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Toxicology Aug 2023The role of environmental contaminants and their association with stroke is still being determined. Association has been shown with air pollution, noise, and water... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The role of environmental contaminants and their association with stroke is still being determined. Association has been shown with air pollution, noise, and water pollution; however, the results are inconsistent across studies. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of persistent organic pollutants (POP) in ischemic stroke patients were conducted; a comprehensive literature search was carried out until 30th June 2021 from different databases. The quality of all the articles which met our inclusion criteria was assessed using Newcastle-Ottawa scaling; five eligible studies were included in our systematic review. The most studied POP in ischemic stroke was polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and they have shown a trend for association with ischemic stroke. The study also revealed that living near a source of POPs contamination constitutes a risk of exposure and an increased risk of ischemic stroke. Although our study provides a strong positive association of POPs with ischemic stroke, more extensive studies must be conducted to prove the association.
Topics: Humans; Persistent Organic Pollutants; Ischemic Stroke; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Stroke; Environmental Pollutants
PubMed: 37268249
DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2023.153567 -
Chemosphere Aug 2023Except for known sociodemographic factors, long-term exposure to environmental pollutants has been shown to contribute to the development of gestational diabetes... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Except for known sociodemographic factors, long-term exposure to environmental pollutants has been shown to contribute to the development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), but the conclusions remain controversial. To provide a comprehensive overview of the association between environmental pollutants and GDM, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis. Several electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Medline and Cochrane) were searched for related epidemiological and experimental studies up to September 2022. For epidemiological studies, a meta-analysis was carried out to appraise the effect of environmental pollutants, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), phenols, phthalates (PAEs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and parabens exposure on GDM. Moreover, we also summarized possible biological mechanisms linking pollution exposure and GDM based on the included experimental studies. A total of 80 articles were enrolled, including 38 epidemiological studies and 42 experimental studies. Meta-analysis results showed that exposure to PAEs [OR (95%CI) = 1.07 (1.00, 1.14)], PFASs [OR (95%CI) = 1.10 (1.01, 1.19)], as well as PCBs [OR (95%CI) = 1.18 (1.02, 1.36)] and PBDEs [OR (95%CI) = 1.33 (1.17, 1.50)] significantly increased the risk of GDM, but no significant effects were found for phenols, OCPs, and parabens. In addition, experimental studies suggested that the potential biological mechanisms of environmental pollutants contributing to GDM may involve insulin resistance, β-cell dysfunction, neurohormonal dysfunction, inflammation, oxidative stress, epigenetic modification, and alterations in gut microbiome. In conclusion, long-term environmental pollutants exposure may induce the development of GDM, and there may be a synergistic effect between the homologs. However, studies conducted on the direct biological link between environmental pollutants and GDM were few. More prospective studies and high-quality in vivo and in vitro experiments were needed to investigate the specific effects and mechanisms.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Diabetes, Gestational; Environmental Pollutants; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Prospective Studies; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Parabens; Environmental Exposure; Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated; Phenols; Pesticides; Fluorocarbons
PubMed: 37164202
DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138866 -
Environmental Research Jul 2023The effects of environmental pollution are associated with higher rates of mortality, morbidity, and years of life lost. It is known that these produce alterations in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The effects of environmental pollution are associated with higher rates of mortality, morbidity, and years of life lost. It is known that these produce alterations in the human body, including changes in body composition. Research has focused on the association between contaminants and BMI through cross-sectional studies. The objective of this study was to synthesize the evidence for the association of pollutants on different measures of body composition. The PECOS strategy was defined, in which "P": participants of any age, sex, or ethnicity, "E": a higher level of environmental pollution, "C": a lower level of environmental pollution, "O": body composition measurements and "S": longitudinal studies. Studies from the following databases were included: MEDLINE, EMBASE, SciELO, LILACS, Scopus, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and gray literature from inception to January 2023.3069 studies were identified, 18 were included in the systematic review, and 13 in the meta-analysis. These studies included 8.563 people, 47 environmental contaminants, and 16 measures of body composition. The meta-analysis by subgroup found that the association between dioxins, furans, PCBs, and waist circumference was β = 1.0 (95% CI: 0.85 to 1.16; I: 95%), and the sum of four skinfolds β = 1.02 (95% CI: 0.88 to 1.16; I: 24%). The association between pesticides and waist circumference was β = 1.00 (95% CI: 0.68 to 1.32; I: 98%), and the fat mass was β = 0.99 (95% CI: 0.17 to 1.81; I: 94%). Pollutants, especially endocrine-disrupting chemicals, among which dioxins, furans, PCBs, and pesticides, are associated with changes in body composition, mainly with waist circumference and the sum of four skinfolds.
