Cross-sectional associations of persistent organic pollutants measured in adipose tissue and metabolic syndrome in clinically diagnosed middle-aged adults

INTRODUCTION

Although often overlooked in clinical settings, accumulation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is thought to be a relevant risk factor for metabolic syndrome (MetS).

METHODS

One hundred and seventeen patients undergoing non-oncological surgery were randomly recruited and classified as MetS + if presented 3 out of the 5 MetS components: waist circumference (WC), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP, respectively), serum glucose, insulin, triglycerides (TG) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels, according International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. Seventeen organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were measured in adipose tissue samples. Linear, logistic and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression models, adjusted for age and sex, were performed.

RESULTS

One third of the participants were males (36.8%) with a median age of 44 years, showing clinical evidences of MetS (35.0%). Adjusted linear regression models showed that WC correlated positively with all OCP concentrations. Higher fasting serum glucose levels were related to higher HCB and γ-HCH concentrations. The remaining OCPs and PCBs were not associated with this MetS component. HCB was inversely associated with HDL cholesterol levels, while PCB-180 was positively associated. HCB and γ-HCH concentrations were also positively correlated with DBP and SBP levels. PCB-138 was also positively associated with SBP. Adjusted logistic models revealed that exposure to HCB and γ-HCH were associated with increased odds of MetS [ORs (95%CI) 1.53 (1.22-1.92) and 1.39 (1.10-1.76) respectively; p < 0.01]. No associations were observed for the remaining POPs. WQS models showed a positive and significant mixture effect of POPs on the odds of MetS (exp [beta] = 2.34; p < 0.001), with γ-HCH (52.9%), o,p'-DDT (26.9%) and HCB (19.7%) driving the association.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings support that POPs accumulated in VAT, specifically HCB and (gamma)-HCH, are associated with both isolated components and clinically diagnosed SMT.

Menstrual blood concentrations of parabens and benzophenones and related factors in a sample of Spanish women: An exploratory study

AIM

To evaluate concentrations of parabens (PBs) and benzophenones (BzPs) in menstrual blood and explore related sociodemographic/lifestyle factors, and to compare between menstrual and peripheral blood concentrations in a subset of samples.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Concentrations of 4 PBs [methyl- (MeP), ethyl- (EtP), propyl- (PrP) and butyl-paraben (BuP)] and 6 BzPs [BzP-1, BzP-2, BzP-3, BzP-6, BzP-8 and 4-OH-BzP] were determined in menstrual blood from 57 women and in both menstrual and peripheral blood samples from 12 women, all healthy Spanish women of reproductive age. Socio-demographic characteristics and lifestyle habits [diet and use of cosmetics and personal care products (PCPs)] were gathered using an online questionnaire. Spearman correlation analysis was performed to examine the relationship between menstrual and peripheral blood concentrations, while multivariable linear regression was used to identify potential explanatory variables for menstrual PB and BzP concentrations.

RESULTS

Globally, all menstrual blood samples had detectable levels of ≥3 compounds, and 52.6% of the samples contained ≥6 compounds. MeP, PrP, and BzP-3 were the most frequently detected compounds (detection frequencies >90.0%), with median concentrations of 1.41, 0.63, and 1.70 ng/mL of menstrual blood, respectively. Age, the use of PCPs, and consumption of some food items (meat, pasta, cheese, or dairy products) were related to the menstrual blood concentrations of some PBs/BzPs. Serum:menstrual blood ratios of PBs/BzPs ranged from 1.7 to 3.6, with no inter-matrix correlations.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reveals, to our knowledge for the first time, the widespread presence of several PBs and BzPs in intimate contact with gynecological tissues, although their concentrations in menstrual blood were not correlated with those in peripheral blood from the same women. These results shed light on the information provided by the menstrual blood as a potential matrix for characterizing exposure to PBs and BzPs, whose consequences for women's reproductive health need to be addressed.

Presence of Bisphenol A and Parabens in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: An Exploratory Study of Potential Sources of Exposure

BACKGROUND

Newborns in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are in contact with a variety of medical products whose production might include synthetic chemicals with hormonal activity.

OBJECTIVES

Our aim was to assess the content of bisphenol A (BPA) and parabens (PBs) and the hormone-like activities of a subset of medical products commonly used in NICUs in prolonged intimate contact with NICU newborns.

