Organochlorine Levels Research Articles

Determination of Concentrations of Pesticide Residues in Chevon obtained from Abattoir of Jimeta, Adamawa State, Nigeria

The current work was aimed at determining levels of Organochlorine (OCP) and Organophosphorus pesticide (OPP) residues in goats obtained from the study area. This was to enable the public aware of the presence of hazardous pesticides residues in the food chain. Forty samples were collected from; Chevon, intestines, kidneys and livers of ten sampled goats. The sampled goats were represented by G1 = first goat, G2 = second goat, G3 = third goat, G4 = fourth goat, G5 = fifth goat, G6 = sixth goat, G7 = seventh goat, G8 = eighth goat, G9 = ninth goat and G10 = tenth goat. Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) was used in preparing the samples. Analysis was done with Gas chromatography – Mass spectrometer (GC/MS) Acqmethod pesticide. Results showed that OCP residues were not detected in all the samples. Anthracene, dichlorpyrifos, diazinon, dimethoate, primifos-methyl, and malathion were detected below the threshold value of 0.001 mg/Kg. Likewise, all pesticide residues in G7 and G9 samples were below the threshold limit (0.001) mg/Kg. Dichlorvos wasdetected in chevon of G1, G3 and G4 with range from 0.043 mg/Kg in G4 – 0.113 mg/Kg in G1. Chlorpyrifos was detected in intestine of G1, G2, G3, G4, G6, G8 and G10. The highest was 0.051 mg/Kg in G4 and lowest was 0.013 mg/Kg in G10. Kidney samples of GI, G2, G3 and G4 contained chlorpyrifos ranging from 0.011 mg/Kg in G8 – 0053 mg/Kg in G4. dichlovos was detected in kidney samples of G1, G2, G3, G4 and G8. Highest concentration of dichlovos in the kidney was; 0.069 00014 mg/Kg in G1 while the lowest was in G8 (0.011mg/Kg). Liver samples of G2, G4, G6 and G10 contained chlopyrifos ranging from 0,007 mg/Kg in G10 – 0.050 mg/Kg in G4. dichlovos was present in livers of G2, G4 and G6. Highest was in G4 (0.037 mg/Kg) and lowest value was in G6 (0.021 mg/Kg). Apart from in Kidney of G8, concentrations of chlorpyrifos in all the samples were above the maximum residue level (MRL) values of 0.01 mg/Kg. Consumption of which may pose health problem. Concentration of dichlorvos detected in the samples were below the MRL of 1.00mg/Kg, this may not pose immediate health issues but continuous intake may bring about accumulative health risk issues. Keywords: Chevon, chlorpyrifos, dimethoate, organophosphorus, malathion, dichlorvos, health, risk

Assessment of Malondialdehyde and Organochlorine Pesticides in Aplastic Anemia Severity Groups: Insights Into Oxidative Stress and Exposure.

Background There is little evidence that pesticide exposure is the primary cause of acquired aplastic anemia (AAA), even though the prevalence of aplastic anemia (AA) is substantially higher in underdeveloped countries than in affluent countries. AA caused by pesticides has not yet been fully understood. This study aimed to examine the potential link between plasma levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) as risk factors for developing AAA in the North Indian population. Methods This case-control study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in North India. A total of 99 participants were chosen for the study, of whom 45 were cases of AA. These cases attended the Clinical Hematology department over a period of 1.5 years (May 2018 to November 2019). Forty-five controls were age and sex-matched, apparently healthy subjects. Written informed consent was obtained from each subject before performing the study. Exclusion criteria included patients unwilling to give consent, those using medication to treat AA, those genetically predisposed to AA, those with characteristics including granuloma and dysplasia of bone marrow, any other systemic illness, and subjects with a history of smoking, drinking, or using tobacco in any form. Gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) was used to evaluate the plasma levels of organochlorines. The estimation of plasma MDA, i.e., the lipid peroxide content, was measured. Results The severity of AA is significantly associated with plasma levels of α-Hexachlorocyclohexane (p = 0.040), Heptachlor (p = 0.006), Aldrin (p < 0.001), p,p'-Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (p = 0.004), Endosulfan sulfate (p = 0.010), and Methoxychlor (p = 0.001). There was a statistically non-significant difference in MDA levels between cases and controls (p = 0.145); however, a statistically significant linear increase in MDA levels (p < 0.001) was observed according to the severity of AA. Conclusion Our study suggests that oxidative stress may be linked to the severity of AA. Pesticide exposure (plasma organochlorine levels) could act as a stressor, potentially initiating an alarmin response of oxidative stress in the form of lipid peroxidation (MDA) from damaged tissue, which could then lead to suppression of hematopoiesis and be a possible factor in the development of AA.

