Thiocyanate Levels Research Articles

Associations of Perchlorate, Nitrate, and Thiocyanate with Bone Mineral Density in the US General Population: A Multi-Cycle Study of NHANES 2011-2018.

Perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate are widely recognized as endocrine disrupting chemicals, which are closely related to thyroid function. Animal and human studies show a correlation between thyroid hormone and bone mineral density (BMD). However, it remains unknown whether perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate were associated with BMD. This study aimed to explore the association between perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate exposure with BMD. A cross-sectional analysis among 5607 participants from the 2011-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) was conducted in the present study. Perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate were detected in urine by ion chromatography. Survey-weighted generalized linear regression, restricted cubic splines, and qgcomp models were used to assess the association of BMDs with single and mixed perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate exposures. In addition, age, gender, and BMI stratified these associations. Negative associations were found between perchlorate and nitrate with BMDs. Furthermore, based on the qgcomp model results, the combined association of perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate exposure was negatively associated with BMDs (β = -0.017, 95% CI: -0.041, -0.024 for total BMD; β = -0.017, 95% CI: -0.029, -0.005 for lumbar BMD). Additionally, there was a significant effect after gender, age, and BMI stratification between perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate with BMDs in the normal weight group (β = -0.015, 95% CI: -0.020, -0.011 for total BMD; β = -0.022, 95% CI: -0.028, -0.016 for lumbar BMD) and children and adolescents group (β = -0.025, 95% CI: -0.031, -0.019 for total BMD; β -0.017, 95% CI: -0.029, -0.005 for lumbar BMD). The present study indicated a negative correlation between BMDs and urinary perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate levels, with nitrate being the main contributor to the mixture effect. People with normal weight and children and adolescents were more likely to be affected.

Associations of perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate exposure with arthritis and inflammation indicators in young and middle-aged adults, NHANES 2005-2016.

Perchlorates, nitrates, and thiocyanates are prevalent environmental chemicals. Their potential association with arthritis remains unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the link between perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate exposure and arthritis, as well as the potential role of inflammation in this context. Utilizing the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data spanning from 2005 to 2016, the study enrolled 6597 participants aged 20-59 (young and middle-aged), of which 1045 had arthritis. Employing multivariate logistic regression modeling, multiple linear regression models, restricted cubic spline analysis, Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) modeling, and mediation analysis, we assessed these relationships. There was a significant positive association between elevated urinary thiocyanate levels and arthritis risk [1.19 (1.11, 1.28)]. This association held true across subgroups of osteoarthritis (OA) [1.24 (1.10, 1.40)] and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) [1.33 (1.15, 1.55)]. Thiocyanate levels displayed a dose-dependent relationship with arthritis risk, showing a linear trend (nonlinear P > 0.05). Conversely, perchlorate and nitrate did not exhibit associations with arthritis risk. BKMR outcomes highlighted a positive correlation between a mixture of perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate and arthritis risk, with thiocyanate being the predominant predictors. Moreover, BKMR and generalized linear model analyses unveiled no significant synergistic effect of urinary perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate on arthritis risk. Furthermore, thiocyanate exposure has been linked to elevated levels of inflammatory indicators (white blood cell, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII)). Heightened thiocyanate exposure may be linked to elevated arthritis risk, either single or in combined effects. Additionally, thiocyanate exposure is associated with heightened inflammation levels.

