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Bai T, Li X, Zhang H, Yang W, Lv C, Du X, Xu S, Zhao A, Xi Y. The association between brominated flame retardants exposure with bone mineral density in US adults: A cross-sectional study of the national health and nutrition examination survey (NHANES) 2005-2014. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 251:118580. [PMID: 38423496 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Exposure to brominated flame retardants (BFRs) has been widely confirmed to impair the normal functioning of the human body system. However, there is a paucity of study on the effects of serum BFRs on bone mineral density (BMD). This study aims to investigate the relationship between exposure to BFRs and BMD in a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults. METHODS 3079 participants aged between 20 and 80 years with complete data were included in the study. Serum levels of BFRs were measured using automated liquid-liquid extraction and subsequent sample clean-up. The BMD of all participants were assessed by DXA examinations. Generalize linear model, Restricted cubic spline (RCS), subgroup, weighted quantile sum (WQS) and bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) were used to estimate the association between serum BFRs and BMD. RESULTS Multivariate linear regression analyses revealed that, after adjusting for covariates, PBB153 was significantly associated with TF-BMD (β = 0.0177, 95%CI: 0.0103-0.0252), FN-BMD (β = 0.009, 95%CI: 0.0036-0.0145), TS-BMD (β = 0.0081, 95%CI: 0.0013-0.015) and L1-BMD (β = 0.0144, 95%CI: 0.0075-0.0213). However, the associations lose their statistical significance after further adjustment for sex. BFRs exhibited S-shaped or line-plateau dose-response curves with BMD. In subgroup analyses, BFRs were significantly associated with BMD in participants who were younger than 55 years, female, overweight (BMI >25 kg/m2), and less alcohol consumption. In WQS and BKMR analyses, the effects of BFRs mixtures on BMD differed by sex, and PBDE153, PBDE209 and PBB153 had the highest weights in the WQS regression model. CONCLUSION This study showed that serum BFRs negatively predicted BMD in men, but not in women or the general population. PBDE153, PBDE209, and PBB153 were significant BMD factors, especially in younger, overweight, and less alcohol consumption individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyu Bai
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
| | - Xiangjun Li
- Breast Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China.
| | - Han Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
| | - Wenkang Yang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
| | - Changlin Lv
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
| | - Xiaofan Du
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
| | - Shiqi Xu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
| | - Aiping Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
| | - Yongming Xi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
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Ashley-Martin J, Hammond J, Velez MP. Assessing preconception exposure to environmental chemicals and fecundity: Strategies, challenges, and research priorities. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 125:108578. [PMID: 38522558 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
In 2022, approximately one out of six people globally experienced infertility at some point in their life. Environmental chemicals, particularly those with endocrine disrupting activity, may contribute to impaired fecundity and infertility. We review existing prospective cohort studies of environmental chemicals and fecundity, identify methodological challenges and biases, and outline future research priorities. Studies of preconception environmental chemical exposures and fecundity have occurred in US, Singapore, China and Denmark with recruitment as early as 1982-1986, as recent as 2015-2017 and sample sizes ranging from 99 to 936. Higher exposure to certain chemicals (e.g. heavy metals, perfluoroalkyl substances) was associated with longer time to pregnancy; yet the literature is scarce or nonexistent for many chemicals. Furthermore, prospective studies face challenges and potential biases related to recruiting participants prior to conception, measuring environmental chemicals during critical windows of exposure, and ascertaining when pregnancy occurred. Research priorities include expanding the scope of biomonitoring data collected during the preconception period, continuing to develop and validate analytic methods for self-sampled biospecimens in traditional and novel matrices, collecting data in male partners and investigating etiologic associations according to indicators of marginalization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jacob Hammond
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Canada
| | - Maria P Velez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Queens University, Canada
