A worldwide systematic review of ochratoxin A in various coffee products - human exposure and health risk assessment.

Coffee is one of the most commonly consumed beverages worldwide, so assessing its quality for potential health risks is essential. Therefore, this review aimed to determine the levels of ochratoxin A (OTA) in coffee worldwide and then estimate its human intake and health risks. The systematic search took place from June 1997 to April 2024 and 40 of 254 articles were selected based on the selection criteria. The results showed significant differences in average levels of OTA between countries, continents and coffee types (p < 0.001). Of 3256 samples, OTA was detected in 1778, accounting for 54.6% of the total, with the percentage of positive results varying between 7.5% and 100%. Only two studies reported OTA average levels in roasted coffee exceeding the maximum limit (ML) set by the European Commission (ML-EC = 5 µg/kg). The average OTA in soluble coffee was lower than ML-EC (10 µg/kg) in all studies, and in instant coffee, the level of OTA was higher than ML-EC (10 µg/kg) only in one study. The estimated daily intake (EDI) of OTA in all coffee types was lower than the provisional tolerable daily intake (PTDI) values set by joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) (14 ng/kg bw/day) and proposed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) (17 ng/kg bw/day). Non-carcinogenic risk assessment through coffee consumption indicated that the hazard quotient (HQ) was below the acceptable level, HQ = 1. The Margin of Exposure (MoE) for neoplastic effects was acceptable and unacceptable for non-neoplastic effects (NNE) in 4.5% (one of 22 cases) of the roasted and soluble coffees, but acceptable for all instant coffees. In conclusion, the study shows that the OTA content of coffee is not toxic to consumers worldwide. However, preventative measures should be taken, including inhibiting fungal growth and reducing OTA-producing fungal growth.

Transfer of heavy metals from soil to vegetables: A comparative assessment of different irrigation water sources.

This study aimed to assess the transfer factor (TF) of heavy metals (HMs) from soil to commonly consumed vegetables irrigated with different water sources. The field study covered 36 m2 of agricultural land in Kermanshah province, Iran, divided into nine equal-sized plots. Coriander, basil, and radish were the three types of vegetables cultivated and subjected to irrigation over two months, utilizing three different water sources: treated wastewater effluent (TWE), river water (RW), and well water + nitrogen fertilizer (WWF). After the irrigation and harvesting stages, soil samples from the cultivation area and harvested vegetables were collected. These samples underwent analysis using the ICP-OES method to assess HM levels and subsequent calculation of the TF of HMs from soil to plants. The results revealed that the TF levels indicated plants' relatively weak response (TF < 1) to the absorption of HMs. For non-toxic elements (Mn, Fe, Zn, Cu, Ni), TF values were generally higher than those for toxic elements (Cd, As, Pb) across all three vegetable types and irrigation treatments. The study's findings suggest that the TF of HMs in the studied vegetables varied based on the irrigation source and vegetable type. Various factors, including the type of irrigation source and vegetable, influenced the TF of HMs, each having different impacts on the transfer rate of each HM. The study highlights the importance of monitoring irrigation water and soil quality to prevent the accumulation of HMs in cultivated vegetables, thereby mitigating potential risks to human health.

Epigenetic Mechanisms of Aluminum-Induced Neurotoxicity and Alzheimer's Disease: A Focus on Non-Coding RNAs.

