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Li K, Zhang Y, Li L, Cui K, Li Y, Li C, Dai Y, Xiao W, Wang Q. Identification of sensitive endpoints for the assessment of phthalates-induced reproductive and developmental toxicity: A literature mining study. Food Chem Toxicol 2024; 188:114686. [PMID: 38663762 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2024.114686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/30/2024]
Abstract
Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), two common types of phthalates, are known to cause reproductive and developmental toxicity in animals and humans. The reference doses (RfD) of DBP and DEHP should be determined by sensitive endpoints. We here aimed to identify sensitive endpoints for DBP- and DEHP-induced such toxicity using published literatures. By examining the impacts of maternal exposure to DBP or DEHP on anogenital distance (AGD) and semen quality of offspring, we discovered that DBP or DEHP caused AGD decline in boys but increase in girls with DBP being more potent and the first 14weeks of pregnancy being more susceptible, suggesting a chemical- and time-dependent phenomenon. We also identified AGD shortening and total sperm count reduction as two sensitive endpoints for DBP- or DEHP-induced reproductive and developmental toxicity, respectively. Based upon these two endpoints and the employment of the Bayesian benchmark dose approach with an uncertainty factor of 3,000, we estimated the RfD values of DBP and DEHP were 15 μg/kg/day and 36 μg/kg/day, respectively. Thus, we uncover previously unrecognized phenomena of DBP- or DEHP-induced reproductive and developmental toxicity and establish new and comparable or more conservative RfDs for the risk assessment of phthalates exposure in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Li
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yiping Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ludi Li
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Kanglong Cui
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yingzi Li
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Chunying Li
- Peking University Health Science Library, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yufei Dai
- National Institute of Environmental Health, China CDC, 7 Panjiayuan South Li, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021, China.
| | - Wusheng Xiao
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China; Key Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Compatibility Toxicology, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Toxicological Research and Risk Assessment for Food Safety, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China; Key Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Compatibility Toxicology, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Toxicological Research and Risk Assessment for Food Safety, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China.
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Goyal SP, Saravanan C. An insight into the critical role of gut microbiota in triggering the phthalate-induced toxicity and its mitigation using probiotics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166889. [PMID: 37683852 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to phthalates, a major food safety concern, has been implicated in various chronic human disorders. As dietary exposure serves as a primary exposure route for phthalate exposure, understanding the detrimental impact on the gastrointestinal tract and resident gut microbiota is indispensable for better managing public health risks. Various reports have explored the intricate interplay between phthalate exposure, gut microbiota dysbiosis and host pathophysiology. For instance, oral exposure of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) or di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) affected the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and abundance of Akkermansia and Prevotella, ensuing impaired lipid metabolism and reproductive toxicity. In some cases, DEHP exposure altered the levels of gut microbial metabolites, namely short-chain fatty acids, branched-chain amino acids or p-cresol, resulting in cholesterol imbalance or neurodevelopmental disorders. Conversely, supplementation of gut-modulating probiotics like Lactococcus or Lactobacillus sp. averted the phthalate-induced hepatic or testicular toxicity through host gene regulation, gut microbial modulation or elimination of DEHP or DBP in faeces. Overall, the current review revealed the critical role of the gut microbiota in initiating or exacerbating phthalate-induced toxicity, which could be averted or mitigated by probiotics supplementation. Future studies should focus on identifying high-efficiency probiotic strains that could help reduce the exposure of phthalates in animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivani Popli Goyal
- Department of Basic and Applied Sciences, National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Sonipat, Haryana 131028, India
| | - Chakkaravarthi Saravanan
- Department of Basic and Applied Sciences, National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Sonipat, Haryana 131028, India.
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Stein TP, Schluter MD, Steer RA, Ming X. Bisphenol-A and phthalate metabolism in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289841. [PMID: 37703261 PMCID: PMC10499243 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The etiology of autism spectrum (ASD) and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity (ADHD) disorders are multifactorial. Epidemiological studies have shown associations with environmental pollutants, such as plasticizers. This study focused on two of these compounds, the Bisphenol-A (BPA) and Diethylhexyl Phthalate (DEHP). The major pathway for BPA and DEHP excretion is via glucuronidation. Glucuronidation makes insoluble substances more water-soluble allowing for their subsequent elimination in urine. HYPOTHESIS Detoxification of these two plasticizers is compromised in children with ASD and ADHD. Consequently, their tissues are more exposed to these two plasticizers. METHODS We measured the efficiency of glucuronidation in three groups of children, ASD (n = 66), ADHD (n = 46) and healthy controls (CTR, n = 37). The children were recruited from the clinics of Rutgers-NJ Medical School. A urine specimen was collected from each child. Multiple mass spectrometric analyses including the complete metabolome were determined and used to derive values for the efficiency of glucuronidation for 12 varied glucuronidation pathways including those for BPA and MEHP. RESULTS (1) Both fold differences and metabolome analyses showed that the three groups of children were metabolically different from each other. (2) Of the 12 pathways examined, only the BPA and DEHP pathways discriminated between the three groups. (3) Glucuronidation efficiencies for BPA were reduced by 11% for ASD (p = 0.020) and 17% for ADHD (p<0.001) compared to controls. DEHP showed similar, but not significant trends. CONCLUSION ASD and ADHD are clinically and metabolically different but share a reduction in the efficiency of detoxification for both BPA and DEHP with the reductions for BPA being statistically significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. Peter Stein
- Department of Surgery, Rowan University-School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ, United States of America
| | - Margaret D. Schluter
- Department of Surgery, Rowan University-School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ, United States of America
| | - Robert A. Steer
- Department of Psychiatry, Rowan University-School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ, United States of America
| | - Xue Ming
- Departments of Neurosciences and Neurology, Rutgers University–New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States of America
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Gao CJ, Yang F, Wu B, Liang Y, Qin YY, Guo Y. A pilot study of several environmental endocrine disrupting chemicals in children with autism spectrum disorder in south China. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:964. [PMID: 37462787 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11570-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is a group of heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorders. Evidence has implied that environmental pollutants are important factors related to ASD. In this study, several environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals, including parabens, benzophenone-type ultraviolet filters, hydroxyl polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, triclosan and tetrabromobisphenol A were analyzed in blood plasma in ASD children (n = 34) and the control children (n = 28). The results showed that parabens were the most concentrated chemicals (2.18 ng/mL, median value), followed by hydroxyl polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (0.73 ng/mL), benzophenone-type ultraviolet filters (0.14 ng/mL), triclosan (0.13 ng/mL) and tetrabromobisphenol A (0.03 ng/mL). ASD children accumulated significantly lower 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone, 2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone, 4-hydroxybenzophenone and triclosan but higher 2-hydroxyphenanthrene and tetrabromobisphenol A than the control children (0.02/0.09 ng/mL of 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone, p < 0.05; 0.04/0.07 ng/mL of 2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone, p < 0.05; 0.03/0.04 ng/mL of 4-hydroxybenzophenone, p < 0.05; 0.13/1.22 ng/mL of triclosan, p < 0.01; 0.03 ng/mL/not detected of 2-hydroxyphenanthrene, p < 0.05; 0.03/0.004 ng/mL of tetrabromobisphenol A, p < 0.05). Gender differences in certain environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals were evident, and the differences were more inclined toward boys. Positive associations between 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone and triclosan, and tetrabromobisphenol A and 2-hydroxyphenanthrene were found in ASD boys. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that the adjusted odds ratio value of 2-hydroxyphenanthrene in ASD boys was 11.0 (1.45-84.0, p < 0.05). This is the first pilot study on multiple environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals in children with ASD in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong-Jing Gao
- College of Biological and Environmental Science, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, 315100, China.