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Shen C, Zhang K, Shi J, Yang J, Wang Y, Li Z, Dai H, Yang W. Association between brominated flame retardants and risk of endocrine-related cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Toxicol Lett 2024; 394:11-22. [PMID: 38387762 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2024.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of endocrine-related cancer, which includes tumors in major endocrine glands such as the breast, thyroid, pituitary, and prostate, has been increasing year by year. Various studies have indicated that brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are neurotoxic, endocrine-toxic, reproductive-toxic, and even carcinogenic. However, the epidemiological relationship between BFR exposure and endocrine-related cancer risk remains unclear. METHODS We searched the PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases for articles evaluating the association between BFR exposure and endocrine-related cancer risk. The odds ratio (OR) and its corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were used to assess the association. Statistical heterogeneity among studies was assessed with the Q-test and I2 statistics. Begg's test was performed to evaluate the publication bias. RESULTS We collected 15 studies, including 6 nested case-control and 9 case-control studies, with 3468 cases and 4187 controls. These studies assessed the risk of breast cancer, thyroid cancer, and endocrine-related cancers in relation to BFR levels. Our findings indicate a significant association between BFR exposure in adipose tissue and an increased risk of breast cancer. However, this association was not observed for thyroid cancer. Generally, BFR exposure appears to elevate the risk of endocrine-related cancers, with a notable increase in risk linked to higher levels of BDE-28, a specific polybrominated diphenyl ether congener. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, although this meta-analysis has several limitations, our results suggest that BFR exposure is a significant risk factor for breast cancer, and low-brominated BDE-28 exposure could significantly increase the risk of endocrine-related cancers. Further research is essential to clarify the potential causal relationships between BFRs and endocrine-related cancers, and their carcinogenic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengchen Shen
- Department of Physiology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Kui Zhang
- Department of Forensic Pathology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingyi Shi
- Department of Physiology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingxuan Yang
- Department of Physiology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Physiology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuo Li
- Department of Forensic Pathology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Dai
- Department of Forensic Pathology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenxing Yang
- Department of Physiology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, People's Republic of China.
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Barat S, Hood RB, Terrell ML, Howards PP, Spencer JB, Wainstock T, Barton H, Pearson M, Kesner JS, Meadows JW, Marcus M, Gaskins AJ. In-utero exposure to polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) and menstrual cycle function in adulthood. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2024; 256:114297. [PMID: 38039561 PMCID: PMC10872753 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2023.114297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is evidence that in-utero exposure to PBBs, and similar chemicals, are associated with several adverse reproductive health outcomes including altered pubertal timing. However, less is known about the effects of in-utero exposure to PBBs on menstrual cycle function and reproductive hormone levels in adulthood. METHODS For this menstrual cycle study, we recruited reproductive-aged women in the Michigan PBB Registry who were not pregnant, lactating, or taking hormonal medications (2004-2014). A total of 41 women who were born after the PBB contamination incident (1973-1974) and were prenatally exposed to PBBs, were included in this analysis. We estimated in-utero PBB exposure using maternal serum PBB measurements taken after exposure and extrapolated to time of pregnancy using a PBB elimination model. Women were followed for up to 6 months during which they provided daily urine samples and completed daily diaries. The urine samples were assayed for estrone 3-glucuronide (E13G), pregnanediol 3-glucuronide (Pd3G), and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). RESULTS Women in our study were, on average, 27.5 (SD:5.3) years old and contributed 4.9 (SD:1.9) menstrual cycles of follow-up. Compared to women with low in-utero PBB exposure (≤1 ppb), women with medium (>1.0-3.0 ppb) and high (>3.0 ppb) exposure had higher maximum 3-day mean Pd3G levels during the luteal phase. Specifically, the age- and creatinine-adjusted maximum 3-day mean luteal phase Pd3G levels (95% CI) in increasing categories of in-utero PBB exposure were 9.2 (4.6,13.9), 14.8 (11.6,18.0), and 16.1 (12.9,19.3) μg/mg creatinine. There were no meaningful differences in average cycle length, follicular or luteal phase cycle length, bleed length, or creatinine-adjusted E13G or FSH levels by category of in-utero PBB exposure. CONCLUSION Higher exposure to PBB in-utero was associated with increased progesterone levels across the luteal phase, however, most other menstrual cycle characteristics were largely unassociated with in-utero PBB exposure. Given our modest sample size, our results require cautious interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman Barat
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Robert B Hood
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Metrecia L Terrell
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Penelope P Howards
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jessica B Spencer
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Tamar Wainstock
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - Hillary Barton
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Melanie Pearson
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - James S Kesner
- Division of Applied Research and Technology, National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Juliana W Meadows
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Michele Marcus
