this and other regions may have serious implications for stream biota and ecologically important marine ecosystems.

Assessment of currently used organochlorine pesticides in surface water and sediments in Xiangjiang river, a drinking water source in China: Occurrence and distribution characteristics under flood events

Xiangjiang (XJ) is a typical urban inland river that serves as a drinking water source, which may be affected by the currently used organochlorine pesticides (CUOCPs) originating from agricultural activities in the vicinity. On this basis, this study comprehensively explored the occurrence and distribution characteristics of CUOCPs in surface water and sediments under long-term precipitation and subsequent floods. Considering the low concentration of CUOCPs in water, a technique combining high-throughput organic analysis with high-volume solid phase extraction (High-throat/Hi-volume SPE) was introduced for effective analysis of CUCOPs. The results showed that the concentration of CUOCPs in the water and sediments of XJ ranged from 2.33 to 6.40 ng L^-1 (average of 3.93 ± 1.15 ng L^-1) and from 1.52 to 21.2 ng g^-1 (average of 6.60 ± 4.31 ng g^-1 dw), respectively. The distribution of CUOCPs in water was consistent throughout XJ, but that in sediments was not uniform, indicating a stronger impact of floods on water than on sediments. Water-sediment partition coefficients were generally >2 L g^-1, showing a tendency of CUOCP dominance in sediments. The results of principal component analysis and cluster analysis showed that the occurrence of CUOCPs is significantly affected by exogenous disturbance, which could be flood events; meanwhile, clusters of CUOCPs were found in both water and sediments in the source-limited middle reaches in urban areas. Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that CUOCP occurrences were not positively correlated with nutrient elements (nitrogen and phosphorus), but related to pH and dissolved oxygen (DO), indicating complex sources.

Oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes and related complications: Current therapeutics strategies and future perspectives

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is a persistent metabolic disorder rising rapidly worldwide. It is characterized by pancreatic insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction. Hyperglycemia induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and oxidative stress are correlated with the pathogenesis and progression of this metabolic disease. To counteract the harmful effects of ROS, endogenous antioxidants of the body or exogenous antioxidants neutralise it and maintain bodily homeostasis. Under hyperglycemic conditions, the imbalance between the cellular antioxidant system and ROS production results in oxidative stress, which subsequently results in the development of diabetes. These ROS are produced in the endoplasmic reticulum, phagocytic cells and peroxisomes, with the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) playing a pivotal role. The exacerbated ROS production can directly cause structural and functional modifications in proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. It also modulates several intracellular signaling pathways that lead to insulin resistance and impairment of β-cell function. In addition, the hyperglycemia-induced ROS production contributes to micro- and macro-vascular diabetic complications. Various in-vivo and in-vitro studies have demonstrated the anti-oxidative effects of natural products and their derived bioactive compounds. However, there is conflicting clinical evidence on the beneficial effects of these antioxidant therapies in diabetes prevention. This review article focused on the multifaceted role of oxidative stress caused by ROS overproduction in diabetes and related complications and possible antioxidative therapeutic strategies targeting ROS in this disease.

In vitro toxic interaction of arsenic and hyperglycemia in mitochondria: an important implication of increased vulnerability in pre-diabetics

Environmental pollutants and lifestyle both contribute to the rapidly increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) worldwide. Evidence suggests that exposure to environmental contaminants such as arsenic is associated with impaired glucose metabolism and insulin signaling. In the present study, isolated rat liver mitochondria (1 mg/ml) were co-exposed to low concentration of arsenic trioxide (ATO) ( IC₂₅ = 40 µM) and hyperglycemic condition (20, 40, 80, 160 mM glucose or 20, 40, 80, 160 mM pyruvate (PYR)). Mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity (complex II), glutathione content (GSH), reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ), and mitochondrial swelling were then evaluated in the presence of ATO 40 µM and PYR 40 mM. Unexpectedly, glucose alone (20, 40, 80, 160 mM) had no toxic effect on mitochondria, even at very high concentrations and even when combined with ATO. Interestingly, PYR at low concentrations (≤ 10 mM) has a protective effect on mitochondria, but at higher concentrations (≥ 40 mM) with ATO, it decreased the complex II activity and increased mitochondrial ROS production, lipid peroxidation, GSH depletion, mitochondrial membrane damage, and swelling (p < 0.05). In conclusion, PYR but not glucose increased ATO mitochondrial toxicity even at low concentrations. These results suggest that pre-diabetics with non-clinical hyperglycemia, who are inevitably exposed to low concentrations of arsenic through food and water, may develop mitochondrial dysfunction that accelerates their progression to diabetes over time.

