Polychlorinated dioxins, furans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) in food from Italy: Estimates of dietaryintake and assessment.

Dietary intake of polychlorinated dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) from various foods (fish and seafood, meat and meat-based products, milk and dairy products, hen eggs, olive oil and fats) was investigated for various sex/age groups of the Italian population. The concentrations of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs and their contribution to total TEQ values varied depending on food matrix. Fish (0.50 pg WHO-TEQ/g wet weight) and seafood (0.16 pg WHO-TEQ/g wet weight) showed the highest mean concentrations of PCDD/Fs plus dl-PCBs, followed by meat (1.70 pg WHO-TEQ/g lipid weight), meat based products (1.03 pg WHO-TEQ/g lipid weight), milk and dairy products (0.78 pg WHO-TEQ/g lipid weight), hen eggs (0.71 pg WHO-TEQ/g lipid weight), fats (0.27 pg WHO-TEQ/g lipid weight) and olive oil (0.09 pg WHO-TEQ/g lipid weight). In all samples WHO-TEQ PCDD/F plus dl-PCB concentrations fulfilled the European Union food law, except in pork loin samples (1.39 pg WHO-TEQ/g lipid weight). Differences in exposure depending on the sex/age groups (children > teenagers > adults > elders) and hypotheses considered (lower bound and upper bound) were encountered. Non-cancer risk values showed a low exposure. Carcinogenicity risk results revealed that highly exposed individuals were distributed over all sex/age groups, even though the proportion of individuals exceeding the safe limit was higher in children. These data once again underline the importance of trying to control the levels of these contaminants in fishery products, particularly in fish, who represents one of the main exposure sources for consumers. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This paper may help the consumer in making food choices to minimize the exposure risk to dioxins, furans and PCBs.

Helicobacter pylori: Survival in cultivable and non-cultivable form in artificially contaminated Mytilus galloprovincialis.

Several studies report the presence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in seawater either free or attached to planktonic organism. After considering the role played by plankton in the food chain of most aquatic ecosystems and the possible role that seafood products can assume in the transmission of H. pylori to humans, the aim of this study was to assess the survival of H. pylori in artificially contaminated Mytilus galloprovincialis (M. galloprovincialis). A traditional culture method and a reverse transcriptase-PCR (RT-PCR) assay were employed to detect the mRNA of known virulence factor (VacA) which can be considered use a marker of bacterial viability. The obtained results clearly show that H. pylori is able to survive in artificially contaminated mussels for 6 days (2 days in a cultivable form and 4 days in a non-cultivable form).

Dioxin and PCB residues in meats from Italy: Consumer dietary exposure.

In order to investigate PCB and PCDD/F concentrations and potential human health risk a study has been conducted in meat samples (beef, pork, chicken and turkey) purchased from Italian supermarkets. PCBs were dominant (41.8-77.7 ng g-1 l.w.) with respect to PCDD/Fs (20.1-91.1 pg g-1 l.w.). The levels were variable and largely dependent upon the type of meat. Accumulation pattern showed a distribution typically reported for meat. PCBs tended to decrease from lowest to highest congeners, while for PCDD/Fs the concentration profile was dominated by highly chlorinated dioxins and furans. Concentrations of PCDD/Fs plus dl-PCBs and indicator PCBs exceeding the EU maximum permissible levels were found in 23.3% and 53.3% of the samples, respectively. Exposure estimates to PCDD/Fs plus dl-PCBs (0.08-4.16 pg WHO-TEQs kg-1 b.w. w.-1) were within the new limit proposed by the EFSA's expert panel, except for pork sausage, showing a twofold higher value. Concerning the exposure derived from indicator PCBs, the maximum level set by different European countries (10 ng kg-1 b.w. d.-1) was surpassed solely via consumption of pork sausage (17.22 ng kg-1 b.w. d.-1), thought also the estimated intake from hamburger consumption (6.88 ng kg-1 b.w. d.-1) merits attention being close to guideline limit.

Evaluation of trace metal and polychlorinated biphenyl levels in tea brands of different origin commercialized in Italy.

