High Fish Consumption Research Articles

The contribution of fish to the diet of loggerhead sea turtles in the western Mediterranean revisited

Early juvenile loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) rely on gelatinous zooplankton, whereas individuals larger than 40 cm curved carapace length are adapted to crush hard-shelled invertebrates. Nevertheless, fish were reported to be the staple food of loggerhead turtles in the western Mediterranean 30 years ago. Here, the temporal consistency of such a fish-based diet of loggerhead turtles is assessed through gut content analysis and stable isotope analysis of samples from the Mediterranean coast of Spain spanning three decades. The gut contents of 134 juvenile loggerhead turtles (curved carapace length range: 27–71 cm) from three different periods (1991, 1999–2008 and 2010–2017) were analyzed, as well as a subsample of the same turtles (n = 10 in each period) for both bulk and compound-specific stable isotope ratios (CSIA-AA). Gut content analysis revealed a decline in the frequency of occurrence and numerical abundance of fish and an increasing contribution of gastropods and bivalves throughout time, although pelagic tunicates were always the most frequently observed prey. The δ15Nbulk of turtle bone also dropped throughout the study period, but the values of the stable isotope ratio of N in phenylalanine (δ15NPhe) indicated that 52.5% of that variability was due to a baseline shift over time. Accordingly, the trophic position estimated from CSIA-AA did not follow the decreasing pattern of δ15Nbulk, but fluctuated throughout time. The overall evidence indicates that fish consumption by loggerhead turtles in the study region declined through time, but the trophic position of loggerhead turtles did not change simultaneously. This is probably because low trophic prey such pelagic tunicates and filter-feeding bivalves and suspension-feeding gastropods were the bulk of the diet during the whole study period and fish played a minor role, even when their frequency of occurrence peaked. Past levels of high fish consumption might be due to high levels of fishery discards, currently declining because of the recent reduction of the fishing fleet.

Screening of Anisakis-Related Allergies and Associated Factors in a Mediterranean Community Characterized by High Seafood Consumption.

Dietary changes expose consumers to risks from Anisakis larvae in seafood, leading to parasitic diseases and allergies. Anisakis is recognized by EFSA as a significant hazard, with potential oncogenic implications. Diagnostic advancements, like the Basophil Activation Test (BAT), enhance sensitivity and accuracy in identifying Anisakis sensitization, complementing traditional IgE tests. We conducted a cross-sectional study on patients with allergic symptoms from April 2021 to April 2023 at two outpatient clinics in western Sicily. Our goal was to assess the prevalence of Anisakis-related allergies and to identify risk profiles using specific Anisakis IgE and the BAT, especially in regions with high raw fish consumption. The study evaluated specific Anisakis IgE as a screening tool for Anisakis sensitization, using questionnaires, blood samples, and immuno-allergology analyses. Anisakis-specific IgE values were compared with the BAT results, with statistical analyses including Fisher's exact test and logistic regression. The results showed an 18.5% seroprevalence of Anisakis IgE, while the BAT as a second-level test showed 4.63%, indicating the BAT's superior specificity and accuracy. The study highlighted the importance of the BAT in diagnosing Anisakis sensitization, especially in cases of cross-reactivity with Ascaris and tropomyosin. The findings confirm the BAT's exceptional specificity in identifying Anisakis sensitization and support using Anisakis-specific IgE for population-based risk profiling. The BAT can effectively serve as a confirmatory test.

Association between Dietary Patterns and Cardiometabolic Multimorbidity among Chinese Rural Older Adults.