Temporal Trends of Exposure to Organochlorine Pesticides in the United States: A Population Study from 2005 to 2016

The current study aimed to investigate temporal trends of serum organochlorine pesticide (OCP) concentrations in the general United States population, approximately 30 years after the prohibition of OCP usage, by using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data. The least square geometric means and percent change in OCP concentrations were calculated by a survey weighted multiple linear regression model. Over 2005–2016, OCP concentrations showed significant downward temporal trends. Females had substantially higher concentrations of β-Hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH), p,p′-DDE and p,p′-DDT, but lower concentrations of Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and trans-nonachlor. In addition, females had a more rapid decrease in p,p′-DDT levels over time than males. The overall OCP concentrations increased with age, and the two oldest age groups (aged 40–59 and 60+ years) had substantially lower rates of decrease than the younger age groups (aged 12–39 years). Concentrations and declines in OCPs (except for trans-nonachlor) were higher in Mexican Americans than both non-Hispanic Whites and non-Hispanic Blacks. There is a particular need for the ongoing monitoring of these banned chemicals, and measures should be taken to mitigate the exposure of vulnerable populations, including adults aged over 60, Mexican Americans, females for β-HCH, p,p′-DDE and p,p′-DDT, and males for HCB and trans-nonachlor.

Association of Organochlorine Pesticides With Genetic Markers of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Case-Control Study Among the North-Indian Population

BACKGROUND

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) have been long linked to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); however, this relation at the molecular level has not been explored yet. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and pro-inflammatory pathways are considered vital ones in the pathogenesis of T2DM. We aimed to investigate the existence of any association between OCPs, ER stress, and pro-inflammatory pathways in subjects with known T2DM.

METHODS

Seventy subjects each with T2DM and normal glucose tolerance were recruited from the surgery department. Their visceral adipose tissue was collected intraoperatively. OCP concentration, ER stress, and pro-inflammatory markers were analyzed and compared between two study groups.

RESULTS

We found 18 OCPs and their metabolites in visceral adipose tissue samples of study participants. The levels of δ-HCH, heptachlor, endrin, and p,p'DDT were significantly higher in the T2DM group and were also positively correlated with fasting and postprandial plasma glucose levels (p < 0.01). We observed a positive association of δ-HCH (p < 0.01), heptachlor (p < 0.05), and endrin (p < 0.05) with central adiposity and ER stress markers. However, we failed to establish the correlation of OCPs with any of the pro-inflammatory markers.

CONCLUSION

The existence and simultaneous complex correlation of OCPs with ER stress may explain their role in the pathogenesis of T2DM, revealing the persistence of the gene-environment interaction in the etiology of T2DM.