Aluminum (Al) is known to induce neurotoxic effects, potentially contributing to Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. Recent studies suggest that epigenetic modification may contribute to Al neurotoxicity, although the mechanisms are still debatable. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to summarize existing data on the involvement of epigenetic mechanisms in Al-induced neurotoxicity, especially AD-type pathology. Existing data demonstrate that Al exposure induces disruption in DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA expression in brains. Alterations in DNA methylation following Al exposure were shown to be mediated by changes in expression and activity of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and ten-eleven translocation proteins (TETs). Al exposure was shown to reduce histone acetylation by up-regulating expression of histone deacetylases (HDACs) and impair histone methylation, ultimately contributing to down-regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression and activation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling. Neurotoxic effects of Al exposure were also associated with aberrant expression of non-coding RNAs, especially microRNAs (miR). Al-induced patterns of miR expression were involved in development of AD-type pathology by increasing amyloid ß (Aß) production through up-regulation of Aß precursor protein (APP) and ß secretase (BACE1) expression (down-regulation of miR-29a/b, miR-101, miR-124, and Let-7c expression), increasing in neuroinflammation through NF-κB signaling (up-regulation of miR-9, miR-125b, miR-128, and 146a), as well as modulating other signaling pathways. Furthermore, reduced global DNA methylation, altered histone modification, and aberrant miRNA expression were associated with cognitive decline in Al-exposed subjects. However, further studies are required to evaluate the contribution of epigenetic mechanisms to Al-induced neurotoxicity and/or AD development.

Assessment of trace element and mineral levels in students from Turkmenistan in comparison to Iran and Russia.

THE OBJECTIVE: Of the present study was to assess essential trace element and mineral levels in serum, hair, and urine of healthy first-year students from Turkmenistan (n = 73) in comparison to students from Iran (n = 78) or Russia (n = 95). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Examination of foreign students was performed within two days after arrival to Russia during medical examination prior admission to RUDN University. Serum, hair, and urine trace element and mineral levels were assessed with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). RESULTS: The data demonstrate that the levels of trace elements and minerals in students from Turkmenistan share high similarity to elemental profiles of students from Iran. In comparison to students from Russia, subjects originating from Iran and Turkmenistan are characterized by lower serum cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), selenium (Se), vanadium (V), zinc (Zn) levels, higher urinary Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, V, and Zn, lower urinary Co and hair Mo, Se, and Zn content. Concomitantly, students from Turkmenistan were characterized by lower urinary Cr and Cu, serum Cu and V levels, higher circulating Zn concentration, as well as the lower hair Cr, Cu, iodine (I) and magnesium (Mg) content in comparison to Iranian subjects. The discriminant analysis demonstrated that hair, serum, and urinary trace element and mineral levels contributed to complete discrimination between the groups of students from different countries. CONCLUSIONS: The high similarity of trace element and mineral status of students from Turkmenistan and Iran is expected to be mediated by similar geochemical conditions in the bordering countries.

Autism spectrum disorder: Cadmium and mercury concentrations in different biological samples, a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of human studies.

The present study was conducted to investigate the differences in cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg) concentrations between children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and controls. In this systematic review and meta-analysis study, three thousand one hundred forty-five studies were collected from scientific databases including Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar from January 2000 to October 2022 and were investigated for eligibility. As a result, 37 studies published in the period from 2003 to 2022 met our inclusion criteria and were considered in the meta-analysis. The heterogeneity assumption was evaluated using the Chi-squared-based Q-test and I-squared (I2) statistics. The pooled estimates were shown in the forest plots with Hedges' g (95% confidence interval) values. The random effects model demonstrated that there is no significant difference in the blood (Hedges' g: 0.14, 95% CI: 0.45, 0.72, p > 0.05), hair (Hedges' g: 0.12, 95% CI: 0.26, 0.50, p > 0.05), and urinary (Hedges' g: 0.05, 95% CI: 0.86, 0.76, p > 0.05) Cd levels of the case group versus control subjects. Moreover, the pooled findings of studies showed no significant difference in the blood (Hedges' g: 1.69, 95% CI: 0.09, 3.48, p > 0.05), hair (Hedges' g: 3.42, 95% CI: 1.96, 8.80, p > 0.05), and urinary (Hedges' g: 0.49, 95% CI: 1.29 - 0.30, p > 0.05) Hg concentrations. The results demonstrated no significant differences in Hg and Cd concentrations in different biological samples of children with ASD compared to control subjects.

Mixture effects of trace element levels on cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes risk in adults using G-computation analysis.

