Health Implications Research Articles

Investigating the relationship between pesticide exposure, GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms, and oxidative stress biomarkers in affected farmers.

Organophosphate pesticides, widely used in agriculture, are effective in pest control but pose environmental and health risks through soil, water, and air contamination. Exposure to these chemicals is linked to adverse human health effects, underscoring the need for environmentally sustainable practices. This study aimed to assess urinary organophosphate metabolites and examine the relationship between GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene polymorphisms with biomarkers of oxidative stress among farmers in Himachal Pradesh exposed to pesticides. We collected urine samples (50mL) from the exposed group to detect organophosphate metabolites using GC-MS. Blood samples (5mL) were also obtained for GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotyping and assessment of antioxidant enzyme activities. The results showed decreased enzymatic activity of SOD (2.92 ± 1.07) and catalase (12.60 ± 3.15) in the exposed group, with increased MDA levels (4.14 ± 1.36), compared with the unexposed group (SOD: 7.04 ± 1.34, catalase: 25.75 ± 2.20, MDA: 1.15 ± 0.18). No significant associations (p > .05) were found between GSTM1 or GSTT1 genotypes and SOD, catalase, or MDA activities. The study concluded that prolonged pesticide exposure induces oxidative stress linked to specific genetic variations, suggesting directions for further research into the toxicogenetics of pesticide exposure and its health implications.

The predicted impact of the proposed alcohol production deregulation policy on consumption in Thailand.

Alcohol deregulation has recently been a topic of debate in Thailand, with policymakers weighing the potential economic benefits against public health harms and social concerns. This study estimates the impact on alcohol consumption levels in Thailand if barriers to producing alcoholic beverages are removed. Since the deregulation has not yet been implemented, we employed a randomized survey design for a Volumetric Choice Experiment administered to 1220 individuals, both drinkers and non-drinkers. The "treatment" group (with deregulation) was compared to the "control" group (without deregulation). While respondents in the control group were presented with existing drinks supplied by large producers, respondents in the treatment group were presented with new drinks supplied by small local producers alongside the existing options. Deregulation would introduce a wider variety of drinks, including cheaper local craft beer, white spirits, and brown spirits. Various scenarios of product availability and pricing were validated by experts. Our analysis reveals a 19.93% rise in total annual alcohol per capita consumption (APC), with a statistically significant difference between the treatment and control groups at a 90% confidence level. Further exploration into cross-price elasticities of demand suggests new drinks would partly substitute current options. Policymakers should carefully consider the public health implications, including increased risks of alcohol-related harms, as well as potential economic benefits from market liberalization. Regulatory measures, such as taxation, age restrictions, and public awareness campaigns, may be necessary to mitigate the projected consumption increase and associated social costs.

Artificial intelligence impacts in education and pediatric mental health.

Increased accessibility of artificial intelligence to children has raised concerns regarding its effects on education and student mental health. Pediatricians should continue to be informed about the effects of artificial intelligence in their patients' daily lives, as artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly present. The use of artificial intelligence to create personalized study material illustrates a benefit of incorporating this technology into education. However, an overreliance on artificial intelligence could decrease students' problem-solving skills and increase plagiarism. Novel uses of artificial intelligence have also raised concerns regarding mental health. Deepfake technology, which utilizes artificial intelligence to create images, videos, and/or audio that appears real but is fabricated, can be viewed online by children, which could have negative mental health implications. Although artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize education at all levels, its use as an enhancement, not replacement, to current educational strategies is imperative. Both parents and students need to understand the limitations of artificial intelligence in education, and simultaneously prioritize developing the necessary cognitive skills strengthened throughout education. Pediatricians and parents should also be aware of the potentially dangerous material generated by artificial intelligence that can negatively impact children's mental health.

Effects of a high-fat diet on gut microbiota and possible implications for bone health in male Wistar rats.