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Audrey J Gaskins
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Hoffman SS, Liang D, Hood RB, Tan Y, Terrell ML, Marder ME, Barton H, Pearson MA, Walker DI, Barr DB, Jones DP, Marcus M. Assessing Metabolic Differences Associated with Exposure to Polybrominated Biphenyl and Polychlorinated Biphenyls in the Michigan PBB Registry. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:107005. [PMID: 37815925 PMCID: PMC10564108 DOI: 10.1289/ehp12657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) are persistent organic pollutants with potential endocrine-disrupting effects linked to adverse health outcomes. OBJECTIVES In this study, we utilize high-resolution metabolomics (HRM) to identify internal exposure and biological responses underlying PCB and multigenerational PBB exposure for participants enrolled in the Michigan PBB Registry. METHODS HRM profiling was conducted on plasma samples collected from 2013 to 2014 from a subset of participants enrolled in the Michigan PBB Registry, including 369 directly exposed individuals (F0) who were alive when PBB mixtures were accidentally introduced into the food chain and 129 participants exposed to PBB in utero or through breastfeeding, if applicable (F1). Metabolome-wide association studies were performed for PBB-153 separately for each generation and Σ PCB (PCB-118, PCB-138, PCB-153, and PCB-180) in the two generations combined, as both had direct PCB exposure. Metabolite and metabolic pathway alterations were evaluated following a well-established untargeted HRM workflow. RESULTS Mean levels were 1.75 ng / mL [standard deviation (SD): 13.9] for PBB-153 and 1.04 ng / mL (SD: 0.788) for Σ PCB . Sixty-two and 26 metabolic features were significantly associated with PBB-153 in F0 and F1 [false discovery rate (FDR) p < 0.2 ], respectively. There were 2,861 features associated with Σ PCB (FDR p < 0.2 ). Metabolic pathway enrichment analysis using a bioinformatics tool revealed perturbations associated with Σ PCB in numerous oxidative stress and inflammation pathways (e.g., carnitine shuttle, glycosphingolipid, and vitamin B9 metabolism). Metabolic perturbations associated with PBB-153 in F0 were related to oxidative stress (e.g., pentose phosphate and vitamin C metabolism) and in F1 were related to energy production (e.g., pyrimidine, amino sugars, and lysine metabolism). Using authentic chemical standards, we confirmed the chemical identity of 29 metabolites associated with Σ PCB levels (level 1 evidence). CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that serum PBB-153 is associated with alterations in inflammation and oxidative stress-related pathways, which differed when stratified by generation. We also found that Σ PCB was associated with the downregulation of important neurotransmitters, serotonin, and 4-aminobutanoate. These findings provide novel insights for future investigations of molecular mechanisms underlying PBB and PCB exposure on health. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP12657.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan S. Hoffman
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Donghai Liang
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Robert B. Hood
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Youran Tan
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - M. Elizabeth Marder
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Hillary Barton
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Melanie A. Pearson
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Douglas I. Walker
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Dana Boyd Barr
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Dean P. Jones
- School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Michele Marcus
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Hood RB, Terrell ML, Smith AK, Curtis S, Conneely K, Pearson M, Barton H, Barr DB, Marder EM, Marcus M. Elimination of PBB-153; findings from a cohort of Michigan adults. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 220:115146. [PMID: 36566966 PMCID: PMC9898188 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.115146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An industrial accident led to the widespread contamination of polybrominated biphenyl (PBB), a flame retardant, into the food system in Michigan in the 1970's. PBB continues to be detected in Michiganders' blood some forty years later. It is necessary to understand the elimination rate and half-life of PBB because it may provide clues on how to hasten the elimination of it from the human body. METHODS Serum samples were taken from young adult and adult participants of the Michigan PBB registry from 1974 to 2019. A single compartment model was assumed for the elimination rate for PBB-153 in young adults and adults (≥16 years). Generalized linear mixed models were used to estimate the average elimination rate of PBB-153 and allowed for a random intercept and slope for the time between measurements. Models were adjusted for age at exposure, body mass index (BMI) at initial measurement, and smoking. Models were also stratified by demographic characteristics. RESULTS In total, 1974 participants contributed 4768 samples over a forty-year span. The median initial PBB-153 level was 1.542 parts per billion (ppb) (Range: 0.001-1442.48 ppb). The adjusted median participant-specific half-life for PBB-153 was 12.23 years. The half-life of PBB-153 was lengthened by higher initial PBB level (∼1.5 years), younger age at exposure (∼5.4 years), higher BMI (∼1.0 years), and increased gravidity (∼7.3 years). Additionally, the half-life of PBB-153 was shortened by smoking status (∼-2.8 years) and breastfeeding (∼-3.5 years). CONCLUSIONS Consistent with previous studies, PBB-153 has been demonstrated to have a long half-life in the human body and may be modified by some demographic characteristics. These updated estimates of half-life will further support evaluation of health effects associated with PBB exposure. Investigations into mechanisms to accelerate elimination and reduce body burdens of PBB-153, especially those related to body weight, are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert B Hood
