The associations between p,p'-DDE levels and plasma levels of lipoproteins and their subclasses in an elderly population determined by analysis of lipoprotein content

The role of epigenetics in women's reproductive health: the impact of environmental factors

This paper explores the significant role of epigenetics in women's reproductive health, focusing on the impact of environmental factors. It highlights the crucial link between epigenetic modifications-such as DNA methylation and histones post-translational modifications-and reproductive health issues, including infertility and pregnancy complications. The paper reviews the influence of pollutants like PM2.5, heavy metals, and endocrine disruptors on gene expression through epigenetic mechanisms, emphasizing the need for understanding how dietary, lifestyle choices, and exposure to chemicals affect gene expression and reproductive health. Future research directions include deeper investigation into epigenetics in female reproductive health and leveraging gene editing to mitigate epigenetic changes for improving IVF success rates and managing reproductive disorders.

The mode of action of different organochlorine pesticides families in mammalians

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) show differences in their chemical structure, mechanism of toxicity, and target organisms. However, OCPs also have some common characteristics such as high persistence in the environment, bioaccumulation, and toxicity which lead to health issues. Nowadays, the toxicity of OCPs is well known, but we still do not know all the specific molecular mechanisms leading to their toxicity in mammalians. Therefore, this review aims to collect data about the mode of action of various classes of OCPs, highlighting their differences and common behavioural reactions in the human and animal body. To discuss the OCPs molecular pathways and fate in different systems of the body, three organochlorine insecticides were selected (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, Hexachlorocyclohexane and Chlordecone), regarding to their widespread use, with consequent effects on the ecosystem and human health. Their common biological responses at the molecular scale and their different interactions in human and animal bodies were highlighted and presented.

Addressing chemically-induced obesogenic metabolic disruption: selection of chemicals for in vitro human PPARα, PPARγ transactivation, and adipogenesis test methods

Whilst western diet and sedentary lifestyles heavily contribute to the global obesity epidemic, it is likely that chemical exposure may also contribute. A substantial body of literature implicates a variety of suspected environmental chemicals in metabolic disruption and obesogenic mechanisms. Chemically induced obesogenic metabolic disruption is not yet considered in regulatory testing paradigms or regulations, but this is an internationally recognised human health regulatory development need. An early step in the development of relevant regulatory test methods is to derive appropriate minimum chemical selection lists for the target endpoint and its key mechanisms, such that the test method can be suitably optimised and validated. Independently collated and reviewed reference and proficiency chemicals relevant for the regulatory chemical universe that they are intended to serve, assist regulatory test method development and validation, particularly in relation to the OECD Test Guidelines Programme. To address obesogenic mechanisms and modes of action for chemical hazard assessment, key initiating mechanisms include molecular-level Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (PPAR) α and γ agonism and the tissue/organ-level key event of perturbation of the adipogenesis process that may lead to excess white adipose tissue. Here we present a critical literature review, analysis and evaluation of chemicals suitable for the development, optimisation and validation of human PPARα and PPARγ agonism and human white adipose tissue adipogenesis test methods. The chemical lists have been derived with consideration of essential criteria needed for understanding the strengths and limitations of the test methods. With a weight of evidence approach, this has been combined with practical and applied aspects required for the integration and combination of relevant candidate test methods into test batteries, as part of an Integrated Approach to Testing and Assessment for metabolic disruption. The proposed proficiency and reference chemical list includes a long list of negatives and positives (20 chemicals for PPARα, 21 for PPARγ, and 11 for adipogenesis) from which a (pre-)validation proficiency chemicals list has been derived.

Investigating the relationship between non-occupational pesticide exposure and metabolomic biomarkers