METHODS

Fifty-two NICU items were analyzed, determining the concentrations of BPA and PBs [methyl- (MeP), ethyl- (EtP), propyl- (PrP), and butylparaben (BuP)] and using the E-Screen and PALM-luciferase assays to measure the in vitro (anti-)estrogenic and (anti-)androgenic activity, respectively, of the extracts. Items found to have elevated BPA/PB content or hormone-like activities were further extracted using leaching methodologies.

RESULTS

BPA was found in three-fifths and PBs in four-fifths of tested NICU items, and ∼25% and ∼10% of extracts evidenced estrogenic and anti-androgenic activity, respectively. The highest BPA content was found in the three-way stopcock (>7.000 ng/g), followed by patterned transparent film dressing, gastro-duodenal feeding tubes, sterile gloves, single-lumen umbilical catheters, and intravenous (IV) infusion extension sets (concentrations ranged from 100 to 700 ng/g BPA). A total PB concentration (∑PBs) >100 ng/g was observed in several items, including light therapy protection glasses, patterned transparent film dressing, winged IV catheters, IV infusion extension sets, and textile tape. The highest estrogenic activity [>450 pM estradiol equivalent (E2eq)] was found in small dummy nipples, three-way stopcocks, and patterned transparent film dressing and the highest anti-androgenic activity [>5 mM procymidone equivalent units per gram (Proceq/g)] in small dummy nipples and three-way stopcocks.

DISCUSSION

According to these findings, neonates might be exposed to multiple sources of BPA and PBs in NICUs via inhalation, dermal, oral, and IV/parenteral routes. There is a need to address the future health implications for these extremely vulnerable patients and to adopt precautionary preventive measures as a matter of urgency. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP5564.

Concentrations of bisphenol A and parabens in socks for infants and young children in Spain and their hormone-like activities

BACKGROUND

Little information is available on the content of bisphenol A (BPA) and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as parabens in infant textiles and clothes.

OBJECTIVES

1) To determine the concentrations of BPA and parabens in socks for infants and young children purchased in Spain, 2) to assess the (anti-)estrogenicity and (anti-)androgenicity of extracts from the socks, and 3) to estimate dermal exposure doses to these chemicals.

METHODS

Thirty-two pairs of socks for infants and young children (1-48 months) were purchased from 3 stores in Granada (Spain). Textile material was cut from the foot, toe, and leg of each sock (n = 96 samples) for chemical analysis. Hormone-like activities were determined in foot sections (n = 32 samples) by using the E-Screen assay for (anti-)estrogenicity and PALM luciferase assay for (anti-)androgenicity.

RESULTS

BPA was present in 90.6% of samples at concentrations ranging from <0.70 to 3736 ng/g. BPA levels were around 25-fold higher in socks from store 1, which had a higher cotton content compared to stores 2 and 3. Ethyl-paraben was found in 100% of samples, followed by methyl-paraben (81.0%), and propyl-paraben (43.7%). No butyl-paraben was detected in any sample. Estrogenic activity was detected in 83.3% of socks from store 1 (range = 48.2-6051 pM E₂eq/g) but in only three socks from stores 2 and 3. Anti-androgenic activity was detected in six of the 32 socks studied (range = 94.4-2989 μM Proceq/g), all from store 1. Estimated dermal exposure to BPA was higher from socks for children aged 36-48 months (median = 17.6 pg/kg/day), and dermal exposure to parabens was higher from socks for children aged 24-36 months (median = 0.60 pg/kg/day).

DISCUSSION

This is the first report in Europe on the wide presence of BPA and parabens in socks marketed for infants and children. BPA appears to contribute to the hormone-like activity observed in sock extracts.

Determination of bisphenol A and bisphenol S concentrations and assessment of estrogen- and anti-androgen-like activities in thermal paper receipts from Brazil, France, and Spain

