Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Edwina Brennan, Alexandra E. Butler, Daniel S. Drage, Thozhukat Sathyapalan, Stephen L. Atkin
Summary: This study found a correlation between PCBs and certain circulating miRNAs, but not with metabolic parameters. In the healthy control group, these miRNAs were associated with menstrual cycle factors, while the correlation was weaker in the PCOS group. This suggests that PCBs may affect fertility through their impact on the hypothalamo-ovarian axis.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jaroslav Mosko, Michael Pohorely, Tomas Cajthaml, Michal Jeremias, Ana A. Robles-Aguilar, Siarhei Skoblia, Zdenek Beno, Petra Innemanova, Lucie Linhartova, Klara Michalikova, Erik Meers
Summary: The study focused on using slow pyrolysis to treat organic pollutants in stabilized sewage sludge, finding that temperatures above 600 degrees Celsius effectively removed the majority of organic pollutants. It was proposed that high temperature (>600 degrees Celsius) slow pyrolysis can satisfactorily remove organic pollutants from resulting sludge-char, making it a safe soil improver.
Article
Medical Laboratory Technology
Andrijana Milankov, Maja Milanovic, Natasa Milosevic, Jan Sudji, Sladana Pejakovic, Natasa Milic, Artur Bjelica, Milica Medic Stojanoska
Summary: This study investigated the association between phthalate exposure and the development of metabolic syndrome in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The results showed that phthalate concentrations were correlated with obesity, glucose and lipid impairment, and disrupted testosterone levels.
CLINICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bora Plaku-Alakbarova, Oleg Sergeyev, Paige L. Williams, Jane S. Burns, Mary M. Lee, Russ Hauser, Susan A. Korrick
Summary: The study found that in a group of 8-9 year old Russian boys, serum dioxins, furans and PCBs clustered by chlorination pattern, with Sigma NDL-PCBs representing 4,4'-chlorinated PCBs most effectively. This may reflect shared persistence, metabolism or source of exposure of these chemicals in the human body.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Rachel Agius, Nikolai Paul Pace, Stephen Fava
Summary: This study found an association between leukocyte mitochondrial copy number and metabolic syndrome as well as adiposity-related body composition phenotypes. The mitochondrial copy number was negatively correlated with obesity-related indicators, lipid metabolism indicators, and inflammation markers. Metabolic syndrome patients had lower mitochondrial copy numbers.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Da Hea Seo, Yongin Cho, Seongha Seo, Seong Hee Ahn, Seongbin Hong, Kyung Hwa Ha, Jee-Seon Shim, Hyeon Chang Kim, Dae Jung Kim, So Hun Kim
Summary: We found no significant association between metabolically healthy obesity and subclinical atherosclerosis in patients without previous cardiovascular disease, suggesting that metabolic health may not play a role in the development of early stage atherosclerosis.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nuria Guil-Oumrait, Damaskini Valvi, Raquel Garcia-Esteban, Monica Guxens, Jordi Sunyer, Maties Torrent, Maribel Casas, Martine Vrijheid
Summary: This study found that prenatal exposure to persistent organic pollutants may have lasting effects on child BMI into adolescence, and exposure to certain pollutants during pregnancy may be associated with major risk factors for adult CM syndrome.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Xin Gao, Di Yan, Guangying Li, Yu Wei, Huan He, Jinxia Zhai
Summary: This meta-analysis explored the relationship between polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and metabolic syndrome (MetS). The results suggested that PCBs may not be a risk factor for MetS, but their high heterogeneity indicates that they are under-represented. Furthermore, total PCBs were found to be a protective factor against diabetes. Subgroup analysis revealed that different types and congerners of PCBs have varying effects on the risk of MetS and diabetes. Therefore, more high-quality research is needed to further understand the role of different species and congerners of PCBs in MetS and diabetes.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Tammy C. Bleak, Gloria M. Calaf
Summary: Environmental endocrine disruptor chemicals can disrupt the endocrine system in living organisms, leading to hormone-related cancers. It is crucial to study the susceptibility of organs to these substances.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sara Sousa, Diana Rede, Virginia Cruz Fernandes, Diogo Pestana, Gil Faria, Cristina Delerue-Matos, Conceicao Calhau, Valentina Fernandes Domingues
Summary: This study found that organophosphorus compounds are widespread in the adipose tissue of obese women and have adverse effects on human health. These compounds may affect various biochemical parameters, including anthropometric and hormonal factors, cholesterol, and blood sugar. Further research is needed to fully understand the behavior and hazards of these pollutants and to establish control regulations to prevent and minimize their effects.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Matina Kouvari, Nathan M. D'Cunha, Thomas Tsiampalis, Manja Zec, Domenico Sergi, Nikolaj Travica, Wolfgang Marx, Andrew J. McKune, Demosthenes B. Panagiotakos, Nenad Naumovski
Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between metabolically healthy overweight/obesity (MHO) status and longitudinal cognitive function while considering the stability of the condition. The study found that maintaining a healthy metabolic status over time has a greater impact on cognitive function than body weight alone.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mingye Zhang, Limei Wang, Xiang Li, Lulu Song, Dan Luo, Qiang Li, Youjie Wang, Zhengce Wan, Surong Mei
Summary: This study investigated the association between individual and combined exposure to PCBs and OCPs and the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Wuhan, China. The results showed that PCBs and OCPs were commonly detected in the samples and were positively correlated with increased odds of MetS. Furthermore, the mixture of PCBs and OCPs, with p,p'-DDE being the largest contributor, was also associated with the risk of MetS.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Julie Massart, Karima Begriche, Anne Corlu, Bernard Fromenty
Summary: Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), often associated with obesity, is a disease that encompasses a range of liver lesions. In addition to nutritional and genetic factors, pharmaceuticals and environmental toxicants are suspected to worsen MAFLD in obese individuals. The mechanisms by which xenobiotics can aggravate MAFLD are still poorly understood, but previous studies have indicated the involvement of different metabolic pathways and cellular events associated with reactive oxygen species overproduction.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Carolina Gutierrez-Repiso, Teresa Maria Linares-Pineda, Andres Gonzalez-Jimenez, Francisca Aguilar-Lineros, Sergio Valdes, Federico Soriguer, Gemma Rojo-Martinez, Francisco J. Tinahones, Sonsoles Morcillo
Summary: This study found that DNA methylation status is associated with the stability/worsening of the MHO phenotype, identifying two potential biomarkers for transitioning to an unhealthy state and highlighting immune system-related pathways as therapeutic targets.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yun Kyung Cho, Yoo La Lee, Chang Hee Jung
Summary: Metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) is a condition in which people with obesity are resistant to the detrimental effects of excess body fat. MHO is characterized by differences in fat distribution, adipokine types, and levels of chronic inflammation compared to metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO). Although there is no established definition for MHO, it is often described as a specific type of obesity with lower levels of insulin resistance or inflammatory markers. Understanding the characteristics that differentiate MHO from MUO can provide new insights into the mechanisms behind obesity-related metabolic derangements and diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Stephanie Chaousis, Frederic D. L. Leusch, Colin J. Limpus, Amanda Nouwens, Liesbeth J. Weijs, Antonia Weltmeyer, Adrian Covaci, Jason P. van de Merwe
Summary: All seven species of sea turtle are facing increasing pressures from human activities that are impacting their health. Changes in blood proteins can indicate adverse health outcomes. This study examines the protein abundance in sea turtle plasma, compares protein expression between different populations, and investigates markers of contaminant exposure.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Shoji F. Nakayama, Annie St-Amand, Tyler Pollock, Petra Apel, Yu Ait Bamai, Dana Boyd Barr, Jos Bessems, Antonia M. Calafat, Argelia Castano, Adrian Covaci, Radu Corneliu Duca, Sarah Faure, Karen S. Galea, Sean Hays, Nancy B. Hopf, Yuki Ito, Maryam Zare Jeddi, Marike Kolossa-Gehring, Eva Kumar, Judy S. LaKind, Marta Esteban Lopez, Henriqueta Louro, Kristin Macey, Konstantinos C. Makris, Lisa Melnyk, Aline Murawski, Josh Naiman, Julianne Nassif, Nolwenn Noisel, Devika Poddalgoda, Lesliam Quiros-Alcala, Ata Rafiee, Loic Rambaud, Maria Joao Silva, Jun Ueyama, Marc-Andre Verner, Maisarah Nasution Waras, Kate Werry
Summary: Human biomonitoring (HBM) data can be used to compare population exposures, but finding the relevant health-based biomonitoring guidance values can be time-consuming. To address this issue, an online repository called the Human Biomonitoring Health-Based Guidance Value (HB2GV) Dashboard has been created. This database provides a centralized location for researchers and decision makers to access and interpret HBM data.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jing Li, Xiaowen Zeng, Xiaolin Liang, Shuqin Tang, Adrian Covaci, Xiaofeng Ma, Yan Yang, Da Chen
Summary: This study aimed to characterize gestational exposure to plasticizers and antioxidants, and explore the associations with placental function related genes. Several chemicals showed significantly different concentrations between preterm and full-term deliveries, and were associated with mRNA expression levels of selected genes. The associations exhibited chemical-specific patterns and significantly differed between preterm and full-term deliveries.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Siebe Lievens, Evelynn Vervoort, Giulia Poma, Adrian Covaci, Mik Van Der Borght
Summary: Concerns about microplastics in the environment have grown, leading scientists to conduct thorough studies. A cryogenic grinding and wet-sieving method was developed to efficiently produce and fractionate microplastics. With this method, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastics could be produced with specific particle sizes and easily separated into different size ranges. The method has the potential to be applied to other types of plastics as well.