- School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Feng Yang
- Speech Therapy Department, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Binbin Wu
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yan Liang
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- School of Resources and Environment, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, China
| | - Yan-Yan Qin
- School of Medical Technology and Nursing, Shenzhen Polytechnic, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Ying Guo
- School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
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Hatzidaki E, Pagkalou M, Katsikantami I, Vakonaki E, Kavvalakis M, Tsatsakis AM, Tzatzarakis MN. Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals and Persistent Organic Pollutants in Infant Formulas and Baby Food: Legislation and Risk Assessments. Foods 2023; 12:1697. [PMID: 37107492 PMCID: PMC10137371 DOI: 10.3390/foods12081697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Human milk is the healthiest option for newborns, although, under specific circumstances, infant formula is a precious alternative for feeding the baby. Except for the nutritional content, infant formulas and baby food must be pollutant-free. Thus, their composition is controlled by continuous monitoring and regulated by establishing upper limits and guideline values for safe exposure. Legislation differs worldwide, although there are standard policies and strategies for protecting vulnerable infants. This work presents current regulations and directives for restricting endocrine-disrupting chemicals and persistent organic pollutants in infant formulas. Risk assessment studies, which are limited, are necessary to depict exposure variations and assess the health risks for infants from dietary exposure to pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleftheria Hatzidaki
- Department of Neonatology & NICU, University Hospital of Heraklion, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Marina Pagkalou
- Laboratory of Toxicology Science and Research, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Ioanna Katsikantami
- Laboratory of Toxicology Science and Research, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Elena Vakonaki
- Laboratory of Toxicology Science and Research, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Matthaios Kavvalakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology Science and Research, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Aristidis M. Tsatsakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology Science and Research, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Manolis N. Tzatzarakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology Science and Research, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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Ferrone V, Bruni P, Catalano T, Selvaggi F, Cotellese R, Carlucci G, Aceto GM. Development of a SPE-HPLC-PDA Method for the Quantification of Phthalates in Bottled Water and Their Gene Expression Modulation in a Human Intestinal Cell Model. Processes (Basel) 2022; 11:45. [DOI: 10.3390/pr11010045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Phthalates are ubiquitous pollutants that are currently classified as endocrine disruptor chemicals causing serious health problems. As contaminants of food and beverages, they come into contact with the epithelium of the intestinal tract. In this work, a SPE-HPLC-PDA method for the determination of phthalates in water from plastic bottles was developed and validated according to the food and drug administration (FDA) guidelines. A chromatographic separation was achieved using a mobile phase consisting of ammonium acetate buffer 10 mM pH 5 (line A) and a mixture of methanol and iso-propanol (50:50 v/v, line B) using gradient elution. Several SPE cartridges and different pH values were investigated for this study, evaluating their performance as a function of recovery. Among these parameters, pH 5 combined with the SPE sep pack C18 cartridge showed the best performance. Finally, the proposed method was applied to the analysis of real samples, which confirmed the presence of phthalates. A colonic epithelial cell model was used to evaluate the effects of these phthalates at the concentrations found in water from plastic bottles. In cells exposed to phthalates, the increased expression of factors, which control the signaling pathways necessary for intestinal epithelium homeostasis, inflammatory response, and stress was detected. The proposed method falls fully within the limits imposed by the guidelines with precision (RSD%) below 7.1% and accuracy (BIAS%) within −4.2 and +6.1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Ferrone
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. d’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Pantaleone Bruni
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. d’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Teresa Catalano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Federico Selvaggi
- SS. Annunziata Hospital, ASL2 Lanciano-Vasto-Chieti, Unit of Surgery, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Roberto Cotellese
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Villa Serena Foundation for Research, 65013 Città Sant’Angelo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Carlucci
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. d’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Gitana Maria Aceto
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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Exploration of long-term exposure markers for phthalate esters in human hair using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Anal Chim Acta 2022; 1200:339610. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2022.339610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Stajnko A, Runkel AA, Kosjek T, Snoj Tratnik J, Mazej D, Falnoga I, Horvat M. Assessment of susceptibility to phthalate and DINCH exposure through CYP and UGT single nucleotide polymorphisms. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 159:107046. [PMID: 34920277 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.107046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of cytochrome P450 (CYPs) and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGTs) genes have been proposed to influence phthalates and 1,2-cyclo-hexanedicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester (DINCH) biotransformation but have not been investigated on a populational level. We investigated the role of SNPs in CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, UGT2B15, and UGT1A7 genes in the biotransformation of phthalates (DEHP, DEP, DiBP, DnBP, BBzP, DiNP, DidP) and DINCH by determining their urine metabolites. From the Slovenian study population of 274 men and 289 lactating primiparous women we obtained data on phthalate and DINCH urine metabolite levels (MEHP, 5OH-MEHP, 5oxo-MEHP, 5cx-MEPP, MEP, MiBP, MnBP, MBzP, cx-MINP, OH-MiDP, MCHP, MnPeP, MnOP, 5OH-MINCH, 5oxo-MINCH), SNP genotypes (rs1057910 = CYP2C9*3, rs1799853 = CYP2C9*2, rs4244285 = CYP2C19*2, rs12248560 = CYP2C19*17, rs3892097 = CYP2D6*4, rs1902023 = UGT2B15*2, and rs11692021 = UGT1A7*3) and questionnaires. Associations of SNPs with levels of metabolites and their ratios were assessed by multiple linear regression and ordinary logistic regression analyses. Significant associations were observed for CYP2C9*2, CYP2C9*3, CYP2C19*17, and UGT1A7*3 SNPs. The most pronounced was the influence of CYP2C9*2 and *3 on the reduced DEHP biotransformation, with lower levels of metabolites and their ratios in men and women. In contrast, carriers of CYP2C19*17 showed higher urine levels of DEHP metabolites in both genders, and in women also in higher DiNP, DiDP, and DINCH metabolite levels. The presence of UGT1A7*3 was associated with increased metabolite levels of DINCH in men and of DiBP and DBzP in women. Statistical models explained up to 27% of variability in metabolite levels or their ratios. Our observations confirm the effect of CYP2C9*2 and *3 SNPs towards reduced DEHP biotransformation. We show that CYP2C9*2, CYP2C9*3, CYP2C19*17, and UGT1A7*3 SNPs might represent biomarkers of susceptibility or resilience in phthalates and DINCH exposure that have been so far unrecognised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Stajnko
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Agneta Annika Runkel
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tina Kosjek
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janja Snoj Tratnik
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Darja Mazej
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ingrid Falnoga
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Milena Horvat
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Shehata M, Salah E, Youssef MM, Abu Shady MM, El-Alameey I, Ashaat E, Gouda AS, Nazim W. Comparing Levels of Urinary Phthalate Metabolites in Egyptian Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Healthy Control Children: Referring to Sources of Phthalate Exposure. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2021.7635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Evidence supporting environmental risk factors of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is rising. Phthalates are assumed to contribute to this risk due to their extensive use in daily life as plasticizers and additives in numerous customer products. Phthalates are also accused as a neurotoxic agent affecting brain development.
