铅对大鼠脑组织神经生长因子表达的影响及甲状腺激素的调节作用

目的　研究醋酸铅对大鼠脑组织神经生长因子 (NGF)表达的影响及甲状腺激素的调节作用。方法　对SD大鼠用 2 5、5 0、10 0mg/kg体重的醋酸铅腹腔注射 ;用丙基硫氧嘧啶 (PTU)制作甲状腺机能减退大鼠模型 ,再给予 5 0mg/kg体重的醋酸铅 ,分别以免疫组化测定脑组织中NGF蛋白的表达。以放射免疫方法测定血清中三碘甲状腺原氨酸 (T3 )、甲状腺素 (T4)、促甲状腺激素 (TSH)的含量及脑组织中T3 、T4的含量。结果　中、高剂量组皮层组织NGF平均灰度 (180 .4 9± 10 .33、16 9.72±19 .75 )与对照组 (2 0 0 .75± 3.2 7)相比 ,差异有显著性 (P <0 .0 1) ;各剂量组海马组织NGF面密度 (0 .0 8± 0 .14、0 .12± 0 .0 2、0 .13± 0 .0 4 )与对照组 (0 .0 2 5± 0 .0 15 )相比 ,差异有显著性 (P <0 .0 5 )。甲状腺机能减退后再用醋酸铅处理 ,皮层、海马组织NGF面密度和平均灰度未见明显改变。各剂量染铅组大鼠血清中T3 [(0 .6 8± 0 .0 2 )、(0 .5 7± 0 .0 4 )、(0 .5 4± 0 .0 2 ) μg/L]和T4[(2 8.30± 1.83)、(2 7.35± 2 .5 5 )、(2 4 .0 0± 3.0 1) μg/L]含量明显下降 ,而TSH[(6 .34± 1.13)、(7.74± 0 .79)、(9.16± 0 .77)IU]增高 ,与对照组T3 [(0 .97± 0 .14 ) μg/L]、T4[(5 4 .5 0± 3.70 ) μg/L]和TSH     

Plasma concentrations of persistent organochlorines in relation to thyrotropin and thyroid hormone levels in women

Objectives: There is a concern that persistent organohalogen toxicants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), might display endocrine-disrupting effects in exposed populations. In this study the correlations between PCBs and thyrotropin (TSH) and thyroid hormone concentrations in plasma were assessed in adult women. Methods: The study group consisted of 182 fishermen's wives from the Swedish east coast, with a median age of 42 years (range 23–62) and a median current consumption of contaminated fatty fish from the Baltic Sea of two meals per month (range 0–12). TSH, free (FT₃) and total (TT₃) triiodothyronine and free (FT₄) and total (TT₄) thyroxin in plasma were analyzed by immunofluorometric assays, and 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-hexachlorobiphenyl (CB-153) in plasma was analyzed by gas chromatography with electron capture detection. Twenty other PCB and two hydroxy-PCB congeners were analyzed in subgroups of the women. Plasma lipid analyses were performed with enzymatic techniques. Results: The CB-153 concentration in plasma (range 16–776 ng/g lipid) was negatively correlated with the TT₃ concentrations (range 1.0–3.0 nmol/l, r_s=−0.29, P < 0.001). This association remained after age adjustment. Conclusions: The present study gives some support for the notion that dietary exposure to persistent organochlorine compounds (POCs) might weakly affect peripheral thyroid hormone concentrations in adult women. Received: 9 June 2000 / Accepted: 31 October 2000     

Maternal and umbilical cord blood levels of mercury, lead, cadmium, and essential trace elements in Arctic Canada

