Distribution of Organohalogen and Synthetic Musk Compounds in Breast Adipose Tissue of Breast Cancer Patients in Ulster County, New York, USA

Pesticide exposure and increased breast cancer risk in women population studies

Pesticide exposure is emerging as a risk factor for various human diseases. Breast cancer (BC) is a multifactorial disease with known genetic and non-genetic risk factors. Most BC cases are attibutable to non-genetic risk factors, with a history of adverse environmental exposures playing a significant role. Pesticide exposure can occur at higher levels in female populations participating in rural activities such as spraying of pesticides in the field, unprotected handling of pesticides at home, and washing of contaminated clothes. Exposure can also be significant in the drinking water of certain populations. Here, we reviewed the literature on women's exposure to pesticides and the risk of BC. We summarize the main links between pesticide exposure and BC and discuss the role of dose and exposure context, as well as potential mechanisms of toxicity. Overall, reports reviewed here have documented stronger associations between higher levels of exposure and BC risk, including documenting direct and acute pesticide exposure in certain female populations. However, discrepancies among studies regarding dose and mode of exposure may result in misunderstandings about the risks posed by pesticide exposure. Plausible mechanisms linking pesticides to breast cancer risk include their impacts as endocrine disruptors, as well as their roles as genotoxic agents, and modulators of the epigenome. Besides establishing links between pesticide exposure and breast cancer, the literature also highlights the critical need to understand the routes and doses of women's exposure to pesticides and the specific associations and mechanisms that are determinants of disease etiology and prognosis.

Synthetic musks in the natural environment: Sources, occurrence, concentration, and fate-A review of recent developments (2010-2023)

Synthetic musks (SMs) have served as cost-effective substitutes for natural musk compounds in personal care and daily chemical products for decades. Their widespread use has led to their detection in various environmental matrices, raising concerns about potential risks. Despite numerous studies on SM levels in different natural environments, a systematic review of their contemporary presence is lacking. This review aims to address this gap by summarising recent research developments on SMs in diverse natural environments, including river water, lake water, seawater, estuarine water, groundwater, snow, meltwater, sediments, aquatic suspended matter, soils, sands, outdoor air, and atmospheric particulate matter. Covering the period from 2010 to 2023, the review focuses on four SM categories: nitro, polycyclic, macrocyclic, and alicyclic. It systematically examines their sources, occurrences, concentrations, spatial and temporal variations, and fate. The literature reveals widespread detection of SMs in the natural environment (freshwater and sediments in particular), with polycyclic musks being the most studied group. Both direct (e.g., wastewater discharges) and indirect (e.g., human recreational activities) sources contribute to SM presence. Levels of SMs vary greatly among studies with higher levels observed in certain regions, such as sediments in Southeast Asia. Spatial and temporal variations are also evident. The fate of SMs in the environment depends on their physicochemical properties and environmental processes, including bioaccumulation, biodegradation, photodegradation, adsorption, phase exchange, hydro-dilution effects. Biodegradation and photodegradation can decrease SM levels, but may produce more persistent and eco-toxic products. Modelling approaches have been employed to analyse SM fate, especially for indirect processes like photodegradation or long-distance atmospheric transport. Future studies should further investigate the complex fate if SMs and their environmental influence. This review enhances understanding of SM status in the natural environment and supports efforts to control environmental contamination.

The adverse role of endocrine disrupting chemicals in the reproductive system

Reproductive system diseases pose prominent threats to human physical and mental well-being. Besides being influenced by genetic material regulation and changes in lifestyle, the occurrence of these diseases is closely connected to exposure to harmful substances in the environment. Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), characterized by hormone-like effects, have a wide range of influences on the reproductive system. EDCs are ubiquitous in the natural environment and are present in a wide range of industrial and everyday products. Currently, thousands of chemicals have been reported to exhibit endocrine effects, and this number is likely to increase as the testing for potential EDCs has not been consistently required, and obtaining data has been limited, partly due to the long latency of many diseases. The ability to avoid exposure to EDCs, especially those of artificially synthesized origin, is increasingly challenging. While EDCs can be divided into persistent and non-persistent depending on their degree of degradation, due to the recent uptick in research studies in this area, we have chosen to focus on the research pertaining to the detrimental effects on reproductive health of exposure to several EDCs that are widely encountered in daily life over the past six years, specifically bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates (PAEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), parabens, pesticides, heavy metals, and so on. By focusing on the impact of EDCs on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which leads to the occurrence and development of reproductive system diseases, this review aims to provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of EDCs' damage to human health and to encourage further in-depth research to clarify the potentially harmful effects of EDC exposure through various other mechanisms. Ultimately, it offers a scientific basis to enhance EDCs risk management, an endeavor of significant scientific and societal importance for safeguarding reproductive health.

