Endocrine Disruptors Research Articles

Removal of bisphenol A (BPA) from aqueous solution by potassium carbonate modified wetland plant biochars

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a known endocrine disruptor that is acutely toxic to the living organisms. In this study, the wetland plants Phragmites australis and Typha orientalis were subjected to carbonize at 500℃ for different durations (4, 5, and 6h) and varying mass ratios of wetland plants to potassium carbonate (1:2, 1:1, and 2:1). The prepared modified biochars were used to treat BPA in solution to explore the effect of contact time and initial concentration of BPA on adsorption performance. Both adsorption kinetic models and isotherm models were also studied. The results demonstrated a gradual increase in the adsorption capacity of Phragmites australis and Typha orientalis biochars for BPA with prolonged contact time. Furthermore, an enhancement in the adsorption capacity was observed with increasing initial BPA concentration. The modified biochars significantly enhanced BPA removal and adsorption capacities for BPA compared to the unmodified biochars. L55C (Phragmites australis carbonized at 500℃ for 5h with a mass ratio of 2:1) and X54C (Phragmites australis carbonized at 500 ℃ for 4h with a mass ratio of 2:1) exhibited the largest total surface areas, total pore volumes, microporous surface areas and microporous volumes, and achieved maximum adsorption capacities of 8.547 and 8.117mg/g, respectively. The adsorption processes were fitted with pseudo-second-order adsorption kinetic models and Langmuir models. The adsorption processes were monolayer chemical adsorption.

Prolonged exposure to NaAsO2 induces thyroid dysfunction and inflammatory injury in Sprague‒Dawley rats, involvement of NLRP3 inflammasome‒mediated pyroptosis.

Arsenic, a well-known hazardous toxicant, has been found in recent years to act as an environmental endocrine disruptor that accumulates in various endocrine organs, impeding the normal physiological functions of these organs and altering hormone secretion levels. Moreover, some research has demonstrated a correlation between arsenic exposure and thyroid functions, suggesting that arsenic has a toxicological effect on the thyroid gland. However, the specific type of thyroid gland damage caused by arsenic exposure and its potential molecular mechanism remain poorly understood. In this study, the toxic effects of sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) exposure at different doses (0, 2.5, 5.0 and 10.0mg/kg bw) and over different durations (12, 24 and 36 weeks) on thyroid tissue and thyroid hormone levels in Sprague‒Dawley (SD) rats were investigated, and the specific mechanisms underlying the effects were also explored. Our results showed that NaAsO2 exposure can cause accumulation of this element in the thyroid tissue of rats. More importantly, chronic exposure to NaAsO2 significantly upregulated the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome-related proteins in thyroid tissue, leading to pyroptosis of thyroid cells and subsequent development of thyroid dysfunction, inflammatory injury, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and even fibrotic changes in the thyroid glands of SD rats. These findings increase our understanding of the toxic effects of arsenic exposure on the thyroid gland and its functions.

Thyroid and growth hormone endocrine disruption and mechanisms of homosalate and octisalate using wild-type, thrαa-/-, and dre-miR-499-/- zebrafish embryo/larvae

Homosalate (HS) and octisalate (OS), which are used in sunscreen for the purpose of blocking ultraviolet rays, are frequently detected in water environment. Although effects on estrogens and androgens have been reported, studies on thyroid and growth hormone endocrine disruption are limited. In the present study, larval mortality was compared in wild-type and two knockout fish (thyroid hormone receptor alpha a knockout (thrαa-/-) and dre-miR-499 knockout (dre-miR-499-/-)) after 96 h of exposure to HS and OS (0, 0.003, 0.03, 0.3, 3, 30 and 300 µg/L). To investigate the mechanisms of thyroid and growth hormone endocrine disruption, we measured the levels of triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), growth hormone (GH), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and the regulation of representative genes related to the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) and GH/IGF axis in wild-type zebrafish exposed to target chemicals. The significantly lower larval survival rate of thrαa-/- and dre-miR-499-/- fish exposed to 300 μg/L of HS and OS suggest that thyroid hormone receptors and dre-miR-499 play a crucial role in the toxic effects of HS and OS. The finding of a significant increase in T3 and T4 in zebrafish larvae exposed to HS and OS supports a significant decrease in the crh gene. The reduction of GH and IGF-1 in fish exposed to HS and OS is well supported by the regulation of genes involved in the GH/IGF axis. Our observations suggest that exposure to HS and OS affects not only thyroid hormone receptors and their associated miRNAs, but also the feedback routes of HPT and GH/IGF axes, ultimately leading to growth reduction.

