Accumulative levels, temporal and spatial distribution of common chemical pollutants in the blood of Chinese adults

Controlling soft rot of green pepper by bacteriocin paracin wx3 and its effect on storage quality of green pepper

A bacteriocin paracin wx3 was investigated as a candidate of natural preservative to control green pepper soft rot. Firstly, paracin wx3 was heterologously expressed in Pichia pastoris X33 with an improved yield of 0.537 g/L. Its size and amino acid sequence were confirmed by Tricine-SDS-PAGE and LC-MS/MS. Then, result of antibacterial activity showed that its MIC value against Pectobacterium carotovorum was 16 μg/mL. In vitro, paracin wx3 completely killed the pathogen at high concentrations ≥8 × MIC. In vivo, disease incidence of green pepper soft rot was decreased from 90% (control) to <2% (8 × MIC). Subsequently, results of action mode showed that paracin wx3 inhibited the growth of pathogen by pore-formation on cell membrane. Last, paracin wx3 treatment reduced losses of weight, firmness, total soluble solid, Vc of green pepper during storage. It also inhibited the production of soft rot volatile p-xylene, 1-butanol, 2-methyl-2-propanol, 3-hydroxybutan-2-one-D, 2-pentyl furan, butanal, etc.

Associations of exposure to organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls with chronic kidney disease among adults: the modifying effects of lifestyle

Exposure to organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) has been reported to be associated with renal impairment and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Nevertheless, the research results thus far have exhibited inconsistency, and the effect of lifestyle on their association is not clear. In this study, we assessed the correlation between serum OCPs/PCBs and CKD and renal function indicators including estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) among 1721 Chinese adults. In order to further investigate the potential impact of lifestyle, we conducted joint associations of lifestyle and OCPs/PCBs on CKD. We found a negative correlation between p,p'-DDE and eGFR, while logistic regression results showed a positive correlation between PCB-153 and CKD (OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.21, 3.06). Quantile g-computation regression analyses showed that the association between co-exposure to OCPs/PCBs and CKD was not significant, but p,p'-DDE and PCB-153 were the main contributors to the negative and positive co-exposure effects of eGFR and CKD, respectively, which is consistent with the regression results. Participants with both relatively high PCB-153 exposure and an unhealthy lifestyle had the highest risk of CKD, in the joint association analysis. The observed associations were generally supported by the FAS-eGFR method. Our research findings suggest that exposure to OCPs/PCBs may be associated with decreased eGFR and increased prevalence of CKD in humans, and a healthy lifestyle can to some extent alleviate the adverse association between PCB-153 exposure and CKD.

Human Biomonitoring of Environmental Chemicals among Elderly in Wuhan, China: Prioritizing Risks Using EPA's ToxCast Database

In line with the "healthy aging" principle, we aim to assess the exposure map and health risks of environmental chemicals in the elderly. Blood samples from 918 elderly individuals in Wuhan, China, were analyzed using the combined gas/liquid-mass spectrometry technology to detect levels of 118 environmental chemicals. Cluster analysis identified exposure profiles, while risk indexes and bioanalytical equivalence percentages were calculated using EPA's ToxCast database. The detection rates for 87 compounds exceeded 70%. DEHP, DiBP, naphthalene, phenanthrene, DnBP, pyrene, anthracene, permethrin, fluoranthene, and PFOS showed the highest concentrations. Fat-soluble pollutants varied across lifestyles. In cluster 2, which was characterized by higher concentrations of fat-soluble substances, the proportion of smokers or drinkers was higher than that of nonsmokers or nondrinkers. Pesticides emerged as the most active environmental chemicals in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma antagonist, thyroid hormone receptor (TR) antagonist, TR agonist, and androgen receptor (AR) agonist activity assays. Additionally, PAEs and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons played significant roles as active contaminants for the corresponding targets of AR antagonists and estrogen receptor alpha. We proposed a list of priority pollutants linked to endocrine-disrupting toxic effects in the elderly, which may provide the groundwork for further research into environmental etiology.

