Determination of heavy metals and organochlorine pesticides in Tetrastigma hemsleyanum from different place / 中草药

Objective: The content of 16 kinds of organochlorine pesticides including As, Hg, Pb, Cd, and Cu in Tetrastigma hemsleyanum from different places were determined. Methods: The content of As, Hg, Pb, Cd, and Cu in T. hemsleyanum from different places were determined by ICP-MS, and organochlorine pesticides were determined by GC. Results: The contents of heavy metals in T. hemsleyanum were Pb≤4.167 7 mg/kg, Cd≤0.194 6 mg/kg, As≤0.455 0 mg/kg, Hg≤0.042 4 mg/kg, Cu≤7.892 5 mg/kg. Organochlorine preticides were lower in T. hemsleyanum. Conclusion: The method is simple, efficient and accurate, which can be used for the safety evaluation of T. hemsleyanum.

Occupational exposure to pesticides and hematological alterations: A survey of farm residents in the South of Brazil / Exposição ocupacional a agrotóxicos e alterações hematológicas: Estudo transversal em moradores rurais do Sul do Brasil

Abstract This study sought to investigate the association of exposure to organochlorine (OC) and non-persistent pesticides with hematological parameters in an agricultural population in Southern Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a random sample of 275 farm workers and their families in Farroupilha-RS. A questionnaire was used to collect information on sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, duration, frequency and type of pesticide used, among others. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for serum concentration of 24 OC pesticides and hematological parameters. Associations were explored through linear regression, controlling for confounders. Lifetime use of chemical classes other than organophosphates and dithiocarbamates were associated with decreased number of lymphocytes, while subjects sampled in the high pesticide use season showed higher number of erythrocytes and hemoglobin level. Detectable serum levels of many OC pesticides were associated with lower counts of white blood cells, particularly eosinophils. Although mostly null associations were observed between pesticide use and hematological parameters, findings may suggest that OC pesticides could lead to hematological alterations among agricultural workers.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a associação entre a exposição a organoclorados (OC) e agrotóxicos não persistentes e os parâmetros hematológicos em uma população agrícola de Farroupilha-RS. Foi utilizado um questionário para coletar informações sobre fatores sociodemográficos e de estilo de vida, duração, frequência e tipo de pesticidas utilizados, entre outros. Amostras sanguíneas foram coletadas e analisadas quanto a concentração sérica de 24 pesticidas OC e parâmetros hematológicos. As associações foram exploradas através de regressão linear, controlando por confundidores. O uso cumulativo de classes químicas diferentes de organofosforados e ditiocarbamatos associou-se com diminuição do número de linfócitos enquanto indivíduos que tiveram suas coletas sanguíneas realizadas na estação de maior uso de agrotóxicos tinham contagem de eritrócitos e hemoglobina maiores. Níveis séricos de diversos pesticidas organoclorados foram associados com contagens mais baixas de células brancas do sangue, particularmente eosinófilos. Embora as associações com o uso de agrotóxicos tenham sido, em geral, nulas, os resultados podem sugerir que os pesticidas OCs poderiam levar a alterações hematológicas entre os trabalhadores agrícolas.

Level of endosulfan among women in Talwandi Sabo Block of Southern Punjab, India

Endosulfan is one of the most prevalent organochlorine pesticides used in the agricultural sector in the developing countries including India. It affects the physiological functioning of different organ systems including nervous, immune, hepatic, and reproductive system. Realizing the safety and health concern, restrictions have been imposed at various levels, but the usage has still continued in the plantation crops. Owing to pesticide beneficiary of north India, the cotton belt commonly called the Malwa region of Punjab was evaluated for identifying the levels of Endosulfan in the blood samples of women working in agricultural fields. Gas chromatograph with electron capture detector was used for detecting the levels of endosulfan metabolites among twenty active female workers. The mean level of endosulfan recorded in the tested population was observed to be 2.22 ppb. It is difficult to draw a certain conclusion based on these findings because the subjects were less in number. However, detection of even very low concentrations of endosulfan residues signifies its continued accessibility to the women population. Encouragement of more such population-based research needs to be adopted to determine the body burden of such pesticides in humans. The effective implementation of the ban on Endosulfan could be checked by a combined retrospective and prospective study to infer a justifiable impact.

