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The Science of the Total Environment Jan 2024Marine mammals are recognized sentinels of ecosystem health. They are susceptible to the accumulation and biomagnification of pollutants, which constitute one of the... (Review)
Review
Marine mammals are recognized sentinels of ecosystem health. They are susceptible to the accumulation and biomagnification of pollutants, which constitute one of the greatest threats to their survival. Legacy, such as organochlorine pesticides, and emerging contaminants, like microplastics and pharmaceuticals, may have effects on marine mammals' health at individual and population levels. Therefore, the evaluation of the risks associated with pollutants in this group is of great importance. The aim of this review is to provide information on the occurrence of legacy and emerging contaminants in marine mammals that inhabit Argentine waters. Also, to identify knowledge gaps and suggest best practices for future research. Reports of legacy contaminants referring to organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls were found in five species of cetaceans and two of pinnipeds. With respect to emerging pollutants, the presence of plastics was only evaluated in three species. Reported data was from at least a decade ago. Therefore, it is necessary to update existing information and conduct continuous monitoring to assess temporary trends in pollutants. All the studies were carried out in the province of Buenos Aires and Northern Patagonia indicating a knowledge gap in the southern zone of the Argentine Sea. In addition, pollutants of global environmental concern that have not been studied in Argentina are discussed. Future studies should fill these gaps and a greater effort to understand the relationships between pollutants and their effects on marine mammals is suggested. This issue will make it possible to determine thresholds for all the substances and species evaluated in order to carry out more detailed risk assessments and make decisions for the conservation of marine mammals in Argentine waters.
Topics: Animals; Ecosystem; Environmental Monitoring; Plastics; Argentina; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Caniformia; Cetacea; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated; Environmental Pollutants; Pesticides
PubMed: 37802361
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167561 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024The aim of this study was to evaluate contamination levels and the frequency of detection of organochlorine (OCPs) and organophosphate pesticides (OPPs), pyrethroids,...
The aim of this study was to evaluate contamination levels and the frequency of detection of organochlorine (OCPs) and organophosphate pesticides (OPPs), pyrethroids, carbamates and polychlorinated biphenyls (seven PCB congeners) in a total of 534 samples of cow's, sheep's and goat's milk and dairy products from Croatia. Concentrations above the limit of quantification (LOQ) were measured for fourteen OCPs, nine OPPs, six pyrethroids, one carbamate and PCBs with a total of 172 results, and no concentrations exceeded the maximal residue levels defined by the European Union. The mean concentrations of pesticides and the sum of seven PCBs were determined in the ranges 0.92-17.4 μg/kg and 1.38-2.74 μg/kg. Pesticides were quantified in 27% of samples, and seven PCBs were quantified in 5.23% of samples. Among the three pesticide groups, the highest numbers of quantified results were found for OCPs (12.1-20.8%). The highest frequencies of detection were found for the sum of 4,4'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and its isomers (DDTs), hexachlorobenzene and seven PCBs. The sum of seven PCBs was quantified within the range of 3.3-6.67% of samples per milk type and dairy products. Among the OPPs, the highest frequency of detection was found for chlorpyrifos in cow's milk. Based on the estimated daily intakes, chronic risk characterisation showed no risk for adults or ten-year-old children for the consumption of cow's milk and dairy products.
PubMed: 38672828
DOI: 10.3390/foods13081155 -
Archives of Toxicology May 2024The objective of the present study was to review the molecular mechanisms of the adverse effects of environmental pollutants on chondrocytes and extracellular matrix... (Review)
Review
The objective of the present study was to review the molecular mechanisms of the adverse effects of environmental pollutants on chondrocytes and extracellular matrix (ECM). Existing data demonstrate that both heavy metals, including cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and arsenic (As), as well as organic pollutants, including polychlorinated dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), bisphenol A, phthalates, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), pesticides, and certain other organic pollutants that target cartilage ontogeny and functioning. Overall, environmental pollutants reduce chondrocyte viability through the induction apoptosis, senescence, and inflammatory response, resulting in cell death and impaired ECM production. The effects of organic pollutants on chondrocyte development and viability were shown to be mediated by binding to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) signaling and modulation of non-coding RNA expression. Adverse effects of pollutant exposures were observed in articular and growth plate chondrocytes. These mechanisms also damage chondrocyte precursors and subsequently hinder cartilage development. In addition, pollutant exposure was shown to impair chondrogenesis by inhibiting the expression of Sox9 and other regulators. Along with altered Runx2 signaling, these effects also contribute to impaired chondrocyte hypertrophy and chondrocyte-to-osteoblast trans-differentiation, resulting in altered endochondral ossification. Several organic pollutants including PCDD/Fs, PCBs and PAHs, were shown to induce transgenerational adverse effects on cartilage development and the resulting skeletal deformities. Despite of epidemiological evidence linking human environmental pollutant exposure to osteoarthritis or other cartilage pathologies, the data on the molecular mechanisms of adverse effects of environmental pollutant exposure on cartilage tissue were obtained from studies in laboratory rodents, fish, or cell cultures and should be carefully extrapolated to humans, although they clearly demonstrate that cartilage should be considered a putative target for environmental pollutant toxicity.
