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Pediatric Research Nov 2023Phthalates exposure might affect children's intelligence development. This study aimed to determine (1) whether sex and age affect cognitive function and (2) whether sex... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Phthalates exposure might affect children's intelligence development. This study aimed to determine (1) whether sex and age affect cognitive function and (2) whether sex differences in cognitive performance are wider with higher phthalate concentrations.
METHODS
Data were collected from PubMed (1998-2022), PROQUEST (1997-2022), and SpringerLink (1995-2022). The study followed the PRISMA process. The included articles were followed by PECO framework. The GRADE applied to assess the certainty of evidence. Of 2422 articles obtained, nine were selected using inclusion criteria. The random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled effects.
RESULTS
Our meta-regression indicated a significant difference between sex differences with age at phthalate concentration assessment (β = -0.25; 95% CI = -0.47, -0.03) and MEHP concentration (β = -0.20; 95% CI = -0.37, -0.03).
CONCLUSIONS
The limitation of the current article is it only provides information on intelligence level rather than other aspects of cognitive function. Thus, the sequelae of phthalate exposure on attention and executive function are still unclear. Our analysis shows significant difference between sex differences in cognitive function scores associated with age at phthalate concentration assessment. Girls might be more resilient in cognitive function at a younger age or during lower concentrations of phthalates metabolites.
IMPACT
This is the first meta-analysis to evaluate the pooled estimates of sex differences in objective cognitive functions among children with phthalate exposure. The female might be a protective factor when exposed to toxic plasticizers while the concentration is low. This study captures the possible role of sex in cognitive functioning and plasticizer exposure through a meta-analysis of children's sex, cognitive scores, and plasticizer exposure.
Topics: Humans; Child; Male; Female; Plasticizers; Sex Characteristics; Cognition; Phthalic Acids; Environmental Exposure; Environmental Pollutants
PubMed: 37264138
DOI: 10.1038/s41390-023-02672-5 -
Toxicology and Industrial Health Mar 2022Bisphenol A (BPA), which is used for the industrial production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, is found in many commercially available products. Plasticizer...
Bisphenol A (BPA), which is used for the industrial production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, is found in many commercially available products. Plasticizer BPA produces chemical substances worldwide, and knowledge of its effects on humans and animals is increasing. In the present work, the morphology of cells was observed by optical microscopy and phalloidin staining to evaluate the toxic effect of BPA on Neuro-2a cells. Autophagy has an important role in the regulation of cell metabolism. To study the effect of BPA on the autophagy in Neuro-2a cells, the expression distribution of LC3 was detected by immunofluorescence, and the expression levels of p62 and Beclin1 were determined using western blot and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), respectively. Optical microscopy and phalloidin staining revealed that the cells became rounded and small and that the dendritic spine of the cells were reduced at high BPA doses. Immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that the expression of LC3 fluorescence intensity was weak at increasing BPA concentrations. Western blot results showed that the relative expression of protein p62 increased significantly and that the relative expression levels of the Beclin1 and the LC3 proteins significantly decreased with increasing BPA concentration. qRT-PCR results showed that the relative expression level of autophagy-related p62 mRNA increased significantly and that the relative expression level of Beclin1 mRNA decreased significantly with increasing BPA concentration. The above results indicated that BPA treatment exerted dose-dependent toxic effects on Neuro-2a cells, and BPA inhibited the autophagy level of Neuro-2a cells, thereby providing a new perspective in studying the toxic effect of BPA on Neuro-2a cells.
Topics: Animals; Autophagy; Benzhydryl Compounds; Phenols; Plasticizers
PubMed: 35261310
DOI: 10.1177/07482337221076587 -
Environmental Science & Technology Dec 2022While new biodegradable materials are being rapidly introduced to address plastic pollution, their end-of-life impacts remain unclear. Biodegradable plastics typically...