The global population is aging rapidly, leading to an increase in the prevalence of cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM). This study aims to investigate the association between dietary patterns and CMM among Chinese rural older adults. The sample was selected using a multi-stage cluster random sampling method and a total of 3331 rural older adults were ultimately included. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between the latent dietary patterns and CMM. The prevalence of CMM among rural older adults was 44.64%. This study identified four potential categories: "Low Consumption of All Foods Dietary Pattern (C1)", "High Dairy, Egg, and Red Meat Consumption, Low Vegetable and High-Salt Consumption Dietary Pattern (C2)", "High Egg, Vegetable, and Grain Consumption, Low Dairy and White Meat Consumption Dietary Pattern (C3)" and "High Meat and Fish Consumption, Low Dairy and High-Salt Consumption Dietary Pattern (C4)". Individuals with a C3 dietary pattern (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.66-0.98; p = 0.028) and a C4 dietary pattern (OR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.51-0.97; p = 0.034) significantly reduced the prevalence of CMM compared with the C1 dietary pattern. Rural older adults have diverse dietary patterns, and healthy dietary patterns may reduce the risk of CMM.

Association of childhood food consumption and dietary pattern with cardiometabolic risk factors and metabolomics in late adolescence: prospective evidence from ‘Children of 1997’ birth cohort

BackgroundHealthy diet might protect against cardiometabolic diseases, but uncertainty exists about its definition and role in adolescence.MethodIn a subset of Hong Kong’s ‘Children of 1997’ birth cohort (n=2844 out of...

Fish consumption and depression in Korean population: The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2013–2021

BackgroundEpidemiological studies in some populations showed that dietary intake of fish may be inversely associated with depression, but large studies in Korean population are limited. Thus, we investigated the association between fish consumption and depression, considering the serving size of fish, in Korean adults. MethodsThis study was based on the data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013−2021), which is a large nationally representative study of Korean population. Fish consumption was assessed with a 24-hour dietary recall, and physician-diagnosed depression status was assessed using questionnaires from the health interview survey. Multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for demographic, lifestyle, and dietary factors were used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) for depression. ResultsA total of 31,632 adults aged 19–64 years were included in the analysis. After adjusting for covariates, highest fish consumption (≥4 servings/week) was significantly associated with 26 % lower odds of depression compared to the lowest fish consumption (<1 servings/week) (OR 0.74; 95 % CI, 0.60–0.92, P for trend = 0.007). A similar inverse association was found in female adults (OR 0.76; 95 % CI, 0.59–0.97, P for trend = 0.018), but no significant association was found in male adults (OR 0.75; 95 % CI, 0.49–1.15, P for trend = 0.223). LimitationsSince KNHANES is a cross-sectional study, it is difficult to evaluate the causal relationship between fish consumption and depression risk. ConclusionsThis study results suggest that high fish consumption is associated with lower risk of depression in Korean adults, especially in female adults.

Seasonality and fish types involved in cases compatible with Haff disease in a brazilian amazon state

The study investigates Haff Disease (HD), a rare condition globally disseminated, especially in the Brazilian Amazon region. Associated with fish and crustacean consumption, it causes rhabdomyolysis, with symptoms that can arise up to 24 hours after ingestion. This study, conducted in Pará between 2021 and 2023, employs a quantitative methodological approach to analyze reported cases and fish types involved in HD. From the data obtained, 139 cases were reported, of which 115-exhibited characteristics compatible with the disease, predominantly in urban men. A significant increase occurred during the Amazonian summer, associated with the Piaractus mesopotamicus fish (pacu). The need to understand the seasonality and variety of fish related to the pathology for effective prevention and control strategies is emphasized. Urgent awareness campaigns and strengthened sanitary surveillance are required, especially in the Amazon region, due to high fish consumption, to mitigate disease risks.

Association between diet quality and malnutrition: pooled results from two population-based studies in older adults

