Comparison of urinary biomarkers concentrations in exposed and non-exposed petrol station workers in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), Thailand.

Background: The Thai government has been developing its Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), which spans three provinces, with the aim of improving connections with other Asian nations. Since this strategic development, the number of trucks, private car, and passenger car registrations have continued to grow, with a corresponding increase in related to benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX). Objectives: This study aims to compare the levels of trans, trans-muconic acid (t, t MA); toluene (TU); mandelic acid (MA); and methyl hippuric acid (MHA) in the urine of gas station employees, considering demographic and occupational factors. Material and methods: These employees worked either near or away from the fuel dispenser, and there 100 people in each group. Data were collected using interviews and testing environmental air and urine samples for benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and xylene (BTEX). Results: The results showed that BTEX concentrations were just detectable in all 200 cases (100%). The mean (±SD) urine level of t, t MA was 449.28 (±213.32) µg/g creatinine, while the median (min-max) was 428.23 (95.58-1202.56) µg/g creatinine. The mean TU was 0.011 (0.001) mg/L, while the median (min-max) was 0.011 (0.010-0.013) mg/L. MA levels were higher inside the pollution control zone than they were outside the zone (p=.009). Employees who practiced poor personal hygiene had relatively high urinary toluene and MHA levels (p=.009) and those who did not wear personal protective equipment (PPE) had relatively high MA levels (p=.040). Conclusion: The results of this study revealed statistically significant biomarkers influencing the levels of t, t MA; TU; MA; and MHA in urine. The recommendations of this study are that employers should provide their employees with suitable PPE, check regularly to ensure that it is worn, and strongly encourage employees to take care of their sanitation. Employees should take appropriate breaks and days off to minimize their exposure to BTEX.

The 40-min HIIT acutely induced bone formation which was likely through the increases in muscle derived interleukin 6 and adiponectin activation: The 16 weeks of HIIT intervention, longitudinal randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: There is some controversy regarding cytokines released from adipocytes, particularly adiponectin, leptin, and IL6 that regulate bone remodeling. In addition, IL6 is released from muscle contraction, which might have a distinct role in bone remodeling. Hence, this study investigated whether muscle contraction during a session of 40 min of high intensity interval training (40-min HIIT) and after 16 weeks of HIIT (16-wk HIIT) altered the release of those cytokines and bone remodeling in overweight women. METHODS: In total, 22 overweight, premenopausal women were randomly assigned to either the exercise or the control group. The exercise participants engaged in the 40-min HIIT session at 80-90 % of their heart rate reserve (HRR) three times weekly for 16 weeks, while the control participants performed their routine daily activities. Blood was drawn after overnight fasting and immediately after completing the 40-min HIIT sessions to investigate the association of adiponectin, leptin, IL6, CTX, and P1NP through the acute effect of the 40-min HIIT sessions. This process was repeated after the 16-wk intervention program to observe the training effect of HIIT on cytokines linkage. The bone mineral density (BMD) levels of the distal tibia, femur, and lumbar spine were determined prior to and after the 16-wk intervention using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: The P1NP level increased by 8.29-20.52 % (95 % CI) and by 2.91-15.54 % after completing the first and last bouts of the 40-min HIIT sessions, respectively. In addition, IL6 increased by 13.39-28.03 % (95 % CI), while serum CTX and adiponectin were unaltered from the acute effect of the 40-min HIIT sessions. There was an association between the increases in P1NP and adiponectin (r = 0.682, p = 0.015); however, the increase in P1NP was mostly associated with the increase in IL6 (r = 0.572, p = 0.054) after completing a 40-min HIIT session. After the 16-wk HIIT program, the resting adiponectin level of the exercise participants increased; however, this was associated with neither bone biomarkers nor BMD. The BMDs of the exercise participants were maintained; however, the tibial BMD of the control participants decreased with an increase in the resting CTX level after 16 weeks. CONCLUSION: Muscle contraction during the 40-min HIIT session elevated the IL6 level, which might have subsequently enhanced bone formation. Furthermore, the association between acute changes in adiponectin and P1NP suggested the possibility of an increase in the sensitivity of the adiponectin receptor in osteoblasts.

Genetic Polymorphisms of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Associated with Hypertension and Blood Homocysteine Levels.