Accumulation of organophosphorus pollutants in adipose tissue of obese women - metabolic alterations

Organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) and organophosphate esters (OPEs) are organophosphorus compounds created as substitutes for persistent environmental pollutants, namely organochlorines pesticides and brominated flame retardants, respectively. However, there is evidence that organophosphorus compounds are also widespread across the environment and have adverse effects on biota. In humans, OPPs and OPEs were reported to be carcinogenic, neurotoxic, hepatotoxic, nephrotoxic, amongst others. As lipophilic compounds, these accumulate in fat tissues as adipose tissue. Yet biomonitoring studies and analytical methodologies to assess these compounds in the human body are scarce, particularly in adipose tissue. In this study, the presence of six OPPs and seven OPEs was determined in samples of subcutaneous adipose tissue (scAT) and visceral adipose tissue (vAT) from 188 adult obese women. OPPs and OPEs were quantified by gas chromatography (GC) flame photometric detection and confirmed in GC tandem mass spectrometry. The detection frequencies ranged between 0.5-1.6% and 48-53%, respectively for OPPs and OPEs. Organophosphorus pollutants were present in both adipose tissues and median concentrations were 0.008 ± 0.020 μg/g scAT and 0.009 ± 0.020 μg/g vAT. A total of 32 Spearman's correlations were found between organophosphorus pollutants concentrations in adipose tissue and several biochemical parameters (18 positive and 14 negative). Our results show that anthropometric and hormonal parameters, cholesterol, glycaemia, macrominerals, urea and sedimentation velocity might be influenced by the presence of these compounds. The presence of organophosphorus pollutants in the environmental and their possible effect on female metabolic processes is concerning. Particularly because presently OPEs usage is not controlled or limited by any regulation. More studies are needed to fully understand these pollutants behaviour and hazard effects on human health, biota, and the environment so control regulations can be drawn to prevent and lessen their effects.

The role of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in the induction of cancer: a systematic review of insight into their mechanisms

Environmental pollution caused by persistent organic pollutants (POPs) has increased the challenge for the scientific communities. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), classified as POPs, are widely applied in various materials as brominated flame retardants (BFRs). Because of the nature of these chemical compounds including toxicity, stability, and capability to bioaccumulate and biomagnify, PBDEs have posed a great challenge and risk to human health and wildlife. Therefore, the side effects of exposure to PBDEs as ubiquitous pollutants in the environment on cancer progression were investigated using a systematic review (SR) survey. To achieve this goal, forty studies were considered after defining the search terms and inclusion criteria, and/or exclusion criteria; the eligible records were collected from the international bibliographic databases. Based on the findings of the reviewed records, environmental exposure to the BFRs including PBDEs has a positive association with different mechanisms that induce cancer progression. However, the findings of the reviewed studies were not totally consistent with the mode of action and side effects are yet to be fully elucidated. Several articles have reported that BFRs can be carcinogenic and induce epithelial to mesenchymal transition via different mechanisms. The main mode of action involved in the environmental exposure to BFRs and the risk of cancer progression is endoplasmic reticulum and oxidative stress (OS). Generally, the imbalance of antioxidant mechanisms, reactive nitrogen species (RNSs) and reactive oxygen species (ROSs), during damage in cells, and stress caused OS, which increases tumorigenesis via multiple mechanisms, such as DNA damage, inflammation, and angiogenesis.

