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BMC Public Health Sep 2023Knowledge surrounding the association between exposure to pesticides and hypothyroidism is inconsistent and controversial. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Knowledge surrounding the association between exposure to pesticides and hypothyroidism is inconsistent and controversial.
METHODS
The aim of present study was, therefore, to review scientific evidence systematically and conduct a meta-analysis into the contribution of exposure to pesticides to hypothyroidism. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched. The findings are presented as OR, HR, PR, IRR, and 95% confidence interval (95%CI). A fixed-effect model using the inverse-variance method and random-effects inverse-variance model with DerSimonian-Laird method were used for estimating the pooled estimates. Cochran Q and I tests were used to confirm the heterogeneity of selected studies.
RESULTS
Twelve studies were included in the systematic review, and 9 studies in the meta-analysis. Epidemiological evidence suggested that exposure to insecticides including organochlorines, organophosphates, and pyrethroids increased risk of hypothyroidism (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.23, 95%CI = 1.14, 1.33 for organochlorines, aOR = 1.12, 95%CI = 1.07, 1.17 for organophosphates, aOR = 1.15, 95%CI = 1.03, 1.28 for pyrethroids). Exposure to herbicides also increased risk of hypothyroidism (aOR = 1.06, 95%CI = 1.02, 1.10). However, exposure to fungicides and fumigants was not found to be associated with hypothyroidism.
CONCLUSION
To increase current knowledge and confirm evidence to date future research needs to center on large-scale longitudinal epidemiological and biological studies, examination of dose-response relationships, the controlling of relevant confounding variables, using standardized and high sensitivity tools, and investigating the effects of environmental exposure.
Topics: Humans; Pesticides; Insecticides; Environmental Exposure; Hypothyroidism; Pyrethrins
PubMed: 37752464
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16721-5 -
Environmental Science and Pollution... Oct 2023To improve farming productivity, a large number of pesticides have been used worldwide in recent decades, leading to the pollution of soil, agri-products, and water,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
To improve farming productivity, a large number of pesticides have been used worldwide in recent decades, leading to the pollution of soil, agri-products, and water, directly/indirectly affecting human health. In this regard, many studies were conducted in different countries on residual pesticides in the environment. In the current study, residual pesticides including chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin, diazinon, malathion, and metalaxyl in tomatoes were meta-analyzed and health risk of consumers was estimated. For this purpose, based on a systematic review, data from 47 studies were extracted and meta-analyzed, and the health impact of pooled concentrations was assessed via a health risk method. According to the results, metalaxyl had the most concentration followed by malathion, cypermethrin, diazinon, and chlorpyrifos, respectively. The non-carcinogenic risk (n-CR) was calculated from crop consumption also showed that exposure to malathion has the most risk. Among the investigated communities, Iranian consumers were in considerable health risk (THQ > 1). Considering that the potential for the use of pesticides will increase with the need for food in the future, hence, governments must manage the usage by governments via alternative methods such as cultural, biological, physical, and genetic modifications.
Topics: Humans; Pesticides; Solanum lycopersicum; Chlorpyrifos; Diazinon; Malathion; Iran; Risk Assessment
PubMed: 37697195
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29645-9 -
The British Journal of Dermatology Jan 2024Treatment failure is considered to be an important factor in relation to the increase in scabies incidence over the last decade. However, the regional and temporal... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Treatment failure is considered to be an important factor in relation to the increase in scabies incidence over the last decade. However, the regional and temporal differences, in addition to the predictors of therapy failure, are unclear.
OBJECTIVES
We aimed to conduct a systematic review of the prevalence of treatment failure in patients with scabies and investigation of associated factors.
METHODS
We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, Global Health and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to August 2021 for randomized and quasi-randomized trials, in addition to observational studies that enrolled children or adults diagnosed with confirmed or clinical scabies treated with permethrin, ivermectin, crotamiton, benzyl benzoate, malathion, sulfur or lindane, and measured treatment failure or factors associated with treatment failure. We performed a random effects meta-analysis for all outcomes reported by at least two studies.
