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Collins AR, Azqueta A, Schoeters G, Slingers G, Dusinska M, Langie SAS. In memory of Dr. Ir. Gudrun Koppen (1969-2024). MUTATION RESEARCH. GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2024; 895:503751. [PMID: 38575250 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2024.503751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew R Collins
- Norgenotech AS, Oslo Cancer Cluster Incubator, Oslo, Norway; & Department of Nutrition, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Amaya Azqueta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Greet Schoeters
- Prof. Em., Department of Biomedical Sciences & Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Gitte Slingers
- Environmental Intelligence, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
| | - Maria Dusinska
- Department of Environmental Chemistry and Health Effects, The Climate and Environmental Research Institute NILU, Kjeller, Norway
| | - Sabine A S Langie
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School for Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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Mosites E, Rodriguez E, Caudill SP, Hennessy TW, Berner J. A comparison of individual-level vs. hypothetically pooled mercury biomonitoring data from the Maternal Organics Monitoring Study (MOMS), Alaska, 1999-2012. Int J Circumpolar Health 2020; 79:1726256. [PMID: 32039659 PMCID: PMC7034428 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2020.1726256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Biomonitoring for heavy metals is important to assess health risks, especially in Arctic communities where rural residents rely on locally harvested foods. However, laboratory testing for blood contaminants is expensive and might not be sustainable for long-term monitoring. We assessed whether pooled specimen biomonitoring could be a part of a plan for blood contaminant surveillance among pregnant women in rural Alaska using existing blood mercury level data from three cross sectional studies of pregnant women. We applied a hypothetical pooled specimen template stratified into 8 demographic groups based on age, coastal or inland residence, and pre-pregnancy weight. The hypothetical geometric mean blood mercury levels were similar to the individual-level geometric means. However, the 95% confidence intervals were much wider for the hypothetical geometric means compared to the true geometric means. Although the variability that resulted from pooling specimens using a small sample made it difficult to compare demographic groups to each other, pooled specimen results could be an accurate reflection of the population burden of mercury contamination in the Arctic in the context of large numbers of biomonitoring samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Mosites
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Ernesto Rodriguez
- Department of Global Environmental Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Samuel P Caudill
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Thomas W Hennessy
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - James Berner
- Center for Climate and Health, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
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Koppen G, Franken C, Den Hond E, Plusquin M, Reimann B, Leermakers M, Covaci A, Nawrot T, Van Larebeke N, Schoeters G, Bruckers L, Govarts E. Pooled analysis of genotoxicity markers in relation to exposure in the Flemish Environment and Health Studies (FLEHS) between 1999 and 2018. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 190:110002. [PMID: 32745535 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Flemish Environment and Health Studies (FLEHS) are human biomonitoring surveys running in Flanders since 1999. Additionally to biomarkers of exposure, markers of genotoxicity and oxidative stress have been measured, including the alkaline comet and micronucleus assay in peripheral whole blood cells, and urinary concentrations of 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG). AIM Exposure-effect associations were explored in a pooled dataset of nine different cross-sectional FLEHS surveys. Data of adolescents collected in a time frame of about 20 years (1999-2018) were compiled. The aim of the study was to examine whether increased variation in exposure, lifestyle and environmental factors would lead to more powerful and robust exposure-effect associations. MATERIALS & METHODS The biomarkers were measured in 2283 adolescents in the age range of 14-18 years. Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons [1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP)], benzene (tt'-muconic acid), metals (arsenic, cadmium, copper, nickel, thallium, lead, chromium), persistent organochlorines and phthalates were assessed in blood or urine. Furthermore, outdoor air levels of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) at the residences of the youngsters were calculated. Pooled statistical analysis was done using mixed models. Study-specific differences in the genotoxicity markers and in the strength/direction of the association were accounted for. This was done by incorporating the random factor 'study' and a random study slope (if possible). The exposure markers were centered around the study-specific mean in order to correct for protocol changes over time. RESULTS A significant association was observed for the urinary oxidative stress marker 8-oxodG, which was positively associated with 1-OHP (5% increase for doubling of 1-OHP levels, p = 0.001), and with urinary copper (26% increase for doubling of copper levels, p = 0.001), a metal involved in the Fenton reaction in biological systems. 8-oxodG was also associated with the sum of the metabolites of the phthalate di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) (3% increase for doubling of the DEHP levels, p = 0.02). For those associations, data pooling increased the statistical power. However, some of the associations in the individual surveys, were not confirmed in the pooled analysis (such as comet assay and 8-oxodG vs. atmospheric PM; and 8-oxodG vs. urinary nickel). This may be due to inconsistencies in exposure-effect relations and/or variations in the pollutant mix over time and regions. CONCLUSION Pooled analysis including a large population of 2283 Flemish adolescents showed that 8-oxodG, a marker of oxidative DNA damage is a valuable marker to assess impact of daily life pollutants, such as PAHs, Cu and the phthalate DEHP.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Koppen
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium.
| | - C Franken
- Provincial Institute of Hygiene (PIH), Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - E Den Hond
- Provincial Institute of Hygiene (PIH), Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - M Plusquin
- Center for Environment and Health, University Hasselt, Agoralaan, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
| | - B Reimann
- Center for Environment and Health, University Hasselt, Agoralaan, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
| | - M Leermakers
- Analytical, Environmental and Geo- Chemistry, Free University Brussels, Belgium.
| | - A Covaci
- Toxicological Center, University of Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - T Nawrot
- Center for Environment and Health, University Hasselt, Agoralaan, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
| | - N Van Larebeke
- Analytical, Environmental and Geo- Chemistry, Free University Brussels, Belgium.
| | - G Schoeters
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium; Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Belgium; University of Southern Denmark, Institute of Public Health/ Department of Environmental Medicine, Odense, Denmark.
| | - L Bruckers
- Center for Statistics, University Hasselt, Agoralaan, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
| | - E Govarts
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium.
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Legler J, Zalko D, Jourdan F, Jacobs M, Fromenty B, Balaguer P, Bourguet W, Munic Kos V, Nadal A, Beausoleil C, Cristobal S, Remy S, Ermler S, Margiotta-Casaluci L, Griffin JL, Blumberg B, Chesné C, Hoffmann S, Andersson PL, Kamstra JH. The GOLIATH Project: Towards an Internationally Harmonised Approach for Testing Metabolism Disrupting Compounds. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E3480. [PMID: 32423144 PMCID: PMC7279023 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this project report is to introduce the European "GOLIATH" project, a new research project which addresses one of the most urgent regulatory needs in the testing of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), namely the lack of methods for testing EDCs that disrupt metabolism and metabolic functions. These chemicals collectively referred to as "metabolism disrupting compounds" (MDCs) are natural and anthropogenic chemicals that can promote metabolic changes that can ultimately result in obesity, diabetes, and/or fatty liver in humans. This project report introduces the main approaches of the project and provides a focused review of the evidence of metabolic disruption for selected EDCs. GOLIATH will generate the world's first integrated approach to testing and assessment (IATA) specifically tailored to MDCs. GOLIATH will focus on the main cellular targets of metabolic disruption-hepatocytes, pancreatic endocrine cells, myocytes and adipocytes-and using an adverse outcome pathway (AOP) framework will provide key information on MDC-related mode of action by incorporating multi-omic analyses and translating results from in silico, in vitro, and in vivo models and assays to adverse metabolic health outcomes in humans at real-life exposures. Given the importance of international acceptance of the developed test methods for regulatory use, GOLIATH will link with ongoing initiatives of the Organisation for Economic Development (OECD) for test method (pre-)validation, IATA, and AOP development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Legler
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Daniel Zalko
- INRAE Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), Metabolism and Xenobiotics (MeX) Team, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, 31027 Toulouse, France; (D.Z.); (F.J.)
| | - Fabien Jourdan
- INRAE Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), Metabolism and Xenobiotics (MeX) Team, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, 31027 Toulouse, France; (D.Z.); (F.J.)
| | - Miriam Jacobs
- Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Public Health England, Chilton OXON. OX11 0RQ, UK;
| | - Bernard Fromenty
- Institut NUMECAN (Nutrition Metabolisms and Cancer) INSERM UMR_A 1341, UMR_S 1241, Université de Rennes, F-35000 Rennes, France;
| | - Patrick Balaguer
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier (IRCM), INSERM U1194, ICM, Université de Montpellier, 34298 Montpellier, France;
| | - William Bourguet
- Center for Structural Biochemistry (CBS), INSERM, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France;
| | - Vesna Munic Kos
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Angel Nadal
- IDiBE and CIBERDEM, Universitas Miguel Hernandez, 03202 Elche (Alicante), Spain;
| | - Claire Beausoleil
- ANSES, Direction de l’Evaluation des Risques, Agence Nationale de Sécurité Sanitaire de l’Alimentation, de l’Environnement et du Travail, 14 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94701 Maisons-Alfort CEDEX, France;
| | - Susana Cristobal
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, Linköping University, SE-581 85 Linköping, Sweden;
| | - Sylvie Remy
- Sustainable Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research, VITO, 2400 Mol, Belgium;
| | - Sibylle Ermler
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK; (S.E.); (L.M.-C.)
| | - Luigi Margiotta-Casaluci
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK; (S.E.); (L.M.-C.)
| | - Julian L. Griffin
- Section of Biomolecular Medicine, Division of Systems Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London SW7 2AZ, UK;
| | - Bruce Blumberg
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California Irvine, 2011 BioSci 3, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-2300, USA;
| | - Christophe Chesné
- Biopredic International, Parc d’Activité de la Bretèche Bâtiment A4, 35760 Saint Grégoire, France;
| | | | | | - Jorke H. Kamstra
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands;
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The current environmental levels of endocrine disruptors (mercury, cadmium, organochlorine pesticides and PCBs) in a Belgian adult population and their predictors of exposure. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2018; 221:211-222. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2017.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Revised: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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[Validation of an analytical methodology to determine polychlorinated biphenyls in samples from blood plasma]. BIOMEDICA : REVISTA DEL INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE SALUD 2017; 37:561-570. [PMID: 29373775 DOI: 10.7705/biomedica.v37i4.3529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Revised: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Polychlorinated biphenyls are among the five most toxic persistent contaminants for living organisms according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). OBJECTIVE To standardize and validate an analytical method to determine and quantify polychlorinated biphenyl indicators in samples from blood plasma by means of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. MATERIALS AND METHODS We fortified a plasma pool to do the matrix assays. Additionally, we used the NIST SRM® 1958 reference material for the veracity and intermediate accuracy assays. RESULTS Methodology recovery percentages ranged between 88.4 and 97.5%, and the bias was less than 20%. Detection and quantification limits were 0.04 μg/L and 0.10 μg/L, respectively, for all polychlorinated biphenyl indicators. The linearity represented by the determination coefficient (R2) varied between 0.9866 and 0.9886. Accuracy, expressed as relative standard deviation was less than 20% in all the linear work range (0.5-500 μg/L). Finally, we analyzed 115 samples from Colombian population in various zones of the country and we found 65 positive samples, from which two samples were above HBM-II (7.0 μg/L, 2XΣPCB 138, 153, 180), and two, above HBM-I (3.5 μg/L, 2XΣPCB 138, 153, 180). CONCLUSION The method we developed is accurate for PCB analysis in blood plasma samples and could be used for biological surveillance of these contaminants in the Colombian population.