Topics: Humans; Environmental Pollutants; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Dioxins; Cross-Sectional Studies; Body Composition; Pesticides
PubMed: 37024033
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115840 -
International Journal of Environmental... Mar 2023Plastic pollution has become one of the most serious environmental problems, and microplastics (MPs, particles < 5 mm size) may behave as a vehicle of organic... (Review)
Review
Plastic pollution has become one of the most serious environmental problems, and microplastics (MPs, particles < 5 mm size) may behave as a vehicle of organic pollutants, causing detrimental effects to the environment. Studies on MP-sorbed organic pollutants lack methodological standardization, resulting in a low comparability and replicability. In this work, we reviewed 40 field studies of MP-sorbed organic contaminants using PRISMA guidelines for acquiring information on sampling and analytical protocols. The papers were also scored for their reliability on the basis of 7 criteria, from 0 (minimum) to 21 (maximum). Our results showed a great heterogeneity of the methods used for the sample collection, MPs extraction, and instruments for chemicals' identification. Measures for cross-contamination control during MPs analysis were strictly applied only in 13% of the studies, indicating a need for quality control in MPs-related research. The most frequently detected MP-sorbed chemicals were polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). Most of the studies showed a good reliability (>75% of the total score), with 32 papers scoring 16 or higher. On the basis of the collected information, a standardizable protocol for the detection of MPs and MP-sorbed chemicals has been suggested for improving the reliability of MPs monitoring studies.
Topics: Plastics; Environmental Pollutants; Reproducibility of Results; Environmental Monitoring; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
PubMed: 36981806
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20064892 -
Journal of Gynecology Obstetrics and... May 2023We aimed to collect recent findings for a deeper understanding of the association between human exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and endometriosis... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to collect recent findings for a deeper understanding of the association between human exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and endometriosis development.
METHODS
Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Embase were searched based on inclusion criteria from 2000 to the end of 2020. No filter was exerted to limit the language of publications and geographical restriction. Odds ratios (OR) using the random-effects model and the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated for each included study.
RESULTS
Fourteen studies were included in our analyses. The pooled OR and 95% CI for PCB was 1.96 (1.31 to 2.93). Despite being statistically significant, there was evidence of moderate heterogeneity (I = 63%, P = 0.001, τ = 0.32). Findings from our subgroup analyses showed a significant association between PCB exposure and endometriosis among European population (OR = 3.66, 95% CI: 2.08-6.44). Also a positive association was detected between PCB exposure and an increased odds of endometriosis in studies with laparoscopy (OR = 2.32, 95% CI: 1.16-4.63) or surgery confirm of controls (OR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.02-1.89). Moreover, according to matched-pairs design, a significant association between PCB exposure and endometriosis development was detected (OR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.04-2.18), also heterogeneity decreased in studies with matched-pairs design (I = 30.4%).
CONCLUSIONS
Findings of this study confirm an association between endometriosis and exposure to PCB. However, more primary studies using proper methodology are needed to confirm this association.