Purpose: Endothelial dysfunction is a key mechanism in the development of hypertension and is closely linked to impairment of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and hyperhomocysteinemia. Genetic polymorphisms of eNOS (rs1799983 and rs2070744) are strongly associated with the risk of hypertension in individuals of Asian ethnicities. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between these polymorphisms and the risk of hypertension associated with homocysteine levels. Participants and Methods: For this cross-sectional study, we enrolled 370 Thai men aged 40-60 years from the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand cohort study for both variants genotyping by TaqMan allelic discrimination analysis. Clinical, anthropometric, and biochemical parameters were also analyzed. Results: In the high blood pressure group (n = 267), systolic and diastolic blood pressure and triglyceride levels were higher in those with homocysteine levels ≥ 15 µmol/L than in those with homocysteine levels < 15 µmol/L (p < 0.05). Significant risk of hypertension was found in GG and GT of rs1799983 (G894T), and in TT and TC of rs2070744 (T-786C), with higher ORs in heterozygous genotypes (all p values < 0.05). Further evaluation of the interactions between SNPs and HCY revealed that individuals with the GT or TC genotype, together with hyperhomocysteinemia, had an increased risk of hypertension (all p<0.05). Conclusion: eNOS variants rs1799983 and rs2070744 may be risk factors for hypertension linked to hyperhomocysteinemia. These findings provide potentially useful healthcare strategies for the management of hypertension.

Association between Gut Microbiota Profiles, Dietary Intake, and Inflammatory Markers in Overweight and Obese Women.

Being overweight and obesity are significant global public health challenges due to their association with adipose tissue dysfunction, pro-inflammatory marker production, and alterations in gut microbiota composition. To explore the relationship between gut microbiota, dietary factors, and inflammatory markers in overweight or obese women, we conducted a cross-sectional study involving a healthy group (n = 20) and an overweight or obese group (n = 75). We collected data, including clinical, anthropometric, and dietary assessments, and carried out a blood biochemical analysis, the measurement of inflammatory biomarkers (hs-CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α), and the 16S rRNA gene sequencing of fecal samples. The gut microbiota analysis revealed notable differences in alpha and beta diversity between the two groups. Moreover, the abundance of gut microbiota in the overweight or obese group correlated positively with adiposity markers, blood pressure, lipid profiles, and inflammatory markers. These findings highlight significant changes in gut microbiota associated with obesity, potentially implicating pathways such as lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis. Understanding the role of the gut microbiome in obesity could reveal specific avenues for intervention.

Role of Dietary Factors on DNA Methylation Levels of TNF-Alpha Gene and Proteome Profiles in Obese Men.

Integrated omics-based platforms from epigenomics and proteomics technologies are used to identify several important mechanisms in obesity etiology, food components, dietary intake, regulation of biological pathways, and potential new intervention targets. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze whether dietary factors involved in the methylation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α are implicated in differential protein expression in people with normal weight and obesity. METHODS: The participants were classified into the non-obese (N = 100) and obese (N = 133) groups. DNA methylation levels of the TNF-alpha gene and proteomics were analyzed using the pyrosequencing method and LC-MS-MS, respectively. RESULTS: Comparison between geometric means of DNA methylation of TNF-α showed lower levels in subjects with obesity than in those without obesity (p < 0.05). There were associations between dietary factors and some metabolic syndrome components and TNF-α DNA methylation levels. Proteomic analysis showed important signaling pathways related to obesity, with 95 significantly downregulated proteins and 181 upregulated proteins in the non-obese group compared with the obese group. CONCLUSION: This study shows an association between the dietary factors involved in the methylation of TNF-α and differential protein expression related to obesity. However, a large sample size in future studies is required to confirm our results.

Novel Serum Proteomes Expressed from Benzene Exposure Among Gasoline Station Attendants.