RESULTS
A total of 147 studies were eligible for inclusion in the systematic review. The overall prevalence of treatment failure was 15.2% [95% confidence interval (CI) 12.9-17.6; I2 = 95.3%, moderate-certainty evidence] with regional differences between World Health Organization regions (P = 0.003) being highest in the Western Pacific region (26.9%, 95% CI 14.5-41.2). Oral ivermectin (11.8%, 95% CI 8.4-15.4), topical ivermectin (9.3%, 95% CI 5.1-14.3) and permethrin (10.8%, 95% CI 7.5-14.5) had relatively lower failure prevalence compared with the overall prevalence. Failure prevalence was lower in patients treated with two doses of oral ivermectin (7.1%, 95% CI 3.1-12.3) compared with those treated with one dose (15.2%, 95% CI 10.8-20.2; P = 0.021). Overall and permethrin treatment failure prevalence in the included studies (1983-2021) increased by 0.27% and 0.58% per year, respectively. Only three studies conducted a multivariable risk factor analysis; no studies assessed resistance.
CONCLUSIONS
A second dose of ivermectin showed lower failure prevalence than single-dose ivermectin, which should be considered in all guidelines. The increase in treatment failure over time hints at decreasing mite susceptibility for several drugs, but reasons for failure are rarely assessed. Ideally, scabicide susceptibility testing should be implemented in future studies.
Topics: Adult; Child; Humans; Administration, Oral; Hexachlorocyclohexane; Ivermectin; Malathion; Permethrin; Scabies; Treatment Failure
PubMed: 37625798
DOI: 10.1093/bjd/ljad308 -
Chemosphere Oct 2023Glyphosate was classified as a probable human carcinogen (Group 2A) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) partially due to strong mechanistic... (Review)
Review
Glyphosate was classified as a probable human carcinogen (Group 2A) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) partially due to strong mechanistic evidence in 2015. Since then, numerous studies of glyphosate and its formulations (GBF) have emerged. These studies can be evaluated for cancer hazard identification with the newly described ten key characteristics (KC) of carcinogens approach. Our objective was to assess all in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro mechanistic studies of human and experimental animals (mammals) that compared exposure to glyphosate/GBF with low/no exposure counterparts for evidence of the ten KCs. A protocol with our methods adhering to PRISMA guidelines was registered a priori (INPLASY202180045). Two blinded reviewers screened all in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro studies of glyphosate/GBF exposure in humans/mammals reporting any KC-related outcome available in PubMed before August 2021. Studies that met inclusion criteria underwent data extraction conducted in duplicate for each KC outcome reported along with key aspects of internal/external validity, results, and reference information. These data were used to construct a matrix that was subsequently analyzed in the program R to conduct strength of evidence and quality assessments. Of the 2537 articles screened, 175 articles met inclusion criteria, from which we extracted >50,000 data points related to KC outcomes. Data analysis revealed strong evidence for KC2, KC4, KC5, KC6, KC8, limited evidence for KC1 and KC3, and inadequate evidence for KC7, KC9, and KC10. Notably, our in-depth quality analyses of genotoxicity (KC2) and endocrine disruption (KC8) revealed strong and consistent positive findings. For KC2, we found: 1) studies conducted in humans and human cells provided stronger positive evidence than counterpart animal models; 2) GBF elicited a stronger effect in both human and animal systems when compared to glyphosate alone; and 3) the highest quality studies in humans and human cells consistently revealed strong evidence of genotoxicity. Our analysis of KC8 indicated that glyphosate's ability to modulate hormone levels and estrogen receptor activity is sensitive to both exposure concentration and formulation. The modulations observed provide clear evidence that glyphosate interacts with receptors, alters receptor activation, and modulates the levels and effects of endogenous ligands (including hormones). Our findings strengthen the mechanistic evidence that glyphosate is a probable human carcinogen and provide biological plausibility for previously reported cancer associations in humans, such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma. We identified potential molecular interactions and subsequent key events that were used to generate a probable pathway to lymphomagenesis.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Carcinogens; Herbicides; Neoplasms; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Mammals; Glyphosate
PubMed: 37474029
DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139572 -
Environmental Research Oct 2023Synthetic pesticides (e.g. herbicides, fungicides and insecticides) are used widely in agriculture to protect crops from pests, weeds and disease. However, their use... (Review)
Review
Synthetic pesticides (e.g. herbicides, fungicides and insecticides) are used widely in agriculture to protect crops from pests, weeds and disease. However, their use also comes with a range of environmental concerns. One key concern is the effect of insecticides on non-target organisms such as bees, who provide pollination services for crops and wild plants. This systematic literature review quantifies the existing research on bees and insecticides broadly, and then focuses more specifically on non-neonicotinoid insecticides and non-honeybees. We find that articles on honeybees (Apis sp.) and insecticides account for 80% of all research, with all other bees combined making up 20%. Neonicotinoids were studied in 34% of articles across all bees and were the most widely studied insecticide class for non-honeybees overall, with almost three times as many studies than the second most studied class. Of non-neonicotinoid insecticide classes and non-honeybees, the most studied were pyrethroids and organophosphates followed by carbamates, and the most widely represented bee taxa were bumblebees (Bombus), followed by leaf-cutter bees (Megachile) and mason bees (Osmia). Research has taken place across several countries, with the highest numbers of articles from Brazil and the US, and with notable gaps from countries in Asia, Africa and Oceania. Mortality was the most studied effect type, while sub-lethal effects such as on behaviour were less studied. Few studies tested how the effect of insecticides were influenced by multiple pressures, such as climate change and co-occurring pesticides (cocktail effects). As anthropogenic pressures do not occur in isolation, we suggest that future research also addresses these knowledge gaps. Given the changing global patterns in insecticide use, and the increasing inclusion of both non-honeybees and sub-lethal effects in pesticide risk assessment, there is a need for expanding research beyond its current state to ensure a strong scientific evidence base for the development of risk assessment and associated policy.