Associations of polychlorinated biphenyls exposure, lifestyle, and genetic susceptibility with dyslipidemias: Evidence from a general Chinese population

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are endocrine-disrupting chemicals that have been associated with various adverse health conditions. Herein we explored the associations of PCBs with dyslipidemia and further assessed the modification effect of genetic susceptibility and lifestyle factors. Six serum PCBs (PCB-28, 101, 118, 138, 153, 180) were determined in 3845 participants from the Wuhan-Zhuhai cohort. Dyslipidemia, including hyper-total cholesterol (HyperTC), hyper-triglyceride (HyperTG), hyper-low density lipoprotein cholesterol (HyperLDL-C), and hypo-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HypoHDL-C) were determined, and lipid-specific polygenic risk scores (PRS) and healthy lifestyle score were constructed. We found that all six PCB congeners were positively associated with the prevalence of dyslipidemias, and ΣPCB level was associated with HyperTC, HyperTG, and HyperLDL-C in dose-response manners. Compared with the lowest tertiles of ΣPCB, the odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) in the highest tertiles were 1.490 (1.258, 1.765) for HyperTC, 1.957 (1.623, 2.365) for HyperTG, and 1.569 (1.316, 1.873) for HyperLDL-C, respectively. Compared with those with low ΣPCB, healthy lifestyle, and low genetic risk, participants with high ΣPCB, unfavorable lifestyle, and high genetic risk had the highest odds of HyperTC, HyperTG, and HyperLDL-C. Our study provided evidence that high PCB exposure exacerbated the association of genetic risk and unhealthy lifestyle with dyslipidemia.

An exposome atlas of serum reveals the risk of chronic diseases in the Chinese population

Although adverse environmental exposures are considered a major cause of chronic diseases, current studies provide limited information on real-world chemical exposures and related risks. For this study, we collected serum samples from 5696 healthy people and patients, including those with 12 chronic diseases, in China and completed serum biomonitoring including 267 chemicals via gas and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Seventy-four highly frequently detected exposures were used for exposure characterization and risk analysis. The results show that region is the most critical factor influencing human exposure levels, followed by age. Organochlorine pesticides and perfluoroalkyl substances are associated with multiple chronic diseases, and some of them exceed safe ranges. Multi-exposure models reveal significant risk effects of exposure on hyperlipidemia, metabolic syndrome and hyperuricemia. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive human serum exposome atlas and disease risk information, which can guide subsequent in-depth cause-and-effect studies between environmental exposures and human health.

Spatial distribution and risk assessment of pyrethroid insecticides in surface waters of East China Sea estuaries

Pyrethroid insecticides are the most commonly used household insecticides and pose substantial risks to marine aquatic organisms. many studies have detected pyrethroid insecticides in the waters and estuaries of the western United States, but their distributions within western Pacific estuaries have not been reported. Accordingly, we used high-throughput organic analyses combined with high volume solid-phase extraction to comprehensively assess 13 pyrethroid insecticides in East China Sea estuaries and the Huangpu River. The results demonstrated the presence of various ∑13pyrethroid insecticides in East China Sea estuaries (mean and median values of 8.45 ± 5.57 and 7.78 ng L-1, respectively), among which cypermethrin was the primary contaminant. The concentrations of ∑12pyrethroid insecticide detected in the surface waters at the Huangpu River (mean 6.7 ng L-1, outlet 16.4 ng L-1) were higher than those in the Shanghai estuary (4.7 ng L-1), suggesting that runoff from inland areas is a notable source of insecticides. Wetlands reduced the amount of runoff containing pyrethroid insecticides that reached the ocean. Several factors influenced pesticide distributions in East China Sea estuaries, and higher proportions were derived from agricultural sources than from urban sources, with a higher proportion of agricultural sources than urban sources, influenced by anthropogenic use in the region. Permethrin and cypermethrin were the main compounds contributing to the high ecological risk in the estuaries. Consequently, to prevent risks to marine aquatic life, policymakers should aim to reduce insecticide contaminants derived from urban and agricultural sources.

In vitro assessment of potential endocrine disrupting activities of chlorinated paraffins of various chain lengths