Aim: The main objective of this study is to compare the concentrations of urinary phthalate metabolites as biomarkers of phthalate exposure in children with autism to that of a healthy control group and to compare their exposure to suspected environmental sources of phthalate.
Methods: It was a case-control study; conducted over a period of one year. Thirty-eight children with ASD and 99 apparently healthy children comprised the control group, were enrolled in the study. Urinary concentrations of four phthalate metabolites were measured, using a combination of solid phase extraction, high pressure liquid chromatography, and tandem mass spectrometry.
Results: Children with ASD comprised 38 children (32 boys and 6 girls), their mean age was 8.95 + 4.17 years. There were significant higher levels of urinary Mono (2ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), mono benzyl, and mono butyl phthalates in cases vs. controls with p value equals (0.006, 0.017 and <0.001) respectively. Regression analysis revealed that male gender and the level of mono butyl are the main predictors of ASD (p<0.001).
Conclusion: This study suggested a link between phthalates and ASD with higher urinary levels of phthalate metabolites in children with ASD. These high levels are either due to increased exposure or defective metabolism in children with ASD. The study declined any relationship of the studied sources of phthalate exposure to ASD except the exposure to wall painting with plastic.
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Kim JI, Lee J, Lee KS, Lee YA, Shin CH, Hong YC, Kim BN, Lim YH. Association of phthalate exposure with autistic traits in children. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 157:106775. [PMID: 34314979 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phthalates are synthetic chemicals with endocrine-disrupting properties. They are reportedly associated with various neurotoxic outcomes. Studies on exposure to phthalates and children's autistic traits have shown inconsistent results with respect to sex and susceptible time periods. We investigated the association of phthalate exposure during the prenatal period and childhood with autistic traits over time using a birth cohort in South Korea. METHODS Five phthalate metabolites were measured during mid-term pregnancy and children's follow-up at ages of 4, 6, and 8 years among a total of 547 mother-child pairs. The social communication questionnaire (SCQ) was used to assess autistic traits of children at each time point. The relationship between phthalate metabolites and SCQ scores were analyzed by exposure windows and sex. RESULTS A 2.7 fold increase in di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate metabolite levels, mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP) and mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP) during pregnancy was associated with increased SCQ scores at 4 years by 8.5% (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.9%, 15.5%) and 7.4% (95% CI: 0.3%, 15.0%), respectively, but not at the age of 6 or 8 years. Moreover, MEHHP levels at ages of 4 and 8 years were associated with increased SCQ scores at 8 years by 9.9% (95% CI: 1.8%, 18.6%) and 9.6% (95% CI: 1.3%, 18.6%), respectively. Boys showed stronger associations between phthalate exposure and SCQ scores than girls. CONCLUSION The study suggested different susceptible time windows of phthalate exposure: exposure during pregnancy is associated with autistic traits in young children, whereas exposure during early childhood years leads to autistic traits in school-aged children, particularly boys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Inhyang Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Hanyang University Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Lee
- Integrative Care Hub, Children's Hospital, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Shin Lee
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Environmental Health Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Ah Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Choong Ho Shin
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Chul Hong
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Environmental Health Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Institute of Environmental Medicine, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Bung-Nyun Kim
- Division of Children and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Youn-Hee Lim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Section of Environmental Health, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Mathew L, Snyder NW, Lyall K, Lee BK, McClure LA, Elliott AJ, Newschaffer CJ. Prenatal phthalate exposure measurement: A comparison of metabolites quantified in prenatal maternal urine and newborn's meconium. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 796:148898. [PMID: 34280640 PMCID: PMC8440376 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Phthalates are chemicals suspected to adversely affect fetal neurodevelopment, but quantifying the fetal exposure is challenging. While prenatal phthalate exposure is commonly quantified in maternal urine, the newborn's meconium may better capture cumulative prenatal exposure. Currently, data on phthalates measured in meconium is sparse. We measured phthalate metabolites in 183 maternal second and 140 third trimester (T2, T3) urine, and in 190 meconium samples collected in an autism enriched-risk pregnancy cohort of 236 mothers. Eleven and eight metabolites were detected in over 90% of urine and meconium samples, respectively. Hydrophilic and hydrophobic metabolites were detected in both biosamples. Most urine phthalate metabolite distributions were similar between T2 and T3. Among metabolites detected in both biosamples, those of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate displayed a similar pattern in magnitude across metabolite type. Specifically, T2 creatinine adjusted distribution [median (25%, 75%)] of urine measured mono(2-ethylhexyl-carboxypentyl) (MECPP), mono(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) (MEHHP), and mono(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP) were 18.8(11.9, 31.4), 11.8(7.2, 19.1), and 8.9(6.2, 14.2) ng/mg. In meconium these were 16.6(10.9, 23.7), 2.5(1.5, 3.8), and 1.3(0.8, 2.3) ng/g, respectively. Metabolite-to-metabolite correlations were lower in meconium than urine, but patterns were similar. For example, correlation (95% CI) between mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and MECPP was 0.73 (0.66, 0.78), and between MEOHP and MEHHP was 0.96 (0.95, 0.97) in urine as compared to 0.10 (-0.04, 0.24) and 0.31 (0.18, 0.43) respectively in meconium. Correlations between same metabolites measured in urine and meconium were low and differed by metabolite and trimester. Correlation between MEHHP in urine and meconium, for example, was 0.20 (0.008, 0.37) at T3, but 0.05 (-0.12, 0.21) at T2. Our study provides evidence of general population-level prenatal phthalate exposure in a population at high risk for neurodevelopmental disorders and supports the utility of meconium to measure prenatal phthalate exposure but provides little evidence of correlation with exposure measured in prenatal maternal urine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leny Mathew
- AJ Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, 3020 Market St, Suite 560, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health, 3215 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Nathaniel W Snyder
- AJ Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, 3020 Market St, Suite 560, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, 3500 N Broad St. Room 455, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Kristen Lyall
- AJ Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, 3020 Market St, Suite 560, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Brian K Lee
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health, 3215 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Leslie A McClure
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health, 3215 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | - Craig J Newschaffer
- AJ Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, 3020 Market St, Suite 560, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; College of Health and Human Development, Pennsylvania State University, 325 HHD Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA
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Gasser BA, Kurz J, Dick B, Mohaupt MG. A reply to 'Alteration of steroidogenesis in boys with autism spectrum disorders'. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:278. [PMID: 33972510 PMCID: PMC8111024 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01393-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Johann Kurz
- Intersci Research Association, Karl Morre Gasse 10, 8430 Leibnitz, Austria
| | - Bernhard Dick
- grid.5734.50000 0001 0726 5157Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, 3010 Berne, Switzerland
