Benzo Pyrene Research Articles

Implications of leaf burning for adverse respiratory conditions and release of fine particulates and air pollutants

The residential burning of leaves, brush, grass, and other forms of vegetation are major and underappreciated source of particulates smaller than 2.5 μm (PM2.5), carbon monoxide, and many other air pollutants including carcinogenic polycyclic hydrocarbons such as benzo(a)pyrene. Residential leaf burning has been linked to significantly poorer urban/suburban air quality, respiratory morbidity and mortality, serious burn injuries to people, and property damage. Other forms of biomass burning such as wildfires, wood burning, peatland wildfires, and the deliberate burning of woodlands and agricultural fields produce large amounts of air pollutants, which are somewhat similar in composition to those released from leaf burning. Leaf burning has been linked to significantly higher rates of asthma and other respiratory problems. Exposure to wildfire smoke has been linked to significantly higher rates of cancer, infections, and a wide range of health conditions including respiratory, cardiovascular, psychiatric, and reproductive problems. Leaf burning and other forms of biomass burning produce significant quantities of dark particulates that accelerate global warming. Leaf burning also presents serious risk of burn injuries to humans, wildlife, and buildings. A number of U.S. states and European Countries have imposed total state or national bans on leaf burning. In fact, many communities offer free or inexpensive community leaf pickup and composting services. Leaf composting offers many advantages over leaf burning; for instance, leaf compost is a valuable product useful for growing plants. In conclusion, homeowners, communities, and nations should compost leaves, brush, and grass clippings rather than burning them.

Seasonal occurrence and ecological risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the sediments and water in the left-bank canals of Indus River, Pakistan.

This study investigated a pressing environmental concern: the presence, distribution, sources, and ecological implications of sixteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the left-bank canals of Kotri barrage-Akram, Pinyari, and Phuleli of the Indus River in Pakistan. These vital waterways, crucial for industrial, domestic, and agricultural activities, are experiencing contamination threats from anthropogenic sources, particularly PAHs. The study collected three water and two sediment samples from each canal in pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. Then the EPA's liquid-liquid extraction method and gas chromatography determined the concentrations of PAHs. The findings of this study reveal alarming contamination levels, with pre-monsoon concentrations ranging from 22.256 to 836.455ng/L in water and 1,459.941 to 43,179.243ng/g in sediments. The post-monsoon concentrations ranged from 60.352 to 5663.058ng/L in water and 2976.770 to 15,238.335ng/g in sediments. The diagnostic ratios and principal component analysis (PCA) identified multiple sources of contamination, including industrial and domestic wastewater discharge, solid waste burning, vehicular emissions, biomass combustion, and petroleum residues. Furthermore, the assessment of the toxic equivalency factor (TEF) underscored the heightened carcinogenic potential of certain PAHs, notably benzo(a)pyrene and benzo(a)anthracene. Thus, the high levels of PAH contamination pose severe health risks to both human populations and aquatic ecosystems, emphasizing the urgency of addressing this issue. Stricter regulations governing industrial and domestic waste discharge, advocacy for cleaner fuel technologies, and the implementation of effective waste management practices must be initiated as crucial strategies in safeguarding the environmental integrity of the left-bank canals and the health of the surrounding communities.

Relationship Between Air Pollution and the Incidence of Selected Disease Among Children and Adolescents in the Years 2017-2023 in Selected Cities in Poland

The aim of this research is to examine the relationship between average annual air pollution concentrations in selected cities and the incidence of specific diseases among children and adolescents aged 0 to 18 in selected Polish cities - Gdańsk, Katowice, Poznań, and Lublin with varying levels of average annual air pollution [suspended particulate matter PM2.5 and PM10, benzo(a)pyrene, nitrogen dioxide]. The relationship between the incidence of selected diseases among children and adolescents (asthma, hypertension, food and skin allergies) from 2018 to 2023 and the quality of atmospheric air was examined. In Katowice, due to the presence of a developed industry, the permissible average annual concentrations of the analyzed air pollutants were exceeded in the initial period, unlike in Gdańsk and Lublin. However, the greatest challenge in Poland concerning air quality is the average annual concentration of benzo(a)pyrene. Nonetheless, there has been a significant decrease in recent years. Polish cities facing air pollution problems are undertaking various measures to improve air quality. Studies have shown significant connections between the concentrations of selected pollutants and the frequency of diseases such as bronchial asthma, hypertension, food and skin allergies. However, this impact varies from city to city.