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Metrecia L Terrell
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Alicia K Smith
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sarah Curtis
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Karen Conneely
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Melanie Pearson
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hillary Barton
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Dana Boyd Barr
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Marder
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Michele Marcus
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA; Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Lucien JN, Ortega MT, Calvert ME, Smith C, White X, Rogers H, Mosley B, Agrawal R, Drude A, McGee C, George M, Brown A, Downey K, Wild C, Njunge A, Kuzmiak CM, Zava D, Zava T, Pollard J, Francis J, Beery BL, Harlin M, Gonzalez GR, Shaw ND. The Launch of A Girl's First Period Study: Demystifying Reproductive Hormone Profiles in Adolescent Girls. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2022; 35:420-425. [PMID: 35031446 PMCID: PMC9271526 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2021.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Limited data exist on the reproductive hormone dynamics that govern the transition from menarche to the establishment of the mature ovulatory cycles of a fertile young woman. It is also unclear how environmental and lifestyle factors could modulate this transition in contemporary girls. Here, we introduce A Girl's First Period Study, an ambitious longitudinal study aimed at charting the early post-menarchal course of a cohort of healthy girls in the Triangle region of North Carolina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet N Lucien
- Clinical Research Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina; Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
| | - Madison T Ortega
- Clinical Research Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Madison E Calvert
- Clinical Research Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Cynthia Smith
- Clinical Research Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Xiomara White
- Clinical Research Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Heidi Rogers
- Clinical Research Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Brittany Mosley
- Clinical Research Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Ruhani Agrawal
- Clinical Research Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Anna Drude
- Clinical Research Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Christopher McGee
- Clinical Research Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Margaret George
- Clinical Research Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Audrey Brown
- Clinical Research Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Kimberly Downey
- Clinical Research Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Catherine Wild
- Clinical Research Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Alexander Njunge
- Clinical Research Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Cherie M Kuzmiak
- Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | | | | | - Jenny Pollard
- Clinical Research Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Julie Francis
- Clinical Research Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Breana L Beery
- Clinical Research Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Margaret Harlin
- Clinical Research Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Gladys Ruby Gonzalez
- Clinical Research Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Natalie D Shaw
- Clinical Research Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this review is to evaluate biological, life history, environmental, and lifestyle factors and exposures that cause variability in menstrual cycle length (MCL). RECENT FINDINGS Recent literature has detailed a number of factors that influence MCL, with particular emphasis placed on novel environmental exposures, such as air pollution and endocrine disrupting chemicals. SUMMARY MCL varies widely in response to intrinsic and extrinsic inputs and is a useful predictor of reproductive health and fecundability. VIDEO ABSTRACT http://links.lww.com/COE/A28.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ariel L. Scalise
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Shruthi Mahalingaiah
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
- Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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9
