Determination of Serum Perfluorooctanoic Acid and Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid Levels with Different Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease.

The aim of this study is to investigate the perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) levels in patients with different stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Sixty-one CKD stage 1-4 patients who applied to the nephrology outpatient clinic were recruited. A control group consisting of 26 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were also included in the study. Concentrations of PFOA and PFOS were determined by comparing their peak areas with their standard curves. All samples were analyzed three times. The average values of blank samples were subtracted from the detected PFOA and PFOS values. PFOA and PFOS levels were significantly higher in CKD group than the controls (11.4 ± 7.47, 0.45 ± 0.55; 0.13 ± 0. 17, 0.19 ± 0.4 ng/mL, respectively) (P = 0.001). Hemoglobin, serum albumin, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) levels were significantly lower and potassium and uric acid levels were higher in the CKD group than the controls. PFOA and PFOS levels were significantly higher in all stages of CKD patients than healthy controls. However, there was no correlation between eGFR, and PFOS and PFOA. We have demonstrated significantly increased PFOA and PFOS concentrations in different stages of CKD patients. We could not find an association between eGFR, age, and serum PFOS and PFOA concentrations.

Determination of titanium dioxide nanoparticles used in various foods.

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is commonly used in foods with code E171. There is information on the food packaging that it contains E171 in the ingredients section. However, there is no information on the amount of E171 used as ingredient. Therefore, determination of TiO2 content of foods is extremely important for human health. In this study, confectionary foods, chewing gums, chocolates and white colored foods were investigated. TiO2 levels of investigated foods were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The average titanium dioxide concentrations were found ranging from 3 to 2400 mg kg-1. The size of TiO2 particles in the foods samples was determined with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Titanium dioxide nanoparticles in the studied foods were found to vary in size from 30 to 410 nm.

The relationship between phthalates and obesity: serum and urine concentrations of phthalates.

BACKGROUND: A limited number of human and animal studies suggest that a relationship exists between phthalates and obesity, although this is not supported by all research. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and the levels of phthalates in human blood and urine samples. METHODS: Sixty-four overweight or 132 obese individuals (total=196) of different ages (min-max, 17-62; mean ± SD, 42.07±11.3) and genders (F:M 97:99) enrolled in the study. BMI and waist circumference were measured to diagnose obesity. Venous blood samples were taken after overnight fasting. To compare the urine phthalates among participants, single spot urine (at least 10 mL) was collected from the subject after blood samples were taken. Urine and blood phthalate concentrations were measured using gas chromatography. RESULTS: Total blood/urinary phthalate levels significantly increased in proportion to the degree of obesity. There was a high correlation between the level of total phthalates in serum and BMI (ρ=0.697, P<0.001), and between total urinary phthalate levels and BMI (ρ=0.707, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to have shown that both blood and urinary phthalates increased in proportion to BMI. The results show a strong association between obesity and phthalates.

Higher Serum Bisphenol A Levels in Diabetic Hemodialysis Patients.

BACKGROUND: Bisphenol A (BPA) has been implicated as an 'endocrine disruptor'. We aimed at exploring the association between serum BPA levels and patient characteristics, particularly the presence of diabetes mellitus, and laboratory parameters in hemodialysis patients. METHODS: This study included 47 chronic hemodialysis patients. Patient characteristics were recorded. Blood was drawn before and after hemodialysis session. Serum BPA levels were measured by the high-performance-liquid-chromatography and laboratory parameters were measured by using standard methods. RESULTS: In hemodialysis patients, postdialysis serum BPA levels were significantly higher than predialysis after a single hemodialysis session (5.57 ± 1.2 vs. 4.06 ± 0.73, p < 0.0001). Predialysis serum BPA levels were significantly higher in patients with diabetes than non-diabetics (4.4 ± 0.6 vs. 3.9 ± 0.7, p = 0.025). No association was found between serum BPA levels and patient characteristics, and particularly laboratory parameters. CONCLUSION: Serum BPA levels were rising significantly after a single dialysis session. Diabetic hemodialysis patients had higher predialysis serum BPA levels.

Migrated phthalate levels into edible oils.

The determination of phthalates in edible oils (virgin olive oil, olive oil, canola oil, hazelnut oil, sunflower oil, corn oil) sold in Turkish markets was carried out using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Mean phthalate concentrations were between 0.102 and 3.863 mg L(-1) in virgin olive oil; 0.172 and 6.486 mg L(-1) in olive oil; 0.501 and 3.651 mg L(-1) in hazelnut oil; 0.457 and 3.415 mg L(-1) in canola oil; 2.227 and 6.673 mg L(-1) in sunflower oil; and 1.585 and 6.248 mg L(-1) in corn oil. Furthermore, the influence of the types of oil and container to the phthalate migration was investigated. The highest phthalate levels were measured in sunflower oil. The lowest phthalate levels were determined in virgin olive oil and hazelnut oil. The highest phthalate levels were determined in oil samples contained in polyethylene terephthalate.

