Single and mixed effects of prenatal exposure to multiple bisphenols on hemoglobin levels and the risk of anemia in pregnant women

Pesticide exposure induces risks of gestational anemia by maternal gut microbiota: A prospective cohort study

Gut microbiota regulates host hematopoiesis, with notable alterations observed in individuals with gestational anemia (GA). Pregnancy-induced susceptibility to environmental stressors, including widespread pesticide residuals, may disrupt gut microbiota, further contributing to the development of GA. This study sought to investigate population-level associations between pesticide exposure and GA, with a focus on the mediating role of gut microbiota. Pregnant women were prospectively recruited with blood and stool samples collected in the second trimester. Red blood cell (RBC) count and hemoglobin (Hb) were assessed in the second and third trimesters. GA was diagnosed in 22.7 % of participants during the second trimester and 29.8 % during the third trimester. Robust associations were found between serum pesticides, such as atrazine and clomazone, and an increased risk of GA and reduced Hb and RBC count, both at a single time point and longitudinally. Pesticide exposure was linked to altered microbial Shannon index, with 24 significant associations identified between pesticides and individual taxa, nearly half of which involved Roseburia. Furthermore, both Shannon index and the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio were negatively associated with RBC count. A total of 20 taxa showed associations with GA and hematological parameters. Finally, mediation analysis demonstrated that Shannon index and Roseburia mediated the relationships of pesticide exposure with RBC count and GA, respectively. These findings not only highlight the anemia-inducing effects of pesticides, but also inform microbiota-based interventions for managing GA and maternal health.

The protective role of 3-Indoleglyoxylic acid in Bisphenol S-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction via mitochondrial ROS-Mediated IL-17/CXCL10/TNF-α signaling

Bisphenol S (BPS) has become extensively used in the manufacturing of consumer products. BPS mainly enters the body through food and water, with oral exposure targeting the gastrointestinal tract. However, its safety profile remains contentious and warrants further investigation. In this study, we aimed to assess whether BPS exerts harmful effects on the body in the absence of overt pathological damage. Our results revealed that although BPS did not lead to significant histopathological damage, it induced intestinal barrier dysfunction. Additionally, in vitro investigations utilizing NCM460 cells and human-derived colorectal organoids demonstrated that BPS exposure induced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in intestinal endocrine cells (EECs), upregulating the expression of inflammatory mediators TNF-α and CXCL10. Using a DSS-induced colitis mouse model, it was found that BPS exposure exacerbates the progression of intestinal inflammatory diseases. Analysis of single-cell databases demonstrated a significant reduction in the expression of CHGA, a functional protein of enteroendocrine cells (EECs), in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The expression of CHGA showed a significant negative correlation with the expression of IL17. Notably, supplementation with 3-Indoleglyoxylic acid effectively mitigates the intestinal damage induced by BPS. These findings highlight the role of mitochondrial oxidative stress and IL-17/CXCL10/TNF-α signaling in BPS-induced intestinal damage and demonstrate the therapeutic potential of 3-Indoleglyoxylic acid in mitigating these effects.

Assessment of membrane and metabolic parameters of erythrocytes exposed to selected bromophenols

Bromophenols are aromatic compounds containing one or more benzene rings substituted with hydroxyl groups, bromine atoms, and other functional groups. Due to their widespread industrial use, bromophenols such as 2,4-dibromophenol (2,4-DBP), 2,4,6-tribromophenol (2,4,6-TBP) and pentabromophenol (PBP) have become prevalent environmental contaminants. These compounds are primarily found in air, water, and soil and bioaccumulate in various organisms, including fish and birds. Studies have linked bromophenols to oxidative stress, endocrine disruption, and adverse health effects, emphasizing the need to further investigate their biological impacts. Due to their high hydrophobicity and bioaccumulative potential, BPs may penetrate biological membranes, potentially altering their structural and functional properties. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of three bromophenols: 2,4-DBP, 2,4,6-TBP and PBP on erythrocyte membrane parameters and metabolic parameters such as ATP level. These findings highlight the differential effects of bromophenols on erythrocyte membranes, with 2,4-DBP primarily disrupting membrane fluidity and intracellular viscosity, while PBP predominantly affects oxidative processes. This study provides new insights into the potential toxicological mechanisms of BPs and their impact on cellular integrity. Moreover, the number of bromine atoms in bromophenols plays a crucial role in inducing damage to specific cellular structures and, ultimately, in determining their toxicity.