The production of chlorinated paraffins (CPs) has risen in the past two decades due to their versatile industrial applications. Consequently, CPs are now widely detected in human food sources, the environment, and in human matrices such as serum, the placenta and breast milk. This raises concern about prenatal and postnatal exposure. While some studies suggest that certain short-chained CPs (SCCPs) may have endocrine disrupting properties, knowledge about potential endocrine disrupting potential of medium- (MCCP) and long-chained CPs (LCCPs) remains relativity sparse. Here, we used a panel of in vitro assays to investigate seven pure CPs and two technical mixtures of CPs. These varied in chain length and, chlorination degree. The in vitro panel covered androgen, estrogen, and retinoic acid receptor activities, transthyretin displacement, and steroidogenesis. One of the SCCPs inhibited androgen receptor (AR) activity. All SCCPs induced estrogen receptor (ER) activity. Some SCCPs and MCCPs increased 17β-estradiol levels in the steroidogenesis assay, though not consistently across all substances in these groups. SCCPs exhibited the most pronounced effects in multiple in vitro assays, while the tested LCCPs showed no effects. Based on our results, some CPs can have endocrine disrupting potential in vitro. These findings warrant further examinations to ensure that CPs do not cause issues in intact organisms, including humans.

Unveiling the existence and ecological hazards of trace organic pollutants in wastewater treatment plant effluents across China

The presence of trace organic pollutants in the effluent of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) poses considerable risks to aquatic organisms and human health. A large-scale survey of 302 trace organic pollutants in the effluent of 46 Chinese WWTPs was conducted to gain an improved understanding of their occurrence and ecological risks. The survey data showed that 216 compounds in 11 chemical classes had been detected in effluents. The sum concentrations of the trace contaminants in effluent ranged from 1,392 ng/L to 35,453 ng/L, with the maximum concentration of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) recorded as the highest (30,573 ng/L), which was markedly less than the reported 185,000 ng/L for the 38 American WWTPs. The concentration of bisphenol analogs (BPs) was up to 4,422 ng/L, significantly higher than those reported in France, Germany, Japan, Korea, and the U.S. PFASs and BPs were the major pollutants, accounting for 59% of the total pollution. Additionally, a total of 119 contaminants were found to have ecological risks (RQ > 0.01). Among these, 23 contaminants (RQ > 1.0) warrant higher attention and should be prioritized for removal. This study lists valuable information for controlling contaminants with higher priority in WWTP effluent in China.

Short-chain chlorinated paraffin (SCCP) exposure and type 2 diabetes risk: A population-based case-control study in East China

Exposure to persistent organic pollutants may be associated to type 2 diabetes, but the studies on associations between short-chain chlorinated paraffin (SCCP) exposure and type 2 diabetes risk in humans are still scarce. Here, we conducted a case-control study involving 344 participants in Shandong Province, East China, to explore the effects of SCCPs on type 2 diabetes risk and their correlations with glycemic biomarker and serum lipid parameters. SCCPs were detected in all serum samples with a median concentration of 24 ng mL-1 in cases and 19 ng mL-1 in controls. Exposure to C10-CPs, C11-CPs, and ΣSCCPs were positively associated with the risk of type 2 diabetes after adjusting for confounders. The associations remained consistent in stratified analyses but stronger in male participants and obese individuals. In the control group, there were significant and positive correlations between SCCP exposure and levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), total lipid, and non-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol. Significant joint effects on SCCP exposure and lipid parameters were observed in females when analyzed by the quantile-based g-computation model, and C10-CPs showed the highest contribution. Mediation analysis showed that LDL-C had significant mediation effects on the associations between C10-CPs, C11-CPs, and ΣSCCPs exposure and risk of type 2 diabetes. Moreover, TC and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol were mediators in the relationship between C11-CPs and type 2 diabetes. Taken together, our study revealed that human exposure to SCCPs may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and disrupt lipid metabolism.

Associations of polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease among Chinese adults: Effect modification by lifestyle

Exposure to environmental pollutants and unhealthy lifestyles are key risk factors for metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). While previous studies have suggested links between exposure to organochlorine pesticides (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and MAFLD, the results have been inconsistent. Furthermore, the combined effects of PCBs and OCPs on MAFLD and whether lifestyle factors can modify the associations remain unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the individual and joint effects of PCBs and OCPs on MAFLD and explore the potential modifying role of lifestyle. The study included 1923 participants from Wuhan, China. MAFLD was diagnosed based on ultrasonically diagnosed hepatic steatosis and the presence of overweight/obese, diabetes mellitus, or metabolic dysregulation. Healthy lifestyle score was determined by smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and diet. Logistic regression and weighted quantile sum (WQS) were used to assess associations of individual and mixture of PCBs/OCPs with MAFLD. To explore the potential lifestyle modification, joint associations of PCBs/OCPs and lifestyle on MAFLD were conducted. Single-pollutant analysis showed positive associations of p,p'-DDE, β-HCH, PCB-153, and PCB-180 with MAFLD, with ORs (95% CIs) of 1.18 (1.05, 1.33), 1.57 (1.20, 2.05), 1.45 (1.14, 1.83), and 1.42 (1.12, 1.80), respectively. WQS regression demonstrated a harmful effect of PCBs/OCPs mixture on MAFLD (OR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.24, 2.43), with β-HCH, p,p'-DDE, and PCB-180 being the major contributors. In the joint association analysis, participants with both high PCBs/OCPs exposure and unhealthy lifestyle have the highest odds of MAFLD. In conclusion, exposure to the mixture of PCBs and OCPs was positively correlated with MAFLD, and adopting a healthy lifestyle can mitigate the adverse impact.