Background: Research on the proteomes impact of benzene exposure in fuel station employees remains sparse, underscoring the need for detailed health impact assessments focusing on biomarker evaluation. Objectives: This investigation aimed to analyze the differences in blood parameters and serum proteomes resulting from benzene exposure between gasoline station attendants (B-GSA) and a control group. Design and methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted with 96 participants, comprising 54 in the B-GSA group and 42 in the control group. The methodology employed included an interview questionnaire alongside urine and blood sample collections. The urine samples were analyzed for trans,trans-muconic acid (t,t-MA) levels, while the blood samples underwent complete blood count analysis and proteome profiling. Results: Post-shift analysis indicated that the B-GSA group exhibited significantly higher levels of t,t-MA and monocytes compared to the control group (P < .05). Proteome quantification identified 1448 proteins differentially expressed between the B-GSA and control groups. Among these, 20 proteins correlated with the levels of t,t-MA in urine. Notably, 4 proteins demonstrated more than a 2-fold down-regulation in the B-GSA group: HBS1-like, non-structural maintenance of chromosomes element 1 homolog, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 4, and zinc finger protein 658. The KEGG pathway analysis revealed associations with apoptosis, cancer pathways, p53 signaling, and the TNF signaling pathway. Conclusion: The changes in these 4 significant proteins may elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying benzene toxicity and suggest their potential as biomarkers for benzene poisoning in future assessments.

Potential Health Benefits of Fermented Vegetables with Additions of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG and Polyphenol Vitexin Based on Their Antioxidant Properties and Prohealth Profiles.

Fermented vegetables are increasingly being recognized as an important dietary component, particularly of plant-based diets, to achieve a sustainable healthy gut because of their microbial diversity and antioxidant properties. However, the functional relevance of fermented vegetables varies based on the raw ingredients used and nutrient supplementation. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the microbial diversity and antioxidant activity of three formulas of fermented vegetables (standard, supplemented with Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG, and supplemented with polyphenol vitexin) at days 0 and 15. The bacterial community profiles were determined through 16S rRNA sequencing analysis, and antioxidant activity was analyzed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and by measuring the oxygen radical absorbance capacity, the ferric reducing ability of plasma, and the total phenolic content. The results confirm microbial diversity in the taxonomic composition of the different formulas of fermented vegetables, with different bacteria predominating, particularly lactic acid bacteria including the genera Weissella, Pedicocccus, Leuconostoc, and Lactobacillus. Spearman's correlation analysis showed significant differences in the specific bacteria present in the different formulas of fermented vegetables that conferred antioxidant capacity. Our findings show that supplementation with L. rhamnosus GG and polyphenol vitexin may effectively enhance the functional relevance of foods by promoting cellular protection against oxidative stress.

Effects of Very Low-Calorie Diet versus Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery on Body Composition in Patients with Obesity.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is the most effective treatment for severe obesity. A very low-calorie diet (VLCD) is another effective dietary intervention to treat obesity. This study evaluated the effect of a VLCD versus RYGB on weight reduction, changes in body composition and the resolution of comorbidities during a 12-week period. Individuals with obesity at the obesity clinic, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 37.5 kg/m2 or ≥32.5 kg/m2 with obesity-related complications were recruited. Treatment options, either RYGB or VLCD, were assigned depending on patients' preferences and physicians' judgment. The analysis included 16 participants in the RYGB group and 15 participants in the VLCD group. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups; nevertheless, the participants in the VLCD group were significantly younger than those in the RYGB group. The number of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) was slightly higher in the RYGB group (43.8% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.552). Additionally, patients in the RYGB group had a longer duration of T2D and were treated with anti-diabetic agents, while VLCD patients received only lifestyle modifications. At 12 weeks, total and percentage weight loss in the RYGB and VLCD groups, respectively, were as follows: -17.6 ± 6.0 kg vs. -15.6 ± 5.1 kg (p = 0.335) and -16.2% ± 4.3% vs. -14.1% ± 3.6% (p = 0.147). Changes in biochemical data and the resolution of comorbidities were similar between the groups at 12 weeks. A 12-week VLCD resulted in similar weight loss and metabolic improvement compared with RYGB. Large-scale studies with long follow-up periods are needed to elucidate whether VLCD is a viable alternative treatment to bariatric surgery.

Effects of AGT and AGTR1 Genetic Polymorphisms and Changes in Blood Pressure Over a Five-Year Follow-Up.

