Association between pesticide exposure and colorectal cancer risk and incidence: A systematic review

Carcinogenic health outcomes associated with endocrine disrupting chemicals exposure in humans: A wide-scope analysis

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are persistent and pervasive compounds that pose serious risks. Numerous studies have explored the effects of EDCs on human health, among which tumors have been the primary focus. However, because of study design flaws, lack of effective exposure levels of EDCs, and inconsistent population data and findings, it is challenging to draw clear conclusions on the effect of these compounds on tumor-related outcomes. Our study is the first to systematically integrate observational studies and randomized controlled trials from over 20 years and summarize over 300 subgroup associations. We found that most EDCs promote tumor development, and that exposure to residential environmental pollutants may be a major source of pesticide exposure. Furthermore, we found that phytoestrogens exhibit antitumor effects. The findings of this study can aid in the development of global EDCs regulatory health policies and alleviate the severe risks associated with EDCs exposure.

Risk assessment of environmental and bystander exposure from agricultural unmanned aerial vehicle sprayers in golden coconut plantations: Effects of droplet size and spray volume

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) sprayers are widely utilized in commercial aerial application of plant protection products (PPPs) in East Asian countries due to their high flexibility, high efficiency and low cost, but spray drift can lead to low utilization of UAV sprayers application, environmental pollution and bystander exposure risk. Droplet size and spray volume are critical factors affecting spray drift. Currently, the high temperature and humidity environment under the influence of the tropical monsoon climate brings new challenges for UAV sprayers. Therefore, in this study, pesticides were simulated with seduction red solution, and spraying trials were conducted using the DJI commercial T40 UAV sprayers for a typical tropical crop, coconut. In this study, the spray drift distribution of droplets on the ground and in the air, as well as the bystander exposure risk, were comparatively analyzed using droplet size (VF, M, and C) and spray volume (75 L/hm2 and 60 L/hm2) as trial variables. The results indicated that the spray drift characteristics of UAV sprayers were significantly affected by droplet size and spray volume. The spray drift percentage was negatively correlated with the downwind distance and the sampling height. The smaller the droplet size, the farther the buffer zone distance, up to more than 30 m, and the cumulative drift percentage is also greater, resulting in a significant risk of spray drift. The reduction in spray volume helped to reduce the spray drift, and the cumulative drift percentage was reduced by 73.87 % with a droplet size of M. The region of the body where spray drift is deposited the most on bystanders is near chest height. This study provides a reference for the rational and safe use of multirotor UAV sprayers application operations in the tropics and enriches the spray drift database in the tropics.

Pesticide use and inflammatory bowel disease in licensed pesticide applicators and spouses in the Agricultural Health Study

BACKGROUND

Pesticide exposure has been linked to some autoimmune diseases and colorectal cancer, possibly via alteration of gut microbiota or other mechanisms. While pesticides have been linked to gut dysbiosis and inflammation in animal models, few epidemiologic studies have examined pesticides in relation to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated use of pesticides and incident IBD in 68,480 eligible pesticide applicators and spouses enrolled in the Agricultural Health Study.

METHODS

Self-reported IBD cases were identified from follow-up questionnaires between enrollment (1993-1997) and 2022. We evaluated IBD incidence in relation to self-reported ever use of 50 pesticides among applicators and spouses. We also explored associations with intensity-weighted lifetime days (IWLD) of pesticide use among male applicators. Covariate-adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using Cox regression.

RESULTS

We identified 454 IBD cases, including 227 among male applicators. In analyses with applicators and spouses combined, associations were positive (HR > 1.2) for ever vs. never use of five organochlorine insecticides, three organophosphate insecticides, one fungicide, and five herbicides. HRs were highest for dieldrin (HR = 1.59, 95%CI: 1.03, 2.44), toxaphene (HR = 1.61, 95%CI: 1.17, 2.21), parathion (HR = 1.42, 95%CI: 1.03, 1.95), and terbufos (HR = 1.53, 95%CI: 1.19, 1.96). We had limited power in many IWLD of pesticide use analyses and did not find clear evidence of exposure-response trends; however, we observed elevated HRs in all tertiles of IWLD use of terbufos compared to never use (T1 vs. never use HR = 1.52, 95%CI: 1.03, 2.24; T2 vs. never use HR = 1.53, 95%CI: 1.04, 2.26; T3 vs. never use HR = 1.51, 95%CI: 1.03, 2.23).

