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Chemosphere Dec 2023This manuscript presents a systematic review of PCB half-lives reported in the scientific literature. The review was completed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and... (Review)
Review
This manuscript presents a systematic review of PCB half-lives reported in the scientific literature. The review was completed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and included a review of almost 1000 peer-reviewed publications. In total, 26 articles were found to report half-lives in humans, with the majority of data coming from studies performed in North America on individuals suspected to have been exposed to PCBs. Terminology for reporting PCB half-lives was inconsistent, so we have attempted to consolidate this and recommend using either "apparent half-life" or "intrinsic half-life" in future studies. Within the literature, values for reported half-lives varied considerably for different PCBs. Less chlorinated PCBs generally have shorter half-lives than more chlorinated PCBs. It was interesting to note the large variability of half-lives reported for the same PCB. For example, the reported half-life for PCB 180 varied by nearly 3 orders of magnitude (0.34 years-300 years). Our review identified that the half-lives estimated were largely dependent on the studied cohort. We discuss the importance of PCB body burden, degree of chlorination and PCB structure, gender, age, breastfeeding, BMI, and smoking status on half-life estimations. We also identified significantly shorter half-lives for some PCBs in occupationally exposed individuals compared to results reported from the general population. PCB half-lives are not the same for every PCB or every individual. Therefore, careful consideration is needed when these values are used in human exposure studies.
Topics: Female; Humans; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Half-Life; Breast Feeding; Body Burden; North America; Environmental Pollutants
PubMed: 37832892
DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140359 -
Journal of Hazardous Materials Sep 2023Further investigations are required to prove that polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) exposure is a cardiovascular disease risk factor. Unlike previous studies that...
Further investigations are required to prove that polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) exposure is a cardiovascular disease risk factor. Unlike previous studies that attributed the atherogenic effect of PCBs to aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation, we illustrated a new mechanism involved in the redox reactivity of PCBs. We discover the redox reactivity of quinone moiety is the primary factor for PCB29-pQ-induced proinflammatory response, which highly depends on the status of caveolin 1 (CAV1) phosphorylation. PCB29-pQ-mediated CAV1 phosphorylation disrupts endothelial nitric oxide synthase, toll-like receptor 4, and reduces interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 binding with CAV1. Phosphorylated proteomics analysis indicated that PCB29-pQ treatment significantly enriched phosphorylated peptides in protein binding functions, inflammation, and apoptosis signaling. Meanwhile, apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE) mice exposed to PCB29-pQ had increased atherosclerotic plaques compared to the vehicle group, while this effect was significantly reduced in ApoE/CAV1 double knockout mice. Thus, we hypothesis CAV1 is a platform for proinflammatory cascades induced by PCB29-pQ on atherosclerotic processes. Together, these findings confirm that the redox activity of PCB metabolite plays a role in the etiology of atherosclerosis.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Phosphorylation; Caveolin 1; Quinones; Atherosclerosis
PubMed: 37257380
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131697 -
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex... Sep 2023As a group of pollutants listed in the Stockholm Convention, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) should be eliminated and their releases should be controlled. For this...
As a group of pollutants listed in the Stockholm Convention, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) should be eliminated and their releases should be controlled. For this purpose, a complete PCB emission inventory is urgently required. Current unintentional releases of PCB were dominantly focused on waste incineration and non-ferrous metal production industries. The formation of PCB in chlorinated chemical manufacturing processes is poorly understood. In this study, occurrences and inventory of dioxin-like PCB (dl-PCB) in three typical chemical manufacturing processes, including chlorobenzene and chloroethylene production processes, were investigated. The bottom residues, which were high boiling point by-products after rectification tower, contained higher concentration of PCB than other stage samples in monochlorobenzene production and trichloroethylene production processes. The PCB concentrations were as high as 1.58 ng/mL and 152.87 ng/mL, respectively, which should be further concerned. The toxic equivalent quantities (TEQ) of dl-PCB in monochlorobenzene, trichloroethylene, and tetrachloroethylene products were 0.25 μg TEQ/t, 1.14 μg TEQ/t, and 5.23 μg TEQ/t, respectively. The mass concentration and TEQ of dl-PCB determined in this research can be used for the further development of dl-PCB emission inventory from these chemical manufacturing industries. In addition, temporal and spatial trends of PCB releases from typical chemical manufacturing processes from 1952 to 2018 in China were clarified. The releases increased rapidly in the latest two decades and presented an expansion tendency from the southeast coastal areas to northern and central areas. The continuing upward trend for the output and the high dl-PCB TEQ of chloroethylene indicated significant releases of PCB from chemical manufacturing processes and should receive more attention.