Topics: Bees; Animals; Insecticides; Neonicotinoids; Pesticides; Pyrethrins; Fungicides, Industrial; Crops, Agricultural
PubMed: 37454798
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116612 -
Chemico-biological Interactions Sep 2023Cumulating evidence links environmental toxicants, such as organophosphate (OP) pesticides, to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The calcium-dependent... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Cumulating evidence links environmental toxicants, such as organophosphate (OP) pesticides, to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The calcium-dependent Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) can neutralize these toxicants with good catalytic efficiency, thus protecting from OP-induced biological damage. Although different previous studies have already partially described an association between PON1 activity and AD, this intriguing relationship has not yet been comprehensively examined. To fill this gap, we performed a meta-analysis of existing data comparing the PON1 arylesterase activity in AD and healthy subjects from the general population. Data were obtained by searching MEDLINE, Embase and CENTRAL, Google Scholar, and SCOPUS electronic databases for all studies published at any time up to February 2023, reporting and comparing the PON1- paraoxonase activity between AD patients and controls. Seven studies, based on 615 subjects (281 AD and 356 controls) met the inclusion criteria and were included into the final analysis. A random effect model revealed that PON1 arylesterase activity was significantly lower in the AD group compared to controls, exhibiting low level of heterogeneity (SMD = - 1.62, 95% CI = -2.65 to -0.58, p = 0.0021, I = 12%). These findings suggest that PON1 activity might be reduced in AD reflecting a major susceptibility to OPs neurotoxicity. Further studies should be conducted to definitely ascertain this link and to establish the cause-effect relationship between PON1 reduction and AD onset.
Topics: Humans; Aryldialkylphosphatase; Alzheimer Disease; Organophosphorus Compounds
PubMed: 37330180
DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110601 -
Reviews on Environmental Health Jun 2023Most agricultural products are exposed to pesticides. Organochlorine (OCPs) insecticides have been banned for years due to their persistence in the environment and... (Review)
Review
Most agricultural products are exposed to pesticides. Organochlorine (OCPs) insecticides have been banned for years due to their persistence in the environment and lipophilic properties. On the other hand, some carcinogenic organophosphates are used in high amounts. Therefore, this systematic review was performed with the keywords; pesticide, carcinogenic, carcinogen, residue, contamination, pollution, and food to determine the type of food and pesticide. 663 manuscripts were found by searching in databases. After initial screening and quality assessment of full text, 26 manuscripts were selected. In this study, by reviewing selected manuscripts, about 13 pesticides were associated with carcinogenic effects. These pesticides were Chlorothalonil, Glyphosate, Tetrachlorvinphos, Parathion, Malathion, Diazinon, heptachlor, Hexachlorobenzene, aldrin, dieldrin, DDT, chlordane, Lindane. Most of these pesticides were organochlorine. The organochlorine pesticides are primarily detected in foods of animal origin. In some studies, the amount of carcinogenic organochlorine was higher than the permissible levels. From the carcinogenic herbicide, Glyphosate. An important finding of this systematic review is that carcinogenic organochlorines are still a threat to cancer incidence.
PubMed: 37272608
DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2022-0253 -
Environmental Research Aug 2023The use of pesticides can result in harm to both the environment and human health. There is a growing concern in the field of occupational health about the impact on the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The use of pesticides can result in harm to both the environment and human health. There is a growing concern in the field of occupational health about the impact on the mental health of agricultural workers.
OBJECTIVES
The objective of this review was to systematize scientific evidence from the last ten years on the impact of occupational exposure to pesticides on the development of depression symptoms in agricultural workers.