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Hlisníková H, Petrovičová I, Kolena B, Šidlovská M, Sirotkin A. Effects and mechanisms of phthalates’ action on neurological processes and neural health: a literature review. Pharmacol Rep 2021; 73:386-404. [DOI: 10.1007/s43440-021-00215-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Terloyeva D, Frey AJ, Park BY, Kauffman EM, Mathew L, Bostwick A, Varner EL, Lee BK, Croen LA, Fallin MD, Hertz-Picciotto I, Newschaffer CJ, Lyall K, Snyder NW. Meconium androgens are correlated with ASD-related phenotypic traits in early childhood in a familial enriched risk cohort. Mol Autism 2020; 11:93. [PMID: 33228808 PMCID: PMC7686740 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-020-00395-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal exposure to increased androgens has been suggested as a risk factor for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This hypothesis has been examined by measurement of steroids in amniotic fluid, cord blood, saliva, and blood with mixed results. METHODS To provide an orthogonal measure of fetal exposure, this study used meconium, the first stool of a newborn, to measure prenatal androgen exposure from infants in the Early Autism Risk Longitudinal Investigation (EARLI). EARLI is a familial-enriched risk cohort that enrolled pregnant mothers who already had a child with an ASD diagnosis. In the younger child, we investigated the association between meconium unconjugated (u) and total (t) concentrations of major androgens testosterone (T), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and androstenedione (A4), and ASD-related traits at 12 and 36 months of age. Traits were measured at 12 months with Autism Observation Scale for Infants (AOSI) and at 36 months with total score on the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS). One hundred and seventy children had meconium and AOSI, 140 had meconium and SRS, and 137 had meconium and both AOSI and SRS. RESULTS Separate robust linear regressions between each of the log-transformed androgens and log-transformed SRS scores revealed three-way interaction between sex of the child, sex of the proband, and testosterone concentration. In the adjusted analyses, t-T, u-A4, and u-DHEA (P ≤ 0.01) were positively associated with AOSI scores, while u-T (P = 0.004) and u-DHEA (P = 0.007) were positively associated with SRS total score among females with female probands (n = 10). Additionally, higher concentrations of u-T (P = 0.01) and t-T (P = 0.01) predicted higher SRS total score in males with male probands (n = 63). Limitations Since we explored three-way interactions, this resulted in a limited sample size for some analyses. This study was from an enriched-risk cohort which may limit generalizability, and this study used ASD-assessment scales as outcomes instead of diagnostic categories. Additionally, the novel use of meconium in this study limits the ability to compare the results in this cohort to others due to the paucity of research on meconium. CONCLUSIONS This study supports the utility of meconium for studies of endogenous fetal metabolism and suggests the sex of older siblings with autism should be considered as a biological variable in relevant studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina Terloyeva
- AJ Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, 3020 Market St, Suite 560, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Drexel University School of Public Health, 3215 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Alexander J Frey
- AJ Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, 3020 Market St, Suite 560, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Bo Y Park
- AJ Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, 3020 Market St, Suite 560, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Public Health, California State University Fullerton, 800 N. State College Blvd., Fullerton, CA, 92831, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Kauffman
- AJ Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, 3020 Market St, Suite 560, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Leny Mathew
- AJ Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, 3020 Market St, Suite 560, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Drexel University School of Public Health, 3215 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Anna Bostwick
- AJ Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, 3020 Market St, Suite 560, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Erika L Varner
- AJ Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, 3020 Market St, Suite 560, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Brian K Lee
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Drexel University School of Public Health, 3215 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Lisa A Croen
- Autism Research Program, Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, 2000 Broadway, Oakland, CA, 94612, USA
| | - Margaret D Fallin
- Wendy Klag Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, HH 850, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Irva Hertz-Picciotto
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, USA
| | - Craig J Newschaffer
- AJ Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, 3020 Market St, Suite 560, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- College of Health and Human Development, Penn State, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Kristen Lyall
- AJ Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, 3020 Market St, Suite 560, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Nathaniel W Snyder
- AJ Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, 3020 Market St, Suite 560, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA.
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Zhang Q, Sun Y, Zhang Q, Hou J, Wang P, Kong X, Sundell J. Phthalate exposure in Chinese homes and its association with household consumer products. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 719:136965. [PMID: 32120090 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.136965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 01/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Phthalates are SVOCs (Semi-volatile Organic Compounds) that are widely used in industrial and daily home products. This study aimed to investigate exposure levels to phthalates in Chinese homes and to relate these to building characteristics and lifestyles. Dust in 399 homes of 410 children in urban Tianjin and rural Cangzhou was analyzed for concentrations of six target phthalates. The median concentrations were 0.31μg/g for diethyl phthalate (DEP), 16.39μg/g for di-isobutyl phthalate (DiBP), 42.60μg/g for di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), 0.10μg/g for benzyl butyl phthalate (BBzP), 127.11μg/g for di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and 0.28μg/g for di-isononyl phthalate (DiNP). Strong associations were found between modern flooring materials (laminated wood/wood) and concentrations of DiBP, BBzP and DiNP; modern window frame (aluminum/plastic steel) and BBzP concentration; leather polish and DEHP concentration; perfume and DEP concentration. Concentrations of phthalates were significantly higher in Tianjin urban homes than Cangzhou rural homes. Concentrations of phthalates increased significantly with increasing household income. Our study indicates that exposure to phthalates in Chinese homes increases with attributes of modern life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghao Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Yaguan Road 135, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yuexia Sun
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Yaguan Road 135, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Qingnan Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Yaguan Road 135, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jing Hou
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Yaguan Road 135, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Pan Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Yaguan Road 135, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Xiangrui Kong
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Yaguan Road 135, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jan Sundell
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Yaguan Road 135, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
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16
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Phthalate side-chain structures and hydrolysis metabolism associated with steroidogenic effects in MLTC-1 Leydig cells. Toxicol Lett 2019; 308:56-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2019.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2018] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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17
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Nayebare SR, Karthikraj R, Kannan K. Analysis of terephthalate metabolites in human urine by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2018; 1092:473-479. [PMID: 30008303 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2018.06.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Revised: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Owing to their toxicity, phthalate plasticizers are currently being replaced with terephthalates in many consumer products. Nevertheless, data on human exposure to and toxicity of terephthalates are still scarce. In this study, we developed a robust analytical method for the measurement of six terephthalate metabolites (TPhMs) in human urine through their successful separation from phthalate metabolites (PhMs). Target analytes were identified, using commercially available standards, and quantified with isotopically labeled internal standards (IS). The limits of quantification (LOQ) of TPhMs were in the range of 0.12 to 0.4 ng/mL, with the exception of 2.8 ng/mL for terephthalic acid (TPA) and 3.75 ng/mL for mono-(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (mEHTP), which were found in procedural blanks at notable levels. The method developed in this study showed excellent accuracy (recoveries: 86-117%) and precision (RSD: 0.6-12.2%) for TPhMs. The method was successfully applied for the analysis of 30 human urine samples collected from individuals with no known history of occupational exposure. The detection frequencies (df %) of TPhMs in urine ranged between 26.6 and 100%. This is one of the first studies that report a method for the analysis of emerging class of environmental chemicals in human specimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shedrack R Nayebare
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12201, USA; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12201, USA
| | - Rajendiran Karthikraj
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12201, USA
| | - Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12201, USA; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12201, USA; Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science and Experimental Biochemistry Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia.