Content of Selected Harmful Metals (Zn, Pb, Cd) and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Honeys from Apiaries Located in Urbanized Areas

The chemical composition of honey, and therefore its quality and properties, is influenced by many factors, including its botanical origin and the harvesting conditions—the location of the apiary, access to melliferous plants, the proximity of industrial infrastructure and communication routes, etc. This quality may be reduced by undesirable, toxic compounds that penetrate honey from a contaminated environment, such as heavy metals and residues from other environmental pollutants. Therefore, the aim of our research was to assess the quality of honeys from urbanized areas—in particular, to assess contamination with heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants (PAHs). In total, 35 samples from six different apiaries located in urbanized areas were examined. The content of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Zn) was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS), and the content of total PAHs as the sum of the concentrations of the compounds benzo(a)anthracene, chrysene, benzo(b)fluoranthene and benzo(a)pyrene was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD). The average zinc content ranged from about 2 to 4.5 mg/kg, the average lead content ranged from 3.5 µg/kg to 388 µg/kg and the average cadmium content ranged from 0.5 to 14 µg/kg. It was found that all honeys contained certain amounts of harmful metals, and only lead exceeded the permissible limits. None of the samples tested contained sum content of PAHs exceeding 10 µg/kg of honey. Contrary to our expectations, the results obtained indicate that honeys from urbanized areas do not contain these harmful substances. In general, the presence of harmful metals does not, however, reduce honey’s quality or its health value.

Air pollution and cerebrovascular diseases - retrospective analysis of 10,486 cases of acute ischemic stroke requiring intravenous thrombolysis. A report from the EP-PARTICLES study

Abstract Introduction Air pollution (AP) is becoming an increasingly important non-classical CVD risk factor. Recent years have brought us the introduction of new types of AP, such as ‘Polish smog’, rich in particulate matter (PM) and benzo(alpha)pyrene (B(a)P) - thus far overlooked in scientific research. Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is an increasing healthcare challenge, with the ageing population and associated presence of atrial fibrillation worldwide. Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT), alongside thrombectomy, is the most effective AIS treatment method. Purpose To analyze the impact of AP on AIS requiring IVT incidence. To our knowledge this is the first study of its kind worldwide. Methods The study covered 500 municipalities inhabited by 5.7 million people in Poland in 2011-2020. AIS requiring IVT incidence data [hospitalizations with ICD-10 diagnosis (I63.X) and concomitant ICD-9 procedure (99.101/99.102/99.103)] and AP concentrations (PM2.5 and B(a)P) were obtained from the National Health Fund and Inspectorate for Environmental Protection, respectively. IVT was administered within 4.5 hours from the onset of AIS symptoms, ensuring accuracy in the timing of exposure. Using the GEM-AQ model we calculated AP levels for all 500 municipalities. To analyze the effects of AP we used quasi-Poisson generalized additive models with covariates such as weather conditions, day of the week, bank holidays, and seasonal trends. Results are presented as relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) per interquartile range increase in AP on the day of exposure (LAG 0) and the following days (LAG 1, etc). Results In the study period, we recorded 96,122 AIS with a slight predominance of females (52.6%) and median age 76 years old (y.o) [IQR 66-83]; 10,486 (10.9%) were treated with IVT (median age 74 y.o. IQR 65-82), females 51.3%. Mortality rates were lower in patients treated with IVT than overall AIS patients (13.3% vs 15.4%, p<0.001). Exposure to B(a)P was associated with the highest increase in AIS requiring IVT incidence on LAG 0 and this effect persisted for up to 3 days after exposure [Figure 1]. In the overall population, an increase in PM2.5 concentration was associated with an increased risk of AIS requiring IVT on LAG 0, LAG 1, and LAG 3 [Figure 1]. AP increased the risk of AIS requiring IVT in both young and older individuals, as well as in women and men. We recorded no differences between the effects of analyzed air pollutants and AIS requiring IVT depending on age and sex [Figure 2]. Conclusions AP acts as a trigger for AIS requiring IVT with a similar impact regardless of sex and age. Patients undergoing IVT are characterized by better survival. Public health changes should consider efforts to decrease levels of air pollutants. Highly polluted areas should have centers with rapid access to AIS treatments and our study could help to identify high risk areas that require adaptations in local infrastructure.Figure 1.Figure 2.

