Association of bisphenol A, bisphenol F, and bisphenol S with ADHD symptoms in children

Effects of environmental phenols on eGFR: machine learning modeling methods applied to cross-sectional studies

Purpose

Limited investigation is available on the correlation between environmental phenols' exposure and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Our target is established a robust and explainable machine learning (ML) model that associates environmental phenols' exposure with eGFR.

Methods

Our datasets for constructing the associations between environmental phenols' and eGFR were collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2013-2016). Five ML models were contained and fine-tuned to eGFR regression by phenols' exposure. Regression evaluation metrics were used to extract the limitation of the models. The most effective model was then utilized for regression, with interpretation of its features carried out using shapley additive explanations (SHAP) and the game theory python package to represent the model's regression capacity.

Results

The study identified the top-performing random forest (RF) regressor with a mean absolute error of 0.621 and a coefficient of determination of 0.998 among 3,371 participants. Six environmental phenols with eGFR in linear regression models revealed that the concentrations of triclosan (TCS) and bisphenol S (BPS) in urine were positively correlated with eGFR, and the correlation coefficients were β = 0.010 (p = 0.026) and β = 0.007 (p = 0.004) respectively. SHAP values indicate that BPS (1.38), bisphenol F (BPF) (0.97), 2,5-dichlorophenol (0.87), TCS (0.78), BP3 (0.60), bisphenol A (BPA) (0.59) and 2,4-dichlorophenol (0.47) in urinary contributed to the model.

Conclusion

The RF model was efficient in identifying a correlation between phenols' exposure and eGFR among United States NHANES 2013-2016 participants. The findings indicate that BPA, BPF, and BPS are inversely associated with eGFR.

Maternal concentrations of environmental phenols during early pregnancy and behavioral problems in children aged 4 years from the Shanghai Birth Cohort

BACKGROUND

Prenatal exposure to environmental phenols such as bisphenol (BPs), paraben (PBs), benzophenone (BzPs), and triclosan (TCS) is ubiquitous and occurs in mixtures. Although some of them have been suspected to impact child behavioral development, evidence is still insufficient, and their mixed effects remain unclear.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the association of prenatal exposure to multiple phenols with child behavioral problems.

METHOD

In a sample of 600 mother-child pairs from the Shanghai Birth Cohort, we quantified 18 phenols (6 PBs, 7 BPs, 4 BzPs, and TCS) in urine samples collected during early pregnancy. Parent-reported Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaires were utilized to evaluate child behavioral difficulties across four subscales, namely conduct, hyperactivity/inattention, emotion, and peer relationship problems, at 4 years of age. Multivariable linear regression was conducted to estimate the relationships between single phenolic compounds and behavioral problems. Additionally, weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression was employed to examine the overall effects of the phenol mixture. Sex-stratified analyses were also performed.

RESULTS

Our population was extensively exposed to 10 phenols (direction rates >50 %), with low median concentrations (1.00 × 10-3-6.89 ng/mL). Among them, single chemical analyses revealed that 2,4-dihydroxy benzophenone (BP1), TCS, and methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (MeP) were associated with increased behavior problems, including hyperactivity/inattention (BP1: β = 0.16; 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 0.04, 0.30), emotional problems (BP1: β = 0.11; 95 % CI: 0.02, 0.20; TCS: β = 0.08; 95 % CI: 0.02, 0.14), and peer problems (MeP: β = 0.10; 95 % CI: 0.02, 0.18); however, we did not identify any significant association with conduct problems. Further phenol mixture analyses in the WQS model yielded similar results. Stratification for child sex showed stronger positive associations in boys.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicated that maternal phenol levels during early pregnancy, specifically BP1, TCS, and MeP, are associated with high behavioral problem scores in 4-year-old children.

Sexual dimorphism in neurobehavioural phenotype and gut microbial composition upon long-term exposure to structural analogues of bisphenol-A

Bisphenol S (BPS) and Bisphenol F (BPF), the analogues of the legacy endocrine disrupting chemical, Bisphenol A (BPA) are ubiquitous in the environment and present in various consumer goods, and potentially neurotoxic. Here, we studied sex-specific responses of bisphenols on behavioural phenotypes, including their association with pro-inflammatory biomarkers and altered neurotransmitters levels, and the key gut microbial abundances. Neurobehavioural changes, using standard test battery, biochemical and molecular estimations for inflammatory cytokines, neurotransmitters, and oxido-nitrosative stress markers, gene expression analysis using qRT-PCR, H&E based histological investigations, gut permeability assays and Oxford Nanopore-based 16S-rRNA metagenomics sequencing for the gut microbial abundance estimations were performed. Bisphenol(s) exposure induces anxiety and depression-like behaviours, particularly in the male mice, with heightened pro-inflammatory cytokines levels and systemic endotoxemia, altered monoamine neurotransmitters levels/turnovers and hippocampal neuronal degeneration and inflammatory responses in the brain. They also increased gut permeability and altered microbial diversity, particularly in males. Present study provides evidence for sex-specific discrepancies in neurobehavioural phenotypes and gut microbiota, which necessitate a nuanced understanding of sex-dependent responses to bisphenols. The study contributes to ongoing discussions on the multifaceted implications of bisphenols exposure and underscores the need for tailored regulatory measures to mitigate potential health risks associated with them.