PubMed: 38758407
DOI: 10.1007/s00204-024-03772-9 -
Bioengineered Dec 2023Human health/socioeconomic development is closely correlated to environmental pollution, highlighting the need to monitor contaminants in the real environment with... (Review)
Review
Human health/socioeconomic development is closely correlated to environmental pollution, highlighting the need to monitor contaminants in the real environment with reliable devices such as biosensors. Recently, variety of biosensors gained high attention and employed as application, in real-time, and cost-effective analytical tools for healthy environment. For continuous environmental monitoring, it is necessary for portable, cost-effective, quick, and flexible biosensing devices. These benefits of the biosensor strategy are related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations (UN), especially with reference to clean water and sources of energy. However, the relationship between SDGs and biosensor application for environmental monitoring is not well understood. In addition, some limitations and challenges might hinder the biosensor application on environmental monitoring. Herein, we reviewed the different types of biosensors, principle and applications, and their correlation with SDG 6, 12, 13, 14, and 15 as a reference for related authorities and administrators to consider. In this review, biosensors for different pollutants such as heavy metals and organics were documented. The present study highlights the application of biosensor for achieving SDGs. Current advantages and future research aspects are summarized in this paper. ATP: Adenosine triphosphate; BOD: Biological oxygen demand; COD: Chemical oxygen demand; Cu-TCPP: Cu-porphyrin; DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid; EDCs: Endocrine disrupting chemicals; EPA: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Fc-HPNs: Ferrocene (Fc)-based hollow polymeric nanospheres; FeO@3D-GO: FeO@three-dimensional graphene oxide; GC: Gas chromatography; GCE: Glassy carbon electrode; GFP: Green fluorescent protein; GHGs: Greenhouse gases; HPLC: High performance liquid chromatography; ICP-MS: Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry; ITO: Indium tin oxide; LAS: Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate; : Laser-induced graphene; LOD: Limit of detection; ME: Magnetoelastic; MFC: Microbial fuel cell; MIP: Molecular imprinting polymers; MWCNT: Multi-walled carbon nanotube; MXC: Microbial electrochemical cell-based; NA: Nucleic acid; OBP: Odorant binding protein; OPs: Organophosphorus; PAHs: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; PBBs: Polybrominated biphenyls; PBDEs: Polybrominated diphenyl ethers; PCBs: Polychlorinated biphenyls; PGE: Polycrystalline gold electrode; photoMFC: photosynthetic MFC; POPs: Persistent organic pollutants; rGO: Reduced graphene oxide; : Ribonucleic acid; SDGs: Sustainable Development Goals; SERS: Surface enhancement Raman spectrum; SPGE: Screen-printed gold electrode; SPR: Surface plasmon resonance; SWCNTs: single-walled carbon nanotubes; TCPP: Tetrakis (4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin; TIRF: Total internal reflection fluorescence; TIRF: Total internal reflection fluorescence; TOL: Toluene-catabolic; TPHs: Total petroleum hydrocarbons; UN: United Nations; VOCs: Volatile organic compounds.
Topics: Humans; Sustainable Development; Nanotubes, Carbon; Environmental Monitoring; Biosensing Techniques; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Gold
PubMed: 37377408
DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2095089 -
The Science of the Total Environment Aug 2023Recycled bioresources (biosolids, compost-like-output, meat and bonemeal ash, poultry litter ash, paper sludge ash) were added to the feed of dairy cattle to simulate...
