International Journal of Environmental Health Research最新文献

Global epidemic of diabetes mellitus (DM) is a multifactorial metabolic disorder that includes insulin resistance, β-cell dysfunction, and chronic hyperglycemia. DM is known traditionally as lifestyle and genetic predisposition, but the role of environmental pollutants, especially pesticides, has increasingly been at the forefront of attention. Pesticides such as organophosphates, organochlorines, carbamates, and pyrethroids are strong endocrine disruptors, disturbing glucose homeostasis by inhibiting insulin signaling pathways, producing oxidative stress, and activating chronic inflammation. The pesticides enhance the generation of reactive oxygen species that causes mitochondrial impairment, β-cell apoptosis, and lipid peroxidation. It is worsened further by the mediators like TNF-α and IL-6 that have their activity enhanced via the pathways NF-κB and MAPK. Studies have shown an increased prevalence of DM associated with chronic pesticide exposure. The experimental studies support these findings and indicate that low-dose, long-term exposure impairs pancreatic β-cell function, decreases insulin secretion, and modifies adipokine profiles. This review highlights the biochemical and molecular mechanisms involved in pesticide-induced diabetogenesis as described by epidemiological and in vivo studies. The conclusion underlined a critical need for regulatory policies and robust longitudinal studies to address the diabetogenic effects of pesticide residues in herbal formulations, ensuring safety and efficacy while safeguarding global metabolic health.

This study aims to quantify the impact of ambient temperature on the risk of herpangina in Japan. We compiled weekly time-series data on the incidence of herpangina and meteorological factors in all 47 Japanese prefectures (2005-2019). A space-time-stratified case-crossover design, combined with a distributed lag nonlinear model, was employed to estimate the relative risk (RR) of heat exposure across prefectures. A multivariate meta-analysis was conducted to obtain pooled estimates at the national level. Our analysis revealed a nonlinear, inverted U-shaped association between ambient temperature and the incidence of herpangina at the national level in Japan. Peak risk occurred at 24.3 °C, with an RR of 8.65 (95% confidence interval: 6.32-11.84) relative to the minimal risk. This association was predominantly driven by the immediate effects of high temperatures, with the risk persisting for up to four weeks. Our assessment demonstrates that high temperatures increase the risk of herpangina, highlighting the need for targeted preventive measures to mitigate the health impacts of global warming.

Veterinary pharmaceuticals widely used in aquaculture would finally enter into the environment, then adversely affect the "One-Health" trilogy (environmental, human, animal health). As a source-control measure for pharmaceutical pollution, the eco-pharmacovigilance (EPV) has been put in place to control discharge of medicinal products for human use. To further implement EPV for veterinary pharmaceuticals, it is necessary to examine the related anthropogenic activities among key stakeholders in veterinary pharmacovigilance, such as farmers. This study conducted a One-Health assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding EPV for aquaculture discharge of pharmaceuticals among 273 fish farmers in Wuhan, China. Mean knowledge score was 2.21 ± 1.29 out of 10. Most respondents expressed positive attitudes, but also lack of appropriate practices regarding aquaculture discharge of pharmaceutical contaminants and its EPV control. Concern about economy and input cost was identified as the top perceived barrier to eco-friendly use and disposal of veterinary pharmaceuticals, chosen by 26.7% respondents. Moreover, 62.3% farmers were aware of their responsibilities for reducing aquaculture discharge of veterinary pharmaceuticals, however, 45.1% tend to adopt a wait-and-see approach. Data emphasized an urgent need to provide related education and training. EPV measures for aquaculture discharge of pharmaceuticals should be implemented in an economical manner.