The objectives of this study were to investigate the trace element (Hg, Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni, Fe, Cr and Se) and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs) content of several commercially available brands of green and black tea marketed in Italy. The concentrations these chemicals were found to be variable and largely dependent upon the type and brand of analysed tea. The most abundant element among the essential elements was Fe, followed by Zn, Cu, Se, Ni and Cr, whereas Pb was the predominant among the tested nonessential elements followed by Hg and Cd. Assessment based on several available guidelines showed that element content were low, except for Hg and Ni. The PCBs concentrations were generally low, with a homologue profile dominated by low-chlorinated congeners, namely three- and tetra-PCBs accounting for more than 60% of the total residue. Apart from trace elements, this is the first study documenting in detail the concentrations and congener distribution of PCBs in tea samples of different origin.

PCBs and PCDD/PCDFs in fishery products: occurrence, congener profile and compliance with European Union legislation.

PCB and PCDD/F concentrations and congener specific profiles were determined in seafood (fish, cephalopods, crustaceans) purchased in supermarkets in Southern Italy. The results intended to assess and compare the levels and congener profiles among the various organisms and evaluate whether the pollutant concentrations exceed the maximum permitted levels according to European Union guidelines. Contaminant accumulation followed the order PCBs > PCDFs > PCDDs in all samples. Species-specific bioaccumulation of contaminants and differences in PCB and PCDD/F profiles among the three different groups of seafood were noted. Pollutant concentrations, given as sum of WHO-TEQ, in all samples (fish: 0.28 pg g(-1) wet wt; cephalopods: 0.01 pg g(-1) wet wt; crustaceans: 0.03 pg g(-1) wet wt) did not exceed the maximum limits for human consumption. Also the sum of six indicator PCBs (fish: 0.07-16.7 ng g(-1) wet weight; cephalopods: 0.05-0.21 ng g(-1) wet weight; crustaceans: 0.07-0.57 ng g(-1) wet weight) was below the level prescribed by the legislation in all the species tested. The estimated dietary intakes (fish: 0.52 TEQs/kg bw/week; cephalopods: 0.01 TEQs/kg bw/week; crustaceans: 0.02 TEQs/kg bw/week) were below the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) proposed by the European Commission. Therefore, the samples analyzed can be considered safe considering the levels obtained and the in-force legislation.

Antioxidant role of hydroxytyrosol on oxidative stress in cadmium-intoxicated rats: different effect in spleen and testes.

Hydroxytyrosol (2-(3,4dihydroxyphenyl)ethanol, (DPE), a phenolic compound present in olive oil, is known to have antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of DPE on oxidative stress induced by cadmium injections (CdCl2 2.5 mg/kg body weight) in spleen and testes of adult male rats. Oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring lipid peroxidation by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities in cytosol and mitochondria. We found that in spleen no TBARS formation was detected following CdCl2 injections; however, DPE induces decrease in TBARS level in treated and untreated rats. On the contrary, we observed that DPE showed no effect on cadmium-induced lipid peroxidation in testes. Cytosolic activities of SOD and CAT decreased significantly only in spleen, where DPE restores the values to the control levels. Noteworthy, mitochondrial activities of SOD and CAT were strongly reduced by cadmium treatment both in spleen and testes, and DPE was not be able to restore their activity. Overall, the results from this study indicated that the DPE has different antioxidant efficiency in spleen and testis of cadmium intoxicated rats.

Occurrence of organochlorine contaminants (PCBs, PCDDs and PCDFs) and pathologic findings in loggerhead sea turtles, Caretta caretta, from the Adriatic Sea (Mediterranean Sea).

Livers of 12 loggerhead sea turtles, Caretta caretta from the Eastern Mediterranean Sea (Adriatic Sea) were analyzed for the presence of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs). Pathological and microbiological studies were also carried out in order to provide a contribution to the knowledge of causes of Mediterranean turtle death. Boat-strike injuries, entanglement in derelict fishing nets and ingestion of hooks and monofilament lines are the causes of death most frequently observed. PCBs (average: 1,399 ng g(-1) fat basis) were the dominant chemicals, followed by PCDFs (average: 61 pg g(-1) fat basic) and PCDDs (average: 16 pg g(-1) fat basis). Hexachlorobiphenyl 153 accounted for the greatest proportion of the total PCBs, followed in order by PCB 138 and PCB 180 (14.1%). Mid-chlorinated, penta-through hepta-PCBs were among the top contributors to the sum of total PCBs, while the homolog pattern of PCCD/Fs was dominated by the tetra- to hexa-substituted congeners. In general the contamination level observed here was comparable with that reported in literature for specimens from different marine areas. Average TEQPCDD/Fs+Dl-PCBs concentration was 27.02 pg g(-1) wet weight (305.1 pg g(-1) lipid weight), with dioxin like-PCBs (93.4%) contributing much more to the total than PCDFs (3.9%) and PCDDs (2.7%). The appreciable concentration of TEQ would at first suggest that there are signs of potential threats to the health of these marine reptiles. Apart from PCBs, this is the first study documenting concentrations of PCDD/Fs in marine turtles from the Mediterranean Sea. Further investigations are urgently needed to characterize their contamination level for a better future protection and conservation of this endangered animal.