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He CT, Yan X, Wang MH, Zheng XB, Chen KH, Guo MN, Zheng J, Chen SJ. Dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethanes (DDTs) in human hair and serum in rural and urban areas in South China. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 155:279-286. [PMID: 28259092 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2016] [Revised: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Human hair has been employed as a biomarker for exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs), but information on the source of dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites in hair is limited. The present study investigated the contamination of DDTs in human hair from a rural area and an urban area of South China and compared with those in human serum and indoor dust. The concentrations of ∑DDTs ranged from 2.30 to 489ng/g, with a median of 21.8ng/g in human hair. The ∑DDT concentrations (median=40.8ng/g) in female hair were significantly higher than those in male hair (median=20.6ng/g). There were significantly positive correlations between the concentrations of DDTs and ages in both the female and male hair, but the age-dependence for DDTs in serum was less significant. The profile of DDT analogues in female hair, differing from that in the male hair, was more similar to that in the indoor dust, suggesting a more important role of exogenous exposure in female hair. We estimated that exogenous source is responsible for approximately 11% and 20% of the burden of DDTs in the male and female hair, respectively. Adjusted multiple linear regression model showed significantly positive association between the p,p'-DDE concentrations in the paired hair and serum samples, indicating that endogenous origins are the primary sources of DDTs in the hair of the residents in the study areas. Our findings demonstrated that human hair is a reliable biomarker for body burden of DDTs and can be used in epidemiology research and retrospective assessment of DDT exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Tao He
- State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Xiao Yan
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Mei-Huan Wang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Xiao-Bo Zheng
- College of Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Ke-Hui Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Mi-Na Guo
- College of Natural Resources, University of California-Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Jing Zheng
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Guangzhou, 510655, China.
| | - She-Jun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China.
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The added value of a surveillance human biomonitoring program: The case of FLEHS in Flanders (Belgium). Int J Hyg Environ Health 2017; 220:46-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2016.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Revised: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Eldakroory SA, Morsi DAE, Abdel-Rahman RH, Roshdy S, Gouida MS, Khashaba EO. Correlation between toxic organochlorine pesticides and breast cancer. Hum Exp Toxicol 2017; 36:1326-1334. [DOI: 10.1177/0960327116685887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Organochlorines (OCs) are common environmental pollutants that have been linked to cancer. This work aims to assess the role of OCs as a risk factor for breast cancer and to evaluate the cellular changes induced by exposure to such environmental contaminants. The study included 70 cancer patients subjected to thorough history taking and routine investigations. Samples from tumor and normal adjacent tissue were taken to measure OCs’ levels and to perform molecular analysis (some oncogenic and apoptotic markers) by flow cytometry. There were significantly higher concentrations of methoxychlor, dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT), hexa-chlorobenzene (HCB), and chlordane in tumor tissue samples compared to the surrounding normal tissue. There was a positive statistically significant correlation between G2m and dichloro-diphenyl-dichloroethane, DDT, and methoxychlor. There was also a negative correlation between propidium iodide (PI) and heptachlor as well as between PI, B-cell lymphoma 2, and methoxychlor. Annexin showed a negative correlation with HCB and methoxychlor. In conclusion, the higher level of organochlorine pesticides in the tissue specimens of breast cancer and the resultant molecular dysfunction highlight a possible association. Further research is warranted to elucidate the other possible mechanisms involved in the process of carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- SA Eldakroory
- Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt
| | - DA El Morsi
- Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt
| | - RH Abdel-Rahman
- Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt
| | - S Roshdy
- Surgical Oncology, Oncology Centre, Mansoura University, Faculty of Medicine, Egypt
| | - MS Gouida
- Molecular Immunology, Head of Flow cytometry and Genetics Units, Mansoura University Children Hospital, Egypt
| | - EO Khashaba
- Occupational Medicine and Industrial Health, Public Health and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt
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Lind L, Ng E, Ingelsson E, Lindgren C, Salihovic S, van Bavel B, Mahajan A, Lampa E, Morris AP, Lind PM. Genetic and methylation variation in the CYP2B6 gene is related to circulating p,p'-dde levels in a population-based sample. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2017; 98:212-218. [PMID: 27839851 PMCID: PMC5152752 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2016.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Revised: 11/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Since the metabolism of the organochlorine pesticide dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) is not fully known in humans, we evaluated if circulating levels of a major breakdown product of DDT, p,p'-DDE, were related to genome-wide genetic and methylation variation in a population-based sample. METHODS In the population-based Prospective Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors (PIVUS) study (1016 subjects all aged 70), circulating levels of p,p'-DDE were analyzed by high-resolution chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRGC/HRMS). Genetic variants were genotyped and imputed (1000 Genomes reference, March 2012 release). Methylation sites were assayed using the Illumina HumanMethylation450 array in whole blood. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) approach was applied. RESULTS Evidence for genome-wide significant association with p,p'-DDE levels was observed only for a locus at chromosome 19 corresponding to the CYP2B6 gene (lead SNP rs7260538). Subjects being homozygote for the G allele showed a median level of 472ng/g lipid, while the corresponding level for those being homozygote for the T allele was 192ng/g lipid (p=1.5×10-31). An analysis conditioned on the lead SNP disclosed a distinct signal in the same gene (rs7255374, position chr19:41520351; p=2.2×10-8). A whole-genome methylation analysis showed one significant relationship vs. p,p'-DDE levels (p=6.2×10-9) located 7kb downstream the CYP2B6 gene (cg27089200, position chr19:41531976). This CpG-site was also related to the lead SNP (p=3.8×10-35), but mediated only 4% of the effect of the lead SNP on p,p'-DDE levels. CONCLUSION Circulating levels of p,p'-DDE were related to genetic variation in the CYP2B6 gene in the general elderly population. DNA methylation in this gene is not closely linked to the p,p'-DDE levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Lind
- Department of Medical Sciences, Cardiovascular Epidemiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Esther Ng
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Erik Ingelsson
- Department of Medical Sciences, Molecular Epidemiology and Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Cecilia Lindgren
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Broad Institute of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Cambridge, USA.
| | - Samira Salihovic
- Department of Medical Sciences, Molecular Epidemiology and Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; MTM Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Sweden.
| | - Bert van Bavel
- MTM Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Sweden.
| | - Anubha Mahajan
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Erik Lampa
- Department of Medical Sciences, Cardiovascular Epidemiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Andrew P Morris
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Department of Biostatistics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
| | - P Monica Lind
- Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University, Sweden.
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Croes K, Den Hond E, Bruckers L, Govarts E, Schoeters G, Covaci A, Loots I, Morrens B, Nelen V, Sioen I, Van Larebeke N, Baeyens W. Endocrine actions of pesticides measured in the Flemish environment and health studies (FLEHS I and II). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 22:14589-14599. [PMID: 25138556 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-014-3437-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2014] [Accepted: 08/10/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Within the Flemish Environment and Health studies (FLEHS I, 2002-2006, and FLEHS II, 2007-2012), pesticide exposure, hormone levels and degree of sexual maturation were measured in 14-15-year-old adolescents residing in Flanders (Belgium). In FLEHS II, geometric mean concentrations (with 95 % confidence interval (CI)) of 307 (277-341) and 36.5 ng L(-1) (34.0-39.2) were found for p,p'-dichlorophenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE) and hexachlorobenzene (HCB). These values were respectively 26 and 60 % lower than levels in FLEHS I, 5 years earlier. Metabolites of organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) and of para-dichlorobenzene were measured for the first time in FLEHS II, yielding concentrations of 11.4, 3.27 and 1.57 μg L(-1) for the sum of dimethyl- and diethyl phosphate metabolites and 2,5-dichlorophenol (2,5-DCP), respectively. Data on internal exposure of HCB showed a positive correlation with sexual maturation, testosterone and the aromatase index for boys and with free thyroxine (fT4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) (both boys and girls). For both p,p'-DDE and HCB, a negative association with sexual development in girls was found. The OPP metabolites were negatively associated with sex hormone levels in the blood of boys and with sexual maturation (both boys and girls). The pesticide metabolite 2,5-DCP was negatively correlated with free T4, while a positive association with TSH was reported (boys and girls). These results show that even exposure to relatively low concentrations of pesticides can have significant influences on hormone levels and the degree of sexual maturation in 14-15-year-old adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Croes
- Department of Analytical, Environmental and Geo-Chemistry (AMGC), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - E Den Hond
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Environmental Risk and Health, Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - L Bruckers
- Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics, Hasselt University, Agoralaan 1, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - E Govarts
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Environmental Risk and Health, Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - G Schoeters
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Environmental Risk and Health, Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - A Covaci
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp (UA), Antwerp, Belgium
| | - I Loots
- Political and Social Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - B Morrens
- Political and Social Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - V Nelen
- Provincial Institute for Hygiene, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - I Sioen
- Department of Public Health, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - N Van Larebeke
- Department of Analytical, Environmental and Geo-Chemistry (AMGC), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - W Baeyens
- Department of Analytical, Environmental and Geo-Chemistry (AMGC), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
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12
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Heusinkveld HJ, van den Berg M, Westerink RHS. In vitro dopaminergic neurotoxicity of pesticides: a link with neurodegeneration? Vet Q 2015; 34:120-31. [PMID: 25506807 DOI: 10.1080/01652176.2014.980934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Around the globe, chemical compounds are used to treat or repel pests and plagues that pose a threat to food and feed production. From epidemiological studies, it is known that there is a link between exposure to certain chemical classes of these so-called pesticides and the prevalence of neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease in humans. However, which particular compound(s) account for this link or what underlying mechanisms are involved is still largely unresolved. The degenerative process in Parkinson's disease is largely limited to the dopaminergic neurons in the basal ganglia. Cellular mechanisms that are implicated in parkinsonian neurodegeneration include mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, disturbance of intracellular calcium homeostasis and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. A major characteristic that distinguishes the dopaminergic neurons in the basal ganglia from other dopaminergic neurons is a particular reliance on intracellular calcium for spontaneous activity. Considering the energy consuming nature of maintenance of the intracellular calcium homeostasis and its involvement in life and death of a neuron, this may explain the specific vulnerability of this neuronal population. Despite a large variation in primary mechanism of action it has been demonstrated that pesticides from different classes disturb intracellular calcium homeostasis, thus interfering with intracellular calcium signalling. This relates to altered dopaminergic signalling, disturbed protein homeostasis and increased oxidative stress. Therefore, effects of (mixtures of) pesticides on the intracellular calcium homeostasis may play a role in the development of Parkinson's disease in humans. Although human exposure to pesticides via e.g. food often occurs in complex mixtures, (human) risk assessment is largely based on the assessment of single compounds. The discovery of common modes of action across different classes of pesticides therefore underpins the urgency of development of new models and approaches in risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harm J Heusinkveld
- a Neurotoxicology Research Group, Division of Toxicology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine , Utrecht University , 3508 TD Utrecht , The Netherlands
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Zubero MB, Aurrekoetxea JJ, Murcia M, Ibarluzea JM, Goñi F, Jiménez C, Ballester F. Time trends in serum organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in the general population of Biscay, Spain. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2015; 68:476-488. [PMID: 25612550 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-014-0107-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2014] [Accepted: 11/20/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Despite the measures adopted, levels of organochlorine compounds (OCs) are still being detected in the human body. This study aimed to explore factors related to changes in the concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and pesticide OCs in blood samples obtained from a general population cohort. Two cross-sectional samples were taken from 162 adults (2-75 years of age), with a gap of 2 years, from four areas in Biscay (Spain). More than 75 % had quantifiable levels of hexachlorobenzene (HCB), beta-hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene, and PCBs 138 153 and 180. During this time, significant changes were observed: PCB 180 and HCB levels increased, and PCB 138 and β-HCH levels decreased. Regarding age, this study shows a decrease suggesting a cohort effect. The period was not related to the decrease of levels in all age intervals, but a statistically significant increase of PCBs in older people was found. High body mass index was associated with lower PCB 180 levels and greater HCH levels. Inversely, greater levels of HCB and β-HCH were in those who had lost weight before the study. Levels of HCB and β-HCH were also greater in women who had had children, although they were lower in those who breastfed. Levels of these same OCs were greater in fish consumers, whereas those of PCBs 138 and 153 were greater in those who consumed local produce; all of these trends were close to significance. Efforts should continue to decrease exposure to these pollutants and to assess their influence on general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miren Begoña Zubero