Estimation of Thiocyanate Content from Selected Cruciferous Vegetables

ABSTRACT: As per the studies conducted by the Indian Thyroid Society, it is suggested that one out of ten people in India suffer from hypothyroidism and these figures are likely to increase in the near future. According to the survey, women in the post-menopausal age group are more affected in comparison to men. Globally, the prevalence of hypothyroidism is 4-5%. Taking the same into consideration, a comparative study was undertaken to estimate the thiocyanate content in cruciferous vegetables such as Raphanus sativus (radish), Brassica rapa (turnip), Brassica okracea var. botrytis (cauliflower) Brassica oleracea (broccoli), Brassica clearccea var. botrytis (cabbage). Increased levels of thiocyanate often cause imbalance of the thyroid hormones by inhibiting iodine uptake thereby leading to hypothyroidism. Thiocyanate is therefore also employed in the treatment of hyperthyroidism. This study used 10 gram of sample extract in triplicates that were obtained from different markets, treated with ferric chloride leading to the formation of a colored complex and the amounts of thiocyanate was evaluated colorimetrically. It was observed that the thiocyanate content in cabbage was the highest followed by radish, turnip, broccoli and cauliflower. High thiocyanate content coupled with low iodine content go a long way in leading to goiter which is a clinical manifestation of any abnormality associated with thyroid gland. This leads us to very important conclusion that while ascertaining causes of any abnormalities of the thyroid gland that a person’s diet needs to be taken into consideration.

Strategies for Embedding Electrochemical Sensors and Enzymatic Biofuel Cells into Miniaturized Platforms

Miniaturized bioelectronics have great potential in smart devices and on-body biomedical applications, but their development is hindered by the limited availability of a sustainable energy supply. Enzymatic biofuel cells show promise as a power source, but integrating them into practical platforms presents challenges. To address this, we explore a range of materials and strategies for embedding energy-harvesting devices into flexible platforms. For instance, we present a self-powered bioelectronics mask that includes a biofuel cell, a supercapacitor, and a biosensor for detecting glucose levels, all powered by carbon nanotube-based printed biofuel cells. We have also engineered functional materials and customized inks for flexible, single-enzyme-based energy harvesting and self-powered biosensing devices. Additionally, we introduce a battery-free biosensing system that monitors metabolites through in vivo analysis. A self-powered glucose biofuel cell/biosensor integrated into a small circuit performs energy harvesting, biosensing, and wireless human-body communication, allowing for direct biochemical analysis of metabolic profiles. Furthermore, we developed a lab-in-a-mouth sensing device that analyzes thiocyanate levels directly and noninvasively. Carbon electrodes were screen-printed and integrated with mouthguards, and the resulting sensor demonstrates high sensitivity and selectivity for detecting salivary thiocyanate ions. We also discuss the challenges and opportunities in the fields of biosensors and on-demand sensors to further advance these technologies. It is envisioned that developments in biosensors and bioelectronics have significant potential in modern healthcare, including presymptomatic, preventive, and administrational medicine.

Estimation of Salivary Thiocyanate Levels in Light and Heavy Smokers with Chronic Periodontitis

Introduction: Periodontitis is a common chronic inflammatory disease reported in adults with multifactorial origins that affects the periodontium. In addition to the direct etiological impact of the microorganisms involved, cigarette smoking and tobacco chewing are considered to be the most important environmental risk factors. Periodontitis is common and severe in smokers, characterized by deep periodontal pockets, attachment loss, and furcation defects. Human saliva has been recently investigated as an alternative to serum for diagnostic purposes due to its non-invasiveness and lower risk of infection. To estimate and compare salivary thiocyanate levels in light and heavy smokers with chronic periodontitis and non-smokers with chronic periodontitis and healthy control. Materials and Methods: Total of 60 saliva samples were collected between the age group of 20 and 50 years males and grouped as: Group 1: normal control (n = 15); Group 2: light smokers with chronic periodontitis (n = 15); Group 3: heavy smokers with chronic periodontitis (n = 15); Group 4: non-smokers with chronic periodontitis (n = 15). Whole saliva sample were collected and centrifuged and total salivary thiocyanate (SCN) levels were analyzed using Spectrophometer at 450 nm. Results: The mean salivary total SCN levels show that they are higher in heavy smokers with chronic periodontitis when compared to light smokers and non-smokers with chronic periodontitis. Conclusion: Salivary SCN level stands out as a useful marker of periodontal tissue destruction, proving to be a promising diagnostic marker, and it is a biochemical indicator of cigarette smokers.