Air Pollutants and Ovarian Reserve: A Systematic Review of the Evidence

Abstract Background Growing evidence points to an association between ambient air pollution and decreased human reproductive potential. The aim of this study was to systematically review the association between air pollutants and female ovarian reserve. Methods The literature was searched in six electronic databases through August 2023. Screening of the 75 articles retrieved for inclusion criteria resulted in the selection of 12 human observational studies that evaluated the effect of environmental pollutants on markers of female ovarian reserve. The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (registration code CRD42023474218). Results The study design of selected studies was found to be cross-sectional (2 of 10), retrospective cohort (7 of 10), prospective cohort (2 of 10), and case-control (1 of 10). The study population was equally distributed between Asians (60%) and Americans (50%) with an Italian minority (10%). The main findings showed a higher body of evidence for the environmental pollutants PM2.5, PM10, and NO2, while a low body of evidence for PM1, O3, SO2, and a very low body of evidence for benzene, formaldehyde, and benzo(a)pyrene, yet consistently showing significant inverse association data. The overall methodological quality of the selected studies was rated moderated across the 14 domains of the NIH toolkit. Conclusions Increased exposure to air pollutants seems to be associated with reduced female ovarian reserve with evidence being strongest for pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, and NO2. More evidence is needed to draw conclusions about causality. Key messages • Increased exposure to air pollutants seems to be associated with reduced female ovarian reserve with evidence being strongest for pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, and NO2. • Global environmental policy programs are urgently needed to reduce the risks associated with reduced fertility such as reduced birth rates or the use of assisted reproductive technologies.

Investigating the patterns of air pollution exposure on major cardiovascular events by cluster analysis. Insights from the EP-PARTICLES study on a Polish smog cohort

Abstract Introduction Exposure to air pollution (AP) is a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Aim To analyse the short-term effects of AP on the occurrence of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Methods The EP-PARTICLES study consists of a retrospective nationwide cohort of Eastern Poland residents (N= 8,077,671). The area is characterized by a specific type of pollution - Polish smog, featuring high concentrations of particulate matter (PM), benzo(a)pyrenes (BaP) and favourable atmospheric conditions of formation. Medical data were collected from the National Health Fund and the Central Statistical Office. The records included sex and age and the causes of hospitalization. The analysis utilized air quality modeling data from the GEM-AQ system, which allowed to provide daily pollution concentration at the level of each LAU (ie. local administrative units, at municipality level), throughout the observation period. We estimated LAU specific associations of AP concentration using quasi-Poisson generalized additive models. We controlled our models for long-term trends and weather conditions. In the second stage, we pooled LAU-specific estimates with a random-effects meta-analysis. The results are presented as % risk ratio (RR), and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for the two-day moving average of AP concentration on the present day and the day after exposure (ie. LAG0-1). Cluster analysis was performed on LAU levels from 19 variables using the k-mens clustering using the Ward minimum variance method. The set of variables included demographic, ecological, socioeconomic, environmental conditions. Results Over the years 2011-20, we noted 2,141,213 hospitalizations due to CVD, including 139,697 ACS cases (45.2% STEMI). The main triggers for ACS were PM2.5 (RRLAG0-1 1.04 95%CI 1.028-1.053), BaP (RRLAG0-1 1.021 95%CI 1.01-1.032). We identified three distinct clusters: Cluster 1 was characterized by high population density and GPD per capita and highest prevalence of atrial fibrillation. Cluster 2 (40% of the entire population) exhibited significantly high variability, characterized by low population density and GPD per capita, the highest prevalence of heart failure, people drinking alcohol and smoking tobacco. Cluster 3 (7% of the entire population) was in the middle but showed the highest prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and renal failure. Cluster 2 inhabited areas with low concentrations of PMs and BaP and demonstrated increased vulnerability to the effects of PM2.5 and BaP from 3% to 5.2% (P<0.001). For details see Figure 1. Conclusions PM and BaP are important factors associated with the occurrence of MACE. AP exposure should be considered in CVD prevention models. Cluster classification helps in risk stratification and prognosis. Adverse effects of AP can be mitigated by attention to improving socio-economic status and hazardous habits.Associations between AP exposure and ACS