Organochlorine and pyrethroid residue in fish and sediment of Lake Singkarak, a tropical deep lake

Agricultural activities still involve the use of synthetic pesticides to support the increase of their products. On the other hand, the use of synthetic pesticides such as organochlorines and pyrethroids may contribute to the decline of aquatic ecosystem health due to the accumulation of their residues in sediments and organisms. The current study aimed to assess the levels of organochlorine and pyrethroids pesticide residue in endemic fish and sediment from Lake Singkarak. Bilih fish and sediment samples were taken in June 2021 at ten (10) sampling sites in Lake Singkarak. The samples were extracted and analyzed by gas chromatography. Seven organochlorine compounds were measured, including aldrin, endrin, dieldrin, DDT, heptachlor, lindan, and endosulfan. Meanwhile, three compounds chosen from the pyrethroid group, cypermethrin, permethrin, and α-cypermethrin, were also measured. Four organochlorine compounds, aldrin, dieldrin, DDT, and endrin, were detected in bilih fish in three different sites. Dieldrin had the highest concentration at nd-0.007 mg/kg, followed by DDT, endrin, and aldrin. Meanwhile, in the sediments, no organochlorine compounds were detected from all observed sites. Pyrethroid compounds were detected in bilih fish at six sites. The compound with the highest concentration was permethrin (nd-0.02 mg/kg), followed by cypermethrin and α-cypermethrin. The surface sediment from three sites contained two pyrethroid residues, permethrin and α-cypermethrin, at nd-0.002 and nd-0.001 mg/kg, respectively. Our findings show that the residual levels of organochlorine and pyrethroid in bilih fish still meet the standards set by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC). Nevertheless, Bilih fish accumulate more pesticide than surface sediment, so it is essential to be aware of their potential accumulation in the human body as the final consumer. Restriction on synthetic pesticide application is necessary to reduce its residue input into the lake waters for ecological and human health.

Impacts of a warming climate on concentrations of organochlorines in a fasting high arctic marine bird: Direct vs. indirect effects?

The present study examined how climate changes may impact the concentrations of lipophilic organochlorines (OCs) in the blood of fasting High Arctic common eiders (Somateria mollissima) during incubation. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 1-dichloro-2,2-bis (p-chlorophenyl) ethylene (p,p′-DDE), hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and four chlordane compounds (oxychlordane, trans-chlordane and trans- and cis-nonachlor) were measured in females at chick hatching (n = 223) over 11 years (2007–2017). Firstly, median HCB and p,p′-DDE concentrations increased ~75 % over the study period, whereas median chlordane concentrations doubled (except for oxychlordane). PCB concentrations, in contrast, remained stable over the study period. Secondly, both body mass and clutch size were negatively associated with OC levels, suggesting that females with high lipid metabolism redistributed more OCs from adipose tissue, and that egg production is an important elimination route for OCs. Thirdly, the direct climate effects were assessed using the mean effective temperature (ET: air temperature and wind speed) during incubation, and we hypothesized that a low ET would increase redistribution of OCs. Contrary to expectation, the ET was positively correlated to most OCs, suggesting that a warmer climate may lead to higher OCs levels, and that the impact of ET may not be direct. Finally, potential indirect impacts were examined using the Arctic Oscillation (AO) in the three preceding winters (AOwinter 1–3) as a proxy for potential long-range transport of OCs, and for local spring climate conditions. In addition, we used chlorophyll a (Chla) as a measure of spring primary production. There were negative associations between AOwinter 1 and HCB, trans-chlordane and trans-nonachlor, whereas oxychlordane and cis-chlordane were negatively associated with Chla. This suggests that potential indirect climate effects on eiders were manifested through the food chain and not through increased long-range transport, although these relationships were relatively weak.