P284 POTENTIAL PROARRHYTHMIC SIDE EFFECT OF HIGH DOSE AND PROLONGED SODIUM NITROPRUSSIDE INFUSION THROUGH CALCIUM ION REDUCTION

Abstract Patient presentation. A fifty y/o male patient with a history of congenital aortic stenosis surgically corrected previously and with chronic heart failure due to severe left ventricular dysfunction presented to our emergency department complaining dyspnea. Due to acute decompensated heart failure with ongoing cardiogenic shock, he was admitted to our intensive cardiology unit. Initial work up. The blood exams showed a normal renal and liver function, normal total and free calcium, 9.4 mg/dL and 1.16 mmol/L respectively, lactates were mildly increased. The chest x–ray showed pulmonary congestion. At the echocardiography we found severe biventricular dysfunction, moderate mitral regurgitation, severe pulmonary hypertension. Since the patient was unstable, adrenaline, high–dose sodium nitroprusside (SNP), and intra–aortic balloon pump were started. The right heart catheterization revealed combined pulmonary hypertension reversible with SNP and, therefore, the patient was inserted in the heart transplant list. Diagnosis and Management. One of the side effects of SNP is the thiocyanate toxicity. A high dose of SNP was necessary for this patient (2.2 mcg/kg/min). Thus, thiocyanate levels increased up to 10 mg/100 mL (NV<3). Importantly, the patient was asymptomatic despite these levels. However, the free calcium ion progressively decreased up to 0.94 mmol/L, despite normal total calcium and calcium supplementation iv and orally. Since arrhythmic burden markedly increased, we started lidocaine which was not effective. Follow–up. Since we suspected a possible causative role of thiocyanate, which might bond the double positive charged free calcium ion with its two negatively charged sulfur atoms, explaining the normal total calcium level and the low calcium ion, we carefully reduced SNP dose within days. This allowed us to reduce thiocyanate to 6 mg/100 mL, without compromising patient hemodynamics. Concomitantly, the free calcium ion tended to normalize, lowering the arrhythmic burden. Conclusions We describe for the first time a proarrhythmic side effect of prolonged SNP infusion, likely related to thiocyanate accumulation and free calcium ion binding, which, despite aggressive calcium supplementation, was normalized only after SNP down titration.

Evaluation of serum cotinine, total protein, thiocyanate, neuron specific enolase and uric acid levels of cigarette smokers in calabar metropolis, nigeria: a cross sectional study

Cigarette smoke contains harmful chemicals with deleterious health effects leading to oxidative stress and neuronal damage. This study investigated the levels of serum cotinine (COT), thiocyanate (thioc), uric acid (UA), neuron specific enolase (NSE), and the association between these variables in cigarette smokers. This cross sectional study enrolled 60 cigarette smokers and 45 non-smokers as participants. Serum thiocyanate and UA were estimated by colorimetric methods. Serum cotinine and NSE were determined by ELISA methods. Height and weight were measured and BMI computed. Data were analyzed using Student’s t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation at P<0.05. Serum cotinine, thioc and NSE concentrations were significantly higher while BMI and UA levels were significantly lower (P<0.05) in smokers than in the controls. Age was not significantly different between the two groups (P>0.05). Age, COT, UA, thioc and NSE vary significantly (P<0.05) between the light, moderate and heavy cigarette smokers. From the least significant difference post hoc analyses, the mean age and UA level of light smoker were significantly higher (P<0.05) compared with the moderate smokers, while COT level of moderate smokers was significantly higher (P<0.05) compared with light smokers. Neuron specific enolase level of moderate cigarette smokers was higher (P>0.05) compared with the light smokers. The mean age of light smokers was significantly higher (P<0.05) compared with the heavy smokers, while the COT, thioc and NSE levels of light smokers were significantly lower (P<0.05) compared with the heavy smokers. Serum UA, thioc and NSE levels of moderate smokers were significantly lower (P<0.05), than those of the heavy smokers. Significant negative correlations were observed between age and COT (r = -0.554, P<0.001), age and thioc (r = -0.421, P= 0.001), age and NSE (r = -0.346, P=0.001), age against smoking pack years (r = -0.623, P<0.001) respectively. Significant positive correlations were observed between serum thioc and NSE (r = 0.324, P=0.012), COT against smoking pack years (r = 0.399, P=0.002), and NSE against smoking pack years (r = 0.311, P=0.015), correspondingly. This study has shown that high levels of cotinine and thiocyanate are associated with increased levels of neuron specific enolase, smoking pack years and decreased uric acid in smokers.