There is an increasing concern about the health effects of exposure to a mixture of pollutants. This study aimed to evaluate the associations between serum levels of heavy/essential metals ([Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg), Lead (Pb), Nickel (Ni), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), and Zinc (Zn)]) and the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). Data were collected from 450 participants (150 with CVDs, 150 with T2D, and 150 healthy subjects) randomly selected from the Ravansar Non-Communicable Disease (RaNCD) cohort in Western Iran, covering the years 2018-2023. Trace element levels in the serum samples were assayed using ICP-MS. Logistic regression was performed to estimate the adjusted risk of exposure to single and multi-metals and CVD/T2D. Odds ratios were adjusted for age, sex, education, residential areas, hypertension, and BMI. The mixture effect of exposure to multi-metals and CVD/T2D was obtained using Quantile G-computation (QGC). In the logistic regression model, chromium, nickel, and zinc levels were associated with CVD, and significant trends were observed for these chemical quartiles (P < 0.001). Arsenic, chromium, and copper levels were also associated with T2D. The weight quartile sum (WQS) index was significantly associated with both CVD (OR 4.17, 95% CI 2.16-7.69) and T2D (OR 11.96, 95% CI 5.65-18.26). Cd, Pb, and Ni were the most heavily weighed chemicals in these models.The Cd had the highest weight among the metals in the CVD model (weighted at 0.78), followed by Hg weighted at 0.197. For T2D, the serum Pb (weighted at 0.32), Ni (weighted at 0.19), Cr (weighted at 0.17), and Cd (weighted at 0.14) were the most weighted in the G-computation model. The results showed the significant role of toxic and essential elements in CVDs and T2D risk. This association may be driven primarily by cadmium and mercury for CVDs and Pb, Ni, Cr, and Cd for T2D, respectively. Prospective studies with higher sample sizes are necessary to confirm or refute our preliminary results as well as to determine other important elements.

Evaluation of urinary trace element levels in patients with opioid use disorder undergoing methadone treatment in western Iran.

The monitoring of essential and toxic elements in patients with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) undergoing methadone treatment (MT) is important, and there is limited previous research on the urinary levels of these elements in MT patients. Therefore, the present study aimed to analyze certain elements in the context of methadone treatment compared to a healthy group. In this study, patients with opioid use disorder undergoing MT (n = 67) were compared with a healthy group of companions (n = 62) in terms of urinary concentrations of some essential elements (selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), calcium (Ca)) and toxic elements (lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and chromium (Cr)). Urine samples were prepared using the acid digestion method with a mixture of nitric acid and perchloric acid and assessed using the ICP-MS method. Our results showed that the two groups had no significant differences in terms of gender, education level, occupation, and smoking status. Urinary concentrations of Se, Cu, and Fe levels were significantly lower in the MT group compared to the healthy subjects. However, the concentrations of Pb, Cd, As, Mn, Cr, and Ca in the MT group were higher than in the healthy group (p < 0.05). No significant difference was established between the levels of Zn in the two groups (p = 0.232). The results of regression analysis revealed that the differences between the concentration levels of all metals (except Zn) between two groups were still remained significant after adjusting for all variables (p < 0.05). The data obtained in the current study showed lower urinary concentrations of some essential elements and higher levels of some toxic elements in the MT group compared to the healthy subjects. These findings should be incorporated into harm-reduction interventions.

Trace element levels: How Substance Use Disorder (SUD) contributes to the alteration of urinary essential and toxic element levels.