Exposure to organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls, adherence to an ideal cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness among Chinese adults

This study aimed to assess the relationships between exposure to individual organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and their mixture and arterial stiffness and explore whether adherence to an ideal cardiovascular health (CVH) could mitigate these associations. The cross-sectional study enrolled 1437 Chinese adults between March and May 2019 in Wuhan, China. OCPs and PCBs concentrations were measured using solid phase extraction coupled with gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Arterial stiffness was evaluated by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). CVH was determined by three behavioral and four biological metrics and categorized as ideal, intermediate, and poor CVH. We applied generalized linear model and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression to evaluate the associations of exposure to individual OCPs or PCBs and their mixture with baPWV, respectively. We found that participants with detectable levels of heptachlor epoxide, PCB-153, and PCB-180 had higher baPWV (β: 34.25, 95% CI 14.28-54.22; β: 27.64, 95% CI 7.90-47.38; and β: 30.51, 95% CI 10.68-50.35) than those with undetectable levels. In WQS regression, the mixture of OCPs and PCBs was related to a higher baPWV (β: 24.93, 95% CI 2.70-47.15). Compared with participants with ideal CVH and undetectable OCPs or PCBs levels, those with poor CVH and detectable OCPs or PCBs levels had the highest increase in baPWV (heptachlor epoxide: β: 147.94, 95% CI 112.52-183.55; PCB-153: β: 150.22, 95% CI 115.40-185.04; PCB-180: β: 147.02, 95% CI 111.66-182.38). Our findings suggested that individual OCPs, PCBs, and their mixture exposure were positively associated with arterial stiffness, and adherence to an ideal CVH may mitigate the adverse effect.

Exposure characteristics of legacy and novel per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in blood and association with hypertension among low-exposure population

The exposure characteristics of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in blood and their associations with hypertension have been well investigated in high-exposure populations, yet limited information is available concerning low-exposure populations. We conducted a cross-sectional study in a low-exposure population in China. A total of 394 females, including 162 with hypertension, were recruited and 30 PFAS were measured in whole blood samples. General linear model, generalized additive model, and logistic model were used to identify the associations with hypertension. Additionally, a Bayesian kernel machine regression model was conducted to test the mixture effects. Fourteen PFAS, including two novel species, 6:2 and 8:2 chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonates (Cl-PFESAs), were detected, among which PFOS predominated with the highest median level of 1.47 ng/mL. The median levels of individual PFAS were, however, below the 25th, and even the 5th percentile of previous reports, except for PFHxA, which was above the 50th percentile (median of 0.10 ng/mL). After adjusting for covariates, PFHxA showed a positive association with hypertension (OR=1.54, 95% CI: 1.25, 1.89), while 6:2 Cl-PFESA showed a negative association (OR=0.73, 95% CI: 0.56, 0.95). PFAS didn't show significant mixture effects. We proposed that PFHxA may contribute to hypertension and 6:2 Cl-PFESA may have a hormesis effect.

