Polychlorobiphenyl congeners,p,p′-DDE,and sperm function in humans

170 seminal samples from fertile men, men with idiopathic oligospermia or azoospermia and men status post vasectomy were analyzed for 74 polychlorobiphenyl (PCB) congeners,p,p-DDE, mirex, and hexachlorobenzene using the technique of glass capillary gas chromatography with electron capture detection. Low concentrations of 32 PCB congeners were measured (mean total PCB residue of 5.8 ng/g wet weight). The application of multiple linear regression analysis to the data is described and the result is critically evaluated. There is a correlation between sperm motility and count. There are indications that the concentrations of three PCB congeners (2,4,5,245- and 2,4,5,234-hexachlorobiphenyl and 2,4,5,34-pentachlorobiphenyl) are inversely correlated with sperm motility index in samples with a sperm count less than 20 million cells/ml. The implications of the discerned associations are discussed.     

Levels of β-HCH,HCB, p,p′-DDE,p,p′-DDT and PCBs in human milk from a continental town in Croatia,Yugoslavia

Summary Concentrations of -HCH, HCB, p,p-DDE, p,p-DDT and PCBs were determined by gas chromatography in 50 human milk samples collected from the general population during 1981/1982 in a continental town in Croatia (Yugoslavia). The samples were collected between one and 22 weeks after delivery from mothers breast-feeding one child only. The mothers' age was 18 to 31 years, and they were nursing their first or second child. All 50 samples contained -HCH, HCB, p,p-DDE and PCBs, whereas p,p-DDT was present in 37 samples. The concentrations of -HCH, HCB, p,p-DDE, p,p-DDT and PCBs expressed on a whole milk basis were (median in g/kg): 11, 7.1, 67, 7.3 and 22 respectively, and expressed on a fat basis (median in mg/kg): 0.28, 0.21, 1.9, 0.18 and 0.62 respectively. The fat content was 3.7% (median). PCBs were present in a mixture containing penta-, hexa- and heptachlorobiphenyls.     

p,p′-DDT andp,p′-DDE effects on egg production,eggshell thickness,and reproduction of japanese quail

Summary p,p-DDT and p,p-DDE were investigated for effects on egg production and eggshell thickness in Japanese quail. p,p-DDT was examined for effects on hatchability and fertility. DDE was tested at 0, 2, 10, 40, and 200 ppm in the diet. No evidence suggested that DDE affected number of eggs laid, egg weight, or eggshell thickness at any level of DDE tested. DDT was tested at 1, 2.5, 10, and 40 ppm in the diet. In one experiment, quail fed DDT at 40 ppm and caged in male-female pairs broke more eggs than quail caged similarly but fed lower amounts of DDT or than quail fed an equal amount of DDT but caged alone. DDT did not detectably reduce eggshell thickness, number of eggs laid, fertility, or hatchability. However, paired quail laid fewer eggs than did single quail in two experiments and laid eggs with thinner shells in one experiment.     

Endocrine-Disrupting Effects of Nonylphenol, Bisphenol A, and p,p′-DDE on Rana nigromaculata Tadpoles

No abstract available.     

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners (PCBs),p,p′-DDE and hexachlorobenzene in human milk in three areas of upstate New York

Forty human milk samples from women in an urban and a rural vicinity on Lake Ontario (Rochester and Oswego) and a mixed urban and rural location on the Hudson River (Albany), New York, were analyzed for 74 PCB congeners,p,p-DDE, hexachlorobenzene, and mirex in order to determine the intake of breast-fed infants. All of the compounds were detected in the samples, but only eight PCB congeners andp,p-DDE accounted for 88% of the chlorinated hydrocarbons detected.p,p-DDE was the predominant pollutant (mean 78 ng/g wet weight), but the levels detected were low compared with the results from other parts of North America. Eight individual PCB congeners comprise 52% of the total PCB residue (mean 26.5 ng/g of whole milk); they ranged in mean concentration from 3.2 ng/g (2,4,5,2,4,5-hexachlorobiphenyl) to 1 ng/g (2,3,4,3,4-pentachlorobiphenyl). Statistical correlation analysis among PCB congeners indicates a possible higher exposure to less chlorinated congeners at Oswego than at Albany.     