While new biodegradable materials are being rapidly introduced to address plastic pollution, their end-of-life impacts remain unclear. Biodegradable plastics typically comprise a biopolymer matrix with functional additives and/or solid fillers, which may be toxic. Here, using an established method for continuous biodegradation monitoring, we investigated the impact of a commonly used plasticizer, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), on the biodegradation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate--3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) in soil. The presence of DBP delayed the initial stage of PHBV biodegradation but then accelerated subsequent rates of biodegradation. Furthermore, it led to significant increases in total bacterial and fungal biomass and altered the composition of microbial communities with significant increases in the relative abundances of (gammaproteobacterial) and (fungal) populations. It is proposed, with evidence from biodegradation behavior and microbial analysis, that the presence of DBP likely stimulated a microbial community shift, introduced higher proportions of more readily degradable amorphous regions from the plasticizing effect, and facilitated access to the bulk polymer matrix for microorganisms or at least their associated enzymes. These effects in combination overcame the initial inhibition effect of the DBP and resulted in a net increase in the rate of biodegradation of PHBV.
Topics: Plasticizers; Polyhydroxyalkanoates; Phthalic Acids; Dibutyl Phthalate; Biodegradation, Environmental
PubMed: 36480707
DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c06583 -
Journal of Exposure Science &... Jan 2022Existing models for estimating children's exposure to chemicals through mouthing currently depends on the availability of chemical- and material-specific experimental...
BACKGROUND
Existing models for estimating children's exposure to chemicals through mouthing currently depends on the availability of chemical- and material-specific experimental migration rates, only covering a few dozen chemicals.
OBJECTIVE
This study objective is hence to develop a mouthing exposure model to predict migration into saliva, mouthing exposure, and related health risk from a wide range of chemical-material combinations in children's products.
METHODS
We collected experimental data on chemical migration from different products into saliva for multiple substance groups and materials, identifying chemical concentration and diffusion coefficient as main properties of influence. To predict migration rates into saliva, we adapted a previously developed migration model for chemicals in food packaging materials. We also developed a regression model based on identified chemical and material properties.
RESULTS
Our migration predictions correlate well with experimental data (R = 0.85) and vary widely from 8 × 10 to 32.7 µg/10 cm/min, with plasticizers in PVC showing the highest values. Related mouthing exposure doses vary across chemicals and materials from a median of 0.005 to 253 µg/kg/d. Finally, we combined exposure estimates with toxicity information to yield hazard quotients and identify chemicals of concern for average and upper bound mouthing behavior scenarios.
SIGNIFICANCE
The proposed model can be applied for predicting migration rates for hundreds of chemical-material combinations to support high-throughput screening.
Topics: Child; Environmental Exposure; Food Packaging; Humans; Plasticizers; Saliva
PubMed: 34188178
DOI: 10.1038/s41370-021-00354-0 -
The Science of the Total Environment Nov 2022Microplastics (MPs), an emerging pollutant, are of global concern due to their wide distribution and large quantities. In addition to MPs themselves, various additives... (Review)
Review
Microplastics (MPs), an emerging pollutant, are of global concern due to their wide distribution and large quantities. In addition to MPs themselves, various additives within MPs (such as plasticizers, flame retardants, antioxidants and heavy metals) may also have harmful effects on the environment. Most of these additives are physically bound to plastics and can therefore be leached from the plastic and released into the environment. Aging of MPs in the actual environment can affect the migration and release of additives, further increasing the ecotoxicological risk of additives to organisms. This work reviews the functions of several commonly used additives in MPs, and summarizes the representative characterization methods. Furthermore, the migration and leaching of additives in the human environment and marine environment are outlined. As aging promotes the internal chain breaking of MPs and the increase of specific surface area, it in turn stimulates the release of additives. The hazards of additive exposure have been elucidated, and various studies from the laboratory have shown that more toxic additives such as phthalates and brominated flame retardants can disrupt a variety of biological processes in organisms, including metabolism, skeletal development and so on. Increase of MPs ecological risk caused by the leaching of toxic additives is discussed, especially under the effect of aging. This study presents a systematic summary of various functional and environmental behaviors of additives in plastics, using weathering forces as the main factor, which helps to better assess the environmental impact and potential risks of MPs.
Topics: Aging; Antioxidants; Environmental Pollutants; Flame Retardants; Humans; Metals, Heavy; Microplastics; Plasticizers; Plastics; Water Pollutants, Chemical
PubMed: 35961392
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157951 -
Environmental Science & Technology Dec 2021Phthalates are widely used in consumer products and are well-known for adverse endocrine outcomes. Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), one of the most extensively used...