Regrettable Substitutes and the Brain: What Animal Models and Human Studies Tell Us about the Neurodevelopmental Effects of Bisphenol, Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, and Phthalate Replacements

In recent decades, emerging evidence has identified endocrine and neurologic health concerns related to exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), including bisphenol A (BPA), certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds (PFASs), and phthalates. This has resulted in consumer pressure to remove these chemicals from the market, especially in food-contact materials and personal care products, driving their replacement with structurally or functionally similar substitutes. However, these "new-generation" chemicals may be just as or more harmful than their predecessors and some have not received adequate testing. This review discusses the research on early-life exposures to new-generation bisphenols, PFASs, and phthalates and their links to neurodevelopmental and behavioral alterations in zebrafish, rodents, and humans. As a whole, the evidence suggests that BPA alternatives, especially BPAF, and newer PFASs, such as GenX, can have significant effects on neurodevelopment. The need for further research, especially regarding phthalate replacements and bio-based alternatives, is briefly discussed.

Quantum dots-based multiplexed immunosensors for accurate diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in childhood

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) lacks objective diagnostic markers. In clinical settings, reliance on subjective judgments can often lead to missed or misdiagnoses. Some biomarkers have been reported to be associated with ADHD, but using one biomarker alone is not enough. To address this, we developed a fluorescent immunoassay platform based on quantum dots (QDs) to detect assay capable of detecting and quantifying multiple biomarkers simultaneously. Specifically, we were able to the simultaneously detect brain-derived neurotrophic factor, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6 and ferritin using different emission spectra QDs. The QD-based multiplexed immunoassay displayed a low detection of limit in the range of 0.021-0.068 pg/mL, and the assay showed satisfactory reproducibility and precision. We then quantified all four targets from ADHD patient's plasma samples, where it showed remarkable consistency with clinical test for ADHD diagnosis. This methodological comparison supports the diagnosis of ADHD using our assay.

Multi-omics approach characterizes the role of Bisphenol F in disrupting hepatic lipid metabolism

Bisphenol F (BPF), a substitute for bisphenol A (BPA), is ubiquitous existed in various environmental media. Exposure to BPF may promote non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), while the potential mechanism is still unknown. In current study, we used in vitro and in vivo model to evaluate its hepatotoxicity and molecular mechanism. Using multi-omics approach, we found that BPF exposure led to changes in hepatic transcriptome, metabolome and chromatin accessible regions that were enriched for binding sites of transcription factors in bZIP family. These alterations were enriched with pathways integral to the endoplasmic reticulum stress and NAFLD. These findings suggested that BPF exposure might reprogram the chromatin accessibility and enhancer landscape in the liver, with downstream effects on genes associated with endoplasmic reticulum stress and lipid metabolism, which relied on bZIP family transcription factors. Overall, our study describes comprehensive molecular alterations in hepatocytes after BPF exposure and provides new insights into the understanding of the hepatoxicity of BPF.

Atypical procedural learning in children with developmental coordination disorder: A combined behavioral and neuroimaging study

While procedural learning (PL) has been implicated in delayed motor skill observed in developmental coordination disorder (DCD), few studies have considered the impact of co-occurring attentional problems. Furthermore, the neurostructural basis of PL in children remains unclear. We investigated PL in children with DCD while controlling for inattention symptoms, and examined the role of fronto-basal ganglia-cerebellar morphology in PL. Fifty-nine children (6-14 years; nDCD = 19, ncontrol = 40) completed the serial reaction time (SRT) task to measure PL. The Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale-IV was administered to measure inattention symptoms. Structural T1 images were acquired for a subset of participants (nDCD = 10, ncontrol = 28), and processed using FreeSurfer. Volume was extracted for the cerebellum, basal ganglia, and frontal regions. After controlling for inattention symptoms, the reaction time profile of controls was consistent with learning on the SRT task. This was not the case for those with DCD. SRT task performance was positively correlated with cerebellar cortical volume, and children with DCD trended towards lower cerebellar volume compared to controls. Children with DCD may not engage in PL during the SRT task in the same manner as controls, with this differential performance being associated with atypical cerebellar morphology.

