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Grimalt JO, Garí M, Santa-Marina L, Ibarluzea J, Sunyer J. Influence of gestational weight gain on the organochlorine pollution content of breast milk. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 209:112783. [PMID: 35074353 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.112783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transplacental transfer and breastfeeding are the main transport routes of organic pollutants into children at the beginning of life. Although pollutant transmission through these mechanisms primarily depends on the maternal pollution burden, its impact may be modulated by physiological effects. OBJECTIVES We have examined whether gestational weight gain (GWG) exerts an influence on the content of lipophilic low volatile pollutants in breast milk. RESULTS Colostrum from mothers from the INMA cohorts of Sabadell and Gipuzkoa (n = 256 and 119, respectively) with low GWG as defined by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) from the US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine had significantly higher concentrations of polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) and 4,4'-DDE than colostrum in mothers who gained weight within IOM recommendations or in those who exceeded this threshold. Statistically significant differences were also found in the colostrum:maternal serum ratios of these compounds. Women with low GWG retained higher pollutant amounts in colostrum. These observations are consistent with previously described higher concentrations of these pollutants in infant cord blood from mothers with low GWG by IOM standards. They indicate that mobilization of lipophilic organic pollutants by metabolic pregnant changes not only leads to higher fetal transfer but to higher accumulation into the mammary system upon low GWG. CONCLUSIONS The present results show that insufficient GWG, besides increasing in utero exposure, also enhances pollutant transfer to infants during breastfeeding which considerably extends the significance of this physiological change for the pollutant children intake in early life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan O Grimalt
- Spanish Council for Scientific Research (CSIC), Jordi Girona, 18. 08034, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Mercè Garí
- Spanish Council for Scientific Research (CSIC), Jordi Girona, 18. 08034, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Computational Health Department, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich for Environmental Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Loreto Santa-Marina
- Ministry of Health of the Basque Government, Sub-Directorate for Public Health and Addictions of Gipuzkoa, Spain; BioDonostia Health Research Institute, Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Jesús Ibarluzea
- Ministry of Health of the Basque Government, Sub-Directorate for Public Health and Addictions of Gipuzkoa, Spain; BioDonostia Health Research Institute, Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Jordi Sunyer
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain; Global Health Institute of Barcelona (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Hospital de Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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Palkovičová Murínová Ľ, Wimmerová S, Lancz K, Patayová H, Koštiaková V, Richterová D, Govarts E, Jusko TA, Trnovec T. Partitioning of hexachlorobenzene between human milk and blood lipid. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 229:994-999. [PMID: 28778790 PMCID: PMC6044446 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.07.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Revised: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
In epidemiological studies on the toxic effects of prenatal exposure to hexachlorobenzene (HCB), researchers report HCB concentrations, either as wet-weight or per lipid weight basis, in matrices like breast milk, and maternal and cord blood. Conversion of exposures across matrices is needed for comparisons of concentrations and dose effect across cohorts. Using data from a birth cohort study in eastern Slovakia, we derived the maternal blood to cord blood HCB concentration ratio utilizing measured concentrations in 1027 paired maternal and cord blood samples, on a per-lipid basis. In addition to data from the Slovak study, the maternal milk to maternal serum ratio was summarized from 23 published studies on partitioning of HCB between human milk lipid and blood lipid. We identified two distinct groups of milk:blood ratios, those ≤0.45 and those ≥0.85. We assumed that using partition ratios ≤0.45 will underestimate HCB exposure estimates. Taking into account this precautionary measure, we suggest a conversion ratio of 1.21, which is the median of the 16 ratios identified in our literature review. We consider our estimate as conservative and providing appropriate safety in risk analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ľubica Palkovičová Murínová
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, Slovak Medical University, Limbová 12, 833 03 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Soňa Wimmerová
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, Slovak Medical University, Limbová 12, 833 03 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Kinga Lancz
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, Slovak Medical University, Limbová 12, 833 03 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Henrieta Patayová
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, Slovak Medical University, Limbová 12, 833 03 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Vladimíra Koštiaková
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, Slovak Medical University, Limbová 12, 833 03 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Denisa Richterová
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, Slovak Medical University, Limbová 12, 833 03 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Eva Govarts
- Unit Environmental Risk and Health, VITO NV, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Todd A Jusko
- Departments of Public Health Sciences and Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester, School of Medicine & Dentistry, 265 Crittenden Blvd, CU 420644, Rochester, NY 14642, United States
| | - Tomáš Trnovec
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, Slovak Medical University, Limbová 12, 833 03 Bratislava, Slovakia.