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a high-production-volume chemical with endocrine disrupting properties commonly used as color developer in thermal paper. Concerns about the potential hazards of human BPA exposure have led to the increasing utilization of alternatives such as bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF). This study was designed to assess: (i) BPA, BPS, and BPF concentrations in 112 thermal paper receipts from Brazil, France, and Spain by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS); and (ii) hormone-like activities of these receipts using two receptor-specific bioassays, the E-Screen for (anti-)estrogenicity and PALM luciferase assay for (anti-)androgenicity. BPA was present in 95.3% of receipts from Spain, 90.9% of those from Brazil, and 51.1% of those from France at concentrations up to 20.27 mg/g of paper. Only two samples from Brazil, two from Spain, and ten from France had a BPS concentration ranging from 6.46 to 13.29 mg/g; no BPA or BPS was detected in 27.7% of French samples. No BPF was detected in any receipt. Estrogenic activity was observed in all samples from Brazil and Spain and in 74.5% of those from France. Anti-androgenic activity was observed in > 90% of samples from Brazil and Spain and in 53.2% of those from France. Only 25.5% of French samples were negative for both estrogenic and anti-androgenic activity. Estrogenic and anti-androgenic activities per gram of paper were up to 1.411 µM estradiol (E₂) equivalent units (E₂eq) and up to 359.5 mM procymidone equivalent units (Proceq), respectively. BPA but not BPS concentrations were positively correlated with both estrogenic and anti-androgenic activities. BPA still dominates the thermal paper market in Brazil and Spain, and BPS appears to be one of the main alternatives in France. There is an urgent need to evaluate the safety of alternatives proposed to replace BPA as developer in thermal printing. The large proportion of samples with hormonal activity calls for the adoption of preventive measures.

Environmental phenols and parabens in adipose tissue from hospitalized adults in Southern Spain

Urinary concentrations of non-persistent environmental pollutants (npEPs) are widely assessed in biomonitoring studies under the assumption that they are metabolised and eliminated in urine. However, some of these chemicals are moderately lipophilic, and their presence in other biological matrices should also be evaluated to estimate mid/long-term exposure to npEPs and its impact on human health. The present study aims to explore concentrations and potential determinants of npEPs in adipose tissue from a hospital-based adult cohort (GraMo cohort, Southern Spain). Concentrations of bisphenol-A (BPA), benzophenone-3 (BP-3), triclosan (TCS), three chlorophenols (2,4-DCP, 2,5-DCP and 2,4,5-TCP) and two phenylphenols (2-PP and 4-PP), triclocarban (TCCB) and parabens [methyl- (MeP), ethyl- (EtP), propyl- (n-PrP and i-PrP), butyl- (n-BuP and i-BuP) and benzyl-paraben (BzP)] were analysed in adipose tissue samples from a subcohort of 144 participants. Spearman correlation tests were performed, followed by stepwise multivariable linear regression analyses to assess determinants of the exposure. Detection frequencies and median concentrations were: BPA (86.8%, 0.54 ng/g tissue), BP-3 (79.2%, 0.60 ng/g tissue), TCS (45.8%, <LOD), 2-PP (18.8%, <LOD), MeP (100.0%, 0.40 ng/g tissue), EtP (20.1%, <LOD) and n-PrP (54.2%, 0.06 ng/g tissue). The remaining npEPs were detected in <10% of the samples. BPA, MeP, EtP and n-PrP levels were significantly and positively correlated, while BP-3 showed a positive correlation with TCS and 2-PP. Older participants showed higher concentrations of TCS and MeP, while BMI was inversely associated with most of the analysed compounds and perceived recent weight loss was inversely associated with 2-PP. Female participants and residents of rural areas had increased BP-3 concentrations. npEP concentrations were positively associated with the consumption of fatty food but negatively associated with the consumption of vegetables and fruit. This study reveals the widespread presence of numerous npEPs in adipose tissue from adults in southern Spain, suggesting a generalized distribution of these environmental compounds in fatty tissues. In these adults, many of the determinants of npEP concentrations in adipose tissue were similar to those of more lipophilic and persistent compounds.

Urinary levels of bisphenol A, benzophenones and parabens in Tunisian women: A pilot study

Bisphenol A (BPA), benzophenones and parabens are commonly used in the production of polycarbonate plastics, as UV-filters and as antimicrobial preservatives, respectively, and they are thought to exhibit endocrine disrupting properties. Exposure to these compounds remains poorly characterized in developing countries, despite the fact that certain behaviors related to westernization have the potential to influence exposure. The aim of this pilot study was to measure urinary concentrations of BPA, six different benzophenones and four parabens in 34 Tunisian women. In addition, we identified some socio-demographic and dietary predictors of exposure to these compounds. Chemical analyses were carried out by dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry detection (UHPLC-MS/MS). Detection frequencies of methylparaben (MP), ethylparaben (EP) and propylparaben (PP) ranged between 67.6 and 94.1%. Butylparaben (BP) was found in 38.2% of the analyzed samples; BPA in 64.7%; and benzophenone-1 (BP-1) and benzophenone-3 (BP-3) were detected in 91.2 and 64.7% of the analyzed samples, respectively. Urinary geometric mean concentrations of MP, EP, PP, and BP were 30.1, 1.4, 2.0 and 0.5ngmL(-1), respectively. Geometric mean concentrations of BPA, BP-1, and BP-3 were 0.4, 1.3 and 1.1ngmL(-1), respectively. Our results suggest that Tunisian women are widely exposed to BPA, parabens and some benzophenones. Further studies on the general Tunisian population are needed in order to assess the levels of exposure to these compounds and to identify sources of exposure and population groups at higher risk.