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18
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Rahbar MH, Swingle HM, Christian MA, Hessabi M, Lee M, Pitcher MR, Campbell S, Mitchell A, Krone R, Loveland KA, Patterson DG. Environmental Exposure to Dioxins, Dibenzofurans, Bisphenol A, and Phthalates in Children with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder Living near the Gulf of Mexico. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:E1425. [PMID: 29160842 PMCID: PMC5708064 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14111425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Environmental exposure to organic endocrine disrupting chemicals, including dioxins, dibenzofurans, bisphenol A (BPA), and phthalates has been associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We conducted a pilot monitoring study of 30 ASD cases and 10 typically developing (TD) controls ages 2-8 years from communities along the Gulf of Mexico near Alabama, which houses 14 Superfund sites, to assess the concentrations of dioxins and dibenzofurans in serum, and BPA and phthalate ester metabolites in urine. Based on General Linear Models, the lipid- or creatinine-adjusted geometric mean concentrations of the aforementioned chemicals did not differ between the ASD case and TD control groups (all p ≥ 0.27). We compared our findings to the adjusted means as reported by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, survey years 2011-2012, and found that TD controls in our study had lower BPA (59%) and MEHHP (26%) concentrations, higher MBP (50%) concentration, and comparable (<20% difference) MEP, MBZP, MEOHP, and MCPP concentrations. We also conducted a preliminary investigation of dietary exposures and found that the consumption of certain types of fish may be associated with higher OCDD concentrations, and the consumption of soft drinks and juices may be associated with lower BPA and MEOHP concentrations, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad H Rahbar
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences (EHGES), University of Texas School of Public Health at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
- Division of Clinical and Translational Sciences, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
- Biostatistics/Epidemiology/Research Design (BERD) Component, Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences (CCTS), University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Hanes M Swingle
- Division of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36604, USA.
| | - MacKinsey A Christian
- Biostatistics/Epidemiology/Research Design (BERD) Component, Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences (CCTS), University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Manouchehr Hessabi
- Biostatistics/Epidemiology/Research Design (BERD) Component, Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences (CCTS), University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - MinJae Lee
- Division of Clinical and Translational Sciences, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
- Biostatistics/Epidemiology/Research Design (BERD) Component, Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences (CCTS), University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Meagan R Pitcher
- Baylor Licensing Group, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Sean Campbell
- AXYS Analytical Services Ltd., Sidney, BC V8L5X2, Canada.
| | - Amy Mitchell
- Division of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36604, USA.
| | - Ryan Krone
- Division of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36604, USA.
| | - Katherine A Loveland
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX 77054, USA.
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19
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Ye BS, Leung AOW, Wong MH. The association of environmental toxicants and autism spectrum disorders in children. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 227:234-242. [PMID: 28475976 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.04.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2016] [Revised: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/17/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) is a set of complex neurodevelopment disorders that is prevalent in children and is increasing at a steady rate in recent years. However, the etiology of autism is still poorly understood. Humans are at higher risk of chemical exposure than in the past as a result of the increasing usage of chemicals in various fields, including food preservation, agriculture, industrial production, etc. A number of environmental agents have been suggested as contributing factors to ASD pathogenesis, which includes heavy metals (Hg and Pb), persistent organic pollutants (DDT, PBDEs and PCBs) and emerging chemicals of concern (phthalates and BPA). These three main categories of toxicants could be the cause of ASD in children. Recent research into the causes of ASD that have been linked to environment factors are reviewed in this paper. There are evidence supporting the etiological link between exposure to environmental toxicants and the development of ASD. Children exposed to these toxicants in the environment exhibit signature traits of ASD and have been reported with high body burdens of these chemicals and/or their metabolites, which may provide an explanation for the observed relation, yet comprehensive evidence in humans is limited, highlighting the need for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bi Su Ye
- Consortium on Health, Environment, Education and Research (CHEER) and Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong, China
| | - Anna Oi Wah Leung
- Department of Biology, and Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Ming Hung Wong
- Consortium on Health, Environment, Education and Research (CHEER) and Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong, China; School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; Key Laboratory for Heavy Metal Pollution Control and Reutilization, School of Environment and Energy, Peking University - Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China.