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Thomas A, Toms LML, Harden FA, Hobson P, White NM, Mengersen KL, Mueller JF. Concentrations of organochlorine pesticides in pooled human serum by age and gender. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 154:10-18. [PMID: 27992738 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) have been used for many decades in Australia with cessation of selected persistent and bioaccumulative OCPs ranging from the 1970s to as recently as 2007. The specific aims of this study were to use samples representative of an Australian population to assess age and gender differences in the concentration of OCPs in human blood sera and to investigate temporal trends in these chemicals. Serum was collected from de-identified, surplus pathology samples over five time periods (2002/03, 2006/07, 2008/09, 2010/11 and 2012/13), with 183 serum pools made from 12,175 individual samples; 26 pools in 2002/03, 85 pools in 2006/07 and 24 pools each in 2008/09, 2010/11 and 2012/13. Samples were analyzed for hexachlorobenzene (HCB), β-hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH), γ -hexachlorocyclohexane (lindane) (γ-HCH), oxy-chlordane, trans-nonachlor, p,p'-DDE, o,p'-DDT, p,p'-DDT and Mirex. Stratification criteria included gender and age (0-4; 5-15; 16-30; 31-45; 46-60; and >60 years) with age additionally stratified by adults >16 years and children 0-4 and 5-15 years. All pools from all collection periods had detectable concentrations of OCPs with a detection frequency of >60% for HCB, β-HCH, trans-nonachlor, p,p'-DDT and p,p'-DDE. The overall OCP concentrations increased with age with the highest concentrations in the >60 years groups. Females did not have higher mean OCP concentrations than males except for HCB concentrations (p=0.0006). Temporal trends showed overall decreasing serum concentrations by collection period with the exception of an increase in OCP concentrations between 2006/07 and 2008/09. Excluding this data point, HCB decreased from year to year by 7-76%; β-HCH concentrations decreased by 14 - 38%; trans-nonachlor concentrations decreased by 10 - 65%; p,p'-DDE concentrations decreased by 6 - 52%; and p,p'-DDT concentrations decreased by 7 - 30%. The results indicate that OCP concentrations have decreased over time as is to be expected following the phase out of these chemicals in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleysha Thomas
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Mathematical and Statistical Frontiers, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Australia
| | - Leisa-Maree Leontjew Toms
- School of Public Health and Social Work and Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Fiona A Harden
- Hunter Industrial Medicine, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence for Mathematical and Statistical Frontiers, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Australia
| | - Peter Hobson
- Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Nicole M White
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Mathematical and Statistical Frontiers, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Australia
| | - Kerrie L Mengersen
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Mathematical and Statistical Frontiers, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Australia
| | - Jochen F Mueller
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Coopers Plains, Australia
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Fång J, Nyberg E, Winnberg U, Bignert A, Bergman Å. Spatial and temporal trends of the Stockholm Convention POPs in mothers' milk -- a global review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 22:8989-9041. [PMID: 25913228 PMCID: PMC4473027 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-4080-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2014] [Accepted: 01/04/2015] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have been of environmental and health concern for more than half a century and have their own intergovernmental regulation through the Stockholm Convention, from 2001. One major concern is the nursing child's exposure to POPs, a concern that has led to a very large number of scientific studies on POPs in mothers' milk. The present review is a report on the assessment on worldwide spatial distributions of POPs and of their temporal trends. The data presented herein is a compilation based on scientific publications between 1995 and 2011. It is evident that the concentrations in mothers' milk depend on the use of pesticides and industrial chemicals defined as POPs. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and "dioxins" are higher in the more industrialized areas, Europe and Northern America, whereas pesticides are higher in Africa and Asia and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are reported in higher concentrations in the USA. POPs are consequently distributed to women in all parts of the world and are thus delivered to the nursing child. The review points out several major problems in the reporting of data, which are crucial to enable high quality comparisons. Even though the data set is large, the comparability is hampered by differences in reporting. In conclusion, much more detailed instructions are needed for reporting POPs in mothers' milk. Temporal trend data for POPs in mothers' milk is scarce and is of interest when studying longer time series. The only two countries with long temporal trend studies are Japan and Sweden. In most cases, the trends show decreasing concentrations of POPs in mothers' milk. However, hexabromocyclododecane is showing increasing temporal concentration trends in both Japan and Sweden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Fång
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden,
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Haddad S, Ayotte P, Verner MA. Derivation of exposure factors for infant lactational exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2015; 71:135-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2014.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2014] [Revised: 12/05/2014] [Accepted: 12/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Schell LM, Gallo MV, Deane GD, Nelder KR, DeCaprio AP, Jacobs A. Relationships of polychlorinated biphenyls and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE) with testosterone levels in adolescent males. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2014; 122:304-309. [PMID: 24398050 PMCID: PMC3948020 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1205984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2012] [Accepted: 12/20/2013] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concern persists over endocrine-disrupting effects of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) on human growth and sexual maturation. Potential effects of toxicant exposures on testosterone levels during puberty are not well characterized. OBJECTIVES In this study we evaluated the relationship between toxicants [polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p´-DDE), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and lead] and testosterone levels among 127 Akwesasne Mohawk males 10 to < 17 years of age with documented toxicant exposures. METHODS Data were collected between February 1996 and January 2000. Fasting blood specimens were collected before breakfast by trained Akwesasne Mohawk staff. Multivariable regression models were used to estimates associations between toxicants and serum testosterone, adjusted for other toxicants, Tanner stage, and potential confounders. RESULTS The sum of 16 PCB congeners (Σ16PCBs) that were detected in ≥ 50% of the population was significantly and negatively associated with serum testosterone levels, such that a 10% change in exposure was associated with a 5.6% decrease in testosterone (95% CI: -10.8, -0.5%). Of the 16 congeners, the more persistent ones (Σ8PerPCBs) were related to testosterone, whereas the less persistent ones, possibly reflecting more recent exposure, were not. When PCB congeners were subgrouped, the association was significant for the sum of eight more persistent PCBs (5.7% decrease; 95% CI: -11, -0.4%), and stronger than the sum of six less persistent congeners (3.1% decrease; 95% CI: -7.2, 0.9%). p,p´-DDE was positively but not significantly associated with serum testosterone (5.2% increase with a 10% increase in exposure; 95% CI: -0.5, 10.9%). Neither lead nor HCB was significantly associated with testosterone levels. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to PCBs, particularly the more highly persistent congeners, may negatively influence testosterone levels among adolescent males. The positive relationship between p,p´-DDE and testosterone indicates that not all POPs act similarly. CITATION Schell LM, Gallo MV, Deane GD, Nelder KR, DeCaprio AP, Jacobs A; Akwesasne Task Force on the Environment. 2014. Relationships of polychlorinated biphenyls and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p´-DDE) with testosterone levels in adolescent males. Environ Health Perspect 122:304-309; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1205984.