Phthalates are widely used in consumer products and are well-known for adverse endocrine outcomes. Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), one of the most extensively used phthalates, has been rapidly substituted with alternative plasticizers in many consumer products. The aim of this study was to assess urinary phthalate and alternative plasticizer exposure and associated risks in children of three Asian countries with different geographical, climate, and cultural characteristics. Children were recruited from elementary schools of Saudi Arabia ( = 109), Thailand ( = 104), and Indonesia ( = 89) in 2017-2018, and their urine samples were collected. Metabolites of major phthalates and alternative plasticizers were measured in the urine samples by HPLC-MS/MS. Urinary metabolite levels differed substantially between the three countries. Metabolite levels of diisononyl phthalate (DiNP), diisodecyl phthalate (DiDP), di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (DEHTP), and 1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester (DINCH) were the highest in Saudi children: Median urinary concentrations of oxo-MiNP, OH-MiDP, 5cx-MEPTP, and OH-MINCH were 8.3, 8.4, 128.0, and 2.9 ng/mL, respectively. Urinary DEHP metabolite concentrations were the highest in the Indonesian children. The hazard index (HI) derived for the plasticizers with antiandrogenicity based reference doses (RfD) was >1 in 86%, 80%, and 49% of the Saudi, Indonesian, and Thai children, respectively. DEHP was identified as a common major risk driver for the children of all three countries, followed by DnBP and DiBP depending on the country. Among alternative plasticizers, urinary DEHTP metabolites were detected at levels comparable to those of DEHP metabolites or higher among the Saudi children, and about 4% of the Saudi children exceeded the health based human biomonitoring (HBM)-I value. Priority plasticizers that were identified among the children of three countries warrant refined exposure assessment for source identification and relevant exposure reduction measures.
Topics: Child; Environmental Exposure; Environmental Pollutants; Humans; Indonesia; Phthalic Acids; Plasticizers; Saudi Arabia; Tandem Mass Spectrometry; Thailand
PubMed: 34846872
DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c04716 -
Environmental Research Nov 2022Microplastic (MP) ingestion, along with accumulated plasticizers such as bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol F (BPF), and bisphenol S (BPS), and phthalates represented by...
Microplastic (MP) ingestion, along with accumulated plasticizers such as bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol F (BPF), and bisphenol S (BPS), and phthalates represented by diethyl phthalate (DEP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), were quantified in bivalves, fish, and holothurians collected from a coastal pristine area at the western Mediterranean Sea. MP ingestion in sediment-feeders holothurians (mean value 12.67 ± 7.31 MPs/individual) was statistically higher than ingestion in bivalves and fish (mean 4.83 ± 5.35 and 3 ± 4.44 MPs/individual, respectively). The main ingested polymers were polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene. The levels of BPS, BPF, and DEHP were highest in bivalves' soft tissue; BPA and DBP had the highest levels in the holothurians' muscle. In addition, the levels of all plasticizers assessed were lowest in fish muscle; only BPA levels in fish were higher than in bivalves, with intermediate values between those of bivalves and holothurians. This study provides data on exposure to MPs and plasticizers of different species inhabiting Cabrera Marine Protected Area (MPA) and highlights the differences in MP ingestion and levels of plasticizers between species with different ecological characteristics and feeding strategies.
Topics: Animals; Benzhydryl Compounds; Bivalvia; Dibutyl Phthalate; Diethylhexyl Phthalate; Eating; Fishes; Microplastics; Phenols; Phthalic Acids; Plasticizers; Plastics
PubMed: 35948144
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114034 -
International Journal of Biological... Oct 2021The development and production of thermoplastic starch (TPS) films based on blown film extrusion have been spurred by increasing interest in renewable resources and an...