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in three bathyal chondrichthyes from the North-Western Mediterranean Sea

The deep-sea can act as a sink for legacy contaminants such as organochlorines (OCs), causing damages in its inhabitants for their persistence and their prolonged effects in the organisms. HCB, DDT and its isomers, and 28 PCBs congeners were detected in muscle and embryonic tissues of three deep-sea chondrichthyes Chimaera monstrosa (n = 16), Dalatias licha (n = 12) and Etmopterus spinax (n = 51) sampled in Ligurian and Tyrrhenian Sea (Mediterranean Sea). Contaminant distribution in E. spinax and C. monstrosa was PCBs > DDTs ≫ HCB while in D. licha was DDTs > PCBs ≫ HCB. Statistically significant differences were highlighted in OC levels among the species, but no such differences were found among sexes. Ratios between DDT isomers highlighted an historical input of the pesticide in the environment. For the first time was also demonstrated maternal transfer in deep water chondrichthyes, specifically in E. spinax where was highlighted that transfer of contaminants increases with increasing compound's Log Kow.

Plasma Levels of Organochlorine Pesticides and Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha: A Potential Risk Factor for Developing Acquired Aplastic Anemia in the North Indian Population.

Background Pesticide exposure might have a contributory role in the development ofacquired aplastic anemia (AA). However, the precise mechanisms of pesticide-induced AA remain unknown. In this case-control study, we conducted a comparative analysis of plasma levels of organochlorine pesticides (OCP) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) between Indian patients diagnosed with AA and an age- and sex-matched control group. Methods This is an observational case-controlstudy conducted at a tertiary care hospital in North India. In this study, 90 subjects were included, out of which 45 were diagnosed with AA according to the criteria of the International Agranulocytosis and Aplastic Anemia Study. Cases were compared with 45 controls. A trained interviewer gave all study subjects a questionnaire to collect data regarding demographic details, exposure to pesticides, and clinical history.Physical examinationand routine laboratory investigations of each subject were performed. Both cases and controls were tested for their plasma levels of organochlorines as per established protocol by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. TNF-alpha level was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in each subject. Results There was a significant increase in plasma levels of delta hexachlorocyclohexane(delta HCH) (p = 0.02) and heptachlor (p = 0.00) in patients with AA as compared to controls. We observed nonsignificant trends towards higher levels of beta HCH (p = 0.643), aldrin (p = 0.399), and p,p'-Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p'-DDT) (p = 0.453) in patients with AA when compared to the controls. There were significantly higherTNF-alpha levels (p = 0.024) in cases as compared to the controls. Conclusion Our study concludes that patients with AA exhibited higher levels ofdelta-HCH, heptachlor, andTNF-alpha in comparison to the control group. There is a significant positive correlation of TNF alpha with OCPs (alpha HCH, lindane, delta HCH, heptachlor, aldrin, p,p'- DDD, and methoxychlor pesticides). These organochlorines may have accumulated in the fatty tissue of bone marrow because of their lipophilic nature. This suggests that they might have served as a neoantigen to trigger an increase in TNF-alpha production, which may have led to disrupted bone marrow function through cell-mediated immunity, leading to AA.

Distribution, bioaccumulation, and health risk assessment of organochlorines across the riverine ecosystem of Punjab Province, Pakistan.