Topics: Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Dioxins; Vinyl Chloride; Trichloroethylene; Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins; Chlorobenzenes; China; Dibenzofurans, Polychlorinated
PubMed: 37330188
DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122064 -
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety Jun 20243,3',4,4',5-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB126) is the most toxic congener of dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL PCBs), while nanoplastics (NPs) have recently emerged as...
3,3',4,4',5-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB126) is the most toxic congener of dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL PCBs), while nanoplastics (NPs) have recently emerged as significant marine pollutants, both posing threats to aquatic organisms and human health. They coexist in the environment, but their comprehensive toxicological effects remain unclear. In this study, zebrafish embryos were simultaneously exposed to PCB126 and 80-nanometer nanoplastyrene (NPS). Researchers utilized fluorescence microscopy, qPCR, histopathological examination, and transcriptomic sequencing to investigate the developmental toxicity of different concentrations of PCB126 and NPS individually or in combination on zebrafish embryos and larvae. Results indicate that the chorion significantly impedes the accumulation of NPS (p < 0.05). It is noteworthy that this barrier effect diminishes upon simultaneous exposure to PCB126. In this experiment, the semi-lethal concentration of PCB126 for larvae was determined to be 6.33 μg/L. Exposure to PCB126 induces various deformities, primarily mediated through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). Similarly, exposure to NPS also activates AHR, leading to developmental impairments. Furthermore, transcriptomic sequencing revealed similar effects of PCB126 and NPS on the gene expression trends in zebrafish larvae, but combined exposure to both exacerbates the risk of cancer and induces more severe cardiac toxicity. At this level, co-exposure to PCB126 and NPS adversely affects the development of zebrafish larvae. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the in vivo accumulation of DL polychlorinated biphenyls and microplastics in actual aquatic environments and their impact on fish development.
Topics: Animals; Zebrafish; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Larva; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Polystyrenes; Embryo, Nonmammalian; Microplastics; Nanoparticles
PubMed: 38718726
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116419 -
Environmental Research Mar 2024Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are chemicals characterized by their environmental persistence. Evidence suggests that exposure to POPs, which is ubiquitous, is... (Review)
Review
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, polychlorinated biphenyls, organochlorine pesticides, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers and dysregulation of MicroRNA expression in humans and animals-A systematic review.
BACKGROUND
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are chemicals characterized by their environmental persistence. Evidence suggests that exposure to POPs, which is ubiquitous, is associated with microRNA (miRNA) dysregulation. miRNA are key regulators in many physiological processes. It is thus of public health concern to understand the relationships between POPs and miRNA as related to health outcomes.
OBJECTIVES
This systematic review evaluated the relationship between widely recognized, intentionally manufactured, POPs, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and organochlorine pesticides (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane [DDT], dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene [DDE], hexachlorobenzene [HCB]), with miRNA expression in both human and animal studies.
METHODS
We used PubMed and Embase to systematically search the literature up to September 29th, 2023. Search results for human and animal studies were included if they incorporated at least one POP of interest in relation to at least one miRNA. Data were synthesized to determine the direction and significance of associations between POPs and miRNA. We utilized ingenuity pathway analysis to review disease pathways for miRNA that were associated with POPs.
RESULTS
Our search identified 38 eligible studies: 9 in humans and 29 in model organisms. PFAS were associated with decreased expression of miR-19, miR-193b, and miR-92b, as well as increased expression of miR-128, miR-199a-3p, and miR-26b across species. PCBs were associated with increased expression of miR-15a, miR-1537, miR-21, miR-22-3p, miR-223, miR-30b, and miR-34a, as well as decreased expression of miR-130a and let-7b in both humans and animals. Pathway analysis for POP-associated miRNA identified pathways related to carcinogenesis.