Associations of Phthalate Exposure with Adiposity and Metabolic Syndrome in US Adolescents and Adults, NHANES 2013-2018

Abstract Background/Objective Phthalates are ubiquitous endocrine-disrupting chemicals and suspected obesogens. However, the associations with fat distribution and associated cardiometabolic complications remain unclear. Therefore, we examined the associations between phthalate exposure, body fat (total and distribution patterns), and metabolic syndrome (MetS) among US adolescents and adults. Methods We analyzed cross-sectional data from 829 adolescents and 3905 adults in the 2013-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Total percent body fat (%BF), visceral adipose tissue (VAT) mass, and android to gynoid (A/G) ratio were determined using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Associations between molar sums of low molecular weight (∑LMW), high molecular weight (∑HMW), and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (∑DEHP) metabolites, and adiposity indicators and MetS were analyzed with multivariable linear and logistic regressions. Models included sex interaction terms, were stratified by age group, and adjusted for relevant covariates. Results ∑HMW and ∑DEHP exposures were positively associated with %BF in males, and all phthalate groups were associated with greater VAT mass and A/G ratio in adolescent males. Five-fold increases in ∑HMW and ∑DEHP metabolites were associated with 21.7% (95% CI: 10.5-33.9) and 18.0% (95% CI: 7.72-29.2) greater VAT mass among adolescent males, respectively. Sex modified the relationship between ∑HMW exposure and A/G ratio among adolescents (interaction p-value = 0.0185). Phthalates were not associated with odds of MetS. When assessing individual MetS components, phthalates were associated with hyperglycemia in adult males. Conclusion Greater exposure to phthalates was associated with greater %BF in all males, and with fat distribution in adolescent males; however, phthalates were not linked to MetS.

Association between bisphenol A exposure and cardiometabolic outcomes: a longitudinal approach

Abstract Background Increased cardiometabolic risk is associated with abnormalities in blood biomarkers profile and adiposity measurements. Some substances found in the food matrix or the environment, called endocrine-disrupting chemicals, may impair cardiometabolic health in the yearly and later stages of life. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a food contaminant that migrates from food contact materials and may act as an endocrine disruptor, negatively affecting human health. The present work aims to assess the longitudinal association between BPA exposure and cardiometabolic outcomes. Methods Data from the four waves of the Portuguese population-based birth cohort Generation XXI were used (n = 3138). Dietary data were collected by 3-d food diaries, using the FoodEx2 classification system to describe the reported foods. BPA daily exposure was estimated using a random forest model, combining dietary information with urinary BPA measured in 24-h urine from a subsample, used to predict the remaining sample’s BPA exposure. The generalised least squares model was used to test the associations between BPA and cardiometabolic outcomes. Results Blood insulin and HOMA-IR presented a significant longitudinal association with BPA daily exposure after adjustment for important variables and energy (0.06 SD(0.03, 0.09); 0.05 SD(0.02, 0.08) respectively). The same findings were observed for fat mass and waist circumference (0.03 SD(0.01, 0.06); 0.06 SD(0.04, 0.08), respectively). For z-BMI, a significant cross-sectional and longitudinal association was found (0.03 SD(0.01, 0.04); 0.02 SD(0.00, 0.04), respectively). Conclusions This was the first study assessing the association between BPA exposure and health outcomes from childhood to adolescence. We found an association between BPA exposure and an increased blood insulin level, insulin resistance, fat mass percentage, waist circumference and z-score of body mass index. Our results point to the need to reduce exposure to BPA in the early stages of life. Key messages • BPA exposure was estimated using direct and indirect methods. • BPA can impair cardiometabolic outcomes from the early stages of life, such as higher blood insulin level, insulin resistance, fat mass, waist circumference, and body mass index.

