Using nutrition for intervention and prevention against environmental chemical toxicity and associated diseases

Modulatory Effects of Ophiocordyceps sinensis Mycelia on Hepatosteatosis Development in a High-Fat Dietary Habit

The global rise in obesity is closely associated with the increasing prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic syndromes, posing significant health challenges. This study explored the ameliorative effects of Ophiocordyceps sinensis mycelia (TCM-NA01 formula: 1.4 mg adenosine and 55.2 mg polysaccharide/capsule) on hepatosteatosis development in a high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. TCM-NA01 supplementation significantly reduced (p < 0.05) body weight, adipose tissue, serum triglyceride (TG)/cholesterol (TC), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), liver TG/TC levels in HFD-fed mice. Increased (p < 0.05) fecal-lipid and bile-acid outputs were observed. Apparent reductions in lipid-droplet and steatosis scores (p < 0.05) in the HFD-fed mice supplemented with TCM-NA01. Furthermore, TCM-NA01 modulated lipid metabolism by decreasing fatty acid synthesis and promoting fatty acid β-oxidation. TCM-NA01 also enhanced liver antioxidant capacity and decreased proinflammatory cytokines (p < 0.05). These findings underscore the potential of O. sinensis mycelia as a nutraceutical agent for alleviating hepatosteatosis, liver oxidative stress, and chronic inflammation, offering a promising strategy for the management of obesity and NAFLD.

Effect of exposure to environmental phenols and parabens on folate concentrations among 3-19 years old children and adolescents: A cross-sectional study in NHANES 2005-2016

Phenols and parabens, as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), are prevalent in daily consumer products and industrial applications. Folate, a vital vitamin, plays a crucial role in numerous metabolic processes. The interaction between EDCs and folate is not well understood and warrants investigation. We utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2016. Since many pollutants are co-exposed congeners, with interactive effects between pollutants, we employed multivariate linear regression model, weighted quantile sum regression, and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) to quantify the impact of folate levels in serum and red blood cell (RBC) and the overall effects of combined exposures. The study included 4395 children and adolescents. A negative correlation was observed between RBC folate concentrations and urinary concentrations of Bisphenol A (BPH), Triclosan (TRS), Methyl paraben (MPB), Propyl paraben (PPB), and Butyl paraben (BUP), in children and adolescents. Specifically, an increase in RBC folate levels was linked to a decrease in urinary BPH, TRS, MPB, PPB, and BUP concentrations. Similar associations were found with serum folate. The weighted quantile sum index showed a decrease in both RBC and serum folate levels with an increase in the mixture of phenols and parabens. BKMR further supported the overall negative impact of the chemical mixture on folate levels. This study provides evidence of an inverse relationship between exposure to phenols and parabens and folate concentrations in children and adolescents, which would be of significance in providing guidance for clinical interventions and calling for remediation actions to be prioritized during childhood.

Exploring diet as a source of plasticizers in pregnancy and implications for maternal second-trimester metabolic health

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Diet plays critical roles in modulating maternal metabolic health in pregnancy, but is also a source of metabolic-disrupting phthalates and their replacements. We aimed to evaluate whether the effects of better diet quality on favorable maternal metabolic outcomes could be partially explained by lower exposure to phthalates/replacements.

METHODS

At 13 weeks gestation, 295 Illinois women (enrolled 2015-2018) completed a three-month food frequency questionnaire that we used to calculate the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI)-2010 to assess diet quality. We quantified 19 metabolites, reflecting exposure to 10 phthalates/replacements, in a pool of five first-morning urine samples collected monthly across pregnancy. We measured 15 metabolic biomarkers in fasting plasma samples collected at 17 weeks gestation, which we reduced to five uncorrelated principal components (PCs), representing adiposity, lipids, cholesterol, inflammation, and growth. We used linear regression to estimate associations of diet quality with [1] phthalates/replacements and [2] metabolic PCs, as well as [3] associations of phthalates/replacements with metabolic PCs. We estimated the proportion of associations between diet quality and metabolic outcomes explained by phthalates/replacements using a causal mediation framework.

RESULTS

Overall, every 10-point improvement in AHEI-2010 score was associated with -0.15 (95% CI: -0.27, -0.04) lower adiposity scores, reflecting lower glucose, insulin, C-peptide, leptin, C-reactive protein, but higher adiponectin biomarker levels. Every 10-point increase in diet quality was also associated with 18% (95%CI: 7%, 28%) lower sum of di-2-ethylhexyl terephthalate urinary metabolites (∑DEHTP). Correspondingly, each 18% increase in ∑DEHTP was associated with 0.03 point (95% CI: 0.01, 0.05) higher adiposity PC scores. In mediation analyses, 21% of the inverse relationship between diet quality and adiposity PC scores was explained by lower ∑DEHTP.

CONCLUSIONS

The favorable impact of diet quality on maternal adiposity biomarkers may be partially attributed to lower metabolite concentrations of DEHTP, a plasticizer allowed to be used in food packaging materials.

Association between United States Environmental Contaminants and the Prevalence of Psoriasis Derived from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

(1) Background: Prolonged coexposure to environmental contaminants is reportedly associated with adverse impacts on skin health. However, the collective effects of contaminant mixtures on psoriasis prevalence remain unclear. (2) Methods: A nationally representative cohort study was conducted using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2006 and 2009-2014. The association between contaminant exposures and psoriasis prevalence was analyzed through weighted quantile sum regressions, restricted cubic splines, and multivariable logistic regression. (3) Results: 16,453 participants and 60 contaminants in 8 groups were involved. After adjusting for demographics and comorbidities, exposure to urinary perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate mixtures (OR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.00-1.21) demonstrated a significant positive linear association with psoriasis prevalence. Ethyl paraben (OR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.02-1.44) exhibited a significant positive correlation with psoriasis risk as an individual contaminant. The association between blood cadmium, lead, and mercury mixtures (OR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.00-1.21), urinary perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate mixtures (OR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.00-1.34), and psoriasis prevalence was more pronounced in the lower healthy lifestyle score subgroup. (4) Conclusions: Exposure to perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate mixtures, and ethyl paraben was associated with an elevated psoriasis prevalence. Furthermore, the association between cadmium and lead and mercury mixtures as well as perchlorate, nitrate and thiocyanate mixtures, and psoriasis prevalence was more pronounced in individuals with less healthy lifestyles.

Vitamin D and Toxic Metals in Pregnancy - a Biological Perspective

Purpose of Review

To discuss the potential biological mechanisms between vitamin D and toxic metals and summarize epidemiological studies examining this association in pregnant women.

Recent Findings

We identified four plausible mechanisms whereby vitamin D and toxic metals may interact: nephrotoxicity, intestinal absorption of metals, endocrine disruption, and oxidative stress. Few studies have examined the association between vitamin D and toxic metals in pregnant women. North American studies suggest that higher vitamin D status early in pregnancy are associated with lower blood metals later in pregnancy. However, a trial of vitamin D supplementation in a pregnant population, with higher metal exposures and lower overall nutritional status, does not corroborate these findings.

Summary

Given ubiquitous exposure to many toxic metals, nutritional intervention could be a means for prevention of adverse outcomes. Future prospective studies are needed to establish a causal relationship and clarify the directionality of vitamin D and metals.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40471-024-00348-0.

Decreased immune response in undernourished rats after air pollution exposure

Children are highly vulnerable subpopulation to malnutrition and air pollution. We investigate, in a rat nutritional growth retardation (NGR) model, the impact of Residual Oil Fly Ash (ROFA) on the lung immune response using in vitro and ex vivo methods. In vitro: Alveolar macrophages (AM) were isolated from Control (C) and NGR animals, cultured and treated with ROFA (1-100 µg/ml) for 24 h. Ex vivo: C and NGR rats were intranasally instilled with ROFA (1 mg/kg BW) or PBS. 24 h post-exposure AM were isolated and cultured. ROFA-treatment increased superoxide anion production and TNFα secretion in C-AM in vitro, though for NGR-AM this response was lower. A similar pattern was observed for TNFα and IL-6 secretion in ex vivo experiments. Regarding the antioxidant response, although NGR-AM showed increased Nrf2, after ROFA instillation an attenuated activation was observed. To conclude, chronic undernutrition altered AM response to ROFA affecting immune responsiveness to air pollutants.