Increasing illicit drug use is one of the main problems in most countries or societies. Monitoring heavy metals and trace elements in this vulnerable group seems to be necessary. Therefore, we assessed the urinary trace element and toxic metals/metalloids concentrations (Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Chromium (Cr), Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Arsenic (As), Nickel (Ni), and Mercury (Hg)) in opium, tramadol, and cannabis users compared to healthy subjects. In this cross-sectional study, patients with substance use disorder (SUD) (n = 74) were divided into four groups: cannabis, tramadol, opium, and mixed (simultaneous use of more than one of the three studied substances), along with a healthy group (n = 60). Urine samples were prepared by dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction method so that heavy metals/metalloids could be measured by ICP-MS. The mean urinary concentration of Cu (48.15 vs. 25.45; 89.2%, p<0.001), Hg (1.3 vs. 0.10; 1200%, p < 0.001), and Zn (301.95 vs. 210; 43.8%, p < 0.001) was markedly lower among patients with SUD. The mean urinary concentration of other elements including As (1.9 vs. 4.1; 115.8%), Cd (0.1 vs. 1.10; 1000%), Cr (6.80 vs. 11.65; 71.3%), Ni (2.95 vs. 4.95; 67.8%), and Pb (1.5 vs. 7.9; 426.6%) were significantly higher among patients with SUD compared to healthy subjects. When sub-groups were compared, no significant differences were observed between their trace element levels (Kruskal-Wallis test, p > 0.05). This can be an indication that regardless of the type of drug, the levels of trace elements are changed with respect to healthy individuals. Our results showed that illicit drug use causes changes in urinary trace element/heavy metal/metalloid levels and highlights the need for monitoring heavy metals and trace elements in individuals with substance use disorder. Assessment of different elements in biological samples of drug dependents may be useful for implementing new prevention and treatment protocols. In case of changes in their levels, complementary recommendations, attention to diet, and periodic assessment of toxic metal levels within treatment programs will be needed.

Acrylamide in potato chips in Iran, health risk assessment and mitigation.

This study aimed to determine the acrylamide content in potato chips sold in Kermanshah, Iran and assess the potential health concerns associated with acrylamide exposure. HPLC-DAD was used to analyse 120 samples across 40 brands. The possible non-carcinogenic risk index for adults was below 1 for all 40 brands (100%), but for children it was only below 1 for 9 brands (22.5%) and above 1 for 31 brands (77.5%). Regarding the possible carcinogenic risk index, for adults only 1 out of 40 brands rated > 10-4, whereas for children all brands rated > 10-4. This shows that children's exposure to acrylamide through potato chips consumption in Kermanshah can be considered a risk on cancer and exposure of adults requires attention and monitoring. The best way to reduce acrylamide in potato chips and associated health risks is to improve the production process, especially temperature and time.

Abnormal Porphyrin Metabolism in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Therapeutic Implications.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a mosaic of neurodevelopmental conditions composed of early-onset social interaction and communication deficits, along with repetitive and/or restricted patterns of activities, behavior, and interests. ASD affects around 1% of children worldwide, with a male predominance. Energy, porphyrin, and neurotransmitter homeostasis are the key metabolic pathways affected by heavy metal exposure, potentially implicated in the pathogenesis of ASD. Exposure to heavy metals can lead to an altered porphyrin metabolism due to enzyme inhibition by heavy metals. Heavy metal exposure, inborn genetic susceptibility, and abnormal thiol and selenol metabolism may play a significant role in the urinary porphyrin profile anomalies observed in ASD. Altered porphyrin metabolism in ASD may also be associated with, vitamin B6 deficiency, hyperoxalemia, hyperhomocysteinemia, and hypomagnesemia. The present review considers the abnormal porphyrin metabolism in ASD in relation to the potential pathogenic mechanism and discusses the possible metabolic therapies such as vitamins, minerals, cofactors, and antioxidants that need to be explored in future research. Such targeted therapeutic therapies would bring about favorable outcomes such as improvements in core and co-occurring symptoms.

The effects of active and passive smoking on selected trace element levels in human milk.

Our study aimed to compare levels of six micro-elements and six potentially toxic elements in the breast milk of non-smoking women compared to those found in women who smoke tobacco and women exposed to second-hand smoke during pregnancy and lactation. This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 100 lactating women in western Iran. The studied subjects were in three groups: passive smokers, active smokers, and a control group. Concentrations of selected trace elements in breast milk (essential and non-essential metals) were determined using ICP-MS. Our results indicated that the parameters of education, fruit consumption, and cosmetics usage had a significant difference among the groups (p < 0.05). Moreover, for trace elements, the Kruskal-Wallis test was statistically significant for arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) (p < 0.05). The post hoc Dunn test revealed a significant difference in the levels of As, Cd, Hg, and Pb between non-smoker and passive/active smoker groups (p < 0.05). Our findings illustrate that exposure to cigarette smoke can cause an increase in the level of potentially toxic elements in human milk, which is dangerous for the consumption of premature newborns, but more research is needed to evaluate the potential toxic mechanisms of toxic metals.