Purpose: The renin-angiotensin system plays an important role in the central regulation of blood pressure (BP). Genetic variations of angiotensinogen (AGT) and angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AGTR1) may increase susceptibility to elevated BP and hypertension. This study investigated the effects of AGT rs699 and AGTR1 rs5186 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on BP at baseline and at a 5-year follow-up. Paticipants and Methods: The study population consisted of participants from the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand cohort study (n=354); data were collected at baseline (2013) and 5 years later (2018). Genotyping of the two SNPs was performed using TaqMan® assay and statistical analyses were performed with SNPStats software. Results: The frequencies of the two SNPs were within the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (p=0.22 for AGT rs699 and p=0.06 for AGTR1 rs5186). For each SNP, mutant genotypes were significantly associated with increased systolic BP and/or diastolic BP in the codominant and recessive models. Risk alleles of AGT rs699 and AGTR1 rs5186 were associated with increased odds of hypertension and hypertension with metabolic syndrome at follow-up. Conclusion: Overall, our results suggest that polymorphisms of genes in the renin-angiotensin system increase susceptibility to the development and progression of hypertension and the development of the metabolic syndrome.

Effect of Yogurt Ice Cream on the Viability and Antidiabetic Potential of the Probiotics Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis after In Vitro Digestion.

Probiotics can ameliorate type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) via several mechanisms such as by decreasing inflammatory cytokines and increasing pancreatic ß-cell functions. Another targeted mechanism for managing T2DM involves inhibiting α-amylase and α-glucosidase, which exhibit antioxidant activity and affect carbohydrate metabolism by delaying carbohydrate digestion, thus mitigating glucose in the circulation. Dairy products are effective matrices for delivering probiotics through the gastrointestinal tract. We compared the viability and antioxidant activity of the probiotics Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG, and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis in yogurt ice cream after in vitro digestion and compared α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition activities. Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG had the highest viability after in vitro digestion (oral, gastric, and intestinal). Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG exhibited the highest percentages of α-glucosidase (16.37% ± 0.32%) and α-amylase (41.37% ± 0.61%) inhibition. Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 and Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 showed the highest antioxidant activities via the α,α-diphenyl-ß-picrylhydrazyl free radical-scavenging method and ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay, respectively. These findings suggest that yogurt ice cream can provide a suitable matrix for the delivery of probiotics from dairy culture to promote intestinal homeostasis with probiotic benefits in the host as well as a potential functional food to help reduce postprandial hyperglycaemia.

Association between Dietary Zinc Intake, Serum Zinc Level and Multiple Comorbidities in Older Adults.

Zinc is one of the essential micronutrients in the geriatric population, but the importance of zinc status and dietary zinc intake has been poorly characterized. We aimed to explore the relationships among dietary zinc intake, serum zinc concentrations and multimorbidity in a cross-sectional study of 300 employees of Electric Generating Authority of Thailand aged ≥ 60 years. Comprehensive questionnaires were completed, and clinical and laboratory assessments were performed. Factors associated with low serum zinc concentrations were identified using multivariate multinomial logistic regression analyses. The mean serum zinc level was 80.5 (12.8) µg/dL. After adjustment for baseline characteristics, being female and having been in education for ≤12 years were independent risk factors for the lowest tertile (T1) of serum zinc. After additional adjustment for clinical and biochemical parameters, there was a significant association between depression (Thai Geriatric Depression Scale-15 score > 5) and low serum zinc levels (T1 vs. T3, odds ratio (OR): 2.24; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06−4.77). Furthermore, as serum albumin increased, serum zinc concentration substantially increased (T1 vs. T3, OR: 0.01; 95% CI: 0.002−0.070). Therefore, the early detection of risk factors and the further management of depression and low serum albumin may assist physicians in preventing low serum concentrations.

Assessment of Exposure to Aluminum through Consumption of Noodle Products.

This study aimed to determine aluminum (Al) contents in commonly consumed noodles and estimate the risk of Al exposure through the consumption of noodles in the Thai population. A total of 80 samples, 20 samples each of rice stick noodles, egg noodles, wide rice noodles, and Thai rice noodles was purchased from markets in Bangkok Metropolitan and other four provinces in each region of Thailand. Wet digestion and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) were used to determine Al contents. Exposure assessment of Al was conducted by applying the consumption amounts of noodles from the national consumption survey and the Al contents of the noodle samples. The hazard quotient (HQ) was calculated to estimate the risk of exposure to Al. Aluminum contents in the noodles ranged from not detected to 630 mg/kg. Exposure to Al from consumption of each noodle product in all age groups was lower than the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI). However, Al exposures in children calculated from the high consumer models and Al exposures in all age groups from the worst-case scenarios were higher than the PTWI, indicating potential adverse health effects. Consumers who regularly consume large amounts of noodle products containing Al may be at risk of having adverse health effects.