BackgroundThe role of diet quality on malnutrition in older adults is uncertain, due the paucity of the research conducted and the use of use of screening tools that did not consider phenotypic criteria of malnutrition.ObjectiveTo evaluate the association of two indices of diet quality, namely the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) and the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI-2010), with malnutrition among community-dwelling older adults in Spain.MethodsCross-sectional analysis of data from 1921 adults aged ≥ 60 years from the Seniors-ENRICA-1 (SE-1) study, and 2652 adults aged ≥ 65 years from the Seniors-ENRICA-2 (SE-2) study. Habitual food consumption was assessed through a validated diet history. Malnutrition was defined according to the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) phenotypic criteria. Statistical analyses were performed with logistic regression with adjustment for socioeconomic and lifestyle variables as well as for total energy and protein intake.ResultsThe prevalence of malnutrition in the SE-1 study was 9.5% (95% confidence interval: 8.2 to 10.9) and 11.7% (10.5 to 13.9) in the SE-2. Adherence to the MEDAS score was associated with lower prevalence of malnutrition [pooled odds ratio for high (≥ 9 points) vs. low adherence (< 7 points): 0.64 (0.48–0.84); p-trend < 0.001]. Higher adherence to the AHEI-2010 also showed an inverse association with malnutrition (pooled odds ratio for quartile 4 vs. 1: 0.65 (0.49–0.86); p-trend 0.006). Among the individual components, higher consumption of fish and long-chain n-3 fatty acids in MEDAS and AHEI-2010, and of vegetables and nuts and legumes in AHEI-2010, and lower intake of trans-fat and sugar-sweetened beverages and fruit juice in AHEI-2010 were independently associated with lower odds of malnutrition.ConclusionAdherence to high diet-quality patterns was associated with lower frequency of malnutrition among older adults.Clinical trial registryClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02804672. June 17, 2016.; ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03541135. May 30, 2018.

Maternal Seafood Consumption during Pregnancy and Cardiovascular Health of Children at 11 Years of Age.

Nutrition is critical during pregnancy for the healthy growth of the developing infant, who is fully dependent on maternal dietary omega-3 supply for development. Fatty fish, a main dietary source of omega-3, is associated with decreased cardiovascular risk in adults. We conducted a longitudinal study based on a mother-offspring cohort as part of the project Infancia y Medio Ambiente (INMA) in order to assess whether fish intake during pregnancy relates to cardiovascular health in children. A total of 657 women were included and followed throughout pregnancy until birth, and their children were enrolled at birth and followed up until age 11-12. A semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to assess the daily intake of foods during the 1st and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy. Cardiovascular assessments included arterial stiffness (assessed by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity [PWV]) and retinal microcirculation (photographic assessment of central retinal arteriolar and venular equivalent [CRAE and CRVE]). The association between maternal fish consumption and cardiovascular outcomes of offspring at 11 years of age was evaluated using multivariable linear regression models. There were no statistically significant differences in any cardiovascular endpoint in children whose mothers had a higher fish consumption during pregnancy compared to those with a lower fish consumption. We found a slightly higher PWV (β = 0.1, 95% CI = 0.0; 0.2, p for trend = 0.047) in children whose mothers had a higher consumption of canned tuna during the 1st trimester of pregnancy. Fish intake during pregnancy was found to be unrelated to the offspring's cardiovascular health at 11 years of age. The beneficial cardiovascular effects of fish consumption during pregnancy on the offspring are still inconclusive.

Dietary intake is associated with the prevalence of uterine leiomyoma in Korean women: A retrospective cohort study.

Uterine leiomyoma (UL), the most prevalent benign gynecologic tumor among reproductive-aged women, lacks sufficient research on the potential association between dietary intake and its occurrence in Korean women. Addressing this research gap, this study aims to evaluate the potential link between dietary intake and the prevalence of UL in Korean women. In this cross-sectional study, a cohort of 672 women, aged 23 to 73, were enrolled, with 383 (57%) being premenopausal. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), and UL presence was determined through ultrasonography. The analysis focused exclusively on items within ten categories, including vegetables/fruit, vegetables, fruits, red meat, processed meat, poultry, fish, dairy product, milk, and alcohol. Multiple logistic regression models were employed to explore the relationship between dietary intake and the prevalence of UL, calculating odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) while adjusting for confounding factors. Within the total cohort, 220 (32.7%) women were diagnosed with UL. High intakes of fish and poultry showed an association with higher UL prevalence. Odds ratios (95% CIs) for the upper quartiles compared to the lower quartiles were 1.68 (1.01-2.81; p trend = 0.05) for fish intake and 1.87 (1.11-3.17; p trend = 0.06) for poultry intake. Conversely, an inverse relationship emerged between dairy product intake and UL prevalence, with an odds ratio of 0.58 (95% CI 0.35-0.96; p trend = 0.05). Stratifying the analysis by menopausal status revealed a parallel pattern, with heightened UL prevalence with fish intake and reduced prevalence with dairy product intake. However, the link between poultry intake and UL prevalence was primarily observed among postmenopausal women. Among premenopausal women, elevated vegetable intake was linked to a decreased UL prevalence (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.21-0.97 for top vs. bottom quartiles; p trend = 0.01). We found that high consumption of fish and poultry, coupled with low intake of dairy products, correlated with an elevated prevalence of UL. Furthermore, vegetable intake exhibited an inverse relationship with UL prevalence, particularly among premenopausal women.