Research progress on pesticide residues in Chinese medicinal materials and pesticide removal methods / 中草药

Recently, with the increasing demand of Chinese medicinal materials production, the use of pesticides during cultivation has also increased, which caused seriously pesticide residues in Chinese medicinal materials. At present, pesticide residues in Chinese medicinal materials have resulted in severe impacts on quality, safe usage and export of Chinese medicinal materials. This article reviews the research progress on three major pesticide residues in Chinese medicinal materials over the past ten years, and the data showed that the residual situation of organochlorine pesticides, organophosphorus pesticides and pyrethroid pesticides in Chinese medicinal materials are still serious, but the research status is not optimistic. Meanwhile, the statistical result from current feasible pesticide removal methods showed that the usage frequency of physical method is higher than that of chemical removal method, in addition, biological methods have not yet popularized in Chinese medicinal materials. Furthermore, different pesticide removal methods were evaluated according to the characteristics of pesticide residues in Chinese medicinal materials and the particularity of each method. As a result, a pesticide removal method by using genetic engineering technology that is green, efficient and environmental friendly was recommended, which won’t destroy the active ingredients of Chinese medicinal materials. The feasible measures to improve pesticide residues in Chinese medicinal materials are prospected in this article.

Metabolic disorder of fatty acids and bile acids caused by organochlorine pesticides:research progress / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

Organochlorine pesticides(OCP)exist widely in the environment,which may threaten human health and cumulate for years once absorbed in the body.OCP metabolites in the body are associated with metabolic disorders.In vivo and in vitro exposure of OCP could enhance hepatic fatty acid synthesis, and interfere in the β-oxidation of fatty acids by impairing the function and structure of mitochondria in hepatocytes. Moreover, OCP can increase secondary bile acid formation by modulating of gut microbiota and reduceing ileal bile acid re-absorption,resulting in compensatory increase of hepatic bile acid synthesis. This review summarizes the mechanism of fatty acid and bile acid metabolic abnormalities caused by OCP.

Assessment of human health risk associated with the presence of pesticides in chicken eggs

The presence of pesticides in the environment is highly toxic to environment and human health. Aim of the study was determination, quantification and assessment of associated health risk due to presence of pesticide residues in chicken eggs using high pressure liquid chromatography. HPLC method was successfully employed and validated. From collected samples pesticides were extracted in presence of petroleum ether and acetonitrile. Bifenthrin and Difenoconazole residues were found in all samples with different concentration exceeding maximum residue limits (MRL) of Codex Alimentarius Commission. However imidacloprid was not detected in any sample. Concentration of bifenthrin in house egg samples ranged from 0.256206 to 4.112387 mg/kg while in poultry farm samples it varied from 1.5862 to 5.80796 mg/kg. Difenoconazole was found in concentration of 0.02835 mg/kg, 1.7668 mg/kg, 3.7205 mg/kg, 21.8937 mg/kg 21.9835 mg/kg, 19.26407 mg/kg in samples collected from houses while and in poultry farm samples its detected concentration was 10.939 mg/kg, 12.3296 mg/kg, 29.3617 mg/kg, 18.6116 mg/kg, 40.0523 mg/kg and 19.2335 mg/kg. Concentrations of both pesticides Bifenthrin and Difenoconazole exceeded the MRLs (0.05 mg/kg). Health risk index surpassed 1 (the cut off value) for Difenoconazole in seven samples while for Bifenthrin values were less than 1, indicating the possibility of potential medium to long term health risk associated with ingestion of contaminated eggs.(AU)

Association of organochlorine pesticides with the mRNA expression of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) & cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) genes in idiopathic preterm birth.