Trends in Innovations and Recent Advances in Membrane Protected Extraction Techniques for Organics in Complex Samples

Membrane protected extraction is an ongoing innovation for isolation and pre-concentration of analytes from complex samples. The extraction process, clean-up and pre-concentration of analytes occur in a single step. The inclusion of solid sorbents such as molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) after membrane extraction ensures that selective double extraction occurs in a single step. The first step involves selective extraction using the membrane and diffused analytes are trapped on the solid sorbent enclosed in the membrane. No further clean-up is required even for very dirty samples like plant extracts and wastewaters samples. Sample clean-up occurs during extraction in the first process and not as additional step since matrix components are prevented from trapping on the sorbent. This can be referred to as prevention is better than cure approach. In this work, the analytical methods that employed membrane protected extraction for various organics such as pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and pharmaceuticals are reviewed. The designs of these analytical methods, their applications, advantages and drawbacks are discussed in this review. Literature suggests that the introduction of solid sorbents in membrane creates the much-needed synergy in selectivity. Previous reviews focused on membrane combinations with MIPs while discussing micro-solid-phase extraction. The scope of this review was broadened to include other sample preparation aspects such as membrane protected stir bar solvent extraction and membrane protected solid-phase microextraction. In addition, novel sample preparation methods for solid samples which include Soxhlet membrane protected molecular imprinted solid phase extraction and membrane protected ultra sound assisted extracted are discussed.

Iron turning waste: Low cost and sustainable permeable reactive barrier media for remediating dieldrin, endrin, DDT and lindane in groundwater

The feasibility and effectiveness of iron turning waste as low cost and sustainable permeable reactive barrier (PRB) media for remediating dieldrin, endrin, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), and lindane individually (batch system) and combined (continuous flow column) in water were investigated. After 10 min of reaction in a batch system, removal of endrin, dieldrin, and DDT was higher (86-91 %) than lindane (41 %) using 1 g of iron turning waste in 200 mL of pesticide solution (20 μg/L for each pesticide). Among the studied pesticides, only lindane removal decreased substantially in the presence of nitrate (37 %) and magnesium (18 %). Acidic water environment (pH = 4) favored the pesticide removal than neutral and basic environments. For the column experiments, sand alone as PRB media was ineffective for remediating the pesticides in water. When only iron turning was used, the removal efficiencies of lindane, endrin, and dieldrin were 83-88 % and remained stable during 60 min of the experiments. DDT removal was less than other pesticides (58 %). Sandwiching the iron turning waste media between two sand layers improved DDT removal (79 %) as well as limited the iron content below a permissible level in product water. In a long-term PRB column performance evaluation, iron turning waste (150 g) removed all pesticides in water (initial concentration of each pesticide = 2 μg/L) effectively (≥94 %) at a hydraulic retention time of 1.6 h. Iron turning waste, which was mainly in the form of zerovalent iron (Fe⁰), was oxidized to ferrous (Fe²⁺) and ferric (Fe³⁺) iron during its reaction with pesticides, and electrons donated by Fe⁰ and Fe²⁺ were responsible for complete dechlorination of all the pesticides. Therefore, it can be used as inexpensive and sustainable PRB media for groundwater remediation especially in developing countries where groundwater contamination with pesticides is more prevalent.

Potential health risk assessment of HFRs, PCBs, and OCPs in the Yellow River basin

The concentrations of PBDEs, NBFRs, DP, PCBs, and OCPs were analyzed in water samples of the Yellow River Basin (YRB) and in soil and maize samples collected from basin irrigation areas to understand the status of POPs and associated health risks. The results showed: (1) the congeners of eight PBDEs and seven NBFRs were detected in 10 tributaries, with average concentrations of 1575 and 4288 pg. L^-1. Thirty-three congeners of PCBs were detected, and the average concentration of PCB was 232 pg. L^-1. Five HCHs were the primary congeners among twenty-three congeners of OCPs in the ten tributaries, accounting for 79% of the total. The average concentration of OCPs was 8287 pg. L^-1. (2) Similar congeners of HFRs, PCBs, and OCPs were found in the trunk water. The ranking based on the HFR concentration was upstream > downstream > midstream, and that of the PCB and OCP concentration was downstream > upstream > midstream. (3) PCBs and OCPs in the trunk water of the YRB and in the soil and maize irrigated with river water pose potential carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks. The results indicate considerable organic pollution in the YRB, suggesting that national emission standards for POPs should be implemented soon.