CONCLUSIONS

Exposure to specific pesticides was associated with elevated hazards of IBD. These findings may have public health importance given the widespread use of pesticides and the limited number of known modifiable environmental risk factors for IBD.

Chemoprophylaxis of precancerous lesions in patients who are at a high risk of developing colorectal cancer (Review)

The diagnostics of colorectal cancer (CRC) and precancerous lesions in the colon is one of the most urgent matters to be considered for the modern protocols of complex examination, recommended for use from the age of 45 years, and including both instrumental and laboratory methods of research: Colonoscopy, CT colonography, flexible sigmoidoscopy, fecal occult blood test, fecal immunohistochemistry test and stool DNA test Nevertheless, the removal of those precancerous lesions does not solve the issue, and, apart from the regular endoscopic monitoring of patients who are at a high risk of developing CRC, the pharmacological treatment of certain key pathogenic mechanisms leading to the development of CRC is required. The present review to discusses the function of β-catenin in the transformation of precancerous colorectal lesions into CRC, when collaborating with PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and other mechanisms. The existing methods for the early diagnostics and prevention of discovered anomalies are described and categorized. The analysis of the approaches to chemoprophylaxis of CRC, depending on the results of endoscopic, morphological and molecular-genetic tests, is presented.

Perspective: Nutrition Health Disparities Framework: A Model to Advance Health Equity

Disparities in nutrition, such as poor diet quality and inadequate nutrient intake, arise from multiple factors and are related to adverse health outcomes such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers. The aim of the current perspective is to present a nutrition-centric socioecological framework that delineates determinants and factors that contribute to diet and nutrition-related disparities among disadvantaged populations. The Nutrition Health Disparities Framework (NHDF) describes the domains (biological, behavioral, physical/built environment, sociocultural environment, and healthcare system) that influence nutrition-related health disparities through the lens of each level of influence (that is, individual, interpersonal, community, and societal). On the basis of the scientific literature, the authors engaged in consensus decision making in selecting nutrition-related determinants of health within each domain and socioecological level when creating the NHDF. The framework identifies how neighborhood food availability and access (individual/built environment) intersect with cultural norms and practices (interpersonal/sociocultural environment) to influence dietary behaviors, exposures, and risk of diet-related diseases. In addition, the NHDF shows how factors such as genetic predisposition (individual/biology), family dietary practices (interpersonal/behavioral), and food marketing policies (societal) may impact the consumption of unhealthy foods and beverages and increase chronic disease risk. Family and peer norms (interpersonal/behavior) related to breastfeeding and early childhood nutrition interact with resource-poor environments such as lack of access to preventive healthcare settings (societal/healthcare system) and low usage of federal nutrition programs (societal/behavioral), which may increase risk of poor nutrition during childhood and food insecurity. The NHDF describes the synergistic interrelationships among factors at different levels of the socioecological model that influence nutrition-related outcomes and exacerbate health disparities. The framework is a useful resource for nutrition researchers, practitioners, food industry leaders, and policymakers interested in improving diet-related health outcomes and promoting health equity in diverse populations.

Exposure to pesticides and risk of colorectal cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a widespread malignancy worldwide, and its relationship with pesticide exposure remains inconclusive. This study aims to elucidate the relationship between pesticide exposure and the risk of colon, rectal, or CRC, focusing on specific pesticide groups. We conducted an extensive literature search for peer-reviewed studies published up to March 31, 2023. Summary risk ratios (RR) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using stratified random-effects meta-analyses, taking into account different types of exposure and outcomes, and various exposed populations and pesticide subgroups. This approach aimed to address the substantial heterogeneity observed across the literature. We also assessed heterogeneity and potential small-study effects to ensure the robustness of our findings. From the 50 studies included in this review, 33 contributed to the meta-analysis. Our results indicate a significant association between herbicide exposure and colon cancer in both lifetime-days (LDs) (RR = 1.20; 95% CI = 1.01-1.42) and intensity-weighted lifetime-days (IWLDs) (RR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.12-1.49) exposure. Similarly, insecticide exposure was associated with an increased risk of colon cancer in IWLDs (RR = 1.32; 95% CI = 1.02-1.70) exposure, and rectal cancer in any versus never exposure (RR = 1.21; 95% CI = 1.07-1.36), IDs (RR = 1.86; 95% CI = 1.30-2.67) and IWLDs (RR = 1.70; 95% CI = 1.03-2.83) exposure. While these findings suggest significant associations of herbicide and insecticide exposure with colon and rectal cancer, respectively, further research is needed to explore the impact of other pesticide groups and deepen our understanding of pesticide exposure. These results have important implications for policymakers and regulators, underscoring the need for stricter supervision and regulation of pesticide use to mitigate CRC risk.