A functionalized glass fiber as the adsorbent for efficient analysis of endocrine disruptors in aqueous environments

Estrogens and bisphenols are typical endocrine disruptors (EDs) that pose a potential hazard to the human body due to their widespread presence in aqueous environments. In this study, a β-cyclodextrin porous crosslinked polymer (β-CD-PCP) was prepared in-situ on a glass fiber surface by a nucleophilic substitution reaction. An effective and sensitive solid phase microextraction method using functionalized glass fiber with β-CD-PCP coating as the adsorbent was established for the detection of 11 EDs in a water environment. The β-CD-PCP was in-situ prepared on a glass fiber surface by a nucleophilic substitution reaction. The β-CD-PCP successfully separated five estrogens (ESTs) and six bisphenols (BPs) through hydrophobic and π-π interactions. The conditions affecting extraction were optimized. Under the optimized conditions, the ESTs obtained a high enrichment effect (1795-2328), low limits of detection (0.047 µg L-1) and a good linearity range (0.2-15.0 µg L-1). Furthermore, the spiked recoveries of analyte ESTs in aqueous environments were between 82.9-115.7 %. The results indicated that the prepared functionalized glass fibers exhibited good adsorption properties, and the established analytical method was reliable for monitoring trace ESTs and BPs in aqueous environments.

Relationship of bisphenol A substitutes bisphenol F and bisphenol S with adiponectin/leptin ratio among children from the environment and development of children cohort

BACKGROUND

Bisphenol A (BPA) is known as an obesogenic endocrine disruptor. Bisphenol S (BPS) and F (BPF) are substitutes that have recently replaced BPA.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the relationships of urinary bisphenols (BPA, BPS and BPF) with adiposity measurements (obesity, BMI z-score, and fat mass), serum adipokine levels (adiponectin and leptin), and adiponectin/leptin ratio (A/L ratio) in 6- and 8-year-old children.

METHODS

A total of 561 children who participated in the Environment and Development of Children cohort (482 and 516 children visited at age 6 and 8, respectively) at Seoul National University Children's Hospital during 2015-2019 were included. Urinary BPA levels were log-transformed. BPS levels were categorized into three groups (non-detected, lower-half, and higher-half of detected), and BPF levels were classified into two groups (non-detected and detected).

RESULTS

The urinary BPS higher-half group had a higher BMI z-score (β = 0.160, P= 0.044), higher fat mass (β = 0.104, P< 0.001), lower adiponectin concentration (β =- 0.069, P< 0.001), higher leptin concentration (β = 0.360, P< 0.001), and lower A/L ratio (β =- 0.428, P< 0.001) compared with the non-detected group. The urinary BPF-detected group had a higher fat mass (β = 0.074, P< 0.001), lower adiponectin concentration (β =- 0.069, P< 0.001), higher leptin concentration (β = 0.360, P< 0.001), and lower A/L ratio (β =- 0.428, P< 0.001) compared with the non-detected group. The BPA levels showed no consistent associations with outcomes, except for isolated associations of BPA at age 6 with a higher BMI z-score at age 6 (P= 0.016) and leptin at age 8 (P= 0.021).

CONCLUSIONS

Increased exposure to BPS and BPF is associated with higher fat mass and leptin concentration, lower serum adiponectin, and lower A/L ratio in children. These findings suggest potential adverse effects of BPA substitutes on adiposity and adipokines. No consistent association of BPA exposure with outcomes could be partly explained by the decreasing BPA levels over time.

Global landfill leachate characteristics: Occurrences and abundances of environmental contaminants and the microbiome

Landfill leachates are complex mixtures containing very high concentrations of biodegradable and recalcitrant toxic compounds. Understanding the major contaminant components and microbial community signatures in global landfill leachates is crucial for timely decision-making regarding contaminant management and treatment. Therefore, this study analyzed leachate data from 318 landfill sites primarily used for municipal solid waste disposal, focusing on their chemical and microbiological characteristics. The most prevalent and dominant components in landfill leachates are the chemical oxygen demand (COD, 3.7-75.9 × 103 mg/L) and NH4+ (0.03-0.81 × 104 mg/L), followed by salt species such as SO42- (0.03-5.25 × 103 mg/L), Cl- (3.2-7.8 × 103 mg/L), K+ (0.58-4.20 × 103 mg/L), Na+ (1.3-13.0 × 103 mg/L) and Ca2+ (2.35-230.23 × 103 mg/L), which exhibit significant fluctuations. Heavy metals and metalloids are widely distributed in most landfill leachates but at relatively low concentrations (<182.8 mg/L) compared to conventional parameters. Importantly, there is a distinct global variation in the occurrence of emerging environmental contaminants (ECs). Among these compounds, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA, 0.02-7.50 × 103 μg/L) of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), bisphenol A (BPA, 0.01-33.46 × 103 μg/L) belonged to endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), together with di-ethyltoluamide (DEET, 1.0-1.0 × 103 μg/L) affiliated to pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) are the most frequently detected in landfill leachates. Additionally, the microbial community compositions in most leachates are primarily dominated by Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, Firmicutes, and Chloroflexi, and some of their abundances are correlated with the concentrations of NH4+, NO3-, Cl-, Na+ and Cr. Notably, the leading microbes driving advanced removal of inorganic nitrogen in the treatment systems are Candidatus Brocadia (anammox), denitrifying Thauera, nitrite-oxidizing bacteria Nitrospira, along with ammonia-oxidizing bacteria Nitrosomonas and Nitrosospira. The findings of this work provide a deeper insight into the leachate characteristics and the sustainable management of landfill leachates, especially presenting a snapshot of the global distribution of pollutants and also the microbiome.