Transfer of polychlorinated, polybrominated and mixed-halogenated dioxins, furans and biphenyls, polychlorinated naphthalenes and alkanes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and chlorobenzenes to the milk of dairy cattle from controlled ingestion of industrial and municipal bioresources recycled to...
Recycled bioresources (biosolids, compost-like-output, meat and bonemeal ash, poultry litter ash, paper sludge ash) were added to the feed of dairy cattle to simulate incidental ingestion from agricultural utilisation, to investigate the transfer of organic contaminants from the ingested materials to milk. The bioresources were blended with a loamy sand soil at agronomic rates to simulate a single application to land, which was added to the diet at 5 % of the total intake on a dry matter (DM) basis. Biosolids, and control treatments consisting of unamended soil, were also added directly to the feed at 5 % DM. The cattle were fed the bioresource amended diets for a target period of three to four weeks, depending on material, and monitoring continued for four weeks after treatment withdrawal. Milk samples were taken weekly with chemical analysis of selected samples for a range of organic contaminants including: polychlorinated, polybrominated and mixed-halogenated dioxins, furans and biphenyls, polychlorinated naphthalenes and alkanes (often called chlorinated paraffins), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and chlorobenzenes. No statistically significant additional transfer of organic contaminants to the milk was detected due to the relatively low levels of contaminants present when the bioresources were incorporated with soil at agronomic rates. However, direct biosolids ingestion by cattle significantly increased the transfer of contaminants to milk in comparison to control animals. Although present in larger concentrations in biosolids than their chlorinated counterparts, the carry over rates and bioconcentration factors of brominated dioxins and furans were considerably smaller. Direct ingestion of biosolids resulted in most contaminants approaching, but not always completely reaching, steady state concentrations within the treatment feeding period, however, concentrations generally declined to control values within four-weeks after withdrawing the biosolids-amended diet.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Milk; Dioxins; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; Naphthalenes; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Chlorobenzenes; Furans; Alkanes; Biosolids; Soil; Eating
PubMed: 37080322
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163546 -
JACC. Cardiovascular Interventions Dec 2023There are no data comparing sirolimus-coated balloons (SCBs [MagicTouch, Concept Medical]) to paclitaxel-coated balloons (PCBs [SeQuent Please Neo, B. Braun]) for the... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
There are no data comparing sirolimus-coated balloons (SCBs [MagicTouch, Concept Medical]) to paclitaxel-coated balloons (PCBs [SeQuent Please Neo, B. Braun]) for the treatment of de novo small vessel disease (SVD).
OBJECTIVES
This study sought to compare quantitative coronary angiographic outcomes at 6 months after treatment of de novo SVD with a PCB or SCB.
METHODS
This prospective, multicenter, noninferiority trial randomized 121 patients (129 SVD lesions) to treatment with an SCB or PCB, with balloon sizing determined using optical coherence tomography. The primary endpoint was noninferiority for the 6-month angiographic net lumen gain.
RESULTS
Angiographic follow-up was completed in 109 (90.1%) patients in the per-protocol analysis. The mean ± SD angiographic net gains were 0.25 ± 0.40 mm with SCBs vs 0.48 ± 0.37 mm with PCBs, resulting in SCBs failing to meet the 0.30 mm criterion for noninferiority (P = 0.173), with an absolute difference of -0.23 mm (95% CI: -0.37 to -0.09) secondary to a smaller late loss (0.00 ± 0.32 mm vs 0.32 ± 0.47 mm; P < 0.001) and more frequent late lumen enlargement (53.7% vs 30.0%; OR: 2.60; 95% CI: 1.22-5.67; P = 0.014) with PCBs. Binary restenosis rates were 32.8% and 12.5% following treatment with SCBs and PCBs, respectively (OR: 3.41; 95% CI: 1.36-9.44; P = 0.012). The mean angiography-derived fractional flow ratio at follow-up was 0.86 ± 0.15 following treatment with SCBs and 0.91 ± 0.09 following PCBs (P = 0.026); a fractional flow ratio ≤0.80 occurred in 13 and 5 vessels after treatment with SCBs and PCBs, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
The SCB MagicTouch failed to demonstrate noninferiority for angiographic net lumen gain at 6 months compared to the PCB SeQuent Please Neo.