Plasma hydrogen sulfide, nitric oxide, and thiocyanate levels are lower during pregnancy compared to postpartum in a cohort of women from the Pacific northwest of the United States

AimsPregnancy alters multiple physiological processes including angiogenesis, vasodilation, inflammation, and cellular redox, which are partially modulated by the gasotransmitters hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and nitric oxide (NO). In this study, we sought to determine how plasma levels of H2S, NO, and the H2S-related metabolites thiocyanate (SCN−), and methanethiol (CH3SH) change during pregnancy progression. Materials and methodsPlasma was collected from 45 women at three points: 25–28 weeks gestation, 28–32 week gestation, and at ≥3 months postpartum. Plasma levels of H2S, SCN−, and CH3SH were measured following derivatization using monobromobimane followed by LC-MS/MS. Plasma NO was measured indirectly using the Griess reagent. Key findingsNO and SCN− were significantly lower in women at 25–28 weeks gestation and 28–32 weeks gestation than postpartum while plasma H2S levels were significantly lower at 28–32 weeks gestation than postpartum. No significant differences were observed in CH3SH. SignificancePrevious reports demonstrated that the production of H2S and NO are stimulated during pregnancy, but we observed lower levels during pregnancy compared to postpartum. Previous reports on NO have been mixed, but given the related effects of H2S and NO, it is expected that their levels would be higher during pregnancy vs. postpartum. Future studies determining the mechanism for decreased H2S and NO during pregnancy will elucidate the role of these gasotransmitters during normal and pathological progression of pregnancy.

Association of perchlorate, thiocyanate, and nitrate with dyslexic risk

Perchlorate, thiocyanate, and nitrate are sodium iodide symporter (NIS) inhibitors that disturb iodide uptake into the thyroid and have been implicated in child development. However, no data are available on the association between exposure to/related with them and dyslexia. Here, we examined the association of exposure to/related with the three NIS inhibitors with the risk of dyslexia in a case-control study. The three chemicals were detected in urine samples of 355 children with dyslexia and 390 children without dyslexia from three cities in China. The adjusted odds ratios for dyslexia were examined using logistic regression models. The detection frequencies of all the targeted compounds were 100%. After adjusting for multiple covariates, urinary thiocyanate was significantly associated with the risk of dyslexia (P-trend = 0.02). Compared with the lowest quartile, children within the highest quartile had a 2.66-fold risk of dyslexia (95% confidence interval: 1.32, 5.36]. Stratified analyses showed that the association between urinary thiocyanate level and the risk of dyslexia was more pronounced among boys, children with fixed reading time, and those without maternal depression or anxiety during pregnancy. Urinary perchlorate and nitrate levels were not associated with the risk of dyslexia. This study suggests the possible neurotoxicity of thiocyanate or its parent compounds in dyslexia. Further investigation is warranted to confirm our findings and clarify the potential mechanisms.