The development and production of thermoplastic starch (TPS) films based on blown film extrusion have been spurred by increasing interest in renewable resources and an alternative solution to meet industrial-scale demand. The chemical structure of the plasticizer and its proportion have a significant effect on the mechanical and barrier properties of TPS films. Therefore, this research aims to evaluate the influence of plasticizer type and content on the performance of TPS blown films. TPS films were prepared by mixing cassava starch with three types of plasticizer, i.e. glycerol, glycerol/xylitol, and glycerol/sorbitol with a weight ratio of 1:1. The quantity of plasticizer varied among 38, 40, and 42 parts per hundred parts of starch. Although TPS films plasticized with the small-sized plasticizer glycerol were easily processed and extensible, the surface stickiness leading to single-wall films, low tensile strength, and poor water vapor barrier properties would limit their use. By replacing glycerol with larger-sized plasticizers such as xylitol or sorbitol, the films exhibited reduced stickiness and separable double walls and showed improved tensile strength, stiffness, and water vapor and oxygen barrier properties. The obtained TPS blown films offer potential applications as edible films for food and pharmaceutical products.
Topics: Edible Films; Glycerol; Humans; Permeability; Plasticizers; Sorbitol; Starch; Steam; Temperature; Tensile Strength
PubMed: 34375662
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.08.027 -
Shokuhin Eiseigaku Zasshi. Journal of... 2023We determined the fifteen types of plasticizers, including four kinds of phthalic acid esters (PAEs) used in 220 polyvinyl chloride (PVC) toys on Japanese market from...
We determined the fifteen types of plasticizers, including four kinds of phthalic acid esters (PAEs) used in 220 polyvinyl chloride (PVC) toys on Japanese market from 2019 to 2020. Three kinds of previously undetected types of PAEs were also detected, but not identified in this study. Di (2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (DEHTP) was the highest detection rate in 209 soft PVC toys out of 220 toys, with 71.2% for designated toys and 88.9% for not-designated toys, respectively, showing a gradual increase from the previous reports in 2009 and 2014. On the other hand, the usages of o-acetyl tributyl citrate and adipic acid esters decreased, but the six types of PAEs prohibited to use for the designated toys in Japan were not detected in them, the usage of diisobutyl phthalate were increased. In contrast, four types of PAEs were detected in not-designated toys. Among them, the detection ratio of di (2-ethyhexyl) phthalate decreased to about 1/10. The content levels of plasticizers in per each sample were continued to keep low level from the report five years ago. These results showed that the main plasticizer used in PVC toys is DEHTP, and that the usage of other plasticizers was decreased.
Topics: Plasticizers; Polyvinyl Chloride; Esters; Japan
PubMed: 37673604
DOI: 10.3358/shokueishi.64.145 -
Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry Nov 2022We developed a paper-based colorimetric sensor for facile and cost-effective detection of Pb in drinking and environmental water samples. The Pb ion-selective optodes...
We developed a paper-based colorimetric sensor for facile and cost-effective detection of Pb in drinking and environmental water samples. The Pb ion-selective optodes are fabricated by inkjet printing of ionophore, chromoionophore, and ion exchanger on cellulose paper. Pb in water samples induces deprotonation of the pH chromoionophore and changes the optode color, which is acquired and analyzed by a smartphone. The paper-based optode without any plasticizer or polymer has a dynamic range and selectivity comparable to those of traditional optodes using PVC polymer and/or plasticizer. Furthermore, the response time of the plasticizer/polymer-free paper-based optode is much shorter than those of plasticized PVC-based optodes on paper and glass (5 min vs. 15 and 50 min). Moreover, the plasticizer/polymer-free optode preserves the water-wicking capability of porous cellulose paper, allowing for the design of pump-free microfluidic devices. Chloramine, a widely used disinfectant in drinking water, was found to be a strong and generic interference species for heavy metal ion detection via ion-selective optodes. A fully inkjet-printed lateral-flow paper-based device consisting of a sodium thiosulfate-based chloramine elimination zone and a plasticizer/polymer-free sensing zone was designed for Pb detection in tap water disinfected by chloramine. The dynamic range of the Pb sensor may be shifted from the current 10 to 10 M to lower concentrations by using stronger ionophores, but this work lays a foundation for the design of paper-based heavy metal ion sensors without detrimental interference from disinfectants.
Topics: Chloramines; Lead; Disinfectants; Polyvinyl Chloride; Plasticizers; Drinking Water; Ionophores; Cellulose; Polymers
PubMed: 35997814
DOI: 10.1007/s00216-022-04286-y