Flavonoids as Insecticides in Crop Protection-A Review of Current Research and Future Prospects

Pesticide overuse in agricultural systems has resulted in the development of pest resistance, the impoverishment of soil microbiota, water pollution, and several human health issues. Nonetheless, farmers still depend heavily on these agrochemicals for economically viable production, given the high frequency at which crops are affected by pests. Phytopathogenic insects are considered the most destructive pests on crops. Botanical pesticides have gained attention as potential biopesticides and complements to traditional pesticides, owing to their biodegradability and low toxicity. Plant-based extracts are abundant in a wide variety of bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, a class of polyphenols that have been extensively studied for this purpose because of their involvement in plant defense responses. The present review offers a comprehensive review of current research on the potential of flavonoids as insecticides for crop protection, addressing the modes and possible mechanisms of action underlying their bioactivity. The structure-activity relationship is also discussed. It also addresses challenges associated with their application in pest and disease management and suggests alternatives to overcome these issues.

A Comprehensive Analysis of Organic Food: Evaluating Nutritional Value and Impact on Human Health

In recent years, organic agriculture has gained more popularity, yet its approach to food production and its potential impact on consumers' health and various environmental aspects remain to be fully discovered. The goal of organic farming practices is to maintain soil health, sustain ecological systems, maintain fairness in its relationship with the environment and protect the environment in its entirety. Various health benefits have been associated with higher consumption of organic foods. This review identified some of these health benefits, including a reduction in obesity and body mass index (BMI), improvements in blood nutrient composition as well as reductions in maternal obesity and pregnancy-associated preeclampsia risks. Furthermore, organic food consumption can reduce the development of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and colorectal cancers. Upon reviewing the existing literature regarding the nutritional value of organic foods, it was found that organic food contained higher levels of iron, magnesium and vitamin C. However, the evidence available to draw definitive causations remains limited due to study biases, short study durations and confounding variables; thus, it cannot be concluded that the organic diet provides any related health benefits. In this review, we provided essential insights and statistical analysis from the evidence available and consider study limitations to evaluate the potential of organic food consumption in positively impacting human health.

Changing epidemiology of colorectal cancer - birth cohort effects and emerging risk factors

Incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer (CRC) are increasing worldwide, suggesting broad changes in the epidemiology of CRC. In this Review, we discuss the changes that are becoming evident, including trends in CRC incidence and mortality by age and birth cohort, and consider the contributions of early-life exposures and emerging risk factors to these changes. Importantly, incidence of CRC has increased among people born since the early 1950s in nearly all regions of the world. These so-called birth cohort effects imply the involvement of factors that influence the earliest stages of carcinogenesis and have effects across the life course. Accumulating evidence supports the idea that early-life exposures are important risk factors for CRC, including exposures during fetal development, childhood, adolescence and young adulthood. Environmental chemicals could also have a role because the introduction of many in the 1950s and 1960s coincides with increasing incidence of CRC among people born during those years. To reverse the expected increases in the global burden of CRC, participation in average-risk screening programmes needs to be increased by scaling up and implementing evidence-based screening strategies, and emerging risk factors responsible for these increases need to be identified.

Unraveling the contemporary use of microbial fuel cell in pesticide degradation and simultaneous electricity generation: a review

Pesticide is an inevitable substance used worldwide to kill pests, but their indiscriminate use has posed serious complications to health and the environment. Various physical, chemical, and biological methods are employed for pesticide treatment, but this paper deals with microbial fuel cell (MFC) as a futuristic technology for pesticide degradation with electricity production. In MFC, organic compounds are utilized as the carbon source for electricity production and the generation of electrons which can be replaced with pollutants such as dyes, antibiotics, and pesticides as carbon sources. However, MFC is been widely studied for a decade for electricity production, but its implementation in pesticide degradation is less known. We fill this void by depicting a real picture of the global pesticide scenario with an eagle eye view of the bioremediation techniques implemented for pesticide treatment with phytoremediation and rhizoremediation as effective techniques for efficient pesticide removal. The enormous literature survey has revealed that not many researchers have ventured into this new arena of MFC employed for pesticide degradation. Based on the Scopus database, an increase in annual trend from 2014 to 2023 is observed for MFC-implemented pesticide remediation. However, a novel MFC to date for effective remediation of pesticides with simultaneous electricity generation is discussed for the first time. Furthermore, the limitation of MFC technology and the implementation of MFC and rhizoremediation as a clubbed system which is the least applied can be seen as promising and futuristic approaches to enhance pesticide degradation by bacteria and electricity as a by-product.