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Kahn LG, Harley KG, Siegel EL, Zhu Y, Factor-Litvak P, Porucznik CA, Klein-Fedyshin M, Hipwell AE. Persistent organic pollutants and couple fecundability: a systematic review. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 27:339-366. [PMID: 33147335 PMCID: PMC7903116 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite increasing regulation, exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) remains a serious public health concern due to their accumulation in the environment and ability to biomagnify up the food chain. POPs are associated with endocrine-disrupting effects including adverse reproductive outcomes that could affect fecundability, i.e. the capacity to conceive a pregnancy, quantified as time to pregnancy (TTP). OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE Results of epidemiologic studies that examine the impact of various chemical classes of POPs on TTP have not been synthesised. We undertook a systematic review to summarise the strength of evidence for associations of four common groups of POPs with couple fecundability and to identify gaps and limitations in the literature in order to inform policy decisions and future research. SEARCH METHODS We performed an electronic search of literature published between 1 January 2007 and 6 August 2019 in MEDLINE, EMBASE.com, Global Health, DART/TOXLINE and POPLINE. We included empirical research papers that examined human exposure to organochlorine (OC) pesticides, brominated flame retardants, polychlorinated organic compounds and/or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and considered TTP or fecundability as an outcome. Standardised forms for screening, data extraction and study quality were developed using DistillerSR software, and all reviews were completed in duplicate. We used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale to assess risk of bias and devised additional quality metrics based on specific methodological features of fecundability studies. OUTCOMES The search returned 4573 articles, and 28 papers from 19 different studies met inclusion criteria. Among them, four studies measured TTP prospectively, three had data on participants' prenatal exposure, three examined associations in both male and female partners and one focused exclusively on males. Analyses varied widely in terms of exposure characterisation, precluding a meta-analytic approach. Evidence was strongest for adverse associations of female exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls with TTP, with some additional support for associations of female exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers and PFAS with longer TTP. Our review provided little or no support for associations between female exposure to OC pesticides or male exposure to any of the POP groups and TTP. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Evidence suggests that female exposure to at least some POPs may reduce fecundability. Although many of these chemicals are no longer in production, they are still detectable in human biosamples because of their persistence in the environment. Replacement chemicals that are being introduced as older ones are restricted may have similar reproductive consequences. Future studies should examine these newer POPs, assess interactions between POPs and other chemical and non-chemical exposures, investigate how POPs are distributed in and metabolised by the human body and focus on populations that may be disproportionately exposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda G Kahn
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016 USA
| | - Kim G Harley
- Center for Environmental Research and Children’s Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Eva L Siegel
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Yeyi Zhu
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA 94612, USA
| | - Pam Factor-Litvak
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Christina A Porucznik
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | | | - Alison E Hipwell
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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10
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Orta OR, Wesselink AK, Bethea TN, Claus Henn B, Weuve J, Fruh V, McClean MD, Sjodin A, Baird DD, Wise LA. Brominated flame retardants and organochlorine pesticides and incidence of uterine leiomyomata: A prospective ultrasound study. Environ Epidemiol 2021; 5:e127. [PMID: 33778359 PMCID: PMC7939431 DOI: 10.1097/ee9.0000000000000127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine leiomyomata (UL) are hormone-responsive benign neoplasms. Brominated flame retardants and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) can disrupt hormones involved in UL etiology. METHODS The Study of Environmental, Lifestyle, and Fibroids is a Detroit-area prospective cohort of 1693 Black women 23-35 years of age. At baseline and approximately every 20 months for 5 years, women completed questionnaires and underwent transvaginal ultrasounds. Using a case-cohort study design, we selected 729 UL-free participants at baseline and analyzed baseline plasma samples for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), a polybrominated biphenyl ether (PBB-153), and OCPs. We used Cox proportional hazard models to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS Compared with total PBDE plasma concentrations <50th percentile, adjusted HRs for the 50th-74th, 75th-89th, and ≥90th percentiles were 1.00 (95% CI = 0.68, 1.47), 1.04 (95% CI = 0.63, 1.68), and 0.85 (95% CI = 0.48, 1.50), respectively. HRs for PBB-153 plasma concentrations were generally similar to total PBDE plasma concentrations. Compared with total OCP plasma concentrations <50th percentile, HRs for the 50th-74th, 75th-89th, and ≥90th percentiles were 0.86 (95% CI = 0.57, 1.29), 0.73 (95% CI = 0.43, 1.22), and 0.58 (95% CI = 0.32, 1.04), respectively. HRs for individual PBDEs and OCPs were similar to their respective totals. CONCLUSION We found little support for an association between brominated flame retardant plasma concentrations and UL incidence, and some evidence of lower UL incidence with the highest OCP plasma concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia R. Orta
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Amelia K. Wesselink
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Traci N. Bethea
- Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities Research, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington, D.C