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20
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Quinnies KM, Harris EP, Snyder RW, Sumner SS, Rissman EF. Direct and transgenerational effects of low doses of perinatal di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) on social behaviors in mice. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0171977. [PMID: 28199414 PMCID: PMC5310861 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0171977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is an endocrine disrupting chemical commonly used as a plasticizer in medical equipment, food packaging, flooring, and children’s toys. DEHP exposure during early development has been associated with adverse neurobehavioral outcomes in children. In animal models, early exposure to DEHP results in abnormal development of the reproductive system as well as altered behavior and neurodevelopment. Based on these data, we hypothesized that developmental exposure to DEHP would decrease social interactions and increase anxiety-like behaviors in mice in a dose-dependent manner, and that the effects would persist over generations. C57BL/6J mice consumed one of three DEHP doses (0, 5, 40, and 400 μg/kg body weight) throughout pregnancy and during the first ten days of lactation. The two higher doses yielded detectable levels of DEHP metabolites in serum. Pairs of mice from control, low, and high DEHP doses were bred to create three dose lineages in the third generation (F3). Average anogenital index (AGI: anogenital distance/body weight) was decreased in F1 males exposed to the low dose of DEHP and in F1 females exposed to the highest dose. In F1 mice, juvenile pairs from the two highest DEHP dose groups displayed fewer socially investigative behaviors and more exploratory behaviors as compared with control mice. The effect of DEHP on these behaviors was reversed in F3 mice as compared with F1 mice. F1 mice exposed to low and medium DEHP doses spent more time in the closed arms of the elevated plus maze than controls, indicating increased anxiety-like behavior. The generation-dependent effects on behavior and AGI suggest complex mechanisms by which DEHP directly impacts reproductive and neurobehavioral development and influences germline-inherited traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla M. Quinnies
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics and Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
| | - Erin P. Harris
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics and Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
| | - Rodney W. Snyder
- Discovery Science Technology, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States of America
| | - Susan S. Sumner
- Discovery Science Technology, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States of America
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States of America
| | - Emilie F. Rissman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics and Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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21
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Katsikantami I, Sifakis S, Tzatzarakis MN, Vakonaki E, Kalantzi OI, Tsatsakis AM, Rizos AK. A global assessment of phthalates burden and related links to health effects. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2016; 97:212-236. [PMID: 27669632 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2016.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 294] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Revised: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Phthalates are ubiquitous environmental contaminants which are used in industry as plasticizers and additives in cosmetics. They are classified as Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) which impair the human endocrine system inducing fertility problems, respiratory diseases, childhood obesity and neuropsychological disorders. The aim of this review is to summarize the current state of knowledge on the toxicity that phthalates pose in humans based on human biomonitoring studies conducted over the last decade. Except for conventional biological matrices (such as urine and serum), amniotic fluid, human milk, semen, saliva, sweat, meconium and human hair are also employed for the estimation of exposure and distribution of pollutants in the human body, although data are not enough yet. Children are highly exposed to phthalates relative to adults and in most studies children's daily intake surpasses the maximum reference dose (RfD) set from US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). However, the global trend is that human exposure to phthalates is decreasing annually as a result of the strict regulations applied to phthalates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioanna Katsikantami
- Department of Chemistry, University of Crete, and Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, FORTH-IESL, GR-71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Stavros Sifakis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Heraklion, GR-71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Manolis N Tzatzarakis
- Center of Toxicology Science and Research, Medical School, University of Crete, GR-71003, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Elena Vakonaki
- Center of Toxicology Science and Research, Medical School, University of Crete, GR-71003, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | | | - Aristidis M Tsatsakis
- Center of Toxicology Science and Research, Medical School, University of Crete, GR-71003, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
| | - Apostolos K Rizos
- Department of Chemistry, University of Crete, and Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, FORTH-IESL, GR-71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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22
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Carter CJ, Blizard RA. Autism genes are selectively targeted by environmental pollutants including pesticides, heavy metals, bisphenol A, phthalates and many others in food, cosmetics or household products. Neurochem Int 2016; 101:S0197-0186(16)30197-8. [PMID: 27984170 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2016.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Revised: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The increasing incidence of autism suggests a major environmental influence. Epidemiology has implicated many candidates and genetics many susceptibility genes. Gene/environment interactions in autism were analysed using 206 autism susceptibility genes (ASG's) from the Autworks database to interrogate ∼1 million chemical/gene interactions in the comparative toxicogenomics database. Any bias towards ASG's was statistically determined for each chemical. Many suspect compounds identified in epidemiology, including tetrachlorodibenzodioxin, pesticides, particulate matter, benzo(a)pyrene, heavy metals, valproate, acetaminophen, SSRI's, cocaine, bisphenol A, phthalates, polyhalogenated biphenyls, flame retardants, diesel constituents, terbutaline and oxytocin, inter alia showed a significant degree of bias towards ASG's, as did relevant endogenous agents (retinoids, sex steroids, thyroxine, melatonin, folate, dopamine, serotonin). Numerous other suspected endocrine disruptors (over 100) selectively targeted ASG's including paraquat, atrazine and other pesticides not yet studied in autism and many compounds used in food, cosmetics or household products, including tretinoin, soy phytoestrogens, aspartame, titanium dioxide and sodium fluoride. Autism polymorphisms influence the sensitivity to some of these chemicals and these same genes play an important role in barrier function and control of respiratory cilia sweeping particulate matter from the airways. Pesticides, heavy metals and pollutants also disrupt barrier and/or ciliary function, which is regulated by sex steroids and by bitter/sweet taste receptors. Further epidemiological studies and neurodevelopmental and behavioural research is warranted to determine the relevance of large number of suspect candidates whose addition to the environment, household, food and cosmetics might be fuelling the autism epidemic in a gene-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Carter
- PolygenicPathways, Flat 2, 40 Baldslow Road, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 2EY, UK.
| | - R A Blizard
- Molecular Psychiatry Laboratory, Mental Health Sciences Unit, University College, London, UK
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23
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Santocchi E, Guiducci L, Fulceri F, Billeci L, Buzzigoli E, Apicella F, Calderoni S, Grossi E, Morales MA, Muratori F. Gut to brain interaction in Autism Spectrum Disorders: a randomized controlled trial on the role of probiotics on clinical, biochemical and neurophysiological parameters. BMC Psychiatry 2016; 16:183. [PMID: 27260271 PMCID: PMC4893248 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-016-0887-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A high prevalence of a variety of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms is frequently reported in patients with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The GI disturbances in ASD might be linked to gut dysbiosis representing the observable phenotype of a "gut-brain axis" disruption. The exploitation of strategies which can restore normal gut microbiota and reduce the gut production and absorption of toxins, such as probiotics addition/supplementation in a diet, may represent a non-pharmacological option in the treatment of GI disturbances in ASD. The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to determine the effects of supplementation with a probiotic mixture (Vivomixx®) in ASD children not only on specific GI symptoms, but also on the core deficits of the disorder, on cognitive and language development, and on brain function and connectivity. An ancillary aim is to evaluate possible effects of probiotic supplementation on urinary concentrations of phthalates (chemical pollutants) which have been previously linked to ASD. METHODS A group of 100 preschoolers with ASD will be classified as belonging to a GI group or to a Non-GI (NGI) group on the basis of a symptom severity index specific to GI disorders. In order to obtain four arms, subjects belonging to the two groups (GI and NGI) will be blind randomized 1:1 to regular diet with probiotics or with placebo for 6 months. All participants will be assessed at baseline, after three months and after six months from baseline in order to evaluate the possible changes in: (1) GI symptoms; (2) autism symptoms severity; (3) affective and behavioral comorbid symptoms; (4) plasmatic, urinary and fecal biomarkers related to abnormal intestinal function; (5) neurophysiological patterns. DISCUSSION The effects of treatments with probiotics on children with ASD need to be evaluated through rigorous controlled trials. Examining the impact of probiotics not only on clinical but also on neurophysiological patterns, the current trial sets out to provide new insights into the gut-brain connection in ASD patients. Moreover, results could add information to the relationship between phthalates levels, clinical features and neurophysiological patterns in ASD. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02708901 . Retrospectively registered: March 4, 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Santocchi