Effect modification by maternal vitamin D status in the association between prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and neurodevelopment in 2-year-old children

BACKGROUND

Pregnant women in the Shanghai Birth Cohort (SBC) of China faced dual threats of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure and vitamin D (VD) insufficiency, potentially impacting offspring neurodevelopment. However, little is known about whether maternal VD status modifies PFAS-related neurodevelopment effect.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the modifying role of maternal VD status in the effect of prenatal PFAS exposure on childhood neurodevelopment.

METHODS

We included 746 mother-child pairs from the SBC. Ten PFAS congeners and VD levels were measured in maternal blood samples collected during the first and second trimester respectively. At 2 years of age, toddlers underwent neurodevelopment assessments using Bayley-III Scales. Multivariate linear, logistic regression, and weighted quantile sum approach were used to estimate associations of Bayley-III scores with individual and mixture PFAS. We stratified participants into VD sufficient and insufficient groups and further balanced PFAS differences between these groups by matching all PFAS levels. We fitted the same statistical models in each VD group before and after matching.

RESULTS

Nearly half (46.5 %) of pregnant women were VD insufficient (<30 ng/mL). In the overall population, PFAS exposure was associated with lower language scores and an increased risk for neurodevelopmental delay, but higher cognitive scores. However, adverse associations with PFAS were mainly observed in the VD sufficient group, while the VD insufficient group showed positive cognitive score associations. Higher PFAS concentrations were found in the VD sufficient group compared to the VD insufficient group. Post-matching, adverse associations in the VD sufficient group were nullified, whereas in the VD insufficient group, positive associations disappeared and adverse associations becoming more pronounced.

CONCLUSION

In this Chinese birth cohort, high prenatal PFAS exposure and low maternal VD levels collectively heighten the risk of adverse childhood neurodevelopment. However, disentangling PFAS and VD interrelationships is crucial to avoid paradoxical findings.

Mechanism Exploration of Environmental Pollutants on Premature Ovarian Insufficiency: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

As a public health problem, premature ovarian insufficiency leads to infertility or sub-fertility. In addition to premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) increases the lifetime risk of bone fragility, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive impairment. To investigate the effects of environmental pollutants on the occurrence of POI and explore its mechanism, we conducted a computer search for articles published in electronic databases by December 13, 2022. Three reviewers independently examined all included studies and scored the qualities of included studies using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale criteria. In this meta-analysis, eight clinical studies as well as ten preclinical findings showed a pooled OR of 2.331 and 95% CI of 1.968-2.760. This confirms that environmental pollutants, including POPs, heavy metals, PAEs, PAHs, cosmetic and pharmaceutical products, and cigarette smoke, are indeed significant risk factors for POI. In addition, it is demonstrated from the results of this study that signaling pathway of calcium and PI3K Akt and Xpnpep2, Col1, Col3, Col4, Cx43, Egr3, Tff1, and Ptgs2 genes may all be involved in the process. Environmental pollutants, including POPs, heavy metals, PAEs, PAHs, cosmetic and pharmaceutical products, and cigarette smoke, are indeed significant risk factors for POI.

The Exposome and Nutritional Pharmacology and Toxicology: A New Application for Metabolomics

The exposome refers to all of the internal and external life-long exposures that an individual experiences. These exposures, either acute or chronic, are associated with changes in metabolism that will positively or negatively influence the health and well-being of individuals. Nutrients and other dietary compounds modulate similar biochemical processes and have the potential in some cases to counteract the negative effects of exposures or enhance their beneficial effects. We present herein the concept of Nutritional Pharmacology/Toxicology which uses high-information metabolomics workflows to identify metabolic targets associated with exposures. Using this information, nutritional interventions can be designed toward those targets to mitigate adverse effects or enhance positive effects. We also discuss the potential for this approach in precision nutrition where nutrients/diet can be used to target gene-environment interactions and other subpopulation characteristics. Deriving these "nutrient cocktails" presents an opportunity to modify the effects of exposures for more beneficial outcomes in public health.

Improving hydrocarbon toxicity tolerance in poultry: role of genes and antioxidants

Sustenance of smallholder poultry production as an alternative source of food security and income is imperative in communities exposed to hydrocarbon pollution. Exposure to hydrocarbon pollutants causes disruption of homeostasis, thereby compromising the genetic potential of the birds. Oxidative stress-mediated dysfunction of the cellular membrane is a contributing factor in the mechanism of hydrocarbon toxicity. Epidemiological studies show that tolerance to hydrocarbon exposure may be caused by the activation of genes that control disease defense pathways like aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and nuclear factor erythroid 2p45-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Disparity in the mechanism and level of tolerance to hydrocarbon fragments among species may exist and may result in variations in gene expression within individuals of the same species upon exposure. Genomic variability is critical for adaptation and serves as a survival mechanism in response to environmental pollutants. Understanding the interplay of diverse genetic mechanisms in relation to environmental influences is important for exploiting the differences in various genetic variants. Protection against pollutant-induced physiological responses using dietary antioxidants can mitigate homeostasis disruptions. Such intervention may initiate epigenetic modulation relevant to gene expression of hydrocarbon tolerance, enhancing productivity, and possibly future development of hydrocarbon-tolerant breeds.

Folate concentrations and serum perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substance concentrations in adolescents and adults in the USA (National Health and Nutrition Examination Study 2003-16): an observational study

BACKGROUND

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a family of highly fluorinated aliphatic compounds, which are widely used in commercial applications, including food packaging, textiles, and non-stick cookware. Folate might counteract the effects of environmental chemical exposures. We aimed to explore the relationship between blood folate biomarker concentrations and PFAS concentrations.

METHODS

This observational study pooled cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003 to 2016 cycles. NHANES is a population-based national survey that measures the health and nutritional status of the US general population every 2 years by means of questionnaires, physical examination, and biospecimen collection. Folate concentrations in red blood cells and in serum, and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) concentrations in serum were examined. We used multivariable regression models to assess the percentage change in serum PFAS concentrations in relation to changes in folate biomarker concentrations. We additionally used models with restricted cubic splines to investigate the shape of these associations.

FINDINGS

This study included 2802 adolescents and 9159 adults who had complete data on PFAS concentrations, folate biomarkers, and covariates, were not pregnant, and had never had a cancer diagnosis at the time of the survey. The mean age was 15·4 years (SD 2·3) for adolescents and 45·5 years (17·5) for adults. The proportion of male participants was slightly higher in adolescents (1508 [54%] of 2802 participants) than in adults (3940 [49%] of 9159 participants). We found negative associations between red blood cell folate concentrations and serum concentrations of PFOS (percentage change for a 2·7 fold-increase in folate level -24·36%, 95% CI -33·21 to -14·34) and PFNA (-13·00%, -21·87 to -3·12) in adolescents, and PFOA (-12·45%, -17·28 to -7·35), PFOS (-25·30%, -29·67 to -20·65), PFNA (-21·65%, -26·19 to -16·82), and PFHxS (-11·70%, -17·32 to 5·70) in adults. Associations for serum folate concentrations and PFAS were in line with those found for red blood cell folate levels, although the magnitude of the effects was lower. Restricted cubic spline models suggested linearity of the observed associations, particularly for associations in adults.

INTERPRETATION

In this large-scale, nationally representative study, we found consistent inverse associations for most examined serum PFAS compounds in relation to folate concentrations measured in either red blood cells or serum among both adolescents and adults. These findings are supported by mechanistic in-vitro studies that show the potential of PFAS to compete with folate for several transporters implicated in PFAS toxicokinetics. If confirmed in experimental settings, these findings could have important implications for interventions to reduce the accumulated PFAS body burden and mitigate the related adverse health effects.