Comparative study on trace metal accumulation in the liver of two fish species (Torpedinidae): concentration-size relationship.

Metal concentrations (Hg, Cd, Pb, As, Cr, Cu, Zn and Ni) were measured in the liver of two fish, Torpedo nobiliana (electric ray) and Torpedo marmorata (marbled electric ray), from the Mediterranean Sea in order to comparatively investigate their current pollution status. Maximum mean levels of Hg were detected in electric ray (mean: 2.16µgg(-1) ww), while marbled electric ray accumulated especially Cd (mean: 0.06µgg(-1) ww), Cu (mean: 3.83µgg(-1) ww) and As (mean: 32.64µgg(-1) ww). The metal concentrations are similar to those reported in literature, except for Cd, As and Ni. Hg concentrations increased with increasing fish body length in both species, whilst no significant concentration-size relationship was found for other metals. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report providing information on trace metal levels and relationship between concentration and size of these cartilaginous fishes. Future studies on the concentrations and effects of environmental contaminants in various torpedinid species are surely needed.

Toxic metals (Hg, Pb, and Cd) in commercially important demersal fish from Mediterranean sea: contamination levels and dietary exposure assessment.

UNLABELLED: Mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) were quantified in muscle tissue of 5 species of demersal fish (european conger eel, rosefish, brown ray, blackbellied angler, and red mullet) commonly consumed in Italy. In all species studied, Hg was the most abundant element, followed by Pb and Cd, which exhibited comparable levels. Cd and Pb concentrations did not differ either within individuals of the same species or among various species examined, whereas Hg accumulation was species-specific. Significant positive correlations between Hg concentrations and fish length for the 5 characterized species were observed. From a public health standpoint, Pb concentrations were under the legal limit for human consumption indicated by European Regulation, whereas Hg and Cd content occurred at levels exceeding the respective critical values in most of the samples examined. The estimated weekly intakes (EWIs) as well as the target hazard quotients (THQs) for Cd and Pb indicated that fish were safe for human consumption, whereas major concern was related to Hg. Fish size-related changes in Hg concentrations determined high THQ and EWI values relatively to larger size fish consumption of these species, except for red mullet, suggesting potential health human risk. A continuous surveillance system of Hg content in fishery products, especially in certain species that for physiological reasons concentrate Hg more easily than others is crucial for consumer health protection. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The present article deals with metal (Hg, Cd, and Pb) concentrations in commercially important demersal fish from Mediterranean Sea. The dietary intakes of these elements have been estimated and the dietary exposure assessment was calculated. This kind of study will help the consumers to make an informative choice when buying fish.

Toxic metals (Hg, Cd, and Pb) in fishery products imported into Italy: suitability for human consumption.

Mercury, cadmium, and lead concentrations were determined in various fishery products (fishes, cephalopod molluscs, and crustaceans) imported into Italy from many European and non-European coastal countries. Considerable differences were found in the concentrations of these metals among the products tested. The highest mean Hg concentration was found in fishes (0.21 µg g(-1) wet weight), whereas cephalopods had the highest mean Cd concentration (0.35 µg g(-1) wet weight). Swordfish (0.80 µg g(-1) wet weight), longtail tuna (0.53 µg g(-1) wet weight), and thornback ray (0.52 µg g(-1) wet weight) had the highest concentrations of Hg, whereas maximum Cd concentrations were found in samples of common cuttlefish (0.85 µg g(-1) wet weight) and common octopus (0.64 µg g(-1) wet weight). The majority of the samples analyzed were in compliance with European Union legislation, except for a few cases. The calculated mean weekly intakes of Hg, Cd, and Pb through consumption of the fishery products tested were all below the legislated respective provisional tolerable weekly intakes. In general, the samples analyzed were considered safe to eat with regard to the metal concentrations found and the allowable intakes based on legislation. Nevertheless, the consumption of some species may be of significant importance for consumer health.

Occurrence of toxic metals (Hg, Cd and Pb) in fresh and canned tuna: public health implications.