Background & objectives: Preterm birth (PTB) is an important cause of prenatal death, neonatal morbidity and mortality and adult illness. Increased inflammation occurs in normal parturition, and inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress are found to be higher in PTB cases. The present study was planned to investigate the association of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) with mRNA expression of inflammatory pathway genes such as tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in preterm delivery (PTD) cases. Methods: Maternal blood samples of PTD (n=30) cases and equal number of term delivery (n=30) were collected at the time of labour. Women occupationally exposed to OCPs and other high risk factors such as anaemia, hypertension, bacterial vaginosis, renal and heart disease, diabetes, etc. were excluded. The OCP levels were estimated by gas chromatography, and mRNA expressions of TNF-α and COX-2 genes were analysed using real-time PCR (qPCR). Results: Significantly higher levels of β-HCH (beta-hexachlorocyclohexane, 95% CI=2.08-4.633, P=0.001), p’p’-DDE (para, para-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene, 95% CI=0.546-2.551, P=0.003), and o’p’-DDD (ortho, para-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane, 95% CI=0.004-0.690, P=0.047) were observed in maternal blood of PTB cases as compared to term delivery. The mRNA expressions of COX-2 and TNF-α genes were 3.13 and 2.31 folds higher in PTB cases in comparison to term delivery. Linear positive correlations were observed between period of gestation (POG) and ΔCt of COX-2 and TNF-α genes. Interpretation & conclusions: Environmental factors such as OCPs may be associated with inflammatory events showing gene-environment interaction in PTB cases. Evaluating the molecular control of inflammation along with gene environment interaction may be used as a model to explore the aetiology of idiopathic PTB cases and may be considered for the prognosis of adverse reproductive outcomes.

Exposição a pesticidas organoclorados e desenvolvimento cognitivo em crianças e adolescentes residentes em uma área contaminada no Brasil / Exposure to organochloride pesticides and the cognitive development of children and adolescents living in a contaminated area in Brazil

Avaliar o desempenho cognitivo de crianças e adolescentes residentes em uma área contaminada com pesticidas organoclorados (OC), e fatores associados à exposição. Métodos: realizou-se um estudo seccional com 102 indivíduos entre 6-16 anos residentes em Cidade dos Meninos, RJ, entre 2012-2013. Uma subamostra de 46 destas crianças dispunha das concentrações séricas de pesticidas OC e hormônios tireóideos, determinados entre 2003-2004. Local de residência materna e tempo de amamentação foram informados por todos os participantes. Desempenho cognitivo foi avaliado pela escala WISC-III. Utilizou-se regressão multivariada para explorar as associações. Resultados: pelo menos 40 por cento das crianças apresentaram inteligência inferior à média (QI<90) em seis domínios cognitivos. A função executiva demonstrou o menor escore. Local de residência materna e tempo de amamentação não associaram-se à cognição, exceto a função executiva. Níveis de alfahexaclorocicloexano (HCH) associaram-se a redução de 0,45, 0,33 e 0,46 pontos nas áreas de execução, resistência à distração (RD) e velocidade de processamento (VP), respectivamente; gama-HCH associou-se a redução de 1,74 pontos na RD e 1,84 pontos na VP; e p,p’-DDT (dicloro-difenil-tricloroetano) relacionou- se a menor pontuação (-0,81) na VP. Observou-se leve associação inversa entre os níveis de triiodotironina total e organização perceptual. Conclusões: resultados sugerem que a exposição crônica aos pesticidas OC poderia acarretar déficits cognitivos nestas crianças e adolescentes...