This study was designed to assess the distribution of organochlorines (OCs) in fish species, their spatio-temporal variations, bioaccumulation potential, and associated human health risks via dietary intake. The levels of twenty-three organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and thirty-five polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were analyzed in six fish species collected from the riverine ecosystem of Punjab Province, Pakistan. The results indicated that the mean levels of Σ23OCPs were 74.1ng/g ww and 184ng/g ww, and for Σ35PCBs the levels were 38.8ng/g ww and 74.8ng/g ww in herbivorous and carnivorous fish species, respectively. The most abundant contaminants in all fish species were DDTs (65%) and HCHs (14%) among OCPs and heavier PCB congeners (62%) among PCBs. As for dioxin-like PCBs, the WHO toxic equivalency values (ng TEQ/g ww) were in the range of 0.21 (Cyprinus Carpio) to 2.38 (Rita Rita), exceeding the maximum allowable limit of 0.004ng TEQ/g, ww by the European Commission. Spatio-temporal analysis indicated relatively higher OC levels in winter season with elevated concentrations in fish samples from industrial zone. The bioconcentration factor (L/kg) values ranged from 723 to 2773 for PCBs and 315 to 923 for OCPs in all fish species, with higher levels were reported in carnivorous species. The human health risk assessment at both 50th and 95th percentiles revealed the absence of any significant non-carcinogenic risk as calculated HR was less than 1. However, the critical carcinogenic risk was found to be associated for most of the contaminants, signifying the dietary exposure to OCPs and PCBs might pose the public health concern.

The role of skin biopsy in the detection of exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals in Mediterranean cetaceans

Use of skin biopsy is proposed as a sensitive non-lethal technique for the hazard assessment of Mediterranean cetaceans exposed to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). EDCs are a structurally diverse group of compounds that may adversely affect the health of humans and wildlife or their progeny, by interaction with the endocrine system. In the Mediterranean environment top predators accumulate high concentrations of polyhalogenated aromatic hydrocarbons (PHAHs) and toxic metals, incurring high toxicological hazard. In this paper, the hypothesis that Mediterranean cetaceans are potentially at risk due to PHAH-EDCs is investigated using skin biopsy samples. Benzo-a-pyrene monoxigenase (BPMO) activity in skin biopsies was used as a potential indicator of exposure to different organochlorines (OCs) known to have endocrine disrupting properties. The main objective of this paper was to use this non-destructive ecotoxicological tool to define the potential hazard to Mediterranean odontocete and mysicete species, comparing the present data with values detected in other cetaceans from heavily polluted areas, affected by pseudohermaphroditism and other reproductive dysfunction. Subcutaneous tissue consisting of skin and blubber was obtained from striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba), bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) and fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) in the Mediterranean basin. Sampling was performed in the western Ligurian Sea, between Corsica and the French-Italian coast, and in the Ionian Sea. High concentrations of DDT metabolites and PCB congeners (known as Endocrine Disruptors) were detected in the different species. Significant differences in BPMO induction and OC levels were found between odontocetes and mysticetes. Differences in organochlorine bioaccumulation and consequently potential risk due to endocrine disruptors were primarily related to different positions in the marine food web. A statistical correlation was found between BPMO activity and organochlorine (op’DDT, a potent estrogen and antiandrogen and pp’DDE, a potent antiandrogen) levels in skin biopsy specimens of the endangered Mediterranean population of common dolphin. Several conclusions on the potential risk to Mediterranean cetaceans can be drawn from comparison of the levels of OC-EDs detected in Mediterranean odontocetes with those in white whales (Delphinapterus leucas) of the St Lawrence estuary and bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) affected by pseudohermaphroditism and other reproductive dysfunction. Finally, these results suggest that BPMO induction may be an early sign of exposure to EDCs such as OCs and a warning of the possibility of transgenerational effects through exposure of future generations via the placenta and milk.