Hg, Pb and Cd levels in fresh and canned tuna were determined and assessed by comparing element levels in these samples with maximum permissible limits set by European legislation. The estimated weekly intakes by human consuming both fresh and canned tuna were also evaluated for possible consumer health risks. Among tested metals, Hg had the highest concentrations, followed by Pb and Cd either in fresh tuna or canned tuna. None of the tested samples surpassed the European regulatory limits fixed for Cd and Pb, whereas 8.9% of the tuna cans and 20% of fresh tuna samples exceeded standard for Hg. The size of tuna was a determining factor of Hg burden. A high intake of Hg surpassing the toxicological reference value established by WHO, was associated with consumption of larger size tuna specimens. Also canned tuna consumption with Hg concentrations higher than 1 µg kg(-1), strongly increased the consumer exposure. In contrast, Cd and Pb weekly intakes through consumption either of fresh tuna or canned tuna did not exceed the toxicological reference values established by WHO, and consequently there was no human health risk. A continuous surveillance system of Hg content in these fishery products is crucial for consumer protection.

Increase in ascorbate-glutathione metabolism as local and precocious systemic responses induced by cadmium in durum wheat plants.

Durum wheat plants (Triticum durum cv Creso) were grown in the presence of cadmium (0-40 microM) and analysed after 3 and 7 d for their growth, oxidative stress markers, phytochelatins, and enzymes and metabolites of the ascorbate (ASC)-glutathione (GSH) cycle. Cd exposure produced a dose-dependent inhibition of growth in both roots and leaves. Lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation and the decrease in the ascorbate redox state indicate the presence of oxidative stress in the roots, where H2O2 overproduction and phytochelatin synthesis also occurred. The activity of the ASC-GSH cycle enzymes significantly increased in roots. Consistently, a dose-dependent accumulation of Cd was evident in these organs. On the other hand, no oxidative stress symptoms or phytochelatin synthesis occurred in the leaves; where, at least during the time of our analysis, the levels of Cd remained irrelevant. In spite of this, enzymes of the ASC-GSH cycle significantly increased their activity in the leaves. When ASC biosynthesis was enhanced, by feeding plants with its last precursor, L-galactono-gamma-lactone (GL), Cd uptake was not affected. On the other hand, the oxidative stress induced in the roots by the heavy metal was alleviated. GL treatment also inhibited the Cd-dependent phytochelatin biosynthesis. These results suggest that different strategies can successfully cope with heavy metal toxicity. The changes that occurred in the ASC-GSH cycle enzymes of the leaves also suggest that the whole plant improved its antioxidant defense, even in those parts which had not yet been reached by Cd. This precocious increase in the enzymes of the ASC-GSH cycle further highlight the tight regulation and the relevance of this cycle in the defense against heavy metals.

Anthropogenic and naturally occurring organobrominated compounds in two deep-sea fish species from the Mediterranean Sea.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were investigated in 15 composite liver samples from two deep-sea fish species, the hollowsnout grenadier (Trachyrinchus trachyrinchus, TT) and the roughsnout grenadier (Coelorhynchus coelorynchus, CC). Mean concentrations of sum tri- to hepta-BDEs were higher in CC species than in the TT species (16.9 vs. 4.5 ng/g lipid weight (lw), respectively). BDE 47 and BDE 100 were the major congeners in both species. Methoxylated PBDEs (MeO-PBDEs), reported as being naturally produced in marine environments, were also measured in all samples. Similar to those of PBDEs, mean concentrations of sum MeO-PBDEs (sum congeners 2'-MeO-BDE 68 and 6-MeO-BDE 47) were higher in the CC species (28.9 vs 6.6 ng/g lw, respectively). Interestingly, polybrominated hexahydroxanthene derivatives (PBHDs) had the highest contribution to the total load of organobromines in the deep-sea fish samples. Contraryto those of PBDEs and MeO-PBDEs, the mean concentrations of PBHDs were higher in the TT species (7040 vs. 530 ng/g lw, respectively). Furthermore, an unusual profile was seen in the TT species, for which a tetrabrominated BHD isomer was the predominant isomer (up to 98% of the sum PBHDs). This differs from the profiles of PBHDs dominated by a tribrominated BHD isomer reported until now in the literature. The mixed halogenated monoterpene (MHC-1) and 2,4,6-tribromoanisole (TBA) were detected as well, albeit at lower concentration (<5 ng/g lw), supporting the hypothesis that these two natural products are rather abundant in shallow waters.