To assess the cognitive performance of children and adolescents living in an area contaminated with organochloride (OC) pesticides and factors associated with exposure. Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted with 102 individuals aged between 6 and 16 years living in Cidade dos Meninos, in the Brazilian State of Rio de Janeiro, between 2012 and 2013. A subsample of 46 of these children had serum concentrations of OC pesticides and thyroid hormones determined between 2003 and 2004. Information on place of residence of the mother and duration of breastfeeding were provided for all participants. Cognitive performance was assessed using the WISC-III scale. Multivariate regression was employed to investigate associations. Results: at least 40 percent of the children presented with below average intelligence (IQ<90) in six cognitive categories. Executive function was the lowest score. Place of residence of the mother and duration of breastfeeding were not associated with cognition, except for the executive function. Levels of alphahexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) were associated with a reduction of 0.45, 0.33 and 0.46 points in the areas of execution, resistance to distraction (RD) and processing speed (PS), respectively; gamma-HCH was associated with a reduction of 1.74 points in RD and 1.84 points in PS; and p,p’-DDT (dichlorodiphenyl- trichloroethane) was associated with a lower score (-0.81) in PS. A slight inverse association was found between levels of total triiodothyronine and perceptual organization. Conclusions: the results suggest that chronic exposure to OC pesticides may have led to cognitive deficiencies in these children and adolescents...

Determination of Organochlorine and Pyrethroid Pesticides Residues in Zigyphussp by Accelerated Solvent Extraction / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To establish a gas chromatography method for the determination of 50 organochlorine and pyrethroid pesticides residues in Zigyphussp. Methods The organochlorine and pyrethroid pesticides were extracted from Zigyphussp with solvents of acetonitrile (1%acetic acid) by accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) for 5 min at 100℃. Then the extracts were cleaned up by alumina neutral-florisil column and eluted by mixed solvents of ethyl acetate and hexane (15∶85, V/V). The extract was separated by HP-5 and DB1701 capillary dual-column and detected by electron-capture detector. Results The average recoveries and RSD ranged from 71.4% to 110.9%and 1.2% to 14.1% respectively, at three spiked mixed organochlorine and pyrethroid levels. Conclusion The method has good separation and repeatability, and can be used in determination of organochlorine and pyrethroid pesticide residues in Zigyphussp.

Organochlorine compound levels in fertile and infertile women from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Níveis de substâncias organocloradas em mulheres férteis e inférteis do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was quantify organochlorine compounds in women seeking for infertility treatment (n = 15) and in spontaneously pregnant ones (n = 21). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire was applied regarding lifestyle, occupational and reproductive history. Blood samples were collected from both groups. RESULTS: From the pesticides studied, pp'DDE was detected in 100% of infertile women, at higher mean levels than in pregnant women (3.02 mcg/L vs. 0.88 mcg/L; p = 0.001; power of 69%), without correlation with the etiology of infertility. Levels of the polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were low, with positive samples in 100% in the infertile women for PCBs 138, 153, 180, while in pregnant women, they were 85.7% for congeners 138 and 153. Only PCB180 showed significance, with frequency of 71.4% (p = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: The risk factors for female infertility were: age, consumption of untreated water and of canned foods. Exposure to the most prevalent organochlorine compounds described in literature was confirmed in the study, indicating that pp'DDE may adversely influence female fertility.

OBJETIVO: O estudo teve como objetivo quantificar as substâncias organocloradas em mulheres buscando tratamento para infertilidade (n = 15) e que espontaneamente engravidaram (n = 21). MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foi aplicado questionário considerando estilo de vida, história ocupacional e reprodutiva. Amostras de sangue foram obtidas em ambos os grupos. RESULTADOS: Dos pesticidas, pp'DDE foi detectado em 100% das inférteis, com níveis maiores que nas grávidas (3,02 mcg/L vs. 0,88 mcg/L; p = 0,001; poder 69%), sem correlação na etiologia da infertilidade. Os níveis de detecção das bifenilas policloradas (PCBs) foram baixos, com 100% de positividade das amostras nas inférteis para os PCBs 138, 153, 180, e de 85,7% nas grávidas para os congêneres 138 e 153. Apenas PCB180 mostrou significância na frequência de 71,4% (p = 0,019). CONCLUSÕES: Os fatores de risco para infertilidade feminina foram: idade, consumo de água não tratada e alimentos enlatados. A exposição aos organoclorados mais prevalentes descritos na literatura foi confirmada no estudo, indicando que pp'DDE pode influenciar adversamente a fertilidade feminina.