Concentration levels and risk assessment of organochlorine and organophosphate pesticide residue in selected cereals and legumes sold in Anambra State, south-eastern Nigeria

Abstract The levels of organochlorine and organophosphate pesticide residues in selected cereal crops (beans, cowpea, millet, maize, sorghum, and rice) purchased from major markets in Anambra, south-eastern Nigeria, were assessed and compared with established MRLs. The QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) method was used for extraction and clean-up of pesticide residues. Thereafter detection and quantification were done using GC/MS. The result reveals that the analysed grain samples contained some organochlorine pesticides and organophosphates. The organochlorine was most dominant followed by the organophosphates. Organochlorine pesticide residues varied from 0.048 to 0.298 mg/kg in beans, BDL to 0.398 mg/kg in cowpea, 0.018–0.337 mg/kg in maize, 0.023–0.375 mg/kg in millet, 0.058–0.415 mg/kg in sorghum and 0.045–0.442 mg/kg in rice while organophosphate pesticide residue varied from BDL to 0.315 mg/kg in beans, BDL to 0.113 mg/kg in cowpea, BDL to 0.228 mg/kg in maize, BDL to 0.253 mg/kg in millet, BDL to 0.218 mg/kg in sorghum and BDL to 2.1 35 mg/kg in rice. Highest concentration of endosulphan II (0.442 mg/kg) was detected in rice, followed by aldrin (0.415 mg kg−1) in sorghum and endosulphan II (0.40 mg/kg) in sorghum. The pesticide toxicity index (PTI) was above one (1), whereas health index (HI) was less than one (1) and cancer risk were within USEPA reference guideline for crops indicating children will have greater health effect than adults. Hence, strict monitoring and control of pesticide residues in agricultural products is advocated.

Arctic Indigenous Women Consume Greater than Acceptable Levels of Organochlorines

Exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides through traditional food resources was examined for Arctic Indigenous women living in two cultural and environmental areas of the Canadian Arctic—one community representing Baffin Island Inuit in eastern Arctic and two communities representing Sahtú Dene/Métis in western Arctic. Polychlorinated biphenyls, toxaphene, chlorobenzenes, hexachlorocyclohexanes, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, chlordane-related compounds and dieldrin were determined in local food resources as normally prepared and eaten. Quantified dietary recalls taken seasonally reflected normal consumption patterns of these food resources by women in three age groups: 20–40 y, 41–60 y and ≥ 61 y. There was wide variation of intake of all organochlorine contaminants in both areas and among age groups for the Sahtú. Fifty percent of the intake recalls collected from the Baffin Inuit exceeded the acceptable daily intake for chlordane-related compounds and toxaphene, and a substantial percentage of the intake records for dieldrin and polychlorinated biphenyls exceeded the acceptable or tolerable daily intake levels. Primary contributing foods to organochlorine contaminants intake for the Baffin Inuit were meat and blubber of ringed seal, blubber of walrus and mattak and blubber of narwhal. Important foods contributing organochlorine contaminant to the Sahtú Dene/Métis were carlbou, whitefish, inconnu, trout and duck. The superior nutritional benefits and potential health risks of traditional food items are reviewed, as are implications for monitoring organochlorine contaminant contents of food, clinical symptoms and food use.

Associations of Prenatal Chemical and Nonchemical Stressors with Early-Adulthood Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms.