Diet plays an important role in the composition of gut microbiota. Emerging research suggests that bone homeostasis can also be influenced by the gut microbiota. The aim of this study was to assess possible alterations in gut microbiota in an experimental obesity model induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) and the possible effects on parameters of bone metabolism and remodeling. Male Wistar rats were fed a HFD (60% lipids) or standard (control) diet for 14 weeks. Biochemical and hormonal parameters, bone histomorphometry, bone protein levels, and gut microbiota composition were analyzed. HFD animals exhibited a greater gut microbiota α-diversity represented by the Shannon Index and an increased relative abundance of the Proteobacteria phylum. Histomorphometry detected lower bone formation in the HFD group, accompanied by increased levels of serum and bone leptin and FGF-23 (fibroblast growth factor-23). The Shannon Index was correlated directly with bone FGF-23 (R 0.96, p = 0.04) and inversely with the osteoblastic surface (R -0.95, p = 0.04). The present study disclosed a significant increase in gut microbiota α-diversity and relative abundance of Proteobacteria phylum in obese animals fed a high-fat diet in parallel with increased levels of bone and serum leptin and FGF-23 and lower bone formation. The associations of Shannon Index with bone levels of FGF-23 and reduced osteoblastic surface suggest a link between HFD-induced higher gut microbiota diversity and low bone formation.

Feasibility and acceptability of the Alarm Distress Baby Scale (ADBB) in universal health visiting practice in England: a mixed-methods study using Normalisation Process Theory

BackgroundThe Alarm Distress Baby Scale (ADBB) is a validated observation tool, designed for use by healthcare practitioners to identify infant social withdrawal. A modified version (m-ADBB) was later developed as...

Oral health and dietary habits: results of the 6th German Oral Health Study (DMS • 6).

Dietary habits have significant implications for oral health, with the consumption of sugar-rich foods being strongly associated with caries. However, additional factors must be considered to fully establish their harmful effects. These relationships are examined in three age groups of the 6th German Oral Health Study (DMS • 6). Dietary habits were assessed using the short form of the Marburg Sugar Index (MSI-S), which comprises six questions regarding food consumption frequencies in various contexts. Responses provide insight into the degree of cariogenic eating behavior. In addition to demographic factors (gender, education status, migration history), clinical variables such as caries experience (decayed, missing, filled teeth [DMFT] index), plaque accumulation (modified Marginal Plaque Index [mMPI]), and the number of remaining teeth were included. No direct relationship between the extent of cariogenic dietary habits (MSI-S total score) and clinical variables was observed in any of the examined age groups (n = 870 younger adolescents [12-year-olds], n = 853 younger adults [35- to 44-year-olds], and n = 730 younger seniors [65- to 74-year-olds]). Gender and education status also showed no significant differences. However, 12-year-olds with a migration history exhibited higher MSI-S scores compared to those without. Analyzing extreme groups (the top and bottom 10% of MSI-S scores), systematic differences in caries experience were observed among 12-year-olds and younger seniors, and in plaque levels among younger seniors. Younger adults showed no significant differences in clinical variables, even within extreme groups. The MSI-S scores demonstrated that particularly cariogenic dietary habits, as opposed to more favorable ones (extreme groups), are associated with increased caries experience. This was especially evident among 12-year-olds but also observed in younger seniors. The lack of differences among adults as well as the absence of significant associations between dietary habits and clinical variables in the overall groups suggest that the impact of cariogenic diets on oral health is moderated by additional variables, such as oral hygiene practices and dental service utilization. Migration history was identified as a relevant factor among 12-year-olds. The detrimental effects of cariogenic dietary habits on oral health are most evident when analyzed in the context of additional influencing factors and stratified by target groups. Promoting oral health awareness regarding nutrition is particularly important for adolescents and seniors.

Prevalence and clinical implications of occult hepatitis C infection: a meta-analysis of studies conducted in Egypt