Paper-based electrochemical sensor for simultaneous detection of salivary Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol and thiocyanate to differentiate illegal cannabis smokers

Cannabis smoking is on the rise as a result of cannabis legalization across the world. The intake of cannabis by smoking has an impact on the mental health of smokers and intimates. Therefore, rapid monitoring of illicit cannabis use via direct saliva samples is necessary. The Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁹-THC) and thiocyanate (SCN) level in saliva can be an effective biomarker to differentiate between cannabis and non-cannabis smokers such as cannabis ingestion, cigarette smokers, and healthy people. In this work, there is a development of an electrochemical sensor, “copper-phthalocyanine-modified screen-printed graphene electrodes (CuPc/SPGE),” for the concurrent determination of Δ⁹-THC and SCN using differential pulse voltammetry. Furthermore, the applicability of the CuPc/SPGE sensor was verified by simultaneously measuring Δ⁹-THC and SCN in saliva samples. The results from the developed sensor were similar to those obtained by high-performance liquid chromatography. This proposed sensor represents a first step in the differentiation of illegal cannabis smokers using the correlation between the contents of Δ⁹-THC and SCN in saliva, with features of rapidity, simplicity, low cost, and disposability.

Environmental exposure to perchlorate, nitrate and thiocyanate, and thyroid function in Chinese adults: A community-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundEvidence on environmental exposure to perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate, three thyroidal sodium iodine symporter (NIS) inhibitors, and thyroid function in the Chinese population remains limited. ObjectiveTo investigate the associations of environmental exposure to perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate with markers of thyroid function in Chinese adults. MethodsA total of 2441 non-pregnant adults (mean age 50.4 years and 39.1% male) with a median urinary iodine of 180.1 μg/L from four communities in Shenzhen were included in this cross-sectional study. Urinary perchlorate, nitrate, thiocyanate, and thyroid profiles, including serum free thyroxine (FT4), total thyroxine (TT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), total triiodothyronine (TT3), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), were measured. Generalized linear model was applied to investigate the single-analyte associations. Weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models were used to examine the association between the co-occurrence of three anions and thyroid profile. ResultsThe median levels of urinary perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate were 5.8 μg/g, 76.4 mg/g, and 274.1 μg/g, respectively. After adjusting for confounders, higher urinary perchlorate was associated with lower serum FT4, TT4, and TT3, and higher serum FT3 and TSH (all P < 0.05). Comparing extreme tertiles, subjects in the highest nitrate tertile had marginally elevated TT3 (β: 0.02, 95% CI: 0.00–0.04). Each 1-unit increase in log-transformed urinary thiocyanate was associated with a 0.04 (95% CI: 0.02–0.06) pmol/L decrease in serum FT3. The WQS indices were inversely associated with serum FT4, TT4, and FT3 (all P < 0.05). In the BKMR model, the mixture of three anions was inversely associated with serum FT4, TT4, and FT3. ConclusionsOur study provides evidence that individual and combined environmental exposure to perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate are associated with significant changes in thyroid function markers in the Chinese population with adequate iodine intake.

Effects of perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate exposures on serum total testosterone in children and adolescents

Perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate are common thyroid disruptors in daily life and alter testosterone levels in animals. However, little is known about the effects of perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate on serum total testosterone (TT) in the general population. The study was designed to assess the associations between urinary levels of perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate and serum total testosterone (TT) in the general population. The present study utilized data from the 2011–2016 National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES). A total of 6201 participants aged 6–79 with information on urinary perchlorate, nitrate, thiocyanate, and serum total testosterone were included. We conducted multiple linear regression models and Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) models to estimate the associations by sex-age groups. Children (ages 6–11) have higher levels of perchlorate and nitrate than the rest. After adjusting for covariates, urinary perchlorate was significantly negatively associated with serum TT in male adolescents (β = −0.1, 95 % confidence interval: −0.2, −0.01) and female children [−0.13, (−0.21, −0.05)]. Urinary nitrate was significantly negatively associated with serum TT in female children, while urinary thiocyanate was significantly positively associated with serum TT in female adults aged 20 to 49 [0.05 (0.02, 0.08)]. BKMR analysis indicated that no other interactions were found between urinary perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate. Our findings suggested that urinary perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate levels may relate to serum total testosterone levels in specific sex-age groups. We identified male adolescents and female children as are most sensitive subgroups where testosterone is susceptible to interference.

Concurrent dietary intake to nitrate, thiocyanate, and perchlorate is negatively associated with hypertension in adults in the USA.