Prenatal exposure to environmental chemicals may increase risk of childhood internalizing problems, but few studies have explored the potential for longer-term consequences of such exposures. We evaluated associations between prenatal organochlorine and metal levels and early adulthood internalizing symptoms, considering whether sociodemographic/nonchemical stressors modified these associations. Participants were 209 young adults, born (1993-1998) to mothers residing in or near New Bedford, Massachusetts. As part of the early-adult assessment, self-reported anxiety (7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale) and depressive (8-item Patient Health Questionnaire) symptoms (: elevated symptoms) were ascertained. We previously analyzed levels of cord serum organochlorines [hexachlorobenzene, dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (,'-DDE), polychlorinated biphenyls (: sum of congeners 118, 138, 153, 180)] and whole blood lead shortly after participants' birth, and levels of cord whole blood manganese from archived samples at the time of the adolescent study visit. We used modified Poisson regression models and quantile g-computation, adjusting for sociodemographics, and explored whether biological sex, race/ethnicity (proxy for unmeasured consequences of racism), prenatal social disadvantage (assessed when participants were neonates), and quality of the home environment (assessed during adolescence) modified these associations. Participants were () y old, 76% Non-Hispanic White, and 67% female. Prenatal hexachlorobenzene, ,'-DDE, and lead exposures were moderately associated with increased risk of elevated anxiety symptoms. There were strata-specific associations for prenatal social disadvantage and quality of home environment such that adverse associations of ,'-DDE and lead and the overall mixture with anxiety and depressive symptoms were largely only evident in those with lower nonchemical stress [e.g., risk ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI) per doubling ,'-DDE for anxiety: 1.54 (95% CI: 1.20, 1.99) in high-quality home environments and 0.77 (95% CI: 0.51, 1.16) in low-quality home environments]. Associations between prenatal hexachlorobenzene and ,'-DDE and anxiety symptoms were stronger for underrepresented racial/ethnic group participants vs. Non-Hispanic Whites. We found minimal evidence for sex-specific effects, and no consistent associations with manganese or . Prenatal organochlorine pesticides and lead exposure possibly increases risk of internalizing problems, particular anxiety symptoms, in young adults. Varying risk was observed by sociodemographic/nonchemical stressor strata, demonstrating the importance of considering interactions between chemical and other stressors. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11171.

Organochlorine pesticides, oxidative stress biomarkers, and leukemia: a case-control study.

Exposure to pesticides has been linked to an elevated risk of leukemia. The present research aimed to evaluate the relationship between organochlorine (OC) pesticides and biomarkers of oxidative stress in leukemia patients. This work was conducted on 109 patients with leukemia and 109 healthy controls. The serum concentrations of seven derivatives of OCs including alpha-HCH, beta-HCH, gamma-HCH, 2,4-DDT, 4,4-DDT, 2,4-DDE, and 4,4-DDE along with acetylcholinesterase (AChE), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), paraoxonase-1 (PON1), and catalase (CAT) activities as well as total antioxidant capacity (TAC), nitric oxide (NO), protein carbonyl (PC), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured in all the subjects. Levels of OCs were remarkably higher in leukemia patients compared to the controls (p < 0.05). In addition, levels of SOD, AChE, GPx, PON-1, and TAC were remarkably lower in leukemia patients compared to controls (p < 0.05). In contrast, MDA, NO, and PC concentrations were higher in leukemia patients than in the controls (p < 0.05). Moreover, the serum level of 4,4-DDE was negatively associated with GPx activity (p = 0.038). Our findings suggest that OCs may play a role in the development of leukemia by disrupting the oxidant/antioxidant balance.

Using Fish as a Sentinel in Risk Management of Contaminated Sediments

Sediments polluted by historical emissions from anthropogenic point sources are common in industrialized parts of the world and pose a potential threat to the function of aquatic ecosystems. Gradient studies using fish as a bioindicator are an option to assess the ecological impact of locally polluted areas. This study investigates the remaining effects of historical emissions on sediments outside ten Swedish pulp and paper mills using perch (Perca fluviatilis). The aim has been to obtain a general picture of the impact area of local deposits of cellulose fiber-rich sediments containing elevated levels of trace metals, e.g., Hg, and organochlorines, e.g., dioxins. In addition to analyzing contaminant levels in muscle and liver tissue, morphological measures in the fish that constitute biomarkers for health and reproductivity were measured. Another aim was to augment existing historical data sets to observe possible signs of environmental recovery. Overall, the results indicate only a minor elevation in contaminant levels and a minor impact on the fish health status in the polluted areas, which in several cases is an improvement from historical conditions. However, exceptions exist. Differences in the ecosystems' responses to pollution loads are primarily explained by abiotic factors such as water turnover rate, bottom dynamic conditions, and water chemistry. Weaknesses in the sampling methodology and processing of data were identified. After minor modifications, the applied survey strategy has the potential to be a management tool for decision-makers working on the remediation of contaminated areas.

Elevated exposures to persistent endocrine disrupting compounds impact the sperm methylome in regions associated with autism spectrum disorder.