FUNDING

United States National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

Environmental toxicants and health adversities: A review on interventions of phytochemicals

Toxicity arising from environmental contaminants has attracted global interest in the last few decades, due to the high morbidity and mortality associated with them. Efforts have been made to combat the consequential outcomes of environmental toxicity in humans through traditional remediation techniques and therapeutic measures which have been hampered by one or more limitations. Consequently, this scenario has triggered interest in the medicinal properties of phytochemicals. Thus, this review gives a succinct and in-depth elucidation of the various environmental contaminants and their toxicity effects on humans. It delves into the various classes of phytochemicals and their intervention roles. The study adopted a desk review of existing literatures from scientific reports and peer reviewed articles through triangulation of data sources. "Phytochemicals" are group of secondary metabolites obtained from plants with medicinal properties. These groups of compounds are included but not limited to flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, cardenoloids, terpenoids, and phytosteroids. This review corroborates the prophylactic and therapeutics efficacy of these phytochemicals as anti-metastatic, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, anti-oxidant, anti-microbial and live saving substances with empirical findings from several laboratory, clinical trials and epidemiologic studies. It conclude that given the wide range of medicinal properties of phytochemicals, there is an urgent need for its full optimization in the pharmaceutical industry and future studies should focus on identifying the bioactive molecules in these compounds and its effectiveness against mixer toxicity.

Cellular mechanisms linking to outdoor and indoor air pollution damage during pregnancy

Pregnancies are a critical window period for environmental influences over the mother and the offspring. There is a growing body of evidence associating indoor and outdoor air pollution exposure to adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Particulate matter (PM) could trigger oxi-inflammation and could also reach the placenta leading to placental damage with fetal consequences. The combination of strategies such as risk assessment, advise about risks of environmental exposures to pregnant women, together with nutritional strategies and digital solutions to monitor air quality can be effective in mitigating the effects of air pollution during pregnancy.

Metabolomic, Lipidomic, Transcriptomic, and Metagenomic Analyses in Mice Exposed to PFOS and Fed Soluble and Insoluble Dietary Fibers

BACKGROUND

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a persistent environmental pollutant that has become a significant concern around the world. Exposure to PFOS may alter gut microbiota and liver metabolic homeostasis in mammals, thereby increasing the risk of cardiometabolic diseases. Diets high in soluble fibers can ameliorate metabolic disease risks.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to test the hypothesis that soluble fibers (inulin or pectin) could modulate the adverse metabolic effects of PFOS by affecting microbe-liver metabolism and interactions.

METHODS

Male C57BL/6J mice were fed an isocaloric diet containing different fibers: a) inulin (soluble), b) pectin (soluble), or c) cellulose (control, insoluble). The mice were exposed to PFOS in drinking water (3 μ g / g  per day ) for 7 wk. Multi-omics was used to analyze mouse liver and cecum contents.

RESULTS

In PFOS-exposed mice, the number of differentially expressed genes associated with atherogenesis and hepatic hyperlipidemia were lower in those that were fed soluble fiber than those fed insoluble fiber. Shotgun metagenomics showed that inulin and pectin protected against differences in microbiome community in PFOS-exposed vs. control mice. It was found that the plasma PFOS levels were lower in inulin-fed mice, and there was a trend of lower liver accumulation of PFOS in soluble fiber-fed mice compared with the control group. Soluble fiber intake ameliorated the effects of PFOS on host hepatic metabolism gene expression and cecal content microbiome structure.

DISCUSSIONS

Results from metabolomic, lipidomic, and transcriptomic studies suggest that inulin- and pectin-fed mice were less susceptible to PFOS-induced liver metabolic disturbance, hepatic lipid accumulation, and transcriptional changes compared with control diet-fed mice. Our study advances the understanding of interaction between microbes and host under the influences of environmental pollutants and nutrients. The results provide new insights into the microbe-liver metabolic network and the protection against environmental pollutant-induced metabolic diseases by high-fiber diets. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11360.

Maternal diet quality moderates associations between parabens and birth outcomes

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Maternal paraben exposure and diet quality are both independently associated with birth outcomes, but whether these interact is unknown. We assessed sex-specific associations of parabens with birth outcomes and differences by maternal diet quality.

METHODS

Illinois pregnant women (n = 458) provided five first-morning urines collected at 8-40 weeks gestation, which we pooled for quantification of ethylparaben, methylparaben, and propylparaben concentrations. We collected/measured gestational age at delivery, birth weight, body length, and head circumference within 24 h of birth, and calculated sex-specific birth weight-for-gestational-age z-scores and weight/length ratio. Women completed three-month food frequency questionnaires in early and mid-to-late pregnancy, which we used to calculate the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI)-2010. Linear regression models evaluated sex-specific associations of parabens with birth outcomes, and differences in associations by average pregnancy AHEI-2010.

RESULTS

In this predominately non-Hispanic white, college-educated sample, maternal urinary paraben concentrations were only modestly inversely associated with head circumference and gestational length. However, methylparaben and propylparaben were inversely associated with birth weight, birth weight z-scores, body length, and weight/length ratio in female, but not male newborns. For example, each 2-fold increase in methylparaben concentrations was associated with -46.61 g (95% CI: -74.70, -18.51) lower birth weight, -0.09 (95% CI: -0.15, -0.03) lower birth weight z-scores, -0.21 cm (95% CI: -0.34, -0.07) shorter body length, and -0.64 g/cm (95% CI: -1.10, -0.19) smaller weight/length ratio in females. These inverse associations were more prominent in females of mothers with poorer diets (AHEI-2010 < median), but attenuated in those with healthier diets (AHEI-2010 ≥ median). In newborn males of mothers with healthier diets, moderate inverse associations emerged for propylparaben with gestational length and head circumference.

CONCLUSIONS

Maternal diet may moderate associations of parabens with birth size in a sex-specific manner. Additional studies may consider understanding the inflammatory and metabolic mechanisms underlying these findings.

In-utero co-exposure to toxic metals and micronutrients on childhood risk of overweight or obesity: new insight on micronutrients counteracting toxic metals

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Low-level, in-utero exposure to toxic metals such as lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) is widespread in the US and worldwide; and, individually, was found to be obesogenic in children. To address the literature gaps on the health effects of co-exposure to low-level toxic metals and the lack of intervention strategy, we aimed to investigate the association between in-utero co-exposure to Hg, Pb, cadmium (Cd) and childhood overweight or obesity (OWO) and whether adequate maternal micronutrients (selenium (Se) and folate) can be protective.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

This study included 1442 mother-child pairs from the Boston Birth Cohort, a predominantly urban, low-income, Black, and Hispanic population, who were enrolled at birth and followed prospectively up to age 15 years. Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) was applied to estimate individual and joint effects of exposures to metals and micronutrients on childhood OWO while adjusting for pertinent covariables. Stratified analyses by maternal OWO and micronutrient status were performed to identify sensitive subgroups.

RESULTS

In this sample of understudied US children, low-level in-utero co-exposure to Hg, Pb, and Cd was widespread. Besides individual positive associations of maternal Hg and Pb exposure with offspring OWO, BKMR clearly indicated a positive dose-response association between in-utero co-exposure to the three toxic metals and childhood OWO. Notably, the metal mixture-OWO association was more pronounced in children born to mothers with OWO; and in such a setting, the association was greatly attenuated if mothers had higher Se and folate levels.

CONCLUSIONS

In this prospective cohort of US children at high-risk of toxic metal exposure and OWO, we demonstrated that among children born to mothers with OWO, low-level in-utero co-exposure to Hg, Pb, and Cd increased the risk of childhood OWO; and that adequate maternal Se and folate levels mitigated the risk of childhood OWO.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NUMBER AND WEBSITE WHERE IT WAS OBTAINED

NCT03228875.

Building Sustainable Community-Academic Partnerships while Implementing a Nutrition-Based Blackberry Garden Program at a Senior Center

Due to limited access to and consumption of fruits and vegetables, older adults are at increased risk of worsening or developing chronic diseases. This paper describes a community-academic partnership that provides a sustainable source of blackberries to attendees of a rural senior center. Qualitative research evaluated the partnership following implementation of a blackberry program. Focus groups and interviews included partners from a senior center, Cooperative Extension Service, and a detention center. Main themes: group power dynamics influenced communication between research and community leadership teams; unexpected project barriers emerged; and community leadership team suggested strategies to promote project longevity.

