Exposure and risk characterization for dietary methylmercury from seafood consumption in Kuwait.

Seafood is an important source of essential nutrients; however, it can also confer health risks from methylmercury (MeHg). In this paper, we evaluate the levels of potential methylmercury exposure among Kuwaiti seafood consumers in order to support the development of dietary recommendations for fish consumption in Kuwait. Total mercury (HgT) concentration for most of the studied fish and shellfish species were on average below the 0.5µgg-1 Codex guideline. The notable exception to this was Hamoor (Epinephelus coioides), which averaged 1.29µgg-1 HgT and 0.55µgg-1 MeHg. A dietary survey of 2393 households demonstrated that large quantities of fish and shellfish are commonly consumed in Kuwait (average consumption: 103gd-1). Most participants (53.6%) exceeded the Tolerable Daily Intake of MeHg; this percent exceedance was as high as 78% in children 6-12years of age. The majority (Mean: 50-51%) of Kuwaiti's dietary MeHg exposure comes from the consumption of Hamoor; therefore, advisories to limit the consumption of Hamoor may be necessary. Nutrient:Methylmercury ratios are reported herein; these ratios may assist efforts to create dietary advice that limits contaminant risk while promoting the nutritional benefits of seafood in Kuwait.

A Comparative Assessment of Arsenic Risks and the Nutritional Benefits of Fish Consumption in Kuwait: Arsenic Versus Omega 3-Fatty Acids.

Inorganic and organic forms of arsenic (As), as well as omega-3 fatty acids were measured in 578 fish/seafood samples that belong to 15 species of commonly consumed seafood in Kuwait. Arsenic speciation data, with the toxicological profile of inorganic arsenic (iAs) and fish consumption rates were applied in a probabilistic risk assessment to estimate the risk from exposure to iAs. The nutritional benefits of omega-3-fatty acid levels in various species of fish were taken into consideration. Results showed that the mean daily intake of iAs through fish consumption among the Kuwaiti population was 0.058 µg/kg/day, and the 95th percentile was 0.15 µg/kg/day. Although the mean intake level did not exceed the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) at 1 × 10-4, the 95th percentile of iAs intake showed an ILCR of 2.7 × 10-4. Kuwaiti children (aged 6-12 years) were found to have a higher mean intake of iAs at 0.10 µg/kg/day with 68% of children in this category, exceeding the risk specific dose associated with an ILCR of 1 × 10-4. The fish species, hammor (grouper; Epinephelus coioides), is the top contributor to iAs intake, and tuna is the major source of omega 3-fatty acids for the Kuwaiti population.

Screening for PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs in local and imported food and feed products available across the State of Kuwait and assessment of dietary intake.

A total of 318 local and imported meat, milk, eggs, fish, and animal feed samples collected in Kuwait were analyzed by cell-based reporter gene assay (Dioxin-Responsive Chemical Activated LUciferase gene eXpression DR-CALUX) for PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs. The bioanalytical equivalents (BEQs) obtained by DR-CALUX bioassay were compared with the official maximum limits according to the European Commission (EC) regulations. Suspected and randomly chosen negative samples were analyzed by gas chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (GC-HRMS). The results showed that among suspected samples, one sample was confirmed to be non-compliant. The positive sample was of imported origin. The correlation coefficient of 0.98 between DR-CALUX and GC-HRMS was found. Moreover, the average daily intakes of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs for the Kuwaiti population were estimated. Results obtained in this study were discussed and compared with other published data.

Benzo[a]pyrene and total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) levels in vegetable oils and fats do not reflect the occurrence of the eight genotoxic PAHs.

Concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined in 115 samples of olive oil (extra virgin olive oil, virgin olive oil, olive oil, pomace olive oil and blended olive oil), cooking oil (corn oil, sunflower oil, sesame oil, palm olein oil, soya oil, canola oil, mustard oil, peanut oil and mixed vegetable oil) and fat (butter and table margarine) collected from retail stores in Kuwait. Carcinogenic benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) was detected in 43% of the samples analyzed. Benz[a]anthracene and chrysene were detected in 37 and 45% of the samples, respectively, that did not contain BaP. Of the individual non-carcinogenic PAHs, naphthalene showed the highest mean concentration (14 microg kg(-1)), while for the carcinogenic PAHs, BaP (0.92 microg kg(-1)) and chrysene (0.87 microg kg(-1)) showed the highest mean values. Approximately 20% of the samples within the olive oil and cooking oil sub-categories exceeded the EU maximum tolerable limit for BaP, with the highest level of 6.77 and 11.1 microg kg(-1), respectively. For the fat sub-category, 9% of the samples exceeded the tolerance limit, with the highest level of 3.67 microg kg(-1). The Kuwaiti general population's dietary exposure to the genotoxic PAHs (PAH8: benz[a]anthracene, chrysene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, benzo[a]pyrene, indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene, dibenz[a,h]anthracene and benzo[ghi]perylene) was estimated to be 196 ng day(-1) (3.3 ng kg(-1) bw day(-1), assuming an average adult body weight of 60 kg). Results indicated that PAH8 and BaP(eq) (total sum benzo[a]pyrene equivalents) are more reliable measures of the concentrations of other carcinogenic PAHs in oil and fat samples, while BaP and PAHs alone are not good indicators of the occurrence or degree of contamination by carcinogenic PAHs in these food products.

Sexual dysfunction in female partners of men who have undergone radical prostatectomy correlates with sexual dysfunction of the male partner.

INTRODUCTION: Preservation and restoration of erectile function after radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer has been extensively studied. However, the influence of RP on the sexual function of female partners is poorly understood. AIM: The purpose of this retrospective study is to assess sexuality in men who have undergone RP for prostate cancer and their female partners. METHODS: Men who underwent RP for localized prostate cancer at our institution from 1996 to 2000 were identified and invited to participate in this study with their female partners. Both partners completed a demographic survey. Men completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and female partners completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and supplemental questions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Correlation between IIEF and FSFI domain scores was determined in matched couples using Pearson correlation coefficient. Kappa statistics and Spearman correlation coefficient were calculated for supplemental questions and IIEF domain scores. RESULTS: Of 1,134 men contacted by letter, 90 (8%) couples completed demographic surveys and both the IIEF/FSFI. Pearson correlation coefficients of IIEF and FSFI domain scores in matched couples demonstrated significant correlation (P<0.05) of all IIEF domains with all FSFI domains with the exception of male erectile function and overall sexual function with female sexual desire. There was moderate agreement between partner supplemental questions and IIEF domain scores. CONCLUSIONS: Response rate was very low. FSFI domain scores correlate with IIEF domain scores, indicating an interrelationship between male and female sexual dysfunction in these couples. Evaluation and treatment of sexual dysfunction after RP should involve both partners.