New sensitive LC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous determination of 13 phenolic and carboxylic acid pesticide biomarkers in human urine, including dicamba

The commercialization in 2016 of genetically engineered seeds tolerant to dicamba and/or 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) has caused a rapid increase in the use of these herbicides. New questions about the reproductive and chronic health effects of long-term exposure to these herbicides have been raised. To assess exposure to dicamba and other pesticides of interest in the Heartland Study, a birth cohort study based in the United States, a new analytical method was needed. The present study describes the development and validation of this new solid phase extraction and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method that detects simultaneously 13 pesticides or their metabolites in 250 μL of urine. More specifically, the method allows the analysis of dicamba, 2,4-D and 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T), which are herbicides, of malathion dicarboxylic acid (MDA), para-nitrophenol (PNP), 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCPy), 2-diethylamino-6-methylpyrimidin-4-ol (DEAMPY) and 2-isopropyl-6-methyl-4-pyrimidinol (IMPY), which are metabolites of organophosphate insecticides, and finally of cis-3-(2,2-Dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid (cis-DCCA), trans-3-(2,2-Dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid (trans-DCCA), 3-Phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA), 4-Fluoro-3-phenoxybenzoic acid (4-F-3-PBA) and cis-3-(2,2-Dibromovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid (cis-DBCA), which are metabolites of synthetic pyrethroids insecticides. The method was validated under ISO/IEC 17025 guidance. The limit of detection (LOD) in urine samples was 0.10 μg/L for dicamba, while the LOD for other analytes ranged between 0.0038 μg/L and 0.091 μg/L. Accuracy was evaluated by analyzing samples from two External Quality Assessment Schemes, namely G-EQUAS and OSEQAS. Preliminary results obtained following the analysis of 91 urine samples taken from pregnant women enrolled in the Heartland Study are presented here. This method is suitable for human biomonitoring studies.

Airborne Pesticides from Agricultural Practices: A Critical Review of Pathways, Influencing Factors, and Human Health Implications

This critical review examines the release of pesticides from agricultural practices into the air, with a focus on volatilization, and the factors influencing their dispersion. The review delves into the effects of airborne pesticides on human health and their contribution to anthropogenic air pollution. It highlights the necessity of interdisciplinary research encompassing science, technology, public policy, and agricultural practices to effectively mitigate the risks associated with pesticide volatilization and spray dispersion. The text acknowledges the need for more research to understand the fate and transport of airborne pesticides, develop innovative application technologies, improve predictive modeling and risk assessment, and adopt sustainable pest management strategies. Robust policies and regulations, supported by education, training, research, and development, are crucial to ensuring the safe and sustainable use of pesticides for human health and the environment. By providing valuable insights, this review aids researchers and practitioners in devising effective and sustainable solutions for safeguarding human health and the environment from the hazards of airborne pesticides.

A lateral flow immunoassay method for the rapid detection of acetochlor and alachlor in vegetable oil by sensitivity enhancement by using dimethyl-β-cyclodextrin

Acetochlor is an endocrine disruptor. The acetochlor residue is strongly lipophilic and can be enriched into products during the manufacturing process. In this study, we found that dimethyl-β-cyclodextrin (DM-β-CD) solution could decrease the apparent oil/water partition coefficient (Koil-w) of acetochlor and increase the sensitivity of fluorescence lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) for acetochlor simultaneously. Based on this, a simple LFIA method for the determination of acetochlor and alachlor residues in vegetable oil was established. The detection process only involves vortex mixing of an oil sample and dimethyl-β-cyclodextrin solution in a 1 : 3 (V/V) ratio, loading the water phase onto the immunoassay strips and reading the results. Under optimized conditions, the LOD for acetochlor in oil was 3.53 ng g-1, and the working range was 12.03-2000.00 ng g-1. The recoveries of spiked samples ranged from 91.69% ± 1.12% to 112.23% ± 2.20%. Meanwhile, the cross reactivity for alachlor was 108.22%, while for other investigated acetochlor analogues it was less than 1%, and the recoveries of alachlor were from 92.90% ± 8.03% to 113.53% ± 3.40%, which indicate that this method can detect acetochlor and alachlor simultaneously. Compared with the traditional detection method, the pre-treatment process of the proposed method is "green" and simple, and can be applied to the on-site rapid detection of acetochlor and alachlor in vegetable oil and can provide inspiration for the detection of other lipophilic pollutants.