| | - Birgit Claus Henn
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jennifer Weuve
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Victoria Fruh
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Michael D. McClean
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Andreas Sjodin
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Donna D. Baird
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Lauren A. Wise
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
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11
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review seeks to evaluate the impact of environmental exposures on the menstrual cycle length detailing timing of exposure on pathophysiology. RECENT FINDINGS Recent literature has examined the relationship between menstrual cycle length and environmental exposures including air pollutants, parabens, and polybrominated biphenyls. SUMMARY Research is limited but suggest importance of further research in evaluating environmental exposures and menstrual cycle length.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karissa C. Hammer
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital
| | - Alexis Veiga
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Avenue, Building 1, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shruthi Mahalingaiah
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Avenue, Building 1, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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12
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Curtis SW, Gerkowicz SA, Cobb DO, Kilaru V, Terrell ML, Marder ME, Barr DB, Marsit CJ, Marcus M, Conneely KN, Smith AK. Sex-specific DNA methylation differences in people exposed to polybrominated biphenyl. Epigenomics 2020; 12:757-770. [PMID: 32496131 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2019-0179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Michigan residents were exposed to polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) when it was accidentally added to the food supply. Highly exposed individuals report sex-specific health problems, but the underlying biological mechanism behind these different health risks is not known. Materials and methods: DNA methylation in blood from 381 women and 277 men with PBB exposure was analyzed with the MethylationEPIC BeadChip. Results: 675 CpGs were associated with PBBs levels in males, while only 17 CpGs were associated in females (false discovery rate <0.05). No CpGs were associated in both sexes. These CpGs were enriched in different functional regions and transcription factor binding sites in each sex. Conclusion: Exposure to PBBs may have sex-specific effects on the epigenome that may underlie sex-specific adverse health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah W Curtis
- Genetics & Molecular Biology Program, Laney Graduate School, Emory University School of Medicine, 101 Woodruff Circle NE, Ste 4217, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Sabrina A Gerkowicz
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, 101 Woodruff Circle NE, Ste 4217, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Dawayland O Cobb
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, 101 Woodruff Circle NE, Ste 4217, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Varun Kilaru
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, 101 Woodruff Circle NE, Ste 4217, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Metrecia L Terrell
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, 1518 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - M Elizabeth Marder
- Department of Environmental Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, 1518 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Dana Boyd Barr
- Department of Environmental Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, 1518 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Carmen J Marsit
- Department of Environmental Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, 1518 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Michele Marcus
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, 1518 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.,Department of Pediatrics Emory University School of Medicine, 1518 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Karen N Conneely
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael St, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Alicia K Smith
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, 101 Woodruff Circle NE, Ste 4217, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.,Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Science, Emory University School of Medicine, 101 Woodruff Circle NE, Ste 4217, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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13
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Jacobson MH, Howards PP, Kesner JS, Meadows JW, Dominguez CE, Spencer JB, Darrow LA, Terrell ML, Marcus M. Hormonal Profiles of Menstrual Bleeding Patterns During the Luteal-Follicular Transition. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:5770955. [PMID: 32115635 PMCID: PMC7096314 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Menstrual cycle function is determined by a complex endocrine axis that controls the ovaries and endometrium. While the late luteal phase is characterized by declining progesterone and estrogen, how these hormonal profiles relate to menstrual bleeding patterns is not well understood. OBJECTIVE Characterize associations between luteal phase hormonal profiles and subsequent menstrual bleeding patterns, specifically spotting before bleeding. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS We examined creatinine-adjusted urinary estrone 3-glucuronide (E13G) and pregnanediol 3-glucuronide (Pd3G) levels in relation to spotting in 116 premenopausal women (ages 20-47) who kept daily menstrual diaries and collected first morning urine samples for ≥ 2 consecutive cycles or 1 luteal-follicular transition (n = 283 transitions). We used linear mixed models to estimate associations between luteal phase hormone levels and spotting before bleeding. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) AND RESULTS Transitions with ≥ 1 days of spotting before menstrual bleeding (n = 118) had greater luteal phase Pd3G levels vs nonspotting transitions (n = 165). Differences in Pd3G between spotting and nonspotting transitions were largest at menses onset (34.8%, 95% confidence interval, 18.9%, 52.7%). Pd3G levels for spotting transitions dropped to similar levels as nonspotting transitions an average of 1 day later, which aligned with the first day of bleeding for transitions with contiguous spotting. Spotting transitions were preceded by slower rates of Pd3G decline than nonspotting transitions, whereas E13G declines were similar. CONCLUSIONS Self-reported bleeding patterns may provide insight into luteal phase Pd3G levels. First bleed appears to be the best choice for defining the end of the luteal phase and achieving hormonal consistency across transitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie H Jacobson
- New York University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Environmental Pediatrics, New York, New York
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Atlanta, Georgia
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Melanie Jacobson, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Environmental Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine, 462 1st Avenue, Building A, 8th Floor, Room 850, New York, NY 10016.
| | - Penelope P Howards
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - James S Kesner
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, Ohio, retired
| | - Juliana W Meadows
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Celia E Dominguez
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hawaii Pacific Health, Hawaii
| | - Jessica B Spencer
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Lyndsey A Darrow
- School of Community Health Sciences, University of Nevada-Reno, Reno, Nevada
| | - Metrecia L Terrell
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Michele Marcus
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Atlanta, Georgia
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14
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Chang CJ, Terrell ML, Marcus M, Marder ME, Panuwet P, Ryan PB, Pearson M, Barton H, Barr DB. Serum concentrations of polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in the Michigan PBB Registry 40 years after the PBB contamination incident. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 137:105526. [PMID: 32062441 PMCID: PMC7201813 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Widespread polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) contamination occurred in Michigan from 1973 to 1974, when PBBs were accidentally substituted for a nutritional supplement in livestock feed. People who lived in the state were exposed to PBBs via several routes including ingestion, inhalation and skin absorption. PBBs sequestered in lipid-rich matrices such as adipose tissue, are slowly eliminated after entering the human body, and can also be transferred from a mother to her offspring through the placenta and breastfeeding. Due to the long biological half-lives of PBBs, as well as concerns from the exposed community, biomonitoring measurements were conducted from 2012 to 2015. Because of their similar structures, serum PBBs, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were all measured 40 years after the PBB contamination incident (N = 862). The serum PBB-153 levels among the original highly-exposed groups (i.e., chemical workers, the family of chemical workers, and individuals who lived on or received food from the contaminated farms) remains significantly higher than other Michigan residents. Several predictors such as sampling age, sex, and smoking status were significantly associated with the serum levels of some persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Higher average values and also wider ranges of serum POP levels were found in this study compared to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), with the most substantial difference in serum PBB-153. This was true for all groups of Michigan residents including those who were not part of the above-described highly-exposed groups. Moreover, the people born after the contamination incident began also have higher serum PBB-153 levels when compared with more recent NHANES data (2010-2014), which suggests potential intergenerational exposure and/or continued environmental exposure following the contamination period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Che-Jung Chang
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, USA.
| | - Metrecia L Terrell
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, USA
| | - Michele Marcus
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, USA
| | - M Elizabeth Marder
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, USA
| | - Parinya Panuwet
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, USA
| | - P Barry Ryan
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, USA
| | - Melanie Pearson
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, USA
| | - Hillary Barton
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, USA
| | - Dana Boyd Barr
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, USA
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