Polychlorinated naphthalenes in freshwater fish from Beijing markets: Species-specific differences, effects of cooking, and health risk assessment

Fish are an important source of human dietary exposure to polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs). The occurrence and sources of PCNs in different species of freshwater fish are unknown, and few studies have assessed human exposure risks to PCNs through freshwater fish. In this study, 140 freshwater fish samples from 10 species were collected from Beijing markets, China. The Σ75CNs concentration range in the fish was 20.7–1310 pg/g wet weight (ww). The highest median Σ75PCNs concentration (80.4 pg/g ww) was found in mandarin fish (Siniperca chuatsi), and the lowest (29.6 pg/g ww) in snakehead (Channa argus). Di- and tri-CNs were the dominant PCN homologues with contributions of 35.3 % and 30.8 %, respectively. Unintentionally produced PCNs from metal smelting might be the source of PCN contamination in freshwater fish. The cooking temperature and time did not significantly affect the PCN concentrations in fish or the PCN homologue profiles. The highest toxic equivalent (TEQ) value was observed in sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis), followed by mandarin fish. Hexa-CNs were the most abundant homologue for the PCN TEQs. A risk assessment indicated that the dietary exposure risks for local residents to PCNs through freshwater fish were low. However, the relatively high concentrations of PCNs in the samples deserve attention to avoid PCNs exposure risks for groups with high fish consumption rates. Furthermore, freshwater fish likely contain a mixture of contaminants including dioxin and furans which also display a similar mode of toxicity as the PCNs and could enhance the risk to fish consumers.

Association of allergies in children younger than 3 years with levels of maternal intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids or fish during pregnancy: A nationwide birth cohort study, the Japan Environment and Children's Study

BackgroundN-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have anti-inflammatory properties and are expected to prevent the onset of allergies. However, epidemiological studies investigating the relationship between child allergies and maternal intake of n-3 PUFAs or fish have yielded inconsistent results. MethodsFollowing exclusions from a dataset comprising 103,057 records from the Japan Environment and Children's Study, 72,105 participants were divided into five groups according to mothers' intake of n-3 PUFAs or fish during pregnancy to assess the risk of their children being diagnosed with allergy by 3 years old. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for child allergies were calculated using multivariable logistic regression analyses with reference to the lowest intake group. ResultsLevels of maternal intake of n-3 PUFAs or fish showed inverted associations (i.e., reduced risk) with the incidence of physician-diagnosed allergic rhinoconjunctivitis or parent-reported symptoms of current rhinitis with eye symptoms at different time points and the cumulative incidence from birth to 3 years of age. Inverted associations were also found for current wheeze at 1-<2 years of age and current eczema at 1-<2 and 0-<3 years of age. However, for food allergies, no significant associations were observed in the incidence in each group compared with the lowest intake group at any age. ConclusionsThe findings suggest that n-3 PUFA intake during pregnancy may reduce the risk of developing allergic diseases and symptoms in children. In addition, consumption of n-3 PUFAs or fish is very unlikely to increase the risk of allergy given that the results are from a country with high fish consumption. Trial registration: UMIN000030786 https://rctportal.niph.go.jp/detail/um?trial_id=UMIN000030786.