DISCUSSION
This is the first systematic review of the association of POPs with miRNA in humans and model organisms. Large-scale prospective human studies are warranted to examine the role of miRNA as mediators between POPs and health outcomes.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Prospective Studies; Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated; Environmental Pollutants; Pesticides; MicroRNAs; Fluorocarbons
PubMed: 38056610
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117832 -
Data in Brief Dec 2023The accumulation of contaminants in aquatic organisms is of concern to human health due to the potential for exposure through the consumption of seafood. This dataset...
Time series data (2008-2023) of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans and polychlorinated biphenyls in bivalves from Shellfish Production Areas of the Basque coast (SE Bay of Biscay).
The accumulation of contaminants in aquatic organisms is of concern to human health due to the potential for exposure through the consumption of seafood. This dataset presents the levels of 17 polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), and 12 dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs) (PCB-81, PCB-77, PCB-126, PCB-169, PCB-123, PCB-118, PCB-114, PCB-105, PCB-167, PCB-156, PCB-157 and PCB-189) in bivalves collected annually between 2008 and 2023 from the four Shellfish Production Areas of the Basque coast (southeastern Bay of Biscay). Additionally, data on 6 non-dioxin like polychlorinated biphenyls (NDL-PCBs) (PCB-28, PCB-52, PCB-101, PCB-153, PCB-138 and PCB-180) is provided for the 2012-2023 time period. Depending on the availability of bivalves at each Shellfish Production Area, different species, such as mussels () and oysters ( and ) were used for the evaluation. Bivalve samples were analyzed at the accredited Laboratory of Dioxins of the Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research - CSIC in Spain, following standardized methodologies according to the specific requirements established at the corresponding EU Regulation. Concentrations and the World Health Organization-Toxic Equivalents (WHO-TEQ) were calculated. Considering the data from the four Shellfish Production Areas and the study period, WHO-TEQ values ranged from 0.12 to 0.64 pg g wet weight for PCDD/Fs and from 0.45 to 2.23 pg g wet weight for DL-PCBs, whereas concentrations ranged from 7.45 to 51.10 ng g wet weight for NDL-PCBs. This database is useful for (i) assessing the spatial and temporal trends of PCDD/Fs and various PCBs in bivalves from the Basque coast, (ii) determining the relative contribution of different congeners, (iii) comparison with levels for human consumption and environmental quality standards, as well as with levels of other biogeographical areas, and (iv) the management of Shellfish Production Areas on the Basque coast.
PubMed: 38020436
DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2023.109751 -
The Science of the Total Environment Mar 2024Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a class of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) widely present in the environment. PCBs have been of concern due to their... (Review)
Review
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a class of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) widely present in the environment. PCBs have been of concern due to their anti/estrogen-like effects, which make them more toxic to the female reproductive system. However, there is still a lack of systematic reviews on the reproductive toxicity of PCBs in females, so the adverse effects and mechanisms of PCBs on the female reproductive system were summarized in this paper. Our findings showed that PCBs are positively associated with lower pregnancy rate, hormone disruption, miscarriage and various reproductive diseases in women. In animal experiments, PCBs can damage the structure and function of the ovaries, uterus and oviducts. Also, PCBs could produce epigenetic effects and be transferred to the offspring through the maternal placenta, causing development retardation, malformation and death of embryos, and damage to organs of multiple generations. Furthermore, the mechanisms of PCBs-induced female reproductive toxicity mainly include receptor-mediated hormone disorders, oxidative stress, apoptosis, autophagy, and epigenetic modifications. Finally, we also present some directions for future research on the reproductive toxicity of PCBs. This detailed information provided a valuable reference for fully understanding the reproductive toxicity of PCBs.