Alleviation of tributyltin-induced toxicity by diet and microplastics in the marine rotifer Brachionus koreanus

To determine the effects of tributyltin (TBT) upon multiple exposures of diet and microplastic in rotifer, in vivo life parameters were measured. In 10 μg/L TBT-exposed rotifer, the 1 and 0.5 x diet groups resulted in reproduction reduction. However, 10 x diet treatment showed no significant changes in the total fecundity, despite a decrease in daily reproduction. Besides, differences in the lifespan were observed in response to different diet regimens. TBT and/or MP-exposed parental rotifer (F0) showed a significant delay in the pre-reproductive day under 0.5 x diet regimen. In all dietary regimens, exposure to TBT and MP induced an increase in reactive oxygen species, but antioxidant activities were perturbed. To further verify the carryover effect of TBT toxicity, progeny rotifer (F1) obtained from 24 h TBT and/or MP-exposed F0 was used. Interestingly, the faster hatching rate was observed only in F1 obtained from 1 x diet regimen-exposed F0. However, in the 0.5 x diet, the total fecundity was reduced and the pattern of the daily reproduction was collapsed. Thus, the toxicity of TBT can be alleviated by MP and nutrition status, but TBT-induced toxicity and its carryover effect are inevitable.

Micronutrient Status of Electronic Waste Recyclers at Agbogbloshie, Ghana

Growing evidence suggests that micronutrient status is adversely impacted by toxic metals (e.g., cadmium, lead, and arsenic) exposures; however, the micronutrient status of e-waste recyclers who are amongst the highest metal-exposed groups is not known. This study, therefore, assessed the micronutrient status of e-waste recyclers using dietary information (2-day 24-h recall survey) and biomarker data (whole blood and urine) among 151 participants (100 e-waste recyclers at Agbogbloshie and 51 controls at Madina Zongo from the Accra region, Ghana) in March 2017. Biomarker levels of iron (Fe), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), selenium (Se), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) were analyzed by the ICP-MS. Linear regression models were used to assess associations ofwork-related factors and sociodemographic characteristics with micronutrient intake, blood, and urine micronutrient levels. The results showed that apart from Fe and Zn, e-waste recyclers at Agbogbloshie did not meet the day-to-day dietary requirements for Ca, Cu, Se, and Mg intake. Except for the low levels of Mg and Fe detected in blood of e-waste recyclers, all other micronutrients measured in both blood and urine of both groups fell within their reference range. Exposure to biomass burning was associated with lower blood levels of Fe, Mg, and Zn among the e-waste recyclers. Further, among e-waste recyclers, significant relationships were found between the number of years spent recycling e-waste and urinary Ca and Cu excretion. Given that, some dietary and blood levels of micronutrients were below their reference ranges, the implementation of evidence-based nutrition strategies remains necessary among e-waste recyclers to reduce their risk of becoming malnourished.

Food chemoprevention and air pollution: the health comes with eating

Ambient air pollution is known to be an important causative agent of many non-communicable diseases, mainly due to fine particulate matter (PM_2.5). According to Global Burden Disease study in 2015, the estimated premature deaths caused by PM_2.5 were 4.2 million. Besides deaths, airborne pollution's effect on human health also has dramatic economic and social costs, contributing greatly to disability-adjusted life-year (DALY). To reduce the health impact is necessary a double approach, which includes the improvement of air quality and food chemoprevention, aimed at enhancing the homeostatic abilities of exposed subjects. The scavenging, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties of nutraceuticals effectively counteract the pathogenic mechanisms common in almost all non-communicable diseases associated with air pollutants. Moreover, several bioactive compounds of food modulate, by epigenetic mechanisms, the metabolism of xenobiotics, favouring conjugation reactions and promoting excretion. This narrative review summarize the numerous pieces of evidence collected in the last decades by observational and experimental studies which underline the chemopreventive role of flavonoids, contained in several fruits and consumer beverages (wine, tea, etc.), and isothiocyanate sulforaphane, contained in the cruciferous vegetables belonging to the genus Brassica. These bioactive compounds, enhancing the individual homeostatic abilities, reduce the harmful effects of airborne pollution.

Exposure to 2,3,3',4,4',5-hexachlorobiphenyl promotes nonalcoholic fatty liver disease development in C57BL/6 mice

Previous in vitro studies have indicated that 2,3,3',4,4',5-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 156) may be a new contributor to metabolic disruption and may further cause the occurrence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, no study has clarified the specific contributions of PCB 156 to NAFLD progression by constructing an in vivo model. Herein, we evaluated the effects of PCB 156 treatment (55 mg/kg, i.p.) on the livers of C57BL/6 mice fed a control diet (CD) or a high-fat diet (HFD). The results showed that PCB 156 administration increased intra-abdominal fat mass, hepatic lipid levels and dyslipidemia in the CD-fed group and aggravated NAFLD in HFD-fed group. By using transcriptomics studies and biological methods, we found that the genes expression involved in lipid metabolism pathways, such as lipogenesis, lipid accumulation and lipid β-oxidation, was greatly altered in liver tissues exposed to PCB 156. In addition, the cytochrome P450 pathway, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) and the glutathione metabolism pathway were significantly activated following exposure to PCB 156. Furthermore, PCB 156 exposure increased serum transaminase levels and lipid peroxidation, and the redox-related genes were significantly dysregulated in liver tissue. In conclusion, our data suggested that PCB 156 could promote NAFLD development by altering the expression of genes related to lipid metabolism and inducing oxidative stress.

Caloric restriction attenuates C57BL/6 J mouse lung injury and extra-pulmonary toxicity induced by real ambient particulate matter exposure

Background

Caloric restriction (CR) is known to improve health and extend lifespan in human beings. The effects of CR on adverse health outcomes in response to particulate matter (PM) exposure and the underlying mechanisms have yet to be defined.

Results

Male C57BL/6 J mice were fed with a CR diet or ad libitum (AL) and exposed to PM for 4 weeks in a real-ambient PM exposure system located at Shijiazhuang, China, with a daily mean concentration (95.77 μg/m³) of PM_2.5. Compared to AL-fed mice, CR-fed mice showed attenuated PM-induced pulmonary injury and extra-pulmonary toxicity characterized by reduction in oxidative stress, DNA damage and inflammation. RNA sequence analysis revealed that several pulmonary pathways that were involved in production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), cytokine production, and inflammatory cell activation were inactivated, while those mediating antioxidant generation and DNA repair were activated in CR-fed mice upon PM exposure. In addition, transcriptome analysis of murine livers revealed that CR led to induction of xenobiotic metabolism and detoxification pathways, corroborated by increased levels of urinary metabolites of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and decreased cytotoxicity measured in an ex vivo assay.

Conclusion

These novel results demonstrate, for the first time, that CR in mice confers resistance against pulmonary injuries and extra-pulmonary toxicity induced by PM exposure. CR led to activation of xenobiotic metabolism and enhanced detoxification of PM-bound chemicals. These findings provide evidence that dietary intervention may afford therapeutic means to reduce the health risk associated with PM exposure.

Citrus sinensis and Vitis vinifera Protect Cardiomyocytes from Doxorubicin-Induced Oxidative Stress: Evaluation of Onconutraceutical Potential of Vegetable Smoothies

The interest towards nutraceuticals able to counteract drug side effects is continuously growing in current chemotherapeutic protocols. In the present study, we demonstrated that smoothies containing mixtures of Citrus sinensis and Vitis vinifera L. cv. Aglianico N, two typical fruits of the Mediterranean diet, possess bioactive polyphenols that protect cardiomyocytes against doxorubicin-induced oxidative stress. The polyphenolic extracts isolated from Citrus sinensis- and Vitis vinifera-based functional smoothies were deeply characterized by Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry methods. Subsequently, the functional smoothies and relative mixtures were tested to verify their ability to affect cellular viability and oxidative stress parameters in embryonic cardiomyocyte cells (H9c2), and human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF-7) exposed to doxorubicin. Interestingly, we found that the mix resulting from Citrus sinensis and Vitis vinifera association in ratio 1:1 was able to reduce cardiomyocytes damage induced by anthracyclines, without significantly interfering with the pro-apoptotic activity of the drug on breast cancer cells. These results point out the potential use of vegetable smoothies as adjuvants functional foods for chemotherapeutic anticancer protocols.

Exposure to dietary polychlorinated biphenyls and dioxins, and its relationship with subclinical coronary atherosclerosis: The Aragon Workers' Health Study

BACKGROUND

Experimental evidence has revealed that exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dioxins directly impairs endothelial function and induces atherosclerosis progression. In the general population, despite a small number of recent studies finding a link between PCBs, and stroke and myocardial infraction, the association with early coronary atherosclerosis has not been examined yet.