Effect of bisphenol A on the neurological system: a review update

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) and one of the most produced synthetic compounds worldwide. BPA can be found in epoxy resins and polycarbonate plastics, which are frequently used in food storage and baby bottles. However, BPA can bind mainly to estrogen receptors, interfering with various neurologic functions, its use is a topic of significant concern. Nonetheless, the neurotoxicity of BPA has not been fully understood despite numerous investigations on its disruptive effects. Therefore, this review aims to highlight the most recent studies on the implications of BPA on the neurologic system. Our findings suggest that BPA exposure impairs various structural and molecular brain changes, promoting oxidative stress, changing expression levels of several crucial genes and proteins, destructive effects on neurotransmitters, excitotoxicity and neuroinflammation, damaged blood-brain barrier function, neuronal damage, apoptosis effects, disruption of intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis, increase in reactive oxygen species, promoted apoptosis and intracellular lactate dehydrogenase release, a decrease of axon length, microglial DNA damage, astrogliosis, and significantly reduced myelination. Moreover, BPA exposure increases the risk of developing neurologic diseases, including neurovascular (e.g. stroke) and neurodegenerative (e.g. Alzheimer's and Parkinson's) diseases. Furthermore, epidemiological studies showed that the adverse effects of BPA on neurodevelopment in children contributed to the emergence of serious neurological diseases like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), depression, emotional problems, anxiety, and cognitive disorders. In summary, BPA exposure compromises human health, promoting the development and progression of neurologic disorders. More research is required to fully understand how BPA-induced neurotoxicity affects human health.

Association of bisphenol A with cognitive functions and functionality in adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

BACKGROUND

Bisphenol A (BPA) has been linked to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, but the effects on cognitive functions and functionality in adult ADHD have not been investigated. We investigated the associations between serum BPA with cognitive functions and functionality in adult ADHD patients.

METHODS

The levels of BPA were measured in 45 adult ADHD patients and 45 well-matched healty controls. The relationship between plastic exposure and BPA was also evaluated. Stroop test and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test were applied for neurocognitive evaluation and participants were compared in basic cognitive functions including planning, organization, abstraction, problem solving, strategy development, set shifting, cognitive flexibility, variants of attention, information processing speed, the ability to change perceptual setup and response under interference. Sheehan disability scale was applied for functionality. The association of BPA with test scores was analyzed statistically.

RESULTS

Serum BPA levels in adult ADHD patients were found to be significantly higher than in healthy controls. There was no relationship between plastic exposure and BPA levels. BPA levels showed a significant effect on functionality in terms of work field. There were significant differences between the groups in terms of cognitive functions. However, no significant correlation was found between BPA levels and cognitive functions.

CONCLUSIONS

BPA is associated with ADHD and affects functionality in the field of work, but larger-scale further studies are needed for its effect on cognitive functions.

Invisible Hand behind Female Reproductive Disorders: Bisphenols, Recent Evidence and Future Perspectives

Reproductive disorders are considered a global health problem influenced by physiological, genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. The increased exposure to bisphenols, a chemical used in large quantities for the production of polycarbonate plastics, has raised concerns regarding health risks in humans, particularly their endocrine-disrupting effects on female reproductive health. To provide a basis for future research on environmental interference and reproductive health, we reviewed relevant studies on the exposure patterns and levels of bisphenols in environmental matrices and humans (including susceptible populations such as pregnant women and children). In addition, we focused on in vivo, in vitro, and epidemiological studies evaluating the effects of bisphenols on the female reproductive system (the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and vagina). The results indicate that bisphenols cause structural and functional damage to the female reproductive system by interfering with hormones; activating receptors; inducing oxidative stress, DNA damage, and carcinogenesis; and triggering epigenetic changes, with the damaging effects being intergenerational. Epidemiological studies support the association between bisphenols and diseases such as cancer of the female reproductive system, reproductive dysfunction, and miscarriage, which may negatively affect the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. Altogether, this review provides a reference for assessing the adverse effects of bisphenols on female reproductive health.

Associations of exposure to bisphenol A and its substitutes with neurodevelopmental outcomes among infants at 12 months of age: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure has been linked to adverse childhood neurodevelopment, but little is known about whether BPA substitutes exposures are also related to childhood neurodevelopment.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the associations of exposure to BPA and its substitutes with infant neurodevelopment at 12 months.