SALTWATER FISH CONSUMPTION AND THE RISK OF STROKE IN COASTAL POPULATION

Indonesia, consisting of tens of thousands of islands, has a rather long coastline with relatively high percentage of it is population that lives in the coastal area. High consumption of saltwater fish in the coastal population is an inevitability. Several studies have observed a relation between saltwater fish consumption and the risk of stroke with contradicting results, protective effect on one side and harmful on the other. The protective effect is mainly mediated by the poly-unsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content of the saltwater fish while the harmful effect is mediated by the sodium content. PUFA exerts its protective effect through it is antioxidant effect on the endothelial wall, anti-inflammatory effect and the activation of anti-apoptotic pathways in the state of ischemic stroke while sodium increases the risk of hypertension which is the main predisposing factor for stroke and induces anatomical remodeling of the endothelial wall as well as functional abnormalities. Several public health interventions have been carried out to mitigate the harmful effect of the sodium content of saltwater fish yet there hasn’t been a specific intervention for coastal population.

Fish Consumption Once a Week Improves Sperm Quality and Testosterone Levels

Background: The rate of male infertility has increased in the last decades. One factor that may improve sperm quality and testosterone is fish consumption, which supplies the organism with essential nutrients.Aim: To determine evidence of a relationship between the frequency of fish consumption and sperm quality.Methods: Seventy‐four healthy men, aged 25–45 years, were involved in this observational study. Semen quality was evaluated by spermogram analyses and testosterone was measured in blood. Volunteers were classified as low, moderate, and high fish consumption groups according to the replies indicated in a questionnaire they had to fill out.Results: The moderate fish consumption group showed better semen quality with all spermogram parameters in the reference range and the low fish consumption group manifested the worst semen quality with sperm morphology below the reference range. The low fish consumption group had lower testosterone levels (3.6 ± 0.9 vs. 4.3 ± 1.5; p = 0.04), decreased nonprogressive spermatozoa (11.9 ± 6.2 vs. 15.8 ± 8.2; p = 0.04), and lower semen volume (3.1 ± 2.0 vs. 3.6 ± 1.3; p = 0.06) compared to the moderate fish consumption group. Positive associations were detected between the frequency of fish consumption, the semen volume, and nonprogressive spermatozoa, respectively.Conclusions: Fish consumption at moderate level such as once a week leads to improvement in sperm quality and testosterone levels.

The effect of selenium co-ingestion on mercury bioaccessibility in contaminated fish of the Amazon region

Mercury (Hg) is a toxic element that contaminates humans by consuming fish with high concentrations due to biomagnification in the food chain. This situation primarily impacts the riverside population in the Amazon region, as fish is their staple food. The interaction between selenium (Se) and Hg is well known due to their respective conceptual Pearson (soft-soft) characteristics. However, there needs to be more understanding of the impact of Se co-ingestion on Hg bioaccessibility. This scenario has prompted the investigation into the effects of consuming Se-rich food on the potential bioaccessibility of Hg when simultaneously ingesting contaminated fish. Cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry (CV-AAS) measured Hg, and a hydride generator (HG-AAS) was used for Se. The results indicated that the piscivorous species Cichla sp. (Tucunaré fish) exhibited a Hg concentration over twice the limit established by the European Commission: 2.94 ± 0.21 μg g−1 for raw fish and 2.64 ± 0.16 μg g−1 for cooked fish. Concomitant ingestion of beans can reduce the potential bioaccessibility of Hg by 42% (68.4 to 25.8), and Brazil nuts co-ingestion can be reduced by 45% (68.4 to 23.1). However, due to the high fish consumption in the riverside population's diet, the Hazard Index (HI) and Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) values, including beans and Brazil nuts, exceeded the safe limit, even though THQ had decreased by 55%, and 66% with adding beans and Brazil nuts, respectively. These findings underscore the significant potential of Se in reducing Hg bioaccessibility through co-ingestion of foods containing this element. Additionally, it highlights the importance of considering regional dietary habits when assessing potential health risks. The results also sound like a warning about the food safety of the local communities.