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether dietary exposure to PCBs and dioxins is associated with subclinical coronary atherosclerosis in a middle-aged men.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional analysis comprising 1844 men in their 50 s and free of cardiovascular disease, who participated in the Aragon Workers' Health Study (AWHS). Individual dietary exposures to PCBs and dioxins were estimated by the contaminant's concentration in food coupled with the corresponding consumption and then participants were classified into quartiles of consumption. Coronary artery calcium score (CACS) was assessed by computerized tomography. We conducted ordered logistic regressions to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for progression to the categories of more coronary artery calcium, adjusting for potential confounders.

RESULTS

Among the participants, coronary calcium was not shown in 60.1% (n = 1108), 29.8% had a CACS > 0 and <100 (n = 550), and the remaining 10.1% (n = 186) had a CACS ≥ 100. Compared with those in the first quartile of PCBs exposure, those in the fourth one had an increased odds for having coronary calcium (OR 2.02, 95% CI [1.18, 3.47], p trend 0.019) and for having progressed to categories of more intense calcification (OR 2.03, 95% CI [1.21, 3.40], p trend 0.012). However, no association was found between dietary dioxins exposure and prevalent coronary artery calcium.

CONCLUSIONS

In this general male population, dietary exposure to PCBs, but not to dioxins, was associated with a higher prevalence of coronary calcium and to more intense subclinical coronary atherosclerosis. PCBs exposure seems to increase the risk of coronary disease in men from the very early stages.

Molecular mechanisms linking environmental toxicants to cancer development: Significance for protective interventions with polyphenols

Human exposure to environmental toxicants with diverse mechanisms of action is a growing concern. In addition to well-recognized carcinogens, various chemicals in environmental and occupational settings have been suggested to impact health, increasing susceptibility to cancer by inducing genetic and epigenetic changes. Accordingly, in this review, we have discussed recent insights into the pathological mechanisms of these chemicals, namely their effects on cell redox and calcium homeostasis, mitochondria and inflammatory signaling, with a focus on the possible implications for multi-stage carcinogenesis and its reversal by polyphenols. Plant-derived polyphenols, such as epigallocatechin-gallate, resveratrol, curcumin and anthocyanins reduce the incidence of cancer and can be useful nutraceuticals for alleviating the detrimental outcomes of harmful pollutants. However, development of therapies based on polyphenol administration requires further studies to validate the biological efficacy, identifying effective doses, mode of action and new delivery forms. Innovative microphysiological testing models are presented and specific proposals for future trials are given. Merging the current knowledge of multifactorial actions of specific polyphenols and chief environmental toxicants, this work aims to potentiate the delivery of phytochemical-based protective treatments to individuals at high-risk due to environmental exposure.

Appalachian Environmental Health Literacy: Building Knowledge and Skills to Protect Health

Environmental health literacy (EHL) is an emerging, multidisciplinary field that promotes understanding of how environmental exposures can affect human health. After discussing the regional relevance of environmental health knowledge and skills, this article describes three ongoing Appalachian projects that are focused on measuring and building EHL.

In utero exposure to mercury and childhood overweight or obesity: counteracting effect of maternal folate status

BACKGROUND

Low-dose mercury (Hg) exposure has been associated with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity in adults, but it is unknown the metabolic consequence of in utero Hg exposure. This study aimed to investigate the association between in utero Hg exposure and child overweight or obesity (OWO) and to explore if adequate maternal folate can mitigate Hg toxicity.

METHODS

This prospective study included 1442 mother-child pairs recruited at birth and followed up to age 15 years. Maternal Hg in red blood cells and plasma folate levels were measured in samples collected 1-3 days after delivery (a proxy for third trimester exposure). Adequate folate was defined as plasma folate ≥ 20.4 nmol/L. Childhood OWO was defined as body mass index ≥ 85% percentile for age and sex.

RESULTS

The median (interquartile range) of maternal Hg levels were 2.11 (1.04-3.70) μg/L. Geometric mean (95% CI) of maternal folate levels were 31.1 (30.1-32.1) nmol/L. Maternal Hg levels were positively associated with child OWO from age 2-15 years, independent of maternal pre-pregnancy OWO, diabetes, and other covariates. The relative risk (RR = 1.24, 95% CI 1.05-1.47) of child OWO associated with the highest quartile of Hg exposure was 24% higher than those with the lowest quartile. Maternal pre-pregnancy OWO and/or diabetes additively enhanced Hg toxicity. The highest risk of child OWO was found among children of OWO and diabetic mothers in the top Hg quartile (RR = 2.06; 95% CI 1.56-2.71) compared to their counterparts. Furthermore, adequate maternal folate status mitigated Hg toxicity. Given top quartile Hg exposure, adequate maternal folate was associated with a 34% reduction in child OWO risk (RR = 0.66, 95% CI 0.51-0.85) as compared with insufficient maternal folate. There was a suggestive interaction between maternal Hg and folate levels on child OWO risk (p for interaction = 0.086).

CONCLUSIONS

In this US urban, multi-ethnic population, elevated in utero Hg exposure was associated with a higher risk of OWO in childhood, and such risk was enhanced by maternal OWO and/or diabetes and reduced by adequate maternal folate. These findings underscore the need to screen for Hg and to optimize maternal folate status, especially among mothers with OWO and/or diabetes.

Prophylactic efficacy of Boerhavia diffusa L. aqueous extract in toluene induced reproductive and developmental toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster

BACKGROUND

Environmental exposure to toxicants poses high risk to develop reproductive and developmental chronic toxicity in man. Toluene is one of the commonest industrial agents whose exposure is attributed with potential to induce reproductive and developmental toxicity. Since they contaminate the immediate environment of air and water to which humans are exposed, its containment is of great public health importance. Conventional treatment modalities fail owing to the difficulty to detect these highly volatile agents in environment and human body. The peril of such hazardous exposures is evident only when irreversible structural and functional damages have incurred. In such instances, prevention gains an upper hand when compared to therapeutic interventions. Several natural compounds derived from medicinal herbs possess potential to curb toxicities induced by such xenobiotic agents. Among them Boerhavia diffusa Linn. is a widely distributed and common herb attributed with antitoxic potential and capability for antioxidant defence. A study was performed on the prophylactic efficacy of aqueous extract of B. diffusa in curbing toluene induced developmental toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster.

METHODS

The study consisted of a preliminary phytochemical screening and HPTLC profiling of B. diffusa aqueous extract (BDAE). LC₅₀ of toluene was assessed and a sublethal dose of 200ppm was fixed for the study. Four doses of BDAE; 25, 50, 100 and 200mg/ml designated as Low dose, medium dose 1, medium dose 2 and high dose was used for the study. The parameters used for the study included the determination of larval period, pupal period, percentage of egg hatching, morphometric analysis of egg, larvae, pupae and adults, fertility, fecundity, lifespan and levels of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, glutathione-S-transferase and superoxide dismutase.

RESULTS

The phytochemical and HPTLC characters were as per the pharmacopoeial standards. LC₅₀ of toluene was found to be 430ppm in this study. BDAE at medium dose 2 and high dose significantly prevented the deterioration of reproductive and developmental toxicity parameters of larval period, pupal period, percentage of egg hatching, morphometric characters of larva, pupa and adult, fertility, fecundity and lifespan in drosophila. Also the drug significantly elevated the levels of antioxidant enzymes.

CONCLUSION

Toluene exposure during lifetime is inevitable. B. diffusa, equipped with its rich active ingredients prevented toluene induced developmental and reproductive toxicity in Drosophila. This medicinal herb provides a ray of hope in preventing environmental toxin induced reproductive and developmental toxicity.

Metabolomics Profiling before, during, and after the Beijing Olympics: A Panel Study of Within-Individual Differences during Periods of High and Low Air Pollution

BACKGROUND

The metabolome is a collection of exogenous chemicals and metabolites from cellular processes that may reflect the body's response to environmental exposures. Studies of air pollution and metabolomics are limited.

OBJECTIVES

To explore changes in the human metabolome before, during, and after the 2008 Beijing Olympics Games, when air pollution was high, low, and high, respectively.