Associations between Cigarette Smoking and Total Mortality Differ Depending on Serum Concentrations of Persistent Organic Pollutants among the Elderly

There are substantial variations of relative risks (RR) in smoking-related mortality by country and time. We hypothesized the RRs in smoking-related mortality might differ depending on serum concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). We evaluated the associations of cigarette smoking with total mortality in 610 elderly (aged > or = 70 yr) (702 elderly for organochlorine pesticides [OCPs]) after stratification by serum concentration of POPs, in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2004 followed through 2006. Summary measures of POPs subclasses showed significant or marginally significant interaction with cigarette smoking on the risk of total mortality. P values for interaction were 0.069 for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), 0.008 for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and 0.024 for OCPs. The effect of smoking on total mortality showed different patterns according to the serum concentration of some POPs. Former or current smokers had 1.4 to 2.9 times higher mortality rates compared with never smokers among participants with higher serum concentrations of POPs (2nd or 3rd tertiles). However, when the level of PCBs or OCPs were low (1st tertile), there were little positive associations between smoking and mortality. Our study suggests that the background exposure to several POPs may be related to variability in smoking-related total mortality.

Associations between Cigarette Smoking and Total Mortality Differ Depending on Serum Concentrations of Persistent Organic Pollutants among the Elderly

There are substantial variations of relative risks (RR) in smoking-related mortality by country and time. We hypothesized the RRs in smoking-related mortality might differ depending on serum concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). We evaluated the associations of cigarette smoking with total mortality in 610 elderly (aged > or = 70 yr) (702 elderly for organochlorine pesticides [OCPs]) after stratification by serum concentration of POPs, in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2004 followed through 2006. Summary measures of POPs subclasses showed significant or marginally significant interaction with cigarette smoking on the risk of total mortality. P values for interaction were 0.069 for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), 0.008 for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and 0.024 for OCPs. The effect of smoking on total mortality showed different patterns according to the serum concentration of some POPs. Former or current smokers had 1.4 to 2.9 times higher mortality rates compared with never smokers among participants with higher serum concentrations of POPs (2nd or 3rd tertiles). However, when the level of PCBs or OCPs were low (1st tertile), there were little positive associations between smoking and mortality. Our study suggests that the background exposure to several POPs may be related to variability in smoking-related total mortality.

Persistent Organic Pollutants and Obesity-Related Metabolic Dysfunction: Focusing on Type 2 Diabetes / 한국역학회지

Even though obesity is a well-established risk factor of type 2 diabetes, there is emerging evidence that persistent organic pollutants (POPs), a variety of lipophilic chemicals accumulated in adipose tissue, may be critically involved in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. Among various POPs, serum concentrations of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were the most strongly and consistently linked to type 2 diabetes in both cross-sectional and prospective studies. In particular, obesity did not seem to be related to type 2 diabetes among persons with very low serum concentrations of POPs, suggesting a more fundamental role of chlorinated POPs in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. These POPs were also associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and adverse lipid profiles like high triglyceride and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol among persons without diabetes, all metabolic dysfunctions commonly observed before developing type 2 diabetes. Recent animal studies supported the findings from epidemiological studies. If all these findings on POPs are true, it suggests that any effort to reduce the external and internal exposure to POPs would be necessary to decrease the social burden of type 2 diabetes.

Interaction Between Persistent Organic Pollutants and C-reactive Protein in Estimating Insulin Resistance Among Non-diabetic Adults / 예방의학회지