Topics: Female; Humans; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Endometriosis; Laparoscopy
PubMed: 36918125
DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2023.102574 -
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety Feb 2023Based on a systematic review and meta-analysis of articles published in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science, we identified nine articles that provide evidence... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Based on a systematic review and meta-analysis of articles published in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science, we identified nine articles that provide evidence of the relationship between persistent organic pollutants and hyperuricemia. Our researchers assess the quality of the included studies and their risk of bias using the recommended method and tool. This study uses meta-analyses of the random effects of each exposure and outcome to estimate combined odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We found that the risk of hyperuricemia was strongly associated with three perfluorinated compounds, PFNA, PFOA, and PFOS, with the OR(95%CI) of 1.26 (1.07-1.47), 1.44(1.15-1.79), and 1.23(1.01-1.50) respectively. We also found a weak association between two other perfluorinated compounds, PFDA and PFHxS. Other than that, the summary ORs (95% CIs) of incident hyperuricemia were 2.34 (1.79-3.08) for DDT, 3.25(2.40-4.39) for DDE, 2.57 (1.37-4.81) for PCBs and 3.05(2.22-4.19) in trans-nonanchlor. Therefore, DDT and its breakdown product, DDE, PCBs, and trans-nonanchlor have also been linked with an increased risk of hyperuricemia in humans. This study finds that persistent organic pollutant is a critical factor for hyperuricemia, and further studies in specific regions will be considered in the future.
Topics: Humans; Hyperuricemia; Persistent Organic Pollutants; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; DDT
PubMed: 36640578
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114525 -
Environmental Research Mar 2023Assessing health outcomes associated with exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) is important given their persistent and ubiquitous nature. PCBs are classified as... (Review)
Review
Assessing health outcomes associated with exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) is important given their persistent and ubiquitous nature. PCBs are classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, but the full range of potential noncancer health effects from exposure to PCBs has not been systematically summarized and evaluated. We used systematic review methods to identify and screen the literature using combined manual review and machine learning approaches. A protocol was developed that describes the literature search strategy and Populations, Exposures, Comparators, and Outcomes (PECO) criteria used to facilitate subsequent screening and categorization of literature into a systematic evidence map of PCB exposure and noncancer health endpoints across 15 organs/systems. A comprehensive literature search yielded 62,599 records. After electronic prioritization steps, 17,037 studies were manually screened at the title and abstract level. An additional 900 studies identified by experts or supplemental searches were also included. After full-text screening of 3889 references, 1586 studies met the PECO criteria. Relevant study details such as the endpoints assessed, exposure duration, and species were extracted into literature summary tables. This review compiles and organizes the human and mammalian studies from these tables into an evidence map for noncancer health endpoints and PCB mixture exposure to identify areas of robust research as well as areas of uncertainty that would benefit from future investigation. Summary data are available online as interactive visuals with downloadable metadata. Sufficient research is available to inform PCB hazard assessments for most organs/systems, but the amount of data to inform associations with specific endpoints differs. Furthermore, despite many years of research, sparse data exist for inhalation and dermal exposures, which are highly relevant human exposure routes. This evidence map provides a foundation for future systematic reviews and noncancer hazard assessments of PCB mixtures and for strategic planning of research to inform areas of greater uncertainty.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Carcinogens; Mammals; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Uncertainty
PubMed: 36580985
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.115148 -
Journal of Environmental Science and... 2022To conduct a comprehensive meta-analysis investigating the association between polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) exposure and serum thyroid hormone levels among adults.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
To conduct a comprehensive meta-analysis investigating the association between polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) exposure and serum thyroid hormone levels among adults. Eleven studies met inclusion criteria for analysis following systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases. Of these, 7 studies measured exposure by the total sum of PCB congeners (∑PCB), 1 study measured individual PCB congener levels, and 3 studies measured both ∑PCB levels and PCB congener levels. Correlation coefficients (r) were extracted from each study. Summary estimates were calculated for ∑PCB levels and PCB congeners reported by 2 or more studies: PCB 28, 52, 101, 105, 118, 138, 153, and 180, using random effects model. Significant negative correlation was found between ∑PCBs and T3 (r: -0.09; 95% CI: -0.17, -0.02) and FT3 (r: -0.24; 95% CI: -0.36, -0.12). Congener-specific analysis found T3 to be negatively correlated with PCB-153 (r: -0.19; 95% CI: -0.34, -0.03) and PCB-180 (r: -0.14; 95% CI: -0.26, -0.01), whereas TSH was positively correlated with PCB-105 (r: 0.15; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.28). The present study is the first meta-analysis to investigate the association between PCB exposure and thyroid hormone dysfunction among adults. Results suggest a significant association between PCB exposure and thyroid hormone dysregulation.