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Martins JG, Amaya Chávez A, Waliszewski SM, Colín Cruz A, García Fabila MM. Extraction and clean-up methods for organochlorine pesticides determination in milk. CHEMOSPHERE 2013; 92:233-246. [PMID: 23648324 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2013.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2012] [Revised: 03/12/2013] [Accepted: 04/01/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) can cause environmental damage and human health risks since they are lipophilic compounds with high resistance to degradation and long half-lives in humans. As most persistent OCPs have been banned years ago, it is expected to find these compounds at trace levels in environment. Therefore, increasingly sensitive and reliable analytical techniques are required to ensure effective monitoring of these compounds. The aim of this review is to discuss extraction and clean-up methods used to monitor OCP residues in milk, reported in the last 20 years. To carry out this review, an exhaustive bibliographic review was conducted. Despite the disadvantages of conventional extraction and clean-up methods, such as liquid-liquid, solid-phase or Soxhlet extractions, these procedures are still used due to their reliability. New extraction methods, like solid-phase microextraction, matrix solid-phase dispersion or QuEChERS, have not been thoroughly evaluated for OCP determination in milk. Almost all the methodologies analyzed in this review presented good performance characteristics according to the performance acceptability criteria set in SANCO's procedure. Comparison between limits of quantification (LOQ) and detection (LOD), for the reported methodologies, is not always possible due to the heterogeneity of the units. Thus, researchers should take into account an homogenization of LOD and LOQ units, according to the international regulations and MRLs established. Finally, more research is necessary to obtain the ideal methodology for OCPs determination in milk, which comprises the environmentally friendly characteristics of the new techniques and the reliability of the traditional methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Gomes Martins
- Departamento de Farmacia de la Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Paseo Tollocan Esq. Paseo Colón, C.P. 50100 Toluca, Estado de México, Mexico
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Mannetje A', Coakley J, Mueller JF, Harden F, Toms LM, Douwes J. Partitioning of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) between human serum and breast milk: a literature review. CHEMOSPHERE 2012; 89:911-8. [PMID: 22868196 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2012.06.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2011] [Revised: 05/24/2012] [Accepted: 06/30/2012] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The literature was reviewed to assess the relationship between the lipid adjusted concentration in human serum and breast milk (expressed as the serum/milk ratio) of a broad range of POPs in paired samples. Thirteen studies were identified, including seven studies that reported serum/milk ratios for polychlorinated dibenzo-dioxins and -furans (PCDD/Fs), ten for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), five for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and five for organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). Mean serum/milk ratios ranged between 0.7 and 25 depending on the compound and congener. For PCDD/Fs, PCBs and PBDEs, a clear trend of increasing mean serum/milk ratio by increasing molar volume, hydrophobicity and number of halogen substitutes was observed. The mean serum/milk ratios reported by the 13 studies summarized here will aid comparison between human POPs exposure studies using either serum or milk samples. More studies are needed to allow a valid comparison between data obtained from analysis of breast milk and serum samples for a broader range of POPs. Furthermore such studies may shed light on compound specific factors as well as other determinants that may affect the partitioning and partition kinetics of POPs between serum and breast milk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea 't Mannetje
- Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand.