Maternal and umbilical cord blood levels of mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and the trace elements copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se) are reported for Inuit, Dene/Métis, Caucasian, and Other nonaboriginal participants from Arctic Canada. This is the first human tissue monitoring program covering the entire Northwest Territories and Nunavut for multiple contaminants and establishes a baseline upon which future comparisons can be made. Results for chlorinated organic pesticides and PCBs for these participants have been reported elsewhere. Between May 1994 and June 1999, 523 women volunteered to participate by giving their written informed consent, resulting in the collection of 386 maternal blood samples, 407 cord samples, and 351 cord:maternal paired samples. Geometric mean (GM) maternal total mercury (THg) concentrations ranged from 0.87 microg/L (SD = 1.95) in the Caucasian group of participants (n = 134) to 3.51 microg/L (SD = 8.30) in the Inuit group (n = 146). The GM of the Inuit group was 2.6-fold higher than that of the Dene/Métis group (1.35 microg/L, SD = 1.60, n = 92) and significantly higher than those of all other groups (P<0.0001). Of Inuit women participants, 3% (n = 4) were within Health Canada's level of concern range (20-99 microg/L) for methylmercury (MeHg) exposure. Of Inuit and Dene/Métis cord samples, 56% (n = 95) and 5% (n = 4), respectively, exceeded 5.8 microg/L MeHg, the revised US Environmental Protection Agency lower benchmark dose. GM maternal Pb was significantly higher in Dene/Métis (30.9 microg/L or 3.1 microg/dL; SD = 29.1 microg/L) and Inuit (31.6 microg/L, SD = 38.3) participants compared with the Caucasian group (20.6 microg/L, SD = 17.9) (P < 0.0001). Half of all participants were smokers. GM blood Cd in moderate smokers (1-8 cigarettes/day) and in heavy smokers (> 8 cigarettes/day) was 7.4-fold higher and 12.5-fold higher, respectively, than in nonsmokers. The high percentage of smokers among Inuit (77%) and Dene/Métis (48%) participants highlights the need for ongoing public health action directed at tobacco prevention, reduction, and cessation for women of reproductive age. Pb and THg were detected in more than 95% of all cord blood samples, with GMs of 21 microg/L and 2.7 microg/L, respectively, and Cd was detected in 26% of all cord samples, with a GM of 0.08 microg/L. Cord:maternal ratios from paired samples ranged from 0.44 to 4.5 for THg, from 0.5 to 10.3 for MeHg, and 0.1 to 9.0 for Pb. On average, levels of THg, MeHg, and Zn were significantly higher in cord blood than in maternal blood (P < 0.0001), whereas maternal Cd, Pb, Se, and Cu levels were significantly higher than those in cord blood (P < 0.0001). There was no significant relationship between methylmercury and selenium for the range of MeHg exposures in this study. Ongoing monitoring of populations at risk and traditional food species, as well as continued international efforts to reduce anthropogenic sources of mercury, are recommended.     

Associations between levels of hydroxylated PCBs and PCBs in serum of pregnant women and blood thyroid hormone levels and body size of neonates

The purpose of this study was to investigate possible associations between concentrations of hydroxylated PCBs (OH-PCBs) and PCBs in the serum of women in the first trimester of pregnancy and thyroid hormone levels and body size of newborn infants in 79 mother–neonate pairs. We measured 16 OH-PCB isomers and 29 PCB isomers in the serum of Japanese women sampled at 11.1 ± 1.9 weeks of gestation. The concentrations of free thyroxine (fT4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were measured in whole blood spots on filter papers sampled from the neonates. Dietary and lifestyle information of the mothers were obtained by self-administered questionnaires. Geometric mean (GM) concentrations of the sum of 16 OH-PCB isomers and of 29 PCB isomers were 1.2 × 10² pg/g wet wt. and 69 ng/g lipid wt., respectively, in maternal serum. The GM concentrations of neonatal fT4 and TSH were 2.21 ng/dL and 1.37 μIU/mL, respectively. Multiple regression analysis was performed using measures of neonatal thyroid hormones as dependent variable and serum levels of OH-PCBs/PCBs and other potential covariates (age, pre-pregnancy weight, smoking status, etc.) as independent variables. The results demonstrated a significant positive association between the concentrations of some OH-PCB isomers and that of neonatal TSH. There were no significant associations between levels of PCBs and neonatal fT4, or between OH-PCBs/PCBs and body size of neonates. We conclude that exposure to/body burden of OH-PCBs, but not PCBs, at environmental levels during the first trimester of pregnancy can affect neonatal thyroid hormone status.     

Lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium, and arsenic levels in eggs, feathers, and tissues of Canada geese of the New Jersey Meadowlands

The New Jersey Meadowlands are located within the heavily urbanized New York/New Jersey Harbor Estuary and have been subject to contamination due to effluent and runoff from industry, traffic, and homes along the Hackensack River and nearby waterways. These extensive wetlands, though heavily impacted by development and pollution, support a wide array of bird and other wildlife species. Persistent contaminants may pose threats to birds in these habitats, affecting reproduction, egg hatchability, nestling survival, and neurobehavioral development. Metals of concern in the Meadowlands include arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, and mercury. These metals were analyzed in eggs, feathers, muscle, and liver of Canada geese (Branta canadensis) breeding in four wetland sites. We sampled geese collected during control culling (n=26) and collected eggs from goose nests (n=34). Levels of arsenic were below the minimum quantification level (MQL) in most samples, and cadmium and mercury were low in all tissues sampled. Chromium levels were high in feather samples. Mercury levels in eggs of Canada geese, an almost exclusively herbivorous species, were lower (mean ±SE 4.29±0.30 μg/g wet weight) than in eggs of omnivorous mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), and insectivorous red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) and marsh wrens (Cistothorus palustris) from the Meadowlands, consistent with trophic level differences. However, lead levels were higher in the goose eggs (161±36.7 ng/g) than in the other species. Geese also had higher levels of lead in feathers (1910±386 ng/g) than those seen in Meadowlands passerines. By contrast, muscle and liver lead levels were within the range reported in waterfowl elsewhere, possibly a reflection of metal sequestration in eggs and feathers. Elevated lead levels may be the result of sediment ingestion or ingestion of lead shot and sinkers. Finally, lead levels in goose liver (249±44.7 ng/g) and eggs (161±36.7 ng/g) may pose a risk if consumed frequently by humans. Mill Creek, the site with the most documented prior contamination, had significantly elevated cadmium, chromium, mercury, and lead in goose tissues.     

宁波市江北区市售蔬菜中铅、镉、汞检测结果分析

目的:了解宁波市江北区市售蔬菜中铅、镉、汞污染情况,为减少中毒和制定预防措施提供依据。方法:随机采集江北区3个农贸市场销售的蔬菜样本,共8个品种72份,用微波消解仪进行消化处理,按照GB/T5009进行分析;用圆白菜标准样品(GBW10014)进行质量控制。结果:72份蔬菜中铅、镉、汞检出率分别为100%、100%、16.7%。其中铅含量较高的为生菜和空心菜,镉含量较高的为食用菌和生菜,汞含量均较低。结论:宁波市江北区市售蔬菜存在铅、镉、汞的轻度污染。     

南宁市市售蔬菜中铅、镉、砷和汞含量的调查分析

目的 了解南宁市市售蔬菜中铅、镉、砷、汞污染情况,及时发现食品安全隐患,为风险预警提供依据.方法 2011年从南宁市的6个城区随机采集农贸市场销售的蔬菜样本,共13个品种390份,按照GB/T 5009进行分析;采用加标回收试验进行质量控制.结果 390份蔬菜中铅、镉、砷、汞检出率分别为89.2％、91.3％、61.8％、7.4％,超标率均为零.结论 南宁市市售蔬菜中铅、镉、砷、汞含量均未超出限量标准,属轻度污染.     

Distribution of polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides in human breast milk from various locations in Tunisia: levels of contamination, influencing factors, and infant risk assessment

The concentrations of dichlorodiphenytrichloroethane and its metabolites (DDTs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (HCHs), dieldrin, and 20 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were determined in 237 human breast milk samples collected from 12 locations in Tunisia. Gas chromatography with electron capture detector (GC-ECD) was used to identify and quantify residue levels on a lipid basis of organochlorine compounds (OCs). The predominant OCs in human breast milk were PCBs, p,p′-DDE, p,p′-DDT, HCHs, and HCB. Concentrations of DDTs in human breast milk from rural areas were significantly higher than those from urban locations (p<0.05). With regard to PCBs, we observed the predominance of mid-chlorinated congeners due to the presence of PCBs with high K_ow such as PCB 153, 138, and 180. Positive correlations were found between concentrations of OCs in human breast milk and age of mothers and number of parities, suggesting the influence of such factors on OC burdens in lactating mothers. The comparison of daily intakes of PCBs, DDTs, HCHs, and HCB to infants through human breast milk with guidelines proposed by WHO and Health Canada shows that some individuals accumulated OCs in breast milk close to or higher than these guidelines.     