Geographical Distribution of Colorectal Cancer in Southwestern Iran Between Years 2011 and 2019

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. Various genetic, individual, and environmental factors are associated with this disease. Today, the role of environmental and geographical factors has been considered. Accordingly, the present study was conducted to determine the cumulative incidence and geographical distribution of colorectal cancer in Khuzestan province.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was performed ecologically to determine the cumulative incidence of colorectal cancer and its geographical distribution in Khuzestan province between 2011 and 2019. The required information was extracted from the cancer registration program of the Ministry of Health and after refinement and replication.

RESULTS

The cumulative incidence of colorectal cancer in Khuzestan province between 2011 and 2019 was estimated at 40.18 per 100 000 people. The highest cumulative incidence was related to Ahvaz city (95.87 per 100 000 people) and the lowest was related to DashtAzadegan city (25.35 per 100 000 people). The highest cumulative incidence of colorectal cancer, based on climate conditions, is in dry geographical areas (63.77 per 100 000 people), based on average annual rainfall, is in areas with an average rainfall of 100-200 mm (66.28 per 100 000 people), and based on land use, belonged to areas with agricultural use (74.57 per 100 000 people).

CONCLUSION

The cumulative incidence of colorectal cancer is relatively high in Khuzestan province. The cumulative incidence of the disease was higher in the central regions of the province than in other regions. Also, based on geographical areas, the cumulative incidence of the disease was higher in areas with arid climates, the average rainfall was 100-200 mm, and in areas with agricultural land use.

Exposure to pesticide residues in honey and its potential cancer risk assessment

Honey is the most recognized natural food by-product derived from flower nectar and the upper aero-digestive tract of the honeybees. Significance of honey for its medicinal importance are well-documented in the world's oldest medical literatures. However, the current urbanization, environmental contaminations and changes in agricultural, as well as apiculture practices has led to various types of contaminations in honey. Among all, pesticide contamination has become one of the major issues worldwide. This review focuses on the recent updates concerning pesticides occurrence in honey, as well as how the repeated use and long-term exposure to honey contaminated with pesticide residues could affect the human physiological functions, possibly leading to the development of various cancers. Our findings suggests that uncontrolled use of pesticides in farming and apiculture practices leads to the occurrence of pesticides residues in honey. Therefore, regular consumption of such honey will pose a serious threat to human health, since most of the pesticides has been reported as potential carcinogens. This review will draw the attention of honey consumers, scientific communities, apiculture farmers, as well as governing bodies to strictly monitor the pesticide usage in floriculture, agriculture as well as other related practices.

Bio-fabrication of zinc oxide nanoparticles from Picea smithiana and their potential antimicrobial activities against Xanthomonas campestris pv. Vesicatoria and Ralstonia solanacearum causing bacterial leaf spot and bacterial wilt in tomato

Due to an inevitable disadvantage of chemical or physical synthesis routes, biosynthesis approach to nanoparticles, especially metallic oxide is attractive nowadays. Metallic oxides nanoparticles present a new approach to the control of plant pathogens. ZnO nanoparticles (ZNPs) have very important role in phytopathology. In current study, biosynthesized ZNPs were tested against two devastating bacterial pathogens including Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria and Ralstonia solanacearum causing bacterial leaf spot and bacterial wilt in tomato. ZNPs were produced using a new extract from the plant Picea smithiana using an environmentally friendly, cost-effective and simple procedure. Zinc acetate was added to P. smithiana extract, stirred and heated to 200 °C. The white precipitation at the bottom were clear indication of synthesis of nanoparticles, which were further dried by subjecting them at 450 °C. X-ray diffraction pattern determined that the ZNPs had a crystallite size of about 26 nm, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated a peak between 450 and 550 cm^-1 and the particle size estimated by dynamic light scattering was about 25 nm on average. Scanning electron microscopic analysis indicated that the particles were hexagonal in shape 31 nm in diameter. Antibacterial tests showed ZNPs synthesized by P. smithiana resulted in clear inhibition zones of 20.1 ± 1.5 and 18.9 ± 1.5 mm and 44.74 and 45.63% reduction in disease severity and 78.40 and 80.91% reduction in disease incidence in X. compestris pv. vesicatoria and R. solanacearum respectively at concentration of 100 µg/ml. Our findings reveal that the concentration of ZNPs was important for their efficient antibacterial activity. Overall, the biosynthesized ZNPs have been found to have effective antimicrobial activities against bacterial wilt and bacterial leaf spot in tomato.