We aimed to comprehensively evaluate the association of urinary nitrate, thiocyanate, and perchlorate metabolites with hypertension among a nationally representative sample of the US adult population. This cross-sectional study investigated data from 15,717 adults aged more than 20 years obtained from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) for the years 2005-2016. In the survey, urinary levels of nitrate, thiocyanate, and perchlorate were measured using ion chromatography combined with electrospray tandem mass spectrometry. Blood pressure was calculated as the mean of three measurements. Hypertension was defined as (a) systolic BP ≥130 and/or diastolic BP ≥80 mmHg and/or (b) self-report. Multivariate logistic regression and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression models were applied to estimate the association between exposure to multiple inorganic anions and hypertension. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) regressions were fitted to discern the potential relationship between the anion exposure and hypertension. These innovation methods used to support our results. Overall, 7533 (49.95%) people with and 7638 (50.35%) without hypertension were included in this study. In the multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models, urinary nitrate (P < 0.001) and perchlorate (P < 0.001) were independently negatively associated with increased occurrence of hypertension, while urinary thiocyanate was insignificantly associated with hypertension (P = 0.664). The WQS regression index showed that, in combination, the three inorganic anions mixture were negatively correlated with hypertension (adjusted OR 0.89; 95% CI 0.83-0.95, P < 0.001). Urinary nitrate was the most heavily weighted component in the hypertension model (weight = 0.784). RCS regression demonstrated that nitrate (nonlinearity P = 0.205) and perchlorate (nonlinearity P = 0.701) were linearly associated with decreased occurrence of hypertension. Concurrent exposure to nitrate, thiocyanate, and perchlorate is associated with a decreased risk of hypertension, with the greatest influence coming from nitrate probably; urinary specific thiocyanate alone had an insignificant association with hypertension.

Exposure to perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate and the prevalence of abdominal aortic calcification.

Perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate are reported to affect human health. However, it is unclear about the associations between exposure to these chemicals and abdominal aortic calcification (AAC). A total of 959 individuals were included in a large representative survey. Urinary levels of perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate were measured by ion chromatography coupled with electrospray tandem mass spectrometry. AAC was diagnosed based on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). There were 276 (28.8%) cases of AAC among the participants. The level of urinary nitrate was significantly lower in AAC patients compared with non-AAC patients (36.4 mg/L [20.6, 59.5] vs. 42.4 [23.8, 68.3]; P = 0.013). In multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models, urinary nitrate was associated with the prevalence of AAC. Compared with the lowest quartile, the odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) across increasing quartiles were 1.06 (0.69-1.61; P = 0.799), 0.64 (0.41-1.00; P = 0.049) and 0.74 (0.47-1.15; P = 0.180). Restricted cubic splines suggested that urinary nitrate ranging between 43.7 and 115.4 mg/L was associated with a lower risk of AAC. Moderate exposure to nitrate was associated with a lower risk of AAC.

Association between environmental exposure to perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate and serum α-Klotho levels among adults from the National Health and nutrition examination survey (2007–2014)

Background & aimsAging is a pathophysiological process driven by a diverse set of complex biological processes, and environmental pollution plays an important role in this process. This study aimed to explore the association between serum α-Klotho levels and urinary perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate levels.MethodsThis secondary dataset analysis included 4875 participants (mean age, 57.69 year; male, 49.58%; non-Hispanic White, 47.67%) from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007–2014). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to quantify α-Klotho levels, and ion chromatography coupled with electrospray tandem mass spectrometry was used to quantify thiocyanate, nitrate, and perchlorate levels. Multivariate linear regression models were applied to estimate the association between perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate levels and serum α-Klotho levels.ResultsUrinary thiocyanate levels were negatively associated with α-Klotho levels (β = − 0.006; 95% confidence interval, − 0.010 to − 0.003; P = 0.0004) after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, race, alcohol consumption, estimated glomerular filtration rate, underlying disease, physical activity, smoking status, usual energy intake, and urinary creatinine and serum cotinine levels and mutual adjustment of urinary perchlorate, urinary nitrate, and urinary thiocyanate levels. The α-Klotho level in participants in the highest quartile was higher by 50.567 ng/mL (β = 50.567; 95% confidence interval, 14.407 to 86.726; P = 0.009) than that in participants in the lowest quartile of urinary perchlorate. A linear relationship was observed between urinary thiocyanate and α-Klotho levels.ConclusionsUrinary thiocyanate levels were negatively associated with serum α-Klotho levels. Urinary thiocyanate should be further investigated as a potential mediator of aging and age-related diseases.