Interaction of polychlorinated biphenyls exposure, lifestyle and genetic risk in dyslipidemia

Abstract Background Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are endocrine-disrupting chemicals that have been associated with various adverse health conditions. However, the interaction effects between PCBs, lifestyle, and/or genetic susceptibility on dyslipidemias are still unknown. Methods Six serum PCBs including PCB-28, 101, 118, 138, 153, and 180 were determined in 3,845 participants from the Wuhan-Zhuhai cohort. Dyslipidemias, including hyper-total cholesterol (HyperTC), hyper-triglyceride (HyperTG), hyper-low density lipoprotein cholesterol (HyperLDL-C), and hypo-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HypoHDL-C) were classified based on serum lipids levels, which were examined by an automatic biochemical analyzer. Besides, we constructed lipid-specific polygenic risk scores (PRS) and healthy lifestyle scores, and used Logistic regression models to explore the relationships of serum PCBs, lifestyle, and PRS with dyslipidemias. Results We observed that all six PCB congeners were positively associated with the prevalence of dyslipidemias to varying degrees. In particular, dose-response manners were observed between ΣPCB levels and odds ratios (ORs) of HyperTC, HyperTG, and HyperLDL-C, respectively. Besides, we found that PRSs and unhealthy lifestyles were both positively associated with dyslipidemias. For the combined effect of ΣPCB, lifestyle, and PRS, participants with high ΣPCB, unfavorable lifestyle, and high genetic risk had the highest odds of HyperTC (2.285; 1.533, 3.417), HyperTG (7.944; 5.169, 12.329), and HyperLDL-C (3.523; 2.311, 5.394) when compared with those with low ΣPCB, healthy lifestyle, and low genetic risk. Conclusions Our study provided evidence that PCB exposure potentially increases the prevalence of dyslipidemias, which may be exacerbated by genetic susceptibility and unhealthy lifestyles. Key messages • Our results highlighted the importance of reducing PCB exposure, adopting healthy lifestyles for the prevention of dyslipidemia. • Our work might facilitate the emergence of reducing or regulating PCB pollution to control blood lipids and the resultant dyslipidemia epidemic.

Toxic effects of microplastic and nanoplastic on the reproduction of teleost fish in aquatic environments.

Microplastics and nanoplastics are widely present in aquatic environments and attract significant scholarly attention due to their toxicity, persistence, and ability to cross biological barriers, which pose substantial risks to various fish species. Microplastics and nanoplastics can enter fish through their digestive tract, gills and skin, causing oxidative damage to the body and adversely affecting their reproductive system. Given that fish constitute a crucial source of high-quality protein for humans, it is necessary to study the impact of microplastics on fish reproduction in order to assess the impact of pollutants on ecology, biodiversity conservation, environmental sustainability, and endocrine disruption. This review explores the reproductive consequences of microplastics and nanoplastics in fish, examining aspects such as fecundity, abnormal offspring, circadian rhythm, gonad index, spermatocyte development, oocyte development, sperm quality, ovarian development, and changes at the molecular and cellular level. These investigations hold significant importance in environmental toxicology.

Hydroxyl radical oxidation of chemical contaminants on indoor surfaces and dust

Humans are widely exposed to semivolatile organic contaminants in indoor environments. Many contaminants have long lifetimes following partitioning to the large surface reservoirs present indoors, which leads to long exposure times to gas-phase oxidants and multiphase chemistry. Studies have shown selective multiphase oxidation of organics on indoor surfaces, but the presence of hydroxyl radicals with nonselective reactivity and evidence of multiphase OH radical reactivity toward common indoor contaminants indicates that there may be additional unknown transformation chemistry indoors. We screened genuine indoor samples for 60 OH radical oxidation products of the common plasticizer and endocrine-disrupting contaminant bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) identified in laboratory experiments using nontargeted high-resolution mass spectrometry. At least 30 and 10 of these products are observed in indoor dust and DEHP films exposed to ambient indoor conditions, respectively, indicating that multiphase OH reactions occur indoors. Using the PROTEX model and a multimedia indoor chemical fate model, we demonstrate that these products have long indoor lifetimes and cause a higher potential for human exposure than DEHP. Some of these products are more active endocrine disruptors than DEHP itself, but most have unknown toxicities. Coexposure to all oxidation products will likely have an additive effect, leading to higher human health risks from indoor organic contaminants than previously thought. Due to the nonselective reactivity of OH radicals, it is likely that most indoor contaminants follow similar chemistry, and further study is needed to understand the prevalence and human health implications of such multiphase chemistry.