METHODS

A total of 420 infants at 12 months were included from the Laizhou Wan (Bay) Birth Cohort in Shandong, China. Urinary concentrations of BPA and its substitutes including bisphenol S (BPS), bisphenol B (BPB), bisphenol AF (BPAF), bisphenol AP (BPAP), bisphenol P (BPP) and bisphenol Z (BPZ) were measured. Developmental quotient (DQ) scores based on the Gesell Development Schedules (GDS) were used to evaluate infant neurodevelopment. The multivariable linear regression and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression were applied to estimate the associations of exposure to individual bisphenols and their mixtures with DQ scores, respectively. Sex-stratified analyses were also performed.

RESULTS

BPA was detected in most infants (89.05%) and had the highest median concentration (0.709 ng/mL) among all bisphenols. BPA substitutes except BPZ were ubiquitous in infants' urine samples (>70%), and BPS showed the highest median concentration (0.064 ng/mL) followed by BPAP (0.036 ng/mL), BPAF (0.028 ng/mL), BPP (0.015 ng/mL) and BPB (0.013 ng/mL). In multivariable linear regression, only BPAF exposure was inversely associated with social DQ scores among all infants (β = -0.334; 95% CI: -0.650, -0.019). After sex stratification, this inverse association was significant in girls (β = -0.605; 95% CI: -1.030, -0.180). Besides, BPA exposure was negatively related to gross motor DQ scores in boys (β = -1.061; 95% CI: -2.078, -0.045). WQS analyses confirmed these results.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that bisphenol exposure during infancy may be associated with poor infant neurodevelopment, and BPAF as a commonly used BPA substitute contributing the most to this adverse association deserves more attention.

Continuous exposure to bisphenol S increases the accumulation of endogenous metabolic toxicants by obstructing the glucuronic acid pathway

Uridine diphosphate glucuronic acid (UDPGA) is an essential substrate in the glucuronidation of exogenous and endogenous lipophilic compounds via the liver glucuronic acid pathway, and its synthesis depends on glucose and energy in the body. Bisphenol S (BPS), as a lipophilic environmental pollutant, has been widely utilized in the manufacturing of daily necessities. The biological effect of BPS in interference with liver energy metabolism might affect UDPGA synthesis and the excretion of lipophilic compounds, but this was not clearly revealed. Here, female zebrafish that were exposed to BPS for 35 days exhibited a significant decrease in UDPGA in the liver with significant accumulation of exogenous BPS and endogenous bilirubin in the body. One vital reason may be that the exposure to BPS for 35 days promoted the lipid formation through PPARg signaling and reduced energy levels in the liver, resulting in the decreased raw materials for UDPGA production in glucuronic acid pathway. Meanwhile, transcriptome analysis showed that BPS inhibited the mRNA expression levels of genes related to the glucuronic acid pathway. The accumulation of endogenous and exogenous lipophilic compounds can trigger a variety of toxicological effect. Thus, weakened liver detoxification might be the primary cause of the toxicological effects of lipophilic pollutants.

A vision for safer food contact materials: Public health concerns as drivers for improved testing

Food contact materials (FCMs) and food contact articles are ubiquitous in today's globalized food system. Chemicals migrate from FCMs into foodstuffs, so called food contact chemicals (FCCs), but current regulatory requirements do not sufficiently protect public health from hazardous FCCs because only individual substances used to make FCMs are tested and mostly only for genotoxicity while endocrine disruption and other hazard properties are disregarded. Indeed, FCMs are a known source of a wide range of hazardous chemicals, and they likely contribute to highly prevalent non-communicable diseases. FCMs can also include non-intentionally added substances (NIAS), which often are unknown and therefore not subject to risk assessment. To address these important shortcomings, we outline how the safety of FCMs may be improved by (1) testing the overall migrate, including (unknown) NIAS, of finished food contact articles, and (2) expanding toxicological testing beyond genotoxicity to multiple endpoints associated with non-communicable diseases relevant to human health. To identify mechanistic endpoints for testing, we group chronic health outcomes associated with chemical exposure into Six Clusters of Disease (SCOD) and we propose that finished food contact articles should be tested for their impacts on these SCOD. Research should focus on developing robust, relevant, and sensitive in-vitro assays based on mechanistic information linked to the SCOD, e.g., through Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs) or Key Characteristics of Toxicants. Implementing this vision will improve prevention of chronic diseases that are associated with hazardous chemical exposures, including from FCMs.