Abstract Background Egypt had the highest prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, the underlying mechanisms of occult HCV infection (OCI) remain unclear. OCI is defined by the presence of HCV RNA in hepatocytes or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) despite undetectable levels in serum. This hidden viral reservoir may contribute to late relapse in antiviral-treated patients. This study aims to quantify OCI prevalence across different subgroups in Egypt, evaluate its association with liver enzyme levels, and examine the recurrence rate of viremia among OCI cases. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted from inception to January 29, 2025, across PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Virtual Health Library, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. Results were reported as prevalence (%) or standardized mean differences (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI), using a random-effects model. All statistical analyses were performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software, with a p-value of less than 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results This study included 36 articles with study durations spanning from 2010 to 2022. OCI prevalence was lowest in healthy individuals (5.2%) and highest in patients with blood-related malignancies (32%) and liver disease (21.9%). Among other groups, prevalence was 9.5% in hemodialysis patients, 11.4% in HCV patients who achieved SVR, and 13.6% in individuals who spontaneously recovered from HCV. Genotype 4 was the most frequently reported genotype in OCI cases. Viremia recurrence among OCI-positive patients who achieved SVR ranged from 5 to 50%. ALT and AST levels were significantly higher in the OCI group, with an SMD of 1.56 (95% CI: 0.86–2.26, p < 0.001) for ALT and 1.70 (95% CI: 0.86–2.60, p < 0.001) for AST. Conclusions The prevalence of OCI is significantly high among patients with blood-related malignancies and liver disease. Of particular concern is its presence in blood donors and apparently healthy individuals, underscoring potential public health implications. Moreover, follow-up studies have documented a high rate of viremia in HCV patients who achieved SVR, suggesting a potential mechanism for late relapse. These findings underscore the necessity for continued surveillance and longitudinal studies to elucidate OCI’s role in viremia persistence, its infectious potential, and its association with both hepatic and extrahepatic complications.

Climate change and flooding nexus: water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) and mental health implications in Fuveme, Ghana

Climate change and flooding nexus: water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) and mental health implications in Fuveme, Ghana

A qualitative exploration of cultural illness perceptions and barriers to modern healthcare: the case of Ikirimi and traditional uvulectomy in Rwanda

BackgroundUnderstanding cultural perceptions of illness is crucial for effective healthcare delivery. This study examines the ethnomedical concept of ikirimi, a culturally recognized illness in Rwanda characterized by perceived uvula abnormalities, and its traditional management through uvulectomy. This study explores the cultural understanding of ikirimi, its perceived causes, symptoms, and treatments, as well as barriers to integrating modern healthcare.MethodsAn exploratory qualitative approach was employed, involving in-depth semi-structured interviews with eight participants: traditional healers, individuals who underwent traditional uvulectomy, and healthcare providers. A grounded theory approach which analyzes data in systematic manner to generate new theories was applied, with coding conducted in English after initial transcription and analysis in Ikinyarwanda to preserve Indigenous concepts.ResultsParticipants described ikirimi as an illness affecting the uvula (named as akamironko or akamirabugari or agashondabugari in Ikinyarwanda), characterized by swelling, elongation, and pus-like discoloration. Reported symptoms included fever, difficulty swallowing, coughing, and weakness, with children identified as the most affected group. Traditional healers diagnosed ikirimi through visual inspection of uvular morphology and movement and treated it by cutting the affected part of uvula and is known as guca Ikirimi ‘traditional uvulectomy’. Barriers to integrating modern healthcare included skepticism about biomedical care, judgmental attitudes from providers, and communication gaps. Despite the prevalence of ikirimi, its biomedical correlates remain unclear, though participants associated it with severe throat illnesses such as tonsillopharyngitis.ConclusionThe findings highlight ikirimi as a socially constructed illness with deep cultural roots, significant health implications, and persistent barriers to modern healthcare. Addressing these barriers requires culturally sensitive approaches that integrate Indigenous knowledge with biomedical practices. Future research should explore the biomedical correlates of ikirimi and foster collaboration between traditional and modern healthcare systems to improve patient outcomes.

Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profiles of Commensal Escherichia coli Isolates from Turkeys in Hungarian Poultry Farms Between 2022 and 2023

Background: The global spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has prompted the critical importance of regular monitoring. Escherichia coli, a widely distributed facultative anaerobic pathogen, is significant both in terms of the clinical diseases that it causes and as a reservoir of antimicrobial resistance, with notable implications for both animal and public health. Within the poultry industry, the turkey sector is an emerging and internationally significant branch. Methods: Our objective was to assess the antimicrobial resistance profile of commensal Escherichia coli strains isolated from large-scale turkey flocks in Hungary using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination. Results: A total of 470 isolates were analyzed, revealing that 61.5% of the strains were resistant to amoxicillin, while 18.5% were resistant to amoxicillin–clavulanic acid. The resistance observed against enrofloxacin (62.8%) and ceftriaxone (24%) is concerning. Comparison with human resistance data showed a similar resistance rate for amoxicillin and ampicillin, as well as amoxicillin–clavulanic acid and cephalosporins. However, for other active substances, the situation was significantly worse in veterinary medicine. Conclusions: The lower resistance to amoxicillin–clavulanic acid indicates that most strains are β-lactamase producers. Our findings underscore the necessity of regular and comprehensive surveillance, which can establish temporal trends over time. Incorporating data on antibiotic usage into future studies could facilitate the exploration of relevant correlations. Additionally, the next-generation sequencing of multidrug-resistant strains could help elucidate the genetic basis of resistance.