OBJECTIVES: Chronic inflammation is now thought to play a key pathogenetic role in the associations of obesity with insulin resistance and diabetes. Based on our recent findings on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) including the lack of an association between obesity and either insulin resistance or diabetes prevalence among subjects with very low concentrations of POPs, we hypothesized that POP concentrations may be associated with inflammation and modify the associations between inflammation and insulin resistance in non-diabetic subjects. METHODS: Cross-sectional associations among serum POPs, C-reactive protein (CRP), and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were investigated in 748 non-diabetic participants aged > or =20 years. Nineteen types of POPs in 5 subclasses were selected because the POPs were detectable in > or =60% of the participants. RESULTS: Among the five subclasses of POPs, only organochlorine (OC) pesticides showed positive associations with CRP concentrations, while polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) showed inverse associations with CRP concentrations. There were statistically significant interactions between CRP and OC pesticides and between CRP and PCBs, in estimating HOMA-IR (P for interaction <0.01 and <0.01, respectively). CRP was not associated with HOMA-IR among subjects with low concentrations of OC pesticides or PCBs, while CRP was strongly associated with HOMA-IR among subjects with high concentrations of these POPs. CONCLUSIONS: In the current study, OC pesticides were associated with increased levels of CRP, a marker of inflammation, and both OC pesticides and PCBs may also modify the associations between CRP and insulin resistance.

Desarrollo y validación de un método analítico para la detección y cuantificación de plaguicidas organoclorados en grasa de ganado porcino con un sistema GC/PTV/EI/MS² / Development and validation of an analytical method for the detection and quantification of organochlorine pesticides in pork fat with a GC/PTV/EI/MS² system

A capillary gas chromatography/mass spectrometry method was developed based on the requirements of the NMX-EC-17025-IMNC-2006/ISO/IEC17025:2005 and the Commission Decision 2002/657/EC in what regards to organochlorine pesticides measurement in swinish livestock fat: α-BHC, γ-BHC (lindane), β-BHC, δ-BHC, heptachlor, aldrin, heptachlor epoxide, γ-chlordane, α-chlordane, endosulfan I, p,p'-DDE, dieldrin, endrin, endosulfan II, p,p'-DDD, endrin aldehyde, p,p'-DDT, endosulfan sulfate, methoxychlor and mirex, in order to suggest a technological alternative that the NOM-021-ZOO-1995 may determine, and fulfill the NOM-004-ZOO-1994. The optimization in the selection of the precursor ion for each pesticide was done changing the pressure in the ion trap increasing the ions product signals, and achieving MS² measurements with higher sensitivity that overcome to electronic capture detectors (ECD). The decision limit CCα and detection capability CCβ fulfilled the maximum residue limits (MRL) for both regulations with r > 0.990 and recoveries between 70-110%.

Se desarrolló un método empleando un sistema de cromatografía gaseosa-espectrometría de masas, de acuerdo con los requisitos de la NMX-EC-17025-IMNC-2006/ISO/IEC17025:2005 y la decisión de la Comisión 2002/657/EC, para la medición de plaguicidas organoclorados en grasa de ganado porcino: α-BHC, γ-BHC (lindano), β-BHC, δ-BHC, heptacloro, aldrín, heptacloro epóxido, γ-clordano, α-clordano, endosulfán I, p,p'-DDE, diedrín, endrín, endosulfán II, p,p'-DDD, endrín aldehido, p,p'-DDT, endosulfán sulfato, metoxicloro y mirex, con el fin de proponer una alternativa tecnológica para la determinación de la NOM-021-ZOO-1995, y dar cumplimiento a la NOM-004-ZOO-1994. La optimización en la selección del ion precursor de cada plaguicida se realizó variando la presión en la trampa de iones para incrementar las señales de los iones producto, logrando mediciones por MS² con sensibilidad superior a los detectores de captura electrónica (ECD). Los límites de decisión (CCα) y capacidad de detección (CCβ), cumplen con los límites máximos de residuos (MRL) para ambas regulaciones con r > 0.990 y recuperaciones entre 70-110%.

Level of organochlorine pesticide residues in dry fruit nuts.