Biomonitoring of mercury,cadmium, and lead exposure in Japanese children: a cross-sectional study

Objectives

To measure current Hg, Cd, and Pb exposure in Japanese children, and to estimate dietary intakes of foods responsible for high body burden.

Methods

Blood, hair, and urine samples were collected from 9 to 10-year-old 229 children in Asahikawa and measured for Hg, Cd, and Pb in these matrices. Diet history questionnaire was used to estimate intake of marine foods and other food items. Hg level was measured by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry. Cd and Pb levels were determined with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

Results

Geometric mean (GM) of blood Hg, Cd, and Pb was 4.55 μg/L, 0.34 μg/L, and 0.96 μg/dL, respectively. Urinary Cd level was 0.34 μg/g creatinine (GM) and hair Hg was 1.31 μg/g (GM). Approximately one-third (35 %) of blood samples had Hg level above the U.S. EPA reference dose (RfD; 5.8 μg/L). Hair Hg level exceeded U.S. EPA RfD (1.2 μg/g) in 59 % samples. Children in the upper quartile of blood Hg level had significantly higher intake of large predatory fish species compared to those in the lower quartile of blood Hg.

Conclusions

Those with high blood Hg level may be explained by more frequent intake of big predatory fish. Cd and Pb exposure is generally low among Japanese children. As no safety margin exists for Pb exposure and high exposure to MeHg is noted in Japanese population; periodic biomonitoring and potential health risk assessment should continue in high-risk populations, notably among children.     

Search for anti-laminin antibodies in the serum of workers exposed to cadmium,mercury vapour or lead

Summary Anti-laminin antibodies were sought for in the serum of workers exposed to mercury vapour (Hg, n = 58), lead (Pb, n = 38) or cadmium (Cd, n = 47). Thirty-one workers removed from Cd exposure for an average of eight years were also examined. Compared with control workers matched for age and socio-economic status, the prevalence of circulating anti-laminin antibodies was not increased in workers exposed to Hg (mean duration of exposure: 7.9 years and mean urinary excretion of Hg: 72 g/g creatinine) nor in those exposed to Pb (mean duration of exposure: 10.6 years and mean Pb levels in blood: 535 g/l). In contrast, anti-laminin antibodies were significantly more prevalent in Cd-exposed workers whose urinary Cd exceeded 20 g/g creatinine. This observation was made in both currently exposed workers and in workers removed from Cd exposure (mean duration of exposure: 9.4 and 24.6 years and mean urinary Cd: 7.8 and 13.4 g/g creatinine respectively). These autoantibodies were found in Cd workers with normal renal function as well as in those with increased proteinuria.     

微波消解同时测定农产品中铅、镉、汞

目的:建立一种适合同时测定农产品中铅,汞,镉的样品前处理方法。方法:采用微波消解方法处理样品,样品消化液经赶酸后定容,分别用来测定汞和铅、镉。结果:测定铅,镉,汞方法的线性范围分别为:0.0μg/L～20μg/L,0.0μg/L～2μg/L,0.0μg/L～5μg/L;相关系数分别为:0.9979,0.9978,0.9988;回收率分别为:95.8%～103%,95.1%～104%,98.4%～110.6%;方法的检测限分别为0.012μg/L,0.009μg/L,0.0027μg/L。结论:该方法精密度好,准确度高,快速简单,能够很好地满足农产品中铅,汞,镉含量的测定要求。     