The relationship between pesticide exposures and metabolomics biomarkers is not well understood. We examined the changes in the serum metabolome (early biomarkers) and the metabolic pathways associated with various pesticide exposure scenarios (OPE: overall exposure, PEM: exposure in months, PEY: exposure in years, and PEU: reported specific pesticides use) using data from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 31-year cross-sectional examination. We utilized questionnaire data on pesticide exposures and serum samples for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics analyses. For exposures and metabolites associations, participants size varied between 2,361 and 5,035. To investigate associations between metabolomics biomarkers and exposure to pesticide scenarios compared to those who reported no exposures multivariable regression analyses stratified by sex and adjustment with covariates (season of pesticide use, socioeconomic position (SEP), alcohol consumption, BMI, and latitude of residence) were performed. Multiple testing by Benjamini-Hochberg false discovery rate (FDR) correction applied. Pesticide exposures differed by sex, season of pesticide use, alcohol, SEP, latitude of residence. Our results showed that all pesticide exposure scenarios were negatively associated with decreased HDL concentrations across all lipoprotein subclasses in women. OPE, PEY, and PEU were associated with decreased branched-chain amino acid concentrations in men and decreased albumin concentrations in women. OPE, PEY and PEU were also associated with changes in glycolysis metabolites and ketone bodies in both sexes. Specific pesticides exposure was negatively associated with sphingolipids and inflammatory biomarkers in men. In women, OPE, PEM, and PEU were associated with decreased apolipoprotein A1 and increased apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A1 ratio. Our findings suggest that identification of early biomarkers of disease risk related to pesticide exposures can inform strategies to reduce exposure and investigate causal pathways. Women may be more susceptible to non-occupational pesticide exposures when compared to men, and future sex-specific studies are warranted.

Insights into Organochlorine Pesticides Exposure in the Development of Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review

Many human diseases such as cancer, neurological diseases, autism and diabetes are associated with exposure to pesticides, especially organochlorine pesticides. However, pesticide exposure is also associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) as the leading cause of death worldwide. In this systematic review, results on the link between organochlorine pesticide pollution and CVD were collected from databases (Medline (PubMed), Scopus and Science Direct) in May 2022 from studies published between 2010 and 2022. A total of 24 articles were selected for this systematic review. Sixteen articles were extracted by reviewers using a standardized form that included cross-sectional, cohort, and ecological studies that reported exposure to organochlorine pesticides in association with increased CVD risk. In addition, eight articles covering molecular mechanisms organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on cardiovascular effects were retrieved for detailed evaluation. Based on the findings of the study, it seems elevated circulating levels of organochlorine pesticides and PCBs increase the risk of coronary heart disease, especially in early life exposure to these pesticides and especially in men. Changes in the regulatory function of peroxisome proliferator-activated γ receptor (PPARγ), reduction of paroxonase activity (PON1), epigenetic changes of histone through induction of reactive oxygen species, vascular endothelial inflammation with miR-expression 126 and miR-31, increased collagen synthesis enzymes in the extracellular matrix and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and fibrosis are mechanisms by which PCBs increase the risk of CVD. According to this systematic review, organochlorine pesticide exposure is associated with increased risk of CVD and CVD mortality through the atherogenic and inflammatory molecular mechanism involving fatty acid and glucose metabolism.

Endocrine Disruptor Compounds in Environment: Focus on Women’s Reproductive Health and Endometriosis

Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent gynecologic illness that has long-term effects on a woman’s fertility, physical health, and overall quality of life. Growing evidence suggests that endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) may be etiologically involved in the development and severity of the disease. We consider the available human evidence on EDCs and endometriosis, limiting ourselves to studies that have individually assessed chemical amounts in women. Dioxins, BPA, Phthalates, and other endocrine disruptors, like DDT, are among the evidence indicating an environmental etiology for endometriosis. Collectively, this review describes how environmental toxins are linked to lower fertility in women, as well as a number of reproductive diseases, focusing on the pathology of endometriosis and its treatments. Importantly, this review can be used to investigate techniques for preventing the negative effects of EDC exposure.

Sex-Based Evaluation of Lipid Profile in Postoperative Adjuvant Mitotane Treatment for Adrenocortical Carcinoma

Background: A wide interindividual variability in mitotane concentrations and treatment-related dyslipidemia have been reported. Here, we aimed to underline the sex-related differences in the lipid profile in patients that underwent radical surgery of adrenocortical carcinoma during treatment with adjuvant mitotane. Methods: A chromatographic method was used to quantify the drug in plasma collected from adult patients with complete tumor resection, also considering active metabolite o,p’-DDE. Results: We observed different lipid profiles between males and females and between pre- and post-menopausal women. Considering the mitotane-related effects on lipid levels, we observed that higher drug concentrations were correlated with higher HDL in all the considered groups (p < 0.001), with total cholesterol both in males (p = 0.005) and females (p = 0.036), with triglycerides in postmenopausal females (p = 0.002) and with LDL in male patients (p < 0.001). Increases in o,p’-DDE were positively correlated with HDL levels in all the groups (p < 0.001) and negatively with LDL in all the groups (males p = 0.008, pre- and post-menopausal females p < 0.001), with total cholesterol in pre- (p = 0.016) and post-menopausal women (p = 0.01) and with triglycerides in premenopausal females (p = 0.005). Conclusions: This is the first study designed to evaluate sex differences in lipoprotein and lipid levels during mitotane adjuvant treatment; the results suggest that a gender and personalized approach could be useful to prevent and manage alterations in the lipid profile.