Women Health Problems from Contraceptive Misuse in Coastal and Flood-Prone Areas of Bangladesh: A Systematic Literature Review

This systematic literature review analyzed 30 peer-reviewed articles to explore the socio-cultural and environmental factors contributing to the misuse of contraceptives for menstrual suppression among unmarried women in coastal Bangladesh. The study identifies severe health complications, including hormonal imbalances and psychological stress, as consequences of this practice. Major contributing factors include societal shame, salinity of water, and limited access to menstrual health products, particularly in areas like Satkhira, Khulna, Vola, and Pirojpur. Although some government and NGO initiatives are underway, they remain inadequate in dealing with the principle causes of this issue. Key findings show that socio-cultural stigma, poor sanitation, and a lack of menstrual health education significantly drive contraceptive misuse. While existing policies have had limited impact, there is a need for more comprehensive interventions. The study emphasizes the importance of community-based education programs and policy reforms to tackle this challenge. In closing, a comprehensive approach combining health education, environmental improvements, and policy reforms is necessary for reducing the misuse of contraceptives and restrain its harmful health implications.

Health implications of established and emerging stressors: design of the prospective New Jersey Population Health Cohort (NJHealth) Study

IntroductionSome stressors, like the death of a partner, are common and rigorously studied, while others, such as those related to climate change or social media, are just emerging and in...

Prenatal arsenic exposure alters EZH2/H3K27me3 to induce RKIP/NF-kB/ERK1/2-mediated early-onset kidney disease in mouse offspring.

The rising incidences of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and renal failure are a major public health concern. Arsenic, a widespread water contaminant and environmental toxicant, is well-known to contribute to kidney disease in adults. However, its long-term effects on kidney health following early-life exposure remain poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated the impact of prenatal arsenic exposure on kidney health in offspring using a BALB/c mouse model. 0.4ppm arsenic, an environmentally relevant dose, was orally administered to female mice from 15days before mating until delivery. Structural and ultrastructural changes in the kidney were assessed using histopathology and transmission electron microscopy, while markers of inflammation, kidney injury, and function were evaluated through Luminex assays, FITC-sinistrin-based glomerular filtration rate (GFR), real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry, and immunoblotting. Notably, arsenic-exposed offspring showed reduced body weight, crown-to-rump length, inflammation, and early signs of kidney injury on postnatal day 2 (PND-2). By 6weeks, examination showed tubular dilation, mitochondrial damage, vacuolated cytoplasm, and basement membrane disruption were more evident in the kidneys. Furthermore, elevated levels of kidney injury markers, including kidney injury molecule-1, beta-2 microglobulin, cystatin C, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1, were detected in urine. These changes were accompanied by increased serum creatinine and a decline in kidney function, as evidenced by reduced GFR levels. Proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) and NF-κB were significantly elevated along with an increased immune cell infiltration in the kidneys of arsenic-exposed offspring. Further analysis showed increased mesenchymal markers fibronectin and alpha-smooth muscle actin and reduced epithelial marker E-cadherin in the kidneys, indicating fibrosis and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Mechanistic studies revealed that arsenic exposure leads to increased levels of epigenetic regulators enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) and histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3), which were associated with the activation of inflammatory pathways, fibrosis, and impaired kidney function. Overall, our findings demonstrate that only developmental exposure to arsenic can cause dysregulation of EZH2 and H3K27me3, driving inflammation and renal fibrosis. These changes ultimately lead to chronic kidney disease in offspring, highlighting a critical window of vulnerability for arsenic toxicity with significant implications for long-term kidney health.

Unveiling the placental bacterial microbiota: implications for maternal and infant health

Unveiling the placental bacterial microbiota: implications for maternal and infant health

Why We Must Stop Assuming and Estimating Menstrual Cycle Phases in Laboratory and Field-Based Sport Related Research.