Identification of microplastics in fish from the local fish market of Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia

Marine pollution, mainly plastic waste, has become a worldwide problem, especially in Indonesia. Indonesia is the second contributing country after China, with 10% contribution of the source of plastic pollution in the world. In the ocean, plastic will fragment into smaller pieces (less than 5 mm), known as microplastics (MPs). MPs can harm wildlife, especially fish, due to their toxic characteristics or other toxic substances attached to them. Indonesia, especially coastal areas, is known for its high consumption of marine fish, so this study aims to investigate the microplastics in fish sold at lokal fish markets in Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia. The fish sold came from the southern sea of Java (Indian ocean) around Depok Beach, Cemorosewu Beach, and Parangkusumo Beach. Three types of fish dominate namely Skipjack, Snapper, and Pomfret. The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Wet Peroxide Oxidation (WPO) methods were used to examine fish samples. Identification of MPs was made based on shape and colour. The results showed that the most common MPs found were fibres with a total number of 36-91 particles/fish. The dominant colour of MPs is transparent, with a total of 552 particles from total samples. Although the analysis was only conducted in fish intestinal, there is potential that MPs will be found in fish meat. The chemical characteristics of MPs were determined using the Fourier Transport InfraRed (FTIR). The types of plastics found were Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), and Nylon.

Parents' Diet Quality and Physical Activity Are Associated with Lifestyle in Spanish Children and Adolescents: The PASOS Study.

Non-communicable chronic diseases are associated with a low-quality diet, low physical activity, and sedentary behavior. To assess how parents' diet and physical activity habits were associated with their offsprings' lifestyles. A cross-sectional analysis of 8-16-year-old children and adolescents (n = 2539; 51.9% girls) was carried out within the frame of the first edition of the Physical Activity, Sedentarism, Lifestyles, and Obesity in Spanish Youth study (PASOS-2019). Data on adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet), daily moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and screen time per day (television, computer, video games, and mobile phone) were collected from children and adolescents, and data on parents' diet quality and physical activity were compiled. Logistic regression models were used to assess the association between parents' lifestyles and those of children and adolescents. High diet quality of parents was associated with higher adherence to the MedDiet of children and adolescents, as well as high consumption of fruit, vegetables, fish, nuts, and legumes. The high physical activity level of parents was associated with the low consumption of fast foods, sweets, and candies in children and adolescents. Children with high levels of physical activity were those whose parents showed better diet quality and physical activity levels. Parents' high diet quality and physical activity were associated with healthy lifestyles, higher adherence to the MedDiet, and physical activity of their offspring, mainly in adolescents.

Prevention and Treatment of Retinal Vein Occlusion: The Role of Diet-A Review.

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is the second most common retinal disorder. In comparison to diabetic retinopathy or age-related macular degeneration, RVO is usually an unexpected event that carries a greater psychological impact. There is strong evidence to suggest that cardiovascular diseases are the most common risk factors in this pathology and it has long been known that a higher consumption of fish, nuts, fruits, and vegetables has a protective effect against these types of conditions. In the last several years, interest in plant-based diets has grown in both the general population and in the scientific community, to the point to which it has become one of the main dietary patterns adopted in Western countries. The aim of this review is to investigate the potential impact of macro- and micronutrients on retinal vein occlusion.