In Silico, In Vitro, and In Vivo Studies Indicate the Endocrine-Disrupting Effects of Cyproconazole Stereoisomers.

The widespread use of chiral triazole fungicide cyproconazole (CPZ) in agricultural fields has led to frequent detection of CPZ in the environment. The restriction of CPZ in the EU raised wide concerns regarding its potential endocrine-disrupting effects (EDEs). The present study was conducted to evaluate EDEs of CPZ stereoisomers in vitro, in silico, and in vivo. The reporter gene assay indicated that all CPZ stereoisomers were agonists to the human estrogenic receptor α. (2S,3S)-(+)- and (2R,3S)-(-)-CPZ exhibited stronger binding capacities to ERα compared with (2R,3R)-(-)- and (2S,3R)-(+)-CPZ. Our computational studies showed consistent results with reporter gene assay, elucidating the stereoselective binding mode of CPZ to estrogen receptor. In zebrafish embryos, the 96h-lethality of CPZ stereoisomers ordered (2R,3R)-(-)- > (2R,3S)-(-)- > (2S,3S)-(+)- > Rac- > (2S,3R)-(+)-CPZ. Stereoselective developmental toxicity of CPZ was observed while (2R,3S)-(-)-CPZ is the most toxic isomer. The estrogenic hormones were significantly decreased in (2S,3R)-(+)- and (2R,3S)-(-)-CPZ groups and enhanced in (2S,3S)-(+)- and (2R,3R)-(-)-CPZ, along with the gene expression in hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad axis altered. CPZ shows no thyroid hormone activity. These data clarified that CPZ is a new-found endocrine disruptor threatening human health and each stereoisomer of CPZ showed stereoselective EDEs by regulating the nuclear receptor-mediated gene expression.

E-Waste and Hazardous Elements: A Comprehensive Study of Chemical Components and Environmental Threats

Electronic waste, or "e-waste," has grown significantly as a result of the exponential rise of electronic gadgets and is currently one of the waste streams with the fastest rate of growth in the world. Many dangerous substances, such as organic pollutants like brominated flame retardants and heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium, can be found in e-waste. The chemical components of e-waste are thoroughly analyzed in this work, with an emphasis on the identification, measurement, and health and environmental effects of these hazardous materials. According to study, e-waste improper disposal and unofficial recycling can release dangerous substances into the environment, posing a major risk to human health including endocrine disruption and neurological damage. This can result in soil, water, and air contamination. The results highlight the necessity of more advanced recycling technology, stringent laws, and environmentally friendly design principles in order to reduce these hazards. This study adds to the expanding body of information on e-waste and urges immediate action to mitigate the risks that electronic trash poses to the environment and public health.

Arrhythmogenic effects of DEHP exposure: insights into cardiac electrophysiology and myocardial cells

Abstract Introduction Hemodialysis patients, who are exposed to plasticizers through the hemodialysis circuit, face a high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Plasticizers, such as the endocrine-disrupting compound Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), have emerged as potential contributors to CVD. This study explores the impact of DEHP on cardiac electrophysiology and myocardial cells, providing insights into its cardiotoxic effects. Methods We employed optical mapping techniques to assess cardiac electrophysiology in Langendorff-perfused rat hearts exposed to DEHP, comparing them to a control group. Additionally, we evaluated the effect of DEHP on cardiac muscle cells using H9C2 rat cardiomyoblasts. Results Prolonged DEHP exposure resulted in elevated heart rate, increased electrocardiographic variability, and higher low-frequency values, indicative of sympathetic nervous system overactivity. Action potential duration at APD80 increased, leading to greater action potential triangulation. Electrical alternans observed in the DEHP-treated group heightened the risk of arrhythmias. Single-cell analysis revealed severe mitochondrial damage, myocardial cell apoptosis, and disrupted calcium ion balance. Conclusion This study highlights DEHP's cardiotoxicity, suggesting its potential role in arrhythmogenesis and cardiac dysfunction. Environmental pollutants like DEHP warrant consideration as contributors to cardiovascular diseases, emphasizing the need for further research on preventive strategies.