Topics: Humans; Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary; Coated Materials, Biocompatible; Coronary Angiography; Coronary Restenosis; Paclitaxel; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Prospective Studies; Sirolimus; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Diseases
PubMed: 37877914
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcin.2023.09.026 -
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex... Aug 2023Understanding the environmental and human impacts associated with polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls...
Understanding the environmental and human impacts associated with polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs) exposure from municipal solid waste incinerators (MSWIs) is challenging because information on ambient and dietary exposure levels, spatial characteristics, and potential exposure routes is limited. In this study, 20 households from two villages located on the upwind and downwind sides of a MSWI were selected to characterize the concentration and spatial distribution of PCDD/F and DL-PCB compounds in ambient and food samples, such as dust, air, soil, chicken, egg, and rice samples. The source of exposure was identified using congener profiles and principal component analysis. Overall, the dust and rice samples had the highest and lowest mean dioxin concentrations, respectively. Significant differences were observed (p < 0.01) in PCDD/F concentrations in chicken samples and DL-PCB concentrations in rice and air samples between the upwind and downwind villages. The exposure assessment indicated that the primary risk source was dietary exposure, especially from eggs, which had a PCDD/F toxic equivalency (TEQ) range of 0.31-14.38 pg TEQ/kg body weight (bw)/day, leading to adults in one household and children in two households exceeding the World Health Organization-defined threshold of 4 pg TEQ/kg bw/day. Chicken was the main contributor to the differences between upwind and downwind exposure. Based on the established congener profiles, the exposure routes of PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs from the environment to food to humans were clarified.
Topics: Child; Humans; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Dioxins; Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins; Solid Waste; Dibenzofurans; Dibenzofurans, Polychlorinated; Dust
PubMed: 37201569
DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121840 -
International Journal of Hygiene and... Sep 2023Peripubertal concentrations of serum dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have demonstrated associations with altered age of pubertal onset and sexual maturity...
BACKGROUND
Peripubertal concentrations of serum dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have demonstrated associations with altered age of pubertal onset and sexual maturity in boys, but associations with pubertal progression have received less attention.
METHODS
The Russian Children's Study is a prospective cohort of 516 boys enrolled in 2003-2005 at age 8 or 9 and followed annually up to 19 years of age. Serum concentrations of dioxin-like toxic equivalents (TEQs), polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and non-dioxin-like PCBs (NDL-PCBs) and whole blood lead levels (BLLs) were quantified from blood samples collected at study entry (age 8-9). Testicular volume (TV) was assessed annually using a Prader orchidometer. Pubertal trajectories were identified by applying Group-Based Trajectory Models (GBTMs) to TV measured from ages 8-19. Associations of peripubertal serum TEQs, PCDDs, PCDFs, and NDL-PCBs with specific progression trajectories were modeled using multinomial logistic regression, adjusting for each boy's birthweight, and for BLL, body mass index and nutritional factors at study entry.
RESULTS
Among 489 eligible boys with available exposure measures, we identified three pubertal trajectories using GBTMs: slower (34% of boys), moderate (48%) and faster (18%). Boys with higher peripubertal serum TEQs had higher adjusted odds of being in the moderate versus faster trajectory (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.79, 95% CI 1.01, 3.13) and the slower versus faster trajectory (aOR 1.52, 95% CI 0.82, 2.78) per 1 log unit increase in serum TEQs. Boys with higher peripubertal serum PCDFs had higher adjusted odds of being in the moderate compared to the faster trajectory (aOR 1.92, 95% CI 1.20, 3.03) and of being in the slower versus the faster trajectory (aOR 1.42, 95% CI 0.91, 2.33) per 1 log unit increase. Boys with higher NDL-PCBs had higher adjusted odds of being in the faster trajectory versus the moderate (aOR 2.56, 95% CI 0.91-7.20) or slower (aOR 3.31, 95% CI 1.07, 10.25) trajectory. Boys with higher blood lead levels also had higher adjusted odds of being in the slower trajectory of pubertal progression, compared to either the faster (aOR 1.47, 95% CI 0.89, 2.44) or moderate (aOR 1.20, 95% CI 0.83, 1.75) trajectories, per 1 log unit increase in BLL, although these associations did not attain statistical significance.
CONCLUSION
Boys' peripubertal exposure to dioxins and certain PCBs may alter pubertal progression.