Oxidative stress, genotoxic effects, and other damages caused by chronic exposure to silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), and their mixtures in zebrafish (Danio rerio).

This study assessed the oxidative stress impacts of Ag NPs and ZnO NPs and their mixtures in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Zebrafish were exposed to sublethal concentrations of each NP and a mixture for 28 days followed by a 28-day recovery period (without NP exposure) and measurements made on hepatic levels of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD, and GPx), MDA levels, expression of the genes for the Hsp70 and Hsp90, and MT, blood biochemical parameters (total protein, globulin, albumin, AST, ALT, ALP, and LDH), and genotoxicity in erythrocytes (via measurement of micronuclei (MN) and nuclear (NA) abnormalities). There was a tendency for an increase in the variation in the responses of antioxidant defense systems and there were higher MDA levels with increasing exposure concentration of Ag NPs and with increasing exposure time. Total protein, globulin, and albumin decreased during the exposure period, especially on the days of 28. Moreover, levels of AST and LDH increased significantly in the NPs co-exposure treatments, while levels of ALT and ALP significantly decreased. The highest expression levels for these genes occurred on day 14 and in the NPs co-exposure treatments. For exposure to both NPs individually and as a mixture, the frequency of MN and other NA were significantly increased (p < 0.05). During the recovery periods, most of the effects seen were reduced, most notably in the individual NPs treatments. The overall results suggest that the toxic effects of Ag NPs and ZnO NPs in combination significantly increase their toxicity in zebrafish.

Individual and binary exposure to nanoscales of silver, titanium dioxide, and silicon dioxide alters viability, growth, and reproductive system: Hidden indices to re-establish artemia as a toxicological model in saline waters.

This study evaluated and compared the individual and combined toxicity of AgNPs, TiO2NPs, and SiO2NPs to life cycle of A. salina. To this end, both stability and toxicity of AgNPs were determined in the presence of TiO2NPs and SiO2NPs. The colloidal stability of AgNPs decreased in the presence of the other two NPs, especially SiO2NPs. AgNPs displayed acute toxicity to A. salina, whereas SiO2NPs and TiO2NPs chronically induced toxicity in a concentration- and time-dependent manner during 28-day exposure. The experimental NPs significantly decreased the weight and length of A. salina and induced reproductive toxicity through perturbation in first brood timespan, sexual maturity, egg development time, egg pouch area, offspring quality, and fecundity. Exposure to AgNPs shifted the mode of reproduction in brine shrimp from ovoviviparity to oviparity, and also co-presence of AgNPs with SiO2NPs or TiO2NPs caused infertility. Generally, their individual toxicity was in order of AgNPs > TiO2NPs > SiO2NPs, and binary exposure to AgNPs-SiO2NPs appear to be more threatening than AgNPs-TiO2NPs to A. salina. Together, this study highlights that these nanoparticles could disrupt reproductive health of A. salina and lead to alterations in population dynamics and aquatic ecosystem balance.

Human health risk assessment of potentially toxic elements in the breast milk consumed by infants in Western Iran.

