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Dufault R, Schnoll R, Lukiw WJ, LeBlanc B, Cornett C, Patrick L, Wallinga D, Gilbert SG, Crider R. Correction to: Mercury exposure, nutritional deficiencies and metabolic disruptions may affect learning in children. Behav Brain Funct 2018; 14:3. [PMID: 29415737 PMCID: PMC5803860 DOI: 10.1186/s12993-018-0136-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Roseanne Schnoll
- Department of Health and Nutrition Sciences, Brooklyn College of CUNY, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Walter J Lukiw
- Departments of Neuroscience and Ophthalmology, LSU Neuroscience Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | | | - Charles Cornett
- Department of Chemistry and Engineering Physics, University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Platteville, WI, USA
| | - Lyn Patrick
- Contributing Editor, Alternative Medicine Review, Durango, CO, USA
| | - David Wallinga
- Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Steven G Gilbert
- Institute of Neurotoxicology and Neurological Disorders, 8232 14th Avenue NE, Seattle, WA, USA
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Dufault R, Berg Z, Crider R, Schnoll R, Wetsit L, Bulls WT, Gilbert SG, Kingston HMS, Wolle MM, Rahman GMM, Laks DR. Blood inorganic mercury is directly associated with glucose levels in the human population and may be linked to processed food intake. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 2. [PMID: 33889422 PMCID: PMC8059611 DOI: 10.15761/imm.1000134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Background: The goals of the study were (1) to determine the impact of inorganic mercury exposure on glucose homeostasis; and (2) to evaluate the effectiveness of two community-based interventions in promoting dietary changes among American Indian college students to reduce risk factors for Type-2 Diabetes including fasting glucose, insulin, and mercury levels, weight, and body mass index. Methods: To accomplish goal one, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) dataset was analyzed using a previously published method to determine if there is a relationship between inorganic blood mercury and fasting glucose. To accomplish goal two, ten college students were recruited and randomly assigned to a group receiving the online macroepigenetics nutrition course and the support group for eliminating corn sweeteners. Participants in both groups were assessed for diet patterns, weight, body mass index (BMI), fasting glucose, insulin, and mercury levels. The interventions were implemented over a 10-week period. Results: Analysis of the NHANES data (n=16,232) determined a direct relationship between inorganic mercury in blood and fasting glucose levels (p<0.001). The participants who took the online macroepigenetics nutrition intervention course significantly improved their diets (p<0.01), and fasting blood glucose levels (p<0.01) while having lower levels of inorganic mercury in their blood compared to the subjects in the group who eliminated corn sweeteners from their diet and participated in the support group. The trend in lower blood inorganic mercury was strong with p=0.052. The participants in the support group who eliminated corn sweeteners from their diet achieved significant weight loss (p<0.01) and reduced their body mass index (p<0.01). Conclusion: Total blood mercury levels may be influenced by dietary intake of highly processed foods and lower inorganic mercury levels are associated with lower fasting glucose levels. Alternative community-based interventions emphasizing the role food ingredients and toxic substances play in gene modulation and the development of diseases can result in significant dietary improvements and reductions in risk factors associated with type-2 diabetes. A healthier diet can be promoted among community members using a novel online nutrition course. Consumption of corn sweeteners may be a risk factor in the development of obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renee Dufault
- Food Ingredient and Health Research Institute, Naalehu, Hawaii, USA.,Fort Peck Community College, Poplar, Montana, USA
| | - Zara Berg
- Fort Peck Community College, Poplar, Montana, USA
| | - Raquel Crider
- Food Ingredient and Health Research Institute, Naalehu, Hawaii, USA.,Shepherd University, Shepherdstown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Roseanne Schnoll
- Food Ingredient and Health Research Institute, Naalehu, Hawaii, USA.,Department of Health and Nutrition Sciences, Brooklyn College of City University of New York, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Larry Wetsit
- Fort Peck Community College, Poplar, Montana, USA
| | | | - Steven G Gilbert
- Food Ingredient and Health Research Institute, Naalehu, Hawaii, USA.,Institute of Neurotoxicology and Neurological Disorders, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - H M Skip Kingston
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mesay Mulugeta Wolle
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - G M Mizanur Rahman
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Dan R Laks
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, California, USA
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Hoover E, Cook K, Plain R, Sanchez K, Waghiyi V, Miller P, Dufault R, Sislin C, Carpenter DO. Indigenous peoples of North America: environmental exposures and reproductive justice. Environ Health Perspect 2012; 120:1645-1649. [PMID: 22899635 DOI: 10.1289/eph.1205422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2012] [Accepted: 08/16/2012] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Indigenous American communities face disproportionate health burdens and environmental health risks compared with the average North American population. These health impacts are issues of both environmental and reproductive justice. OBJECTIVES In this commentary, we review five indigenous communities in various stages of environmental health research and discuss the intersection of environmental health and reproductive justice issues in these communities as well as the limitations of legal recourse. DISCUSSION The health disparities impacting life expectancy and reproductive capabilities in indigenous communities are due to a combination of social, economic, and environmental factors. The system of federal environmental and Indian law is insufficient to protect indigenous communities from environmental contamination. Many communities are interested in developing appropriate research partnerships in order to discern the full impact of environmental contamination and prevent further damage. CONCLUSIONS Continued research involving collaborative partnerships among scientific researchers, community members, and health care providers is needed to determine the impacts of this contamination and to develop approaches for remediation and policy interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Hoover
- American Studies Department, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912 , USA.