Monitoring residues of pesticides in food in Brazil: A multiscale analysis of the main contaminants, dietary cancer risk estimative and mechanisms associated

Introduction

Pesticides pose a risk for cancer development and progression. People are continuously exposed to such substances by several routes, including daily intake of contaminated food and water, especially in countries that are highly pesticide consumers and have very permissive legislation about pesticide contamination as Brazil. This work investigated the relationship among pesticides, food contamination, and dietary cancer risk.

Methods

Analyzed two social reports from the Brazilian Government: the Program for Analysis of Residues of Pesticides in Food (PARA) and The National Program for Control of Waste and Contaminants (PNCRC).

Results and discussion

First, we characterized the main pesticide residues detected over the maximum limits allowed by legislation or those prohibited for use in food samples analyzed across the country. Based on this list, we estimated the dietary cancer risks for some of the selected pesticides. Finally, we searched for data about dietary cancer risks and carcinogenic mechanisms of each pesticide. We also provided a critical analysis concerning the pesticide scenario in Brazil, aiming to discuss the food contamination levels observed from a geographical, political, and public health perspective. Exposures to pesticides in Brazil violate a range of human rights when food and water for human consumption are contaminated.

Adverse health effects of emerging contaminants on inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is becoming increasingly prevalent with the improvement of people's living standards in recent years, especially in urban areas. The emerging environmental contaminant is a newly-proposed concept in the progress of industrialization and modernization, referring to synthetic chemicals that were not noticed or researched before, which may lead to many chronic diseases, including IBD. The emerging contaminants mainly include microplastics, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, chemical herbicides, heavy metals, and persisting organic pollutants. In this review, we summarize the adverse health effect of these emerging contaminants on humans and their relationships with IBD. Therefore, we can better understand the impact of these new emerging contaminants on IBD, minimize their exposures, and lower the future incidence of IBD.

Occupational exposure to pesticides and its association with telomere length - A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Telomere length is a common biomarker for the cumulative effect of environmental factors on aging-related diseases, therefore an association has been hypothesized between occupational exposure to pesticides and shorter telomere length.

OBJECTIVE

This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis aiming to examine the association between telomere length and occupational exposure to pesticides.

METHODS

We systematically searched in SciELO, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane, Lilacs, Science Direct, and Web of Science databases for all observational studies containing measurements of telomere length on groups occupationally exposed to pesticides. Data were synthesized through qualitative synthesis and meta-analysis. We estimated the associations between exposed and non-exposed groups by using the natural log of the response ratio (lnRR). Heterogeneity was quantified using the Cochran Q test and I² statistics.

RESULTS

Six studies were included in the qualitative synthesis and meta-analysis, with a total of 480 participants exposed to pesticides. The time of exposure evaluated 391 participants that had a range of 5 to >30 years of occupational exposure. Most studies presented shorter telomere length in the occupationally exposed group. From the six studies included in the meta-analysis, three presented telomere length measurement as a single copy gene (T/S), and three presented telomere length measurement as base pairs (bp). The statistical analysis pooled estimates (log ratio of means) of the telomere length in both measurements (T/S and bp) showed a shortening of telomere length in the exposed group when compared with the non-exposed (control) group. Two of six studies reported longer telomere length in the group exposed to pesticides.

DISCUSSION

Our findings suggest an association between occupational exposure to pesticides and shorter telomere length. However, we found a small number of studies to include in our meta-analysis, being required more high-quality studies to strengthen our findings and conclusions.

[Mortality from cancer, arsenic, and nitrates in drinking water and cropland in ArgentinaMortalidade por câncer, arsênio e nitratos na água para consumo humano e em áreas semeadas na Argentina]

Objective

Cancer mortality in the central region of Argentina is among the highest in the country. Two possible environmental factors could explain this situation: agricultural activity and drinking water quality. The objective of the study is to evaluate the interaction between these variables.

Methods

This is a retrospective ecological study. Total cropland over 10-year periods as well as the percentage of the population exposed to high levels of arsenic and nitrates in drinking water were analyzed and compared to total mortality rates (TMR) and organ-specific mortality rates (SMR); the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was then calculated.