Bisphenol A and other phenols in human placenta from children with cryptorchidism or hypospadias

Embryo-foetal exposure to low doses of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) has been related to reproductive tract diseases in experimental animals but not convincingly in human populations. The aim of this case-control study was to explore the relationship between exposure to non-persistent EDCs during pregnancy and male genital development. Exposure to bisphenol-A (BPA), benzophenones (BPs) [BP-1, BP-2, BP-3, BP-6, BP-8 and 4-hydroxybenzophenone (4-OH-BP),] and parabens (PBs) [methyl-, ethyl-, propyl- and butyl-PB] was analyzed by means of ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in placenta samples from a subsample of 28 cases and 51 healthy controls nested in a cohort of newborns recruited between 2000 and 2002. The multivariable regression analyses indicated a statistically significant association between exposure to BPA and propyl-PB and the risk of malformations [adjusted odd ratio (95% CIs) in the third tertile of exposure: 7.2 (1.5-35.5) and 6.4 (1.2-35.5) for BPA and propyl-PB, respectively].

Zearalenone and its metabolites in urine and breast cancer risk: a case-control study in Tunisia

Zearalenone (ZON) is a non-steroidal estrogenic mycotoxin produced by Fusarium species. The exposure risk to humans and animals is the consumption of contaminated food and animal feeds. It has been reported that ZON and some of its metabolites promote the development of hormone-dependent tumors. The aim of this case-control study was to estimate exposure to ZON and its five metabolites (α-zearalenol [α-ZOL], β-zearalenol [β-ZOL], α-zearalanol [zeranol, α-ZAL], β-zearalanol [teranol, β-ZAL] and zearalanone [ZAN]) by measuring urinary concentrations of these compounds, and to evaluate the risk of breast cancer related to this exposure. Chemical analyses were carried out by liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry detection (UHPLC-MS/MS). Statistical analyses were performed in order to determine the association between exposure to these compounds and the development of breast cancer. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by unconditional logistic regression to estimate the magnitude of the associations. The obtained results (adjusted OR=1.54, 95% CI=1.10-2.77) suggest a potential role of α-ZAL in the risk of developing breast cancer.

Serum levels of persistent organic pollutants and predictors of exposure in Tunisian women

INTRODUCTION

In spite of the international consensus on the human health risks associated with exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs), the Tunisian population is suspected to have been inadvertently exposed to POPs over the last decades.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate POP concentrations in the serum of a subset of 54 Tunisian women and to identify some socio-demographic and dietary predictors of exposure to POPs.

RESULTS

Of the ten POPs analyzed, three polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners (-138, -153 and -180), and two organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), HCB and p,p'-DDE, showed frequencies ranging from 98 to 100%. Serum median concentrations of PCB congeners (-138, -153 PCB-180) were 26.08, 119.1 and 29.84 ng/g lipid, respectively, and median concentrations of HCB and p,p'-DDE were 19.98 and 127.59 ng/g lipid, respectively. Age was positively correlated with serum levels of selected POPs. Women living in northern Tunisia showed higher serum levels of all PCBs. Working outside home and cereal consumption were positively associated to serum levels of p,p'-DDE. The duration of the lactation was also related to lower serum levels of p,p'-DDE and HCB.

CONCLUSION

The levels of exposure to POPs found warrant a biomonitoring program in order to identify routes of exposure and population groups at higher risk. This program will help to establish prevention policies and to determine the association between exposure to POPs and chronic diseases.