Current data on the background burden to the persistent organochlorine pollutants HCB,p,p′-DDE as well as PCB 138, PCB 153 and PCB 180 in plasma of the general population in Germany

Despite their long-term ban, persistent organochlorine compounds like hexachlorobenzene (HCB), p,p′-dichlorodiphenylethylene (DDE) as well as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are still of environmental concern. For the evaluation of potential occupational or environmental exposures to these substances, it is essential to know the current background burden of the general population. As representative and up-to-date information is missing for Germany, we have analysed a large dataset generated in studies on potential exposure to lower chlorinated PCBs to fill this gap for the levels of HCB, DDE as well as PCB 138, PCB 153 and PCB 180.We have investigated n = 2750 plasma samples of persons of the general population living in North Rhine-Westfalia and Hesse aged 6–65 years and sampled between September 2010 and March 2014. For evaluation of the age-dependent accumulation in the general population we have generated seven age groups in the collective. Our laboratory used a validated and quality controlled procedure using GC/MS for quantification of the organochlorine compounds in plasma (LOQ: 0.01 μg/L). The median (95th percentile) levels for ∑ PCB 138 + PCB 153 + PCB 180 were 0.14 (0.73); 0.30 (0.82); 0.38 (0.88); 0.50 (1.14); 0.92; 1.58 (3.54) and 2.41 (4.82) μg/L plasma in the age groups 6–10 years (n = 102), 11–17 years (n = 499), 18–25 years (n = 157), 26–35 years (n = 710), 36–45 years (n = 400), 46–55 years (n = 525) and 56–65 years (n = 357), respectively. Similarly, the median (95th percentile) levels of p,p′-DDE were 0.18 (1.24); 0.18 (0.74); 0.24 (0.85); 0.30 (1.20); 0.45 (1.74); 0.64 (3.25) and 0.94 (4.7) μg/L plasma. Finally, the median (95th percentile) of HCB in plasma in these age groups was 0.05 (0.10); 0.06 (0.11); 0.08 (0.15); 0.08 (0.15); 0.11 (0.22); 0.14 (0.42) and 0.20 (0.68) μg/L plasma. Our results prove an overall substantial reduction in the body burden to organochlorine compounds in Germany compared to earlier studies. However, 15% and 3.6% of the examined collective exceeded the HBM-I- and HBM-II-values for PCBs established by the German Human Biomonitoring Commission. Due to a large sample size and a collection period from 2010 to 2014, our data might be suitable for the evaluation of additional exposures to these POPs and may serve as reference values.     

Polychlorobiphenyl (PCB) congeners,p,p′-DDE,and hexachlorobenzene in maternal and fetal cord blood from mothers in upstate New York

Whole blood samples were taken from 101 women (26±4 years) entering maternity facilities in upstate New York. At birth, fetal cord blood was also collected. The samples were analyzed for 74 polychlorobiphenyl (PCB) congeners,p,p-DDE, mirex, and hexachlorobenzene by glass capillary gas chromatography with electron capture detection. Maternal blood contained 3.5±1.1 ng total PCB/g whole blood and fetal cord blood contained 2.4±1.0 ng total PCB/g whole blood, which indicate that the women are less contaminated than women surveyed elsewhere in the U.S. Of the 77 compounds measured, only 20 occurred in more than 10% of the maternal samples at levels >0.01 ng/g. Mirex was not detected. Although the concentration of the majority of congeners,p,p-DDE and hexachlorobenzene correlated in maternal and fetal cord blood, 2,5,2,5-tetrachlorobiphenyl and hexachlorobenzene crossed the placenta preferentially. Apparently, the population contains vestiges of Aroclor^® 1242 (the PCB mixture used in electrical equipment) and Aroclor^® 1260 (the mixture used as a plasticizer).p,p- DDE was the pollutant present at highest concentration (maternal 3.8±0.8 ng/g, fetal cord 1.9±0.9 ng/g).     

