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Mahfouz Y, Harmouche-Karaki M, Matta J, Mahfouz M, Salameh P, Younes H, Helou K, Finan R, Abi-Tayeh G, Meslimani M, Moussa G, Chahrour N, Osseiran C, Skaiki F, Narbonne JF. Dioxins and furans maternal transfer: A study of breast milk and cord serum levels among Lebanese mothers and associations with newborn anthropometric measurements. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 199:116032. [PMID: 38237247 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116032] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs) are anthropogenic pollutants that persist in the environment for long years, bioaccumulating in food & contaminating humans. In pregnancy, they can transfer through the placenta and reach the fetus, which negatively affects fetal growth. They can also reach newborns through breastfeeding. In this study, we focused on this critical subpopulation and identified the presence of PCDD/Fs among pregnant women in breast milk (n = 41) and cord serum (n = 49); we assessed the correlation between different matrices, evaluated the predictors and associations with newborn anthropometric measurements. Over 70.7 % of PCDD/Fs were detected in breast milk and 46.9-55.1 % in cord serum. Cord/maternal serum and breast milk to maternal serum ratios were > 1 with a significant positive Spearman correlation (0.669-0.729). Breast milk & maternal serum PCDD/Fs were associated inversely with age and positively with red meat intake. Cord serum PCDD/Fs were inversely associated with pre-pregnancy weight loss and passive smoking. Parity and gestational weight gain showed positive associations with Z-scores at birth. Z-score differences showed negative and positive associations with passive smoking and pre-pregnancy BMI respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yara Mahfouz
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmacy, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Medical Sciences Campus, Damascus Road, P.O.B. 11-5076, Riad Solh Beirut 1107 2180, Lebanon.
| | - Mireille Harmouche-Karaki
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmacy, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Medical Sciences Campus, Damascus Road, P.O.B. 11-5076, Riad Solh Beirut 1107 2180, Lebanon.
| | - Joseph Matta
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmacy, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Medical Sciences Campus, Damascus Road, P.O.B. 11-5076, Riad Solh Beirut 1107 2180, Lebanon; Industrial Research Institute, Lebanese University Campus, Hadath Baabda, Lebanon.
| | - Maya Mahfouz
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmacy, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Medical Sciences Campus, Damascus Road, P.O.B. 11-5076, Riad Solh Beirut 1107 2180, Lebanon.
| | - Pascale Salameh
- Clinical and Epidemiological Research Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Hadath, Lebanon; School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon; Institut National de Santé Publique d'Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban (INSPECT-LB), Dekwaneh, Mar Roukoz, Main Street, Building 111, 5th Floor, Metn, Lebanon; Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University of Nicosia Medical School, 2417, Nicosia, Cyprus.
| | - Hassan Younes
- UniLaSalle University, 19 Pierre Waguet Street, 60026 Beauvais, France.
| | - Khalil Helou
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmacy, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Medical Sciences Campus, Damascus Road, P.O.B. 11-5076, Riad Solh Beirut 1107 2180, Lebanon.
| | - Ramzi Finan
- Lebanese Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Adliye, Beit El- Tabib - 3rd Floor, Beirut, Lebanon; Faculty of Medicine, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Medical Sciences Campus, Damascus Road, Beirut, Lebanon; Hotel-Dieu de France, Saint Joseph University of Beirut Hospital, Blvd Alfred Naccache, P.O.B.: 166830, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Georges Abi-Tayeh
- Faculty of Medicine, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Medical Sciences Campus, Damascus Road, Beirut, Lebanon; Hotel-Dieu de France, Saint Joseph University of Beirut Hospital, Blvd Alfred Naccache, P.O.B.: 166830, Beirut, Lebanon; Lebanese Fertility Society, Adliye, Beit El- Tabib, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | | | - Ghada Moussa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chtoura Hospital, Zahle, Beqaa, Lebanon.
| | - Nada Chahrour
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, SRH University Hospital, Nabatieh, Lebanon.
| | - Camille Osseiran
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kassab Hospital, Saida, Lebanon.
| | - Farouk Skaiki
- Department of Molecular Biology, General Management, Al Karim Medical Laboratories, Saida, Lebanon; Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Saida, Lebanon.
