Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Effects of PCB Exposure on Human Stress Hormones in the German HELPcB Surveillance Program.

Petra Maria Gaum,Viktoria Stefanie Vida,Thomas Kraus,Thomas Schettgen,Jessica Lang,Monika Gube,André Esser

doi:10.3390/ijerph17134708

Abstract

Multiple pathological associations are attributed to PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls). Research shows a positive association of PCBs with dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) concentration but the results on the stress hormone cortisol have been inconsistent so far. This study is the first to examine not only the cross-sectional but also the longitudinal effects of PCB exposure on the stress hormones DHEAS and cortisol. Over a period of three years, 112 former employees occupationally exposed to PCBs were tested for their body burden with different types of PCBs (lower and higher chlorinated, dioxin-like and hydroxylated) and for their stress hormone concentration. Highly exposed employees showed a significantly higher risk for higher DHEAS values. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed a positive relationship between the exposure to lower chlorinated PCBs and DHEAS. Mixed models also revealed a significantly positive correlation between lower chlorinated PCBs with DHEAS when controlled for a cross-section. However, an effect for cortisol was not found. These results suggest a causal pathophysiological relationship between PCB exposure and DHEAS concentration, but not with cortisol. The health consequences of high DHEAS concentrations are discussed.

Highlights

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of synthetically produced hazardous chemicals, whose negative consequences on human health and the environment have become visible decades after their intensive production and use [1]
The data were collected as part of the HELPcB surveillance program (Health Effects in high Level exposure to PCBs)
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of PCBs on the stress hormones dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and cortisol

Summary

Introduction

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of synthetically produced hazardous chemicals, whose negative consequences on human health and the environment have become visible decades after their intensive production and use [1]. Prior studies mostly report positive associations between PCBs and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) in humans, but no or inconsistent findings with cortisol [2]. This longitudinal study addresses both, DHEAS and cortisol to find causal relations. Due to their adverse health impact, in 1995, the manufacture, import, export and sale of PCBs and products and equipment containing PCBs have been banned worldwide by the UNEP

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