The Benefits of Anthocyanins against Obesity-Induced Inflammation.

Obesity has become a serious public health epidemic because of its associations with chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Obesity triggers inflammation marked by the secretion of low-grade inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, and tumor necrosis factor-α, leading to a condition known as "meta-inflammation". Currently, there is great interest in studying the treatment of obesity with food-derived bioactive compounds, which have low toxicity and no severe adverse events compared with pharmacotherapeutic agents. Here, we reviewed the beneficial effects of the bioactive compounds known as anthocyanins on obesity-induced inflammation. Foods rich in anthocyanins include tart cherries, red raspberries, black soybeans, blueberries, sweet cherries, strawberries and Queen Garnet plums. These anthocyanin-rich foods have been evaluated in cell culture, animal, and clinical studies, and found to be beneficial for health, reportedly reducing inflammatory markers. One factor in the development of obesity-related inflammation may be dysbiosis of the gut microbiome. Therefore, we focused this review on the in vitro and in vivo effects of anthocyanins on inflammation and the gut microbiota in obesity.

Association between ApoA1 Gene, Plasma Lipid Profile, hsCRP Level, and Risk of Arterial Stiffness in Thai Elderly.

Introduction: Apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) gene polymorphism is linked to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. Variations in this gene, along with dyslipidemia and inflammation, may increase the risk of vascular stiffness. This study aimed to investigate the link between ApoA1 rs670 genetic variations, various biochemical parameters, and the risk of arterial stiffness in older people. Methods: This population-based cross-sectional study included 355 participants (≥60 years) who completed a demographic and lifestyle information questionnaire. Clinical and anthropometric examination, biochemical analysis, and ApoA1 rs670 genotyping by real-time PCR were performed. The cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) was used to assess arterial stiffness. Results: Age, BMI, waist circumference, SBP, LDL-C, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were associated with high CAVI (≥9) among older people. The mean CAVI (8.19 ± 2.78) for the ApoA1 rs670 AA genotype was lower than that of the GG genotypes (8.94 ± 1.00, p < 0.05). These results are supported by HDL-C (OR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.24-0.93; p=0.030) and high hs-CRP (OR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.16-0.57; p=0.006) levels together with adjusted ORs of both variables. Conclusion: ApoA1 rs670 genetic variations involved in the synthesis, transport, and processing of HDLs, hypertension, and inflammation are linked to arterial stiffness. Further studies are required to clarify these mechanisms.

Genetic Polymorphisms of Pesticide-Metabolizing Enzymes and Transporters in Agricultural Workers and Thyroid Hormone Levels.

PURPOSE: Chronic exposure to pesticides has been associated with thyroid dysfunction owing to their endocrine disruption ability. Genetic variations in genes encoding phase I and II enzymes and phase III transporters are partly responsible for individual responses to chemical pesticides. This study investigated the association between variations in genes involved in pesticide metabolism and altered thyroid hormone concentrations. METHODS: We assessed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), and free thyroxine (FT4) in organic agriculture workers (n = 216) and workers who used chemical pesticides (n = 229). A questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic, pesticide exposure, and health status data. Blood samples were analyzed for TSH, FT3, and FT4. Genomic DNA was extracted and genotyped using the TaqMan real-time PCR genotyping assay and restriction fragment length polymorphism method for 15 metabolically related genes. RESULTS: Significant differences in the TSH (1.58 vs 1.12 µIU/mL) and FT3 (0.34 vs 0.31 ng/dL) concentrations between the chemical and organic worker groups were observed. The frequencies of all single nucleotide polymorphisms were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and were mostly consistent with Asian populations. The findings showed the association between SNPs of enzymes and transporters and TSH, FT3, and FT4. The odd ratio and adjusted odd ratio (with sex, age, smoking status, alcohol consumption and exposure parameters) for subclinical thyroid disease by the variant alleles CYP1A1 rs1048943, CYP2B6 rs2279343, CYP2C19 rs4244285, NAT2 rs1799931, and PON1 rs662 in the chemical workers compared with the organic workers were found (P values < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This is the first study to assess gene-environment interactions in Thai agricultural workers by investigating disruptions of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis. The investigated SNP profiles revealed several gene-thyroid hormone associations in which even low levels of pesticide exposure could disturb thyroid homeostasis. These findings provide a foundation for planning future studies investigating associations between complex diseases and occupational pesticide exposure.