This study aimed to assess the human health risk of some toxic metals/metalloids [lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), and arsenic (As)] on infants via consumption of the breast milk of women living in urban areas of Kermanshah city, west of Iran. After collecting milk samples, the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk assessment as well as uncertainty analysis of toxic metal levels were carried out. The order of concentration of heavy metals/metalloids in the breast milk samples was Cr (41.07 ± 23.19) > Ni (19.25 ± 11.81) > Pb (11.5 ± 4.48) > As (1.96 ± 2.04) > Cd (.72 ± 0.42) > Hg (0.31 ± 0.26). The results revealed that the levels of Cr and Pb in the breast milk samples were exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) tolerable daily intake. In the breast milk samples a high levels of one of the trace elements As, Cd, Cr, Pb, and Ni were observed (over 73%) and in 40% of them the levels of Cr, Pb, Cd, As, and Ni were all above WHO tolerable daily intake. Moreover, the As-related point assessment of target risk factor (THQ) was higher than the allowable limit only for 1-month-old male neonates and 2-month-old female neonates (THQ > 1). In addition, Cr-related THQ scores were higher at all age and gender groups (THQ > 1). In conclusion, our findings suggest a potential risk of some metals for infants via the consumption of mothers' breast milk.

Accumulation and human health risk assessment of trace elements in two fish species, Cirrhinus mrigala and Oreochromis niloticus, at Tarukri Drain, District Rahimyar Khan, Punjab, Pakistan.

The toxic discharge of heavy metals into the water affects the aquatic ecosystem as well as the human population interacting with it because of their toxicity, bioaccumulation, long persistence, and transfer through the food chain. Thus, it is very important to conduct studies to determine the level of heavy metal pollution in order to better control, manage, and preserve the pollution of aquatic ecosystems. This study assessed heavy metal contamination in fish and its associated health risk to the population around the Tarukri Drain, Punjab, Pakistan. Two fish species (Oreochromis niloticus and Cirrhinus mrigala) were collected from three different sites in two different seasons. Collected fish were analyzed for cadmium (Cd), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) accumulation using atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS). Furthermore, the human health risks associated with the consumption of affected fish were also assessed. Target hazardous quotient for seasonal consumers was between 0.12, - 1.58 × 10-4, and 0.54 - 3.28 × 10-4 (mg/kg) in O. niloticus and C. mrigala, respectively. While for regular consumers it was between 0.28-3.71 × 10-4 and 1.27-7.68 × 10-4 (mg/kg) in O. niloticus and C. mrigala respectively for the studied heavy metals. Fish sampled from Sadiqabad contained the highest concentration of heavy metals. The analysis of fish organs (kidney, liver, and muscles) showed heavy metal accumulation in the order of kidney > liver > muscles (p < 0.00). The obtained results showed that heavy metal contaminations in both fish species were within the permissible limits recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Both sampling seasons (i.e., summer and winter) showed a non-significant difference in heavy metal concentration. The calculated total target hazardous quotient across all heavy metals remained < 1 with only one exception. The carcinogenic risk assessment of heavy metals showed a non-significant effect in both fish species.

Ecological risk assessment and heavy metals accumulation in agriculture soils irrigated with treated wastewater effluent, river water, and well water combined with chemical fertilizers.

Contaminated irrigation water can increase trace heavy metals concentration in agricultural soil. The present research aimed to investigate the effect of three types of irrigation water sources, including treated wastewater effluent, Gharasoo river water, and well water with chemical fertilizer, on the accumulation and ecological risk of heavy metals in agricultural soils. Soil samples were collected before and after crop irrigation to evaluate heavy metal concentrations. The samples were analyzed to determine the presence of arsenic, nickel, cadmium, iron, chromium, zinc, lead, copper, and manganese. Based on the results, the concentration of essential metals in the soil before the irrigation process was more than toxic metals. The different irrigation sources increased the concentration of all heavy metals in the soil, and the accumulation of Cr, Ni, and Cd significantly elevated more than others. Irrigation resources' effectiveness in transferring heavy metals to the soil was obtained as treated wastewater effluent < well water with fertilizer < river water. Furthermore, the potential ecological risk index (RI) for irrigated soil was in a high-risk category. Therefore, it is recommended that the river water should not be used to irrigate vegetables to the utmost possible. Finally, the low heavy metals concentration and the presence of nutrients in treated wastewater effluent make this source the most suited source of irrigation because it eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers by farmers and transfers fewer heavy metals to the soil.