METHODS

Serum samples were collected before, during, and after the Olympics from 26 participants in an existing panel study. Gas and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry were used in metabolomics analysis. Repeated measures ANOVA, network analysis, and enrichment analysis methods were employed to identify metabolites and classes associated with air pollution changes.

RESULTS

A total of 886 molecules were measured in our metabolomics analysis. Network partitioning identified four modules with 65 known metabolites that significantly changed across the three time points. All known molecules in the first module ([Formula: see text]) were lipids (e.g., eicosapentaenoic acid, stearic acid). The second module consisted primarily of dipeptides ([Formula: see text], e.g., isoleucylglycine) plus 8 metabolites from four other classes (e.g., hypoxanthine, 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid). Most of the metabolites in Modules 3 (19 of 23) and 4 (5 of 5) were unknown. Enrichment analysis of module-identified metabolites indicted significantly overrepresented pathways, including long- and medium-chain fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids (n3 and n6), eicosanoids, lysolipid, dipeptides, fatty acid metabolism, and purine metabolism [(hypo) xanthine/inosine-containing pathways].

CONCLUSIONS

We identified two major metabolic signatures: one consisting of lipids, and a second that included dipeptides, polyunsaturated fatty acids, taurine, and xanthine. Metabolites in both groups decreased during the 2008 Beijing Olympics, when air pollution was low, and increased after the Olympics, when air pollution returned to normal (high) levels. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP3705.

Community Forum Identifies Opportunities to Engage with Eastern Kentucky Community Leaders about Chronic Disease and Environmental Pollution

The NIEHS-sponsored Appalachian Health & Well-Being Community Forum held in Eastern Kentucky brought various community members together to communicate and establish better coordination of efforts to improve health and address regional environmental issues. The two-hour forum discussion provided bi-directional feedback about the needs and interests of community members. Top concerns of community members included obesity and obesity-related diseases and environmental pollution. Healthful lifestyles were identified as part of the remedy to protect health from potential adverse health effects associated with environmental pollution. This study highlights opportunities to engage with Appalachian communities around topics related to health and environmental pollution.

Nutrition and Environmental Pollution Extension Curriculum Improved Diet-Related Behaviors and Environmental Health Literacy

Kentucky experiences some of the nation's worst health outcomes related to obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other age-related chronic diseases linked with oxidative stress and inflammation, which in turn are associated with poor diet, lack of physical activity, and exposure to certain environmental pollutants. In the Commonwealth, deteriorating infrastructure, inappropriate waste disposal, and potential occupational injury related to mining, agriculture, and other regionally important industries exacerbate the need for residents to have basic knowledge of potential environmental health threats. Unfortunately, community-level understanding of the complex connections between environmental exposures and health is limited, with many Kentuckians unaware that the Commonwealth is home to 13 hazardous waste sites included in the United States Environmental Protection Agency Superfund National Priorities List (NPL). The NPL highlights priority sites for long-term remedial action to reduce environmental contaminants. To enhance the understanding of environmental health and protective actions, the University of Kentucky Superfund Research Center Community Engagement Core developed a 9-lesson extension curriculum "Body Balance: Protect Your Body from Pollution with a Healthy Lifestyle" (Body Balance) and partnered with Kentucky's Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Cooperative Extension Service to pilot the curriculum in Kentucky communities. FCS agents in 4 Kentucky counties delivered the Body Balance pilot study (18-31 participants per lesson). Pre- and post-lesson questionnaires revealed increased knowledge and awareness of the effects of environmental pollution on health and the protective role of dietary strategies. Focus group participants (n = 18) self-reported positive behavior changes because of increases in knowledge and leadership from their FCS agent. The Body Balance curriculum appeared to be a promising mechanism for raising environmental health and diet knowledge, as well as for promoting positive behavior changes among white, middle/older-aged women in rural Kentucky communities.

Polychlorinated biphenyl 126 exposure in rats alters skeletal muscle mitochondrial function

In the past few years, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a class of environmental pollutants, have been associated with metabolism dysregulation. Muscle is one of the key regulators of metabolism because of its mass and its important role in terms of glucose consumption and glucose storage. It has been shown that muscle alterations, such as oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, contribute significantly to the development of metabolic diseases. No study has yet investigated the toxicological effect of PCBs on muscle mitochondrial function and oxidative stress in vivo. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of PCB126 in vivo exposure (single dose of 1.05 μmol/kg) on muscle mitochondrial function and oxidative stress in rats. PCB126-treated rats showed a marked increase in Cyp1a1 mRNA levels in skeletal muscles in association with a 40% reduction in state 3 oxygen consumption rate measured with complex I substrates in permeabilized muscle fibers. Furthermore, PCB126 exposure altered the expression of some enzymes involved in ROS detoxification such as catalase and glutaredoxin 2. Our results highlight for the first time a toxic effect of coplanar PCBs on skeletal muscle mitochondrial function and oxidative stress. This suggests that acute PCB exposure, by affecting muscle metabolism, could contribute to the development of metabolic disorders. Studies are needed to determine if lower-level but longer-term PCB exposure exhibits the same effect.

Naringin protects against perfluorooctane sulfonate-induced liver injury by modulating NRF2 and NF-κB in mice

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), a persistent organic pollutant, has been demonstrated to cause multiple toxicities. In this study, we explored the role of naringin (Nar) in alleviating PFOS-caused mouse liver injury and its potential mechanisms. Male mice were intragastrically administered PFOS (10 mg/kg/day) alone or with Nar (100 mg/kg/day) for 3 weeks. Nar supplementation led to resumption of elevated serum hepatic enzyme activities and increased relative liver weight in PFOS-challenged mice. Moreover, Nar treatment increased hepatic expression of transcription factor NRF2 protein and its regulated antioxidative enzyme genes heme oxygenase‑1, superoxide dismutase and catalase, with an inhibition of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide production. Furthermore, simultaneous administration of Nar suppressed PFOS-induced elevation in NF-κB activity and generation of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 in the liver. In addition, Nar enhanced anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 expression, decreased pro-apoptotic Bax expression and inhibited caspase‑3 activation in liver tissue in mice exposed to PFOS. Our results indicate that Nar protects against PFOS-induced hepatotoxicity in mice via modulating oxidative, inflammatory and apoptotic pathways.

Safety and tolerability of sauna detoxification for the protracted withdrawal symptoms of substance abuse

Objective

Protracted drug withdrawal symptoms can last months or years after drug cessation, often precipitating a return to substance misuse. We evaluated the safety and preliminary health benefits of a unique chemical exposure regimen based on exercise, sauna and therapeutic nutrients.

Methods

This was a prospective evaluation of 109 individuals sequentially enrolled into a sauna detoxification component of a multi-modal, long-term residential substance abuse treatment centre.

Results

Data from medical charts, client self-reports and Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) responses indicated that the Hubbard sauna detoxification method was well tolerated, with a 99% completion rate, including one human immunodeficiency virus and nine hepatitis C positive clients. There were no cases of dehydration, overhydration or heat illness. Statistically significant improvements were seen in both mental and physical SF-36 scores at regimen completion, as well as in Addiction Severity Index and Global Appraisal of Individual Needs Short Screener change scores at rehabilitation program discharge, compared with enrolment.

Conclusions

The regimen lacked serious adverse events, had a very low discontinuation rate and high client-reported satisfaction. The SF-36 data indicated improved physical and emotional symptoms. Therefore, broader investigation of this sauna-based treatment regimen is warranted.

The protective effects of selenium supplementation on ambient PM2.5-induced cardiovascular injury in rats

Substantial epidemiological and experimental studies have shown that ambient fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) exposure can lead to myocardial damage in human and animal through the mechanism of inflammation and oxidative stress. The purpose of the current study was to investigate whether selenium yeast (SeY) supplementation could prevent cardiovascular injury caused by PM_2.5 in rats. Fifty-six Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into seven groups: saline control group; solvent control group, low-, middle-, and high-dose Se pretreatment groups, PM_2.5 exposure group, and high-dose Se control group. The rats were pretreated with different concentration of dietary SeY for 28 days, then were exposed to PM₂.₅ by intratracheal instillation every other day, a total of three times. The levels of inflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), and oxidative responses-related indicators total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in blood and myocardium of the left ventricle. The results showed that although PM_2.5 caused a decrease of T-AOC, T-AOD, and GSH-Px and increase of MDA and sICM-1, pretreatment with SeY induced a dose-dependent increase in these anti-oxidative indicators and a decrease in oxidative indicators. In addition, the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in Se pretreatment groups were significantly lower than that in PM_2.5 exposure group. The results indicated that Se supplementation could effectively prevent cardiovascular inflammation and oxidative stress induced by PM_2.5. The results also indicated that the nutritional supplementation might be an effective way to protecting people's health from air pollution.