Comparison of urinary 3-hydroxybenzo(a)Pyrene (3-OHBaP) and trans-anti-7,8,9,10-tetrahydroxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo(a)Pyrene (TetraolBaP) as biomarkers of exposure to carcinogenic BaP

IntroductionBiomonitoring of exposure to carcinogenic Benzo(a)Pyrene is generally based on measurement of urinary 3-hydroxybenzo(a)pyrene (3-OHBaP), but its analysis is complex and only reflects the BaP detoxification pathway. TetraolBaP, another BaP metabolite resulting from the metabolic activation pathway, is now available but has not yet been studied in occupational settings or compared with 3-OHBaP. MethodsBiomonitoring was carried out on 118 subjects working in the aluminium smelting industry. 3 urine samples were collected from each subject at the beginning and end of the working week. Pyrene metabolite (1-hydroxypyrene) and the two BaP biomarkers (3-OHBaP and TetraolBaP) were analysed using LC-Fluorescence and GC-NCI-MS-MS. ResultsThe workers studied were found to be highly exposed, with 1-OHP and 3-OHBaP frequently exceeding maximum recommended values in occupational settings. Maximum concentrations were measured at end of shift+16h for all biomarkers, highlighting dermal exposure and/or temporary storage. Correlations were strong between 1-OHP and 3-OHBaP (r = 0.68–0.75) as well as between 3-OHBaP and TetraolBaP (r = 0.67–0.78), and moderate between 1-OHP and TetraolBaP (r = 0.59–0.76). While TetraolBaP levels were higher at low PAH exposures, TetraolBaP increased much more slowly at high exposures, indicating progressive saturation of the bioactivation pathway. The [3-OHBaP]/[TetraolBaP] ratio was found to be significantly lower in chronically exposed workers. Urinary TetraolBaP levels corresponding to 1-OHP (2.5 μg/L or 1 μmol/mol creatinine) or 3-OHBaP (0.4 nmol/mol creatinine) guidance values were found to range between 0.84 and 0.95 nmol/mol creatinine. ConclusionsTetraolBaP, resulting from carcinogenic BaP's metabolic activation pathway, was shown to be a diagnostically specific and sensitive biomarker for determining subjects' toxic internal exposure to PAHs in different contexts (occupational settings, environment) and assessing health risks.

Fats and oils contaminants: an analysis of EU RASFF notifications from 1999 to 2023

Between 1999 and 2023, an extensive analysis of 713 notifications from the EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) related to fats and oils was conducted. The analysis covered the most frequently reported products, associated hazards, countries of origin, notification classifications, risk decisions, and actions taken in response. The data demonstrate considerable variability in RASFF notifications throughout the studied period, with significant spikes and a recent upward trend. Of all notifications, 44.32 % were categorized as alerts, and 23.42 % as border rejections. In terms of risk decisions, 34.08 % were deemed serious and 60.59 % remained undecided. Palm oil emerged as the most frequently notified product, representing 37.87 % of all notifications, followed by olive oil at 15.71 % and sunflower oil at 11.36 %. The Sudan 4 dye was identified as the most common hazard, constituting 30.01 % of all fats and oils notifications. Other notable hazards included benzo(a)pyrene (26.65 %), glycidyl esters (6.03 %), and chlorpyrifos (3.37 %). The top three countries of origin for RASFF notifications on fats and oils were Ghana (22.30 %), Ukraine (13.18 %), and Italy (9.96 %). These findings could benefit further research and influence decision-making, thereby enhancing food safety protocols in the global production, processing, and distribution of fats and oils.