- Basque Foundation for Health Innovation and Research (Bioef), Sondika, Biscay, Spain,
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Van Larebeke N, Sioen I, Hond ED, Nelen V, Van de Mieroop E, Nawrot T, Bruckers L, Schoeters G, Baeyens W. Internal exposure to organochlorine pollutants and cadmium and self-reported health status: a prospective study. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2014; 218:232-45. [PMID: 25547368 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2014.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2014] [Revised: 11/14/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, based on the Flemish biomonitoring programs, we describe the associations between internal exposure to organochlorine pollutants and to cadmium (measured in 2004-2005 for adults aged 50-65 years) and self-reported health status obtained through a questionnaire in November 2011. Dioxin-like activity in serum showed a significant positive association with risk of cancer for women. After adjustment for confounders and covariates, the odds ratio for an exposure equal to the 90th percentile was 2.4 times higher than for an exposure equal to the 10th percentile. For both men and women dioxin-like activity and serum hexachlorobenzene (HCB) showed a significant positive association with risk of diabetes and of hypertension. Detailed analysis suggested that an increase in BMI might be part of the mechanism through which HCB contributes to diabetes and hypertension. Serum dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE) concentration showed a significant positive association with diabetes and hypertension in men, but not in women. Serum polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) 118 showed a significant positive association with diabetes in both men and women, and after adjustment for correlated exposures, also with hypertension in men. Urinary cadmium concentrations showed a significant positive association with hypertension. Urinary cadmium concentrations were (in 2004-2005) significantly higher in persons who felt in less than good health (in 2011) than in persons who felt in very good health. After adjustment for correlated exposures (to HCB, p,p'-DDE and PCB118) marker PCBs showed a significant negative association with diabetes and hypertension. Serum p,p'-DDE showed in men a significant negative association with risk of diseases based on atheromata. Our findings suggest that exposure to pollutants can lead to an important increase in the risk of diseases such as cancer, diabetes and hypertension. Some pollutants may possibly also decrease the risk of some health problems, although this requires confirmation by other approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nik Van Larebeke
- Free University of Brussels (VUB), Department of Analytical and Environmental Chemistry (ANCH), Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Isabelle Sioen
- Ghent University, Department of Public Health, UZ-2 Blok A, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Elly Den Hond
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Environmental Health and Risk, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Vera Nelen
- Provincial Institute for Hygiene, Kronenburgstraat 45, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Els Van de Mieroop
- Provincial Institute for Hygiene, Kronenburgstraat 45, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Tim Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Gebouw D, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; School of Public Health, Occupational & Environmental Medicine, K.U. Leuven, Herestraat 49 (O&N 706), 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Liesbeth Bruckers
- Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics, Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Greet Schoeters
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Environmental Health and Risk, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Willy Baeyens
- Free University of Brussels (VUB), Department of Analytical and Environmental Chemistry (ANCH), Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
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15
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Croes K, Den Hond E, Bruckers L, Loots I, Morrens B, Nelen V, Colles A, Schoeters G, Sioen I, Covaci A, Vandermarken T, Van Larebeke N, Baeyens W. Monitoring chlorinated persistent organic pollutants in adolescents in Flanders (Belgium): concentrations, trends and dose-effect relationships (FLEHS II). ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2014; 71:20-28. [PMID: 24950161 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2014.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Revised: 05/27/2014] [Accepted: 05/27/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2007, the second cycle of the Flemish human biomonitoring survey started, with a main focus on 14-15 year-old adolescents. OBJECTIVES The main objectives were generating reference values for exposure markers, determining the pollution pressure in industrial hotspots and establishing dose-effect relationships between exposure to pollutants and hormone levels, sexual development, asthma and allergy, genotoxic and hematological markers. METHODS Geometric means with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for a reference population of 200 14-15 year-old adolescents. Stepwise multiple regression analyses with correction for confounders and covariates were performed to establish dose-effect relationships. RESULTS Geometric mean concentrations (with 95% CI) of 49.6 (45.7, 53.8), 70.8 (63.6, 78.8) and 8.34 (7.76, 8.97) n gg(-1) lipid for the sum of PCB 138, 153 and 180, p,p'-DDE and HCB were respectively 23%, 26% and 60% lower than those obtained five years earlier. Geometric mean concentrations of 108 (101, 114) and 32.1 (30.1, 34.2) pgCALUX-BEQg(-1) lipid were observed for the PCDD/Fs and dioxin-like PCBs, respectively. Multiple dose-effect relationships were observed between POPs and several effect markers, including positive (boys) and negative (girls) associations with data on sexual development and positive associations with asthma, animal allergy and free thyroxine (boys and girls). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that chlorinated POP concentrations are decreasing over time and that even relatively low concentrations are associated with biological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Croes
- Department of Analytical, Environmental and Geo-Chemistry (AMGC), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
| | | | - Liesbeth Bruckers
- Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Ilse Loots
- Political and Social Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Bert Morrens
- Political and Social Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Vera Nelen
- Provincial Institute for Hygiene, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ann Colles
- Environmental Health and Risk, VITO, Mol, Belgium
| | | | - Isabelle Sioen
- Department of Public Health, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Tara Vandermarken
- Department of Analytical, Environmental and Geo-Chemistry (AMGC), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Van Larebeke
- Department of Analytical, Environmental and Geo-Chemistry (AMGC), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Willy Baeyens
- Department of Analytical, Environmental and Geo-Chemistry (AMGC), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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16
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Garí M, Bosch C, Grimalt JO, Sunyer J. Impacts of atmospheric chlor-alkali factory emissions in surrounding populations. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2014; 65:1-8. [PMID: 24407155 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2013.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2013] [Revised: 11/13/2013] [Accepted: 12/11/2013] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Environmental exposures need to be assessed for the understanding of the health risks of general population. Organochlorine compounds (OCs) from chlor-alkali plants (CAPs) are significant for the exposomes of individuals living in locations receiving their emissions and have to be determined. The aims of the study are to identify the area of influence of past and present OC emissions from CAPs and to set quantitative body burden estimates. A CAP situated in a rural area was selected for study. The geographic distribution of the atmospheric emissions was monitored using olive tree leaves. Human biomonitoring was assessed by serum analysis from general population (n=1340). OC concentrations followed exponential decay functions with maxima in the immediate vicinity of the factory. The individuals living within 1km exhibited hexachlorobenzene (HCB), polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) and DDT-DDE (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene) concentrations that were 12, 1.3-1.9 and 3.9 times higher than in sites not influenced by the emissions from this factory. Individuals from municipalities situated 15-25km away from the CAP showed 1.5, 1.2-1.4 and 1.3 times higher serum HCB, PCB and DDT concentrations than in distant sites. The high serum concentrations of DDT and PCBs were observed even 23-31years and 9-17years after manufacture completion of these compounds, respectively. Our methodology provides a way for assessment of the influence of past and present atmospheric OCs emissions from CAPs into the exposome of individuals living in nearby areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercè Garí
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Spanish Council for Scientific Research (CSIC), Jordi Girona, 18, 08034 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Carme Bosch
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Spanish Council for Scientific Research (CSIC), Jordi Girona, 18, 08034 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Department of Applied Environmental Science (ITM) and the Bert Bolin Centre for Climate Research, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joan O Grimalt
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Spanish Council for Scientific Research (CSIC), Jordi Girona, 18, 08034 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Jordi Sunyer
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Dr Aiguader, 88, 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Dr Aiguader, 88, 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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17
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Kortenkamp A, Scholze M, Ermler S. Mind the gap: can we explain declining male reproductive health with known antiandrogens? Reproduction 2014; 147:515-27. [PMID: 24435164 PMCID: PMC3959774 DOI: 10.1530/rep-13-0440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Several countries have experienced rises in cryptorchidisms, hypospadias and testicular germ cell cancer. The reasons for these trends are largely unknown, but Skakkebaek has proposed that these disorders form a testicular dysgenesis syndrome and can be traced to androgen insufficiency in foetal life. This suggests that antiandrogenic chemicals might contribute to risks, but few chemicals have been linked to these diseases in epidemiological studies. In animal studies with p,p′-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene, effects typical of disruptions of male sexual differentiation became apparent when the foetal levels of this androgen receptor (AR) antagonist approached values associated with responses in in vitro assays. This prompted us to analyse whether the 22 chemicals with AR antagonistic properties would produce mixture effects in an in vitro AR antagonism assay when combined at concentrations found in human serum. Other antiandrogenic modalities could not be considered. Two scenarios were investigated, one representative of average serum levels reported in European countries, the other in line with levels towards the high exposures. In both situations, the in vitro potency of the 22 selected AR antagonists was too low to produce combined AR antagonistic effects at the concentrations found in human serum, although the high exposure scenario came quite close to measurable effects. Nevertheless, our analysis exposes an explanation gap which can only be bridged by conjuring up as yet undiscovered high potency AR antagonists or, alternatively, high exposures to unknown agents of average potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Kortenkamp
- Institute for the Environment, Brunel University, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK
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18
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Saoudi A, Fréry N, Zeghnoun A, Bidondo ML, Deschamps V, Göen T, Garnier R, Guldner L. Serum levels of organochlorine pesticides in the French adult population: the French National Nutrition and Health Study (ENNS), 2006-2007. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 472:1089-1099. [PMID: 24361744 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.11.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2013] [Revised: 11/08/2013] [Accepted: 11/08/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although most organochlorine (OC) pesticides were banned in France in the 1970s and 1980s, they remain a source of public concern. Because of their high persistence in the environment, they are still detected in foodstuffs, leading to continued human exposure. The purpose of this study was to assess the distribution of serum organochlorine (OC) pesticides in the French adult population and to identify the main risk factors for p,p'-dichlorodiphenyl dichlorethylene (DDE), β-hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH) and hexachlorobenzene (HCB). METHOD The selected OC pesticides (HCB, DDE, DDT, α-HCH, β-HCB and γ-HCH) were measured in serum samples collected in 2006-2007 from 386 persons (aged 18-74 years) randomly selected among the participants in the clinical and biological component of the French Nutrition and Health Survey (Etude Nationale Nutrition Santé [ENNS]), a cross-sectional survey carried out in the general population. Collected data included biological samples, socio-demographic characteristics, and data about environmental and occupational exposure factors. RESULTS Of the six OC pesticides investigated, the highest concentrations were observed for HCB, β-HCH and DDE. Median serum concentrations were as follows: 22.8 ng/g lipid for HCB, 0.74 and 27.0 ng/g lipid, respectively, for α- and ß-HCH, and 3.8 and 104.6 ng/g lipid, respectively, for DDT and DDE. Lindane (γ-HCH) was detected in approximately 10% of the sample. OC pesticide levels in serum in French adults were higher (except for DDT and DDE) than those observed in American, Canadian and German populations and generally lower than or in the same range as those observed in other European countries. The low serum DDT/DDE ratio in the present study (3.7%) would suggest that the concentrations observed for these two OC pesticides were mainly the result of past exposure. The most important predictors of serum DDE, HCB and β-HCH concentrations among the French adult population included individual factors (age, gender, BMI, etc.), dietary factors of animal and vegetable origin, and domestic use of pesticides (in vegetable gardens and/or fruit trees). CONCLUSION For the first time in France, a human biomonitoring study has shown that exposure to OC pesticides remains common in the population. French concentrations were higher (except for DDT and DDE) or were similar to those observed in other developed countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdessattar Saoudi
- French Institute for Public Health Surveillance, Department of Environmental Health, Saint-Maurice, France.
| | - Nadine Fréry
- French Institute for Public Health Surveillance, Department of Environmental Health, Saint-Maurice, France.
