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The Science of the Total Environment Jun 2024Chronic exposure to indoor volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can result in several adverse effects including cancers. We review reports of levels of VOCs in offices and...
Exposure to volatile organic compounds in offices and in residential and educational buildings in the European Union between 2010 and 2023: A systematic review and health risk assessment.
Chronic exposure to indoor volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can result in several adverse effects including cancers. We review reports of levels of VOCs in offices and in residential and educational buildings in the member states of the European Union (EU) published between 2010 and 2023. We use these data to assess the risk to population health by estimating lifetime exposure to indoor VOCs and resulting non-cancer and cancer risks and, from that, the burden of cancer attributable to VOC exposure and associated economic losses. Our systematic review identified 1783 articles, of which 184 were examined in detail, with 58 yielding relevant data. After combining data on VOC concentrations separately for EU countries and building types, non-cancer and cancer risks were assessed in terms of hazard quotient and lifetime excess cancer risk (LECR) using probabilistic Monte Carlo Simulations. The LECR was used to estimate disability adjusted life years (DALYs) from VOC-related cancers and associated costs. We find that the LECR associated with formaldehyde exposure was above the acceptable risk level (ARL) in France and Germany and that of from exposure to benzene was also above the ARL in Spanish females. The sum of DALYs and related costs/1,000,000 population/year from exposure to acetaldehyde, benzene, formaldehyde, tetrachloroethylene, and trichloroethylene were 4.02 and €41,010, respectively, in France, those from exposure to acetaldehyde, benzene, carbon tetrachloride, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene were 3.91 and €39,590 in Germany, and those from exposure to benzene were 0.1 and €1030 in Spain. Taken as a whole, these findings show that indoor exposure to VOCs remains a public health concern in the EU. Although the EU has set limits for certain VOCs, further measures are needed to restrict the use of these chemicals in consumer products.
PubMed: 38897460
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173965 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024To evaluate the suitability of an analytical instrument, essential figures of merit such as the limit of detection (LOD) and the limit of quantification (LOQ) can be...
To evaluate the suitability of an analytical instrument, essential figures of merit such as the limit of detection (LOD) and the limit of quantification (LOQ) can be employed. However, as the definitions k nown in the literature are mostly applicable to one signal per sample, estimating the LOD for substances with instruments yielding multidimensional results like electronic noses (eNoses) is still challenging. In this paper, we will compare and present different approaches to estimate the LOD for eNoses by employing commonly used multivariate data analysis and regression techniques, including principal component analysis (PCA), principal component regression (PCR), as well as partial least squares regression (PLSR). These methods could subsequently be used to assess the suitability of eNoses to help control and steer processes where volatiles are key process parameters. As a use case, we determined the LODs for key compounds involved in beer maturation, namely acetaldehyde, diacetyl, dimethyl sulfide, ethyl acetate, isobutanol, and 2-phenylethanol, and discussed the suitability of our eNose for that dertermination process. The results of the methods performed demonstrated differences of up to a factor of eight. For diacetyl, the LOD and the LOQ were sufficiently low to suggest potential for monitoring via eNose.
Topics: Beer; Electronic Nose; Principal Component Analysis; Limit of Detection; Least-Squares Analysis; Volatile Organic Compounds
PubMed: 38894312
DOI: 10.3390/s24113520 -
Cells May 2024Mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2) metabolizes acetaldehyde to acetate. People with ALDH2 deficiency and -knockout (KO) mice are more susceptible to...
Mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2) metabolizes acetaldehyde to acetate. People with ALDH2 deficiency and -knockout (KO) mice are more susceptible to alcohol-induced tissue damage. However, the underlying mechanisms behind ALDH2-related gut-associated brain damage remain unclear. Age-matched young female -KO and C57BL/6J wild-type (WT) mice were gavaged with binge alcohol (4 g/kg/dose, three doses) or dextrose (control) at 12 h intervals. Tissues and sera were collected 1 h after the last ethanol dose and evaluated by histological and biochemical analyses of the gut and hippocampus and their extracts. For the mechanistic study, mouse neuroblast Neuro2A cells were exposed to ethanol with or without an Aldh2 inhibitor (Daidzin). Binge alcohol decreased intestinal tight/adherens junction proteins but increased oxidative stress-mediated post-translational modifications (PTMs) and enterocyte apoptosis, leading to elevated gut leakiness and endotoxemia in -KO mice compared to corresponding WT mice. Alcohol-exposed -KO mice also showed higher levels of hippocampal brain injury, oxidative stress-related PTMs, and neuronal apoptosis than the WT mice. Additionally, alcohol exposure reduced Neuro2A cell viability with elevated oxidative stress-related PTMs and apoptosis, all of which were exacerbated by Aldh2 inhibition. Our results show for the first time that ALDH2 plays a protective role in binge alcohol-induced brain injury partly through the gut-brain axis, suggesting that ALDH2 is a potential target for attenuating alcohol-induced tissue injury.