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Furue M, Ishii Y, Tsukimori K, Tsuji G. Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor and Dioxin-Related Health Hazards-Lessons from Yusho. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020708. [PMID: 33445793 PMCID: PMC7828254 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Poisoning by high concentrations of dioxin and its related compounds manifests variable toxic symptoms such as general malaise, chloracne, hyperpigmentation, sputum and cough, paresthesia or numbness of the extremities, hypertriglyceridemia, perinatal abnormalities, and elevated risks of cancer-related mortality. Such health hazards are observed in patients with Yusho (oil disease in Japanese) who had consumed rice bran oil highly contaminated with 2,3,4,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran, polychlorinated biphenyls, and polychlorinated quaterphenyls in 1968. The blood concentrations of these congeners in patients with Yusho remain extremely elevated 50 years after onset. Dioxins exert their toxicity via aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this review article, we discuss the pathogenic implication of AHR in dioxin-induced health hazards. We also mention the potential therapeutic use of herbal drugs targeting AHR and ROS in patients with Yusho.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masutaka Furue
- Research and Clinical Center for Yusho and Dioxin, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan;
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-92-642-5581; Fax: +81-92-642-5600
| | - Yuji Ishii
- Division of Pharmaceutical Cell Biology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan;
| | - Kiyomi Tsukimori
- Department of Obstetrics, Perinatal Center, Fukuoka Children’s Hospital, Fukuoka 813-0017, Japan;
| | - Gaku Tsuji
- Research and Clinical Center for Yusho and Dioxin, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan;
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
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Concentrations of PCDD/Fs in Human Blood: A Review of Data from the Current Decade. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16193566. [PMID: 31554236 PMCID: PMC6801747 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16193566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-furans (PCDD/Fs) are environmental pollutants with great persistence, the capacity of bioaccumulation, and well known important toxic effects in humans and animals. Incinerators of hazardous, municipal and medical waste, chlorine bleaching of paper pulp, cement plants, and the traffic of motor vehicles are the most frequent emission sources of these compounds. The diet, followed at a great distance by inhalation, is generally the main way of human exposure to PCDD/Fs. Human biomonitoring is of great importance to prevent potential adverse effects derived from exposure to chemicals such as PCDD/Fs. In relation to this, blood is among the most used biological monitors. In the current review, we have summarized the recent information (2000–2009) published in the scientific literature (databases: Scopus and PubMed) on the concentrations of PCDD/Fs in blood samples of non-occupationally exposed populations, as well as in some groups of occupationally exposed individuals. We have revised a number of studies conducted in various African, American, Asian and European countries, and Australia. Unfortunately, the information is quite limited. No data are available for most countries over the world. Based on the results here reviewed, where available, the current health risks for the general populations do not seem to be of concern. Moreover, taking into account the important reductions observed in the levels of PCDD/Fs in foodstuffs, new decreases in the concentrations of PCDD/Fs in blood—and other biological tissues—are very probable in the immediate years.
