International Journal of Environmental Health Research最新文献

Previous observational studies reported associations between air pollutants and atrial fibrillation (AF), but their causal relationships remain unclear. We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis using genome-wide association studies (GWAS) summary data from the UK Biobank and IEU Open GWAS databases to investigate the genetic causality between air pollutants and AF. Air pollutants were subdivided into nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and particulate matter (PM_2.5 and PM₁₀), with single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with each pollutant identified as instrumental variables (IVs). Subsequently, MR methods including MR-Egger, weighted median, inverse variance weighted (IVW), simple mode, and weighted mode were applied to assess genetic causality, while pleiotropy, heterogeneity, and reliability were also evaluated. IVW findings indicate a consequential correlation between NO₂ and increased AF risk, as evidenced by an odds ratio (OR 1.948 [95% confidence interval [CI] 1.011-3.756]; p = 0.046). Conversely, the causal effect of PM_2.5 (OR 1.274 [95% CI 0.651-2.493; p = 0.480) and PM₁₀ (OR 1.162 [95% CI 0.891-1.517]; p = 0.268) with AF was not statistically significant. The analysis revealed the absence of pleiotropy (p > 0.05). However, PM_2.5 displayed significant heterogeneity (p = 0.2385), whereas NO₂ (p = 0.5365) and PM₁₀ (p = 0.7789) did not. This MR analysis suggested a causal effect of NO₂ on AF, but not for PM_2.5 or PM₁₀.

The association between home environments and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) has been insufficiently investigated. We measured FeNO levels in children aged 4-8 years (N = 105) in Tianjin, China, and examined their association with respiratory symptoms and various indoor environmental parameters, namely house dust mite allergens and phthalates in dust, dampness, environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and furry pets (dogs/cats) in the home. FeNO levels were significantly higher in children with diagnosed asthma (p < 0.001) and pneumonia (p = 0.03). Exposure to Diisononyl phthalate (DiNP) - a new phthalate replacing the commonly used Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) - was significantly associated with increased FeNO in children (p = 0.01). In conclusion, diagnosed asthma and pneumonia were associated with increased FeNO levels in children. Exposure to DiNP may contribute to airway inflammation, as indicated by its association with increased FeNO levels. These findings underscore the importance of closely monitoring emerging contaminants to better understand their potential impacts on respiratory health.

The growing demand for eco-friendly agricultural solutions has led to increased interest in plant-based biostimulants. This study evaluates the potential of a nanoemulsion of Tetraclinis articulata essential oil (NANO-TA) as a natural elicitor to enhance the technological and phenolic maturity of Red Globe grapes in an organic cultivation system. Vine plants were treated with NANO-TA, formulated from an essential oil rich in α-pinene (17.43%) and bornyl acetate (22.29%). Treated grapes showed faster maturation, with an increased pH (3.96 vs. 3.87), higher soluble solids (16.54 vs. 15.32°Brix), and improved maturity index (17.98 vs. 16.13), alongside reduced titratable acidity (10.40 g/L vs. 12.18 g/L). Enhanced berry coloration (CIRG 4.18 vs. 3.67) further confirmed its effect on fruit ripening. In early veraison, treated grapes exhibited higher polyphenol levels and antioxidant activity. However, at full maturity, untreated grapes accumulated more polyphenols and flavonoids (2.33 mg GAE/mL and 3.08 mg QE/mL vs. 1.22 mg GAE/mL and 2.3 mg QE/mL) and showed greater antioxidant activity (61.18% vs. 51.55% DPPH inhibition), likely due to a dilution effect in larger berries. These findings suggest that NANO-TA accelerates grape maturation naturally and enhances key quality indicators, positioning it as a sustainable alternative to synthetic agrochemicals in organic viticulture.

In recent years, the health impacts of phthalates and bisphenol-A (BPA) have garnered significant research attention due to their widespread use in consumer products and identification as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Human exposure occurs through various pathways, including dietary intake, inhalation of dust, and dermal contact. This study initially aimed to analyze serum samples from 200 participants in Jabalpur city (Central India); however, samples from 173 individuals were ultimately analyzed to assess the occurrence, concentration patterns, and gender-related differences of six phthalates and BPA. Serum samples were collected, processed, and analyzed for EDC content using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The findings highlighted differences in detection frequencies among genders and residential areas, shaped by environmental exposure variability, lifestyle variations, and gender-specific metabolic disparities. All the targeted analytes were detected with diethyl phthalate (DEP) having the highest mean concentration of 13.74 ± 6.2 ng/ml, followed by di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) with mean value of 13.69 ± 99.82 ng/ml in human serum. Studies have linked DEP exposure endocrine disruption and reproductive abnormalities. Subsequent research endeavors should prioritize elucidating EDC sources, pathways, and health impacts, facilitating evidence-based policies to mitigate risks and ensure a healthier future.

Pyrethroid pesticides can induce neurotoxicity in target and non-target organisms. We examined the effects of sub-chronic exposure to cypermethrin on anxiety-like behaviors, memory function and molecular changes in the hippocampus of rats. Twenty-four male Wistar rats (weighing 200-250 g) were randomly divided into three groups (n = 8) and received orally corn oil, cypermethrin 2 and cypermethrin 4 mg/kg/day, for 30 days. The elevated plus maze (EPM), open field maze (OFM) and novel object recognition memory (NORM) tests were conducted. At the end, brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glycogen synthase kinase-3 β (GSK-3β), cholinesterase activity, oxidative stress markers and inflammatory mediators were evaluated in the hippocampus. The results of OFM and EPM indicated higher level of anxiety and motor activity alterations in the cypermethrin treated rats. NORM test revealed impairment of cognitive memory and decreased discrimination ratio in cypermethrin treated rats. Cypermethrin decreased BDNF and increased GSK-3β, oxidative stress and mRNA expression of IL-1β and TNF-α and NF-κB in the hippocampus. The activity of cholinesterase enzyme was not changed. Cypermethrin can impair learning and memory along with provoking oxidative stress and inflammation, and dysregulation of BDNF and GSK-3β pathway may be involved in neurocognitive and neurobehavioral disorders due to long-time exposures.