The Involvement of Selenium in Type 2 Diabetes Development Related to Obesity and Low Grade Inflammation.

BACKGROUND: Effects of the micronutrient selenium have been proposed in obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) that involve impairments in glucose metabolic pathways and the insulin signaling cascade, mediated through oxidative stress and inflammation. However, the evidence collected to date through animal and epidemiologic studies has been inconclusive. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to evaluate the relationships of selenium status and inflammation with T2DM and obesity. METHODS: Participants in the re-survey of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT)2 study conducted in 2013 (N=655, age 45-60 years) were allocated to three groups based on their body mass index (World Health Organization Asia-Pacific Classification), and their serum selenium and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) concentrations and other clinical parameters were compared. RESULTS: Significant differences in serum selenium and hs-CRP among the groups were associated with differences in fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin, as well as differences in the prevalence of prediabetes or T2DM. The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) (95% confidence intervals) for prediabetes or diabetes were 1.991 (1.318-3.009) and 3.786 (2.087-6.896) for the lowest and highest tertiles of serum selenium concentration in the entire sample and obese participants, respectively. Furthermore, the rising extent of hs-CRP increased the significantly associated with prediabetes or diabetes (adjusted ORs; 2.268 for the entire sample, 4.043 for the overweight and 1.910 for the obesity). CONCLUSION: Selenium status may be linked to both obesity and T2DM through its effects on signaling pathways. Further nutrigenomic studies are required to clarify the relationship between selenium and metabolic diseases.

Role of MT1A Polymorphism and Environmental Mercury Exposure on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).

PURPOSE: Many age-related structural and functional changes in the brain have important consequences. Long-term exposure to mercury and the impact of functional polymorphisms of metal-regulating proteins such as metallothioneins (MTs) can result in neurological-neurobehavioral effects in elderly individuals. Therefore, the aims of this study are to examine the associations between biomarkers of mercury exposure and cognitive impairment and to investigate the effect of the rs8052394 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the potential modifier gene MT1A on different domains of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 436 participants aged ≥55 years from the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand study. They underwent a physical examination, an extensive cognitive assessment with the MoCA (cutoff <26 points), and a biochemical analysis related to diabetes and dyslipidemia. The blood mercury level was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Genotyping of the MT1A rs8052394 SNP was performed by the restriction fragmentation length polymorphism method. RESULTS: The mean age of the study population was 58.8±3.01 years, and most had ≥12 years of education (75.7%). The primary study finding was that the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in older Thai adults was 39.7%. The frequency distributions of the G allele of the rs8052394 SNP of the MT1A gene were significantly associated with the total and sub-domain MoCA scores. The prevalence of MCI was significantly associated with increased age, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperhomocysteinemia, the third tertile of blood mercury concentration, and the rs8052394 variant genotype of MT1A (P values for all odds ratios <0.05). CONCLUSION: These findings suggested that neurocognitive effects associate with mercury exposure and genetic susceptibility in toxicokinetics. Public health strategies can be used to implement as a comprehensive action plan to educate vulnerable populations on how to reduce mercury exposure. Concurrently, impact of such genetic predisposition requires replication for identifying and protecting susceptible individuals from mercury toxicity.

Serum Glycoproteomics and Identification of Potential Mechanisms Underlying Alzheimer's Disease.