| | - Abdelkrim Zeghnoun
- French Institute for Public Health Surveillance, Department of Environmental Health, Saint-Maurice, France
| | - Marie-Laure Bidondo
- French Institute for Public Health Surveillance, Department of Environmental Health, Saint-Maurice, France
| | - Valérie Deschamps
- Nutritional Surveillance and Epidemiology Unit, French Institute for Public Health Surveillance-University of Paris 13, Bobigny, France
| | - Thomas Göen
- Institute and Outpatient Clinic of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany
| | | | - Laurence Guldner
- French Institute for Public Health Surveillance, Department of Environmental Health, Saint-Maurice, France
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Mrema EJ, Rubino FM, Mandic-Rajcevic S, Sturchio E, Turci R, Osculati A, Brambilla G, Minoia C, Colosio C. Exposure to priority organochlorine contaminants in the Italian general population. Part 1. Eight priority organochlorinated pesticides in blood serum. Hum Exp Toxicol 2013; 32:1323-39. [DOI: 10.1177/0960327113485255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Despite extensive use of organochlorinated pesticides (OCPs) such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) in Italy in the 1940s to 1970s, especially for public health control of malaria mosquitoes, information on their exposure levels among the general population is limited. These OCPs can be a source of health risk to human. A total of 137 blood samples were collected from residents of the general population of three Italian towns, Novafeltria, Pavia and Milan, to determine the levels of eight OCPs in blood serum. The concentrations of beta-hexachlorocyclohexane, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), 1,1-dichloro-2-( o-chlorophenyl)-2-( p-chlorophenyl)ethylene, 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis( p-chlorophenyl)-ethylene ( p, p' -DDE), 1,1-dichloro-2-( o-chlorophenyl)-2-( p-chlorophenyl)ethane, 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis (4-chlorophenyl)ethane, 1,1,1-trichloro-2-( o-chlorophenyl)-2-( p-chlorophenyl)-ethane and 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis( p-chlorophenyl) ethane were measured by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Variations in serum concentrations of OCPs with respect to place of residence, gender, age and body mass index (BMI) were evaluated by non-parametric tests. p, p' -DDE and HCB were the most abundant and major contributors of total OCP concentration. Their levels differed significantly between the three towns with a trend Milan > Novafeltria > Pavia ( p < 0.0001). Females had significantly higher concentrations of HCB and p, p'-DDE than males in the overall population sample. HCB concentrations were significantly higher in females than in males of Milan ( p = 0.029). We observed positive correlations of p, p'-DDE and HCB with age in Novafeltria subjects ( r = 0.468, p = 0.004). Total OCP concentrations differed significantly across BMI categories ( p = 0.018) in overall population. We have demonstrated a clear pattern of the main OCPs in a fairly large population. Generally, our study provides information on OCPs exposure among the Italian general population and provides indications for further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- EJ Mrema
- Department of Health Sciences of the University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - FM Rubino
- Department of Health Sciences of the University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- LaTMA Laboratory for Analytical Toxicology and Metabolomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dental Sciences of the University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - S Mandic-Rajcevic
- Department of Health Sciences of the University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - E Sturchio
- Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority, Department of Production Plants and Anthropic Settlements, Via Urbana, Rome, Italy
| | - R Turci
- Laboratory for Environmental and Toxicological Testing, Salvatore Maugeri Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - A Osculati
- Istituto di Medicina Legale e delle Assicurazioni, Dipartimento di Medicina e Sanità Pubblica, Università dell’Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - G Brambilla
- Department of Health Sciences of the University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - C Minoia
- Laboratory for Environmental and Toxicological Testing, Salvatore Maugeri Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - C Colosio
- Department of Health Sciences of the University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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20
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Sjöberg Lind Y, Lind PM, Salihovic S, van Bavel B, Lind L. Circulating levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are associated with left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction in the elderly. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2013; 123:39-45. [PMID: 23562393 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2013.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2012] [Revised: 02/28/2013] [Accepted: 02/28/2013] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Major risk factors for congestive heart failure (CHF) are myocardial infarction, hypertension, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, smoking, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and obesity. However, since these risk factors only explain part of the risk of CHF, we investigated whether persistent organic pollutants (POPs) might also play a role. METHODS In the Prospective Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors (PIVUS) study, left ventricular ejection fraction, (EF), E/A-ratio and isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT), were determined by echocardiography and serum samples of 21 POPs were analyzed in serum measured by high-resolution chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRGC/HRMS) in 998 subjects all aged 70 years. RESULTS In this cross-sectional analysis, high levels of several of the polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB congeners 99, 118, 105, 138, 153, and 180) and octachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (OCDD) were significantly related to a decreased EF. Some POPs were also related to a decreased E/A-ratio (PCBs 206 and 209). All the results were adjusted for gender, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, LVH and BMI, and subjects with myocardial infarction or atrial fibrillation were excluded from the analysis. CONCLUSIONS Circulating levels of POPs were related to impairments in both left ventricular systolic and diastolic function independently of major congestive heart failure risk factors, suggesting a possible role of POPs in heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ylva Sjöberg Lind
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden
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21
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Consonni D, Sindaco R, Bertazzi PA. Blood levels of dioxins, furans, dioxin-like PCBs, and TEQs in general populations: a review, 1989-2010. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2012; 44:151-62. [PMID: 22364893 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2012.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2011] [Revised: 01/10/2012] [Accepted: 01/12/2012] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
A comprehensive worldwide literature review of blood levels of dioxins and dioxin-like compounds in non-exposed adult general populations was performed. The studies published in 1989-2010 reporting information on polychlorinated dibenzo-para-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), non-ortho-PCBs (nPCBs), mono-ortho-PCBs (mPCBs) levels and Toxic Equivalencies (TEQs, a summary weighted measure of their combined toxicity) were reviewed. TEQs were calculated using as standard the most recent WHO 2005 reevaluation of Toxic Equivalency Factors (TEFs). Weighted multiple regression analyses adjusted for year, subject's age, type of sample analyzed, method used for values below detection limit, and central tendency measure used were performed for each congener and standardized TEQs (log-transformed). We identified 187 studies regarding 29,687 subjects of 26 countries. Year of blood collection ranged from 1985 to 2008. The studies reporting congener levels 161. In adjusted analyses, European countries showed higher levels of most dioxin-like congeners and TEQs. A strong positive association of subjects' age with most congeners and with TEQ values was found, confirming previous findings. Significant decreases over time (1985-2008) were documented for PCCDs, PCDFs, and TEQs including their contributions. No significant decrease was found for non-ortho-PCBs, notably PCB 126. Only some mono-ortho-PCBs showed clear significant declines. Accordingly, TEQs including only PCB contribution did not decrease over time. In interpreting these findings, it should be considered that for dioxin-like PCBs the analysis period was shorter (17 years), since these compounds were first measured in 1992.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Consonni
- Unit of Epidemiology, Department of Preventive Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
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Salihovic S, Lampa E, Lindström G, Lind L, Lind PM, van Bavel B. Circulating levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) among elderly men and women from Sweden: results from the Prospective Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors (PIVUS). ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2012; 44:59-67. [PMID: 22361238 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2012.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2011] [Revised: 01/24/2012] [Accepted: 01/24/2012] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are a huge group of chemicals that have been linked to various adverse health effects in humans. Large epidemiological studies investigating gender differences in levels of POPs in the elderly are limited and the results from these are not always consistent. The present study was undertaken to examine the background levels of a broad range of POPs in human plasma samples among elderly men and women from Sweden and to assess the influence of gender. Levels of 23 POPs were determined in plasma samples collected during 2001-2004 from 1016 (50.2% women) 70year-old participants from the population-based Prospective Study of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors (PIVUS). Measurements were performed using high resolution gas chromatography with high resolution mass spectrometry (HRGC-HRMS) and the POPs studied were 16 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), five organochlorine (OC) pesticides, one dioxin, and one brominated flame retardant. The concentrations of the selected POPs were found similar, or comparable, to other studies of non-occupationally exposed populations from Sweden and Europe. Differences in levels of POPs between men and women were assessed by using Wilcoxon rank-sum (Mann-Whitney) test. Significant (p<0.0001) gender differences in levels of specific POPs were observed and a number of POP concentrations were found to differ between men and women. More specifically, levels of HCB, OCDD, and PCB congeners #74, #105, and #118 were found to be higher in women, while the rest of the majority of POPs were higher in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Salihovic
- MTM Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
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23
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Luzardo OP, Henríquez-Hernández LA, Valerón PF, Lara PC, Almeida-González M, Losada A, Zumbado M, Serra-Majem L, Álvarez-León EE, Boada LD. The relationship between dioxin-like polychlorobiphenyls and IGF-I serum levels in healthy adults: evidence from a cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2012; 7:e38213. [PMID: 22666488 PMCID: PMC3362561 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0038213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2011] [Accepted: 05/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and dioxin-like polychlorobiphenyls (DL-PCBs) have been associated with the pathogenesis of several diseases like cancer, diabetes and growth disorders. Because it has been suggested that organohalogenated contaminants could influence IGF-I levels in adults, the potential relationship between DL-PCBs and IGF-I serum levels was studied in 456 healthy adults from a representative sample of the general population of the Canary Islands (Spain). DESIGN Free circulating serum levels of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 were measured through an ELISA methodology, while the serum levels of the 12 DL-PCBs congeners (IUPAC numbers # 77, 81, 105, 114, 118, 123, 126, 156, 157, 167, 169, and 189) were measured by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS). RESULTS DL-PCBs 156 and 167, Total DL-PCBs body burden (∑PCBs: sum over the 12 measured DL-PCBs), and Total toxic burden (in terms of toxic equivalence to dioxins: ∑TEQs) showed a trend of inverse association with IGF-I serum levels in the whole studied population. After adjusting for potential confounders, including gender, body mass index (BMI), age, and IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), younger (18-45 years) women with lower BMI (<27 kg/m(2)) and detectable levels of DL-PCB-156 showed significantly lower IGF-I levels than those in the same age and BMI subgroup with non-detectable levels of DL-PCB-156 (p<0.001). Similarly, ∑PCBs and ∑TEQs showed a tendency to an inverse association with IGF-I levels in the same group of women (p=0.017 and p=0.019 respectively). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that DL-PCBs could be involved in the regulation of the IGF-system in a way possibly influenced by gender, age and BMI. Although these results should be interpreted with caution, such circumstances could contribute to explain the development of diseases associated to the IGF system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Octavio P. Luzardo
- Toxicology Unit, Clinical Sciences Department, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and Instituto Canario de Investigación del Cáncer, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Luis Alberto Henríquez-Hernández
- Radiation Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Dr. Negrín; Clinical Sciences Department, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and Instituto Canario de Investigación del Cáncer, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Pilar F. Valerón
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Phisiology, Genetics and Immnunology, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and Instituto Canario de Investigación del Cáncer, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Pedro C. Lara
- Radiation Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Dr. Negrín; Clinical Sciences Department, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and Instituto Canario de Investigación del Cáncer, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Maira Almeida-González
- Toxicology Unit, Clinical Sciences Department, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and Instituto Canario de Investigación del Cáncer, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Antonio Losada
- Department of Laboratory Tests, Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Dr. Negrín, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Manuel Zumbado
- Toxicology Unit, Clinical Sciences Department, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and Instituto Canario de Investigación del Cáncer, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Lluis Serra-Majem
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and Instituto Canario de Investigación del Cáncer, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Eva Elisa Álvarez-León
- Preventive Medicine Service, Complejo Hospitalario Materno Insular de Gran Canaria, and Instituto Canario de Investigación del Cáncer, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Luis D. Boada
- Toxicology Unit, Clinical Sciences Department, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and Instituto Canario de Investigación del Cáncer, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