This study investigated the relationships among body weight perception (BWP), weight status, attitudes toward healthy nutrition, health perception, body appreciation, and dietary habits, including fad dieting in emerging adults. A total of 91 males and 274 females aged 18-25 completed a survey covering general characteristics, various scales, and anthropometric measurements. Results showed that 67.4% of the emerging adults had accurate body perception (ABP), while 32.6% had inaccurate body perception (IBP). Non-dieters were more likely to have ABP (44.7%) compared to IBP (17.3%) and fad dieters were more common in the ABP group (13.1%) versus the IBP group (9.6%) (p = 0.041). Participants who did not engage in Unhealthy Weight Control Behaviors (UWCB) scored significantly higher on the Attitude Scale for Healthy Nutrition (ASHN) and Body Appreciation Scale (BAS). Health perception (PHS) positively affected ASHN both directly (β = 0.402, p < 0.001) and indirectly (β = 0.455, p < 0.001) through BAS according to mediation analysis. The findings indicate that body perception, and body appreciation may influence dietary behaviors. ABP and IBP may not directly correlate with body image dissatisfaction, therefore ABP isn't a guarantee of healthy dietary choices. PHS, BAS and ASHN may play an active role on UWCB in conjunction with each other.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading global malignancy, yet the relationship between pesticide exposure and CRC risk remains controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the association between exposure to specific pesticide classes (fumigants, fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides) and the risk of colon, colorectal, and rectal cancers. A comprehensive search of international databases (Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase) was conducted up to January 2025. Adjusted risk estimates were pooled using a fixed-effect model for CRC outcomes. Analysis of 32 studies revealed no significant associations between fumigants and CRC risk [colon: ES = 0.87, 95% CI (0.57-1.17); colorectal: ES = 0.92, 95% CI (0.67-1.17); rectal: ES = 1.04, 95% CI (0.54-1.54)]. Similarly, fungicides showed no significant associations [colon: ES = 0.83, 95% CI (0.62-1.03); colorectal: ES = 0.89, 95% CI (0.72-1.07); rectal: ES = 0.96, 95% CI (0.62-1.31)]. Herbicides also demonstrated no risk associations across CRC [colon: ES = 0.98, 95% CI (0.85-1.10); colorectal: ES = 0.98, 95% CI (0.85-1.10); rectal: ES = 0.98, 95% CI (0.85-1.10)]. However, insecticide exposure was associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer (ES = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.80-0.91), though no significant links were observed for colorectal or rectal cancers. No association was observed between exposure to fumigants, fungicides, or herbicides and the risk of CRC. Insecticides may confer a modest protective effect against colon cancer, though further mechanistic and epidemiological studies are warranted.

A systematic review of the scientific literature was conducted with the objective of finding evidence on the contribution of microbial larvicides, Bacillus thuringiensis var israelensis and Bacillus sphaericus, in clinical malaria burden in Africa. A systematic literature search was carried out using databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, and BASE, and Google, and Google Scholar search engines. All results were screened for duplicates and assessed for eligibility. Relevant data were extracted, and a quality assessment was performed using the CONSORT 2010 checklist, funnel plot, and Egger's regression test. Results show that 54 studies satisfied the eligibility criteria, and most were small-scale field trials. Most studies reported that Bti/Bs reduced the density of larvae of primary malaria vectors by 50%-100%. However, only 14 studies reported a subsequent reduction of malaria incidences, which was 31-62%. Furthermore, only one study evaluated the outcome of including Bti in a large-scale countrywide routine malaria control program, and it was in São Tomé and Príncipe. Overall, reviewed studies revealed a serious lack of Bti/Bs large-scale studies, and Bti/Bs inclusion in routine malaria control programs in most African countries. This impedes the formulation of evidence-based public health policies and frameworks for malaria elimination on the continent.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide. New anticancer agents are required for treatment due to the inadequacy of current treatments and side effects of the drugs used. The medicinal plants stand out as important resources because they are natural and have few or no side effects. In this study, it was aimed to determine the effects of Micromeria fruticosa subsp. brachycalyx essential oil (MFEO) on proliferation, apoptosis, necrosis and proinflammation in lung cancer cells. For this purpose, different concentrations of MFEO were applied to lung cancer cells (A549), and the cell viability and proliferation were determined by MTT assay. Percentages of early apoptotic, late apoptotic and necrotic cells were determined by Annexin-V/PI staining in Flow cytometry (FACS). In addition, proinflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha and IL8 levels were determined by ELISA method. Chemical characterization of MFEO was carried out by GC-MS and pulegon has been identified as the main component of MFEO. Consequently, it was determined that MFEO suppressed the proliferation and induced the apoptosis in A549 cells.