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Mitoma C, Uchi H, Tsukimori K, Todaka T, Kajiwara J, Shimose T, Akahane M, Imamura T, Furue M. Current state of yusho and prospects for therapeutic strategies. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:16472-16480. [PMID: 29197056 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-0833-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/23/2017] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The mass food poisoning incident yusho occurred in Japan in 1968. It was caused by the ingestion of rice bran oil contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls and various dioxins and dioxin-like compounds including polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs). Notably, PCDFs were found to contribute to approximately 65% of the total toxicity equivalent in the blood of yusho patients. Lipophilic dioxins are retained in the body for a longer period than previously estimated. Victims suffered from characteristic skin manifestations associated with non-specific systemic symptoms, neurological symptoms, and respiratory symptoms. The severe symptoms seen in the initial phase subsequently faded, but recently, improvements have scarcely been observed. The Yusho Group has been researching treatments for this condition. Several clinical trials with chelating agents or dietary fibers aimed at accelerating the excretion of compounds. While some treatments increased dioxin excretion, none provided satisfactory symptom relief. Concurrently, various phytochemicals and herbal extracts have been found to possess biological activities that suppress dioxin-induced toxicity via aryl hydrocarbon receptor or activate the antioxidant nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor-2 (NRF2) signal pathway, making them promising therapeutic candidates. Here, we summarize the current status of yusho and findings of clinical trials for yusho patients and discuss the treatment prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chikage Mitoma
- Research and Clinical Center for Yusho and Dioxin, Kyushu University Hospital, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Uchi
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Kiyomi Tsukimori
- Department of Obstetrics, Fukuoka Children's Hospital, Fukuoka, 813-0017, Japan
| | - Takashi Todaka
- Kitakyushu Life Science Center, Public Interest Incorporated Foundation, Fukuoka, 804-0003, Japan
| | - Jumboku Kajiwara
- Fukuoka Institute of Health and Environmental Sciences, Fukuoka, 818-0135, Japan
| | - Takayuki Shimose
- Clinical Research Support Center Kyushu, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Manabu Akahane
- Department of Public Health, Health Management and Policy, Nara Medical University School of Medicine, Nara, 634-8521, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Imamura
- Department of Public Health, Health Management and Policy, Nara Medical University School of Medicine, Nara, 634-8521, Japan
| | - Masutaka Furue
- Research and Clinical Center for Yusho and Dioxin, Kyushu University Hospital, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
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Mitoma C, Uchi H, Tsukimori K, Yamada H, Akahane M, Imamura T, Utani A, Furue M. Yusho and its latest findings-A review in studies conducted by the Yusho Group. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2015; 82:41-8. [PMID: 26010306 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2015.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2015] [Revised: 05/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/14/2015] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The Yusho incident is an unprecedented mass food poisoning that occurred in Japan in 1968. It was caused by the ingestion of rice bran oil contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and various dioxins and dioxin-like compounds, such as polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs). The victims of Yusho have suffered from characteristic skin manifestations associated with systemic, ophthalmological, and mucosal symptoms for a long period of time. The Study Group of Yusho (the Yusho Group) has been conducting annual medical check-ups on Yusho victims for more than 45years. Since 2002, when concentrations of dioxins in the blood of Yusho patients started to be measured, the pharmacokinetics of dioxins, relationship between blood levels of dioxins and symptoms/signs in patients directly exposed to dioxins, and the adverse effects on the next generation have become dramatically clear. Herein we review recent findings of studies conducted by the Yusho Group to evaluate chronic dioxin-induced toxicity to the next generation as well as Yusho patients in comparison with a similar food mass poisoning, the Yucheng incident. Additionally, we summarized basic studies carried out by the Yusho Group to re-evaluate the mechanisms of dioxin toxicities in experimental models and various functions of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), known as the dioxin receptor, pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chikage Mitoma
- Research and Clinical Center for Yusho and Dioxin, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Uchi
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kiyomi Tsukimori
- Department of Obstetrics, Fukuoka Children's Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Yamada
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Manabu Akahane
- Health Management and Policy, Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Imamura
- Health Management and Policy, Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
| | - Atsushi Utani
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Masutaka Furue
- Research and Clinical Center for Yusho and Dioxin, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan; Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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Scialli AR, Watkins DK, Ginevan ME. Agent Orange Exposure and 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-Dioxin (TCDD) in Human Milk. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/bdrb.21145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony R. Scialli