First evidence of occupational and residential exposure to bisphenols associated with an e-waste dismantling site: A case study in China

Bisphenol A and its structural analogues (BPs) are widely used chemicals in electronics devices. To get insight into the occupational exposure to the full-time employees compared with the residents, urinary BPs in workers dismantling e-waste and in nearby residents were compared. Only 4 BPs among the tested 8 congeners, bisphenol AF (BPAF), bisphenol A, bisphenol S (BPS), and bisphenol F (BPF), were extensively detected with the detection frequencies of 100%, 99%, 98.7%, 51.3%. The median concentration of bisphenol A was 8.48 ng/mL, followed by BPAF (1.05 ng/mL), BPS (0.115 ng/mL), and BPF (0.110 ng/mL). The 4 detected BPs had a median concentration (Σ4BPs) ranging from 0.950 to 64.5 ng/mL in all volunteers, with a median value of 10.2 ng/mL. Result indicated the median concentration of ∑4BPs in worker's urine was significantly higher (14.2 ng/mL) than those in residents in nearby towns (4.52 ng/mL and 5.37 ng/mL) (p < 0.05), suggesting a BPs' occupational exposure risk related to e-waste dismantling. Besides, urinary ∑4BPs' median concentrations for the employees in family workshops (14.5 ng/mL) were significantly higher than those in plants with centralized management (9.36 ng/mL). Among volunteers, higher ∑4BPs were observed in groups of aged above 50 years, males, or body weight under average with no significant correlations. The estimated daily intake of bisphenol A did not exceed the reference dose (50 μg/kg bw/day) recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In this research, excess levels of BPs were recorded for the full-time employees in e-waste dismantling sites. Strengthened standards could support public health initiatives for full-time worker protection and reduce take-home BPs to family members.

Recent Progress of Covalent Organic Frameworks Applied in Electrochemical Sensors

As an emerging porous crystalline organic material, the covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are given more and more attention in many fields, such as gas storage and separation, catalysis, energy storage and conversion, luminescent devices, drug delivery, pollutant adsorption and removal, analysis and detection due to their special advantages of high crystallinity, flexible designability, controllable porosities and topologies, intrinsic chemical and thermal stability. In recent years, the COFs are applied in analytical chemistry, for instance, chromatography, solid-phase microextraction, luminescent and colorimetric sensing, surface-enhanced Raman scattering and electroanalytical chemistry. The COFs decorated electrodes show high performance for detecting trace substances with remarkable selectivity and sensitivity, such as heavy metal ions, glucose, hydrogen peroxide, drugs, antibiotics, explosives, phenolic compounds, pesticides, disease metabolites and so on. This review mainly summarized the application of COF based electrochemical sensor according to different target analytes.

Bisphenol A has a sex-dependent disruptive effect on hepatic lipid metabolism in zebrafish

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disruptor that has adverse effects on lipid metabolism. However, most of the current studies on the effects of BPA on lipid metabolism in fish have focused on middle- and short-term exposure tests. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of long-term BPA exposure on liver lipid metabolism in zebrafish. Post-fertilization embryos were exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of BPA for 120 days, and the changes in triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC) levels, and gene expression related to liver lipid metabolism were investigated in both male and female fish. The results showed that long-term exposure to BPA led to lipid deposition in liver, and there was a sex difference. In the liver of female fish, there was higher lipid transport and synthesis at low concentration of BPA, while overall metabolic levels were increased at high concentration of BPA. In contrast, BPA showed a dose-dependent effect on the lipid deposition in male fish. The expression of mRNA of TG transport-related and lipid synthesis-related genes was significantly up-regulated and the expression of genes related to lipid catabolism, was significantly down-regulated with increasing BPA dose. Taken together, our results indicate that long-term exposure to BPA can increase lipid deposition in a gender-specific manner. This may be due to the different responses of lipid metabolism related genes to BPA in male and female zebrafish. These results will provide a new reference for a deeper understanding of the ecotoxicological effects of BPA on aquatic animals.

Transient developmental exposure to low doses of bisphenol F negatively affects neurogliogenesis and olfactory behaviour in adult mice

Neural stem cells in the murine subventricular zone (SVZ) reactivate during postnatal development to generate neurons and glia throughout adulthood. We previously demonstrated that a postnatal thyroid hormone (TH) peak orchestrates this remodelling, rendering this process vulnerable to endocrine disruption. We exposed mice to 2 or 200 µg/kg bw/day of the bisphenol A-replacement and suspected TH-disruptor bisphenol F (BPF) in the drinking water, from embryonic day 15 to postnatal day 21 (P21). In parallel, one group was exposed to the TH-synthesis blocker propylthiouracil (0.15 % PTU). In contrast to PTU, BPF exposure did not affect serum TH levels at P15, P21 or P60. RNA-seq on dissected SVZs at P15 revealed dysregulated neurodevelopmental genes in all treatments, although few overlapped amongst the conditions. We then investigated the phenotype at P60 to analyse long-term consequences of transient developmental exposure. As opposed to hypothyroid conditions, and despite dysregulated oligodendrogenesis-promoting genes in the P15 SVZ exposed to the highest dose of BPF, immunostainings for myelin and OLIG2/CC1 showed no impact on global myelin content nor oligodendrocyte maturation in the P60 corpus callosum, apart from a reduced thickness. The highest dose did reduce numbers of newly generated SVZ-neuroblasts with 22 %. Related to this were behavioural alterations. P60 mice previously exposed to the highest BPF dose memorized an odour less well than control animals did, although they performed better than PTU-exposed animals. All mice could discriminate new odours, but all exposed groups showed less interest in social odours. Our data indicate that perinatal exposure to low doses of BPF disrupts postnatal murine SVZ remodelling, and lowers the adult neuron/oligodendroglia output, even after exposure had been absent for 40 days. These anomalies warrant further investigation on the potential harm of alternative bisphenol compounds for human foetal brain development.