Synthetic Musk Compounds in Human Biological Matrices: Analytical Methods and Occurrence-A Review

Extensive use of synthetic musk compounds (SMs) in numerous consumer and personal care products has resulted in direct human exposures via dermal absorption, inhalation of contaminated dust and volatilized fragrances, and oral ingestion of contaminated foods and liquids. SMs and their metabolites are lipophilic, hence commonly detected in various biological matrices such as blood, breast milk, and adipose tissue. Appropriate analytical techniques are needed to detect and quantify SMs in biological matrices to assess their potential effects on human health. Different methods to process and analyze SMs in biological matrices, including sample-pretreatment, solvent extraction, cleanup, and instrumental analysis, are presented in this review. The concentration levels of selected musk compounds in biological samples from different countries/regions are summarized. Finally, research gaps and questions pertaining to the analysis of SMs are identified and suggestions made for future research studies.

Endocrine disrupting chemicals and breast cancer: a systematic review of epidemiological studies

BACKGROUND

Endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) are ubiquitous substances that are found in our everyday lives, including pesticides, plasticizers, pharmaceutical agents, personal care products, and also in food products and food packaging. Increasing epidemiological evidence suggest that EDCs may affect the development or progression of breast cancer and consequently lead to lifelong harmful health consequences, especially when exposure occurs during early life in humans. Yet so far no appraisal of the available evidence has been conducted on this topic.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review all the available epidemiological studies about the association of the levels of environmental exposures of EDCs with breast cancer risk.

METHODS

The search was performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. We retrieved articles from PubMed (MEDLINE) until 10 March 2021. The key words used in this research were: "Endocrine disruptor(s)" OR "Endocrine disrupting chemical(s)" OR any of the EDCs mentioned below AND "Breast cancer" to locate all relevant articles published. We included only cohort studies and case-control studies. All relevant articles were accessed in full text and were evaluated and summarized in tables.

RESULTS

We identified 131 studies that met the search criteria and were included in this systematic review. EDCs reviewed herein included pesticides (e.g. p,p'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), atrazine, 2,3,7,8-tetrachloridibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD or dioxin)), synthetic chemicals (e.g. bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), parabens, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), contraceptive pills), phytoestrogens (e.g. genistein, resveratrol), and certain mycotoxins (e.g. zearalenone). Most studies assessed environmental EDCs exposure via biomarker measurements.

CONCLUSION

We identified certain EDC exposures could potentially elevate the risk of breast cancer. As majority of EDCs are highly persistent in the environment and bio-accumulative, it is essential to assess the long-term impacts of EDC exposures, especially multi-generational and transgenerational. Also, since food is often a major route of exposure to EDCs, well-designed exposure assessments of potential EDCs in food and food packing are necessary and their potential link to breast cancer development need to be carefully evaluated for subsequent EDC policy making and regulations.

Breast and prostate glands affected by environmental substances (Review)

Environmental endocrine disruptor chemicals are substances that can alter the homeostasis of the endocrine system in living organisms. They can be released from several products used in daily activities. Once in the organism, they can disrupt the endocrine function by mimicking or blocking naturally occurring hormones due to their similar chemical structure. This endocrine disruption is the most important cause of the well‑known hormone‑associate types of cancer. Additionally, it is decisive to determine the susceptibility of each organ to these compounds. Therefore, the present review aimed to summarize the effect of different environmental substances such as bisphenol A, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and polychlorinated biphenyls in both the mammary and the prostate tissues. These organs were chosen due to their association with the hormonal system and their common features in carcinogenic mechanisms. Outcomes derived from the present review may provide evidence that should be considered in future debates regarding the effects of endocrine disruptors on carcinogenesis.

In utero and lactational PCB exposure drives anatomic changes in the juvenile mouse bladder