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Needham LL, Grandjean P, Heinzow B, Jørgensen PJ, Nielsen F, Patterson DG, Sjödin A, Turner WE, Weihe P. Partition of environmental chemicals between maternal and fetal blood and tissues. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2011; 45:1121-6. [PMID: 21166449 PMCID: PMC3031182 DOI: 10.1021/es1019614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 279] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Passage of environmental chemicals across the placenta has important toxicological consequences, as well as for choosing samples for analysis and for interpreting the results. To obtain systematic data, we collected in 2000 maternal and cord blood, cord tissue, placenta, and milk in connection with births in the Faroe Islands, where exposures to marine contaminants is increased. In 15 sample sets, we measured a total of 87 environmental chemicals, almost all of which were detected both in maternal and fetal tissues. The maternal serum lipid-based concentrations of organohalogen compounds averaged 1.7 times those of cord serum, 2.8 times those of cord tissue and placenta, and 0.7 those of milk. For organohalogen compounds detectable in all matrices, a high degree of correlation between concentrations in maternal serum and the other tissues investigated was generally observed (r(2) > 0.5). Greater degree of chlorination resulted in lower transfer from maternal serum into milk. Concentrations of pentachlorbenzene, γ-hexachlorocyclohexane, and several polychlorinated biphenyl congeners with low chlorination were higher in fetal samples and showed poor correlation with maternal levels. Perfluorinated compounds occurred in lower concentrations in cord serum than in maternal serum. Cadmium, lead, mercury, and selenium were all detected in fetal samples, but only mercury showed close correlations among concentrations in different matrices. Although the environmental chemicals examined pass through the placenta and are excreted into milk, partitions between maternal and fetal samples are not uniform.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Philippe Grandjean
- Corresponding author mailing address: Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Landmark Center, 3-102E, 401 Park Drive, Boston, MA 02215; Tel.: (617) 384-8908; Fax: (617) 384-8994; E-mail:
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Redding LE, Sohn MD, McKone TE, Chen JW, Wang SL, Hsieh DPH, Yang RS. Population physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling for the human lactational transfer of PCB-153 with consideration of worldwide human biomonitoring results. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2008; 116:1629-1635. [PMID: 19079712 PMCID: PMC2599755 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.11519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2008] [Accepted: 07/23/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND One of the most serious human health concerns related to environmental contamination with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) is the presence of these chemicals in breast milk. OBJECTIVES We developed a physiologically based pharmacokinetic model of PCB-153 in women, and predict its transfer via lactation to infants. The model is the first human, population-scale lactational model for PCB-153. Data in the literature provided estimates for model development and for performance assessment. METHODS We used physiologic parameters from a cohort in Taiwan and reference values given in the literature to estimate partition coefficients based on chemical structure and the lipid content in various body tissues. Using exposure data from Japan, we predicted acquired body burden of PCB-153 at an average childbearing age of 25 years and compared predictions to measurements from studies in multiple countries. We attempted one example of reverse dosimetry modeling using our PBPK model for possible exposure scenarios in Canadian Inuits, the population with the highest breast milk PCB-153 level in the world. RESULTS Forward-model predictions agree well with human biomonitoring measurements, as represented by summary statistics and uncertainty estimates. CONCLUSION The model successfully describes the range of possible PCB-153 dispositions in maternal milk, suggesting a promising option for back-estimating doses for various populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurel E. Redding
- Division of Environmental Health and Occupational Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Michael D. Sohn
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Thomas E. McKone
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, USA
- University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Jein-Wen Chen
- Division of Environmental Health and Occupational Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Li Wang
- Division of Environmental Health and Occupational Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Occupational and Industrial Health, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Dennis P. H. Hsieh
- Division of Environmental Health and Occupational Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Raymond S.H. Yang
- Division of Environmental Health and Occupational Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli, Taiwan
- Quantitative and Computational Toxicology Group, Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
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Morland K, Wolff M, Bopp R, Godbold J, Landrigan P. Fish consumption and body burden of organochlorines among lower Hudson urban anglers. Am J Ind Med 2008; 51:587-94. [PMID: 18512242 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.20595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polychlorinated biphenyls and other organochlorines have contaminated the Hudson River and New York/New Jersey Harbor for many decades. Although body burdens and health effects resulting from exposure to these pollutants have been measured in other populations, little is known about anglers from the lower Hudson area. METHODS Anglers were recruited from fishing clubs and along piers on the lower Hudson River. One hundred twenty-five participants provided blood samples and questionnaire information. Serum was analyzed at Mount Sinai School of Medicine for organochlorines. RESULTS Mean concentration of total PCB congeners was 4.78 microg/L. A non-significant adjusted mean difference of -0.59 microg/L was observed between local fish eaters and non-eaters with higher levels among the non-eaters. Similar negative, but non-significant associations were observed for p,p'-DDT, HCB, and beta-BHC. For pp'-DDE, and several chlordane residues, levels were higher among anglers reporting local fish consumption, but the difference was statistically significant only for TN. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest eating fish from the lower Hudson River and NY/NJ harbor is not associated with an increased body burden of PCBs or most other organochlorines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Morland
- Department of Community and Preventive Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, USA.