- * E-mail:
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24
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Boada LD, Zumbado M, Henríquez-Hernández LA, Almeida-González M, Álvarez-León EE, Serra-Majem L, Luzardo OP. Complex organochlorine pesticide mixtures as determinant factor for breast cancer risk: a population-based case-control study in the Canary Islands (Spain). Environ Health 2012; 11:28. [PMID: 22534004 PMCID: PMC3403884 DOI: 10.1186/1476-069x-11-28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2011] [Accepted: 04/25/2012] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND All the relevant risk factors contributing to breast cancer etiology are not fully known. Exposure to organochlorine pesticides has been linked to an increased incidence of the disease, although not all data have been consistent. Most published studies evaluated the exposure to organochlorines individually, ignoring the potential effects exerted by the mixtures of chemicals. METHODS This population-based study was designed to evaluate the profile of mixtures of organochlorines detected in 103 healthy women and 121 women diagnosed with breast cancer from Gran Canaria Island, and the relation between the exposure to these compounds and breast cancer risk. RESULTS The most prevalent mixture of organochlorines among healthy women was the combination of lindane and endrin, and this mixture was not detected in any affected women. Breast cancer patients presented more frequently a combination of aldrin, dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (DDD), and this mixture was not found in any healthy woman. After adjusting for covariables, the risk of breast cancer was moderately associated with DDD (OR = 1.008, confidence interval 95% 1.001-1.015, p = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS This study indicates that healthy women show a very different profile of organochlorine pesticide mixtures than breast cancer patients, suggesting that organochlorine pesticide mixtures could play a relevant role in breast cancer risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis D Boada
- Toxicology Unit, Dpt. of Clinical Sciences, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Instituto Canario de Investigación del Cáncer (ICIC), P.O. Box 550, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35080, Spain
| | - Manuel Zumbado
- Toxicology Unit, Dpt. of Clinical Sciences, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Instituto Canario de Investigación del Cáncer (ICIC), P.O. Box 550, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35080, Spain
| | - Luis Alberto Henríquez-Hernández
- Toxicology Unit, Dpt. of Clinical Sciences, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Instituto Canario de Investigación del Cáncer (ICIC), P.O. Box 550, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35080, Spain
- Radiation Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Dr Negrín. Canary Health Service, C/Barranco de La Ballena s/n, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35010, Spain
| | - Maira Almeida-González
- Toxicology Unit, Dpt. of Clinical Sciences, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Instituto Canario de Investigación del Cáncer (ICIC), P.O. Box 550, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35080, Spain
| | - Eva E Álvarez-León
- Preventive Medicine Service, Complejo Hospitalario Insular-Materno Infantil, Canary Health Service and Instituto Canario de Investigación del Cáncer (ICIC), Avda. Marítima del Sur s/n, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35016, Spain
| | - Lluis Serra-Majem
- Preventive Medicine Unit, Dpt. of Clinical Sciences, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Instituto Canario de Investigación del Cáncer (ICIC), P.O. Box 550, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35080, Spain
| | - Octavio P Luzardo
- Toxicology Unit, Dpt. of Clinical Sciences, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Instituto Canario de Investigación del Cáncer (ICIC), P.O. Box 550, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35080, Spain
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Porta M, López T, Gasull M, Rodríguez-Sanz M, Garí M, Pumarega J, Borrell C, Grimalt JO. Distribution of blood concentrations of persistent organic pollutants in a representative sample of the population of Barcelona in 2006, and comparison with levels in 2002. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2012; 423:151-161. [PMID: 22397902 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2011] [Revised: 01/31/2012] [Accepted: 02/01/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION POP biomonitoring programs are useful for exposure assessment, to analyze patterns, and to evaluate policies. However, population-representative surveys are scarce and heterogeneous. Reports on time trends in representative samples using the same methods are rare. OBJECTIVES To analyze the distribution of serum concentrations of 19 POPs in the general population of Barcelona city in 2006, and to compare it with the distribution in 2002. METHODS 231 participants in the Barcelona Health Survey were interviewed face-to-face, gave blood, and underwent a physical exam. Density plots ("POP Geoffrey Rose curves") were used to represent the full population distribution of each compound. RESULTS Eight POPs were each detected in >80% of the study subjects: p,p'-DDT, p,p'-DDE, PCB congeners 118, 138, 153 and 180, HCB and β-HCH. The minimum number of POPs detected in one person was 5, and 72% of the population accumulated ≥ 10 compounds. p,p'-DDE and HCB showed the highest concentrations (median=219 and 109 ng/g lipid, respectively). Concentrations decreased by 34-56% from 2002 to 2006. The decrease was similar in women and men, and in all age groups/birth cohorts. It was larger with increasing BMI; for p,p'-DDT, HCB and β-HCH the decrease in obese individuals was 31-44 percentage points larger than in subjects with normal weight. The distribution of POP concentrations was always switched towards higher values in women than men. POP levels also differed significantly by age, body mass index, weight gain, birth place and social class, but not by parity and breastfeeding. The two younger cohorts had a higher DDT/DDE ratio than the oldest cohort. CONCLUSION Although human POP contamination remains common in the city of Barcelona, concentrations decreased significantly in 4years. Our approach suggests innovative ways to conceive, analyze and present results for other monitoring programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miquel Porta
- Hospital del Mar Research Institute- IMIM, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
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Brouwers MM, Besselink H, Bretveld RW, Anzion R, Scheepers PTJ, Brouwer A, Roeleveld N. Estrogenic and androgenic activities in total plasma measured with reporter-gene bioassays: relevant exposure measures for endocrine disruptors in epidemiologic studies? ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2011; 37:557-64. [PMID: 21208659 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2010.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2010] [Revised: 10/26/2010] [Accepted: 11/04/2010] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Measurements of estrogenic and androgenic activities in total plasma with Chemically Activated LUciferase gene eXpression (CALUX®) bioassays could provide biologically relevant measures for exposure to endocrine disruptors in epidemiologic studies. The objective of this study was to explore the effects of a variety of sources of potential endocrine disruptors on estrogenic and androgenic activities in total plasma measured by CALUX®. Plasma samples and interview data on sources of potential endocrine disruptors were collected from 108 men with different exposures profiles. CALUX® measurements (BioDetection Services) involved human U2-OS cell lines controlled by the estrogen receptor alpha and the androgen receptor. Mean differences (beta) in 17β-estradiol equivalents (EEQs) and dihydrotestosterone equivalents (AEQs) between exposure groups were estimated using general linear models. Mean plasma AEQs and EEQs were 9.1×10(-1)ng/ml and 12.0pg/ml, respectively. Elevated AEQs were found in smokers (beta 1.9 (95%CI 0.1-3.6)×10(-1)ng/ml) and heavy drinkers (1.4 (0.2-3.1)×10(-1)ng/ml), and in men occupationally exposed to disinfectants (1.6 (0.3-3.5)×10(-1)ng/ml) or welding/soldering fumes (1.4 (-0.2-2.9)×10(-1)ng/ml). Occupational exposure to pesticides, disinfectants, and exhaust fumes seemed to be associated with increased plasma EEQs: 1.5 (-0.2-3.2)pg/ml, 2.1 (0.2-3.9)pg/ml, and 2.9 (0.6-5.2)pg/ml, respectively. Moderate to high plasma dioxin levels, measured in a subgroup by the dioxin-responsive CALUX®, were accompanied by a 20% increase in AEQs. This is the first study in which CALUX® was used to assess hormone activities in total plasma. Although the results are not yet readily interpretable, they indicate that these measurements can be valuable for epidemiologic studies on endocrine disruptors and give direction for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marijn M Brouwers
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Health Technology Assessment, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Henríquez-Hernández LA, Luzardo OP, Almeida-González M, Alvarez-León EE, Serra-Majem L, Zumbado M, Boada LD. Background levels of polychlorinated biphenyls in the population of the Canary Islands (Spain). ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2011; 111:10-16. [PMID: 21106193 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2010.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2010] [Revised: 11/06/2010] [Accepted: 11/10/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent and toxic compounds that have been detected in human serum or tissues worldwide. The objective of our study was to determine serum PCB levels in a representative sample of the general population of the Spanish Archipelago of the Canary Islands (607 serum samples from subjects aged between 6 and 75 years) in order to establish the main causes of this contamination and to evaluate the potential risks posed by these chemicals on the population through the use of toxicity equivalence to dioxins (TEQs). PCB congeners (28, 52, 77, 81, 101, 105, 114, 118, 123, 126, 138, 153, 156, 157, 167, 169, 180, and 189) were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Our results showed that PCB residues were found in 76% of serum samples analyzed, with the congeners 153 and 180 being the most frequently detected and having the highest median values (21.8 and 6.7 ng/g lipid, respectively). Serum levels of non-dioxin-like PCBs increased with age, body mass index (BMI), urban habitat, and smoking. The median concentration of the sum of PCBs considered as markers of environmental contamination by these chemicals (M-PCBs) was 46.4 ng/g lipid. Levels of the sum of dioxin-like PCBs (DL-PCBs) were 48.5 ng/g lipid in the 95th percentile, and were also positively associated with age. As a consequence, age seemed to be positively associated with TEQs levels, reaching values as high as 58.6 pg/g lipid in the serum samples from oldest people. Our results indicate that the inhabitants of the Canary Archipelago show levels of PCB contamination lower than other populations present on the Spanish mainland, as well as many populations from developed countries. Nevertheless, as these compounds may induce adverse health effects even at very low doses, our findings should be considered by local Public Health authorities in order to establish measures for diminishing the exposure of the population of these islands to PCBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis A Henríquez-Hernández
- Toxicology Unit, Dept. of Clinical Sciences, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and Instituto Canario de Investigación del Cáncer (ICIC), P.O. Box 550, 35080 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
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28
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Zubero MB, Aurrekoetxea JJ, Ibarluzea JM, Goñi F, López R, Etxeandia A, Rodríguez C, Sáenz JR. Plaguicidas organoclorados en población general adulta de Bizkaia. GACETA SANITARIA 2010; 24:274-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gaceta.2010.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2009] [Revised: 03/02/2010] [Accepted: 03/03/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Pedersen M, Halldorsson TI, Mathiesen L, Mose T, Brouwer A, Hedegaard M, Loft S, Kleinjans JCS, Besselink H, Knudsen LE. Dioxin-like exposures and effects on estrogenic and androgenic exposures and micronuclei frequency in mother-newborn pairs. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2010; 36:344-351. [PMID: 20189248 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2010.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2009] [Revised: 01/12/2010] [Accepted: 02/05/2010] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
In utero exposure to environmental dioxin-like, estrogen and androgen compounds can cause adverse health effects. Little is known about potential interactions in vivo between dioxin-like compounds, estrogens and androgens during fetal development in humans. Therefore we explored the potential interactions in vivo between dioxin-like compounds, estrogens, androgens using chemical-activated luciferase expression (CALUX)(R) bioassays in maternal and umbilical cord blood plasma concurrently collected at the time of planned Caesarean section from 98 healthy pregnancies. The dioxin-like activity was also determined after placental transfer of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) in the ex vivo human placenta perfusion system. Similar dioxin-like activity in maternal and cord blood (37 versus 33pg CALUX(R)-TEQ/g plasma lipids, P>0.05) was detected and it demonstrates transplacental transfer. Increased dioxin-like activity in the perfused placenta tissue after ex vivo TCDD perfusions (from 17 to 280pg CALUX(R)-TEQ/g plasma lipids) suggest that accumulation in the placenta prevents immediate transplacental transfer of TCDD. Androgenic activity were also similar in the paired mother-newborns (0.10 versus 0.18ng CALUX(R)-AEQ/mL plasma), whereas cord blood plasma estrogenic activity was higher than maternal levels (22.6 versus 18.5ng CALUX(R)-EEQ/mL plasma). In cord blood plasma androgenic activity was strongly positively associated with maternal levels (Rs=0.8, P<0.001) whereas dioxin-like and estrogenic activities were modestly associated with maternal levels (Rs</=0.4, P<0.001). The micronuclei frequency, an indicator of genetic instability was significantly associated with dioxin-like activity in cord blood, independently of other recorded factors (Rs=0.4, P<0.003). This study demonstrated interactions in vivo between dioxin-like, estrogenic and androgenic exposures during fetal development of humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Pedersen
- Section of Environmental Health, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Oester Farimagsgade 5A, 1353 Copenhagen K, Denmark.
| | - Thorhallur I Halldorsson
- Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Hjarðarhagi 2-6, 107 Reykjavík, Iceland; Maternal Nutrition Group, Department of Epidemiology, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark.
| | - Line Mathiesen
- Section of Environmental Health, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Oester Farimagsgade 5A, 1353 Copenhagen K, Denmark.
| | - Tina Mose
- Section of Environmental Health, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Oester Farimagsgade 5A, 1353 Copenhagen K, Denmark.
| | - Abraham Brouwer
- BioDetection Systems B.V., Science Park 406, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Morten Hedegaard
- Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen Oe, Denmark.
| | - Steffen Loft
- Section of Environmental Health, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Oester Farimagsgade 5A, 1353 Copenhagen K, Denmark.
| | - Jos C S Kleinjans
- Department of Health Risk Analysis and Toxicology, University of Maastricht, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Harrie Besselink
- BioDetection Systems B.V., Science Park 406, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Lisbeth E Knudsen
- Section of Environmental Health, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Oester Farimagsgade 5A, 1353 Copenhagen K, Denmark.