A comprehensive review of emerging contaminants in water sources

The quality of water is crucial for the health of both the environment and humans, but new challenges from emerging contaminants threaten this vital resource. This paper reviews the origin and significance of water quality issues linked to emerging pollutants, including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, microplastics, pesticides, and industrial chemicals. These persistent chemicals exhibit complex behaviors and have the potential to impact ecological systems and human health significantly. The review comprehensively examines the pathways through which these pollutants enter water systems, such as agricultural runoff, industrial discharges, and urban stormwater runoff. It also covers the latest techniques for identifying these pollutants, emphasizing recent advancements in sampling methods and analytical techniques while highlighting the challenges of detecting contaminants at low concentrations. The discussion includes the environmental behavior of these contaminants, focusing on their properties, degradation mechanisms, and bioaccumulation potential. It further explores the impacts of these emerging contaminants on ecosystems and human health, examining both conventional and innovative treatment technologies. Additionally, the review identifies current research gaps and future trends in the analysis of new pollutants. It underscores the importance of public awareness, effective communication strategies, and innovative approaches to environmental protection.

Association of SOGPI in mediating the effect of Phosphatidylcholine on polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, marked by hormonal imbalances and disruptions in glucose and lipid metabolism. Emerging research has indicated a correlation between lipids and PCOS, yet the specific lipid profiles or associated genes identified in various studies vary, and observational data alone cannot establish causation. Therefore, our study seeks to establish a causal association between lipidome and PCOS. Methods Data from genome-wide association studies, liposomes, metabolites, and PCOS-related information were collected. Four rounds of double-sample bidirectional intermediate Mendelian Randomization analyses including liposomes to disease, liposomes to metabolites, metabolites to disease, and reverse Mendelian Randomization analysis of lipids, total effect values and intermediary effect values were calculated. The proportion mediated by the intermediary effect was determined by dividing the intermediary effect value by the total effect value. Results The analyses revealed that three liposomes and nine metabolites were causally associated with PCOS. Specifically, phosphatidylcholine and 1-Stearoyl-2-Oleoyl-Glycosylphosphatidylinositol were identified as independent risk factors for PCOS through further Mendelian Randomization analysis. The risk of developing PCOS increased by 32% for every one standard deviation increase in phosphatidylcholine and by 17% for every one standard deviation increase in 1-Stearoyl-2-Oleoyl-Glycosylphosphatidylinositol. Furthermore, the study revealed that phosphatidylcholine can influence the development of PCOS with 1-Stearoyl-2-Oleoyl-Glycosylphosphatidylinositol acting as a mediator, explaining 4.97% of the effect. Conclusions This study confirmed a causal relationship between phosphatidylcholine and 1-Stearoyl-2-Oleoyl-Glycosylphosphatidylinositol with PCOS, where phosphatidylcholine can influence the occurrence of PCOS with 1-Stearoyl-2-Oleoyl-Glycosylphosphatidylinositol as a mediator.

The Interplay of the Mammalian Brain and Thyroid Hormones, and the Threat of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals

Introduction: During the formation of neural circuits, the developing brain demonstrates extraordinary plasticity, heavily influenced by hormones. These chemical messengers interact with specific receptors to regulate vital physiological functions. The thyroid gland plays a pivotal role in maintaining hormonal balance and guiding brain development. However, emerging threats like endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can interfere with this intricate system. EDCs are exogenous substances that can mimic, enhance, or block the actions of endogenous hormones, disrupting hormonal signaling in the brain at various developmental stages. Exposure can impair cognitive function and behavior due to disruptions in thyroid function. Studies indicate that mixtures of EDCs negatively impact brain development, leading to lower IQ and behavioral problems. Reducing EDC exposure through regulations and public awareness is crucial, and further research is needed to elucidate their mechanisms. Conclusions: Protecting vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women and children, is essential through prompt regulatory measures.