METHODS
We conducted a comprehensive search in the PubMed and Scopus databases from 2011 to September 2022. Our search included studies in English, Spanish, and Portuguese that examined the association between occupational exposure to pesticides and symptoms of depression in agricultural workers, following the guidelines recommended by the PRISMA statement and the PECO strategy (Population, Exposure, Comparison, and Outcomes).
RESULTS
Among the 27 articles reviewed, 78% of them indicated a link between exposure to pesticides and the incidence of depression symptoms. The pesticides most frequently reported in the studies were organophosphates (17 studies), herbicides (12 studies), and pyrethroids (11 studies). The majority of the studies were rated as having intermediate to intermediate-high quality, with the use of standardized measures to assess both exposure and effect.
CONCLUSION
The updated evidence presented in our review indicates a clear association between pesticide exposure and the development of depressive symptoms. However, more high-quality longitudinal studies are necessary to control for sociocultural variables and utilize pesticide-specific biomarkers and biomarkers of depression. Given the increased use of these chemicals and the health risks associated with depression, it is crucial to implement more stringent measures to monitor the mental health of agricultural workers regularly exposed to pesticides and to enhance surveillance of companies that apply these chemicals.
Topics: Humans; Pesticides; Farmers; Depression; Occupational Exposure; Biomarkers; Agricultural Workers' Diseases
PubMed: 37217130
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116190 -
Thyroid Research May 2023Thyroid cancer is considered as one of the most prevalent cancers in the world. Some pesticides can play a role as a potentially important risk factor in thyroid cancer... (Review)
Review
Thyroid cancer is considered as one of the most prevalent cancers in the world. Some pesticides can play a role as a potentially important risk factor in thyroid cancer by affecting thyroid morphology and thyroid hormone homeostasis. The aim of present study was to systematically review the available epidemiological evidence for human exposure to pesticides and thyroid cancer. Articles were searched in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science by suitable keywords from January 2000 to May 2021. Standard techniques for systematic reviews were followed in the current study and results reported according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, finally seven studies including four cohort studies and three case-control studies were reviewed. Organochlorines (OCPs) in more cases, Organophosphates (OPs) and Carbamates insecticides, herbicides and fungicides were the studied pesticides. Inconsistent results were reported in the surveyed articles on the OCPs. Two articles on the Carbamates (Carbaryl and Mancozeb) showed consistently an inverse association between exposure and thyroid cancer. Increased risk of thyroid cancer due to the exposure to the Malathion was reported in one article on the OPs. Due to the limited current knowledge about the effect of pesticides on thyroid cancer in humans, human health policies must be implemented to control individual's exposure to chemicals through using of botanical pesticides in agricultural. Also, more studies must be done to fill this gap of knowledge.
PubMed: 37183250
DOI: 10.1186/s13044-023-00153-9 -
Chemosphere Jul 2023Organophosphate esters (OPEs), chemicals widely used in industrial production, electronics and domestic products, have become ubiquitous environmental contaminants. In...
Organophosphate esters (OPEs), chemicals widely used in industrial production, electronics and domestic products, have become ubiquitous environmental contaminants. In this study, the levels and spatial distribution of 11 OPEs (aryl, alkyl and halogenated) were investigated in over 100 samples of filter-feeding bivalves collected yearly between 2014 and 2021 at sites of contrasted pressure along the French coasts. OPEs were found in virtually all samples, indicating their widespread spatial and temporal occurrence in coastal bivalves and the relevance of their biomonitoring. The median concentrations were between 0.4 (TMPP) and 4.9 ng g dry weight (TCIPP), with TCIPP, TNBP and EHDPP found at the highest median values. TCEP and TBOEP were not frequently detected overall, but each year, the same sites showed repeatedly high concentrations. Structurally-related OPEs generally correlated, but the geographical distributions were not predictable from known anthropogenic pressures (population in the catchment area, industry), with little comparability with other hydrophobic contaminants. If the relation between sources of OPEs and bioaccumulated levels remains uncertain, local hotspots, rather than riverine/atmospheric transportation, could account for their geographical distribution. A systematic review of the levels of OPEs found in filter-feeding bivalves worldwide revealed comparable levels in our study with those reported elsewhere; however, the levels across and within (when available) studies generally spanned several orders of magnitude, indicating high spatial and temporal heterogeneity. In view of the growing concerns regarding OPEs, this study provides essential reference data for future studies of their occurrence on European coasts and supports the need for a more systematic (bio)monitoring of this class of contaminant.
Topics: Biological Monitoring; China; Environmental Monitoring; Esters; Flame Retardants; Organophosphates
PubMed: 37062393
DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138702