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Johnson-Restrepo B, Addink R, Wong C, Arcaro K, Kannan K. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers and organochlorine pesticides in human breast milk from Massachusetts, USA. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 9:1205-12. [PMID: 17968447 DOI: 10.1039/b711409p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs; DDTs, HCHs, CHLs, and HCB) were measured in human breast milk samples collected across Massachusetts, USA, in 2004. Seventeen PBDE congeners were found in the samples, ranging in concentration from 0.06 to 1910 ng g(-1) lipid wt. BDE-47 (2,2',4,4'-tetraBDE), BDE-99 (2,2',4,4',5-pentaBDE), and BDE-100 (2,2',4,4',6-pentaBDE) were the major congeners detected in breast milk samples. Overall mean (+/-SD) concentrations of DDTs, HCHs, CHLs, and HCB were 64.5 +/- 75, 18.9 +/- 19, 32.4 +/- 36, and 2.3 +/- 2.2 ng g(-1) lipid wt, respectively. Concentrations of PBDEs were strongly correlated with concentrations of OCPs in the samples. Based on the concentrations of organohalogens and the intake rates of breast milk by infants in the United States, daily ingestion rates of contaminants were calculated. The median ingestion rates for PBDEs, HCHs, DDTs, CHLs, and HCB were 4.0, 212, 141, 44, and 5.79 ng kg(-1) body wt day(-1), respectively. The estimated daily intake of organohalogens by infants was compared with threshold reference values suggested by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), for calculation of hazard quotients (HQs). HQs for individual organohalogens and the sum of HQ for all organohalogens were calculated as HQ indices (HQI). The results suggest that one or more of the contaminants analyzed in this study exceeded the threshold reference values in at least 26% of the breast milk samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Johnson-Restrepo
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, School of Public Health, State University of New York at Albany, Empire State Plaza, PO Box 509, Albany, NY 12201-0509, USA
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Lopez-Espinosa MJ, Granada A, Carreno J, Salvatierra M, Olea-Serrano F, Olea N. Organochlorine Pesticides in Placentas from Southern Spain and Some Related Factors. Placenta 2007; 28:631-8. [PMID: 17109956 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2006.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2006] [Revised: 06/21/2006] [Accepted: 09/27/2006] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
During pregnancy, lipophilic xenobiotics stored in maternal adipose tissue can be mobilized and enter her blood circulation and reach the placenta. This study measured residues of oestrogen-mimicking organochlorine pesticides (OCs) in 150 placenta samples from women in Southern Spain. OCs were extracted from placenta by solid-liquid technique and purified by preparative liquid chromatography. Gas chromatography/electron-capture detection and mass spectrometry were used to identify and quantify p,p'-DDT and congeners/metabolites, endosulphan and congeners/metabolites, lindane, aldrin/dieldrin/endrin, hexachlorobenzene, methoxychlor and mirex. A mean of eight pesticides per placenta were detected (range, 3-15 pesticides). Endosulphan-ether, endosulphan-diol, endosulphan-I, p,p'-DDE, o,p'-DDD, p,p'-DDT, o,p'-DDT and lindane were detected in >or=50% of samples; p,p'-DDE was the most frequent (96.03%), followed by endosulphan-diol (76.86%) and lindane (74.17%). Presence of more pesticides was significantly associated with lower birth weight. Mean concentration of p,p'-DDE was 2.37+/-2.80 ng/g of placenta or 76.62+/-104.85 ng/g of lipid. Higher maternal body mass index was significantly associated with higher endosulphan concentrations in placenta, and greater maternal weight gain was significantly associated with higher p,p'-DDE concentrations. Prenatal exposure to OC xenoestrogens may be a causative factor in adverse reproductive health trends, and further studies are required to identify and describe pathways of this exposure to enhance preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- M-J Lopez-Espinosa
- Laboratory of Medical Investigations, San Cecilio University Hospital of Granada, 18071-Granadaa, Spain
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14
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Inoue K, Harada K, Takenaka K, Uehara S, Kono M, Shimizu T, Takasuga T, Senthilkumar K, Yamashita F, Koizumi A. Levels and concentration ratios of polychlorinated biphenyls and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in serum and breast milk in Japanese mothers. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2006; 114:1179-85. [PMID: 16882522 PMCID: PMC1552037 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.9032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2006] [Accepted: 04/18/2006] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Blood and/or breast milk have been used to assess human exposure to various environmental contaminants. Few studies have been available to compare the concentrations in one matrix with those in another. The goals of this study were to determine the current levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in Japanese women, with analysis of the effects of lifestyle and dietary habits on these levels, and to develop a quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) with which to predict the ratio of serum concentration to breast milk concentration. We measured PBDEs and PCBs in 89 paired samples of serum and breast milk collected in four regions of Japan in 2005. The geometric means of the total concentrations of PBDE (13 congeners) in milk and serum were 1.56 and 2.89 ng/g lipid, respectively, whereas those of total PCBs (15 congeners) were 63.9 and 37.5 ng/g lipid, respectively. The major determinant of total PBDE concentration in serum and milk was the geographic area within Japan, whereas nursing duration was the major determinant of PCB concentration. BDE-209 was the most predominant PBDE congener in serum but not in milk. The excretion of BDE 209 in milk was lower than that of BDE 47 and BDE 153. QSAR analysis revealed that two parameters, calculated octanol/water partition and number of hydrogen-bond acceptors, were significant descriptors. During the first weeks of lactation, the predicted partitioning of PBDE and PCB congeners from serum to milk agreed with the observed values. However, the prediction became weaker after 10 weeks of nursing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayoko Inoue
- Department of Health and Environmental Sciences, Kyoto University Graduate
School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kouji Harada
- Department of Health and Environmental Sciences, Kyoto University Graduate
School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Katsunobu Takenaka