The use of pesticides on cash crops and exportable food commodities had always been a serious concern. Fruits form one of the important constituents of human diet, in that they give one third of the requirement of calories, vitamins, and minerals. This study has been carried out to determine the level of organochlorine pesticides namely HCH, DDT and Endosulfan in raw fruit nuts. Nuts have proteins and high level of fat content. These properties of nuts attract organochlorine pesticides to accumulate. The analysis of organochlorine pesticide residues in commonly used dry fruits like Cashew nut, Walnut, Coconut , Chilgoza , Chironji, Makhana, Resins, Apricot, Almonds, Date palm , Pistachio nut collected from local market of Lucknow. India has indicated presence of very low level of HCH (0.007-1.328 mg kg-1), DDT (ND-0.140 mg kg-1) and Endosulfan (ND-0.091 mg kg-1).There are no MRL values established for nuts in the country. This finding is based on a smaller number of samples, which however suggest that the presence of low level of DDT, HCH and Endosulfan might be due to environmental rather than direct exposure.

Exposición prenatal a los plaguicidas organoclorados y criptorquidia / Prenatal exposure to organochlorine pesticides and cryptorchidism

Los productos en desarrollo y los niños son particularmente vulnerables a los tóxicos ambientales. Nuestro objetivo es determinar los niveles de plaguicidas organoclorados (HCB, ß-HCH, pp'DDT, op'DDT y pp'DDE) en lípidos séricos de madres de niños con criptorquidia y comparar los niveles con un grupo control de madres de niños con testículos descendidos. El grupo de los casos fue constituido por recién nacidos con diagnóstico de criptorquidia (n=41). El grupo control (n=41) se conformó por niños con testículos descendidos. A las madres de ambos grupos se les determinaron los niveles de plaguicidas organoclorados. La criptorquidia fue diagnosticada al nacimiento por neonatólogo. Residuos de plaguicidas organoclorados fueron encontrados en lípidos séricos de ambos grupos. Los niveles de la mediana (mgkg-1 en base lipídica) fueron mayores para los metabolitos pp'DDT (0.464 vs. 0.269) y ß-HCH (0.263 vs. 0.192) en el grupo con criptorquidia comparado con el grupo control. (p<0.01). Los niveles de los metabolitos pp'DDT y ß-HCH son mayores entre las madres de los recién nacidos con criptorquidia. Es posible que sustancias con efectos antiandrogénicos puedan producir disrupción endocrina y criptorquidia durante el desarrollo fetal.

Fetuses and children are more susceptible to the effects of environmental toxins. The objective of this article is to determine the levels of organochlorine pesticides (HCB, ß-HCH, pp'DDT, op'DDT and pp'DDE) in the serum lipids of mothers of newborns with cryptorchidism and compare the levels to a control group of mothers of newborns with descended testicles. The cases were composed of newborns with cryptorchidism (n=41), and the controls (n=41) newborns with descended testicles. Blood samples from both groups of mothers were used to determine the organochlorine pesticide levels. Cryptorchidism was diagnosed at birth by a neonatologist. The results showed that the organochlorine pesticide residues were found in the serum lipids of both groups of mothers. The median serum lipid levels (mgkg-1 lipid-based) were statistically higher for the metabolites pp'DDT (0.464 vs. 0.269) and ß-HCH (0.263 vs. 0.192) in the cryptorchidism group compared to the control group (p<0.01). It could be concluded that the levels of the metabolites pp'DDT and ß-HCH are higher among mothers of newborns with cryptorchidism. It is possible that substances with anti-androgenic effects could produce endocrine disruption, such as cryptorchidism, during fetal development.

Study on the levels of serum organochlorine pesticides residues in breast cancer patients from Tangshan areas / 中国综合临床

Objective To evaluate the levels of serum organochlorine pesticide residues in breast cancer patients and benign breast disease patients from Tangshan areas. Methods One hundred fifty-eight breast cancer patients and 129 benign breast disease patients from two districts of TangShan were entrolled in the study. The levels of serum organochlorine pesticides ( DDTs and HCHs) were detected through gas chromatography/electron capture. Spearman's rank correlation was used between age, BMI and the level of serum organochlorine pesticide residues in patients. Results The serum levels of a-HCH, p-HCH and PP'-DDE between breast cancer patients and benign breast disease patients were statistically different(P <0. 05). The serum levels of p-HCH and PP'-DDE were positively correlated with age and BMI in both groups, with correlation coefficients of 0. 272 and 0. 330 for age and 0. 207 and 0. 313 for BMI in the breast cancer patients,as well as correltion coefficients of 0. 339 and 0. 260 for age and 0. 227 and 0. 209 for BMI in the benign breast disease patients. Conclusions The levels of organochlorine pesticide residues in serum in breast cancer patients were higher than those in benign breast disease patients and were positively correlated with age and BMI. The results offer more information to the pathogenesis, prevention and control measures of breast cancer.

