Environmental analysis, health and toxicology最新文献

Non-persistent endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are associated with increased oxidative stress and disrupted thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) during pregnancy; however, the results of previous studies are inconsistent. This study assessed the concentrations of 15 non-persistent chemicals, TSH, and oxidative stress biomarkers in pregnant women during the first trimester in Korea. This study was a prospective cohort study, recruiting a total of 242 pregnant women from March 18, 2022 to March 17, 2023. Pregnant women who agreed to participate in the study provided blood and urine samples in the first and third trimesters of pregnancy. Concentrations of three bisphenols, four parabens, triclosan, benzophenone-3, two volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and four polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were analyzed in urine samples. TSH, malondialdehyde (MDA), and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were measured as biomarkers of thyroid function and oxidative stress. The geometric mean concentration of the chemicals ranged from 0.07 to 45.20 μg/g creatinine, and were lower or similar to those in previous studies, except for ethyl paraben (EP). Spearman's coefficients of correlation ranged from -0.26 to 0.51. A multiple linear regression model was constructed after adjusting for covariates (maternal age, pre-pregnancy body mass index, education level, income, residence area, parity, and maternal cotinine level). BPF (ß = -0.184, p = .020, 95 % CI = -0.223 to -0.020), 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) (ß = -0.197, p = .046, 95 % CI = -0.915 to -0.009), and , 2-hydroxyfluorene (2-FLU) (ß = 0.199, p = .026, 95 % CI = 0.053 to 0.819) were significantly associated with TSH. trans, trans-muconic acid (t,t-MA) (ß = 0262, p = .001, 95 % CI = 0.050 to 0.181) showed a positive association with malondialdehyde (MDA) as a biomarker for oxidative stress. Therefore, pregnant women should minimize their exposure to EDCs, which impact oxidative stress and TSH in the early stages of pregnancy.

This study aimed to analyze the spatial and temporal distribution of N-nitrosamines (NAs) in water samples collected from the Soyang Drinking Water Treatment Plant (DWTP) and five tap water sampling locations in Chuncheon, Gangwon State, Republic of Korea, located 0.9 to 6.2 km away from the DWTP. The treated water from the DWTP was monitored for 24 h. NAs were quantitatively measured using high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD) after solid-phase extraction (SPE) with Carboxen 572, denitrosation, and dansylation. Three NAs in the water samples showed high detection rates exceeding 66.7%, with N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) levels reaching up to 45.0 ng/L in the DWTP and 62.6 ng/L in tap water. The concentration of NDMA increased from 2.50 to 30.7 ng/L in 24 h and showed a significant correlation with dimethylamine, temperature, dissolved organic carbon and nitrogen, and total chlorine. This study highlighted the importance of using advanced monitoring systems for tap water and the necessity of implementing strategies to control NAs.

Tampons usage is being practiced worldwide as safe for menstrual protection. However, studies have shown the presence of certain heavy metals possessing feminine health risk due to absorptive capacity of vaginal epithelium leading to certain health consequences i.e. neurological, renal and reproductive disorders. In this regard, necessary measures are required to be taken like public health initiatives, education campaigns, regular screening and the use of chelators to remove heavy metals from the body. The regulatory authorities are urged to implement safety standards for tampon manufacturing processed and ensure transparent labeling of ingredients. By adapting these measures, the feminine health and tampon safety can be protected.

Trace metals play a pivotal role in maintaining normal and healthy physiology due to their various metabolic functions in humans. This study was performed to identify the association between trace metals and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) through a comparative analysis of serum samples from both healthy controls and T2DM patients. Additionally, we aim to explore the potential connection between gender differences and the concentration of trace metals in T2DM patients. The study included 103 participants, comprising 53 healthy controls and 50 T2DM patients, with blood samples stored at Eulji University Hospital (Daejeon, Korea). Serum concentrations of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and selenium (Se) and chromium (Cr) levels were measured and statistically analyzed by t-tests and logistic regression after the outliers replaced by mean. In the overall participants, serum concentrations of Cu and Mn in T2DM group was significantly different compared to the control group (P < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis indicated that Cu, Se and Mn concentration was significantly different in T2DM patients than in healthy controls in adjusted for age and sex. When examining trace metal concentrations by gender difference, Se were significantly lower in T2DM men (P < 0.01), while T2DM women exhibited significantly higher levels of Zn, Se and Mn (P < 0.05). Especially in women, logistic regression analysis indicated that Cu, Se and Mn concentration was significantly different in T2DM patients than in healthy control (adjusted for age OR of Cu, 0.92; 95 % CI 0.87 - 0.98, adjusted OR of Se, 3.04; 95 % CI, 1.71 - 5.34; adjusted OR of Mn, 4.50; 95 % CI, 2.09 - 9.68). This study showed that trace metal imbalances related to Se and Mn in patients with T2DM were particularly relevant in women. It highlights the significance of gender difference and suggests the potential benefits of regular monitoring of trace metal concentrations in the management of T2DM patients.