太原市粮食类食品铅镉汞含量与安全性评价

目的:了解太原市粮食类食品中重金属元素的含量水平,评价其质量安全。方法:在太原市的几个主要超市和粮油供应点总共采集7种米类和15种面类,总共66份样品,传统方法测定铅、镉、汞的含量,SPSS17.0建立数据库并进行分析。结果:2010年太原市粮食类食品中铅、镉、汞总体合格率分别达到90.91%、95.45%和100%。结论:2010年太原市粮食类食品重金属污染状况不严重,少部分米类和面类存在重金属超标情况,应采取相应措施,保证食品质量安全。     

Blood levels of lead, cadmium, and mercury in the Korean population: Results from the Second Korean National Human Exposure and Bio-monitoring Examination

In Korea, there have been a number of efforts to measure levels of exposure to environmental pollutants among the population. This paper focuses on investigating the distribution of, extent of, and factors influencing the blood levels of lead, cadmium, and mercury in the Korean population, working from data obtained from the Second Korean National Human Exposure and Bio-monitoring Examination. To that end, blood metal concentrations were analyzed from a total of 2369 participants who were 18 years of age and older. The geometric mean concentrations and their 95% confidence intervals of metals in blood were found to be lead, 1.72 μg/dL (95% CI, 1.68-1.76); cadmium, 1.02 μg/L (95% CI, 1.00-1.05); and mercury, 3.80 μg/L (95% CI, 3.66-3.93). Regression analyses indicate that the levels of metals in the blood are mainly influenced by gender, age, and the education levels of the participants. Current smoking status is also found to be a significant factor for increasing both lead and cadmium levels. Although our study, as the first nationwide survey of exposure to environmental pollutants in Korea, has value on its own, it should be expanded and extended in order to provide information on environmental exposure pathways and to watch for changes in the level of exposure to environmental pollutants among the population.     

Cadmium, mercury, and lead in kidney cortex of living kidney donors: Impact of different exposure sources,

Background

Most current knowledge on kidney concentrations of nephrotoxic metals like cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), or lead (Pb) comes from autopsy studies. Assessment of metal concentrations in kidney biopsies from living subjects can be combined with information about exposure sources like smoking, diet, and occupation supplied by the biopsied subjects themselves.

Objectives

To determine kidney concentrations of Cd, Hg, and Pb in living kidney donors, and assess associations with common exposure sources and background factors.

Methods

Metal concentrations were determined in 109 living kidney donors aged 24-70 years (median 51), using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (Cd and Pb) and cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry (Hg). Smoking habits, occupation, dental amalgam, fish consumption, and iron stores were evaluated.

Results

The median kidney concentrations were 12.9 μg/g (wet weight) for cadmium, 0.21 μg/g for mercury, and 0.08 μg/g for lead. Kidney Cd increased by 3.9 μg/g for a 10 year increase in age, and by 3.7 μg/g for an extra 10 pack-years of smoking. Levels in non-smokers were similar to those found in the 1970s. Low iron stores (low serum ferritin) in women increased kidney Cd by 4.5 μg/g. Kidney Hg increased by 6% for every additional amalgam surface, but was not associated with fish consumption. Lead was unaffected by the background factors surveyed.

Conclusions

In Sweden, kidney Cd levels have decreased due to less smoking, while the impact of diet seems unchanged. Dental amalgam is the main determinant of kidney Hg. Kidney Pb levels are very low due to decreased exposure.     

铅、汞、锰中毒伴发周围神经损害调查

目的 调查铅、汞、锰中毒对周围神经的损害。方法 对病例组73人和对照组39人进行了植物神经功能检查和周围神经传导速度检测。结果 病例组的植物神经功能异常和周围神经传导速度异常的检出率均比对照组明显增高,差异具有非常显著性(P<0.01)。结论 铅、汞、锰对周围神经均可产生损害。中毒性周围神经病可用周围神经传导速度检测作为诊断的参考指标。     

Xenobiotic action on steroid hormone synthesis and sulfonation the example of lead and polychlorinated biphenyls