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Dufault R, Lukiw WJ, Crider R, Schnoll R, Wallinga D, Deth R. A macroepigenetic approach to identify factors responsible for the autism epidemic in the United States. Clin Epigenetics 2012; 4:6. [PMID: 22490277 PMCID: PMC3378453 DOI: 10.1186/1868-7083-4-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2011] [Accepted: 04/10/2012] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The number of children ages 6 to 21 in the United States receiving special education services under the autism disability category increased 91% between 2005 to 2010 while the number of children receiving special education services overall declined by 5%. The demand for special education services continues to rise in disability categories associated with pervasive developmental disorders. Neurodevelopment can be adversely impacted when gene expression is altered by dietary transcription factors, such as zinc insufficiency or deficiency, or by exposure to toxic substances found in our environment, such as mercury or organophosphate pesticides. Gene expression patterns differ geographically between populations and within populations. Gene variants of paraoxonase-1 are associated with autism in North America, but not in Italy, indicating regional specificity in gene-environment interactions. In the current review, we utilize a novel macroepigenetic approach to compare variations in diet and toxic substance exposure between these two geographical populations to determine the likely factors responsible for the autism epidemic in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renee Dufault
- Food Ingredient and Health Research Institute, Ocean View, HI, USA.
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Dufault R, Schnoll R, Lukiw WJ, Leblanc B, Cornett C, Patrick L, Wallinga D, Gilbert SG, Crider R. Mercury exposure, nutritional deficiencies and metabolic disruptions may affect learning in children. Behav Brain Funct 2009; 5:44. [PMID: 19860886 PMCID: PMC2773803 DOI: 10.1186/1744-9081-5-44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2009] [Accepted: 10/27/2009] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Among dietary factors, learning and behavior are influenced not only by nutrients, but also by exposure to toxic food contaminants such as mercury that can disrupt metabolic processes and alter neuronal plasticity. Neurons lacking in plasticity are a factor in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and mental retardation. Essential nutrients help maintain normal neuronal plasticity. Nutritional deficiencies, including deficiencies in the long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, the amino acid methionine, and the trace minerals zinc and selenium, have been shown to influence neuronal function and produce defects in neuronal plasticity, as well as impact behavior in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Nutritional deficiencies and mercury exposure have been shown to alter neuronal function and increase oxidative stress among children with autism. These dietary factors may be directly related to the development of behavior disorders and learning disabilities. Mercury, either individually or in concert with other factors, may be harmful if ingested in above average amounts or by sensitive individuals. High fructose corn syrup has been shown to contain trace amounts of mercury as a result of some manufacturing processes, and its consumption can also lead to zinc loss. Consumption of certain artificial food color additives has also been shown to lead to zinc deficiency. Dietary zinc is essential for maintaining the metabolic processes required for mercury elimination. Since high fructose corn syrup and artificial food color additives are common ingredients in many foodstuffs, their consumption should be considered in those individuals with nutritional deficits such as zinc deficiency or who are allergic or sensitive to the effects of mercury or unable to effectively metabolize and eliminate it from the body.