Associations of polychlorinated biphenyl and organochlorine pesticide exposure with hyperuricemia: modification by lifestyle factors

Recent research has reported positive associations of exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) with hyperuricemia. However, most of these studies have primarily focused on the individual effects of PCB/OCP exposure. We aimed to explore the associations of both individual and combined PCB/OCP exposure with hyperuricemia and examine whether such associations could be modified by lifestyle factors. The cross-sectional study recruited 2032 adults between March and May 2019 in Wuhan, China. Logistic regression and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression were applied to explore the relationship of individual and combined PCB/OCP exposure with hyperuricemia, while considering the modified effects of lifestyle factors. Of the 2032 participants, 522 (25.7%) had hyperuricemia. Compared with the non-detected group, the detected groups of PCB153 and PCB180 exhibited a positive association with hyperuricemia, with OR (95% CIs) of 1.52 (1.22, 1.91) and 1.51 (1.20, 1.90), respectively. WQS regression showed that PCB/OCP mixture was positively associated with hyperuricemia (OR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.58). PCB153/PCB180 exposure, combined with an unhealthy lifestyle, has a significant additive effect on hyperuricemia. Overall, PCB/OCP mixture and individual PCB153/PCB180 exposure were positively associated with hyperuricemia. Adherence to a healthy lifestyle may modify the potential negative impact of PCBs/OCPs on hyperuricemia.

Toxic Effects and Mechanisms of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a group of flame retardants used in plastics, textiles, polyurethane foam, and other materials. They contain two halogenated aromatic rings bonded by an ester bond and are classified according to the number and position of bromine atoms. Due to their widespread use, PBDEs have been detected in soil, air, water, dust, and animal tissues. Besides, PBDEs have been found in various tissues, including liver, kidney, adipose, brain, breast milk and plasma. The continued accumulation of PBDEs has raised concerns about their potential toxicity, including hepatotoxicity, kidney toxicity, gut toxicity, thyroid toxicity, embryotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity, and immunotoxicity. Previous studies have suggested that there may be various mechanisms contributing to PBDEs toxicity. The present study aimed to outline PBDEs' toxic effects and mechanisms on different organ systems. Given PBDEs' bioaccumulation and adverse impacts on human health and other living organisms, we summarize PBDEs' effects and potential toxicity mechanisms and tend to broaden the horizons to facilitate the design of new prevention strategies for PBDEs-induced toxicity.

Individual and mixtures of polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides exposure in relation to metabolic syndrome among Chinese adults

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are commonly detected in humans due to their persistence and bioaccumulation, and are suspected risk factors for metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, most studies have focused on individual rather than combined exposure. We explored the associations between individual and combined PCBs/OCPs exposure and MetS to better assess the health effects of PCBs and OCPs. This cross-sectional study included 1996 adults from Wuhan, China. A total of 338 participants fulfilled criteria for MetS. Eight PCBs and OCPs were detected in >50 % of the samples. Most of the hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) in the serum were derived from the recent environmental input of lindane, while the high levels of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDTs) were mainly due to historical use. Multivariate linear regression analyses revealed that β-HCH, p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE), PCB-52, PCB-153, and PCB-180 were positively correlated with increased odds of MetS. The profiles of the PCBs and OCPs associated with the different components of MetS were distinct. Furthermore, quantile-based g computation (qgcomp) analyses showed that PCB and OCP mixtures were positively associated with the risk of MetS, and p,p'-DDE was the largest contributor to our model. These findings suggest that PCB and OCP concentrations, both individually and as mixtures, are associated with MetS risk. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these results.

Gene-environment interaction in long-term effects of polychlorinated biphenyls exposure on glucose homeostasis and type 2 diabetes: The modifying effects of genetic risk and lifestyle

The longitudinal relationships of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) exposure with glucose homeostasis and type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk among Chinese population have not been assessed, and interactions of PCB exposure with genetic susceptibility and lifestyle are unclear. In this prospective cohort study, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and insulin (FPI) and seven serum indicator-PCBs were measured for each participant. We constructed polygenic risk score (PRS) of T2D and healthy lifestyle score. Each 1-unit increment of ln-transformed PCB-118 was related with a 0.141 mmol/L, 11.410 pmol/L, 0.661, and 74.5% increase in FPG, FPI, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, and incident T2D risk over 6 years, respectively. Each 1-unit increment in T2D-PRS was related with a 0.169 mmol/L elevation of FPG and 65.5% elevation of incident T2D risk during 6 years. Compared with participants who had low T2D-PRS and low PCB-118, participants with high T2D-PRS and high PCB-118 showed a significant increase in FPG (0.162 mmol/L; P for interaction <0.001) and incident T2D risk [hazard ratio (HR)= 2.222]. Participants with low PCB-118, low PRS, and healthy lifestyle had the lowest incident T2D risk (HR=0.232). Our findings highlighted the significance of reducing PCB exposure and improvement in lifestyle for T2D prevention and management, especially for individuals with higher genetic risk of T2D.