Electrochemical sensor based on confined synthesis of gold nanoparticles @ covalent organic frameworks for the detection of bisphenol A

Covalent-organic frameworks (COFs), a kind of conjugate crystalline polymers, has great potential for high performance electrochemical sensors due to high porosity, controllable pores and structure, and large specific surface area, etc. Herein, we developed an electrochemical sensor based on confined synthesis of gold nanoparticles @ 1,3,5-triformylphloroglucinol (Tp) and benzidine (BD) connected COFs (Au NPs@TpBD-COFs) for electrochemical detection of bisphenol A (BPA). Firstly, Au NPs were grown on the surface and in the pores of COFs by confinement synthesis strategy, which aimed to improve the conductivity and catalytic activity of COFs. Then, this composite was used to constitute electrochemical sensor for the oxidation of BPA, resulting a good electrocatalytic activity in the phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.4). Due to high conductivity of Au NPs and TpBD-COFs recognize BPA via π-π stacking interactions and hydrogen bonds, the proposed sensor for the detection of BPA has the linear range of 5-1000 μM and the detection limit of 1 μM. Finally, the proposed sensor was used to measure the content of BPA in real water samples with a satisfactory recovery from 98.6 to 106.9%. Those good results confirmed that the proposed electrochemical sensors for monitoring of BPA in the application of COFs provided a significant guidance.

Microplastics Derived from Food Packaging Waste-Their Origin and Health Risks

Plastics are commonly used for packaging in the food industry. The most popular thermoplastic materials that have found such applications are polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), and polystyrene (PS). Unfortunately, most plastic packaging is disposable. As a consequence, significant amounts of waste are generated, entering the environment, and undergoing degradation processes. They can occur under the influence of mechanical forces, temperature, light, chemical, and biological factors. These factors can present synergistic or antagonistic effects. As a result of their action, microplastics are formed, which can undergo further fragmentation and decomposition into small-molecule compounds. During the degradation process, various additives used at the plastics' processing stage can also be released. Both microplastics and additives can negatively affect human and animal health. Determination of the negative consequences of microplastics on the environment and health is not possible without knowing the course of degradation processes of packaging waste and their products. In this article, we present the sources of microplastics, the causes and places of their formation, the transport of such particles, the degradation of plastics most often used in the production of packaging for food storage, the factors affecting the said process, and its effects.

Temporal trends in risk of bisphenol A, benzophenone-3 and triclosan exposure among U.S. children and adolescents aged 6-19 years: Findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2016

BACKGROUND

Phenolic compounds with potential adverse health effects are gradually being replaced. Little is known about the potential health risks of BPA, BP3, and TCS exposure in children and adolescents aged 6-19 years in the United States.

OBJECTIVES

To determine trends and rates of change in hazard indices (HI) for three phenolics in U.S. children and adolescents for BPA, BP3, TCS, and to assess changes in gender, race/ethnicity, age, and potential health risks.

METHODS

Metabolic biomonitoring data from field-collected urine samples from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were utilized. Daily intake of three phenols (bisphenol A, benzophenone-3, and triclosan) between 2005 and 2016 in children and adolescents were obtained. Cumulative risk indicators, including hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), and maximum cumulative ratio (MCR), were used for the health risk assessment of the three phenols.

RESULTS

During this period, the change in LSGM HI was -2.9% per cycle [95% Cl: (-3.7%, -2.2%)], and the percentage of participants with HI > 0.1 decreased from 15.6% to 10.5%. Children (6-11 years) had higher mean HI values than adolescents (12-19 years), while female had higher LSGM HI values than male. MCR values were generally low and negatively correlated with HI. However, the average value of MCR increased from 1.722 to 2.107 during this period.

CONCLUSION

Exposure to phenolics among U.S. children and adolescents has changed in recent decades. However, gaps in data limit the interpretation of trends but legislative activity and advocacy campaigns by nongovernmental organizations may play a role in changing trends. Moreover, there are growing concerns about the potential health risks associated with exposure to multiple phenols in children and adolescents.