Tetrabromobisphenol A induced p38-MAPK/AMPKα activation downstream-triggered CHOP signal contributing to neuronal apoptosis and death

Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), a brominated flame retardant (BFR), has been implicated as the neurotoxic effects in mammalian. However, the exact mechanisms underlying TBBPA-induced neurotoxicity remain unclear. In the present study, Neuro-2a cells, a mouse neural crest-derived cell line, were used to examine the mechanism of TBBPA-induced neuronal cytotoxicity. TBBPA exposure caused alterations in cell viability and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and induction of apoptotic events, such as increased apoptotic cell population and cleaved caspase-3, -7, -9, and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) protein expression). TBBPA exposure triggered CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) homologous protein (CHOP) activation. Transfection with CHOP-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) obviously prevented the expression of CHOP protein and markedly attenuated MMP loss, and caspase-3 and -7 activation in TBBPA-exposed Neuro-2a cells. In addition, TBBPA exposure significantly evoked the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular-signal regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2), p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38-MAPK), and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)α proteins. Pretreatment of cells with pharmacological inhibitors of p38-MAPK (SB203580) and AMPK (compound C), but not inhibitors of JNK (SP600125) or ERK1/2 (PD98059), effectively prevented the increase in caspase-3 activity, MMP loss, and activated CHOP and cleaved caspase-3 and -7 protein expression in TBBPA-treated cells. Notably, transfection with either p38α-MAPK- or AMPKα1/2-specific siRNAs markedly attenuated the expression of CHOP, and cleaved caspase-3 and -7. Interestingly, transfection with each siRNA significantly reduced the TBBPA-induced phosphorylation of p38-MAPK and AMPKα proteins. Collectively, these findings suggest that CHOP activation-mediated mitochondria-dependent apoptosis contributes to TBBPA-induced neurotoxicity. An interdependent p38-MAPK and AMPKα signaling-regulated apoptotic pathway may provide new insights into the mechanism understanding TBBPA-elicited neurotoxicity.

Exploring Associations and Mediating Factors between Multiple Trace Metals with Anemia in US Adults: Insight from NHANES 2017-2020

BACKGROUND

Anemia significantly contributes to the global disease burden, with its incidence potentially influenced by the trace metal content within the body.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to examine the associations between trace metals and anemia risk, with a particular focus on investigating the potential mediating roles of iron status and inflammation in these associations.

METHODS

Five trace metals (Ni, Co, Mn, Se, and Mo) were examined in 1274 US adults, utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017-2020. The individual and combined effects of these metals on anemia were assessed using logistic regression, quantile g-computation (QGC), and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR). A sex-stratified analysis was conducted to discern any gender-specific susceptibilities. Additionally, mediation analysis was employed to explore the potential mediating roles of iron status and inflammation in the associations between these metals and anemia.

RESULTS

Increased risks of anemia were positively associated with Co and Ni levels but negatively correlated with Se and Mn levels (all with p < 0.05). The trace metal mixture was negatively associated with anemia, with the highest weights of Co and Se in different directions in both the QGC and BKMR models. In the sex-specific analysis, we observed less pronounced protective effects from trace metals in females. Moreover, the mediating proportion of the iron status and inflammation in these relationships ranged from 10.29% to 58.18%.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that the trace element mixture was associated with decreased anemia risk, among which Se was a protective factor while Co was a risk factor, and females were more susceptible. The effects of these trace metals on anemia may be mediated by the iron status and inflammation.

Association of exposure to multiple metals with hemoglobin levels in Chinese children and adolescents

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have linked single metal to hemoglobin levels in children and adolescents; however, studies with regards to metal mixtures are still limited.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the associations of single metal and metal mixtures with hemoglobin levels in children and adolescents.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study of 2064 children and adolescents aged 6 to 19 years in Liuzhou, China in 2018. The concentrations of 15 metals in urine were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Generalized linear regression and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression were used to estimate the associations of single metal and metal mixtures with hemoglobin levels, respectively.