OBJECTIVES: This study compares glycoproteomes in Thai Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients with those of cognitively normal individuals. METHODS: Study participants included outpatients with clinically diagnosed AD (N = 136) and healthy controls without cognitive impairment (N = 183). Blood samples were collected from all participants for biochemical analysis and for Apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotyping by real-time TaqMan PCR assays. Comparative serum glycoproteomic profiling by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was then performed to identify differentially abundant proteins with functional relevance. RESULTS: Statistical differences in age, educational level, and APOE ɛ3/ɛ4 and ɛ4/ɛ4 haplotype frequencies were found between the AD and control groups. The frequency of the APOE ɛ4 allele was significantly higher in the AD group than in the control group. In total, 871 glycoproteins were identified, including 266 and 259 unique proteins in control and AD groups, respectively. There were 49 and 297 upregulated and downregulated glycoproteins, respectively, in AD samples compared with the controls. Unique AD glycoproteins were associated with numerous pathways, including Alzheimer's disease-presenilin pathway (16.6%), inflammation pathway mediated by chemokine and cytokine signaling (9.2%), Wnt signaling pathway (8.2%), and apoptosis signaling pathway (6.7%). CONCLUSION: Functions and pathways associated with protein-protein interactions were identified in AD. Significant changes in these proteins can indicate the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of AD, and they have the potential to serve as AD biomarkers. Such findings could allow us to better understand AD pathology.

Occurrence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria on hydroponically grown butterhead lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. capitata).

Antibiotics used during production of food crops to control plant diseases may result in selection of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and occurrence of antibiotic residues. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of antibiotics used in butterhead lettuce production on persistence of commensal microbiota. Butterhead lettuce were treated with antibiotics (oxytetracycline, gentamicin, and streptomycin) at different concentrations (100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 ppm) starting at 5 weeks' growth by spraying once daily for 4 weeks and harvesting 7 days after the final spray application. The population of total aerobic bacteria and antibiotic-resistant bacteria were determined. The results showed antibiotic usage significantly decreased bacterial populations on lettuce. Moreover, increased concentration of antibiotics resulted in significantly greater decrease in bacterial populations. At a concentration of 500 ppm, all antibiotics achieved an approximate 2 log CFU/g decrease in bacterial populations. A stable population (4 log CFU/g) of potentially antibiotic-resistant commensal microbiota were maintained throughout production. Screening for level of susceptibility indicated that bacteria exhibited greater resistance to oxytetracycline than gentamicin. In conclusion, application of antibiotics failed to eliminate commensal microbiota, demonstrating large populations of antibiotic-resistant bacteria reside on lettuce grown under conditions used in the present study. This is the first study focused on antibiotic usage on hydroponic systems. Results of this study suggest regulations directed at antibiotic use on food crops must be developed and implemented to control the selection and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that present a global health concern.

Paraoxonase (PON1) polymorphism and activity as the determinants of sensitivity to organophosphates in human subjects.

Paraoxonase (PON1) plays an important role in mechanism of organophosphorus compound (OP) toxicity, as seen both in vitro and in vivo studies. Polymorphisms of PON1 gene at coding and promoter regions have also been to affect on the hydrolytic activity and PON1 level. The objectives of this study were to determine PON1 polymorphism and activity in an OP-exposed population and the effects on inhibition of cholinesterase activity. The studied population consisted of control (n=30) and exposed groups (n=90). All enzyme activities (AChE, BuChE, paraoxonase, arylesterase and diazonase) were measured once for control group and two periods of exposure for exposed group. Three polymorphisms of PON1 (Q192R, L55M and T-108C) were identified only in the exposed subjects. The results demonstrated that AChE activity in both high (345.5 microkat/gHb) and low exposure periods (496.9 microkat/gHb) of the exposed group were significantly different from control group (649.7 microkat/gHb, p<0.01). For BuChE activity, the exposed group also showed the statistically lower level in both periods (high exposure period: 62.17 microkat/L and low exposure period: 81.84 microkat/L) than those in the control group (93.35 microkat/L). Serum paraoxonase activity was significantly different among individual genotypes, RR>QR>RR, LL>LM and -108CC>-108CT>-108TT, but this was not found for those of arylesterase and diazonase activities. Q192R and L55M as well as Q192R and T-108C also presented substantial linkage disequilibrium. Further analysis was performed with haplotypes and various enzyme activities. AChE activity was not affected by haplotypes. Individuals with "211" haplotype showed significantly higher paraoxonase activity and BuChE activity than other haplotypes but not in diazonase activity. In conclusion, PON1 gene exhibited a wide variation in enzyme activities both within and between genotypes which implied insights of a potentially difference in sensitivity to OP toxicity.