Results

Positive and significant correlations were found between the first two 10-year periods of total cropland and the first 10-year period of TMR, as well as correlations with lung, pancreatic, and colon cancers in men and colon cancer in women. Elevated arsenic levels are associated with TMR in both sexes across all 10-year periods but are specifically associated with lung cancer in men. No significant correlation was found with nitrates.

Conclusions

The association between total cropland and TMR/SMR is stronger with proximity over time, with greater impact from the oldest crops. The association between TMR and consumption of water containing arsenic, as well as the association with lung SMR in men and colon SMR in women, show that exposure over time is essential to understanding regional epidemiological conditions. The synergy between these variables should be explored.

One-step homogeneous micro-orifice resistance immunoassay for detection of chlorpyrifos in orange samples

In this work, a one-step homogeneous micro-orifice resistance immunoassay has been proposed for chlorpyrifos detection by integrating functionalized polystyrene (PS) microsphere probes with particle counting technology. The particle counter is highly sensitive and accurate for detecting the state of PS microspheres, where the particles of different states exhibit significant differences in resistance. The state of the functionalized PS microspheres is altered from dispersed to aggregated during the antigen-antibody recognition. Based on the degree of aggregation of the functionalized PS microsphere probes, chlorpyrifos can be quantitatively detected through the competitive immune response between PS antibodies and PS complete antigens. This one-step homogeneous micro-orifice resistance immunoassay simplified the procedures and greatly increased the sensitivity of detection, which has been successfully applied to detect chlorpyrifos in orange samples within 0.5 h, with the detection limit of 0.058 ng/mL.

Genomic instability evaluation by BMCyt and telomere length in Brazilian family farmers exposed to pesticides

Brazil is one of the largest consumers of pesticides in the world. This high consumption has resulted in higher potential health risk to agricultural farm workers due to occupational exposure. Hence, the aim of this study is to evaluate genomic instability, using Buccal Micronucleus Cytome (BMCyt) and telomere length (TL) measurement as biomarkers of occupational exposure to pesticides in rural workers living in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. Genomic instability was evaluated in 81 pesticide-exposed farm workers (69 males and 12 females) with a mean age of 49.16 ± 10.06 years and a mean time job of 30.00 ± 14.00 years,81 non-exposed individuals (62 males and 15 females) with a mean age of 47.87 ± 10.66 years. BMCyt results showed significantly higher levels of cell damage (micronuclei and binucleated cells) and cell death (karyorrhectic and condensed chromatin cells) in subjects exposed to pesticide when compared to those non-exposed (p < 0.05). Although our results did not show significant differences in TL among exposed and non-exposed groups, effects in TL due to pesticide exposure was found in a multivariable linear regression model when we stratified the groups by age (≤ 49 years and ≥ 50 years old; β = 11.21, p = 0.006). In addition, TL reduction on was identified in relation to an increase in cigarette pack consumption (β = -0.633, p = 0.045). Furthermore, exposure to specific pesticides presented different effects in TL. Cypermethrin exposure resulted in a reduction in TL (β = -18.039, p = 0.018), while abamectin exposure led to an increase in TL (β = 23.990, p = 0.007). Thus, our findings substantiate genomic instability due to pesticides exposure.

Synthesis of hydrophilic carbon nanotube sponge via post-growth thermal treatment

Clean water is vital for healthy ecosystems, for human life and, in a broader sense, it is directly linked to our socio-economic development. Nevertheless, climate change, pollution and increasing world population will likely make clean water scarcer in the near future. Consequently, it becomes imperative to develop novel materials and more efficient ways of treating waste and contaminated water. Carbon nanotube (CNT) sponges, for example, are excellent in removing oleophilic contaminants; however, due to their super-hydrophobic nature, they are not as efficient when it comes to absorbing water-soluble substances. Here, by means of a scalable method consisting of simply treating CNT sponges at mild temperatures in air, we attach oxygen-containing functional groups to the CNT surface. The functionalized sponge becomes hydrophilic while preserving its micro- and macro-structure and can therefore be used to successfully remove toxic contaminants, such as pesticides, that are dissolved in water. This discovery expands the current range of applications of CNT sponges to those fields in which a hydrophilic character of the sponge is more suitable.