METHODS AND PROTOCOLS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Chien-chia Chen, Karabi Mondal, Philippe Vervliet, Adrian Covaci, Evan P. O'Brien, Karl J. Rockne, James L. Drummond, Luke Hanley
Summary: Compound identification by database searching is commonly used in mass spectrometric data analysis. Machine learning was applied to statistically evaluate the identification results generated by software. Logistic regression was used to assign identification probabilities for each compound, providing more confidence in identification beyond database matching.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Adrian-Iulian Borhan, Daniel-Dumitru Herea, Marius-Adrian Husanu, Dana Georgeta Popescu, Camelia Nicoleta Borca, Thomas Huthwelker, Georgiana Bulai, Ioana Radu, Alin Constantin Dirtu, Daniela Dirtu, Carmen Mita, George Stoian, Gabriel Ababei, Nicoleta Lupu, Aurel Pui, Daniel Gherca
Summary: Efforts have been made to develop efficient heterogeneous nano-particle systems for solar light-driven photodegradation. In this study, a chemically-engineered multi-component system was formulated as a recyclable, nontoxic, active and inexpensive catalyst for the degradation of tetracycline antibiotic. The nanoflower-like heteronanostructure showed enhanced photodegradation capability by using FeOOH nanografting of Al-based SrTiO3 perovskite material.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Adrian Iulian Borhan, Adrian Iulian Ghemes, Marius-Adrian Husanu, Dana-Georgeta Popescu, Camelia Nicoleta Borca, Thomas Huthwelker, Ioana Radu, Alin Constantin Dirtu, Daniela Dirtu, Georgiana Bulai, Nicoleta Lupu, Mircea Nicolae Palamaru, Alexandra-Raluca Iordan, Daniel Gherca
Summary: We reported the development of a high-operative photocatalyst with improved charge trapping characteristics for enhanced solar light-driven photocatalytic degradation. The synthesized samples were investigated using various characterization techniques to understand their structural, morphological, optical, and electronic properties. The fibrous photocatalyst achieved a high-to-total degradation of tetracycline antibiotic under visible light irradiation, demonstrating its potential for efficient pollutant removal.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Toxicology
Elias Iturrospe, Rani Robeyns, Katyeny Manuela da Silva, Maria van de Lavoir, Joost Boeckmans, Tamara Vanhaecke, Alexander L. N. van Nuijs, Adrian Covaci
Summary: Despite being common, alcoholic liver disease remains poorly understood, especially in its early stages. In this study, alcoholic steatohepatitis was simulated in vitro to investigate the metabolic alterations and identify affected pathways. The researchers discovered key findings, such as the influence of TNF-alpha on hepatic triglycerides and the detection of FAHFA-containing triglycerides in human hepatocytes, which may play an important role in the progression of alcoholic steatohepatitis. Additionally, ethoxylated phosphorylcholine was identified as a potential new biomarker of ethanol exposure.