Topics: Pregnancy; Animals; Female; Humans; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Systematic Reviews as Topic; Reproduction; Estrogens; Ovary; Environmental Pollutants
PubMed: 38309369
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170543 -
Journal of Environmental Management Oct 2023Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are chemicals which have been persisting in the environment for many years due to their longer half-lives. POPs have gained... (Review)
Review
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are chemicals which have been persisting in the environment for many years due to their longer half-lives. POPs have gained attention over the last few decades due to the unsustainable management of chemicals which led to their widespread and massive contamination of biota from different strata and environments. Due to the widespread distribution, bio-accumulation and toxic behavior, POPs have become a risk for organisms and environment. Therefore, a focus is required to eliminate these chemicals from the environment or transform into non-toxic forms. Among the available techniques for the removal of POPs, most of them are inefficient or incur high operational costs. As an alternative to this, microbial bioremediation of POPs such as pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, pharmaceuticals and personal care products is much more efficient and cost-effective. Additionally, bacteria play a vital role in the biotransformation and solubilization of POPs, which reduces their toxicity. This review specifies the Stockholm Convention that evaluates the risk profile for the management of existing as well as emerging POPs. The sources, types and persistence of POPs along with the comparison of conventional elimination and bioremediation methods of POPs are discussed comprehensively. This study demonstrates the existing bioremediation techniques of POPs and summaries the potential of microbes which serve as enhanced, cost-effective, and eco-friendly approach for POPs elimination.
Topics: Persistent Organic Pollutants; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Environmental Pollutants; Biota; Environmental Monitoring; Pesticides
PubMed: 37384989
DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118492 -
Nutrition Research Reviews Dec 2023Understanding the transfer of polychlorinated dibenzo--dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs) as well as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from oral exposure into... (Review)
Review
Transfer of polychlorinated dibenzo--dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from oral exposure into cow's milk - part II: toxicokinetic predictive models for risk assessment.
Understanding the transfer of polychlorinated dibenzo--dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs) as well as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from oral exposure into cow's milk is not purely an experimental endeavour, as it has produced a large corpus of theoretical work. This work consists of a variety of predictive toxicokinetic models in the realms of health and environmental risk assessment and risk management. Their purpose is to provide mathematical predictive tools to organise and integrate knowledge on the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion processes. Toxicokinetic models are based on more than 50 years of transfer studies summarised in part I of this review series. Here in part II, several of these models are described and systematically classified with a focus on their applicability to risk analysis as well as their limitations. This part of the review highlights the opportunities and challenges along the way towards accurate, congener-specific predictive models applicable to changing animal breeds and husbandry conditions.
Topics: Female; Animals; Cattle; Humans; Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins; Milk; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Dibenzofurans; Toxicokinetics; Dibenzofurans, Polychlorinated; Benzofurans; Risk Assessment
PubMed: 36345910
DOI: 10.1017/S0954422422000208 -
Environmental Research Jan 2024An Endocrine Disrupting Chemical (EDC) is any compound that disrupts the function of the endocrine system in humans and is ubiquitous in the environment either as a... (Review)
Review
An Endocrine Disrupting Chemical (EDC) is any compound that disrupts the function of the endocrine system in humans and is ubiquitous in the environment either as a result of natural events or through anthropogenic activities. Bisphenol A, phthalates, parabens, pesticides, triclosan, polychlorinated biphenyls, and heavy metals, which are frequently found in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and packaging sectors, are some of the major sources of EDC pollutants. EDCs have been identified to have a deteriorating effect on the female reproductive system, as evidenced by the increasing number of reproductive disorders such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome, premature ovarian failure, menstrual irregularity, menarche, and infertility. Studying EDCs in relation to women's health is essential for understanding the complex interactions between environmental factors and health outcomes. It enables the development of strategies to mitigate risks, protect reproductive and overall health, and inform public policy decisions to safeguard women's well-being. Healthcare professionals must know the possible dangers of EDC exposure and ask about environmental exposures while evaluating patients. This may result in more precise diagnosis and personalized treatment regimens. This review summarises the existing understanding of prevalent EDCs that impact women's health and involvement in female reproductive dysfunction and underscores the need for more research. Further insights on potential mechanisms of action of EDCs on female has been emphasized in the article. We also discuss the role of nutritional intervention in reducing the effect of EDCs on women's reproductive health. EDC pollution can be further reduced by adhering to strict regulations prohibiting the release of estrogenic substances into the environment.
Topics: Humans; Female; Endocrine Disruptors; Reproductive Health; Reproduction; Environmental Pollutants; Environmental Exposure; Women's Health
PubMed: 37838203
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117385