- Department of Neurosurgery, Takayama Red Cross Hospital, Takayama, Japan
| | - Shigeki Uehara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku Kosai Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Makoto Kono
- Kono Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic, Shizunai, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | - Akio Koizumi
- Department of Health and Environmental Sciences, Kyoto University Graduate
School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
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15
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al-Saleh I, Shinwari N, Basile P, el-Doush I, al-Zahrani M, al-Shanshoury M, el-Din Mohammed G. DDT and its metabolites in breast milk from two regions in Saudi Arabia. J Occup Environ Med 2003; 45:410-27. [PMID: 12708145 DOI: 10.1097/01.jom.0000058344.05741.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
A cross sectional study was designed to measure DDT residues and its metabolites in breast milk samples collected randomly from Saudi lactating mothers living in Al-Ehssa region; which was under leishmania control until 1995, and compare them to samples from mothers living in Riyadh region where no spraying activities was involved. p,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDD and p,p'-DDT residues were measured in 878 breast milk samples by Gas Chromatography/Electron Capture Detector (GC/ECD) and confirmed by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometer Detector (GC/MSD). Variation in the DDT and its metabolites levels were investigated with respect to regional distribution. Wilcoxon rank sum tests showed that the average ranks of p,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDD, p,p'-DDT and sigma p,p'-DDT in lactating mothers from Al-Ehssa region were significantly higher than those living in Riyadh region. These differences supported our hypothesis that the implications of the spraying activities to control vector borne diseases in Al-Ehssa region are obvious. We estimated that 99.2% of infants of lactating mothers living in Al-Ehssa region had sigma p,p'-DDT daily intakes that exceeded 20 micrograms/Kg-day of body weight, the WHO/UNEP Acceptable Daily Intakes for a 5-Kg infant. Exposure of infants to these chemicals through breast-feeding is clearly a public health concern. Because the bulk of literature highlights the adverse health effects of DDT and its metabolites on children and infants, public health polices should enforce the ban of DDT use and advise pregnant and lactating women to avoid DDT containing food or any other type of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman al-Saleh
- Biological & Medical Research Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, P.O. Box 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia.
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16
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Zoeller RT. Challenges confronting risk analysis of potential thyroid toxicants. RISK ANALYSIS : AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SOCIETY FOR RISK ANALYSIS 2003; 23:143-162. [PMID: 12635729 DOI: 10.1111/1539-6924.00296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Screening and testing for potential thyroid toxicants using endpoints of thyroid function, including circulating levels of thyroid hormones and thyrotropin, will not capture toxicants that directly interfere with thyroid hormone action at the receptor. The goals of the present review are to provide a critique of the literature focused on thyroid hormone and brain development as it relates to testing and evaluating thyroid toxicants, and to propose possible solutions to this perceived dilemma.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Thomas Zoeller
- Biology Department, Morrill Science Center, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA.
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17
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Aylward LL, Hays SM, LaKind JS, Ryan JJ. Rapid communication: partitioning of persistent lipophilic compounds, including dioxins, between human milk lipid and blood lipid: an initial assessment. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2003; 66:1-5. [PMID: 12587287 DOI: 10.1080/15287390306460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
A systematic program of sampling and analysis of blood serum for dioxins, furans, and dioxinlike polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) has been initiated in the United States through the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) program. While such data could potentially be used to estimate population-level changes in human milk lipid concentrations of chemicals, such estimates would depend on understanding the relationship between human blood lipid and milk lipid concentrations of the compounds of interest. For dioxins and furans, extremely limited data in humans currently exist for paired blood/milk samples. These data reviewed in this article, support the hypothesis that, over a population and across time, human milk lipid levels of these compounds generally reflect blood lipid levels. However, these data also suggest that significant variations in these ratios are possible among individuals and at various times.
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18
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Kosatsky T, Weber JP. Using biomarkers to characterise contaminant exposure among eaters of Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River fish. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2002; 12:69-74. [PMID: 21782625 DOI: 10.1016/s1382-6689(02)00024-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Analyses of xenobiotics in human tissues are used to screen individuals whose habits or environments put them at high risk of overexposure, for the surveillance of exposure patterns over time and between places, and as part of research to identify the sources and pathways of exposure in a population. Both study goals and technical considerations should guide the choice of which xenobiotics to sample and in which tissues. Understanding the absorption and distribution of the specific compound to be measured is essential to the choice of when to sample and how to interpret results. Laboratory quality is of major concern. A particular issue in the statistical treatment of results are those near to the laboratory's detection limit. Theoretical concepts are discussed in the context of studies of xenobiotic exposure among eaters of Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River sport fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Kosatsky
- Montreal Public Health Department, 1301 Sherbrooke East, Montreal, Québec, Canada, H2L1M3; Departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
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19