- Scialli Consulting LLC; Washington District of Columbia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Georgetown University School of Medicine; Washington District of Columbia
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology; Georgetown University School of Medicine; Washington District of Columbia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences; Washington District of Columbia
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Taura J, Takeda T, Fujii M, Hattori Y, Ishii Y, Kuroki H, Tsukimori K, Uchi H, Furue M, Yamada H. 2,3,4,7,8-Pentachlorodibenzofuran is far less potent than 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in disrupting the pituitary-gonad axis of the rat fetus. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2014; 281:48-57. [PMID: 25220434 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2014.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2014] [Revised: 07/19/2014] [Accepted: 09/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The effect of 2,3,4,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran (PnCDF) on the fetal pituitary-gonad axis was compared with that produced by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) in Wistar rats. Maternal treatment at gestational day (GD) 15 with PnCDF and TCDD reduced the fetal expression at GD20 of pituitary luteinizing hormone (LH) and the testicular proteins necessary for steroidogenesis. The relative potencies of PnCDF ranged from 1/42nd to 1/63rd of the TCDD effect. While PnCDF, at a dose sufficient to cause a reduction in fetal LH, provoked defects in sexual behavior at adulthood, a dose less than the ED50 failed to produce any abnormality. There was a loss of fetal body weight following in utero exposure to PnCDF, and the effect of PnCDF was also much less than that of TCDD. The disturbance in fetal growth was suggested to be due to a reduction in the level of fetal growth hormone (GH) by dioxins. The disorder caused by PnCDF/TCDD in the fetal pituitary-gonad axis occurred at doses less than those needed to cause wasting syndrome in pubertal rats. The harmful effect of PnCDF relative to TCDD was more pronounced in fetal rats than in pubertal rats. These lines of evidence suggest that: 1) PnCDF as well as TCDD imprints defects in sexual behavior by disrupting the fetal pituitary-gonad axis; 2) these dioxins hinder fetal growth by reducing the expression of fetal GH; and 3) the fetal effects of PnCDF/TCDD are more sensitive than sub-acute toxicity during puberty, and the relative effect of PnCDF varies markedly depending on the indices used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junki Taura
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Tomoki Takeda
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Misaki Fujii
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yukiko Hattori
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yuji Ishii
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | | | - Kiyomi Tsukimori
- Department of Obstetrics, Fukuoka Children's Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Uchi
- Research and Clinical Center for Yusho and Dioxin, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Masutaka Furue
- Research and Clinical Center for Yusho and Dioxin, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan; Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Yamada
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
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Tsukimori K, Uchi H, Tokunaga S, Yasukawa F, Chiba T, Kajiwara J, Hirata T, Furue M. Blood levels of PCDDs, PCDFs, and coplanar PCBs in Yusho mothers and their descendants: association with fetal Yusho disease. CHEMOSPHERE 2013; 90:1581-1588. [PMID: 22960060 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2012.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2011] [Revised: 07/23/2012] [Accepted: 08/12/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Maternal exposure to polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) may result in adverse health effects in their children. In Japan in 1968, an accidental human exposure to rice oil contaminated with PCDDs, PCDFs, and PCBs, led to the development of Yusho disease. Yusho mothers delivered descendants with low birth weights and hyperpigmented skin and mucosa, which are characteristic of fetal Yusho disease (FYD). The Yusho cohort was used to evaluate the effect of maternal exposure to PCDDs, PCDFs, and PCBs on the development of FYD. Blood samples, obtained from 64 Yusho mothers (117 descendants: 10 with FYD and 107 without FYD), were analyzed for congeners of seven PCDDs, 10 PCDFs, and four coplanar PCBs. We investigated the association between the maternal estimated blood levels of dioxins at delivery and the risk of fetal Yusho disease. We also studied the differences in dioxin blood levels in 24 mother-descendant pairs (5 with FYD and 19 without FYD). The estimated levels of total PCDD TEQ, total PCDF TEQ, total coplanar PCB TEQ, and total TEQ in the maternal blood at delivery were associated with significantly increased risk of FYD. The odds ratios, which present the risk of FYD for a 10-fold increase in blood dioxin, were largest for 1,2,3,6,7,8-HexaCDD (odds ratio=28.6, 95% confidence interval=1.67-489.9, p=0.02). The levels of 1,2,3,6,7,8-HexaCDD in both the Yusho mothers and their descendants with FYD were higher than the levels in those without FYD. These findings suggest that 1,2,3,6,7,8-HexaCDD is the most important causative congener for the development of FYD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyomi Tsukimori
- Department of Obstetrics, Fukuoka Children's Hospital, Tojinmachi 2-5-1, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka 810-0063, Japan.