Microplastic in marine environment represent a global issue, originating from both land-based and ocean-based activities. The microplastic contamination in marine biota can lead to the ingestion of microplastics by human through the consumption. This study aims to investigates the abundance of microplastic in marine biota and to assess human health risk among community in coastal area of Muncar District - Banyuwangi Regency. This study was conducted in the coastal area of Muncar district in 2023. The sample of mussels and squid was collected 100 gr, respectively, used to measure the abundance of microplastics. Additionally, 130 respondents were recruited to assess the health risk among community. Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with was used to examine the influence of microplastic concentration, the intake rate, and human health risk with Smart PLS 3. The total abundance of microplastic in mussels and squid was found 23 particles or 0.23 particle per gram. The microplastics identified were primarily fiber, with colors including transparent, purple, red and black. The microplastics consisted of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester terephthalic acid and Polyvinyl acetate ethylene. The indirect effect between microplastics concentration, intake rate and hazard quotient are significant (p-value < 0.05). Therefore, microplastic concentrations in marine biota can influence carcinogenic intake, which in turn becomes an indirect factor affecting hazard quotient associated with microplastic consumption. Prolonged or excessive consumption of marine biota with high levels of microplastics can lead to increased carcinogenic intake, thereby elevating the potential health risks to humans.

The present investigation aimed to detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the atmospheric environment of Ondo State, Nigeria. This study used a thorough analytical process to measure VOCs in air samples taken from various places within Ondo State using a portable gas detector and their connection with meteorological data. These fluctuations were related to both natural and anthropogenic activity, such as burning of forest, industrial processes, transportation, and agricultural practices. This study offers important information to the larger discussion on environmental contamination and provides a framework for Ondo State's decision-making and policy development. The average TVOC concentration (measured in mg/m3) during wet conditions is 0.96 ± 0.84, which is significantly lower than the average of 1.98 ± 0.85 during dry conditions. The mean temperature (°C) in wet conditions is 32.83 2.03, which is a little lower than the mean (33.77 ± 2.06) in dry conditions. The mean wind speed (in m/s) during wet conditions is 1.77 ± 0.69, which is greater than the mean wind speed (in m/s) during dry conditions of 1.37 ± 0.69. Mean value of humidity for wet situations is 71.80 ± 3.91, which is a little lower than the mean value for dry conditions, which is 73.47 ± 4.07.similar to those for temperature, show that this difference in humidity is not statistically significant. This work evaluated the potential health risks associated with TVOC. The total hazard quotient (THQ) for adult was 4.0 x 10⁻⁷ for children 4.40 x 10⁻⁷. The children's HQ ranged from 0.36 to 1.70. The adult's ranged from 1.31 to 6.19. However, it was discovered that the health risk posed by breathing in atmospheric TVOC was far higher than the USEPA limits, where HQ >1.

Chlorpyrifos is a widely used organophosphorus pesticide for agricultural purposes to control early disease in crops. Acting as an endocrine disrupting agent for male reproductive systems which leads to reproductive toxicity. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate the potential mechanisms by which three commercial formulations of chlorpyrifos interfere with androgen receptor function and expression in male rats. The research was conducted according to the ethical guidelines established by the institutional animal care and use committee (IACUC), and the protocol received approval from Cairo University- Faculty of Science under approval number (CU/IF/12/23). Twenty-four male Wistar rats were equally allocated to four groups. The control group, chlorpyrifos groups orally received (17.43, 23.43, 21.40 mg/kg) for 28 days (5 days /week). The serum testosterone hormone was estimated, and the testes were collected, and fixed in 10% buffered formalin for histopathological and immunohistochemical examination. Results indicated that chlorpyrifos formulations caused a marked decrease in testosterone levels and downregulation of androgen receptor expression. Moreover, a significant reduction in tubular diameter, lumen diameter, and thickness of germinal epithelial cells was detected along with the Jonson score. In summary, exposure to the three chlorpyrifos formulations resulted in notable alterations in testosterone levels, decreased expression of androgen receptors, and compromised spermatogenesis, culminating in testicular damage and male infertility. Of the formulations assessed, chlorpyrifos-W was identified as the most effective disruptor of androgen signalling, demonstrating higher toxicity compared to the other formulations.