Environmental exposures to endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) such as the organochlorines have been linked with various diseases including neurodevelopmental disorders. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly complex neurodevelopmental disorder that is considered strongly genetic in origin due to its high heritability. However, the rapidly rising prevalence of ASD suggests that environmental factors may also influence risk for ASD. In the present study, whole genome bisulfite sequencing was used to identify genome-wide differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in a total of 52 sperm samples from a cohort of men from the Faroe Islands (Denmark) who were equally divided into high and low exposure groups based on their serum levels of the long-lived organochlorine 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene (DDE), a primary breakdown product of the now banned insecticide dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT). Aside from being considered a genetic isolate, inhabitants of the Faroe Islands have a native diet that potentially exposes them to a wide range of seafood neurotoxicants in the form of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). The DMRs were mapped to the human genome using Bismark, a 3-letter aligner used for methyl-seq analyses. Gene ontology, functional, and pathway analyses of the DMR-associated genes showed significant enrichment for genes involved in neurological functions and neurodevelopmental processes frequently impacted by ASD. Notably, these genes also significantly overlap with autism risk genes as well as those previously identified in sperm from fathers of children with ASD in comparison to that of fathers of neurotypical children. These results collectively suggest a possible mechanism involving altered methylation of a significant number of neurologically relevant ASD risk genes for introducing epigenetic changes associated with environmental exposures into the sperm methylome. Such changes may provide the potential for transgenerational inheritance of ASD as well as other disorders.

High Levels of Organochlorines Are Associated with Induction of ABL1 Promoter Methylation in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

Exposure to organochlorines is associated with epigenetic changes, including methylation change in the promoter of tumor suppressor genes, thereby leading to cancer induction. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and ABL1 promoter methylation in child patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and the control group. The methylation rate of the ABL1 promoter was evaluated using the methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction method, and the level of OCPs in patients with ALL and healthy children was measured using gas chromatography. ABL1 promoter hypermethylation was observed in 64% of ALL patients and 28.5% of children in the control group. The level of OCPs in children with methylated ABL1 promoters was significantly higher than that in children with nonmethylated ABL1 promoters (p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that OCPs, especially alpha-hexachlorocyclohexane, beta-hexachlorocyclohexane, gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane, 2,4 dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene, and 4,4 dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane may induce methylation at the ABL1 promoter level, thereby preventing the normal expression of the ABL1 gene. As a result, the reduced expression of ABL1 (a tumor suppressor) gene due to the hypermethylation of its promoter leads to the disruption of normal biological processes, thus making cells vulnerable to oncogenic factors.

Determination of safety organochlorine and organophosphorus residual levels using gas chromatography in tomato from different governorates in Upper Egypt

Determination of safety organochlorine and organophosphorus residual levels using gas chromatography in tomato from different governorates in Upper Egypt

Organochlorine pesticides, oxidative stress biomarkers, and leukemia: a case-control study

Exposure to pesticides has been linked to an elevated risk of leukemia. The present research aimed to evaluate the relationship between organochlorine (OC) pesticides and biomarkers of oxidative stress in...

Determination of Dissolved Pesticide Leachates in the West Africa’s Largest Natural Lake

Lake Bosomtwe in the Ashanti Region of Ghana is one of the largest naturally occurring lake in West Africa. The lake is surrounded by about 36 farming and fishing communities that use synthetic pesticides and herbicide in the cultivation of crops. These chemicals are likely to leak into the tributaries, contaminate the lake, and threaten the life of the aquatic animals. For this reason, a study of the levels of the active components of the pesticides in the lake were measured to monitor the water quality. A Gas Chromatographic equipped with Electron Capture Detector (GC-ECD) was employed in the measurements and levels of organochlorine, organophosphorus and pyrethoids. The GC-ECD analysis revealed that, the mean concentrations of organochlorines in the water sample were, Beta – HCH (0.03µg/L), Gamma – HCH (0.015 µg/L), Delta – HCH (0.012 µg/L), Endrin (0.014 µg/L), Beta-endosulfan (0.01 µg/L), Endosulfan (0.028 µg/L), and p, p’- DDT (0.012 µg/L). Heptachlor, Alpha-endosulfan, p,p’- DDE and Lambda-cyhal had concentrations less than 0.01 µg/L. Chloropyrifos was the only organophosphate detected with a mean concentration of 0.013 µg/L. The mean concentrations of the pyrethoids present were, permethrin 0.024 µg/L, cyfluthrin 0.016 µg/L and deltamethrin 0.017µg/L. A comparison of the measured concentrations with the WHO pesticides limit in water displayed lower levels and compliance to the standards. Detection of these pesticides residues indicates that, regulating farming activities along the boundaries of the lake will reduce the leakages with corresponding positive effect on the aquatic life.