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Schiavone A, Kannan K, Horii Y, Focardi S, Corsolini S. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers, polychlorinated naphthalenes and polycyclic musks in human fat from Italy: comparison to polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2010; 158:599-606. [PMID: 19796858 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2009.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2008] [Revised: 08/09/2009] [Accepted: 08/16/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Prior to this study, reports of occurrence of polycyclic musks and polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) in human tissues from Italy were not available. In this study, concentrations of PCNs and polycyclic musks were determined in human adipose tissue from Italy collected during 2005-2006; for comparison, legacy organohalogen pollutants such as organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were determined. SigmaPCN concentrations ranged from 0.5 to 14 ng/g lipid wt (lw). Polycyclic musks such as HHCB and AHTN were found in 92% and 83% of the human samples, respectively. Concentrations of PBDEs in Italian adipose tissue ranged between 3.2 and 35.6 ng/g lw.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Schiavone
- Department of Environmental Science G. Sarfatti, University of Siena, via P.A. Mattioli 4, I-53100 Siena, Italy.
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Van Larebeke N, Koppen G, Nelen V, Schoeters G, Van Loon H, Albering H, Riga L, Vlietinck R, Kleinjans J. Differences inHPRTmutant frequency among middle-aged Flemish women in association with area of residence and blood lead levels. Biomarkers 2010; 9:71-84. [PMID: 15204312 DOI: 10.1080/13547500310001652160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Biomarkers were measured in residents of Wilrijk and Hoboken, industrial suburbs of the city of Antwerp, and of Peer, a rural municipality in Flanders, Belgium. Persons with known occupational exposures to toxic compounds or commuting over long distances were excluded. Here, we report the hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase gene (HPRT) variant frequencies for 99 non-smoking women aged 50-65 years. HPRT values above the detection limit (V(fpos) values) were observed for 43 subjects (21 from Peer, 22 from Antwerp). The median (10th to 90th percentiles) HPRT variant frequency (V(fpos)) in peripheral lymphocytes was 9.59 (3.44-56.99) for Peer and 3.57 (1.57-13.96) for Antwerp. The V(fpos) value was significantly higher in Peer than in Antwerp, both in terms of crude data (p=0.011) and after correction for age, level of education, smoking status, serum level of selenium and body mass index through analysis of covariance (p=0.011). For the total study population, serum lead concentration showed a non-significant positive correlation with lnV(fpos). In addition, subjects with a blood lead concentration above the median tended to have higher V(fpos) values (9.45x10(-6) for 'high' group versus 5.21x10(-6) for 'low' group; p=0.077 after correction for confounding). Subjects with a serum selenium level above the median tended to have lower V(fpos) values (4.99x10(-6) for 'high' group versus 9.83x10(-6) for 'low' group; p=0.051 after correction for confounding). These data are consistent with an indirect genotoxic effect of lead and with an antimutagenic effect of selenium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Van Larebeke
- Study Centre for Carcinogenesis and Primary Prevention of Cancer, Department of Radiotherapy, Nuclear Medicine and Experimental Cancerology, Ghent University Hospital, Belgium.
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Hormone levels and sexual development in Flemish adolescents residing in areas differing in pollution pressure. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2009; 212:612-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2009.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2008] [Revised: 05/02/2009] [Accepted: 05/27/2009] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Fromme H, Albrecht M, Boehmer S, Büchner K, Mayer R, Liebl B, Wittsiepe J, Bolte G. Intake and body burden of dioxin-like compounds in Germany: the INES study. CHEMOSPHERE 2009; 76:1457-1463. [PMID: 19665752 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2009.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2009] [Revised: 06/05/2009] [Accepted: 07/10/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The human body burden of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) and the dietary intake of dl-PCB were investigated in Germany. In total, 50 adults (between 14 and 60 years old) were recruited, and duplicate diet samples were collected over seven consecutive days from each participant. Blood samples were acquired from 48 participants. Seventeen PCDD/Fs and 12 dl-PCBs (non- and mono-ortho congeners) were measured in the blood, and all dl-PCBs were measured in duplicate diet portions. Daily intake via food was calculated by multiplying the measured concentrations by the consumption data. Median (95th percentile) concentrations in the blood (expressed as WHO-TEQ) for PCDD/Fs, non-ortho PCBs and mono-ortho PCBs were 10.1 (25.0) pg g(-1) lipid, 4.2 (14.9) pg g(-1) lipid and 4.5 (14.2) pg g(-1) lipid, respectively. The contribution of mono-ortho PCBs and non-ortho PCBs to total TEQ was 25% and 24%, respectively. For each study subject, median intake levels for seven consecutive days were calculated. From these data, the median (95th percentile) daily intake via food was 0.12 (0.32) pg TEQ kg(-1)b.w. for non-ortho congeners and 0.06 (0.12) pg TEQ kg(-1)b.w. for the mono-ortho congeners. PCB 126, PCB 118 and PCB 156 accounted for about 93% of the total PCB intake. Our study indicates that dl-PCB exposure in adults consuming a normal mixed diet is quite low at present in Germany. The median and maximum daily intake contributed to 10% and 25% to the tolerable daily intake recommended for total PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hermann Fromme
- Department of Environmental Health, Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Veterinärstrasse 2, D-85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany.
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Agudo A, Goñi F, Etxeandia A, Vives A, Millán E, López R, Amiano P, Ardanaz E, Barricarte A, Chirlaque MD, Dorronsoro M, Jakszyn P, Larrañaga N, Martínez C, Navarro C, Rodríguez L, Sánchez MJ, Tormo MJ, González CA. Polychlorinated biphenyls in Spanish adults: determinants of serum concentrations. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2009; 109:620-8. [PMID: 19403125 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2009.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2008] [Revised: 03/06/2009] [Accepted: 03/23/2009] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent compounds that may pose an environmental hazard to humans, food being the main source of exposure for the general population. OBJECTIVE To measure the serum concentrations of the main PCBs in subjects from the general population in Spain, and to assess potential determinants of such concentrations. METHODS Serum was obtained from blood samples of 953 subjects aged 35-64 years, residents in five Spanish regions (three from the North and two from the South), randomly selected from the EPIC-Spain cohort. Blood collection took place during 1992-1996 and four PCB congeners (118, 138, 153 and 180) were determined by means of gas chromatography with electron-capture detection (GC-ECD). RESULTS The concentration of total PCBs was 459 ng/g lipids (or 3.1 microg/l); the corresponding figures for PCB 153 were 186 ng/g lipids and 1.25 microg/l. Men had higher values than women, PCB levels increased with age, and serum concentration of PCBs was higher in northern regions. Body mass index (BMI) was inversely related to PCB concentrations, and fish intake was the dietary factor showing the greatest association with serum PCBs. The pattern described was similar for each congener separately. CONCLUSIONS We found concentrations similar to those reported in European countries where blood collection was carried during the same period. Regional differences within Spain are not fully explained by anthropometric or dietary factors. The inverse association with BMI suggests that in the mid-1990s there was still ongoing or recent exposure to PCBs in Spain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Agudo
- Unit of Nutrition, Environment, and Cancer, Cancer Epidemiology Research Program, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), IDIBELL, Av. Gran Via n degrees 199-203, 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.
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Porta M, Gasull M, Puigdomènech E, Rodríguez-Sanz M, Pumarega J, Rebato C, Borrell C. Sociodemographic factors influencing participation in the Barcelona Health Survey study on serum concentrations of persistent organic pollutants. CHEMOSPHERE 2009; 76:216-25. [PMID: 19386342 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2009.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2008] [Revised: 03/10/2009] [Accepted: 03/13/2009] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about factors affecting participation in population-based biomonitoring studies. We analyzed socioeconomic factors influencing participation in the Barcelona Health Survey (BHS) study on the distribution of serum concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). METHODS After completing the BHS personal interview at home participants aged >or=15 years were invited to donate blood. Conducted on a different date and location, the POPs study included additional questions, blood extraction, and a brief physical examination. Factors influencing participation were analyzed by logistic regression. RESULTS Of 523 BHS participants that we contacted to participate in the study, 231 (44%) participated; they were broadly representative of the city population regarding sex, birth place, body mass index (BMI), employment status and occupational social class. Participants in the POPs study had higher educational level and family income. Controlling for confounders, participation was slightly higher among women than men (odds ratio [OR]=1.38, p=0.02), and lower among the youngest and oldest subjects (p=0.002), with a strong and monotonic trend of increasing participation with increasing educational level (p<0.001) (OR for university level vs. no studies=4.58, 95% CI: 2.3-9.3). CONCLUSIONS Although participation was somewhat low, participants were similar to the city population regarding sex, BMI, birth place, employment, and occupational social class. Health surveys that integrate environmental biomarkers should invest specific resources to encourage participation of the youngest and oldest individuals, and of those with more disadvantaged socioeconomic position (particularly, citizens with lowest education).
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Affiliation(s)
- Miquel Porta
- Clinical and Molecular Epidemiology of Cancer Unit, Institut Municipal d'Investigació Mèdica (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain.
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Den Hond E, Govarts E, Bruckers L, Schoeters G. Determinants of polychlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons in serum in three age classes--Methodological implications for human biomonitoring. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2009; 109:495-502. [PMID: 19278675 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2009.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2008] [Revised: 12/23/2008] [Accepted: 02/05/2009] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Human biomonitoring provides an integrated measure for individual exposure to environmental pollutants. Better insight in inter-individual variability of biomarkers of exposure may help in the interpretation of biomonitoring studies. The aim was to study the impact of outliers, determine the optimal unit for fat-soluble biomarkers in serum and quantify the major determinants for biomarkers of exposure to polychlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons (PCAHs) in three age groups. Data were obtained from the Flemish Environment and Health Study (2002-2006). Marker PCBs (sum of 138, 153, 180), hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and p,p'-DDE were measured in cord blood samples of 1196 newborns, in serum samples of 1679 adolescents (14-15 years) and 1583 adults (50-65 years). Exclusion of influential outliers in multiple linear regression models lead to models that are better applicable to the general population. In terms of adjusted R2, the regression model with the pollutant expressed in volume-based units and blood fat as a separate independent variable was superior compared to models with other units. We found highly consistent relationships between the serum concentration of PCAHs and blood fat, age, changes in body weight, animal fat in the diet, local vegetable consumption (HCB and p,p'-DDE only) and being breastfed as a baby (in adolescents only). The impact of sex and BMI differed by age. For biomarkers of persistent pollutants that reflect long-term exposure, the relation between the covariates and the biomarkers can be well quantified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elly Den Hond
- Flemish Institute of Technological Research (VITO), Environmental toxicology, Boeretang 200, Mol 2400, Belgium.
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Shen H, Han J, Tie X, Xu W, Ren Y, Ye C. Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/furans and polychlorinated biphenyls in human adipose tissue from Zhejiang Province, China. CHEMOSPHERE 2009; 74:384-8. [PMID: 19004467 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2008.09.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2008] [Revised: 08/01/2008] [Accepted: 09/19/2008] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
This is the first report on polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin/furan (PCDD/F) and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination of human adipose tissue from China. A total of 24 human adipose tissue samples from a general population in Zhejiang Province were analyzed for PCDD/F and PCB by high-resolution gas chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry. Total PCDD/F concentrations in human adipose tissue ranged from 33.9 to 504 pg g(-1)lipid (mean 108 pg g(-1)lipid). Corresponding values for dioxin-like PCBs ranged from 4.1 to 125 ng g(-1)lipid (mean 32.8 ng g(-1)lipid). Mean total WHO toxicity equivalent (TEQ) values for PCDD/Fs and PCBs in human adipose tissue were 9.22 and 16.2 pg g(-1)lipid, respectively. OCDD was the dominant PCDD/F congener, and 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF and 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDD accounted for more than 70% of the WHO PCDD/F TEQ. In all samples, PCB-118, PCB-156 and PCB-105 were the main PCB congeners. PCB-153 concentrations were the highest of all indicator PCBs (mean 52.5 ng g(-1)lipid). The contamination levels and profiles are compared with those reported for European and Asian countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitao Shen
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Prevention and Control, 630 Xin Cheng Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou 310051, China.