Topics: Animals; Aldehyde Dehydrogenase, Mitochondrial; Mice, Knockout; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Binge Drinking; Brain Injuries; Ethanol; Female; Apoptosis; Oxidative Stress; Hippocampus; Mitochondria
PubMed: 38891060
DOI: 10.3390/cells13110927 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024In the last decade, "expressions" of grape marc spirits aged in wooden barrels of characteristic amber color and complex sensory attributes have been introduced. Yet...
In the last decade, "expressions" of grape marc spirits aged in wooden barrels of characteristic amber color and complex sensory attributes have been introduced. Yet studies on constituents migrating from the barrel to the beverage are scarce, and their metabolic profile remains unexplored. Furthermore, the literature on the assessment of their antioxidant activity is limited. NMR metabolomics and spectrophotometry have been implemented in 38 samples to elucidate the impact of the aging procedure on the metabolites' composition and establish whether these beverages exhibit antioxidant activity. Provenance was related to fusel alcohols, esters, acetaldehyde, methanol, saccharides, and 2-phenylethanol, while ethyl acetate and ethyl lactate contributed to discriminating samples of the same winery. Identified metabolites such as vanillin, syringaldehyde, and sinapaldehyde were related to the aging procedure. The maturation in the barrel was also associated with an increase in xylose, glucose, fructose, and arabinose. The antioxidant potential of the aged Greek grape marc spirits resulting from their maturation in oak barrels was highlighted. The metabolic profiling and antioxidant potential of aged Greek grape marc spirits were assessed for the first time. Finally, the enrichment of the aromatic region was noted with the presence of metabolites with a furanic and phenolic ring derived, respectively, from the polysaccharides' degradation or the thermal decomposition of lignin.
PubMed: 38890893
DOI: 10.3390/foods13111664 -
Journal of Environmental Management Jul 2024Animal manure is considered a valuable organic fertilizer due to its important nutrient content enhancing soil fertility and plant growth in agriculture. Besides its...
Animal manure is considered a valuable organic fertilizer due to its important nutrient content enhancing soil fertility and plant growth in agriculture. Besides its beneficial role as fertilizer, animal manure represents a significant source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), playing a significant role in atmospheric chemistry. Understanding the composition of VOCs Understanding VOCs from animal manure is crucial for assessing their environmental impact, as they can cause air pollution, odors, and harm to human health and ecosystems. Laboratory studies enhance field measurements by providing a precise inventory of manure emissions, addressing gaps in existing literature. Both approaches complement each other in advancing our understanding of manure emissions. In this context, we conducted an experimental study involving various animal manures (cow, horse, sheep, and goat) taken from a farm in Grignon (near Paris, France). We employed atmospheric simulation chambers within a controlled laboratory environment. The analysis of VOCs involved the combination of Proton Transfer Reaction-Quadrupole ion guide-Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (PTR-QiTOF-MS) and Thermal Desorption-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (TD-GC-MS). Using PTR-QiTOF-MS, 368 compounds were detected and quantified within the manure samples. The complementary analysis by TD-GC-MS enhanced our identification of VOCs. Our findings revealed various chemical groups of VOCs, including oxygenated compounds (e.g., ethanol, cresol, acetaldehyde, etc.), nitrogenated compounds (ammonia, trimethylamine, etc.), sulfur compounds (methanethiol, dimethyl sulfide, etc.), aromatic compounds (phenols and indoles), terpenes (isoprene, D-limonene, etc.) and halogenated compounds. Cow manure exhibited the highest VOC emission fluxes, followed by goat, sheep, and horse manures. Notably, oxygenated VOCs were dominant contributors to total VOC emission fluxes in all samples. Statistical analysis highlighted the distinct nature of cow manure emissions, characterized by oxygenated compounds and nitrogenated compounds. In addition, goat manure was isolated from the other samples with high emissions of compounds having both oxygen and nitrogen atoms in their molecular formulas (e.g., CHNO). The experimental dataset obtained in this study provides an inventory reference for both VOCs and their emission fluxes in animal manures. Furthermore, it highlights odorant compounds and VOCs that serve as atmospheric aerosol precursor. Future studies can explore the effectiveness of various manure treatment methods to promote sustainable agriculture practices.