Prenatal and concurrent blood mercury concentrations and associations with IQ in canadian preschool children

BackgroundPrenatal and childhood mercury (Hg) exposures have been associated with negative impacts on child neurodevelopment. It is unclear if associations persist at the low Hg exposures typical in Western countries. ObjectiveTo examine associations between prenatal/childhood blood Hg concentrations and child IQ in Canadian male and female children while considering the potential modifying role of prenatal fish consumption. MethodsWe analyzed data from the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals study. Hg was measured in first trimester (n = 527), cord (n = 430), and child (at 3–4 years of age, n = 355) blood and examined sex-stratified associations between blood Hg and children's Full Scale IQ (FSIQ), Verbal IQ (VIQ), Performance IQ (PIQ), and General Language Composite (GLC) scores (assessed with WPPSI-III). Prenatal Hg analyses were further stratified by prenatal fish consumption (low: 0–2, moderate: 3–7, or high: ≥8 times/month). ResultsHigher cord blood Hg concentrations were associated with lower PIQ (ß = −3.27; 95%CI: 6.44, −0.09) in male children with the lowest prenatal fish consumption. Progressively stronger positive associations were observed with PIQ in male children for moderate (ß = 1.08; 95%CI: 0.10, 2.26) and high (ß = 3.07; 95%CI: 1.95, 4.19) prenatal fish consumption. Cord blood Hg concentrations were positively associated with female children's FSIQ (ß = 1.29; 95% CI: 0.77, 1.81) and PIQ (ß = 2.01; 95% CI: 1.19, 2.83); however, when stratified only in the highest fish consumption subgroup. Among female children, higher child blood Hg concentrations were associated with an approximately 1-point increase in FSIQ, VIQ, and GLC. ConclusionsPrenatal exposure to low levels of Hg was associated with lower PIQ scores in male children with low prenatal fish intake. Positive associations between cord and child blood Hg concentrations and IQ were primarily observed in female children and may be due to beneficial effects of prenatal fish intake.

Oily fish and raw vegetable consumption can decrease the risk of AQP4-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders: a Mendelian-randomization study

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are severe inflammatory disorders of the central nervous system targeting aquaporin‐4 (AQP4). The risk factors for NMOSD remain to be determined, though they may be related to diet and nutrition. This study aimed to explore the possibility of a causal relationship between specific food intake and AQP4-positive NMOSD risk. The study followed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) design. Genetic instruments and self-reported information on the intake of 29 types of food were obtained from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on 445,779 UK Biobank participants. A total of 132 individuals with AQP4-positive NMOSD and 784 controls from this GWAS were included in our study. The associations were evaluated using inverse-variance-weighted meta-analysis, weighted-median analysis, and MR-Egger regression. A high consumption of oily fish and raw vegetables was associated with a decreased risk of AQP4-positive NMOSD (odds ratio [OR] = 1.78 × 10−16, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.60 × 10−25–1.22 × 10−7, p = 0.001; OR = 5.28 × 10−6, 95% CI = 4.67 × 10−11–0.598, p = 0.041, respectively). The results were consistent in the sensitivity analyses, and no evidence of directional pleiotropy was observed. Our study provides useful implications for the development of AQP4-positive NMOSD prevention strategies. Further research is needed to determine the exact causal relationship and mechanisms underlying the association between specific food intake and AQP4-positive NMOSD.

Coordination of chemical analyses under the European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HBM4EU): Concepts, procedures and lessons learnt.

The European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HBM4EU) ran from 2017 to 2022 with the aim of advancing and harmonizing human biomonitoring in Europe. More than 40,000 analyses were performed on human samples in different human biomonitoring studies in HBM4EU, addressing the chemical exposure of the general population, temporal developments, occupational exposure and a public health intervention on mercury in populations with high fish consumption. The analyses covered 15 priority groups of organic chemicals and metals and were carried out by a network of laboratories meeting the requirements of a comprehensive quality assurance and control system. The coordination of the chemical analyses included establishing contacts between sample owners and qualified laboratories and monitoring the progress of the chemical analyses during the analytical phase, also addressing status and consequences of Covid-19 measures. Other challenges were related to the novelty and complexity of HBM4EU, including administrative and financial matters and implementation of standardized procedures. Many individual contacts were necessary in the initial phase of HBM4EU. However, there is a potential to develop more streamlined and standardized communication and coordination in the analytical phase of a consolidated European HBM programme.