Riesgo sanitario por pesticidas organoclorados en aguas de una laguna pampeana argentina / Health risk by organochlorine pesticides in waters of an Argentine pampean shallow lake

En la laguna El Carpincho (Junín, provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina) se determinaron agroquímicos organoclorados, por lo que podrían existir efectos negativos para la salud en sus usuarios. El objetivo del trabajo fue estimar el riesgo sanitario (ARS) por los pesticidas hallados durante el baño recreativo. El ARS se basó en el modelo USEPA probabilístico para riesgo agregado y acumulativo a los pesticidas alfa y δ Hexaclorociclohexano (HCH), Endosulfán y Endosulfán sulfato. El ARS se estimó tanto para efectos no carcinogenéticos como carcinogenéticos, considerando la ingesta accidental de agua y el contacto dérmico. El individuo expuesto asumido fue un pescador deportivo que toma un baño en la laguna de una hora por día. Su tipología (frecuencia de excursiones, duración y experiencia) se justificó en resultados previos referidos a aspectos sociales de la pesquería allí instalada. El riesgo agregado y acumulativo para los efectos no carcinogenéticos y carcinogenéticos fue de 3,19E-05 y 1,76E-08 (5 y 3 órdenes de magnitud menores al nivel de peligrosidad para cada tipo de efecto), siendo los isómeros de HCH los principales contribuyentes en ambos casos. El uso de la laguna para baño no representaría un riesgo atendible para las condiciones de exposición consideradas.

Organochlorine pesticides were detected in El Carpincho shallow lake (Junín, Buenos Aires province, Argentina), and they could have negative effects on its users' health. The object of this study was to assess the human health risk (HR) associated with these pesticides during recreational bathing. The probabilistic HR assessment was based on aggregate and cumulative USEPA models and applied to alpha and δ HCH, Endosulfan and Endosulfan sulphate pesticides. The cancer and noncancer risks were estimated for accidental drinking and dermal contact. The exposure considered was one hour a day-1 by a sport fisherman. The fisherman characteristics (annual fish trip frequency, event length, experience) were based on previous studies on social aspects of local anglers. The aggregate and cumulative noncancer and cancer risks were 3.19E-05 and 1.76E-08 (5 and 3 orders of magnitude lower than the level of hazard for each type of effect). Isomers of HCH were the major contributors in both cases. The recreational use of this shallow lake would not represent an adverse health risk considering the assumed conditions of exposure.

Occurrence of organochlorine pesticides residues in Kuano river of eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Organochlorine pesticides residue (isomers of HCH a, b, g and DDT) in Kuano river water at pre-monsoon and post-monsoon period were analyzed for the period June, 2004 to May, 2006 by TLC method. Results indicated that presence of isomers of HCH (a, b, g) and DDT in both the study years even though the usage of both these pesticides is restricted. The higher concentration of pesticide was found in post monsoon. The total concentration of HCH ranges from 0.0002 to 0.020 μg l-1 and 0.0002 to 0.009 μg l-1 and total DDT concentration ranged from 0.0009 to 0.003 μg l-1 and 0.00 to 0.0010 μg l-1 during first and second year of study, respectively. No temporal or spatial distribution pattern was found perhaps due to presence of multiple and aleatory sources. In most of the samples the pesticides residues detected were much higher than drinking water quality standards. It can be inferred that the environment may be considerably degraded by these compounds, providing additional impact to the biota and bringing a potential risk to human health. More detailed Monitoring/studies have to be carried out on different months with a wider spectrum of pesticides to get a clear base line data for the entire location