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Viale del Tirreno 331, 56018, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Letizia Guiducci
- National Research Council, Institute of Clinical Physiology, Via Moruzzi 1, Pisa, 56124, Italy
| | - Francesca Fulceri
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Viale del Tirreno 331, 56018, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
| | - Lucia Billeci
- National Research Council, Institute of Clinical Physiology, Via Moruzzi 1, Pisa, 56124, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Savi, 10, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Emma Buzzigoli
- National Research Council, Institute of Clinical Physiology, Via Moruzzi 1, Pisa, 56124, Italy
| | - Fabio Apicella
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Viale del Tirreno 331, 56018, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
| | - Sara Calderoni
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Viale del Tirreno 331, 56018, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
| | - Enzo Grossi
- Department of Autism Research, Villa Santa Maria Institute, Via IV Novembre 15 22038, Tavernerio, Italy
| | - Maria Aurora Morales
- National Research Council, Institute of Clinical Physiology, Via Moruzzi 1, Pisa, 56124, Italy
| | - Filippo Muratori
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Viale del Tirreno 331, 56018, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Savi, 10, 56126, Pisa, Italy
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24
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Kardas F, Bayram AK, Demirci E, Akin L, Ozmen S, Kendirci M, Canpolat M, Oztop DB, Narin F, Gumus H, Kumandas S, Per H. Increased Serum Phthalates (MEHP, DEHP) and Bisphenol A Concentrations in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Role of Endocrine Disruptors in Autism Etiopathogenesis. J Child Neurol 2016; 31:629-35. [PMID: 26450281 DOI: 10.1177/0883073815609150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between autism spectrum disorders development and exposure to mono-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (MEHP), di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (DEHP), and bisphenol A (BPA), 1 of the endocrine disruptors, among phthalates. The study included 48 children with autism spectrum disorder (27 boys, 21 girls) and 41 healthy subjects (24 boys, 17 girls) as controls. Serum MEHP, DEHP, and BPA levels were measured by using high-performance liquid chromatography. Children with autism spectrum disorder had significantly increased serum MEHP, DEHP, and BPA concentrations (0.47 ± 0.14 µg/ml, 2.70 ± 0.90 µg/ml, 1.25 ± 0.30 ng/ml) compared to healthy control subjects (0.29 ± 0.05 µg/ml, 1.62 ± 0.56 µg/ml, 0.88 ± 0.18 ng/ml) respectively (P = .000). The fact that higher serum MEHP, DEHP, and BPA were found levels in the autism spectrum disorder group compared to healthy controls suggests that endocrine disruptors may have a role in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatih Kardas
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Nutrition and Metabolism, School of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Ayse Kacar Bayram
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, School of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Esra Demirci
- Department of Child Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Leyla Akin
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, School of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Sevgi Ozmen
- Department of Child Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Kendirci
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Nutrition and Metabolism, School of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Canpolat
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, School of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Didem Behice Oztop
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, School of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Figen Narin
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Hakan Gumus
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, School of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Sefer Kumandas
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, School of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Huseyin Per
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, School of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
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25
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Kondolot M, Ozmert EN, Ascı A, Erkekoglu P, Oztop DB, Gumus H, Kocer-Gumusel B, Yurdakok K. Plasma phthalate and bisphenol a levels and oxidant-antioxidant status in autistic children. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2016; 43:149-158. [PMID: 26991849 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2016.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2015] [Revised: 03/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/06/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA) are endocrine disruting chemicals (EDCs) that are suggested to exert neurotoxic effects. This study aimed to determine plasma phthalates and BPA levels along with oxidant/antioxidant status in autistic children [n=51; including 12 children were diagnosed with "Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)]. Plasma levels of BPA, di (2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (DEHP) and its main metabolite mono (2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (MEHP); thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and carbonyl groups; erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GPx1), thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione reductase (GR) activities and glutathione (GSH) and selenium levels were measured. Plasma BPA levels of children with PDD-NOS were significantly higher than both classic autistic children and controls (n=50). Carbonyl, selenium concentrations and GPx1, SOD and GR activities were higher (p<0.05); CAT activity was markedly lower in study group. BPA exposure might be associated with PDD-NOS. Intracellular imbalance between oxidant and antioxidant status might facilitate its neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meda Kondolot
- Erciyes University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Social Pediatrics Unit, Kayseri 38039, Turkey.
| | - Elif N Ozmert
- Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Social Pediatrics Unit, Developmental Pediatrics Unit, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | - Ali Ascı
- Hacettepe University Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Toxicology, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | - Pınar Erkekoglu
- Hacettepe University Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Toxicology, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | - Didem B Oztop
- Erciyes University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Child Psychiatry, Kayseri 38039, Turkey
| | - Hakan Gumus
- Erciyes University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Kayseri 38039, Turkey
| | - Belma Kocer-Gumusel
- Hacettepe University Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Toxicology, Ankara 06100, Turkey.
| | - Kadriye Yurdakok
- Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Social Pediatrics Unit, Developmental Pediatrics Unit, Ankara 06100, Turkey
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26
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Stein TP, Schluter MD, Steer RA, Guo L, Ming X. Bisphenol A Exposure in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders. Autism Res 2015; 8:272-83. [PMID: 25641946 PMCID: PMC4474754 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2014] [Accepted: 11/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The etiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is believed to involve genetic and environmental components. This study focused on the plasticizer, Bisphenol-A (BPA). The major pathway for BPA metabolism and excretion is via glucuronidation. To determine whether there was a relationship between BPA exposure and ASD, urine specimens were collected from 46 children with ASD and 52 controls. Free and total BPA concentrations were determined by mass spectrometry. The fraction glucuronidated was calculated from the difference. A metabolomics study was done to investigate metabolite distribution in the urine. (i) Most of the BPA excreted in the urine was as the glucuronide; (ii) about 20% of the ASD children had BPA levels beyond the 90th percentile (>50 ng/mL) of the frequency distribution for the total sample of 98 children; (iii) Mann-Whitney U tests and multiple regression analyses found significant differences (P < 0.05) between the groups in total and % bound BPA; and (iv) the metabolomics analyses showed the number of absolute partial correlations >|0.30| between metabolite concentrations and total BPA was ∼3 times greater with the ASD group than the controls (P < 0.001), and the number of absolute partial correlations > |0.30| for % bound BPA was ∼15 times higher with ASD (P < 0.001). The results suggest there is an association between BPA and ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Peter Stein
- Department of Surgery, Rowan University-SOM, 2 Medical Center Drive, Stratford, New Jersey, 08084
| | - Margaret D Schluter
- Department of Surgery, Rowan University-SOM, 2 Medical Center Drive, Stratford, New Jersey, 08084
| | - Robert A Steer
- Department of Psychiatry, Rowan University-SOM, 2 Medical Center Drive, Stratford, New Jersey, 08084
| | - Lining Guo
- Metabolon Inc., 617 Davis Drive, Suite 400, Durham, North Carolina, 27713
- Department of Neurosciences and Neurology, Rutgers University -New Jersey Medical School, 90 Bergen Street, Newark, New Jersey, 07103
| | - Xue Ming
- Sleep Medicine Center, JFK Hospital, Seton Hall University, Edison, New Jersey, 08820
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27