This study investigates the physiological and biochemical stress responses of the microarthropod Xenylla welchi to different sublethal doses of lead-contaminated garden soil in microcosms, aiming to assess the impact of metallic contamination in tropical ecosystems. 24-hour LC50 for lead acetate was determined to be 2653.23 mg/kg. Chronic exposure to various sublethal concentrations (1/2, 1/4, 1/6, and 1/8 of LC50) revealed significant reductions in exuvia production, fecundity, and lifespan, particularly at higher lead concentrations. Several biochemical parameters were assessed to further understand lead-induced stress responses. A marked decrease in glutathione (GSH) levels indicated oxidative stress, while glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity displayed temporal variations, initially increasing and then declining with prolonged exposure. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was consistently inhibited across the treatment groups, reflecting neurotoxicity. Additionally, metallothionein (MT) levels were significantly elevated after extended lead exposure, suggesting an adaptive response to metal detoxification. The cumulative responses of Xenylla welchi suggest that they could be reliable biomarkers for assessing the ecological impact of lead pollution in soil ecosystems, highlighting their potential usefulness in monitoring heavy metal contamination.

This study aims to evaluate the concentrations and potential risks associated with seven volatile N-nitrosamines (NAs), a category of disinfection by-products, present in tap water, while considering realistic human exposure. Tap water samples were collected across four seasons from three central regions (Gangwon State, Gyeonggi-do, and Seoul Metropolitan City) in South Korea and analyzed for the NAs using high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection, following solid-phase extraction and derivatization. Among the NAs examined, three compounds, namely N-nitrosomorpholine (NMOR), N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), and N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA), were identified in all samples. NDMA had the highest concentration at 53.4 ± 19.5 ng/L, while NMOR and NDEA had 3.83 ± 10.56 ng/L and 37.5 ± 25.6 ng/L, respectively. These compounds exhibited similar concentrations across the three regions, with higher levels observed during winter than other seasons. The estimated cancer risk of NDEA was above 10-6, which is a concern. However, actual risk might be even lower when considering Korean drinking water intake patterns such as hot soups and stews. Nevertheless, it is imperative to improve regulatory practices to comprehensively address health risks from food intake, air contamination, and other sources.

Petroleum-powered generators are commonly used in many developing countries as an alternative to meet utility demands. Generator exhaust emission significantly contributes to air pollution, which remains a constant threat to human health due to the presence of aromatic hydrocarbons and other harmful gases. This study assessed oxidative stress parameters in response to exhaust emission from gasoline generator engine in adult male wistar rats. Forty-eight (48) adult wistar rats weighing between 180-200g were randomly allocated to four (4) groups (A-D) of twelve (12) rats each. After the acclimatization period, the control group (A) were kept unexposed, whereas rats in groups (C-D) were exposed daily at 2, 4, and 8-hour intervals for 4, 8, and 12 weeks, respectively. Tissue samples were obtained at four weeks intervals. Fresh lung tissues weighing 1g were rinsed twice in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, pH 8.0), homogenized and centrifuged at 3000 revolutions per minute for 20 min at 4°C. Supernatant levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST), reduced glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant status (TAS) were determined using standard protocols. The findings revealed elevated oxidant levels of MDA, NO, and H2O2, whereas SOD, GPX, GST, GSH, CAT, and TAS were significantly reduced across the exposure time points compared to the unexposed control rats (p < 0.05). The research findings revealed that exposure to emissions from gasoline generators induced oxidative stress in the exposed rats, with the extent of disruption to their oxidative balance dependent on the duration and length of exposure time.