Investigation of serum bisphenol A, vitamin D, and parathyroid hormone levels in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common health problem, and associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome (MetS), and diabetes. Growing evidence shows that 25-hydroxyvitamin-D3 (25-OH-D) insufficiency and high parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels may be correlated to glucose intolerance, MetS, obesity, and cardiovascular abnormalities similar to OSAS. Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disruptor agent which exerts a wide variety of metabolic effects. It has estrogenic activity and its exposure may contribute to weight gain, obesity, impaired glucose metabolism, and the development of diabetes, also similar to OSAS. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationships between OSAS and serum BPA, 25-OH-D, and PTH levels. This study enrolled 128 subjects, with all of the OSAS patients having been diagnosed by polysomnography. The 128 subjects were divided into three groups: a control (n = 43), a moderate OSAS (n = 23) (AHI = 15-30), and a severe OSAS groups (n = 62) (AHI > 30). The serum BPA, 25-OH-D, and PTH levels for each subject were analyzed. 25-OH-D was lower in both OSAS groups, and PTH was higher in the OSAS groups than in the control subjects. The BPA levels were higher in the severe OSAS group than the moderate OSAS and control. There was a positive correlation between the BPA and body mass index, and a negative correlation between the 25-OH-D and BPA levels in all of the individuals. OSAS is related to high BPA and PTH levels, and low vitamin D levels. There is a positive association between BPA levels and OSAS, and the severity of OSAS. These results suggest that the BPA levels may have a role in the pathogenesis of OSAS.

Determination of bisphenol a migrating from canned food and beverages in markets.

The determination of bisphenol A (BPA) in foods and beverages sold in Turkish markets was carried out using high performance liquid chromatography. In this research, foods packed in packages with an inner surface covered with plastic film, such as milk, fruit juice, cream, pudding and tuna samples were used. Furthermore, foods in glass jar and metal cans such as green peas, garniture, corn, tomato paste, pepper paste, pickles, mushroom and bean samples were also used. BPA concentrations were 21.86±0.80-1858.71±8.24µg kg(-1) for canned foodstuffs, 36.48±0.95-554.69±3.18µgkg(-1) for foods in paper box, "not detected" - 399.21±3.26µgkg(-1)for foods in glass jar. The change in the amount of bisphenol A in all of these food, based on expiration date, the amount of glucose and sodium chloride in it has been determined. We see that in these kind of food the amount of bisphenol A increases with an increase in the amount of glucose, NaCl and expiration date.

Determination of nitrate, nitrite and perchlorate anions in meat, milk and their products consumed in Hatay region in Turkey.

Nitrates and nitrites added to food can cause formation of cancerous N-nitroso compounds, whereas exposure to perchlorate is especially emphasised as an important risk factor for newborns' health. In this study, nitrate, nitrite and perchlorate concentrations in meat and milk products consumed in the Hatay region of Turkey were determined. Nitrate and nitrite were analysed with a spectrophotometric method, and perchlorate analysed via ion chromatography. The detected sodium nitrate and nitrite amounts in meat consumed in the Hatay region are less than the maximum levels as declared in the Turkish Food Codex. The amount of perchlorate was considered not to pose a threat as well. However, in 50% of the cheese samples, sodium nitrate amounts were found to be more than the maximum acceptable level in the Turkish Food Codex.

Investigation of pesticide residues in vegetables and fruits grown in various regions of Hatay, Turkey.

In this study, 175 pesticide residues in various vegetable and fruit samples grown in different regions of Hatay, Turkey, were investigated. Residue analyses were performed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry with the QuEChERS method. In tomato, plum and apricot samples, pesticide residues were below the limits of detection. In other samples, at least one pesticide residue was detected. Twelve pesticides (acetamiprid, carbendazim, chlorpyrifos, fenarimol, fludioxonil, hexythiazox, imidacloprid, metalaxyl, pyridaben, pyriproxyfen, thiabendozole, triadimenol) were found at levels between 0.003 and 0.759 mg kg(-1). Only in cucumber samples, acetamiprid residues were found at levels greater than the maximum acceptable limit in Turkish Food Codex and European Union maximum residue limits (EU MRLs). In other samples, the detected residue amounts are less than the MRLs declared in the Turkish Food Codex and EU MRLs.

Investigation of complexes tannic acid and myricetin with Fe(III).

The pH dependence of the complexes was determined by both potentiometric and spectrophotometric studies. Stability constants and stoichiometries of the formed complexes were determined using slope ratio method. Fe(III) was formed complexes with tannic acid of various stoichiometries, which in the 1:1 molar ratio at pH<3, in the 2:1 molar ratio at pH 3-7 and in the 4:1 molar ratio at pH>7. Fe(III) was formed complexes with myricetin in the 1:2 molar ratio at pH 4 and 5 and in the 1:1 molar ratio at pH 6. Stability constant values were found to be 10(5) to 10(17) and 10(5) to 10(9) for Fe(III)-tannic acid complexes and Fe(III)-myricetin complexes. Both tannic acid and myricetin were possessed minimum affinities to Cu(II) and Zn(II). They had less affinity for Al(III) than for Fe(III).