Objectives  In the present study, the metabolism of steroid hormones has been investigated to determine whether and how xenobiotics like lead (Pb) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) interfere with steroid hormone biotransformation in humans. Methods  Three groups of subjects were tested for concentration of urinary total steroids, 17-ketosteroids (n = 5), pregnane derivates (n = 6), 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (n = 11) and their sulfonated compounds: 14 workers exposed to lead, with a mean Pb blood concentration (PbB) of 29.21 μg/dl; 15 subjects exposed to PCBs, with a mean PCB blood concentration (PCBB) of 61.69 μg/l; a control group (n = 25). Results  The urinary concentrations of 17-ketosteroids and 17-hydroxycorticosteroids were significantly lower in the PCB-exposed groups. There were significantly fewer sulfonated 17-hydroxycorticosteroids in the subjects exposed to PCBs as compared to the controls, while the percentage of sulfonated steroids was lower for both 17-ketosteroids and 17-hydroxycorticosteroids in the PCB-exposed subjects, but only for the 17-hydroxycorticosteroids in the group of subjects exposed to Pb (P < 0.05). Pregnane derivate urinary concentrations did not differ between the three groups. Conclusion  Our results suggest that PCBs and Pb act on steroid hormone metabolism with different effects and only partially using the same hormone pathways; they may cause changes in endogenous hormone homeostasis and interfere with the xenobiotic phase II of detoxification. PCBs interfere on a larger number of steroids and cause more significant effects than Pb. It is likely that different mechanisms are involved in steroid hormone metabolism interference.     

Heavy metals (lead, cadmium and mercury) in maternal, cord blood and placenta of healthy women

Lead, cadmium and mercury were measured in placental tissue, umbilical cord and maternal blood samples of 1578 women who delivered at the Al-Kharj King Khalid Hospital between 2005 and 2006. The aim of this study was to evaluate the status of heavy metal exposure in mothers and their newborns and to identify predictors of maternal exposure. Lead was detected in all cord and maternal blood and in 96% of placental tissues. Only in 0.89% and 0.83% of cord and maternal blood samples were the levels of lead above the CDC threshold limit of 10 μg/dl. Maternal blood lead was also higher (2.3%) than the German Reference value in women of 7 μg/dl. Approximately 9.3% of women had a placental lead above the 95th percentile in the range of 0.83-78 μg/g dry wt., a level of possible developmental toxicity. Cadmium was detected in 94.8% and 97.9% of cord and maternal blood samples respectively, though only five newborns had a cadmium level above the OSHA threshold limit of 5 μg/l. Comparing our results to the newly revised German Reference value for nonsmokers, 48.6% of mothers had blood cadmium levels >1.0 μg/l. We found as well that 25% of women had placental cadmium in the >75th percentile, in the range of 0.048-4.36 μg/g dry wt., which is likely to affect fetal growth and development. Of the maternal and cord blood samples, 11.2% and 13%, respectively, had mercury levels >5.8 μg/l, which is the EPA reference dose. Nearly 49% of women had mercury levels >2.0 μg/l, the German Reference value for those who consume fish ≤3 times a month. Around 50% of the mothers had placental mercury in the range of 0.031-13.0 μg/g dry wt. Regression analyses indicated that the levels of metals in the blood and placenta were influenced by several factors. This study provides informative baseline biomonitoring data and reveals a substantial exposure to heavy metals in non-occupationally exposed Saudi mothers and their newborns that might jeopardize the health of both. Additional research is also urgently needed to explore factors such as environment, diet, lifestyle and/or cultural habits contributing to maternal and fetal exposures. Preventive measures to eliminate or minimize the unnecessary risk of fetus exposure to heavy metals or other pollutants during pregnancy should be initiated once these factors are identified.     