ARCHIVES OF TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Katyeny Manuela da Silva, Michele Woelk, Palina Nepachalovich, Elias Iturrospe, Adrian Covaci, Alexander L. N. van Nuijs, Maria Fedorova
Summary: Epilipids, a subset of the lipidome, play a crucial role in regulating redox lipid metabolism and influencing cell fate decisions. Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) combined with liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) can improve the peak capacity and separation ability for the analysis of oxidized complex lipids. This study demonstrates the advantages and limitations of implementing IMS in LC-HRMS workflows and provides insights into the annotation of oxidized complex lipids.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lidia Belova, Giulia Poma, Maarten Roggeman, Yunsun Jeong, Da-Hye Kim, Patrick Berghmans, Jan Peters, Amina Salamova, Alexander L. N. van Nuijs, Adrian Covaci
Summary: Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) in European indoor dust were identified, characterized, and semi-quantified using ion-mobility high-resolution mass spectrometry. Targeted QACs (21) and suspect QACs (17) were detected with high detection frequencies. The concentrations of individual QACs were estimated and daily intakes for adults and toddlers were calculated. This study provides important insights into the potential human exposure to QACs.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Thomas J. McGrath, Giulia Poma, Sebastien Hutinet, Yukiko Fujii, Robin E. Dodson, Boris Johnson-Restrepo, Dudsadee Muenhor, Gaud Dervilly, Ronan Cariou, Adrian Covaci
Summary: In this study, dust samples from Japan, Australia, Colombia, and Thailand were analyzed for different chain lengths of chlorinated paraffins. The results showed that chlorinated paraffins were detected in all samples, with the highest concentrations found in samples from Colombia and Thailand. Based on current toxicological data, it was determined that short-chain and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins in indoor dust do not pose a health risk through ingestion.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Elisabeth Hansen, Jiachen Sun, Bjorn Helander, Jan Ove Bustnes, Igor Eulaers, Veerle L. B. Jaspers, Adrian Covaci, Marcel Eens, Sophie Bourgeon
Summary: English Summary: Exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as organochlorines (OCs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), can have adverse health effects on wildlife. White-tailed eagles in the Baltic ecosystem have suffered population declines due to severe exposure to DDT and PCB. In this study, feathers from breeding WTE pairs were analyzed to investigate the annual variations in feather corticosterone (fCORT), POPs, and dietary proxies. The results did not support fCORT as a relevant biomarker of contaminant-mediated effects in WTEs, but fCORT can be used as a non-destructive assessment of long-term stress physiology in wild raptors.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Laura Rodriguez Martin, Liese Gilles, Emilie Helte, Agneta Akesson, Jonas Tagt, Adrian Covaci, Amrit K. Sakhi, An Van Nieuwenhuyse, Andromachi Katsonouri, Anna-Maria Andersson, Arno C. Gutleb, Beata Janasik, Brice Appenzeller, Catherine Gabriel, Cathrine Thomsen, Darja Mazej, Denis Sarigiannis, Elena Anastasi, Fabio Barbone, Hanna Tolonen, Hanne Frederiksen, Jana Klanova, Jani Koponen, Janja Snoj Tratnik, Kim Pack, Koppen Gudrun, Kristin Olafsdottir, Lisbeth E. Knudsen, Loic Rambaud, Loreta Strumylaite, Lubica Palkovicova Murinova, Lucia Fabelova, Margaux Riou, Marika Berglund, Mate Szabados, Medea Imboden, Michelle Laeremans, Milada Estokova, Natasa Janev Holcer, Nicole Probst-Hensch, Nicole Vodrazkova, Nina Vogel, Pavel Piler, Phillipp Schmidt, Rosa Lange, Sonia Namorado, Szilvia Kozepesy, Tamas Szigeti, Thorhallur I. Halldorsson, Till Weber, Tina Kold Jensen, Valentina Rosolen, Vladimira Puklova, Wojciech Wasowicz, Ovnair Sepai, Lorraine Stewart, Marike Kolossa-Gehring, Marta Esteban-Lopez, Argelia Castano, Jos Bessems, Greet Schoeters, Eva Govarts
Summary: This study evaluated the exposure levels of children and women in Europe over time. The results showed that exposure levels to chemicals restricted at EU level visually decreased, while the levels for some of their substitutes increased. These findings are important for policy efficacy monitoring and highlight the role of HBM in supporting policies.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Valentina Rosolen, Elisa Giordani, Marika Mariuz, Maria Parpinel, Vicente Mustieles, Liese Gilles, Eva Govarts, Laura Rodriguez Martin, Kirsten Baken, Greet Schoeters, Ovnair Sepai, Eva Sovcikova, Lucia Fabelova, Jiri Kohoutek, Tina Kold Jensen, Adrian Covaci, Maarten Roggeman, Lisa Melymuk, Jana Klanova, Argelia Castano, Marta Esteban Lopez, Fabio Barbone
Summary: The knowledge about the effects of organophosphate flame retardants on children's neurodevelopment is limited. This research aimed to evaluate the association between exposure to these flame retardants and children's neurodevelopment. The study found a small, negative trend between neurodevelopment and exposure to BDCIPP and DPHP, but the evidence is limited. Further investigations are needed to explore the timing of exposure and the effect of other metabolites.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Anran Cai, Sylvie Remy, Virissa Lenters, Bianca Cox, Greet Schoeters, Adrian Covaci, Roel Vermeulen, Lutzen Portengen
Summary: Childhood exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) may affect metabolic outcomes. Our study found associations between certain chemicals and body mass index, abdominal obesity, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. Further investigation is needed for sex-specific effects.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)