Effects of Incubation Time and Organism Density on the Bioaccumulation of Soil-Borne p,p′-DDE by the Earthworm, Eisenia fetida

The effect of endosulfan (6,7,8,9,10,10-hexachloro-1,5,5a,6,9,9a-hexahydro-6,9-methano-2,4,3-benzodioxathiepin-3-oxide), an organochlorine pesticide, was evaluated on phagocytic (phagocytic index and percentage of active cells) and hematological parameters in Nile tilapia. Experimental data showed that an acute exposure to endosulfan (4.0 and 7.0 μg/L) induces a significant decrease in the phagocytic index and the percentage of active cells in peripherical blood of Nile tilapia. However, hemoglobin concentration (Hb), hematocrit (Hto), red blood cell count (RBC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were not significantly altered in fish exposed to endosulfan compared with control group.     

Relationships of Polychlorinated Biphenyls and Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p’-DDE) with Testosterone Levels in Adolescent Males

Background: Concern persists over endocrine-disrupting effects of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) on human growth and sexual maturation. Potential effects of toxicant exposures on testosterone levels during puberty are not well characterized.Objectives: In this study we evaluated the relationship between toxicants [polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p´-DDE), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and lead] and testosterone levels among 127 Akwesasne Mohawk males 10 to < 17 years of age with documented toxicant exposures.Methods: Data were collected between February 1996 and January 2000. Fasting blood specimens were collected before breakfast by trained Akwesasne Mohawk staff. Multivariable regression models were used to estimates associations between toxicants and serum testosterone, adjusted for other toxicants, Tanner stage, and potential confounders.Results: The sum of 16 PCB congeners (Σ16PCBs) that were detected in ≥ 50% of the population was significantly and negatively associated with serum testosterone levels, such that a 10% change in exposure was associated with a 5.6% decrease in testosterone (95% CI: –10.8, –0.5%). Of the 16 congeners, the more persistent ones (Σ8PerPCBs) were related to testosterone, whereas the less persistent ones, possibly reflecting more recent exposure, were not. When PCB congeners were subgrouped, the association was significant for the sum of eight more persistent PCBs (5.7% decrease; 95% CI: –11, –0.4%), and stronger than the sum of six less persistent congeners (3.1% decrease; 95% CI: –7.2, 0.9%). p,p´-DDE was positively but not significantly associated with serum testosterone (5.2% increase with a 10% increase in exposure; 95% CI: –0.5, 10.9%). Neither lead nor HCB was significantly associated with testosterone levels.Conclusions: Exposure to PCBs, particularly the more highly persistent congeners, may negatively influence testosterone levels among adolescent males. The positive relationship between p,p´-DDE and testosterone indicates that not all POPs act similarly.Citation: Schell LM, Gallo MV, Deane GD, Nelder KR, DeCaprio AP, Jacobs A; Akwesasne Task Force on the Environment. 2014. Relationships of polychlorinated biphenyls and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p´-DDE) with testosterone levels in adolescent males. Environ Health Perspect 122:304–309; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1205984     

Residues of organochlorine insecticides,industrial chemicals,and mercury in eggs and in tissues taken from healthy and emaciated common loons,Ontario, Canada, 1968–1980