Evaluation of some toxic metals in breast milk samples with dietary and sociodemographic characteristics: a case study of Kermanshah, Western Iran.

This study aimed to investigate the concentration of some toxic metals (gold (Au), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), tin (Sn), and vanadium (V)) and arsenic (As) in breast milk based on demographic characteristics and the diet of mothers. In this cross-sectional study, 100 lactating mothers from Kermanshah, Western Iran, were included. The mean age of the participants was 29.5 (ranging from 16 to 43 years) with a mean BMI of 26.9 (± 3.81) kg (range: 17.0-39.1). The results of the pairwise correlation coefficient of trace elements illustrated that correlation was mostly positive and weak to moderate. A few exceptions of strong correlations were Cr-Ni (r = 0.82), Au-As (r = 0.64), Cr-V (r = 0.64), and Ni-V (r = 0.58). Moreover, results indicated that BMI (p = 0.008), cooking oil (0.042), and potato intake (p = 0.010) affected the trace element levels significantly. The concentrations of V (p = 0.044), Sn (p = 0.036), Au (p < 0.001), and As (p < 0.001) in the breast milk of women was affected by the BMI. The results of univariate linear regression analysis showed that the concentration of Pb in the milk of mothers who use cosmetics was significant (p < 0.05). Since the lifestyle of lactating women, such as cosmetics usage can impact the content of some elements in breast milk, they should be educated in this part.

Toxicity of Silver Nanoparticles in the Presence of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Differs for Acute and Chronic Exposures in Zebrafish.

We assessed the acute toxicity effects (96 h) of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and chronic (28 d) exposure to Ag NPs, including in combination with ZnO NPs. In the chronic studies, we further assessed the toxicokinetics and bioaccumulation of Ag and the resulting histopathological effects in the gill, intestine, and liver of zebrafish. Co-exposures with ZnO NPs reduced the toxicity of Ag NPs for acute (lethality) but enhanced the toxicity effects (tissue histopathology) for chronic exposures. The histological lesions for both NPs exposures in the gill included necrosis and fusion of lamellae, for the intestine necrosis and degeneration, and in the liver, mainly necrosis. The severity of the histological lesions induced by the Ag NPs was related to the amount of accumulated Ag in the zebrafish organs. The Ag accumulation in different organs was higher in the presence of ZnO NPs in the order of the gill > intestine > liver. Depuration kinetics illustrated the lowest half-life for Ag occurred in the gill and for the combined exposure of Ag with ZnO NPs. Our findings illustrate that in addition to tissue, time, and exposure concentration dependencies, the Ag NPs toxicity can also be influenced by the co-exposure to other NPs (here ZnO NPs), emphasizing the need for more combination exposure effects studies for NPs to more fully understand their potential environmental health risks.

Association Between Biological Lead Concentrations and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Children: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Studies have been conducted in different countries of the world to illustrate a link between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and lead (Pb) in different specimens such as hair, blood, and urine. Therefore, we carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the association between Pb concentration in biological samples (blood, urine, and hair) and ASD in children through case-control and cross-sectional studies. In this systematic review, PubMed, Web of Sciences, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched for relevant studies from January 2000 to February 2022. A random-effects model was used to pool the results. The effect sizes were standardized mean differences (proxied by Hedges' g) followed by a 95% confidence interval. Pooling data under the random effect model from blood and hair studies showed a significant difference between the children in the ASD group and the control group in blood lead level (Hedges' g: 1.21, 95% CI: 0.33-2.09, P = 0.01) and hair level (Hedges' g: 2.20, 95% CI: 0.56-3.85, P = 0.01). For urine studies, pooling data under the random effect model from eight studies indicated no significant difference between the children in the ASD group and control group in urinary lead level (Hedges' g: - 0.34, 95% CI: - 1.14,0.45, P = 0.40). Moreover, the funnel plot and the results of the Egger test for the blood and urine samples showed no publication bias, while, for the hair samples, the funnel plot illustrated the existence of publication bias.