In vivo hypoglycemic effects of bisphenol F exposure in high-fat diet mice

Bisphenol F (BPF) is a widely used bisphenol A (BPA) substitute plastic additive that has attracted increasing public concerns due to its potential toxic effects on animal and human health. Although previous studies have indicated that BPF might have harmful effects on metabolic homeostasis, the systematic effects of BPF on glucose disorders remain controversial. In this study, mice fed a normal chow diet (ND) and high-fat diet (HFD) were administered BPF at a dose of 100 μg/kg of body weight, and glucose metabolism was monitored after both short- and long-term treatment. Little change in glucose metabolism was observed in BPF-treated ND mice, but improved glucose metabolism was observed in BPF-treated HFD mice. Consistently, BPF treatment led to increased insulin signalling in the skeletal muscle of HFD mice. Additionally, liver metabolite levels also revealed increased carbohydrate digestion and improved TCA cycle progression in BPF-treated HFD mice. Our results demonstrate that sustained BPF exposure at an environmentally relevant dosage may substantially improve glucose metabolism and enhance insulin sensitivity in mice fed a high-fat diet.

Magnetic porous cellulose surface-imprinted polymers synthetized with assistance of deep eutectic solvent for specific recognition and purification of bisphenols

Magnetic porous cellulose molecularly imprinted polymers-based bisphenols have been developed using Fe₃O₄ as the magnetic material, a deep eutectic solvent as the assisted solvent, and N-isopropylacrylamide as the functional monomer. The resulting magnetic porous cellulose molecularly imprinted polymers were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometry, thermal gravimetric analysis, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis. Moreover, the adsorption properties of the magnetic porous cellulose molecularly imprinted polymers toward bisphenol A, bisphenol F, and bisphenol AF were investigated using static, dynamic, and selective adsorption experiments. The introduction of porous cellulose materials significantly improves the capabilities of the material. The adsorption capacity, mass transfer efficiency, and selectivity of the magnetic porous cellulose molecularly imprinted polymers toward bisphenol A were 5.9, 4.0, and 4.4 times those of traditional molecularly imprinted polymers. Moreover, the adsorption stability of the magnetic porous cellulose molecularly imprinted polymers was investigated under different temperature and pH conditions. The adsorption characteristics of the magnetic porous cellulose molecularly imprinted polymers toward the target molecules were investigated using adsorption isotherm, kinetic, and thermodynamic models. Hydrogen bonding is the main interaction formed between the magnetic porous cellulose molecularly imprinted polymers and the target molecules. Magnetic porous cellulose molecularly imprinted polymers have great application value with excellent stability and reusability. Finally, the combination of the magnetic porous cellulose molecularly imprinted polymers and high-performance liquid chromatography or ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was successfully used for the purification and detection of bisphenols in milk (1.349 ng/mL bisphenol F and 3.014 ng/mL bisphenol AF), canned fruits (1129 ng/mL bisphenol A, 10.11 ng/mL bisphenol F, and 91.87 ng/mL bisphenol AF), and fish (11.91 ng/mL bisphenol AF) samples. Furthermore, the magnetic porous cellulose molecularly imprinted polymer method is more selective, sensitive, and accurate than the traditional precipitation method.

Application of Solid-Phase Extraction and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Fluorescence Detection to Analyze Eleven Bisphenols in Amniotic Fluid Samples Collected during Amniocentesis

Amniocentesis involves taking a sample of the amniotic fluid in order to perform a karyotype test and diagnose any genetic defects that may affect the fetus. Amniotic fluid has been collected from patients with an indication for amniocentesis in the 15–26th week of pregnancy. A simple and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD) method for identification and quantification of eleven selected bisphenols in amniotic fluid samples is proposed. The proposed method involved protein precipitation using acetonitrile, and next the extraction and concentration of analytes by solid-phase extraction (SPE). The solid-phase extraction (SPE) procedure with application of Oasis HLB SPE columns performed well for the majority of the analytes, with recoveries in the range of 67–121% and relative standard deviations (RSD%) less than 16%. The limits of detection (LODs) and quantification (LOQs) of all the investigated analytes were in the range of 0.8–2.5 ng mL⁻¹ and 2.4–7.5 ng mL⁻¹ (curves constructed in methanol) and 1.1–5.2 ng mL⁻¹ and 3.2–15.6 ng mL⁻¹ (curves constructed in the amniotic fluid), respectively. The method was validated at the following two concentration levels: 10 ng mL⁻¹ (2 × LOQ) and 20 ng mL⁻¹ (4 LOQ). The results confirm the validity of the SPE procedure and HPLC-FLD method for identification and quantification of bisphenols in amniotic fluid samples collected during an amniocentesis. The result obtained show that HPLC-FLD is a useful method for determination of bisphenol residues at nanogram per milliliter concentrations in amniotic fluid samples. Residues of five analytes (BADGE·2H₂O, BPAF, BADGE, BADGE·H₂O·HCl and BADGE·2HCl) were detected in amniotic fluid samples. Additionally, the harmfulness of bisphenols as potential pathogens that may cause karyotype disorders and contribute to preterm birth was estimated.