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Environmental Health Perspectives Sep 1985The quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs) for polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners have been determined by comparing the EC50 values for three in... (Review)
Review
The quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs) for polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners have been determined by comparing the EC50 values for three in vitro test systems, namely, aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) and ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) induction in rat hepatoma H-4-II-E cells and competitive binding avidities to the rat cytosolic receptor protein (using 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin as a radioligand). For several PCB congeners that are in vivo inducers of rat hepatic microsomal AHH, there was a linear correlation between the -log EC50 values for receptor and the -log EC50 values for AHH (or EROD) induction; moreover, a comparable linear relationship was observed between the -log EC50 values for AHH and EROD induction. Previous in vivo studies have shown that the most active PCB congeners 3,3',4,4'-tetra-, 3,4,4',5-tetra-, 3,3',4,4',5-penta-, and 3,3',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl, cause many of the biologic and toxic effects reported for the highly toxic halogenated aryl hydrocarbon, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Moreover, the monoortho-substituted homologs of the four coplanar PCBs also elicit comparable in vivo biologic and toxic responses. It was evident from the QSARs for PCBs that there was an excellent correspondence between the in vivo and in vitro potencies of the individual PCB congeners. The effects of substituents on both receptor binding and AHH/EROD induction was determined for a series of 4'-substituted (X)-2,3,4,5-tetrachlorobiphenyls (where X = H, Cl, Br, I, OH, OCH3, NO2, COCH3, F, CF3, CH3, C2H5, i-C3H7, n-C4H9 and t-C4H9). Not unexpectedly, there was a linear relationship between the -log EC50 values for AHH and EROD induction, and these results confirm that both enzymatic oxidations are catalyzed by the same cytochrome P-450 isozyme(s). The effects of substituent structure on receptor binding for 12 substituents was subjected to multiple regression analysis which correlates the relative binding affinities of the compounds with the physical chemical characteristics of the substituents. The analysis gave the following equation: log (1/EC50) = 1.53 sigma + 1.47 pi + 1.09 HB + 4.08 for n = 12, s = 0.18, r = 0.978; where n is the number of substituents, s is the standard deviation, r is the correlation coefficient, and sigma = electronegativity, pi = hydrophobicity (log P) and HB = hydrogen bonding capacity for the substituent groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Topics: Animals; Aryl Hydrocarbon Hydroxylases; Enzyme Induction; In Vitro Techniques; Polybrominated Biphenyls; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Rats; Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon; Receptors, Drug; Structure-Activity Relationship; Tritium
PubMed: 2998747
DOI: 10.1289/ehp.856121 -
PloS One 2017Concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are high in Inuit living predominately on the traditional marine diet. Adverse effects of POPs include disruption...
Concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are high in Inuit living predominately on the traditional marine diet. Adverse effects of POPs include disruption of the immune system and cardiovascular diseases that are frequent in Greenland Inuit. We aimed to assess the association between exposure to POPs from the marine diet and inflammation, taking into account other factors such as vitamin D. We invited Inuit and non-Inuit living in settlements or the town in rural East Greenland or in the capital city Nuuk. Participants completed a food frequency questionnaire and donated a blood sample for measurement of the two markers of inflammation YKL-40 and hsCRP, 25-hydroxy-vitamin D, eleven organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), fourteen polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), one polybrominated biphenyl, and nine polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) adjusted to the serum lipid content. Participants were 50 through 69 years old, living in settlements, town or city (n = 151/173/211; 95% participation rate). ΣOCP, ΣPCB and ΣPBDE serum levels were higher in Inuit than in non-Inuit (p<0.001/ p<0.001/ p<0.001), in older individuals (p<0.001/p<0.001/p = 0.002) and in participants with the highest intake of Greenlandic food items (p<0.001/p<0.001/p<0.001). Both YKL-40 and hsCRP serum levels were higher in Inuit compared to non-Inuit (p<0.001/p = 0.001), and increased with age (p<0.001/p = 0.001) and with the intake of Greenlandic food items (p<0.001/p = 0.002). Multivariate analysis conformed to a marked influence on both YKL-40 and hsCRP by ΣOCP (p<0.001/p<0.001) and ΣPCBs (p<0.001/p = 0.001) after adjusting for age, BMI, vitamin D, alcohol and smoking. POP levels were associated with the intake of the traditional Inuit diet and with markers of inflammation. This supports a pro-inflammatory role of POPs to promote chronic diseases common to populations in Greenland. These data inform guidelines on 'the Arctic dilemma' and encourage follow-up on the ageing Arctic populations.