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate Exposure Induces Developmental Toxicity in the Mouse Fetal Heart via Mitochondrial Dysfunction.

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a major cause of infant mortality and morbidity, with growing interest in the role of environmental factors in its etiology. Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), an environmental endocrine disruptor, has been implicated in the development of CHD. This study aimed to investigate the effects of DEHP exposure on fetal heart development in mice. Pregnant mice exposed to DEHP exhibited increased fetal malformations, decreased fetal weight, and reduced crown-rump length.f Transcriptomic analysis revealed the downregulation of genes involved in aerobic respiration and mitochondrial ATP synthesis. Functional assays demonstrated reduced mitochondrial respiration, decreased ATP production, elevated reactive oxygen species levels, and lowered mitochondrial membrane potential in DEHP-exposed fetal cardiomyocytes. These findings underscore the detrimental effects of DEHP on fetal cardiac health and provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying DEHP-induced CHD. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing preventive strategies against environmental toxicants that affect fetal cardiac development.

The ENDOMIX perspective: how everyday chemical mixtures impact human health and reproduction by targeting the immune system†.

Endocrine disruptor chemicals (EDCs) are natural and synthetic compounds found ubiquitously in the environment that interfere with the hormonal-immune axis, potentially impacting human health and reproduction. Exposure to EDCs has been associated with numerous health risks, such as neurodevelopmental disorders, metabolic syndrome, thyroid dysfunction, infertility, and cancers. Nevertheless, the current approach to establishing causality between EDCs and disease outcomes has limitations. Epidemiological and experimental research on EDCs faces challenges in accurately assessing chemical exposure and interpreting non-monotonic dose response curves. In addition, most studies have focused on single chemicals or simple mixtures, overlooking complex real-life exposures and EDC mechanistic insights, in particular regarding their impact on the immune system. The ENDOMIX project, funded by the EU's Horizon Health Program, addresses these challenges by integrating epidemiological, risk assessment, and immunotoxicology methodologies. This systemic approach comprises the triangulation of human cohort, in vitro, and in vivo data to determine the combined effects of EDC mixtures. The present review presents and discusses current literature regarding human reproduction in the context of immunotolerance and EDC mode of action. It further underscores the ENDOMIX perspective to elucidate the impact of EDCs on immune-reproductive health.

Environmental pollution by plasticizers and the relationship to vector dengue mosquito Aedes aegypti: Bisphenol A (BPA) affect the development and viral immune pathway response

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widely used industrial chemical found in various products, leading to human exposure through dietary and non-dietary sources. It acts as an endocrine disruptor, affecting reproductive processes in vertebrates by binding to estrogen receptors. While its effects on vertebrates have been extensively studied, much less is known about its impact on invertebrates. This study investigates the effects of BPA on the development and immune response of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which are important vectors for arboviral diseases, such as dengue, an emergent viral disease worldwide. Artificial aquatic niches (AAN) were sampled, and BPA concentrations were quantified. Ae. aegypti larvae were exposed to varying BPA concentrations, and their development, fecundity, fertility, and immune response were assessed. Results show delayed development and decreased emergence of mosquitoes exposed to BPA. Females exposed to BPA exhibited reduced oviposition while hatching rates remained unaffected. Furthermore, BPA exposure altered the expression of immune response genes in adult mosquitoes, with differential effects observed between sexes. This suggests that BPA exposure during early developmental stages can modulate the antiviral immune response in adult mosquitoes, possibly through the 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) signaling pathway. Overall, this study highlights the potential impact of BPA on the development and immune function of mosquito vectors, with implications for vector competence and disease transmission.