RESULTS

The multivariable-adjusted β-values for the highest versus the first quartiles of urinary metal concentrations were - 1.57 (95 % confidence interval [CI]: -3.01, -0.13) for chromium, -2.47 (95 % CI: -3.90, -1.05) for nickel and 1.88 (95 % CI: 0.49, 3.28) for copper. In addition, we found a significant negative association between the WQS index and hemoglobin levels (adjusted β = -0.93, 95 % CI: -1.69, -0.19), with nickel contributing the most to the WQS index at 59.0 %. Subgroup analyses showed that exposure to urinary nickel or metal mixtures were associated with decreased hemoglobin levels in adolescents, but not in children (all Pinteration < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Among children and adolescents, urinary chromium and nickel concentrations were associated with decreased hemoglobin levels, while copper showed a positive relationship. Moreover, a negative association was observed between exposure to metal mixtures and hemoglobin levels. These findings need to be further validated in prospective studies.

Update of the scientific opinion on tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) and its derivatives in food

The European Commission asked EFSA to update its 2011 risk assessment on tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) and five derivatives in food. Neurotoxicity and carcinogenicity were considered as the critical effects of TBBPA in rodent studies. The available evidence indicates that the carcinogenicity of TBBPA occurs via non-genotoxic mechanisms. Taking into account the new data, the CONTAM Panel considered it appropriate to set a tolerable daily intake (TDI). Based on decreased interest in social interaction in male mice, a lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL) of 0.2 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day was identified and selected as the reference point for the risk characterisation. Applying the default uncertainty factor of 100 for inter- and intraspecies variability, and a factor of 3 to extrapolate from the LOAEL to NOAEL, a TDI for TBBPA of 0.7 μg/kg bw per day was established. Around 2100 analytical results for TBBPA in food were used to estimate dietary exposure for the European population. The most important contributors to the chronic dietary LB exposure to TBBPA were fish and seafood, meat and meat products and milk and dairy products. The exposure estimates to TBBPA were all below the TDI, including those estimated for breastfed and formula-fed infants. Accounting for the uncertainties affecting the assessment, the CONTAM Panel concluded with 90%-95% certainty that the current dietary exposure to TBBPA does not raise a health concern for any of the population groups considered. There were insufficient data on the toxicity of any of the TBBPA derivatives to derive reference points, or to allow a comparison with TBBPA that would support assignment to an assessment group for the purposes of combined risk assessment.

Association between blood metals mixture and chronic kidney disease in adults: NHANES 2013-2016

BACKGROUND

The association between single metal exposure and chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been established. However, there is limited research on the effects of multi-metal mixtures and their potential age-specific associations with kidney injury. This study aimed to examine the relationship between metal mixtures and kidney function in adults, while also exploring the modifying effects of age.

METHODS

We included a subset (n = 4250) of a nationally representative adult population in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013-2016. Kidney function was assessed using the glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and creatinine albumin ratio (ACR). The individual and combined effects of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury, and manganese on kidney injury and the risk of CKD were evaluated.

RESULTS

Pb and Cd were found to be positively associated with decreased kidney function. For a one Ln-unit increase in lead and cadmium, the adjusted ORs of CKD were 1.60 (95% CI: 1.35, 1.90) and 1.41 (95% CI:1.12, 1.77), respectively. We also observed an interaction between lead and cadmium for ACR. We also observed the joint effect between Pb and Cd on eGFR, ACR and CKD. Stratified analysis found a higher risk of decreased kidney function among older individuals. The quantile-g calculation model further showed that metal mixture was associated with decreased kidney function and the risk of CKD (OR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.22, 1.90). And lead and cadmium were the main contributors. And Pb and Cd were the major components that increased the risk of CKD.

CONCLUSION

Co-exposure to metal mixture were associated with reduced kidney function in adults, especially in older. Our findings support co-exposure to lead and cadmium as risk factors of CKD in adults.

Assessing chronic gestational exposure to environmental chemicals in pregnant women: Advancing the co-PBK model

Vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women and their fetuses, confront potential health risks due to exposure to environmental toxic compounds. Computational methods have been popular in assessing chemical exposure to populations, contrasting with traditional cohort studies for human biomonitoring. This study proposes a screening-level approach based on physiologically based kinetic (PBK) modeling to evaluate the steady-state exposure of pregnant women to environmental chemicals throughout pregnancy. To exemplify the modeling application, naphthalene was chosen. Simulation results indicated that maternal fat exhibited significant bioaccumulation potential, with the log-transformed BTF of naphthalene at 0.51 mg kg-1 per mg d-1 in the steady state. The placenta was primarily exposed to 0.83 mg/d naphthalene for a 75.2 kg pregnant woman, considering all exposure routes. In the fetal structure, single-organ fetal PBK modeling estimated a naphthalene exposure of 123.64 mg/d to the entire fetus, while multiple-organ fetal PBK modeling further revealed the bioaccumulation highest in fat tissue. The liver identified as the vital organ for metabolism, kBioT,LiverM was demonstrated with the highest sensitivity among rate constants in the maternal body. Furthermore, the first-order kinetic rate constants related to the placenta and blood were found to impact the distribution process of naphthalene in the fetus, influencing gestational exposure. In conclusion, urgent attention is needed to develop a computational biomonitoring tool for assessing toxic chemical exposure in vulnerable populations.

Independent and combined associations of urinary metals exposure with markers of liver injury: Results from the NHANES 2013-2016

BACKGROUND

Heavy metals entering the human body could cause damage to a variety of organs. However, the combined harmful effects of exposure to various metals on liver function are not well understood. The purpose of the study was to investigate the independent and joint relationships between heavy metal exposure and liver function in adults.

METHODS

The study involved 3589 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Concentrations of urinary metals, including arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), antimony (Sb), barium (Ba), thallium (Tl), tungsten (W), uranium (U), were determined in urine using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Data for liver function biomarkers included alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transaminase (GGT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Survey-weighted linear regression and quantile g-computation (qgcomp) were employed to evaluate the relationship of urinary metals with the markers of liver injury.

RESULTS

Cd, U and Ba were found to have positive correlations with ALT, AST, GGT, and ALP in the survey-weighted linear regression analyses. According to the qgcomp analyses, the total metal mixture was positively correlated with ALT (percent change: 8.15; 95% CI: 3.84, 12.64), AST (percent change: 5.55; 95% CI: 2.39, 8.82), GGT (percent change: 14.30; 95% CI: 7.81, 21.18), and ALP (percent change: 5.59; 95% CI: 2.65, 8.62), and Cd, U, and Ba were the main contributors to the combined effects. Positive joint effects were observed between Cd and U on ALT, AST, GGT and ALP, and U and Ba had positive joint effects on ALT, AST and GGT.

CONCLUSION

Exposures to Cd, U, and Ba were individually associated with multiple markers of liver injury. Mixed metal exposure might be adversely correlated with markers of liver function. The findings indicated the potential harmful effect of metal exposure on liver function.

Exposure to Bisphenol A and Its Analogs among Thai School-Age Children

Bisphenol F (BPF) and bisphenol S (BPS) have become popular substitutes for bisphenol A (BPA) in the plastic industry due to concerns over BPA's adverse effects. However, there is limited information on children's exposure to these chemicals. This study aims to assess the extent of BPA, BPF, and BPS exposure and determine factors that influence such exposure. A group of Thai children (age 6-13 years, N = 358) were recruited between October 2019 and 2020. Two first-morning voids were collected one week apart. Demographic and exposure-related information was gathered. Urinary concentrations of bisphenols were analyzed by liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Correlation between bisphenol concentrations with age, body weight, and sources of bisphenol exposure, was determined using generalized estimating equations with linear model. BPA, BPF, and BPS were detected at 79.6%, 31.0%, and 16.8%, with geometric mean (GM) concentrations of 1.41, 0.013, and 0.014 ng/mL, respectively. Younger children aged <10 years exhibited 1.3-1.6 times higher GM levels of all bisphenols compared to older children. Exposure to food stored in plastic containers was associated with higher levels of BPF and BPS. In conclusion, BPA was the most frequently detected bisphenol in urine samples from Thai children, followed by BPF and BPS.

A Review on Tetrabromobisphenol A: Human Biomonitoring, Toxicity, Detection and Treatment in the Environment

Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) is a known endocrine disruptor employed in a range of consumer products and has been predominantly found in different environments through industrial processes and in human samples. In this review, we aimed to summarize published scientific evidence on human biomonitoring, toxic effects and mode of action of TBBPA in humans. Interestingly, an overview of various pretreatment methods, emerging detection methods, and treatment methods was elucidated. Studies on exposure routes in humans, a combination of detection methods, adsorbent-based treatments and degradation of TBBPA are in the preliminary phase and have several limitations. Therefore, in-depth studies on these subjects should be considered to enhance the accurate body load of non-invasive matrix, external exposure levels, optimal design of combined detection techniques, and degrading technology of TBBPA. Overall, this review will improve the scientific comprehension of TBBPA in humans as well as the environment, and the breakthrough for treating waste products containing TBBPA.