Benzo (A) pyrene exposure alters alveolar epithelial and macrophage cells diversity and induces antioxidant responses in lungs

This study was designed to investigate the toxic effects of benzo (a) pyrene (BaP) in the lungs. Mice were repeatedly treated orally with BaP (50 mg/kg body weight, twice a week for four weeks) to induce a tumour. After 4 months of BaP administration, tumours were visible beneath the skin. The histopathological section of the lungs shows congestion of pulmonary blood vessels, alveolar hyperplasia, and concurrent epithelial hyperplasia with infiltrates of inflammatory cells also seen. Thereafter, a single-cell suspension of lung tissues was stained with fluorescently conjugated antibodies for the demarcation of alveolar epithelial (anti-mouse CD74 and podoplanin) and macrophage (F4/80 and CD11b) cells and measured by flow cytometry. The expression of antioxidant genes was assessed by qRT–PCR. The number of alveolar epithelial cells 1 (AEC1) increased, but the number of alveolar epithelial cells 2 (AEC2) and transitional alveolar epithelial cells (TAEC) was significantly decreased in tumour-bearing mice. The proportion of CD11b+ alveolar macrophages (AM) and interstitial macrophages (IM) was increased, but the proportion of F4/80+ AM cells was reduced. The BaP administration significantly increased the ROS production in alveolar cells. The relative expression levels of antioxidant genes (SOD1, catalase, GPX1, and HIF-1α) were increased, but NRF2 expression was decreased in BaP-treated alveolar cells. The expression of anti-inflammatory (NF-κB) was also significantly increased. In conclusion, BaP exposure induced an inflammatory response, altered alveolar epithelial cell and macrophage diversity, and increased antioxidant responses in the lungs.

Hygienic assessment of heavy metal and organic compounds pollution in snow cover of a multi-industrial city

Introduction. One of the leading health risk factors is atmospheric air pollution, the state of which can be indirectly assessed by the content of a wide range of pollutants in snow and soil cover. Materials and methods. The study analyzed data on deposits of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PAHs), heavy metals (HMs) and petroleum hydrocarbons (PHs) in the snow of different functional zones of the agglomeration. Physicochemical research methods were used. Results. The content of ΣPAHs was found to range from 412.8 to 2843.7 ng/L. The highest concentrations of ∑PAHs were observed in the residential area in the square (point 10) – 2843.7 ng/L; and on the border of the sanitary protection and residential zones in the area of the Yuzhnaya station (point 3) – 1758.2 ng/L. The share of benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) from ∑PAH ranged from 2.9 to 9.7%. PHs levels ranged from 51.0–117.0 μg/L. The difference in the range of fluctuations in values was most evident in the content of individual PAHs: B(a)P (16.13 times), Ant (12.05 times) and B(g,h,i)P (11.56 times ), mercury (17.53 times), zinc (9 times) and manganese (8.58 times); metals: cadmium (1.89 times), copper (1.75 times), and lead (1.47 times). Limitations. Sampling and features of snow cover contamination by atmospheric precipitation in the dynamics of the winter season. Conclusion. Concentrations of PAHs and HM varied in different ranges of values and had a non-uniform spatial distribution over the territory. Direct links were found between the content of B(a)P and other polyarenes in the snow cover.

Causes of the unremitting high ambient levels of PM10 in a suburban background site in NE Spain