Metabolomics: A New Approach in the Evaluation of Effects in Human Beings and Wildlife Associated with Environmental Exposition to POPs

Human beings and wild organisms are exposed daily to a broad range of environmental stressors. Among them are the persistent organic pollutants that can trigger adverse effects on these organisms due to their toxicity properties. There is evidence that metabolomics can be used to identify biomarkers of effect by altering the profiles of endogenous metabolites in biological fluids or tissues. This approach is relatively new and has been used in vitro studies mainly. Therefore, this review addresses those that have used metabolomics as a key tool to identify metabolites associated with environmental exposure to POPs in wildlife and human populations and that can be used as biomarkers of effect. The published results suggest that the metabolic pathways that produce energy, fatty acids, and amino acids are commonly affected by POPs. Furthermore, these pathways can be promoters of additional effects. In the future, metabolomics combined with other omics will improve understanding of the origin, development, and progression of the effects caused by environmental exposure.

Historical exposure to persistent organic pollutants and cardiovascular disease: A 15-year longitudinal analysis focused on pharmaceutical consumption in primary care

BACKGROUND

Despite restrictions on their production and use, most of the population is still exposed to Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), including organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). These chemicals are thought to contribute to the aetiology of highly prevalent chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), although current evidences are still controversial.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the potential contribution of historical POP exposure to 15-year pharmaceutical consumption in relation to CVD.

METHODS

This study is framed within GraMo adult cohort. Participants (n = 387) were recruited in two hospitals in Granada province, Southern Spain (2003-2004). Historical exposure to 5 OCPs and 3 non-dioxine-like PCBs was estimated by analysing adipose tissue concentrations at recruitment. Pharmaceutical consumption from recruitment until year 2017 was quantified by reviewing dispensation databases. Average consumption increase (ACI) in CVD medication was calculated by subtracting average consumption in 2002 to the average yearly consumption during follow-up. ACI was expressed as Defined Daily Dose (DDD)/year units. Data analyses were carried out using a multivariable multinomial logistic regression and weighted quantile sum regression (WQS), with ACI categorized in quartiles (Q) as the dependent variable.

RESULTS

Concentrations of most pollutants showed a positive trend with the quartiles of ACI. Particularly, PCB-153 showed increasing and statistically significant odds ratios (ORs) for Q2 (OR: 1.27, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07-1.52), Q3 (OR: 1.49, 95 %CI: 1.17-1.88) and Q4 (OR: 1.42, 95 %CI: 1.13-1.78) vs Q1. Similarly, beta-hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH) also showed increasing ORs, that reached statistical significance in Q4 (OR: 1.36, 95 %CI: 1.06-1.74) vs Q1. These findings were corroborated by WQS analyses, that revealed a significant mixture effect, predominantly accounted for by PCB-153 and β-HCH.

DISCUSSION

Our results suggest that long-term POP exposure might represent a modifiable risk factor for CVD. These findings are relevant for public health campaigns and management, since pharmaceutical consumption is considered an indicator of both morbidity and health expenditure.

Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and the Adrenal Gland: From Toxicity to Endocrine Disruption

Endocrine disruptors are exogenous compounds that pollute the environment and have effects similar to hormones when inside the body. One of the most widespread endocrine disruptors in the wild is the pesticide dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT). Toxic doses of DDT are known to cause cell atrophy and degeneration in the adrenal zona fasciculata and zona reticularis. Daily exposure in a developing organism to supposedly non-toxic doses of DDT have been found to impair the morphogenesis of both the cortex and the medulla of the adrenal glands, as well as disturbing the secretion of hormones in cortical and chromaffin cells. Comparison of high and very low levels of DDT exposure revealed drastic differences in the morphological and functional changes in the adrenal cortex. Moreover, the three adrenocortical zones have different levels of sensitivity to the disruptive actions of DDT. The zona glomerulosa and zona reticularis demonstrate sensitivity to both high and very low levels of DDT in prenatal and postnatal periods. In contrast, the zona fasciculata is less damaged by low (supposedly non-toxic) exposure to DDT and its metabolites but is affected by toxic levels of exposure; thus, DDT exerts both toxic and disruptive effects on the adrenal glands, and sensitivity to these two types of action varies in adrenocortical zones. Disruptive low-dose exposure leads to more severe affection of the adrenal function.