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Fernandez MF, Parera J, Arrebola JP, Marina LS, Vrijheid M, Llop S, Abalos M, Tardon A, Castaño A, Abad E, Olea N. Levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls in placentas from the Spanish INMA birth cohort study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2012; 441:49-56. [PMID: 23134768 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.09.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2012] [Revised: 09/01/2012] [Accepted: 09/28/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Because fetuses are considered significantly more sensitive to various environment toxicants, there is a need for continuous biomonitoring of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls PCBs (DL-PCBs) to assess their impact on this susceptible population. The aim of this study was to assess the concentration of PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs in placenta samples from women participating in the Spanish Environment and Childhood (INMA) birth cohort study and to evaluate whether maternal and child characteristics predict placenta concentrations of these pollutants. The presence of PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs was investigated in 50 placenta samples selected at random in the recruitment period 2000-2008. Multivariable regression models were constructed. Mothers had a mean age at delivery of 30.7 years (18.0-38.0 years), pre-pregnancy BMI of 23.3 kg/m² (18.0-40.2 kg/m²), and 31% were smokers. Median total concentrations of PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs were 6.9 pg WHO-TEQ/g lipid and 2.1 pg WHO-TEQ/g lipid, respectively. In comparison to the few previous studies in placenta, total TEQ levels were among the lowest recorded in comparable general populations. The congener distribution pattern and the frequencies and concentrations of PCDD/F and DL-PCB congeners were similar to previous reports in placenta. PCDD/F and DL-PCB exposure was related to the age of the mother and the year of the delivery. Although placental concentrations cannot be considered wholly appropriate predictors for evaluating fetal exposure to these contaminants, they can provide a good indication of both maternal and infant prenatal and postnatal exposure and can be used as a proxy for fetal exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana F Fernandez
- Biomedical Research Center, University of Granada, Laboratory of Medical Investigations, San Cecilio University Hospital, Granada, Spain.
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Tsukimori K, Morokuma S, Hori T, Takahashi K, Hirata T, Otera Y, Fukushima K, Kawamoto T, Wake N. Characterization of placental transfer of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans and polychlorinated biphenyls in normal pregnancy. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2012; 39:83-90. [PMID: 22672617 DOI: 10.1111/j.1447-0756.2012.01906.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIM Prenatal exposure to dioxins may result in many adverse health effects. However, the mechanisms by which dioxins are transferred from mother to fetus through the placenta are not well understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in dioxin concentrations between maternal blood, the placenta, and cord blood in normal pregnant women, and to identify which individual congeners of these compounds are transferred from mother to fetus through the placenta. MATERIAL AND METHODS Samples were collected from 19 pregnant Japanese women. Specific congeners of seven polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), 10 polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and four non-ortho polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were analyzed. RESULTS The TEQ concentrations of PCDDs, PCDFs, and non-ortho PCBs were 8.03, 3.39, and 3.95 pg TEQ/g lipid, respectively, in the maternal blood; 8.78, 3.61, and 0.87 pg TEQ/g lipid in the placenta; and 4.33, 1.25, 1.08 pg TEQ/g lipid in the cord blood. Among specific congeners, 1,2,3,7,8-PentaCDD and 2,3,4,7,8-PentaCDF exhibited a placenta to maternal blood ratio greater than 1.0, while OctaCDD exhibited the greatest cord blood to placenta ratio. The cord blood to maternal blood ratio of total PCDDs was significantly higher than that of total PCDFs and total non-ortho PCBs. CONCLUSION The dioxin concentration in cord blood was approximately half of the amount in maternal blood, despite congeners showing a high toxic equivalency factor accumulating in the placenta. PCDDs were transferred more readily than PCDFs and non-ortho PCBs from maternal blood to the fetus through the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyomi Tsukimori
- Department of Obstetrics, Fukuoka Children's Hospital Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University Fukuoka Institute of Health and Environmental Science, Fukuoka Department of Environmental Health, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
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