Influence of vitamin intake and MTHFR polymorphism on the levels of DNA damage in tobacco farmers

BACKGROUND

Genetic damage may occur spontaneously under normal metabolic circumstances, inadequate intake of nutrients, and excessive exposure to environmental mutagens.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the influence of the intake of micronutrients vitamin B12, vitamin B6, and folate and of the polymorphism methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T on the induction of DNA damage in tobacco farmers.

METHODS

The study involved 66 men and 44 women engaged in tobacco cultivation in the region of Venâncio Aires (Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil). Peripheral blood samples were collected to analyze DNA damage using the Comet assay, the micronucleus (MN) test and MTHFR C677T polymorphism. Dietary intake was evaluated based on the mean values obtained from three 24-h diet recall questionnaires, and nutrient intake data were computerized and estimated in the Food Processor SQL 10.9 program. The statistical tests used to generate the stated results were Kruskal-Wallis test, Exact Fisher's test, and multivariate linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

DNA damage was significantly higher in individuals who had an inadequate intake of folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6 (P < 0.01) assessed by Comet assay. In relation to MN test results, buccal cells showed MN frequency higher in individuals with inadequate intake of vitamin B6 (P < 0.01). No difference was observed in MN lymphocytes frequency. No significant association was detected between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and DNA damage in tobacco farmers.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6 deficiency may be associated with genotoxic effect in individuals exposed to pesticides.

Polychlorinated Biphenyl 153 in Lipid Medium Modulates Differentiation of Human Adipocytes

Emerging evidence indicates that polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are involved in the development of diabetes mellitus in the obese. The purpose of this study was to determine mechanisms by which PCB 153 (2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-hexachloro-biphenyl) could influence diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance during adipogenesis. Lineage of h-ADMSCs was differentiated either as control (differentiation medium only), or with lipid vehicle modeling high fat nutrition (NuTRIflex) or lipid free vehicle (dimethylsulfoxide) for 28 days with or without PCB 153 daily co-exposure (in three concentrations 0.1, 1, and 10 µM). Gene expression analyses were performed using RT-qPCR at days 4, 10, 21, 24, 28; protein levels Akt and phosphorylated Akt (Phospho-Akt) by Western blot at days 4, and 21. PCB 153 treatment of h-ADMSCs only in lipid vehicle was associated with down regulation of key master genes of adipogenesis: PPARγ, SREBP-1, PPARGC1B, and PLIN2 during the whole process of differentiation; and with increased Akt and decreased Phospho-Akt protein level at day 21. We have shown that PCB 153, in concentration 0.1 µM, has a potential in lipid rich environment to modulate differentiation of adipocytes. Because European and U.S. adults have been exposed to PCB 153, this particular nutrient-toxicant interaction potentially impacts human obesity and insulin sensitivity.

Influence of concentration and type of microcrystalline cellulose on the physical properties of tablets containing Cornelian cherry fruits

The aim of this study was to find the optimal tablet composition with maximum content of dried fruits (Cornus mas L.). The effect of three different concentrations (12.5, 25 and 50 %) of two types of microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel® PH 101 and Avicel® PH 200) and three different compression pressures (20, 60 and 100 MPa) on the physical properties of tablet blends and tablets was studied. Tablets containing 50 % Avicel® PH 101 compressed under 100 MPa were found to have the best physical properties. This combination of composition and compression pressure resulted in stable tablets even after storage under accelerated stability conditions (6 months, 40 °C and 75 % RH).

Protective influence of healthful nutrition on mechanisms of environmental pollutant toxicity and disease risks

Human exposures to environmental contaminants around the world contribute to the global burden of disease and thus require urgent attention. Exploring preventive measures against environmental exposure and disease risk is essential. While a sedentary lifestyle and/or poor dietary habits can exacerbate the deleterious effects resulting from exposure to toxic chemicals, much emerging evidence suggests that positive lifestyle changes (e.g., healthful nutrition) can modulate and/or reduce the toxicity of environmental pollutants. Our work has shown that diets high in anti-inflammatory bioactive food components (e.g., phytochemicals or polyphenols) are possible strategies for modulating and reducing the disease risks associated with exposure to toxic pollutants in the environment. Thus, consuming healthy diets rich in plant-derived bioactive nutrients may reduce the vulnerability to diseases linked to environmental toxic insults. This nutritional paradigm in environmental toxicology requires further study in order to improve our understanding of the relationships between nutrition and other lifestyle modifications and toxicant-induced diseases.

Nutrients and Chemical Pollutants in Fish and Shellfish. Balancing Health Benefits and Risks of Regular Fish Consumption

Dietary patterns and lifestyle factors are clearly associated with at least five of the ten leading causes of death, including coronary heart disease, certain types of cancer, stroke, non-insulin insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, and atherosclerosis. Concerning specifically fish and seafood consumption, its beneficial health effects in humans are clearly supported by an important number of studies performed in the last 30 years. These studies have repeatedly linked fish consumption, especially those species whose contents in omega-3 fatty acids are high, with healthier hearts in the aging population. The nutritional benefits of fish and seafood are also due to the content of high-quality protein, vitamins, as well as other essential nutrients. However, a number of studies, particularly investigations performed in recent years, have shown that the unavoidable presence of environmental contaminants in fish and shellfish can also mean a certain risk for the health of some consumers. While prestigious international associations as the American Heart Association have recommended eating fish at least two times (two servings a week), based on our own experimental results, as well as in results from other laboratories, we cannot be in total agreement with that recommendation. Although a regular consumption of most fish and shellfish species should not mean adverse health effects for the consumers, the specific fish and shellfish species consumed, the frequency of consumption, as well as the meal size, are essential issues for adequately balancing the health benefits and risks of regular fish consumption.

The role of micronutrients in the response to ambient air pollutants: Potential mechanisms and suggestions for research design

People living in regions of low socioeconomic status are thought to be prone to higher exposures to environmental pollutants, poor nutrition, and numerous preventable diseases and infections. Poverty correlates with pollution and malnutrition; however, limited studies examined their interrelationship. The well-studied, deleterious health effects attributed to environmental pollutants and poor nutrition may act in combination with produce more severe adverse health outcomes than any one factor alone. Deficiencies in specific nutrients render the body more susceptible to injury which may influence the pathways that serve as the mechanistic responses to ambient air pollutants. This review (1) explores specific micronutrients that are of global concern, (2) explains how these nutrients may impact the body's response to ambient air pollution, and (3) provides guidance on designing animal models of nutritional deficiency. It is likely that those individuals who reside in regions of high ambient air pollution are similarly malnourished. Therefore, it is important that research identifies specific nutrients of concern and their impact in identified regions of high ambient air pollution.

Arctic Peoples and Beyond: research opportunities in neuroscience and behaviour

OBJECTIVES

Arctic and northern peoples are spread across Alaska, Canada, Russia and the Scandinavian countries. Inhabiting a variety of ecosystems, these 4 million residents include Indigenous populations who total about 10% of the population. Although Arctic peoples have very diverse cultural and social systems, they have health issues related to environmental impacts and knowledge/treatment disparities that are common to other minority and Indigenous peoples around the world. Research that explores the neuroscience and behavioural aspects of these health disparities offers challenges and significant opportunities. As the next generation of neuroscientists enter the field, it is imperative that they view their contributions in terms of translational medicine to address health disparities.

STUDY DESIGN

A workshop was designed to bring neuroscientists together to report on the current directions of neuroscience research and how it could impact health disparities in the North. This workshop produced research recommendations for the growth of neuroscience in the North.