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Kang JH, Park H, Chang YS, Choi JW. Distribution of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in human serum from urban areas in Korea. CHEMOSPHERE 2008; 73:1625-31. [PMID: 18829066 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2008.07.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2008] [Revised: 07/28/2008] [Accepted: 07/29/2008] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were determined in serum samples from residents of a Korean urban area (Seoul). This study was performed on 40 Koreans in the general population, aged 27-58, who had resided in urban areas for more than 10 years without occupational exposure to organochlorine pollutants. To our knowledge, this study was the first report on serum concentrations of OCPs in Korean residents. p,p'-DDE, beta-HCH, p,p'-DDT, HCB, and trans-nonachlor were the dominant OCPs in most samples. In addition, concentrations of 22 OCPs were measured by the isotope dilution method with GC-HRMS, which gave accurate and precise data for investigations of trend and international comparisons. The dominant PCBs were PCB153, 138, 180, 187, and PCB118, which contributed 60% to total PCBs. The median concentrations of total OCPs and total PCBs were 315 ng g(-1) lipid and 104 ng g(-1) lipid, respectively. In females, the serum concentrations of all determined organochlorine compounds except beta-HCH were positively correlated with age, and higher concentrations of organochlorine pollutants were found in males than in females. Compared to our previous studies, PCB concentrations in serum from urban areas have substantially decreased during the last decade leading to the observation that the strict regulation of PCBs was helpful in controlling the concentration of PCBs in the environment. Extensive monitoring programs are required for evaluating the concentrations of OCPs and PCBs in serum samples of the general population as an indicator of possible adverse health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Ho Kang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, POSTECH, Hyojadong, Namgu, Pohang, Republic of Korea
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Chang JW, Pai MC, Chen HL, Guo HR, Su HJ, Lee CC. Cognitive function and blood methylmercury in adults living near a deserted chloralkali factory. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2008; 108:334-339. [PMID: 18675410 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2008.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2007] [Revised: 05/15/2008] [Accepted: 06/12/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
We assessed the association between blood methylmercury (MeHg) and cognitive function in 240 adult residents living near a deserted chloralkali plant. Total mercury (T-Hg) in the blood, MeHg, and health and dietary related questionnaire were examined for all participants. The Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument (CASI C-2.0) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were used to assess the participants' cognitive functions. We found a significantly high correlation (r=0.979; p<0.001) between blood T-Hg (17.3+/-10.9 microg/L) and MeHg (15.3+/-9.2 microg/L). We also found significantly higher blood MeHg levels in participants with high local fish and seafood consumption, which revealed that dietary intake was the major exposure route of MeHg. All the participants were assigned to the high-MeHg (H-MeHg, 27.0+/-10.4 microg/L) or low-MeHg (L-MeHg, 11.6+/-4.7 microg/L) groups based on the 75th percentile of their blood MeHg (19.2 microg/L), and then matched for cognitive function confounders: age, gender, and education levels. Higher abnormality rates for remote memory (p=0.036), mental manipulation (p=0.013), and orientation (p=0.005) were found in the H-MeHg group than in the L-MeHg group. Long-term consumption of MeHg-contaminated fish and seafood by residents living near this contaminated area may have persistent effects on their cognitive function. We suggest a follow-up study to monitor the long-term health effects on the residents living near this deserted plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Wei Chang
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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Lopez-Espinosa MJ, Kiviranta H, Araque P, Ruokojärvi P, Molina-Molina JM, Fernandez MF, Vartiainen T, Olea N. Dioxins in adipose tissue of women in Southern Spain. CHEMOSPHERE 2008; 73:967-71. [PMID: 18682306 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2008.06.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2008] [Revised: 06/14/2008] [Accepted: 06/16/2008] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Seventeen polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) were quantified in adipose tissue samples of non-occupationally exposed women living in Southern Spain. Geometric mean levels of sum of congeners and WHO(PCDD/F)-TEQ(2005) were 410 and 17.9pgg(-1) fat, respectively. Among PCDDs, octachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (OCDD) showed the highest concentration with a mean value of 265pgg(-1) fat, followed by 1,2,3,6,7,8-HxCDD (49.3pgg(-1) fat) and 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDD (45.2pgg(-1) fat). These three congeners were responsible for around 90% of the sum of all PCDD/F congeners in adipose tissue. The geometric mean 2,3,7,8-TCDD value was 1.87pgg(-1) fat. 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF (8.43pgg(-1) fat) showed the highest concentration among the PCDFs, followed by 1,2,3,4,7,8-HxCDF (4.17pgg(-1) fat) and 1,2,3,6,7,8-HxCDF (3.28pgg(-1) fat), and these three congeners were responsible for 4% of the sum of all studied PCDD/F congeners in adipose tissue and 76% of the sum of ten PCDFs. 1,2,3,7,8,9-HxCDF was the only congener not quantified in any sample, while 1,2,3,4,7,8,9-HpCDF, 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDF, OCDF and 2,3,7,8-TCDF were found in 5, 16, 16 and 19 samples, respectively. All other congeners were quantifiable in all 20 samples. Congeners contributing most to the WHO(PCDD/F)-TEQ(2005) were 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDD (31.6%), 1,2,3,6,7,8-HxCDD (28.3%) and 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF (14.6%). The body burden of log-transformed WHO(PCDD/F)-TEQ(2005) levels increased with age (B=0.02; 95% CI=0.01, 0.03; p=0.02). Although these adipose tissue PCDD/F levels are similar to previously published findings in Spain and other European countries, further research is needed to determine trends in the exposure of women to these chemical residues.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Lopez-Espinosa
- Laboratory of Medical Investigations, San Cecilio University Hospital, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain
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Connor KT, Harris MA, Edwards MR, Budinsky RA, Clark GC, Chu AC, Finley BL, Rowlands JC. AH receptor agonist activity in human blood measured with a cell-based bioassay: evidence for naturally occurring AH receptor ligands in vivo. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2008; 18:369-80. [PMID: 17912254 DOI: 10.1038/sj.jes.7500607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2006] [Accepted: 05/25/2007] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR)-driven reporter gene bioassay was used to measure the activity, measured as an induction equivalent (IEQ) as compared to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), or IEQ concentration in human blood samples from 10 volunteers under different dietary regimens. Blood concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/furans (PCDD/Fs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), as determined by analytical chemistry (HR-GC/MS), and expressed as toxic equivalents (TEQs) with the use of TCDD equivalency factors (TEFs), were within a range that has been reported in the general US population, ranging from 0.022 to 0.119 ppt (whole blood basis). However, the human blood IEQ measured directly via bioassay ranged from 13.4 to 218 ppt (whole blood basis). These order of magnitude greater IEQs compared to the TEQs for dioxins, furans, and certain PCBs suggests that human blood contains a relatively high level of AHR agonists able to activate the CYP1A1 dioxin response element (DRE)-linked reporter gene bioassay and that this AHR activity is not accounted for by PCDDs/Fs and dioxin-like PCBs based on standard HR-GC/MS and TEF analysis. When study participants switched from a "baseline" to a high-vegetable diet, increases in bioassay IEQ were observed that were statistically significant (P<0.05). In addition, IEQ activity was elevated above levels observed following dietary intervention in two subjects given indole-3-carbinol (I3C) supplements. We conclude that a substantial portion of the IEQ activity occurred as a result of the increased intake of natural AHR agonists (NAHRAs) present in many fruits, vegetables. and herbs. Our findings also suggest that dietary NAHRAs constitute a substantial daily dietary intake of AHR-active compounds, and these NAHRAs could influence AHR status in humans and play a role in a basal level of AHR activation.
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Cerná M, Malý M, Grabic R, Batáriová A, Smíd J, Benes B. Serum concentrations of indicator PCB congeners in the Czech adult population. CHEMOSPHERE 2008; 72:1124-1131. [PMID: 18547604 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2008.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2007] [Revised: 04/09/2008] [Accepted: 04/09/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
In 2006, levels of seven indicator polychlorinated biphenyl congeners (PCB28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153, and 180) in blood serum of 202 blood donors residing for more than 2 years in five urban areas included in the Czech Human Biomonitoring project were measured by GC/MS/MS method. PCB congeners 138, 153 and 180 accounted for about 97% of the sum of the indicator congeners analyzed. Overall, the median and 95th percentile of the most abundant congener PCB 153 were 438 ng/g lipid and 1079 ng/g lipid, respectively. The highest median levels were found in Uherské Hradiste (669 ng/g lipid) and Ostrava (672 ng/g lipid in males compared to 341 ng/g lipid in females). Serum PCB concentrations were significantly associated with age, gender, place of residence and smoking habit, but not with body mass index and education. The results suggest the importance of PCB body burden in the Czech general population and the existence of hot spots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Cerná
- National Institute of Public Health, Srobárova 48, 100 42 Prague, Czech Republic.
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De Coster S, Koppen G, Bracke M, Schroijen C, Den Hond E, Nelen V, Van de Mieroop E, Bruckers L, Bilau M, Baeyens W, Schoeters G, van Larebeke N. Pollutant effects on genotoxic parameters and tumor-associated protein levels in adults: a cross sectional study. Environ Health 2008; 7:26. [PMID: 18522717 PMCID: PMC2442593 DOI: 10.1186/1476-069x-7-26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2008] [Accepted: 06/03/2008] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study intended to investigate whether residence in areas polluted by heavy industry, waste incineration, a high density of traffic and housing or intensive use of pesticides, could contribute to the high incidence of cancer observed in Flanders. METHODS Subjects were 1583 residents aged 50-65 from 9 areas with different types of pollution. Cadmium, lead, p,p'-DDE, hexachlorobenzene, PCBs and dioxin-like activity (Calux test) were measured in blood, and cadmium, t,t'-muconic acid and 1-hydroxypyrene in urine. Effect biomarkers were prostate specific antigen, carcinoembryonic antigen and p53 protein serum levels, number of micronuclei per 1000 binucleated peripheral blood cells, DNA damage (comet assay) in peripheral blood cells and 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine in urine. Confounding factors were taken into account. RESULTS Overall significant differences between areas were found for carcinoembryonic antigen, micronuclei, 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine and DNA damage. Compared to a rural area with mainly fruit production, effect biomarkers were often significantly elevated around waste incinerators, in the cities of Antwerp and Ghent, in industrial areas and also in other rural areas. Within an industrial area DNA strand break levels were almost three times higher close to industrial installations than 5 kilometres upwind of the main industrial installations (p < 0.0001). Positive exposure-effect relationships were found for carcinoembryonic antigen (urinary cadmium, t,t'-muconic acid, 1-hydroxypyrene and blood lead), micronuclei (PCB118), DNA damage (PCB118) and 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (t,t'-muconic acid, 1-hydroxypyrene). Also, we found significant associations between values of PSA above the p90 and higher values of urinary cadmium, between values of p53 above the p90 and higher serum levels of p,p'-DDE, hexachlorobenzene and marker PCBs (PCB 138, 153 and 180) and between serum levels of p,p'-DDE above the p90 and higher serum values of carcinoembryonic antigen. Significant associations were also found between effect biomarkers and occupational or lifestyle parameters. CONCLUSION Levels of internal exposure, and residence near waste incinerators, in cities, or close to important industries, but not in areas with intensive use of pesticides, showed positive correlations with biomarkers associated with carcinogenesis and thus probably contribute to risk of cancer. In some rural areas, the levels of these biomarkers were not lower than in the rest of Flanders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam De Coster
- Study Centre for Carcinogenesis and Primary Prevention of Cancer, Department of Radiotherapy, Nuclear Medicine, and Experimental Cancerology, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185 3K3, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Gudrun Koppen
- Environmental toxicology, Flemish Institute of Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Marc Bracke
- Laboratory of Experimental Cancerology, Department of Radiotherapy, Nuclear Medicine, and Experimental Cancerology, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185 P7, 9000 Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Carmen Schroijen
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Analytical and Environmental Chemistry (ANCH), Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Elly Den Hond
- Environmental toxicology, Flemish Institute of Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Vera Nelen
- Provincial Institute of Hygiene, Kronenburgstraat 45, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Els Van de Mieroop
- Provincial Institute of Hygiene, Kronenburgstraat 45, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Liesbeth Bruckers
- University of Hasselt, University Campus, Building D, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Maaike Bilau
- Ghent University, Department of Public Health, UZ 2 Blok A, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Willy Baeyens
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Analytical and Environmental Chemistry (ANCH), Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Greet Schoeters
- Environmental toxicology, Flemish Institute of Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Nik van Larebeke
- Study Centre for Carcinogenesis and Primary Prevention of Cancer, Department of Radiotherapy, Nuclear Medicine, and Experimental Cancerology, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185 3K3, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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De Felip E, Abballe A, Casalino F, di Domenico A, Domenici P, Iacovella N, Ingelido AM, Pretolani E, Spagnesi M. Serum levels of PCDDs, PCDFs and PCBs in non-occupationally exposed population groups living near two incineration plants in Tuscany, Italy. CHEMOSPHERE 2008; 72:25-33. [PMID: 18407315 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2008.02.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2007] [Revised: 02/19/2008] [Accepted: 02/19/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
A pilot study was carried out in Tuscany, Italy, to provide preliminary information on the concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), dioxin-like polychlorobiphenyls (DL-PCBs), and selected non-dioxin-like PCBs (NDL-PCBs) in groups of subjects living in the vicinity of two incineration plants. Seventy-four volunteers were enrolled from areas identified as under a potential impact from incinerator emissions and from not exposed areas. No significant differences were observed between subjects living in the two types of areas. Total concentrations of PCDDs, PCDFs, and DL-PCBs resulted to be in the range 23-30 pg WHO-TEQ g(-1), lipid base, for subjects in the 27-54 year age groups, while concentrations increased to 40-44 pgTEQ g(-1) for the two 55-67 year age groups. The levels of PCDDs and PCDFs were in good agreement with those observed for unexposed population groups in Italy, while the contribution to total TEQ from DL-PCBs was appreciably higher than those currently observed in the general population in Italy and other countries. As to NDL-PCBs, serum levels of the six "indicator" congeners were in the range 240-300 ng g(-1), lipid base, for subjects in the 27-54 year age groups. A raise in NDL-PCB body burden (430-470 ng g(-1), lipid base) was observed for the two 55+ year age groups, in agreement with the expected age-dependent increase. The findings from this study do not show an incremental exposure to PCDDs and PCDFs in the samples from subjects living around the two incineration plants, whereas PCB congener profiles in all samples suggest a possible impact on the area of interest of industrial activities from near industrial settlements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena De Felip
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Roma, Italy.