Topics: Male; Child; Humans; Lead; Dioxins; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Prospective Studies; Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins; Dibenzofurans, Polychlorinated; Procarbazine; Russia
PubMed: 37981979
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2022.114096 -
Reproductive Sciences (Thousand Oaks,... Apr 2024Endometriosis, characterized by endometrial-like mucosal tissue outside the uterine cavity, is a reproductive disorder afflicting about 10% of women within the... (Review)
Review
Endometriosis, characterized by endometrial-like mucosal tissue outside the uterine cavity, is a reproductive disorder afflicting about 10% of women within the reproductive age. The pathogenesis of endometriosis has been attributed to factors like genetics, environmental particles, and hormones. A comprehensive review of studies from July 2010 to July 2023 across multiple databases was done to aid in a better understanding of the same. The investigation focused on studies delineating the correlation between endocrine disruptors, microRNAs, and endometriosis. To optimize the search scope, keywords and subject headings were used as search terms. Then, two authors rigorously assessed studies using criteria, selecting 27 studies from various databases. Notably, dioxins, organochlorine pesticides, and polychlorinated biphenyls exhibited a solid connection for endometriosis, while bisphenol A and phthalates yielded conflicting results. The heightened presence of bisphenol A, polychlorinated biphenyls, and phthalates was linked to altered gene expression, including genes like AKR1B10, AKR1C3, and FAM49B. MicroRNAs like miRNA-31, miRNA-144, and miRNA-145 emerged as vital factors in the onset of endometriosis and progression. Furthermore, elevated expression of miR-1304-3p, miR-544, and miR-3684 and reduced expression of miR-3935 and miR-4427 exert substantial influence on signaling pathways like NF-κB, MAPK, and Wnt/β-catenin. Currently, literature shows an independent link between endocrine disruptor exposure and endometriosis and between microRNA dysregulation and endometriosis. However, research lacks the combination of all three factors. The review delves into the effects of endocrine disruptors and microRNAs on the pathogenesis of endometriosis to improve our understanding of the disorder and in finding therapies.
Topics: Humans; Female; MicroRNAs; Endometriosis; Endocrine Disruptors; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Environmental Pollutants; Benzhydryl Compounds; Phenols
PubMed: 38036864
DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01412-8 -
Environmental Science. Processes &... Aug 2023Microplastics (MPs) are emerging pollutants of global concern due to their pervasiveness, high sorption ability for persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and direct and...
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging pollutants of global concern due to their pervasiveness, high sorption ability for persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and direct and indirect toxicity to marine organisms, ecosystems, as well as humans. As one of the major coastal interfaces, beaches are considered among the most affected ecosystems by MPs pollution. The morphological characteristics of MPs (pellets and fragments) collected from four beaches along the Tunisian coast and sorbed POPs, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), were investigated in this study. The results showed that the MPs varied greatly in color, polymer composition and degradation degree. The color varied from colored to transparent and the most prevalent polymer identified using Raman spectroscopy was polyethylene. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images exhibited various surface degradation features including cavities, cracks, attached diatom remains, The concentrations of ΣPCBs over all beaches ranged from 14 to 632 ng g and 26 to 112 ng g in the pellets and fragments, respectively, with a notable presence and dominance of highly-chlorinated PCBs such as CB-153 and -138. Among the OCPs, γ-HCH is the only compound detected with concentrations ranging from 0.4 to 9.7 ng g and 0.7 to 4.2 ng g in the pellets and fragments, respectively. Our findings indicate that MPs found on the Tunisian coast may pose a chemical risk to marine organisms as the concentrations of PCBs and γ-HCH in most of the analysed samples exceeded the sediment-quality guidelines (SQG), especially the effects range medium (ERM) and the probable effects level (PEL). As the first report of its kind, the information gathered in this study can serve as the baseline and starting point for future monitoring work for Tunisia and neighbouring countries, as well as for stakeholders and coastal managers in decision-making processes.
Topics: Humans; Ecosystem; Environmental Monitoring; Environmental Pollutants; Hexachlorocyclohexane; Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated; Mediterranean Sea; Microplastics; Persistent Organic Pollutants; Pesticides; Plastics; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Tunisia; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Animals
PubMed: 37401332
DOI: 10.1039/d3em00169e