METHODS

On May 31, 2006 the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the Burroughs Wellcome Foundation, the Arctic Division of AAAS and the University of Alaska co-sponsored a workshop entitled "Arctic Peoples and Beyond: Decreasing Health Disparities through Basic and Clinical Research." Also, the role and goals of the International Union for Circumpolar Health (IUCH) were presented at the meeting.

RESULTS

A set of recommendations related to research opportunities in neuroscience and behaviour research and ways to facilitate national and international partnerships were developed.

CONCLUSIONS

These recommendations should help guide the development of future health research in circumpolar neuroscience and behaviour. They provide ideas about research support and informational exchange that will address health challenges.

Effects of the Dietary Detoxification Program on Serum γ-glutamyltransferase, Anthropometric Data and Metabolic Biomarkers in Adults

Background

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are well-known environmental contaminants which are associated with chronic diseases. As foods are the major sources of human exposure to toxic pollutants, we developed an integrated dietary and education program to eliminate the chemical toxin throughout the human body. The present study evaluated effects of the dietary detoxification program on serum γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), anthropometric data and metabolic biomarkers in adults.

Methods

Single-armed, pre-post study was conducted from June 2013 to June 2015 at a health examination center and a public health center in Seoul, Korea. Sixty eight subjects (mean age of 52.4 years) were recruited. Subjects participated 20 hours’ dietary education sessions. On-line coaching with SNS was performed to enhance participants’ proper protocol compliance. Physical and laboratory examinations were assessed at week 0 and 3.

Results

Changes of the serum GGT were correlated with reductions of the body fat percentage (r = .379, p = .001), body fat mass (r = .435, p = .000) and fasting blood glucose (r = .423, p = .000). Serum GGT, weight, body fat percentage, body fat mass, waist circumference, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and blood pressure of all participants were reduced with statistical significance in 3 weeks. In metabolic syndrome group, total cholesterol (p = .049), fasting blood glucose (p = .002), and systolic blood pressure (p = .001) were significantly reduced comparison to non-metabolic syndrome group.

Conclusion

This dietary detoxification program might decrease serum GGT which indicated the overall toxic burden in the body. Anthropometric data and metabolic biomarkers were improved. The integrated dietary and education detoxification program seemed to be a protective intervention for elimination of toxicants from the body.

Exercise protects against PCB-induced inflammation and associated cardiovascular risk factors

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent environmental pollutants that contribute to the initiation of cardiovascular disease. Exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease; however, whether exercise can modulate PCB-induced vascular endothelial dysfunction and associated cardiovascular risk factors is unknown. We examined the effects of exercise on coplanar PCB-induced cardiovascular risk factors including oxidative stress, inflammation, impaired glucose tolerance, hypercholesteremia, and endothelium-dependent relaxation. Male ApoE(-/-) mice were divided into sedentary and exercise groups (voluntary wheel running) over a 12-week period. Half of each group was exposed to vehicle or PCB 77 at weeks 1, 2, 9, and 10. For ex vivo studies, male C57BL/6 mice exercised via voluntary wheel training for 5 weeks and then were administered with vehicle or PCB 77 24 h before vascular reactivity studies were performed. Exposure to coplanar PCB increased risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease, including oxidative stress and systemic inflammation, glucose intolerance, and hypercholesteremia. The 12-week exercise intervention significantly reduced these proatherogenic parameters. Exercise also upregulated antioxidant enzymes including phase II detoxification enzymes. Sedentary animals exposed to PCB 77 exhibited endothelial dysfunction as demonstrated by significant impairment of endothelium-dependent relaxation, which was prevented by exercise. Lifestyle modifications such as aerobic exercise could be utilized as a therapeutic approach for the prevention of adverse cardiovascular health effects induced by environmental pollutants such as PCBs.

Differential association of lead on length by zinc status in two-year old Mexican children

BACKGROUND

Blood lead levels have decreased in Mexico since leaded fuel was banned in 1997, but other sources remain, including the use of lead-glazed ceramics for food storage and preparation. Zinc deficiency is present in almost 30% of children aged 1-2 years. Previous studies have documented negative associations of both lead exposure and zinc deficiency with stature, but have not considered the joint effects. Given that the prevalence of stunting in pre-school aged children was 13.6% in 2012, the aim of this study was to evaluate if the relationship between blood lead and child stature was modified by zinc status.

METHODS

Anthropometry, dietary energy intake, serum zinc and blood lead were measured in 291 children aged 24 months from an ongoing birth cohort study in Mexico City. Child stature was represented by recumbent length as appropriate for this age group. The association between blood lead (BPb) and length-for-age Z score (LAZ) was evaluated using a model stratified by zinc status measured by standard criteria and adjusted for: birth length, breastfeeding practices, energy intake, maternal height and education.

RESULTS

Median (IQR) BPb was: 0.17 (0.12-0.26) μmol/L and 17% of the sample had zinc deficiency (<9.9 μmol/L). BPb was inversely associated with LAZ in the overall sample (β = -0.19, p = 0.02). In stratified models, this negative association was more than three times higher and statistically significant only in the zinc deficient group (β = -0.43, p = 0.04) compared to the zinc replete group (β = -0.12, p = 0.22) (BPb*zinc status, p-for-interaction = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Zinc adequacy is a key factor that may attenuate the negative association of lead on stature in young children.

Nutritional Solutions to Reduce Risks of Negative Health Impacts of Air Pollution

Air pollution worldwide has been associated with cardiovascular and respiratory morbidity and mortality, particularly in urban settings with elevated concentrations of primary pollutants. Air pollution is a very complex mixture of primary and secondary gases and particles, and its potential to cause harm can depend on multiple factors—including physical and chemical characteristics of pollutants, which varies with fine-scale location (e.g., by proximity to local emission sources)—as well as local meteorology, topography, and population susceptibility. It has been hypothesized that the intake of anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients may ameliorate various respiratory and cardiovascular effects of air pollution through reductions in oxidative stress and inflammation. To date, several studies have suggested that some harmful effects of air pollution may be modified by intake of essential micronutrients (such as B vitamins, and vitamins C, D, and E) and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Here, we review the existing literature related to the potential for nutrition to modify the health impacts of air pollution, and offer a framework for examining these interactions.

The NIEHS Superfund Research Program: 25 Years of Translational Research for Public Health

BACKGROUND

The Superfund Research Program (SRP) is an academically based, multidisciplinary, translational research program that for 25 years has sought scientific solutions to health and environmental problems associated with hazardous waste sites. SRP is coordinated by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). It supports multi-project grants, undergraduate and postdoctoral training programs, individual research grants, and Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Technology Transfer Research (STTR) grants.

RESULTS

SRP has had many successes: discovery of arsenic's toxicity to the developing human central nervous system; documentation of benzene toxicity to hematologic progenitor cells in human bone marrow; development of novel analytic techniques such as the luciferase expression assay and laser fragmentation fluorescence spectroscopy; demonstration that PCBs can cause developmental neurotoxicity at low levels and alter the genomic characteristics of sentinel animals; elucidation of the neurodevelopmental toxicity of organophosphate insecticides; documentation of links between antimicrobial agents and alterations in hormone response; discovery of biological mechanisms through which environmental chemicals may contribute to obesity, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and cancer; tracking the health and environmental effects of the attacks on the World Trade Center and Hurricane Katrina; and development of novel biological and engineering techniques to facilitate more efficient and lower-cost remediation of hazardous waste sites.

CONCLUSION

SRP must continue to address the legacy of hazardous waste in the United States, respond to new issues caused by rapid advances in technology, and train the next generation of leaders in environmental health science while recognizing that most of the world's worst toxic hot spots are now located in low- and middle-income countries.

Apple juice attenuates genotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by cadmium exposure in multiple organs of rats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the health benefits associated with apple consumption following cadmium exposure. A total of 15 Wistar rats were distributed into three groups (n=5), as follows: control group (non-treated group, CTRL); cadmium group (Cd) and apple juice group (Cd+AJ). The results showed a decrease in the frequency micronucleated cells in bone marrow and hepatocytes in the group exposed to cadmium and treated with apple juice. Apple juice was also able to reduce the 8OHdG levels and to decrease genetic damage in liver and peripheral blood cells. Catalase (CAT) was decreased following apple juice intake. Taken together, our results demonstrate that apple juice seems to be able to prevent genotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by cadmium exposure in multiple organs of Wistar rats.