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Sharma R, Kodavanti PRS. In vitro effects of polychlorinated biphenyls and hydroxy metabolites on nitric oxide synthases in rat brain. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2002; 178:127-36. [PMID: 11858728 DOI: 10.1006/taap.2001.9328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Nitric oxide synthases (NOS) play a key role in motor activity in the cerebellum, hormonal regulation in the hypothalamus, and long-term potentiation (LTP), learning, and memory processes in the hippocampus. Developmental exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) has been shown to affect psychomotor functions, learning and memory processes, and to inhibit LTP. We hypothesized that PCBs may disrupt the regulation of such neurological functions by altering NOSs. We have studied the in vitro effects of several PCB congeners and some hydroxy PCBs on NOS activity in cytosolic (presumably neuronal NOS [nNOS]) and membrane (presumably endothelial NOS [eNOS]) fractions in different brain regions of young and adult rats. Among the two selected dichloro PCBs, the ortho-PCB, 2,2'-dichlorobiphenyl (DCB), inhibited both cytosolic and membrane NOS activity at low micromolar concentrations (3-10 microM) in the selected brain regions of all age groups while the non-ortho-PCB, 4,4'-DCB, did not. 2,2'-DCB inhibited cytosolic NOS to a greater extent than membrane NOS. Pentachloro-PCBs (PeCBs) and hexachloro-PCBs (HCBs) did not have a significant effect on adult cerebellar cytosolic or membrane NOS. However, mono- and dihydroxy derivatives of HCBs significantly decreased cytosolic NOS (IC50s: 16.33 +/- 0.47 and 33.65 +/- 4.33 microM, respectively) but resulted in a marginal effect on membrane NOS in the cerebellum. Among three adult rat brain regions, the hypothalamic cytosolic NOS was the most sensitive to 2,2'-DCB. Also, cytosolic NOS in the cerebellum and hypothalamus of young rats was less sensitive than in the older rats. In summary, these results indicate that only di-ortho-PCB inhibited both NOS and hydroxy substitution of one or more chlorine molecules significantly increased the potency of both ortho- and non-ortho-HCBs. The selective sensitivity of NOS to dichloro- ortho-PCB and hydroxy metabolites suggests that the inhibition of NOS could play a role in the neuroendocrine effects as well as learning and memory deficits caused by exposure to PCBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashmi Sharma
- National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
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20
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Olivero J, Ganey PE. Participation of Ca2+/calmodulin during activation of rat neutrophils by polychlorinated biphenyls. Biochem Pharmacol 2001; 62:1125-32. [PMID: 11597581 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-2952(01)00768-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The effects of Ca2+ and Ca2+/calmodulin on the polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-induced activation of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) in rat neutrophils were examined. The commercial PCB mixture Aroclor 1242 induced activation of PLA2 and promoted an increase in the intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i). Bromoenol lactone (BEL), an inhibitor of the Ca2+-independent PLA2 isoform (iPLA2) activated by PCBs, did not abrogate the increase in [Ca2+]i, suggesting that this change in Ca2+ concentration is not downstream from the activation of iPLA2. TMB-8 [8-(N,N-diethylamino)octyl-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate], a blocker of the release of intracellular Ca2+, decreased Aroclor 1242-induced stimulation of PLA2 with a maximal inhibition of 17% at 50 microM. These two results suggest little direct dependence between the PCB-induced activation of iPLA2 and increase in [Ca2+]i. Calmidazolium and W7 [N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalenesulfonamide], two chemically distinct calmodulin inhibitors, inhibited Aroclor 1242-induced PLA2 activity, whereas trifluoperazine (TFP), another inhibitor of calmodulin, had no effect at noncytotoxic concentrations. Thus, activation of PLA2 is dependent, in part, on calmodulin. Furthermore, both TFP and Aroclor 1242 inhibited neutrophil degranulation stimulated by the bacterial peptide formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine. These results raise the possibility that some of the effects of PCBs on neutrophil function can be explained by effects on Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Olivero
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Food Safety and Toxicology Center and Institute for Environmental Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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21
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Ribas-Fitó N, Sala M, Kogevinas M, Sunyer J. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and neurological development in children: a systematic review. J Epidemiol Community Health 2001; 55:537-46. [PMID: 11449010 PMCID: PMC1731955 DOI: 10.1136/jech.55.8.537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are complex mixtures of persistent contaminants that are widespread in the environment. Newborns are exposed across the placenta and through breast feeding. Experimental animal studies have indicated that PCBs are neurotoxic. The neurological effects of these compounds on children are not clear. METHODS A systematic review of literature on the relation between neurological development in children and exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls. RESULTS Seven follow up studies evaluated the effect of prenatal exposure to PCBs. Two of these studies evaluated highly exposed children. In newborns, an increase of the abnormal reflexes was observed in all four studies evaluating it. During the first months of life, a decrease in motor skills was observed in four of the five studies that investigated psychomotor development; deficits in the acquisition of cognitive skills were observed only in one study assessing non-highly exposed populations. At 4 years of age, an effect on the cognitive areas was observed in four of the five studies that evaluated it. Postnatal exposure to PCBs through breast feeding was not clearly related to any effect on neurological development. CONCLUSIONS These studies suggest a subtle adverse effect of prenatal PCBs exposure on child neurodevelopment. Differences in study design, inconsistency in some of the results, and the lack of adequate quantitative exposure data, do not allow the derivation of the degree of risk associated with neurodevelopmental effects at current levels of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Ribas-Fitó
- Respiratory and Environmental Health Research Unit, Institut Municipal d'Investigació Mèdica, Barcelona, Spain.