Formaldehyde is a common indoor air pollutant due to its widespread use. This study investigates the adsorption of formaldehyde from polluted airflow using activated carbon derived from waste pistachio shells. Various experimental conditions were tested, including temperatures (25, 35, 45, and 55 ºC), Empty Bed Retention Times (EBRT) (0.66, 0.92, 1.15, 2.31, and 4.62 seconds), pressures (40, 80, 120, and 160 mbar), and formaldehyde concentrations (50, 150, 300, 400, and 600 mg/L). The best results were achieved at 25 ºC, an EBRT of 2.31 seconds, a pressure of 40 mbar, and formaldehyde concentrations of 50, 150, and 300 mg/L, with removal efficiencies of 88.02%, 80.18%, 86.41%, and 100% for temperature, EBRT, pressure, and concentrations, respectively. The adsorption process was mainly limited by sorption and diffusion in bulk and boundary layers, with ion exchange as the primary adsorption mechanism. The maximum adsorption capacity (qm) was 0.094 mg/g, as predicted by the Temkin model, and the sorption energy was calculated to be 2.08 kJ/mol. Efficiency decreased significantly after the third and fourth reuse cycles, while remaining stable during the first two cycles. This research highlights the potential of pistachio shell-derived activated carbon as an effective adsorbent for formaldehyde removal.

This study investigates the phytochemical composition, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective activity of Rubus ulmifolius leaf extract. LC-ESI-MS analysis was used to assess the phytochemical composition of the extract of Rubus ulmifolius. The Folin-Ciocalteu test was used to measure the total phenolic content. The DPPH test was used to measure antioxidant activity, while the MTT assay was used to measure cytotoxicity against RAW 264.7 macrophages. The Griess reagent was used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity in vitro. The natural extract of Rubus ulmifolius was evaluated for its hepatoprotective properties against acute liver damage caused by CCL₄. Phytochemical analysis showed that quinic acid was found to be the major compound in this extract. Results showed a potent antioxidant potential (IC50 value of 0.021 ± 0.003 mg/mL) and a high total phenolic content of 343.02 ± 10.39 mg GAE/g. Notably, Rubus ulmifolius extract significantly inhibited nitrite formation (IC50 = 122.5 ± 0.62 µg/mL) while demonstrating low cytotoxicity against macrophages, as indicated by a high selectivity index (SI = 20.67). This extract improves oxidative stress and liver function parameters, according to the hepatoprotective study. These findings indicate that Rubus ulmifolius extract is a promising source of bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic applications in inflammatory diseases and liver disorders.

Pollen is a widespread environmental allergen linked to various allergic conditions, including rhinitis and asthma. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association between pollen exposure and allergy risk, considering different pollen concentrations, age groups, exposure settings, type of study, and geographic regions. Search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus from 1 January 2000 to 20 February 2025. The systematic review included 31 papers containing 96 data-reports across 1,942,079 participants. The random-effects model in our meta-analysis was conducted to estimate pool effect sizes (ESs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in pollen concentration, age, exposure setting, country, and study design subgroup. Overall, pollen exposure significantly increased allergy risk (ES: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.11-1.16, I² = 94.6%). High pollen concentrations (≥200 grains/m³) showed a stronger effect (ES: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.57-1.96) than low concentrations ( < 200 grains/m³, ES: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.05-1.10). Children (ES: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.09-1.15) and adults (ES: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.14-1.32) were both significantly affected. Tree and cypress pollen were the most potent allergens. Pollen exposure significantly increases allergy risk, with dose-dependent and demographic variations. High pollen concentrations and specific geographic regions pose greater risks. These findings underscore the need for targeted public health strategies to mitigate pollen-related allergic diseases.