Estimation and human health risk assessment of organochlorine and organophosphate pesticide residues in raw milk collected in Kenya

Background: This study determined the levels of organochlorine (OCPs) and organophosphate (OPPs) pesticide residues in cow milk from Kiambu and camel milk from Isiolo and Laikipia. The human dietary intake and the potential consumer health risks were also evaluated. Methods: In total, 90 cow and 82 camel milk samples were collected and analyzed using gas chromatography tandem mass spectroscopy to determine the levels of OCPs and OPPs. The levels were compared to the maximum residue limits (MRLs) established by the Codex Alimentarius (CA), EU Pesticides Database (EUPD), and the United States Department of Agriculture. The estimated daily intake and chronic hazard quotient (cHQ) of the milk were also calculated. Results: Cow milk from Kiambu was contaminated with 11/18 of the evaluated OCPs and 13/14 of the evaluated OPPs while camel milk from Isiolo was contaminated with 9/18 of the evaluated OCPs and 9/14 of the evaluated OPPs. Camel milk from Laikipia was contaminated with 11/18 of the evaluated OCPs and 11/14 of the evaluated OPPs. The mean heptachlor value in camel milk from Isiolo was above the EUPD MRLs. The mean value of heptachlor in Camel milk from Laikipia was above the CA and EUPD MRLs. The cHQs for Disulfoton, Fenamiphos, and Methacrifos in Cow milk were above 1 for adults and children. The cHQs for Fenchlorphous and Profenofos in Camel milk were above 1 for adults and children. The cHQs for α-endosulphan, β-endosulphan, dieldrin, and heptachlor in cow milk was above 1 for adults and children while the cHQs for heptachlor in camel milk was above 1 for adults and children. Conclusions: The potential health risks from chronic dietary intake of cow and camel milk in Kenya cannot be excluded. The routine monitoring of organophosphate and organochlorine pesticide levels in milk is recommended to minimize risks to human health.

LEVEL OF ORGANOCHLORINE PESTICIDE RESIDUES IN BLOOD AND URINE SAMPLES OF FARMWORKERS INVOLVED IN PESTICIDES APPLICATION IN YOLA, ADAMAWA STATE.

Despite pesticides being used by farmers in Yola, there has been no data on the levels of organochlorine (OC) residues in farmworker blood and urine that indicate chronic exposure to pesticides. Blood and urine samples were collected from the farmworkers involved in pesticide spraying activities at two different farms from Twenty volunteers comprising of 15 males and 5 Females. The samples were analyzed using a Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS). The results obtained revealed that among the organochlorine residues detected in the farmers’ blood and urine sample, DDE one the metabolites of DDT are the most frequently detected with a mean concentration of 0.0450 mg/L for blood samples and 0.0050mg/L for urine samples. DDE showed the highest mean concentration among all organochlorine residues detected in both samples. The lowest mean concentration was found in β - endosulfan (0. 0002mg.L) in blood samples and Aldrin(0.0009mg/L) in urine samples. The study reveals that the method for the whole blood analysis is a suitable tool in investigating the exposure of spray men and women to environmental pollutants and that urine analysis is not reliable as an analytic tool to measure the body burden of these compounds. Hence continuous monitoring of these pesticides is required to avert various environmental and health hazards that may arise from these pollutants.