Topics: Biomarkers; Diet; Environmental Pollutants; Female; Humans; Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated; Inflammation; Inuit; Male; Middle Aged
PubMed: 28542407
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0177781 -
Scientific Reports Jul 2020Prenatal polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) exposures are a public health concern due to their persistence and potential for reproductive and developmental harm....
Prenatal polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) exposures are a public health concern due to their persistence and potential for reproductive and developmental harm. However, we have little information about the extent of fetal exposures during critical developmental periods and the variation in exposures for groups that may be more highly exposed, such as communities of color and lower socioeconomic status (SES). To characterize maternal-fetal PBDE exposures among potentially vulnerable groups, PBDE levels were examined in the largest sample of matched maternal serum, placenta, and fetal liver tissues during mid-gestation among a geographically, racially/ethnically, and socially diverse population of pregnant women from Northern California and the Central Valley (n = 180; 2014-16). Maternal-fetal PBDE levels were compared to population characteristics using censored Kendall's tau correlation and linear regression. PBDEs were commonly detected in all biomatrices. Before lipid adjustment, wet-weight levels of all four PBDE congeners were highest in the fetal liver (p < 0.001), whereas median PBDE levels were significantly higher in maternal serum than in the fetal liver or placenta after lipid-adjustment (p < 0.001). We also found evidence of racial/ethnic disparities in PBDE exposures (Non-Hispanic Black > Latina/Hispanic > Non-Hispanic White > Asian/Pacific Islander/Other; p < 0.01), with higher levels of BDE-100 and BDE-153 among non-Hispanic Black women compared to the referent group (Latina/Hispanic women). In addition, participants living in Fresno/South Central Valley had 34% (95% CI: - 2.4 to 84%, p = 0.07) higher wet-weight levels of BDE-47 than residents living in the San Francisco Bay Area. PBDEs are widely detected and differentially distributed in maternal-fetal compartments. Non-Hispanic Black pregnant women and women from Southern Central Valley geographical populations may be more highly exposed to PBDEs. Further research is needed to identify sources that may be contributing to differential exposures and associated health risks among these vulnerable populations.
Topics: Adult; Environmental Monitoring; Ethnicity; Female; Fetus; Flame Retardants; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Humans; Maternal Exposure; Maternal-Fetal Exchange; Placenta; Polybrominated Biphenyls; Pregnancy; Racial Groups; San Francisco; Young Adult
PubMed: 32699379
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69067-y -
Chemosphere May 2022In support of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) global monitoring plan under the Stockholm Convention contributing laboratories were offered to take part...
In support of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) global monitoring plan under the Stockholm Convention contributing laboratories were offered to take part in a series of interlaboratory assessments on persistent organic pollutants (POPs). The results of two rounds of these assessments are reported. The target compounds were polychlorinated biphenyls, organochlorine pesticides, polybrominated diphenylethers, one polybrominated biphenyl and hexabromocyclododecane diastereomers. The matrices distributed were a test solution, fish, sediment, human milk, and air extracts. The number of participants in each round was well over 100, showing the interest of laboratories worldwide. The results showed that many laboratories still struggle to obtain acceptable standard deviations of around 25% for their determinations. In particular for organochlorine pesticides serious improvement in quality is required. Acceptable results were obtained for the air extracts and for the determination of polybrominated diphenylethers in various matrices.
Topics: Animals; Environmental Monitoring; Environmental Pollutants; Flame Retardants; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated; Pesticides; Polychlorinated Biphenyls
PubMed: 35167837
DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.133991 -
Environmental Health Perspectives Apr 1982The composition, environmental fate, and effects of the polybrominated biphenyls (Firemaster BP-6 or FF-1) involved in the accidental contamination of cattle feed in... (Review)
Review
The composition, environmental fate, and effects of the polybrominated biphenyls (Firemaster BP-6 or FF-1) involved in the accidental contamination of cattle feed in Michigan in 1973 are reviewed. Toxic effects referred to in this report are limited to those occurring in domestic and laboratory animals and include general toxicity, neurobehavioral toxicity, immunotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, mutagenicity and carcinogenicity. The absorption, distribution, biotransformation and elimination of these polybrominated biphenyls are discussed along with the interactions with other chemicals and drugs.