The increased growth, popularity, and media interest in women's sport has led to calls for greater prioritisation of female-specific research and innovation. In response, science and medicine researchers have increased the volume of sport-related studies investigating female-specific matters, such as the menstrual cycle. Whilst the accelerated rate of published studies with female participants is welcome, the emerging trend of using assumed or estimated menstrual cycle phases to characterise ovarian hormone profiles is a significant concern. Replacing direct measurements of key characteristics of the menstrual cycle (e.g. the surge in luteinising hormone prior to ovulation via urine detection and sufficient luteal phase progesterone via blood or saliva sampling) with assumptions or estimates (i.e. no measurements) is proposed to be a pragmatic and convenient way of generating data, particularly in field-based research (i.e. elite athlete environments), where time, resources, and athlete availability are sometimes constrained. Using assumed or estimated phases, however, amounts to guessing the occurrence and timing of ovarian hormone fluctuations and risks potentially significant implications for female athlete health, training, performance, injury, etc., as well as resource deployment. The positive intentions of researchers and scientific journals in this space are not in question. The aim of this Current Opinion is to explain why using assumed or estimated menstrual cycle phases is an approach that has little scientific basis and lacks the rigour and appropriate methodological quality to produce valid and reliable data. In doing so, we provide evidence-based responses to common speculation points and offer recommendations for future research.

Socially Withdrawn or Socially Engaged? The Impacts of Caring for Grandchildren on Social Participation among Older Adults in China.

Grandparents caring for grandchildren (i.e., grandparenting) is a key aspect of intergenerational family dynamics. While extensive research has documented the health implications of grandparenting, relatively few studies have explored its association with social well-being. Grandparenting can either promote or constrain grandparents' social participation, depending on caregiving intensity and intergenerational living arrangements. These associations may also vary by gender due to gendered social norms and differences in opportunities for social networking. This study investigates the longitudinal association between grandparenting and social participation among grandparents and examines how this association differs by gender. Data are drawn from the 2011, 2013, and 2018 waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (N = 8,907, aged 45-80). We use fixed-effects Poisson regression models to examine the association between different types of grandparenting and the number of social participation activities of grandparents. Subgroup analyses are conducted by grandparents' gender. In fixed-effects regression models adjusting for time-varying covariates, we find that nonintensive noncoresident grandparenting, intensive noncoresident grandparenting, and skipped-generation grandparenting are associated with increased social participation among grandparents compared to no grandparenting. However, no significant difference in social participation is observed between three-generation grandparenting and no grandparenting groups. Grandfathers show higher levels of social participation when engaging in nonintensive or intensive noncoresident grandparenting, whereas grandmothers experience increased social participation primarily with nonintensive noncoresident grandparenting. Overall, grandparenting promotes rather than hinders social participation among grandparents. This study highlights the role of intergenerational family relationships in facilitating older adults' social engagement in later life.

Transgender Individuals in the Eyes of Dental Professionals: A Data-Driven Study.

Transgender individuals continue to face discrimination, particularly in accessing oral healthcare. This study aimed to evaluate dentists' attitudes toward transgender people and their knowledge of gender-affirming care. A questionnaire assessing demographic data, clinical approaches, and knowledge of gender-affirming care was distributed via social media, professional chambers, and associations. Descriptive statistics were analyzed using SPSS, with Chi-square and Fisher exact tests, alongside logistic regression for appropriate questions. A total of 403 dentists participated, with 8% reporting professional prejudices against transgender individuals. Dentists who associated transgender patients with increased clinical infection rates were statistically more likely to hold prejudices (p < 0.05). Additionally, 60.2% expressed interest in training to enhance communication with transgender patients. Female dentists were significantly more likely to be open to such training (p < 0.05). The findings highlight a strong desire among dentists for training to improve communication with transgender patients, along with a lack of knowledge about key topics such as gender-affirming, endogenous hormones, and their oral health implications. This underscores the need for targeted educational initiatives in the dental community.

Exploring the evolving frontiers of sleep deprivation research in the post-COVID-19 era.