Topics: Manure; Volatile Organic Compounds; Animals; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Cattle
PubMed: 38875988
DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121453 -
AMB Express Jun 2024One of Egypt's most notable and historically significant vegetable crops is the Liliaceae plant, Allium cepa L. In this study, the effectiveness of methanolic extracts...
One of Egypt's most notable and historically significant vegetable crops is the Liliaceae plant, Allium cepa L. In this study, the effectiveness of methanolic extracts of Artemisia absinthium leaves, Calotropis procera latex, Moringa oleifera seeds, and Syzygium aromaticum clove was investigated in vitro and, in a greenhouse, setting against Fusarium oxysporum, the pathogen that causes onion basal rot in Assiut Governorate, Egypt. The S. aromaticum extract exhibited the inhibition peak (63.3%), whereas the A. absinthium extract had the lowest inhibition impact against F. oxysporum growth (41.1%). The gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis revealed that 82 important compounds, with abundances ranging from low to high, were present in the tested S. aromaticum's methanolic extract. The primary components were acetaldehyde, hydroxy- and 2-propanone, 1,1,3,3-tetrachloro-(42.71%), 1,2-ethanediol, and methyl alcohol (34.01%). In comparison to the infected control, the disease severity was significantly reduced by 20% with the use of a plant extracts mixture and Dovex 50% and increased by 62.22% with the use of an extract from A. absinthium. When compared to the infected control, onion plant fresh weight and dry weight were considerably higher under the clove extract therapy. The plant extracts used in this study's testing contain a number of active ingredients, including amino acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and enzymes, which is probably why they have such positive impacts. The application of a combination of plant extracts was suggested as a feasible strategy for improving the growth and productivity of onion plants by the study's findings. More research is needed to comprehend the mechanisms by which plant extracts promote plant development and to optimize the concentration and timing of administration.
PubMed: 38874641
DOI: 10.1186/s13568-024-01721-4 -
Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin Jun 2024Ethanol (alcohol) is a risk factor that contributes to non-communicable diseases. Chronic abuse of ethanol is toxic to both the heart and overall health, and even...
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate alleviates ethanol-induced endothelia cells injury partly through alteration of NF-κB translocation and activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway.
Ethanol (alcohol) is a risk factor that contributes to non-communicable diseases. Chronic abuse of ethanol is toxic to both the heart and overall health, and even results in death. Ethanol and its byproduct acetaldehyde can harm the cardiovascular system by impairing mitochondrial function, causing oxidative damage, and reducing contractile proteins. Endothelial cells are essential components of the cardiovascular system, are highly susceptible to ethanol, either through direct or indirect exposure. Thus, protection against endothelial injury is of great importance for persons who chronic abuse of ethanol. In this study, an in vitro model of endothelial injury was created using ethanol. The findings revealed that a concentration of 20.0 mM of ethanol reduced cell viability and Bcl-2 expression, while increasing cell apoptosis, intracellular ROS levels, mitochondrial depolarization, and the expression of Bax and cleaved-caspase-3 in endothelial cells. Further study showed that ethanol promoted nuclear translocation of NF-κB, increased the secretion of TNF-α,IL-1β, IL-6 in the culture medium, and inhibited Nrf2 signaling pathway. The aforementioned findings suggest that ethanol has a harmful impact on endothelial cells. Nevertheless, the application of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) to the cells can effectively mitigate the detrimental effects of ethanol on endothelial cells. In conclusion, EGCG alleviates ethanol-induced endothelial injury partly through alteration of NF-κB translocation and activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Therefore, EGCG holds great potential in safeguarding individuals who chronically abuse ethanol from endothelial dysfunction.