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22
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Kimbrough RD, Krouskas CA. Polychlorinated biphenyls, dibenzo-p-dioxins, and dibenzofurans and birth weight and immune and thyroid function in children. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2001; 34:42-52. [PMID: 11502155 DOI: 10.1006/rtph.2001.1484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
None of the publications reviewed provide clinical evidence that PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) and related chemicals adversely affect weight, immune, or thyroid function in infants or children born to healthy mothers. Birth weights of term infants fell within the normal range in all studies. The greatest difference between comparison groups was reported by G. G. Fein et al. (1984a, Intrauterine Exposure of Humans to PCBs: Newborn Effects, EPA-600/3-84-060, Environmental Protection Agency; 1984b, J. Pediatr. 105, 315-320). P. R. Taylor et al. (1989, Am. J. Epidemiol. 129, 395-406) reported smaller differences in occupationally exposed women and E. Dar et al. (1992, Environ. Res. 59, 189-201) found that women with higher PCB serum levels had larger babies. S. Patandin et al. (1998, Pediatr Res. 44, 538-545) found a negative association of PCB concentrations in maternal or cord plasma and birth weight of breast and formula-fed infants combined but not when breast-fed infants were analyzed separately. L. Rylander et al. (1995, Scand. J. Work Environ. Health 21, 368-375) reported decreased birth weights with higher dietary intake of contaminated fish. Thus, correlations between PCB exposure or polluted fish ingestion and birth weight were inconsistent. Thyroid and immune function were also within the normal range. In none of the papers were normal laboratory reference values provided and overall the statistically significant differences accounted for little of the variance.
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23
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Covaci A, Schepens P. SOLID PHASE DISK EXTRACTION METHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF PERSISTENT ORGANOCHLORINE POLLUTANTS IN HUMAN BODY FLUIDS. ANAL LETT 2001. [DOI: 10.1081/al-100104919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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24
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Sala M, Ribas-Fitó N, Cardo E, de Muga ME, Marco E, Mazón C, Verdú A, Grimalt JO, Sunyer J. Levels of hexachlorobenzene and other organochlorine compounds in cord blood: exposure across placenta. CHEMOSPHERE 2001; 43:895-901. [PMID: 11372882 DOI: 10.1016/s0045-6535(00)00450-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) is an organochlorine compound widespread in the environment, highly lipophilic, that accumulates in biological systems. It has been suggested that it should be classified as a dioxin-like compound. Newborns are exposed to organochlorine compounds across the placenta and through breastfeeding. Although HCB is one of the most common organochlorine compounds, the transplacental transference of HCB from mother to fetus during pregnancy has been scarcely documented. This study reports the levels of HCB, dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolite p,p'DDE, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and beta-hexachlorocyclohexane (beta-HCH) in 72 maternal blood samples at delivery and in 69 cord blood samples, from which 62 corresponded to mother infant pairs born between May 1997 and September 1999 in a rural area highly exposed to HCB. Results show that all newborns presented detectable levels of HCB, PCBs, and p,p'DDE, and, to a lesser extent, of beta-HCH, the HCB levels being the highest. The geometric mean of HCB was 1.1 ng/ml, ranging from 0.3 to 5.7 ng/ml. Concentrations of HCB levels in cord blood (log ng/ml) were positively associated with concentrations in maternal blood (log ng/ml) (coefficient = 0.45, P < 0.01). Gestational age was not associated with the transplacental transfer of HCB. Maternal p,p'DDE and beta-HCH levels were also associated with newborn levels, but levels of PCBs were not. We conclude that HCB, similar to other organochlorinated compounds, has a transplacental transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Sala
- Environmental and Respiratory Research Unit, Institut Municipal d'Investigació Mèdica, Barcelona, Spain.
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25
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Zoeller RT, Dowling AL, Vas AA. Developmental exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls exerts thyroid hormone-like effects on the expression of RC3/neurogranin and myelin basic protein messenger ribonucleic acids in the developing rat brain. Endocrinology 2000; 141:181-9. [PMID: 10614638 DOI: 10.1210/endo.141.1.7273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a class of industrial compounds consisting of paired phenyl rings with various degrees of chlorination. They are now ubiquitous, persistent environmental contaminants that are routinely found in samples of human and animal tissues and are known to affect brain development. The effects of PCBs on brain development may be attributable, at least in part, to their ability to reduce circulating levels of thyroid hormone. However, the developmental effects of PCB exposure are not fully consistent with hypothyroidism. Because some individual PCB congeners interact strongly with various thyroid hormone binding proteins, several investigators have speculated that these congeners may be producing thyroid hormone-like effects on brain development. Therefore, we tested whether a mixture of PCBs, Aroclor 1254 (A1254), would produce an antithyroid or thyromimetic effect on the expression of known thyroid hormone-responsive genes in the developing brain. Pregnant female rats were fed various doses of A1254 (0, 1, 4, and 8 mg/kg) from gestational day 6 to weaning on postnatal day (P) 21. Pups derived from these dams were sampled on P5, P15, and P30. Total T4 was reduced by A1254 in a dose-dependent manner, but body weight of the pups or dams was not affected. The expression of RC3/Neurogranin and myelin basic protein was not affected by A1254 on P5 or P30. However, on P15, RC3/Neurogranin was elevated by A1254 in a dose-dependent manner, and myelin basic protein expression followed this general pattern. These data clearly demonstrate that the developmental effects of PCB exposure are not simply a function of PCB-induced hypothyroidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- R T Zoeller
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts, Morrill Science Center, Amherst 01003, USA.
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