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Kalkbrenner AE, Schmidt RJ, Penlesky AC. Environmental chemical exposures and autism spectrum disorders: a review of the epidemiological evidence. Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care 2014; 44:277-318. [PMID: 25199954 PMCID: PMC4855851 DOI: 10.1016/j.cppeds.2014.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2014] [Revised: 06/09/2014] [Accepted: 06/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In the past decade, the number of epidemiological publications addressing environmental chemical exposures and autism has grown tremendously. These studies are important because it is now understood that environmental factors play a larger role in causing autism than previously thought and because they address modifiable risk factors that may open up avenues for the primary prevention of the disability associated with autism. In this review, we covered studies of autism and estimates of exposure to tobacco, air pollutants, volatile organic compounds and solvents, metals (from air, occupation, diet, dental amalgams, and thimerosal-containing vaccines), pesticides, and organic endocrine-disrupting compounds such as flame retardants, non-stick chemicals, phthalates, and bisphenol A. We included studies that had individual-level data on autism, exposure measures pertaining to pregnancy or the 1st year of life, valid comparison groups, control for confounders, and adequate sample sizes. Despite the inherent error in the measurement of many of these environmental exposures, which is likely to attenuate observed associations, some environmental exposures showed associations with autism, especially traffic-related air pollutants, some metals, and several pesticides, with suggestive trends for some volatile organic compounds (e.g., methylene chloride, trichloroethylene, and styrene) and phthalates. Whether any of these play a causal role requires further study. Given the limited scope of these publications, other environmental chemicals cannot be ruled out, but have not yet been adequately studied. Future research that addresses these and additional environmental chemicals, including their most common routes of exposures, with accurate exposure measurement pertaining to several developmental windows, is essential to guide efforts for the prevention of the neurodevelopmental damage that manifests in autism symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy E Kalkbrenner
- Zilber School of Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Rebecca J Schmidt
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA; Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA
| | - Annie C Penlesky
- Zilber School of Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI
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28
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Abstract
MOTIVATION Discovering the transcriptional regulatory architecture of the metabolism has been an important topic to understand the implications of transcriptional fluctuations on metabolism. The reporter algorithm (RA) was proposed to determine the hot spots in metabolic networks, around which transcriptional regulation is focused owing to a disease or a genetic perturbation. Using a z-score-based scoring scheme, RA calculates the average statistical change in the expression levels of genes that are neighbors to a target metabolite in the metabolic network. The RA approach has been used in numerous studies to analyze cellular responses to the downstream genetic changes. In this article, we propose a mutual information-based multivariate reporter algorithm (MIRA) with the goal of eliminating the following problems in detecting reporter metabolites: (i) conventional statistical methods suffer from small sample sizes, (ii) as z-score ranges from minus to plus infinity, calculating average scores can lead to canceling out opposite effects and (iii) analyzing genes one by one, then aggregating results can lead to information loss. MIRA is a multivariate and combinatorial algorithm that calculates the aggregate transcriptional response around a metabolite using mutual information. We show that MIRA's results are biologically sound, empirically significant and more reliable than RA. RESULTS We apply MIRA to gene expression analysis of six knockout strains of Escherichia coli and show that MIRA captures the underlying metabolic dynamics of the switch from aerobic to anaerobic respiration. We also apply MIRA to an Autism Spectrum Disorder gene expression dataset. Results indicate that MIRA reports metabolites that highly overlap with recently found metabolic biomarkers in the autism literature. Overall, MIRA is a promising algorithm for detecting metabolic drug targets and understanding the relation between gene expression and metabolic activity. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION The code is implemented in C# language using .NET framework. Project is available upon request.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ercument Cicek
- Lane Center for Computational Biology, School of Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA 15213 and Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, School of Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
| | - Kathryn Roeder
- Lane Center for Computational Biology, School of Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA 15213 and Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, School of Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
| | - Gultekin Ozsoyoglu
- Lane Center for Computational Biology, School of Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA 15213 and Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, School of Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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29
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Rossignol DA, Genuis SJ, Frye RE. Environmental toxicants and autism spectrum disorders: a systematic review. Transl Psychiatry 2014; 4:e360. [PMID: 24518398 PMCID: PMC3944636 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2014.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 308] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2013] [Revised: 12/15/2013] [Accepted: 01/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the involvement of genetic abnormalities in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is well-accepted, recent studies point to an equal contribution by environmental factors, particularly environmental toxicants. However, these toxicant-related studies in ASD have not been systematically reviewed to date. Therefore, we compiled publications investigating potential associations between environmental toxicants and ASD and arranged these publications into the following three categories: (a) studies examining estimated toxicant exposures in the environment during the preconceptional, gestational and early childhood periods; (b) studies investigating biomarkers of toxicants; and (c) studies examining potential genetic susceptibilities to toxicants. A literature search of nine electronic scientific databases through November 2013 was performed. In the first category examining ASD risk and estimated toxicant exposures in the environment, the majority of studies (34/37; 92%) reported an association. Most of these studies were retrospective case-control, ecological or prospective cohort studies, although a few had weaker study designs (for example, case reports or series). Toxicants implicated in ASD included pesticides, phthalates, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), solvents, toxic waste sites, air pollutants and heavy metals, with the strongest evidence found for air pollutants and pesticides. Gestational exposure to methylmercury (through fish exposure, one study) and childhood exposure to pollutants in water supplies (two studies) were not found to be associated with ASD risk. In the second category of studies investigating biomarkers of toxicants and ASD, a large number was dedicated to examining heavy metals. Such studies demonstrated mixed findings, with only 19 of 40 (47%) case-control studies reporting higher concentrations of heavy metals in blood, urine, hair, brain or teeth of children with ASD compared with controls. Other biomarker studies reported that solvent, phthalate and pesticide levels were associated with ASD, whereas PCB studies were mixed. Seven studies reported a relationship between autism severity and heavy metal biomarkers, suggesting evidence of a dose-effect relationship. Overall, the evidence linking biomarkers of toxicants with ASD (the second category) was weaker compared with the evidence associating estimated exposures to toxicants in the environment and ASD risk (the first category) because many of the biomarker studies contained small sample sizes and the relationships between biomarkers and ASD were inconsistent across studies. Regarding the third category of studies investigating potential genetic susceptibilities to toxicants, 10 unique studies examined polymorphisms in genes associated with increased susceptibilities to toxicants, with 8 studies reporting that such polymorphisms were more common in ASD individuals (or their mothers, 1 study) compared with controls (one study examined multiple polymorphisms). Genes implicated in these studies included paraoxonase (PON1, three of five studies), glutathione S-transferase (GSTM1 and GSTP1, three of four studies), δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (one study), SLC11A3 (one study) and the metal regulatory transcription factor 1 (one of two studies). Notably, many of the reviewed studies had significant limitations, including lack of replication, limited sample sizes, retrospective design, recall and publication biases, inadequate matching of cases and controls, and the use of nonstandard tools to diagnose ASD. The findings of this review suggest that the etiology of ASD may involve, at least in a subset of children, complex interactions between genetic factors and certain environmental toxicants that may act synergistically or in parallel during critical periods of neurodevelopment, in a manner that increases the likelihood of developing ASD. Because of the limitations of many of the reviewed studies, additional high-quality epidemiological studies concerning environmental toxicants and ASD are warranted to confirm and clarify many of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Rossignol
- Family Medicine, Rossignol Medical Center, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - S J Genuis
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - R E Frye
- Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
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