Higher Levels of Urinary Thiocyanate, a Biomarker of Cruciferous Vegetable Intake, Were Associated With Lower Risks of Cardiovascular Disease and All-Cause Mortality Among Non-smoking Subjects.

BackgroundEpidemiologic studies on cruciferous vegetable (CV) intake and cardiovascular disease (CVD) were inconclusive.ObjectiveTo investigate the associations of urinary thiocyanate, a biomarker of CV intake, with CVD and all-cause mortality among non-smoking adults.MethodsThis prospective cohort study comprised 10,489 non-smoking adults (weighted mean age, 46.8 years; 43.4% male) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001–2014. Non-smokers were defined as subjects with serum cotinine < 3 ng/mL. Urinary thiocyanate was measured with ion chromatography tandem mass spectrometry at baseline, and CVD and all-cause mortality were identified through linkage to National Death Index until December 31, 2015. Cox proportional hazards model was applied to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for CVD and all-cause mortality.ResultsA total of 800 deaths, of which 136 died of CVD, were ascertained within a median 7.8 years of follow-up. Urinary thiocyanate was positively correlated with total CV intake among non-smoking adults (rs = 0.088, P < 0.001). Comparing extreme quartiles, the multivariate-adjusted HRs for CVD and all-cause mortality were 0.50 (95% CI: 0.29–0.85) and 0.75 (95% CI: 0.60–0.92), respectively. Each 1 μg/g creatinine increment of log-transformed urinary thiocyanate was associated with a 25% (HR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.62–0.91) reduced CVD mortality risk and 12% (HR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.81–0.96) reduced all-cause mortality risk. The documented inverse associations persisted in sensitivity analyses.ConclusionIncreased levels of urinary thiocyanate, a candidate biomarker of CV intake, were associated with low risks of CVD and total mortality among non-smoking adults. This prospective biomarker-based study provided further evidence to support the cardiovascular benefits of CVs.

Chronic Low-Level Cyanide Intoxication in an Electroplating Plant in Taiwan.

This study aimed to investigate clinical symptoms among electroplating workers exposed to cyanide. In this study, 26 silver-plating and 51 gold-plating workers completed questionnaires and were tested for urinary thiocyanates. Air cyanide, urinary thiocyanates, and clinical symptoms were compared between workers using Student t and χ 2 test and further analyzed by multivariate linear regression. Air cyanide and urinary thiocyanate were higher in the silver-plating plant than the gold-plating plant. In both plants, a dose-response relationship was observed between exposure status and thiocyanate levels. Silver-plating workers reported a higher frequency of almond odor detection, nasal bleeding, excessive salivation, skin scalding, and corrosion. Urinary thiocyanates were associated with the plant and exposure status, but not with smoking. Our study suggests that silver-plating workers had higher exposure and more symptoms. Urinary thiocyanate may be a useful biomarker for cyanide exposure.

Associations of urinary perchlorate, nitrate and thiocyanate with central sensitivity to thyroid hormones: A US population-based cross-sectional study.

Perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate are three well-known sodium iodine symporter inhibitors, however, associations of their individual and concurrent exposure with central thyroid hormones sensitivity remain unclear. To investigate the associations of urinary perchlorate, nitrate, thiocyanate, and their co-occurrence with central thyroid hormones sensitivity among US general adults. A total of 7598 non-pregnant adults (weighted mean age 45.9years and 52.9% men) from National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey 2007-2012 were included in this cross-sectional study. Central sensitivity to thyroid hormones was estimated with the Parametric Thyroid Feedback Quantile-based Index (PTFQI). Ordinary least-squares regression, weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression, and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models were performed to examine the associations of three anions and their co-occurrence with PTFQI. The weighted mean values of urinary perchlorate, nitrate, thiocyanate, and perchlorate equivalent concentration (PEC) were 5.48μg/L, 57.59mg/L, 2.65mg/L, and 539.8μg/L, respectively. Compared with the lowest quartile, the least-square means difference (LSMD) of PTFQI was -0.0516 (LSMD±SE: -0.0516±0.0185, P<0.01) in the highest perchlorate quartile. On average, PTFQI decreased by 0.0793 (LSMD±SE: -0.0793±0.0205, P<0.001) between the highest and lowest thiocyanate quartile. Compared with those in the lowest quartile, participants in the highest PEC quartile had significantly decreased PTFQI levels (LSMD±SE: -0.0862±0.0188, P<0.001). The WQS of three goitrogens, was inversely associated with PTFQI (β: -0.051, 95% CI: -0.068, -0.034). In BKMR model, PTFQI significantly decreased when the levels of three anions were at or above their 60th percentiles compared to the median values. Higher levels of urinary perchlorate, thiocyanate, and co-occurrence of three goitrogens were associated with increased central thyroid hormones sensitivity among US general adults. Further studies are warranted to replicate our results and elucidate the underlying causative mechanistic links.

Exploring the destiny and distribution of thiocyanate in the water-soil-plant system and the potential impacts on human health

Endocrine disruptors like thiocyanate are some of the principal causes of chronic disorders worldwide. Prenatal and postnatal exposure to thiocyanate can interfere with normal neurological development in both fetuses and newborns. Currently, little information regarding thiocyanate levels and potential sources of exposure is available. In this study, we evaluated thiocyanate uptake and accumulation in chard and spinach grown under greenhouse conditions. Both chard and spinach are commonly used to produce baby foods. Three thiocyanate concentrations were compared: Control, T1 (30 ng mL−1), and T2 (70 ng mL−1). Thiocyanate accumulation depended on the concentration and exposure time. Chard was found to accumulate more thiocyanate than spinach, with leaf accumulation > stem accumulation (p < 0.0194) and maximum concentrations of 76 ng g−1 (control), 112 ng g−1, (T1), and 134 ng g−1 (T2). The estimated daily intake (EDI) of thiocyanate for chard and spinach (fresh) exceeded the subchronic reference dose of 200 ng−1 kg−1 day−1 and the chronic reference dose of 600 ng−1 kg−1 day−1. In addition, the EDI of thiocyanate for spinach in baby food exceeded twice the chronic reference dose in the vulnerable newborn–1 year age group. However, all EDIs were lower than the lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL) of 1.9 × 105 ng kg−1 day−1. Further studies are needed that increase our knowledge of thiocyanate levels and potential environmental sources to reduce opportunities for exposure, especially in vulnerable groups.

Environmental thiocyanate exposure was associated with oral health-related productivity loss among US adults: results from NHANES.

The aim of this study is to examine the environmental exposure to perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate and their associations with oral health-related productivity loss (PL) in general population. A total of 13,554 participants were enrolled from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Urinary perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate were measured using ion chromatography coupled with electrospray tandem mass spectrometry. Multivariable linear and logistic regressions were performed to explore the associations between urinary perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate with the prevalence of PL. Restricted cubic splines were used to explore the nonlinearity. There are 636 PL cases. There was higher urinary level of thiocyanate in PL group. We found that compared with the lowest quartile, thiocyanate was associated with PL (odds ratio 0.72, 95% confidence interval [0.53, 0.98]; p = 0.039) in the highest quartile. Restricted cubic spines reveled that urinary thiocyanate was L-shaped associated with PL with the infection point of 1.35. Urinary thiocyanate was L-shaped associated with PL with the infection point of 1.35.