Bladder dysfunction, including incontinence, difficulty emptying the bladder, or urgency to urinate is a pervasive health and quality of life concern. However, risk factors for developing these symptoms are not completely understood, and the influence of exposure to environmental chemicals, especially during development, on the formation and function of the bladder is understudied. Environmental contaminants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are known to pose a risk to the developing brain; however, their influence on the development of peripheral target organs, such as bladder, are unknown. To address this data gap, C57Bl/6J mouse dams were exposed to an environmentally-relevant PCB mixture at 0, 0.1, 1 or 6 mg/kg daily beginning two weeks prior to mating and continuing through gestation and lactation. Bladders were collected from offspring at postnatal days (P) 28-31. PCB concentrations were detected in bladders in a dose-dependent manner. PCB effects on the bladder were sex- and dose-dependent. Overall, PCB effects were observed in male, but not female, bladders. PCBs increased bladder volume and suburothelial βIII-tubulin-positive nerve density compared to vehicle control. A subset of these nerves were sensory peptidergic axons indicated by increased calcitonin gene-related protein (CGRP) positive nerve fibers in mice exposed to the highest PCB dose compared to the lowest PCB dose. PCB-induced increased nerve density was also positively correlated with the number of mast cells in the bladder, suggesting inflammation may be involved. There were no detectable changes in epithelial composition or apoptosis as indicated by expression of cleaved caspase 3, suggesting PCBs do not cause overt toxicity. Bladder volume changes were not accompanied by changes in bladder mass or epithelial thickness, indicating that obstruction was not likely involved. Together, these results are the first to suggest that following developmental exposure, PCBs can distribute to the bladder and alter neuroanatomic development and bladder volume in male mice.

Method development for the determination of Synthetic Musks and Organophosphorus Pesticides in Human Adipose Tissue

Synthetic musks and organophosphorus pesticides represent a potential risk to the human health since exposure can lead to distinct types of carcinogenesis and endocrine disorders. These are lipophilic compounds as such, prone to deposit and persist in fat tissues, mainly in adipose tissue. Very few studies have reported on the occurrence and accumulation profile of these contaminants in human adipose tissue. Analytical methods for the detection and quantification of synthetic musks and organophosphorus pesticides in adipose tissue are lacking. In this study, the efficacy of different extraction with ultrasonic homogenizer and dispersive solid-phase extraction (d-SPE) clean-up methods were evaluated in human adipose tissue. The relative sample clean-up was assessed by measurement of total lipid content. The quantification of four synthetic musks and six organophosphorus pesticides were performed by gas chromatography (GC) mass spectrometry (MS) and flame photometric detection (FPD), respectively. The d-SPE clean-up with 50 mg PSA, 150 mg MgSO₄, 100 mg C18EC and 50 mg Z-Sep provided the most effective clean-up, removing the greatest amount of interfering substances including lipids and simultaneously ensuring good chromatographic separation and recoveries. Method detection limits were between 4 to 9 ng/g for synthetic musk and 1 to 7 ng/g for organophosphorus pesticides in adipose tissue. The proposed method was applied to adipose tissue of obese patients and positive samples were confirmed with GC tandem mass spectrometry. Galaxolide was found in all the samples tested with concentrations ranging from 0.08 to 0.5 μg/g of adipose tissue. No other synthetic musk studied was detected. Organophosphorus pesticides were not found in the analysed samples. The developed analytical procedures were successful and can easily be applied to biomonitoring these compounds in human adipose tissue.

Exposure pathways, levels and toxicity of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in humans: A review

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are extensively used as brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in different types of materials, which have been listed as Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) by the Stockholm Convention in 2009 and 2017. Due to their ubiquities in the environment and toxicities, PBDEs have posed great threat to both human health and ecosystems. The aim of this review is to offer a comprehensive understanding of the exposure pathways, levels and trends and associated health risks of PBDEs in human body in a global scale. We systematically reviewed and described the scientific data of PBDE researches worldwide from 2010 to March 2020, focusing on the following three areas: (1) sources and human external exposure pathways of PBDEs; (2) PBDE levels and trends in humans; (3) human data of PBDEs toxicity. Dietary intake and dust ingestion are dominant human exposure pathways. PBDEs were widely detected in human samples, especially in human serum and human milk. Data showed that PBDEs are generally declining in human samples worldwide as a result of their phasing out. Due to the common use of PBDEs, their levels in humans from the USA were generally higher than that in other countries. High concentrations of PBDEs have been detected in humans from PBDE production regions and e-waste recycling sites. BDE-47, -153 and -99 were proved to be the primary congeners in humans. Human toxicity data demonstrated that PBDEs have extensively endocrine disruption effects, developmental effects, and carcinogenic effects among different populations.