Ecotoxicological effects of pharmaceutical preparations and the possibility of removing them through phytoremediation: A review

From several decades, there was a significant increase in the production of pharmaceuticals due to their widespread use for both animal and human health. However, these pharmaceuticals also release large amounts of waste into the water environment, where they have been found at levels of ng/l to mg/l in wastewater and surface water. Additionally, because pharmaceuticals initially have biological effects such endocrine disruption, they may have a multitude of adverse effects. Hospitals are indicated or thought to be a significant and extremely variable source that is typically released into sewers immediately, without any kind of preparation. even if they only make up a minor portion of the influents of sewage treatment plants' overall effluent volume. One of the primary sources of pharmaceuticals that are present in every area of the environment is the hospitals. These medications were transferred to wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), which lack the necessary equipment to effectively handle these kinds of substances. Pharmaceutical contamination of water is regarded as a growing pollution issue in developed nations as these pollutants and micropollutants have been introduced into drinking water sources. In order to raise awareness among physicians, patients, and pharmaceutical manufacturers that pharmaceutical materials may have side effects outside of the patient, certain countries have implemented a classification system for pharmaceutical drugs based on their propensity to accumulate in surface water and interfere with aquatic life. This program is assessed by yearly tests of pharmaceuticals in sewage treatment effluents. The results indicate the presence of numerous types of medicines, including trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole, and metronidazole, in all analyzed sewer treatment plant effluents. The manufacturing and consumption of pharmaceuticals appear to have an impact on their presence in wastewater.

Dual lateral flow test for simple and rapid simultaneous immunodetection of bisphenol A and dimethyl phthalate, two priority plastic related environmental contaminants

Contamination of the environment by technogenic endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) becomes serious threat to public health. To effectively prevent this threat, it is necessary to improve analytical methods for EDCs to ensure mass, fast and productive monitoring. In the given work, a dual lateral flow test (LFT) is developed in the first time for simultaneous immunodetection of bisphenol A and dimethyl phthalate, priority EDCs releasing from plastic and belonging to different chemical classes. It combines integrated detection of two EDCs by one analytical system with rapidity and simplicity of LFTs allowing for off-lab testing without additional reagents and devices. Gold nanoparticles differing in shape and color (red gold nanospheres and blue gold nanoflowers) are applied as markers to simplify interpretation of the obtained results. Under the optimal conditions chosen for efficient control of the both analytes, the detection limits of bisphenol A and dimethyl phthalate are 0.67 ng/mL and 2.22 ng/mL, respectively. Time of the assay is 15 min. The proposed dual LFT has confirmed its practical applicability by analyzing natural water samples with recovery of bisphenol A and dimethyl phthalate in the ranges of 90.4–107.0% and 86.8–118.0%, respectively.

EXPRESS: Association of exposure to non-persistent endocrine disruptors with sex hormones and metabolic health in US females.

Endocrine disruptive chemicals (EDCs) are considered as the potential attributes for the increasing trend in obesity and metabolic syndrome (MS) through disruption of sex hormones, particularly in women. We evaluated the association of understudied EDC compounds with total testosterone (TT), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), obesity, and metabolic syndrome (MS). A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey datasets collected during the years 2013-2016. Women of age ≥15 years with urinary measurements of non-persistent EDCs including bisphenol, triclosan, triclocarban, dichlorophenol, and paraben compounds were included in this study. Data were analyzed using the modified Poisson models to estimate the adjusted relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). The associations were also validated by considering TT and SHBG concentrations as the outcomes. The study included 1974 women with 11% high TT, 10.5% low SHBG, 40% obesity, and 46.2% MS. A medium to high exposure to bisphenol-A (RR=1.64; 95%CI: 1.14, 2.35, p=0.009), bisphenol-F (RR=1.83; 95%CI: 1.35, 2.49, p<0.001), bisphenol-S (RR=1.83; 95%CI: 1.35, 2.49, p=0.041) and 2, 4- dichlorophenol (RR=1.61; 95%CI: 1.06, 2.45, p=0.026) were associated with low SHBG but not with high TT. In addition, high exposure to triclosan was also inversely associated with lower SHBG concentrations (regression coefficient=-0.09; 95%CI: -0.15, -0.02, p=0.013). However, these EDCs were found to be associated with SHBG, obesity, and MS according to menopausal status. High exposure to certain non-persistent EDCs was associated with low SHBG, obesity, and MS according to menopausal status.