Sleep deprivation research (SDR) has undergone substantial transformations in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. This comprehensive study explores the SDR's evolving trends, hotspots, and conceptual structure in the post-COVID-19 era. Using bibliometric analysis with VOSviewer and Bibliometrix software, we examined the SDR publications from January 2020 to December 2023. Core sources were identified using Bradford law, and a dataset of 4578 English-based data-driven studies was retrieved from the Scopus database. Our analysis revealed a remarkable annual growth rate of 37.92% in SDR from 2020 to 2023, indicating a heightened research focus in this domain. Among prolific authors, Shao emerged as a key contributor, while Sleep ranked prominently as a leading publication venue. The United States and China have emerged as the most impactful countries for advancing SDR research. Uncovering the most cited documents sheds light on various focal points within SDR, including sleep duration, mental health implications, cardiovascular events, the impact of COVID-19 on sleep patterns, dementia, resilience in children, and sleep patterns among preschoolers. Noteworthy keywords that emerged from the analysis encompassed "sleep deprivation," "depression," "insomnia," "COVID-19," "anxiety," "fatigue," and "obesity." Using a thematic mapping approach, we delineated distinct themes characterized by niche, basic, emerging, and declining patterns. Clusters of SDR research were observed in areas such as "Fatigue," "Sleep apnea," "Sleep," "Sleep deprivation," "Migraine," "Caffeine," and "Recovery." Furthermore, trending themes in SDR encompassed "Sleep disturbance," "excessive daytime sleepiness," and "Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid." These comprehensive findings provide valuable insights into the current landscape of SDR, illuminating emerging trends, identifying hotspots, and offering directions for future research in this critical field.

Early manifestations of neurodevelopmental copy number variants in children: A population-based investigation.

There is clinical interest in recognising copy number variants (CNVs) in children as many have immediate and long-term health implications. Neurodevelopmental CNVs are associated with intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), conditions typically diagnosed by medical practitioners. However, neurodevelopmental CNVs may have additional, early developmental impacts that have yet to be examined in unselected populations. Carriers of known ND CNVs were identified in two UK birth cohorts: the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) (carriers=144, controls=6217) and the Millennium Cohort Study (MCS) (carriers=151, controls=6559). In ALSPAC, we assessed associations between CNV carrier status and: birth complications, preschool development, cognitive ability, neurodevelopmental conditions (ASD, ADHD, reading, language, and motor difficulties), psychiatric, social and educational outcomes. Corresponding phenotypes were identified in MCS and meta-analysed, where available. In ALSPAC, neurodevelopmental CNVs were associated with low cognitive ability, ADHD and ASD. Neurodevelopmental CNV carriers showed greater likelihood of preterm birth, fine and gross motor delay, difficulties in motor coordination, language, and reading, and special educational needs (SEND). Meta-analysis with available measures in MCS identified elevated likelihood of ASD, ADHD, low birthweight, reading difficulties, SEND, and peer problems. Neurodevelopmental CNVs are associated with a broad range of developmental impacts. While clinicians who see children with intellectual disability, ASD, or ADHD may be aware of the impacts of CNVs and consider genetic testing, our investigation suggests that this training and awareness may need to extend to other professional groups (e.g. speech and language therapists).

More empathy for others, more hurt for oneself? Empathy for pain is related to poor mental health and negative emotion regulation

BackgroundEmpathy for pain refers to a simulation of pain experiences evoked when seeing others in pain. Empathy for pain (vicarious pain) responders make up 27% of the healthy population, and are divided into two subsets: Sensory/Localized responders who feel localized physical pain and Affective/General responders who experience diffuse emotional pain. Empathy for pain is linked to pro-social behavior but can increase mental health symptoms.MethodsMultivariate analysis of variance and latent variable mediation model were used to investigate the relationship between empathy for pain, mental health, and emotion regulation based on a university student dataset (mainly Caucasian) from 2020 to 2021.Results(1) Responders express significantly higher anxiety and somatization than non-responders, with Sensory/Localized responders reporting the greatest somatic concerns; (2) Sensory/localized responders show significantly higher depression than non-responders; (3) Two responder groups don’t differ from non-responders on most positive emotional regulation strategies, but use more negative strategies (self-blame, rumination, and catastrophizing). (4) negative emotional regulation fully mediates the link between empathy and mental health.ConclusionsThese findings reveal a previously unrecognized link between empathy for pain and mental health, mediated by the increased use of negative emotion regulation strategies among responders. Our findings have particular implications for the mental health of empathic individuals or people who are often exposed to the pain of others (counselor or nurse, etc.).