PubMed: 38866477
DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b23-00773 -
Animal Models and Experimental Medicine Jun 2024This review delves into the detrimental impact of alcohol consumption on internal organs and reproductive health, elucidating the underlying mechanisms involving the... (Review)
Review
This review delves into the detrimental impact of alcohol consumption on internal organs and reproductive health, elucidating the underlying mechanisms involving the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/Nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB) pathway and the Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1)/reactive oxygen species (ROS)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathways. The TLR4/NF-kB pathway, crucial for inflammatory and immune responses, triggers the production of pro-inflammatory agents and type-1 interferon, disrupting the balance between inflammatory and antioxidant responses when tissues are chronically exposed to alcohol. Alcohol-induced dysbiosis in gut microbes heightens gut wall permeability to pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), leading to liver cell infection and subsequent inflammation. Concurrently, CYP2E1-mediated alcohol metabolism generates ROS, causing oxidative stress and damaging cells, lipids, proteins, and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). To counteract this inflammatory imbalance, Nrf2 regulates gene expression, inhibiting inflammatory progression and promoting antioxidant responses. Excessive alcohol intake results in elevated liver enzymes (ADH, CYP2E1, and catalase), ROS, NADH, acetaldehyde, and acetate, leading to damage in vital organs such as the heart, brain, and lungs. Moreover, alcohol negatively affects reproductive health by inhibiting the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, causing infertility in both men and women. These findings underscore the profound health concerns associated with alcohol-induced damage, emphasizing the need for public awareness regarding the intricate interplay between immune responses and the multi-organ impacts of alcohol consumption.
PubMed: 38853347
DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12436 -
Journal of Hazardous Materials Aug 2024We present a new method for investigating the oxidation and emission behavior of air-permeable materials. Employing this method, a differentiated statement can be made...
We present a new method for investigating the oxidation and emission behavior of air-permeable materials. Employing this method, a differentiated statement can be made about the extent to which critical volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein are contained in the material as impurities or formed by thermo-oxidative degradation of the polymer matrix in the use phase. The parameters affecting methods of VOC analysis are reviewed and considered for the developed method. The molecular mechanisms of VOC formation are discussed. Toxicological implications of the reaction kinetics are put into context with international guidelines and threshold levels. This new method enables manufacturers of cellular materials not only to determine the oxidative stability of their products but also to optimize them specifically for higher durability. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: Cellular materials are ubiquitous in the technosphere. They play a crucial role in various microenvironments such as automotive interiors, building insulation, and cushioning. These materials are susceptible to oxidative breakdown, leading to the release of formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein. The ecotoxicological profiles of these compounds necessitate monitoring and regulation. The absence of reproducible and reliable analytical methods restricts research and development aimed at risk assessment and mitigation. This work significantly enhances the toolbox for optimizing the oxidative stability of any open-cell cellular material and evaluating these materials in terms of their temperature-dependent oxidation and emission behavior.
PubMed: 38843638
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134747 -
PloS One 2024Drought stress is a prominent abiotic factor that adversely influences the growth and development of Bupleurum chinense during its seedling stage, negatively impacting...
Drought stress is a prominent abiotic factor that adversely influences the growth and development of Bupleurum chinense during its seedling stage, negatively impacting biomass and secondary metabolite production, thus affecting yield and quality. To investigate the molecular mechanism underlying the response of B. chinense seedlings under drought stress, this study employed comprehensive physiological, transcriptomic, and metabolomic analyses. The results revealed that under drought stress, the root soluble sugar and free proline content in B. chinense seedlings significantly increased, while the activities of SOD, POD, and CAT increased in the leaves. These findings indicate the presence of distinct response mechanisms in B. chinense to cope with drought stress. Integrated analysis further identified significant correlations between genes and metabolites related to amino acid biosynthesis in the leaves, as well as genes and metabolites associated with acetaldehyde and dicarboxylic acid metabolism. In the roots, genes and metabolites related to plant hormone signaling and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle showed significant correlations. These findings provide vital views into the molecular-level response mechanisms of B. chinense under drought stress. Moreover, this study establishes the groundwork for identifying drought-tolerant genes and breeding drought-resistant varieties, which could improve the drought tolerance of medicinal plants and have broader implications for agriculture and crop production in water-scarce areas.
Topics: Bupleurum; Seedlings; Droughts; Stress, Physiological; Metabolomics; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Transcriptome; Plant Roots; Plant Leaves; Gene Expression Profiling; Metabolome
PubMed: 38843246
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304503