Association of serum per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and gestational anemia during different trimesters in Zhuang ethnic pregnancy women of Guangxi, China

BACKGROUND

Gestational anemia is a complication of pregnancy, and a low level of hemoglobin (Hb) has been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Previous studies reported that PFASs were more strongly associated with Hb than red blood cells, indicating that Hb is more susceptible to the effect of PFASs. However, the evidences regarding the effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) on gestational anemia are currently limited. Therefore, it is important to explore the effects of PFASs on anemia in Chinese pregnant women.

METHODS

A total of 821 pregnant women were recruited between June 2015 and April 2019 in the Guangxi Zhuang Birth Cohort. The concentrations of PFASs were assessed in maternal serum before 12 gestational weeks. To determine both individual and combined associations of PFASs exposure with anemia in the three stages of pregnancy, binary logistic regression, Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression models were employed.

RESULTS

In single-pollutant analysis, maternal exposure to perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA) and perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA) were associated with anemia in the first trimester, exposure to PFHpA and perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS) were associated with anemia in the second trimester, and exposure to perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) were associated with anemia in the third trimester. Notably, perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA) had a nonlinear association with anemia in the third trimester. In multiple-pollutant analysis, a positive association of PFDoA with anemia in the first trimester and a negative association of PFBS with anemia in the second trimester were confirmed by BKMR. Exposure to PFASs mixture was not associated with anemia in all three trimesters. In WQS, there was a significantly negative association between the PFAS mixture and anemia in the second trimester.

CONCLUSION

Maternal exposure to PFASs is associated with gestational anemia in different trimesters.

Environmentally relevant exposure to TBBPA and its analogues may not drastically affect human early cardiac development

Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) and its substitutes and derivatives have been widely used as halogenated flame retardants (HFRs), in the past few decades. As a consequence, these compounds are frequently detected in the environment, as well as human bodily fluids, especially umbilical cord blood and breast milk. This has raised awareness of their potential risks to fetuses and infants. In this study, we employed human embryonic stem cell differentiation models to assess the potential developmental toxicity of six TBBPA-like compounds, at human relevant nanomolar concentrations. To mimic early embryonic development, we utilized embryoid body-based 3D differentiation in presence of the six HFRs. Transcriptomics data showed that HFR exposure over 16 days of differentiation only interfered with the expression of a few genes, indicating those six HFRs may not have specific tissue/organ targets during embryonic development. Nevertheless, further analyses revealed that some cardiac-related genes were dysregulated. Since the heart is also the first organ to develop, we employed a cardiac differentiation model to analyze the six HFRs' potential developmental toxicity in more depth. Overall, HFRs of interest did not significantly disturb the canonical WNT pathway, which is an essential signal transduction pathway for cardiac development. In addition, the six HFRs showed only mild changes in gene expression levels for cardiomyocyte markers, such as NKX2.5, MYH7, and MYL4, as well as a significant down-regulation of some but not all the epicardial and smooth muscle cell markers selected. Taken together, our results show that the six studied HFRs, at human relevant concentrations, may impose negligible effects on embryogenesis and heart development. Nevertheless, higher exposure doses might affect the early stages of heart development.

Effects of BPA substitutes on the prenatal and cardiovascular systems

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a ubiquitous chemical compound constantly being released into the environment, making it one of the most persistent endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) in nature. This EDC has already been associated with developing various pathologies, such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular, renal, and behavioral complications, among others. Therefore, over the years, BPA has been replaced, gradually, by its analog compounds. However, these compounds are structurally similar to BPA, so, in recent years, questions have been raised concerning their safety for human health. Numerous investigations have been performed to determine the effects BPA substitutes may cause, particularly during pregnancy and prenatal life. On the other hand, studies investigating the association of these compounds with the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) have been developed. In this sense, this review summarizes the existing literature on the transgenerational transfer of BPA substitutes and the consequent effects on maternal and offspring health following prenatal exposure. In addition, these compounds' effects on the cardiovascular system and the susceptibility to develop CVD will be presented. Therefore, this review aims to highlight the need to investigate further the safety and benefits, or hazards, associated with replacing BPA with its analogs.