Atmospheric PM10 and benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) concentrations in Manlleu (NE Spain) have remained high from 2008 to 2023, frequently exceeding EU limit/target values, and reaching BaP levels up to six times higher than urban averages in Spain. Furthermore, PM speciation campaigns were carried out in 2013, 2014–2015, 2016–2017 and 2021–2022. Chemical mass closure for autumn-winter showed a consistent PM10 composition for the different PM speciation campaigns, comprising 46–53% organic matter (OM), 18–26% secondary inorganic aerosol (SIA), 13–23% mineral matter (MM), and 5–9% elemental carbon (EC). Trend analysis revealed very light decrease and constant concentrations for PM10 and BaP, respectively over the study period, emphasizing the need for compliance with current and forthcoming EU air quality directives, the last aiming to halve PM10 limit values. Source apportionment of samples of the sporadic campaigns identified biomass burning (BB, 17.5 μg m−3, 48%) and MM and industry (16.3 μg m−3, 44%) as the main autumn-winter PM10 contributors, with high SIA concentrations attributed to several factors, including high ammonia (NH3) emissions. Local topography and meteorological conditions contribute to aggravate PM10 pollution. While metal concentrations have decreased since 2013, suggesting reduced industrial emissions, persistently high OM and EC concentrations indicate ongoing issues with BB emissions from domestic, commercial, and agricultural sources. Online analysis of black carbon (BC) and non-refractory PM1 components during winter 2016–2017 confirmed domestic and commercial BB as the primary sources of the BB contributions. These findings highlight the need of the implementation of more effective measures in reducing BB and agricultural/farming NH3 emissions. This study highlights the relevance of these issues for similar towns, the probable unremitting problem over the last decade, and the necessity of enhanced monitoring in small cities and policy actions to meet air quality standards under the new EU directive.

Human Target Proteins for Benzo(a)pyrene and Acetaminophen (And Its Metabolites): Insights from Inverse Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Acetaminophen (APAP) is a widely used analgesic and antipyretic, whereas benzo(a)pyrene (B[a]P) is a carcinogen with significant global health risks due to environmental exposure. While APAP is generally safe at therapeutic doses, co-exposure to B[a]P can exacerbate its toxicity. This study aimed to identify potential human target proteins for B[a]P and APAP through inverse molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. We performed inverse docking with B[a]P, APAP, and three APAP metabolites against 689 human proteins involved in various biological processes. Five proteins were selected based on high docking affinity and their involvement in multiple pathways. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that B[a]P primarily interacted via hydrophobic and π-stacking interactions with proteins like LXR-β, HSP90α, HSP90β, and AKT1, while AM404 formed hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. The simulations confirmed that the complexes had high conformational stability, except for protein AKT1. These results provide insights into the potential impacts of B[a]P and AM404 on protein functions and their implications for understanding the toxic effects of combined exposure.

Benzo(a)anthracene Targeting SLC1A5 to Synergistically Enhance PAH Mixture Toxicity.

Human exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as mutagenic and carcinogenic pollutants in the environment often occurs in the form of mixtures. Although the mixture effects of PAHs have been previously recognized, the toxicological mechanisms to explain them still remain quite unclear. This study combined metabolomics and chemical proteomics methods to comprehensively understand the mixture effects of a PAH mixture including benzo(a)anthracene (BaA), benzo(b)fluoranthene (BbF), benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), and chrysene (CHR). Among them, BaA has shown a strong synergistic effect with other PAHs. Interestingly, BaA alone is not a potent oxidative stress inducer in liver cells but dose-dependently amplifies oxidative damage caused by the PAH mixture. Global metabolomics analysis results revealed damage to the antioxidant glutathione synthesis, which was caused by the glutamine depletion caused by BaA in the mixture. Subsequently, the label-free chemical proteomics and cellular thermal shift analysis (CETSA) demonstrated that the PAH mixture altered the thermal shift of glutamine transporter SLC1A5. Furthermore, Western blotting and the isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) interaction measurements showed nanomolar KD values between BaA and SLC1A5. Overall, this study showed that BaA synergistically contributed to PAH mixture induced oxidative damage by targeting SLC1A5 to inhibit glutamate transport into cells, resulting in the inhibition of glutathione synthesis.

Benzo(a)pyrene promotes autophagy to impair endometrial decidualization via inhibiting CXCL12/CXCR4 axis

Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), a pervasive environmental pollutant with endocrine-disrupting properties, has been associated with detrimental effects on pregnancy. During early pregnancy, the endometrial decidualization process is critical for embryo implantation. Abnormal decidualization can lead to implantation failure, aberrant placental formation, and pregnancy loss. We previously revealed that BaP exposure impaired decidualization and implantation in mice, yet the underlying mechanisms remained elusive. Autophagy, a cellular mechanism pivotal for energy and material recycling, contributes to the decidualization process. The chemokine C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12), secreted by endometrium stromal cells (ESCs), is involved in regulating endometrial decidualization and autophagy. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the hypothesis that BaP disrupts the decidualization process by interfering with autophagic pathways via the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis during early pregnancy. We found that BaP inhibited CXCL12/CXCR4 expression, and induced autophagy by promoting autophagosome formation, which in turn impaired the decidualization in early pregnant mice uterus and decidual stromal cells (DSCs). Using autophagy inhibitors 3-methyladenine and chloroquine in combination with BaP to treat DSCs, successfully weakened BaP-induced autophagy, and relieved decidual injury. Additionally, activation of CXCL12/CXCR4 by recombinant protein CXCL12 attenuated BaP-induced autophagy, inhibited the PI3K/AKT signal activation caused by BaP, and partly rescued the expression of decidualization-related genes. In summary, this study demonstrates that BaP induces autophagy in DSCs by inhibiting the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis, leading to damage in endometrial decidualization during early pregnancy. The findings provide a critical chemokine-mediated regulatory mechanism involved in embryo implantation and contribute valuable knowledge to the reproductive toxicology of BaP.

The key results of studies of benzo(a)pyrene in natural and man-made environments of the Southern Baikal region (2016–2024)

The study aims to provide a retrospective review of the results of studies of benz(a)pyrene in the natural and man-made environments of the Southern Baikal region. The study was conducted with staff, students, and postgraduates at the Department of Industrial Ecology and Railways of the Institute of Subsoil Use of Irkutsk National Research Technical University in 2016-2024. The article is devoted to the 75th anniversary of the department. The atmospheric air in the cities of Irkutsk and Krasnoyarsk regions was assessed based on the results of monitoring of the content of benzо(a)pyrene. Its carcinogenic risks to public health were determined. The results of the systematic study of the sources of emissions into the atmosphere of benzо(a)pyrene and its analogues of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were analyzed. Anthropogenic and man-made (aluminum production, low-power heat sources, highways) and natural (forest fires) sources of benzо(a)pyrene release were identified by assessing its mass load. The indicators of sources of atmospheric pollution - snow cover, soils, plants - were identified. Correlations between atmospheric air pollution and health (neoplasms) of the Irkutsk region population were determined found. The distribution of benzо(a)pyrene in the systems of conjugated objects of the biosphere was studied: “source of emissions - atmospheric air - snow cover”, “soil - plant”, “water - hydrobionts”. Patterns indicating a new source of atmospheric pollution with carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons - natural fires, which can affect the morbidity of the population of the Southern Baikal region - were obtained.

Bifunctional photocatalyst/hydrogel composites: Synergistic effects and degradation mechanisms for the degradation of benzo(a)pyrene in smoked sausages

Benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) is a structurally stable and carcinogenic compound, and B(a)P deposition and transport from smoking environment particulates to smoked meat products is a global challenge. In this study, a novel photosensitive bifunctional composite gel (ST/SiO2-Mn) was successfully synthesized as a reliable material for reducing PM2.5-B(a)P in the smoke environment. B(a)P removal experiments demonstrated that the adsorption and filtration properties of the gel effectively reduced the emission of PM2.5-B(a)P in smoke environment. The ST/SiO2-Mn gel removed 88.5 % of PM2.5-B(a)P in 240 min, which further led to a 59.7 % decrease in B(a)P on the sausage surface. In addition, photocatalytic experiments demonstrated that the ST/SiO2-Mn composite could effectively remove B(a)P, and 50 μg/mL B(a)P could be completely degraded within 20 min. Free radical trapping experiments showed that superoxide radicals (•O2-) contributed significantly to the degradation process. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights for effective PM2.5-B(a)P degradation without increasing economic burden.