Screening of hormone-like activities in bottled waters available in Southern Spain using receptor-specific bioassays

Bottled water consumption is a putative source of human exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Research has been conducted on the presence of chemicals with estrogen-like activity in bottled waters and on their estrogenicity, but few data are available on the presence of hormonal activities associated with other nuclear receptors (NRs). The aim of this study was to determine the presence of endocrine activities dependent on the activation of human estrogen receptor alpha (hERa) and/or androgen receptor (hAR) in water in glass or plastic bottles sold to consumers in Southern Spain. Hormone-like activities were evaluated in 29 bottled waters using receptor-specific bioassays based on reporter gene expression in PALM cells [(anti-)androgenicity] and cell proliferation assessment in MCF-7 cells [(anti-)estrogenicity] after optimized solid phase extraction (SPE). All of the water samples analyzed showed hormonal activity. This was estrogenic in 79.3% and anti-estrogenic in 37.9% of samples and was androgenic in 27.5% and anti-androgenic in 41.3%, with mean concentrations per liter of 0.113pM 17β-estradiol (E2) equivalent units (E2Eq), 11.01pM anti-estrogen (ICI 182780) equivalent units (ICI 182780Eq), 0.33pM methyltrienolone (R1881) equivalent units (R1881Eq), and 0.18nM procymidone equivalent units (ProcEq). Bottled water consumption contributes to EDC exposure. Hormone-like activities observed in waters from both plastic and glass bottles suggest that plastic packaging is not the sole source of contamination and that the source of the water and bottling process may play a role, among other factors. Further research is warranted on the cumulative effects of long-term exposure to low doses of EDCs.

Validation of a UHPLC-MS/MS method for quantification of zearalenone, α-zearalenol, β-zearalenol, α-zearalanol, β-zearalanol and zearalanone in human urine

Humans can be exposed to mycotoxins through the diet. Evaluation of exposure levels to mycotoxins can be performed by direct determination in urine. The present work proposes a sensitive ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method for the determination of zearalenone (ZON) and its five metabolites (α-zearalenol [α-ZOL], β-zearalenol [β-ZOL], α-zearalanol [zeranol, α-ZAL], β-zearalanol [teranol, β-ZAL] and zearalanone [ZAN]) in human urine samples. The method involves the enzymatic hydrolysis of the samples, extraction of the analytes using liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) with ethyl acetate/formic acid (99:1 v/v) and a cleanup step using hexane, prior to their quantification by UHPLC-MS/MS, using an electrospray ionization (ESI) interface in the negative mode. Zearalenone-d6 (ZON-d6) was used as surrogate. The limits of detection and the limits of quantification ranged from 0.03 to 0.3ngmL(-1) and from 0.1 to 1.0ngmL(-1), respectively. The method was validated using matrix-matched calibration and a spike recovery assay. Recovery rates for spiked samples ranged from 96% to 104%, with relative standard deviations lower than 8.5%. This method was satisfactorily applied to 42 urine samples from Tunisian women for the determination of zearalenone and its five metabolites.

A new liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for determination of parabens in human placental tissue samples

Endocrine disruptors are a group of organic compounds widely used, which are ubiquitous in the environment and in biological samples. The main effect of these compounds is associated with their ability to mimic or block the action of natural hormones in living organisms, including humans. Parabens (esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid) belong to this group of compounds. In this work, we propose a new liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method to asses the presence of parabens most commonly used in industrial applications (methyl-, ethyl-, propyl- and butyl-paraben) in samples of human placental tissue. The method involves the extraction of the analytes from the samples using ethyl acetate, followed by a clean-up step using centrifugation prior to their quantification by LC-MS/MS using an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) interface in the negative mode. Deuterated bisphenol A (BPA-d(16)) was used as surrogate. Found detection limits (LOD) ranged from 0.03 to 0.06 ng g(-1) and quantification limits (LOQ) from 0.1 to 0.2 ng g(-1), while inter- and intra-day variability was under 13.8%. The method was validated using standard addition calibration and a spike recovery assay. Recovery rates for spiked samples ranged from 82% to 108%. This method was satisfactorily applied for the determination of parabens in 50 placental tissue samples collected from women who live in the province of Granada (Spain).

New sample treatment for the determination of alkylphenols and alkylphenol ethoxylates in agricultural soils

A new sample treatment for alkylphenols (AP) and alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEO) determination in agricultural soil samples has been developed. In a first stage these compounds were isolated from soil by pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) using methanol. In a second stage the extracts were cleaned up and pre-concentrated by solid-phase extraction (SPE) using ENV+cartridges. The effect of different variables on PLE and SPE was also studied. In the last place, separation and quantification of analytes were performed by liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (LC-FD) and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Quantification limits (QL) ranged from 20 to 200 ng g(-1) for LC-FD and from 3 to 126 ng g(-1) for GC-MS. This method was satisfactorily applied in a study field designed to evaluate the environmental behaviour of APEOs in agricultural soils.