Relationship between total mercury concentration and fish size in two pelagic fish species: implications for consumer health.

Total mercury concentrations were determined in different size classes of two pelagic fish species of great commercial importance, horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) and Mediterranean horse mackerel (Trachurus mediterraneus), to evaluate the relationship between total mercury concentration and fish size and to determine whether any differences might affect the quantitative assessment of mercury exposure for consumers. Mercury concentrations in horse mackerel and in Mediterranean horse mackerel were between 0.16 and 2.41 microg g(-1) of weight wet (mean, 0.68 microg g(-1)) and between 0.09 and 1.62 microg g(-1) (mean, 0.51 microg g(-1)), respectively. The regression curves revealed a significant relationship between mercury concentration and fish size (length and weight) for both species. Concentrations exceeding the proposed limit for human consumption were observed in 33.3% of the samples of both species and were associated with larger specimens. The consumption of the larger specimens could lead to an increase in mercury exposure for consumers. Estimated weekly intakes, calculated on the basis of concentrations relative to each size class, revealed a high exposure associated with the consumption of fish larger than 30 cm (horse mackerel, 11.63 to 20.16 microg/kg of body weight; Mediterranean horse mackerel, 5.86 to 13.55 microg/kg of body weight). An understanding of the factors leading to an increase in mercury exposure can help consumers make informed decisions about eating fish.

Bioindicator organisms: heavy metal pollution evaluation in the Ionian Sea (Mediterranean Sea--Italy).

Trace metal concentrations of mercury, cadmium, lead and chromium in Patella caerulea, and Mullus barbatus were investigated to provide information on pollution of Ionian Sea, since these metals have the highest toxic potential. High chromium levels (0.47-0.97 microg g(-1) ww) were registered in limpet samples collected from two station near the Gulf of Taranto, while elevated concentration of mercury (0.31-1.50 microg g(-1) ww) were found in mullet specimens from Sicily. The metal concentrations recorded at the clean stations may be considered as useful background levels to which to refer for comparison within the Mediterranean area. On the contrary, the high levels of chromium and mercury found respectively in the areas near the Gulf of Taranto and at Capo Passero being of concern in terms of environmental health need frequent monitoring.

Polychlorinated biphenyls, hexachlorobenzene, hexachlorocyclohexane isomers, and pesticide organochlorine residues in cod-liver oil dietary supplements.

Levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), hexachlorobenzene, hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (alpha, beta, gamma), and chlorinated pesticides (DDTs) in cod-liver oil used as a dietary supplement were determined. Total PCB and DDT concentrations varied from 25 to 201 ng g(-1) lipid weight basis and from 25 to 133 ng g(-1) lipid weight basis, respectively. Hexachlorobenzene contributed very little to the overall contaminant burden of dietary supplement oils, whereas hexachlorocyclohexane isomers were below the instrumental detection limits in all samples. The daily intake of PCBs and DDTs derived by the consumption of cod-liver oil at manufacturer-recommended doses varied from 0.004 to 2.01 microg/day and from 0.004 to 1.24 microg/day, respectively. Relative to some dioxin-like PCB congeners (mono-ortho PCB 105, 118, and 156; non-ortho PCB 77, 126, and 169), the intakes calculated varied from less than 0.001 to 0.74 pg of toxic equivalency values (TEQ) per kg of body weight per day. These values, although below the range of 1 to 4 pg of TEQ per kg of body weight per day set by the World Health Organization, emphasize the need for strict and continuous monitoring of fish oil contamination to reduce, as much as possible, the risks to human health.

Health risk of coplanar polychlorinated biphenyl congeners in edible fish from the Mediterranean Sea.

The muscle tissue of different species of fish was analyzed for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in order to estimate the daily intake of these contaminants. Contamination levels among the different species varied between 108 and 678 ng/g lipid weight. Isomer-specific analysis in the muscle tissue of the various fish revealed a profile dominated by hexa- and pentachlorobiphenyls, followed by hepta- and tetrachlorobiphenyls. Other congeners, including those with fewer than four or more than nine chlorine atoms, were below the instrumental limit of detection in all samples. PCB dietary intake was below the range of 1 to 4 pg 2,3,7,8-tetrachloro-p-dioxin equivalents per kg body weight per day set by the World Health Organization. From a public health point of view, there is no indication of important risks associated with the consumption of these seafoods.