Between 1968 and 1980, 98 eggs were collected from active nests of the common loon (Gavia immer) in Ontario. Residues of ?DDT and PCB declined over this period while dieldrin and Hg appeared unchanged. Eggs collected in 1969 and 1970 had significantly thinner shells than eggs from a collection made before 1947. Between 1969 and 1979, 215 common loon carcasses were collected across Ontario, the result of having been drowned or shot or having died of diseases or unknown causes. Chemical analyses of 174 carcasses taken from healthy birds showed that adult loons accumulated higher levels of organochlorine and Hg residues than did juveniles. Tissues with high fat contents contained higher organochlorine levels while kidney, liver, and feathers had the highest Hg levels. Thirty loons were found to be emaciated with visibly lesser amounts of body fat and significantly lower levels of lipids in pectoral muscle tissue. Organochlorine but not Hg residues were one to two orders of magnitude higher in the wet tissues of emaciated birds than healthy birds. Higher residues of organochlorine chemicals were found in the uropygial gland, the oil secreted by this gland and belly and back feathers of emaciated birds when compared to healthy birds. It was concluded that losses of organochlorine chemical residues could occur through this gland. While Hg levels in feathers were elevated, Hg did not accumulate in the uropygial gland or in the secreted oil and was not the route for Hg content in feathers. In emaciated birds, mean brain levels of ?DDT (primarily DDE) were between 25 and 49 Μg/g, dieldrin 0.5 to 1.2 Μg/g, PCB 39 to 63 Μg/g, and mercury 1.0 to 1.8 Μg/g. The mean brain levels in healthy birds were between 0.2 and 0.9 Μg/g ?DDT, 0.01 and 0.05 Μg/g dieldrin, 0.6 and 2.0 Μg/g PCB, and 0.4 and 0.6 Μg/g mercury.     

Sperm Aneuploidy in Faroese Men with Lifetime Exposure to Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p′-DDE) and Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) Pollutants

Background:

Although it is known that sperm aneuploidy contributes to early pregnancy losses and congenital abnormalities, the causes are unknown and environmental contaminants are suspected.

Objectives:

Our goal was to evaluate associations between lifetime exposure to organochlorines, specifically dichlorodiphenyldicholorethylene (p,p´-DDE) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and sperm aneuploidy in men from the general population of the Faroe Islands, a population with a known history of organochlorine exposures.

Methods:

Serum and semen samples from men (n = 90) 22–44 years old who participated in Faroe Islands health studies were analyzed for p,p´-DDE and PCBs 118, 138, 153, and 180 and adjusted for total lipids. Cord blood and age-14 serum were available for a subgroup (n = 40) and were also analyzed for p,p´-DDE and PCBs. Sperm fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for chromosomes X, Y, and 18 was used to determine rates of XX18, XY18, YY18, and total disomy. Multivariable adjusted Poisson models were used to estimate the relationship between organochlorine exposure and sperm disomy outcomes.

Results:

Adult p,p´-DDE and total PCB serum concentrations were both associated with significantly increased rates of XX18, XY18, and total disomy. Age-14 p,p´-DDE and PCB concentrations were both associated with significantly increased rates of XX, XY, and total disomy in adulthood. Associations between cord blood concentrations of p,p´-DDE and PCBs and sperm disomy in adulthood were not consistently significant.

Conclusions:

Organochlorine exposures measured at age 14 and in adulthood were associated with sperm disomy in this sample of high-exposure men, suggesting that the impacts of persistent pollutants on testicular maturation and function require further investigation.

Citation:

Perry MJ, Young HA, Grandjean P, Halling J, Petersen MS, Martenies SE, Karimi P, Weihe P. 2016. Sperm aneuploidy in Faroese men with lifetime exposure to dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p´-DDE) and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) pollutants. Environ Health Perspect 124:951–956; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1509779     

DDT Exposure of Zebrafish Embryos Enhances Seizure Susceptibility: Relationship to Fetal p,p′-DDE Burden and Domoic Acid Exposure of California Sea Lions

Background

California sea lions have a large body burden of organochlorine pesticides, and over the last decade they have also been subject to domoic acid poisoning. Domoic acid poisoning, previously recognized in adult animals, is now viewed as a major cause of prenatal mortality. The appearance of a chronic juvenile domoic acid disease in the sea lions, characterized by behavioral abnormalities and epilepsy, is consistent with early life poisoning and may be potentiated by organochlorine burden.