Electronic devices are considered major sources of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), a group of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) used to mitigate or prevent fire hazards. Despite bans on PBDEs due to their toxicity and persistence in the environment, recycling centers and dumping sites remain active sources of these chemicals from the disposal of older e-waste products that contain them. This review examines historical and current PBDE concentrations in various environmental compartments at recycling centers and landfill/dumping sites, focusing on e-waste in developed and developing regions. It also identifies factors influencing PBDE emission, dispersion, deposition, accumulation, and degradation. Owing to their lipophilic properties, PBDEs preferentially accumulate in solid environmental matrices, with recycling centers exhibiting markedly higher concentrations than landfill/dumping sites. Although water and leachates also contain PBDEs, the presence of organic matter in leachates enhances leaching, resulting in concentrations higher than in pure water yet still lower than in solid matrices. This paper further intends to address the knowledge gaps and aid researchers in designing risk assessment and environmental monitoring studies. In conclusion, developed regions must reduce processing costs and expand recycling capacity, while developing regions need to invest in sustainable e-waste management infrastructure and enforce stricter regulations.

Medicinal plants (MPs) have been valued for their therapeutic properties and are crucial in traditional and modern medicine. However, contamination with hazardous substances such as mycotoxins and toxic THMs (THMs) poses significant safety concerns. This study quantified the levels of mycotoxins and THMs in ten commonly used MPs in Tehran markets, Iran, and assessed their carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks to ensure consumer safety. A total of 210 samples were analyzed. THMs, including arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb), were detected using atomic absorption spectrometry, while mycotoxins such as aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2) and ochratoxin A (OTA) were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. Risk assessments used Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), Hazard Index (HI), Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR), and Total Carcinogenic Risk (TCR) methodologies. Results revealed variability in contaminant levels (p < 0.05). While heavy metal concentrations were within safe limits, mycotoxin exposure posed non-carcinogenic risks for children, with a THQ exceeding the acceptable limit. Mycotoxin levels remained below carcinogenic thresholds. To mitigate risks, storing MPs in dry, low-humidity environments is recommended to prevent fungal growth and reduce mycotoxin contamination, emphasizing the need for stricter safety measures.

This review provides descriptive evidence for the potential sociodemographic risk factors of race/ethnicity, younger age, and socioeconomic status, as well as evidence for the immigrant effect in women with breast cancer (BC) across world regions and countries. Using MEDLINE and the Web of Science on epidemiology, incidence/mortality rates, and social determinants, we searched a registry-based dataset and the reference lists of prior reviews of BC women (code C50) from the GLOBOCAN 2022 database and the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program 2024. Globally, 1,959,256 new cases (26.7%) and 495,572 deaths (17.7%) were recorded in women aged <75 years in 2022. The age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of BC was the highest among countries with a very high Human Development Index (ASIR, 70.9), a high HDI (ASIR, 44.4), middle-low levels (ASIR, 33.6-32.5), driven by affluent lifestyles and a higher incidence of infectious diseases and infection-associated cancers. Besides, younger BC women are statistically more likely than older ones to have pathogenic germline variants in BC susceptibility genes (BRCA1/2, TP53, PALB2). The descriptive epidemiology presented in this review should be of global value to clinicians, researchers, and policymakers, considering the implementation and implications of population-based BC screening programs.

In our study, were evaluated effect on colorectal cancer cells of possible probiotic bacteria and new bioactive substances (paraprobiotics/postbiotics), miRNA-expression. Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus reuteri strains, HT-29, and Caco-2 were used. The cytotoxicity of the biotics was determined by MTT and miRNA expression. In line with the data obtained, it was determined that probiotics had a proliferative effect on the fibroblast cell line and a cytotoxic effect on cancer cells. It was observed that paraprobiotics had a minimal effect compared to probiotics, postbiotics had a greater effect. In this work, the activities of new pharmabiotics are compared with living cells, eliminating the limitations of probiotics in terms of shelf life and viability, and thus allowing the creation of new commercial domestic and national products, which increases the unique value of our study. In addition, there will be safer alternatives for suppressed immune systems, and various disadvantages of probiotics can be eliminated.

Tebufenpyrad (TUBF) is classified as a pyrazole acaricide and insecticide and is extensively utilized in greenhouse environments in several countries. Nevertheless, limited data exists regarding the potential reproductive toxicity of TUBF, particularly in non-target species. In this study, the fatty acid (FA) composition, the histopathology aspects, and redox status were assessed in the digestive gland of the clam Ruditapes decussatus following short-term exposure (96 h) to a series of concentrations (50, 100, and 200 µgL^-1) of TUBF. Our findings indicated that TUBF induced oxidative stress, as evidenced by elevated levels of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), malondialdehyde (MDA), and lipid peroxides (LOOH) in the treated groups. TUBF was also found to disrupt the enzymatic (catalase) and non-enzymatic (reduced glutathione) antioxidant defense systems. Additionally, TUBF was found to disrupt the FA composition. Overall, alterations in saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA), and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids, including certain essential FAs (such as LA, ARA, EPA, and DHA), exhibited differential compensatory/adaptive processes in R. decussatus depending on the concentration of TUBF. Furthermore, both examined organs showed various histological impairments, such as lipofuscin accumulation, infiltrative inflammations, and changes in digestive tubules, which provide additional evidence of TUBF toxic effects.