Geospatial Assessment of Pesticide Concentration in Ambient Air and Colorectal Cancer Incidence in Arkansas, 2013-2017

Exposure to various agricultural pesticides has been linked to colorectal cancer (CRC), mostly among farmworkers and applicators. Given the potential pesticide drift in ambient air, residents near farmland may be exposed to carcinogenic pesticides even if they are not actively engaged in pesticide application. Pesticide air pollution at the county level was estimated using the 2014 National Air Toxics Assessment. CRC incidence data were acquired from the Arkansas Central Cancer Registry for 2013-2017. We ran ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models, finding significant spatial autocorrelation of residuals for most models. Using geographically weighted regression (GWR) we found age-adjusted CRC incidence rates vary in an increasing west-to-east gradient, with the highest rates in the Arkansas Delta region. A similar gradient was observed in the distribution of the population living below the poverty line and the population percentage of Black people. Significant associations between Trifluralin (crude model only), Carbon Tetrachloride, and Ethylene Dibromide with CRC incidence rates in OLS models only explained 5-7% of the variation and exhibited spatial autocorrelation of residuals. GWR models explained 24-32% (adjusted r² 9-16%) of CRC incidence rate variation, suggesting additional factors may contribute to the association between pesticides and CRC.

Assessment of the Serum Glucose/Potassium GLU/K Ratio as a Predictor of Intermediate Syndrome Following Acute Anticholinesterase Exposure

BACKGROUND

The widespread use of anticholinesterase-containing pesticides accounts for the considerable morbidity and mortality in Egypt and worldwide.

AIM

Few studies have investigated the predictors of intermediate syndrome (IMS). Therefore, in this study, we assessed the adequacy of the serum glucose/potassium (GLU/K) ratio as an early reliable tool to predict IMS incidence following intoxication with acute anticholinesterase compounds.

METHODS

A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted among patients who presented to Tanta University Poison Control Center, Egypt, and were diagnosed with acute anticholinesterase intoxication between January and August, 2021. Patients were categorized based on the primary outcome into IMS (+) and IMS (-) groups.

RESULTS

Overall, 243 patients were included, among whom 44 (18.1%) had IMS as the complication. Younger individuals with age ranging between 18 and <25 years constituted the main exposed age category in both groups. Vomiting and abdominal colic were the most commonly noted complaints in the included patients (94.2% and 63.8% of patients, respectively). The delay, length of hospital stay, mean blood pressure, O₂ saturation, Glasgow Coma Scale score, random blood glucose level, K concentration, GLU/K ratio, and dose of atropine administered were significant IMS predictors on an individual basis, and the GLU/K ratio was the most significant IMS predictor. At a cutoff value of >41.07%, the GLU/K ratio could significantly predict IMS (areas under the curves = 0.971, p < 0.001) with 93% accuracy, 93.2% sensitivity, and 93% specificity.

CONCLUSION

Although the clear pathophysiology of IMS remains to be elucidated, our results provide insight into the significant contribution of neurological affection, apart from the well-known direct toxic effect on muscles. Moreover, we demonstrated a significant association between the development of IMS and severity of organophosphorus compounds' exposure. Physicians should be vigilant to detect IMS early upon admission using the GLU/K ratio, which is a useful early IMS predictor.

Regioselective hydroxylation of carbendazim by mammalian cytochrome P450: A combined experimental and computational study

Carbendazim (CBZ), a broad-spectrum pesticide frequently detected in fruits and vegetables, could trigger potential toxic risks to mammals. To facilitate the assessment of health risks, this study aimed to characterize the cytochrome P450 (CYPs)-mediated metabolism profiles of CBZ by a combined experimental and computational study. Our results demonstrated that CYPs-mediated region-selective hydroxylation was a major metabolism pathway for CBZ in liver microsomes from various species including rat, mouse, minipig, dog, rabbit, guinea pig, monkey, cow and human, and the metabolite was biosynthesized and well-characterized as 6-OH-CBZ. CYP1A displayed a predominant role in the region-selective hydroxylation of CBZ that could attenuate its toxicity through converting it into a less toxic metabolite. Meanwhile, five other common pesticides including chlorpyrifos-methyl, prochloraz, chlorfenapyr, chlorpyrifos, and chlorothalonil could significantly inhibit the region-selective hydroxylation of CBZ, and consequently remarkably increased CBZ exposure in vivo. Furthermore, computational study clarified the important contribution of the key amino acid residues Ser122, and Asp313 in CYP1A1, as well as Asp320 in CYP1A2 to the hydroxylation of CBZ through hydrogen bonds. These results would provide some useful information for the metabolic profiles of CBZ by mammalian CYPs, and shed new insights into CYP1A-mediated metabolic detoxification of CBZ and its health risk assessment.