Assessment of soil pollution with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Ulan-Ude

: For the first time, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) contamination of the soil cover of Ulan-Ude, the capital of the Republic of Buryatia, was studied. The content of 16 individual polyarenes was analyzed in the upper horizon of background chestnut and urban soils, sampled during soil and geochemical survey in July–August 2022. The average concentration of total PAHs in the soil cover of Ulan-Ude was 735 ng/g, which was 8 times as much as the concentration in the background soils (87 ng/g). The PAH amount in the soil of various functional zones decrease in the following order: railway transport > motor traffic > industrial > one-story residential > multi-story residential > recreational. At the same time, the amount of PAHs in the railway transport zone was 2.6–5.2 times higher than in other functional zones, which indicates that railway transport is the most powerful source of PAHs in the city. Contamination of soils with polyarenes in all functional zones is determined primarily by medium- (46%) and high-molecular-weight (41%) compounds. Among PAHs with low molecular weight, phenanthrene prevailed (9% of the total PAHs), but medium-molecular-weight fluoranthene (18%) and pyrene (13%) showed higher share; high-molecular-weight compounds dominated by benzo(ghi)perylene (12%), benzo(b)fluoranthene (10%), indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene (8%) and benzo(a)pyrene (6%). The total amount of 16 PAHs in the soil cover of the city varied within the range of 17–9 540 ng/g. The highest levels of pollution (3 226–9 540 ng/g) were recorded at 9 sampling points (4% of the city), which form the most contrasting local PAH anomalies. In more than half of the territory of Ulan-Ude, the total amount of PAHs did not exceed 500 ng/g. The indicator ratios of individual PAHs made it possible to determine the dominant types of sources, which include railway transport and coal combustion. The contribution to the environmental hazard of soil contamination with PAHs in Ulan-Ude was mainly made by benzo(a)pyrene (64%) and, to a lesser extent, by benzo(b)fluoranthene (9.6%), indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene (7.2%), dibenzo(ah)anthracene (6.5%) and benzo(a)anthracene (6.1%).

Is It Possible to Breathe Fresh Air in Health Resorts? A Five-Year Seasonal Evaluation of Benzo(a)pyrene Levels and Health Risk Assessment of Polish Resorts

This study examines air quality in Polish health resorts (HR) and its potential health risks, challenging the belief that these environments always provide safe air for recovery. Over five years, air quality was evaluated by measuring concentrations of PM10 and benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) in seven resorts with varying environmental conditions. Using data from 3781 daily samples, both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks were assessed for visitors (various age groups) and employees to determine health risks from prolonged exposure. The findings show frequent exceedances of national B(a)P limits, with some resorts, such as HR2 in Rabka-Zdrój and HR3 in Polanica-Zdrój, surpassing permissible levels by up to 320% and 373%, especially in winter. Non-carcinogenic risks exceeded safe limits by up to 40% for visitors in HR2 and 18% for employees in HR6 (Szczawno-Zdrój). Carcinogenic risks were up to 3.74 times higher than acceptable levels for visitors in HR2 and 3.15 times higher for employees in HR5 (Latoszyn), indicating a continuous risk from long-term exposure. These findings underscore the urgent need for measures to improve air quality in HRs. Given the global implications, similar risks could affect resorts worldwide. Therefore, future research should focus on cross-border studies and innovative strategies to manage pollution and protect health.

Impact of the Location and Energy Carriers Used on Greenhouse Gas Emissions from a Building

The growth in population increases greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions into the environment. High GHG emissions are attributed to meat production, due to its high energy demand. The largest carbon footprint in the production of poultry meat is generated by combustion. This paper deals with the problem of greenhouse gas emissions (total dust, CO, CO2, NOx, SOx and benzo(a)pyrene) resulting from the generation of energy for heating broiler houses located in different locations in Europe. The study includes continuous measurements of selected microclimate parameters: temperature and relative humidity inside and outside the building, floor temperature, wind speed and direction, and solar radiation intensity. Validation and calibration of the model, emission calculations, and analysis of the obtained results were conducted. Eighteen design variants were assumed, differentiated by the heating fuel used (hard coal, fuel oil, gaseous fuels), material and construction solutions for the floor and the location of the facility. The analysis showed that CO2 emissions for a facility located in northern Europe are 123,153 kg higher compared to the same building located in southern Europe. In addition, increasing the floor’s thermal resistance by 3.69 m2·K·W−1 reduced harmful gas emissions by an average of 5.7% for each of the locations analysed.