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Porta M, Puigdomènech E, Ballester F, Selva J, Ribas-Fitó N, Llop S, López T. Monitoring concentrations of persistent organic pollutants in the general population: the international experience. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2008; 34:546-561. [PMID: 18054079 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2007.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2007] [Revised: 10/05/2007] [Accepted: 10/15/2007] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Assessing the adverse effects on human health of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and the impact of policies aiming to reduce human exposure to POPs warrants monitoring body concentrations of POPs in representative samples of subjects. While numerous ad hoc studies are being conducted to understand POPs effects, only a few countries are conducting nationwide surveillance programs of human concentrations of POPs, and even less countries do so in representative samples of the general population. We tried to identify all studies worldwide that analyzed the distribution of concentrations of POPs in a representative sample of the general population, and we synthesized the studies' main characteristics, as design, population, and chemicals analyzed. The most comprehensive studies are the National Reports on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals (USA), the German Environmental Survey, and the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme. Population-wide studies exist as well in New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Flanders (Belgium) and the Canary Islands (Spain). Most such studies are linked with health surveys, which is a highly-relevant additional strength. Only the German and Flemish studies analyzed POPs by educational level, while studies in the USA offer results by ethnic group. The full distribution of POPs concentrations is unknown in many countries. Knowledge gaps include also the interplay of age, gender, period and cohort effects on the prevalence of exposures observed by cross-sectional surveys. Local and global efforts to minimize POPs contamination, like the Stockholm convention, warrant nationwide monitoring of concentrations of POPs in representative samples of the general population. Results of this review show how such studies may be developed and used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miquel Porta
- Institut Municipal d'Investigació Mèdica, Barcelona, Spain.
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Porta M, Puigdomènech E, Ballester F, Selva J, Ribas-Fitó N, Domínguez-Boada L, Martín-Olmedo P, Olea N, Llop S, Fernández M. Estudios realizados en España sobre concentraciones en humanos de compuestos tóxicos persistentes. GACETA SANITARIA 2008; 22:248-66. [PMID: 18579052 DOI: 10.1157/13123971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Miquel Porta
- Instituto Municipal de Investigación Médica, Barcelona, España; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), España.
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Fernandez MF, Kiviranta H, Molina-Molina JM, Laine O, Lopez-Espinosa MJ, Vartiainen T, Olea N. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and hydroxy-PCBs in adipose tissue of women in Southeast Spain. CHEMOSPHERE 2008; 71:1196-205. [PMID: 18045642 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2007.09.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2007] [Revised: 09/28/2007] [Accepted: 09/28/2007] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and hydroxylated PCBs (OH-PCBs) were investigated in human adipose tissue samples collected from 20 women undergoing surgery. Mean sum of PCB and sum of OH-PCB levels were 737ng/g of lipid and 8pg/g of lipid, respectively. Among PCBs, congeners 180, 153, 138 and 170 were the most frequent and abundant, and together constituted 72% of the total amount of PCBs in adipose tissue. The PCB congener pattern and the frequencies and concentrations of non-dioxin-like and non-hydroxylated congeners observed in adipose tissue were similar in distribution and order of magnitude to the profile previously published in Spain but lower than that found in other European countries. Among OH-PCB congeners studied, 4-OH-PCB 107/118 was found at the highest concentrations followed by 3'-OH-PCB 180 and 3-OH-PCB 138. To date, no information on levels of PCB metabolites in the Spanish population is available for comparison. These three predominant OH-PCBs contributed 97% of all OH-PCBs. Twelve dioxin-like PCBs contributed around 8% of the total PCB exposure, and all were present in all study subjects. Further research is required to determine trends in human exposure to PCBs and OH-PCBs and how existing banning measures affect exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- M F Fernandez
- San Cecilio University Hospital, University of Granada, 18071 Granada.
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Covaci A, Voorspoels S, Schepens P, Jorens P, Blust R, Neels H. The Belgian PCB/dioxin crisis-8 years later An overview. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2008; 25:164-170. [PMID: 21783853 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2007.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
In January 1999, 50kg polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) contaminated with 1g dioxins were accidentally added to a stock of recycled fat used for the production of 500tonnes animal feed in Belgium. Although signs of poultry poisoning were noticed by February 1999, the extent of the contamination was publicly announced only in May 1999, when it appeared that more than 2500 poultry and pig farms could have been involved. This has resulted in a major food crisis, known worldwide as the "Belgian PCB/dioxin crisis". The crisis was resolved by the implementation of a large food monitoring program for the seven PCB markers (PCBs 28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153 and 180). When PCB concentrations exceeded the tolerance levels of 100, 200 or 1000ng/g fat for milk, meat or animal feed, respectively, the 17 toxic polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs) congeners were also determined. By December 1999, more than 55,000 PCB and 500 dioxin analyses were already done by Belgian and international laboratories. The highest concentrations of PCBs and dioxins and the highest percentage of affected animals were found in poultry. Several important consequences of the food crisis were: (1) the introduction in 1999 of norms for PCBs in feedstuffs and food in Belgium followed by the introduction in 2002 of European harmonized norms for PCDD/Fs in animal feed and food of animal origin; (2) the systematic national monitoring of food of animal origin; and (3) the creation of the Federal Agency for Food Safety in Belgium. The human health risk following this major incident was assessed with contradictory results. It was suggested that, since only a limited proportion of the food chain was contaminated, it is unlikely that adverse effects were inflicted in the Belgian population. However, another assessment suggests that neurotoxic and behavioural effects in neonates, together with an increase in the number of cancers, may be observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; Laboratory of Ecophysiology, Biochemistry and Toxicology, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, B-2020 Antwerp, Belgium
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Silva E, Scholze M, Kortenkamp A. Activity of xenoestrogens at nanomolar concentrations in the E-Screen assay. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2007; 115 Suppl 1:91-7. [PMID: 18174956 PMCID: PMC2174409 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.9363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2006] [Accepted: 12/04/2006] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Certain effects induced by endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) may occur at dose levels lower than those normally tested in toxicology, but few systematic dose-response studies have been carried out in the low-dose range. OBJECTIVES The high statistical power afforded by a high-throughput in vitro assay such as the E-Screen assay was exploited with the aim of producing low-dose estimates for 24 estrogenic chemicals, including endogenous hormones and xenoestrogens. RESULTS Unusual dose-response curves with inverted U-shapes were not observed in the low-dose range. Instead, many chemicals exhibited curves with very small gradients at low doses, and this complicated the reliable estimation of low effects. Systematic comparisons between the outcomes of hypothesis-testing procedures (lowest observed effect concentrations--LOECs, no observed effect concentrations--NOECs) and regression modeling approaches (EC(01)--effective concentration causing a 1% effect, EC(05)--effective concentration causing a 5% effect) produced estimates that agreed reasonably well. In many cases, NOECs were shown to be associated with proliferative responses of 1-2%. This is in contrast with the widespread perception of NOECs as values that signal complete absence of effects. For many of the tested xenoestrogens, the NOECs, EC(01), and EC(05) were in the nanomolar range, and comparisons with measured serum and adipose tissue levels in Europe revealed considerable overlaps in some cases. CONCLUSIONS Our studies illustrate the difficulties that may be encountered during the estimation of low doses in vivo. High statistical power is required when the underlying dose-response curves are shallow. Through the use of large sample sizes and numerous repeats, the experimental power of the E-Screen assay was sufficiently high to measure effect magnitudes of around 1-2% with reliability. However, such resources are usually not available for in vivo testing, with the consequence that the statistical detection limits are considerably higher. If this coincides with shallow dose-response curves in the low-effect range (which is normally not measurable in vivo), the limited resolving power of in vivo assays may seriously constrain low-dose testing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andreas Kortenkamp
- Address correspondence to A. Kortenkamp, The School of Pharmacy, University of London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom. Telephone: 44 20 77535908. Fax: 44 7753 5811. E-mail:
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Goñi F, López R, Etxeandia A, Millán E, Amiano P. High throughput method for the determination of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in human serum. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2007; 852:15-21. [PMID: 17267299 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2006.12.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2006] [Revised: 11/29/2006] [Accepted: 12/27/2006] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
An improved method for the determination of selected organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in human serum was developed. The method requires low volume of serum (500 microl) and 48-96 samples per day can be prepared by one analyst without special automatic equipment. Initial extraction was performed using 96-well solid-phase extraction disk plates and was followed by a clean-up with silica gel/sulfuric acid. Different denaturation, elution and clean-up conditions were tested. Quantification was carried out by gas chromatography equipped with electron capture detector (GC-ECD) or mass spectrometer (GC-MS). Recoveries of PCB congeners 28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153 and 180 and OCPs HCB, beta-HCH, p,p'-DDE and p,p'-DDT at two spiking levels (n=8) varied from 57 to 120%, and intra-day relative standard deviation from 1 to 11%, both depending on spiking level and compound. Inter-day relative standard deviation was <15% in all cases. Limit of quantification (LOQ) for these PCBs ranged from 0.08 to 0.13 ng/ml and for these OCPs from 0.16 to 0.40 ng/ml. The optimized method was applied to the analysis of 1000 serum samples from different places of Spain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Goñi
- Laboratorio de Salud Pública de Guipúzcoa, Avenida Navarra 4, 20013-San Sebastián, Spain.
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