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LeBlanc BW, Eggleston G, Sammataro D, Cornett C, Dufault R, Deeby T, St. Cyr E. Formation of Hydroxymethylfurfural in Domestic High-Fructose Corn Syrup and Its Toxicity to the Honey Bee (Apis mellifera). J Agric Food Chem 2009; 57:7369-76. [PMID: 19645504 DOI: 10.1021/jf9014526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
In the United States, high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has become a sucrose replacement for honey bees and has widespread use as a sweetener in many processed foods and beverages for human consumption. It is utilized by commercial beekeepers as a food for honey bees for several reasons: to promote brood production, after bees have been moved for commercial pollination, and when field-gathered nectar sources are scarce. Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is a heat-formed contaminant and is the most noted toxin to honey bees. Currently, there are no rapid field tests that would alert beekeepers of dangerous levels of HMF in HFCS or honey. In this study, the initial levels and the rates of formation of HMF at four temperatures were evaluated in U.S.-available HFCS samples. Different HFCS brands were analyzed and compared for acidity and metal ions by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy. Levels of HMF in eight HFCS products were evaluated over 35 days, and the data were fit to polynomial and exponential equations, with excellent correlations. The data can be used by beekeepers to predict HMF formation on storage. Caged bee studies were conducted to evaluate the HMF dose-response effect on bee mortality. Finally, commercial bases such as lime, potash, and caustic soda were added to neutralize hydronium ion in HMF samples, and the rates of HMF formation were compared at 45 degrees C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blaise W. LeBlanc
- Carl Hayden Bee Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2000 East Allen Road, Tucson, Arizona 85719
| | - Gillian Eggleston
- Southern Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, New Orleans, Louisiana 70179
| | - Diana Sammataro
- Carl Hayden Bee Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2000 East Allen Road, Tucson, Arizona 85719
| | - Charles Cornett
- Department of Chemistry and Engineering Physics, University of Wisconsin, Platteville, Wisconsin 53818
| | - Renee Dufault
- United Tribes Technical College, Bismark, North Dakota 58504
| | - Thomas Deeby
- Carl Hayden Bee Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2000 East Allen Road, Tucson, Arizona 85719
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Dufault R, LeBlanc B, Schnoll R, Cornett C, Schweitzer L, Wallinga D, Hightower J, Patrick L, Lukiw WJ. Mercury from chlor-alkali plants: measured concentrations in food product sugar. Environ Health 2009; 8:2. [PMID: 19171026 PMCID: PMC2637263 DOI: 10.1186/1476-069x-8-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2008] [Accepted: 01/26/2009] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Mercury cell chlor-alkali products are used to produce thousands of other products including food ingredients such as citric acid, sodium benzoate, and high fructose corn syrup. High fructose corn syrup is used in food products to enhance shelf life. A pilot study was conducted to determine if high fructose corn syrup contains mercury, a toxic metal historically used as an anti-microbial. High fructose corn syrup samples were collected from three different manufacturers and analyzed for total mercury. The samples were found to contain levels of mercury ranging from below a detection limit of 0.005 to 0.570 micrograms mercury per gram of high fructose corn syrup. Average daily consumption of high fructose corn syrup is about 50 grams per person in the United States. With respect to total mercury exposure, it may be necessary to account for this source of mercury in the diet of children and sensitive populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Roseanne Schnoll
- Department of Health and Nutrition Sciences, Brooklyn College of CUNY, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Charles Cornett
- Department of Chemistry and Engineering Physics, University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Platteville, WI, USA
| | - Laura Schweitzer
- Department of Chemistry and Engineering Physics, University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Platteville, WI, USA
| | - David Wallinga
- Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Jane Hightower
- Department of Internal Medicine, California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lyn Patrick
- Contributing Editor, Alternative Medicine Review, Durango, CO, USA
| | - Walter J Lukiw
- Professor of Neuroscience and Ophthalmology, LSU Neuroscience Center. Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
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Dufault R, Abelquist E, Crooks S, Demers D, DiBerardinis L, Franklin T, Horowitz M, Petullo C, Sturchio G. Reducing environmental risk associated with laboratory decommissioning and property transfer. Environ Health Perspect 2000; 108 Suppl 6:1015-1022. [PMID: 11121365 PMCID: PMC1240234 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.00108s61015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The need for more or less space is a common laboratory problem. Solutions may include renovating existing space, leaving or demolishing old space, or acquiring new space or property for building. All of these options carry potential environmental risk. Such risk can be the result of activities related to the laboratory facility or property (e.g., asbestos, underground storage tanks, lead paint), or the research associated with it (e.g., radioactive, microbiological, and chemical contamination). Regardless of the option chosen to solve the space problem, the potential environmental risk must be mitigated and the laboratory space and/or property must be decommissioned or rendered safe prior to any renovation, demolition, or property transfer activities. Not mitigating the environmental risk through a decommissioning process can incur significant financial liability for any costs associated with future decommissioning cleanup activities. Out of necessity, a functioning system, environmental due diligence auditing, has evolved over time to assess environmental risk and reduce associated financial liability. This system involves a 4-phase approach to identify, document, manage, and clean up areas of environmental concern or liability, including contamination. Environmental due diligence auditing includes a) historical site assessment, b) characterization assessment, c) remedial effort and d) final status survey. General practice standards from the American Society for Testing and Materials are available for conducting the first two phases. However, standards have not yet been developed for conducting the third and final phases of the environmental due diligence auditing process. Individuals involved in laboratory decommissioning work in the biomedical research industry consider this a key weakness.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Dufault
- Division of Facilities Planning, Engineerinf and Safety, United States Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, Maryland 20857, USA.
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