Topics: Animals; Behavior, Animal; Biotransformation; Biphenyl Compounds; Carcinogens; Chemical Phenomena; Chemistry; Chickens; Environmental Pollution; Enzyme Induction; Immunity; Intestinal Absorption; Mutagens; Polybrominated Biphenyls; Reproduction; Sheep; Swine; Tissue Distribution
PubMed: 6282577
DOI: 10.1289/ehp.8244175 -
Environmental Health Perspectives Jul 2003The aim of this study was to determine human prenatal and postnatal exposures to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), hydroxylated...
The aim of this study was to determine human prenatal and postnatal exposures to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), hydroxylated metabolites of PCBs (polychlorobiphenylols; OH-PCBs), and pentachlorophenol (PCP). The median PBDE fresh-weight concentrations in maternal and cord blood plasma and in breast milk were 24, 4.3, and 75 pg/g, respectively. The PCB concentrations were approximately 60 times higher in each compartment (1,560, 277, and 4,310 pg/g, respectively). Calculated on a lipid weight basis, the levels were comparable in maternal blood plasma and breast milk. In contrast to PCBs, differences were found between PBDE congener distribution in maternal and cord blood plasma. The OH-PCBs constituted up to 26% of the PCB levels in maternal blood plasma and 53% in cord blood plasma, with levels of 120 and 88 pg/g fresh weight, respectively, and in breast milk 3 pg/g. The corresponding concentrations for PCP were 2,830, 1,960, and 20 pg/g. The ratios of PCB to OH-PCB were 13, 3, and 1,400 in maternal, cord plasma, and breast milk, respectively. It is evident that prenatal exposures occur for all the analytes. Moreover, the exposure continues after birth via breast milk. However, levels of OH-PCBs and PCP in breast milk are low compared with levels in blood plasma. Exposures to both PCBs and PBDEs, and in particular to the endocrine-active halogenated phenolic compounds, are of concern and implicate a potential risk for developmental disturbances.
Topics: Adult; Breast Feeding; Endocrine System; Environmental Exposure; Environmental Pollutants; Female; Fetal Blood; Humans; Maternal Exposure; Maternal-Fetal Exchange; Milk, Human; Pentachlorophenol; Polybrominated Biphenyls; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Pregnancy
PubMed: 12842779
DOI: 10.1289/ehp.5946 -
Environmental Health Perspectives Feb 2013Evidence suggesting that persistent environmental pollutants may be reproductive toxicants underscores the need for prospective studies of couples for whom exposures are...
BACKGROUND
Evidence suggesting that persistent environmental pollutants may be reproductive toxicants underscores the need for prospective studies of couples for whom exposures are measured.
OBJECTIVES
We examined the relationship between selected persistent pollutants and couple fecundity as measured by time to pregnancy.
METHODS
A cohort of 501 couples who discontinued contraception to become pregnant was prospectively followed for 12 months of trying to conceive or until a human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) test confirmed pregnancy. Couples completed daily journals on lifestyle and provided biospecimens for the quantification of 9 organochlorine pesticides, 1 polybrominated biphenyl, 10 polybrominated diphenyl ethers, 36 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and 7 perfluorochemicals (PFCs) in serum. Using Cox models for discrete time, we estimated fecundability odds ratios (FORs) and 95% CIs separately for each partner's concentrations adjusting for age, body mass index, serum cotinine, serum lipids (except for PFCs), and study site (Michigan or Texas); sensitivity models were further adjusted for left truncation or time off of contraception (≤ 2 months) before enrollment.
RESULTS
The adjusted reduction in fecundability associated with standard deviation increases in log-transformed serum concentrations ranged between 18% and 21% for PCB congeners 118, 167, 209, and perfluorooctane sulfonamide in females; and between 17% and 29% for p,p´-DDE and PCB congeners 138, 156, 157, 167, 170, 172, and 209 in males. The strongest associations were observed for PCB 167 (FOR 0.79; 95% CI: 0.64, 0.97) in females and PCB 138 (FOR = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.52, 0.98) in males.
CONCLUSIONS
In this couple-based prospective cohort study with preconception enrollment and quantification of exposures in both female and male partners, we observed that a subset of persistent environmental chemicals were associated with reduced fecundity.