Exploring associations between serum levels of select organochlorines and thyroxine in a sample of New York state sportsmen: the New York State Angler Cohort Study

This preliminary study investigated associations between environmental organochlorine compounds and thyroid function in a sample of 66 sportsmen selected from among participants in the New York State Angler Cohort Study. A cross-sectional design was employed with the primary goal of the analysis being the generation of specific testable hypotheses. Blood samples were analyzed for compounds based on a priori identified literature-cited evidence of thyroid disruption. These included hexachlorobenzene and polychlorinated biphenyl congeners 19, 28, 47, 118, 153, 169, 180, 183, and 187. Time of sample collection, serum triglycerides, cholesterol, high- and low-density lipoproteins, age, body mass index, and cigarette smoking were considered for each participant. Potential associations between organochlorine compounds and serum total thyroxine, controlling for potential confounders, were examined using multivariable linear regression models. The models reported consisted of all variates being entered ("full" model, R2=0.380, P=0.136) and stepwise selection of variates ("reduced" models, alpha=0.15) using the criterion of maximum partial correlation at each step. Several procedures were considered to address contaminant data below the limit of detection in the reduced models with no change in selected predictors. Hexachlorobenzene (beta=-0.113) and age (beta=0.007) were selected as predictors of serum T4 in the reduced models (R2=0.083, P=0.065). Power analysis suggested that by doubling the sample size the existing results would be statistically significant with a type I error of 0.05 and a power of 0.80. These findings are important in the design of a new specific study of thyroid function and environmental contaminants.     

Environmental exposure to dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls reduce levels of gonadal hormones in newborns: results from the Duisburg cohort study

BackgroundEndocrine dysfunction related to the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid (HPT) and/or the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis (HPG) is being discussed as underlying developmental adversity of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). This study was done to evaluate effects related to the HPG axis.MethodsA birth-cohort study was initiated in the year 2000. Healthy mother–infant pairs were recruited in the industrialized city of Duisburg, Germany. Dioxins, dioxin-like PCBs and six indicator PCBs were measured in maternal blood during pregnancy and in maternal milk. Testosterone and estradiol levels were measured in maternal and cord serum of 104 mother–infant pairs representing a subsample with a complete data set of the total basic sample of 232 participants. Linear regression analysis was used to describe the association of PCDD/Fs or PCB in maternal blood or milk with sex steroid concentrations after adjustment for confounding.ResultsMedian concentrations for PCDD/Fs in maternal blood fat and milk fat in terms of WHO-TEq were 15.3 and 13.1 pg WHO-TEq/g, respectively, and for the sum of the indicator PCBs (#28, #52, #101, #138, #153, #180) 149 and 177 ng/g. The adjusted ratio of geometric means when doubling the concentration of PCDD/Fs in maternal blood fat was 0.86, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.72–1.03 for testosterone and 0.73 (0.61–0.87) for estradiol in cord serum. Typically, testosterone reduction was more pronounced in cord serum of female and estradiol reduction in that of male babies. Reduction of hormone levels was generally more pronounced for dioxins than for indicator PCBs.ConclusionsThe hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis of newborn babies is influenced by prenatal exposure to PCDD/Fs and PCBs in a manner suggestive of AhR-mediation. The clinical relevance of this finding remains to be established, however.     

Assessment of thyroid,testes, kidney and autonomic nervous system function in lead-exposed workers

Summary The objective of the study was to assess whether moderate occupational exposure to lead may be associated with early changes in potential target organs (thyroid, testes, kidney, autonomic nervous system). Workers exposed to lead in a lead acid battery factory (n = 98; mean blood lead 51 g/dl, range 40–75 g/dl) and 85 control workers were examined. None of the indicators of kidney function (in urine: retinol-binding protein, ₂-microglobulin, albumin,N-acetyl--d-glucosaminidase; in serum: creatinine, ₂-microglobulin), endocrine function (follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, thyroxine, triiodothyronine) and autonomic nervous system (R-R interval variations on the electrocardiogram) were correlated with lead exposure (blood lead or duration of exposure) or showed significantly different mean values between the exposed group and controls. These results and an assessment of the published data suggest that compliance with the Directive of the Council of the European Communities on lead exposure (health surveillance in workers whose lead in blood exceeds 40 g/dl and removal from exposure when blood lead exceeds 70–80 g/dl) would prevent the occurrence of significant biological changes in the majority of lead-exposed workers.