Objective

We investigated the interactive effect of DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) on neurodevelopment using a zebrafish (Danio rerio) model for seizure behavior to examine the susceptibility to domoic acid–induced seizures after completion of neurodevelopment.

Methods

Embryos were exposed (6–30 hr postfertilization) to either o,p′-DDT or p,p′-DDE (dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene) during neurodevelopment via a 0.1% dimethyl sulfoxide solution. These larval (7 days postfertilization) fish were then exposed to either the seizure-inducing drug pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) or domoic acid; resulting seizure behavior was monitored and analyzed for changes using cameras and behavioral tracking software.

Results

Embryonic exposure to DDTs enhanced PTZ seizures and caused distinct and increased seizure behaviors to domoic acid, most notably a type of head-shaking behavior.

Conclusion

These studies demonstrate that embryonic exposure to DDTs leads to asymptomatic animals at completion of neurodevelopment with greater sensitivity to domoic acid–induced seizures. The body burden levels of p,p′-DDE are close to the range recently found in fetal California sea lions and suggest a potential interactive effect of p,p′-DDE embryonic poisoning and domoic acid toxicity.     

May a cormorant colony be a source of coliform and chemical pollution in a lake?

Studies on the influence of a perennial cormorant colony on chemical and microbial pollution of a reservoir were conducted in Chrzypskie Lake. During the investigation carried out between 2009?C2010 in the area of the colony, 155?C175 breeding pairs were observed. High pollution of groundwater with biogenic elements and coliform bacteria (together with E. coli) was recorded within the boundaries of the colony. Pollutants migrated to the lake together with groundwater. Mean values of the analyzed forms of biogenic elements and bacteria formed a gradient from the highest values recorded near the colony to the lowest ones recorded in the central part of the lake.     

The ingredients in Saengshik,a formulated health food,inhibited the activity of α-amylase and α-glucosidase as anti-diabetic function

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

We investigated total 26 ingredients of Saengshik which will be commercially produced as an anti-diabetic dietary supplement.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

Thirteen vegetables, nine cereals, three legumes and one seed were extracted with aqueous ethanol for 2 h at 60℃, and evaluated for their inhibitory effects against α-amylase and α-glucosidase and for total phenolic and flavonoid contents.

RESULTS

All ingredients inhibited α-amylase activity except cabbage. Strong inhibitory activity of α-amylase was observed in leek, black rice, angelica and barley compared with acarbose as a positive control. Stronger inhibition of α-glucosidase activity was found in small water dropwort, radish leaves, sorghum and cabbage than acarbose. All Saengshik ingredients suppressed α-glucosidase activity in the range of 0.3-60.5%. Most ingredients contained total phenols which were in the range of 1.2-229.4 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dried extract. But, total phenolic contents were not observed in carrot, pumpkin and radish. All ingredients contained flavonoid in the range of 11.6-380.7 mg catechin equivalent/g dried extract.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate that Saengshik containing these ingredients would be an effective dietary supplement for diabetes.     

Trans-3′-hydroxycotinine as a main metabolite in urine of smokers

Summary Nine mal smokers smoked three types of cigarettes that differed in mainstream nicotine. The experiment was carried out in three runs, each consisting of 7 d when smoking was allowed and 5 d when it was not allowed. Urine fractions were collected throughout the whole period of the experiments. As assumed, nicotine and four of its known metabolites, i.e., cotinine, nicotine-N-oxide, nornicotine, and N-methyl-nicotinum ions were found in the urine. In addition, trans-3- hydroxycotinine was determined. The amount of this metabolite was well in excess of those of nicotine and cotinine in the urine. The serum concentration trans-3-hydroxycotinine was found to be second to serum cotinine.