Topics: Environmental Pollutants; Female; Fertility; Humans; Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated; Male; Pregnancy; Sexual Partners
PubMed: 23151773
DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1205301 -
Analytica Chimica Acta Dec 2018Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are persistent environmental pollutants originating...
Utilizing ion mobility spectrometry and mass spectrometry for the analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, polybrominated diphenyl ethers and their metabolites.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are persistent environmental pollutants originating from incomplete combustion of organic materials and synthetic sources. PAHs, PCBs, and PBDEs have all been shown to have a significant effect on human health with correlations to cancer and other diseases. Therefore, measuring the presence of these xenobiotics in the environment and human body is imperative for assessing their health risks. To date, their analyses require both gas chromatography and liquid chromatography separations in conjunction with mass spectrometry measurements for detection of both the parent molecules and their hydroxylated metabolites, making their studies extremely time consuming. In this work, we characterized PAHs, PCBs, PBDEs and their hydroxylated metabolites using ion mobility spectrometry coupled with mass spectrometry (IMS-MS) and in combination with different ionization methods including electrospray ionization (ESI), atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) and atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI). The collision cross section and m/z trend lines derived from the IMS-MS analyses displayed distinct trends for each molecule type. Additionally, the rapid isomeric and molecular separations possible with IMS-MS showed great promise for quickly distinguishing the parent and metabolized PAH, PCB, and PDBE molecules in complex environmental and biological samples.
Topics: Chromatography, Liquid; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Ion Mobility Spectrometry; Mass Spectrometry; Molecular Structure; Polybrominated Biphenyls; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
PubMed: 30292301
DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2018.02.054 -
Environment International Sep 2012There is evidence of endocrine disruption and reproductive effects in animals following exposure to certain PBDEs, but human studies are limited. The goal of this study...
There is evidence of endocrine disruption and reproductive effects in animals following exposure to certain PBDEs, but human studies are limited. The goal of this study was to investigate the use of serum and follicular fluid as biomarkers of exposure to PBDEs and to explore whether a relationship between PBDE exposure and early pregnancy loss exists. We measured 8 PBDE congeners in archived serum and ovarian follicular fluid samples from 65 women undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Logistic regression models were used to predict the odds of failed embryo implantation associated with higher levels of PBDEs among the women in the study. There were moderate Kendall's Tau-beta correlations between serum and follicular fluid concentrations of BDE 28, 47, 100 and 154 (T(β)=0.29-0.38, all p-values<0.005), but BDE 99 and 153 were not correlated between the two matrices (T(β)<0.2, p-values>0.05). Women with detectable concentrations of BDE 153 (39% had detectable levels) in follicular fluid had elevated odds of failed implantation compared with women who had non-detectable concentrations (adjusted OR=10.0; 95%CI: 1.9 to 52; p=0.006; adjusted by age and body mass index). These findings suggest that exposure to BDE 153 may be associated with failed embryo implantation. Due to our observation of only moderate correlations between matrices, serum PBDE concentrations may not be a good indicator of follicular fluid concentrations when studying early pregnancy endpoints in women undergoing IVF.
Topics: Adult; Environmental Exposure; Environmental Pollutants; Female; Fertilization in Vitro; Follicular Fluid; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Humans; Polybrominated Biphenyls; Pregnancy
PubMed: 22572111
DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2012.04.004 -
Environmental Health Perspectives May 2000Levels of the polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), a class of widely used flame retardants, appear to be rising rapidly in human tissues, as evidenced by studies of... (Review)
Review
Levels of the polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), a class of widely used flame retardants, appear to be rising rapidly in human tissues, as evidenced by studies of human breast milk. The case of the PBDEs illustrates the value of breast-milk monitoring programs in identifying important emerging pollutants, and highlights why such monitoring programs are needed in the United States. A review of the use, occurrence, and toxicity of PBDEs indicates many parallels between some PBDEs, PCBs, and other polyhalogenated persistent organic pollutants, and suggests that the PBDEs may be a significant environmental challenge in the future.
Topics: Animals; Endocrine Glands; Environmental Health; Environmental Monitoring; Environmental Pollutants; Female; Flame Retardants; Humans; Milk, Human; Nervous System; Phenyl Ethers; Polybrominated Biphenyls; Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon; United States
PubMed: 10811563
DOI: 10.1289/ehp.00108387