Topics: Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Thyroid Hormones; Hormones; Thyroid Gland
PubMed: 36515092
DOI: 10.1080/26896583.2022.2149213 -
Environmental Health : a Global Access... Oct 2022Mixture risk assessments require reference doses for common health endpoints of all the chemicals to be considered together. In support of a mixture risk assessment for...
Systematic review of associations of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) exposure with declining semen quality in support of the derivation of reference doses for mixture risk assessments.
BACKGROUND
Mixture risk assessments require reference doses for common health endpoints of all the chemicals to be considered together. In support of a mixture risk assessment for male reproductive health, we conducted a systematic review of the literature on associations between exposures to Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and declines in semen quality. PCBs can act as Aryl-hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR)-agonists and Androgen Receptor (AR)-antagonists, both mechanisms which can affect sperm parameters. PCBs and other AR-antagonists can produce additive combination effects. Based on these observations our objective was to systematically gather data from animal and human studies to derive a reference dose for declines in semen quality for individual PCB.
METHODS
We systematically reviewed and evaluated the evidence in human epidemiological and experimental animal studies on associations between PCBs and deteriorations in semen quality. Human data and findings from animal studies with PCB mixtures were considered as supporting evidence. Information for individual congeners from animal studies was required for inclusion in mixture risk assessment. Using a robust confidence rating approach, we identified suitable studies to derive reference doses for individual PCB congeners.
RESULTS
Evaluation of human epidemiological studies revealed several reports of adverse effects on sperm parameters linked to PCB exposures, although some studies reported improved semen quality. Our review of experimental animal studies found that treatments with PCBs affected semen quality, in most cases adversely. We found robust evidence that PCB-118 and -169 were linked to declines in semen quality. Evidence for adverse effects of PCB-126, -132, -149, and -153 was moderate, whereas for PCB-77 it was slight and for PCB-180 indeterminate. Using widely accepted risk assessment procedures, we estimated reference dose values of 0.0029 µg/kg/day for PCB-118 and 0.00533 µg/kg/day for PCB-169. In addition, we derived values for PCB-126: 0.000073 µg/kg/day, PCB-132: 0.0228 µg/kg/day, PCB-149: 0.656 µg/kg/day, and PCB-153: 0.0058 µg/kg/day.
CONCLUSIONS
We found robust evidence for links between PCB exposure and deteriorations in semen quality, and derived reference doses for a set of congeners. We intend to use these values in combination with congener-specific exposure data in a mixture risk assessment for declines in semen quality, involving several other antiandrogenic chemicals.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Male; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Receptors, Androgen; Risk Assessment; Semen; Semen Analysis
PubMed: 36217156
DOI: 10.1186/s12940-022-00904-5 -
Toxicology and Industrial Health Nov 2022Prostate Cancer (PCa) is the second most common hormone-sensitive neoplasm among men and the fifth cause of death due to malignancy in developed countries. Moreover,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Prostate Cancer (PCa) is the second most common hormone-sensitive neoplasm among men and the fifth cause of death due to malignancy in developed countries. Moreover, studies have shown the links between polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and hormone-related cancers such as prostate cancer. Hence, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the potential relationship between the PCBs and developing PCa. In this meta-analysis study, the relevant databases such as Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus were studied for English research. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was applied to evaluate the quality of the selected publications. The GRADE method was used to assess the risk of bias studies. After reviewing the relevant studies, a cohort and seven case-control studies entered the meta-analysis. These articles were published during 2003-2021 with 2989 participants and 1212 PCa cases. The heterogeneity among the studies was significant ( = 0.001, I = 70.61). Using a random-effects model, the association between the serum and plasma levels of PCBs and the risk of PCa was not shown to be significant (OR = 1.12; 95% CI: 0.90-1.39). The results of Egger's test showed no trace of publication bias in the studies (P of bias = 0.573). This systematic review and meta-analysis was presented based on relatively strong evidence and has confirmed negatively significant associations between PCa risk and some PCBs congeners (PCB 44, 52, and 101). This study does not provide strong evidence that total PCB exposure is a risk factor for PCa development in humans.
Topics: Male; Humans; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Risk Factors; Cohort Studies; Prostatic Neoplasms; Hormones
PubMed: 36167526
DOI: 10.1177/07482337221129162