Cu-BTC Derived Mesoporous CuS Nanomaterial as Nanozyme for Colorimetric Detection of Glutathione.

In this paper, Cu-BTC derived mesoporous CuS nanomaterial (m-CuS) was synthesized via a two-step process involving carbonization and sulfidation of Cu-BTC for colorimetric glutathione detection. The Cu-BTC was constructed by 1,3,5-benzenetri-carboxylic acid (H3BTC) and Cu2+ ions. The obtained m-CuS showed a large specific surface area (55.751 m2/g), pore volume (0.153 cm3/g), and pore diameter (15.380 nm). In addition, the synthesized m-CuS exhibited high peroxidase-like activity and could catalyze oxidation of the colorless substrate 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine to a blue product. Peroxidase-like activity mechanism studies using terephthalic acid as a fluorescent probe proved that m-CuS assists H2O2 decomposition to reactive oxygen species, which are responsible for TMB oxidation. However, the catalytic activity of m-CuS for the oxidation of TMB by H2O2 could be potently inhibited in the presence of glutathione. Based on this phenomenon, the colorimetric detection of glutathione was demonstrated with good selectivity and high sensitivity. The linear range was 1-20 µM and 20-300 µM with a detection limit of 0.1 µM. The m-CuS showing good stability and robust peroxidase catalytic activity was applied for the detection of glutathione in human urine samples.

Association of phthalate metabolites with periodontitis: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Widespread exposure to phthalates may raise the probability of various diseases. However, the association of phthalate metabolites with periodontitis remains unclear. METHODS: Totally 3402 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009 to 2014 cycles were enrolled in the cross-sectional investigation. We utilized weighted logistic regression to evaluate the association of ten phthalate metabolites with periodontitis. Restricted cubic spline analysis was applied to investigate potential nonlinear relationships. RESULTS: The weighted prevalence of periodontitis in the study was 42.37%. A one standard deviation (SD) rise in log-transformed levels of mono-2-ethyl-5-carboxypenty phthalate (MECPP), mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP), mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP), mono-isobutyl phthalate (MiBP), mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP), and mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP) was associated with higher odds of periodontitis, with odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of 1.08 (1.02-1.14), 1.07 (1.02-1.11), 1.10 (1.05-1.15), 1.05 (1.01-1.09), 1.09 (1.04-1.14), and 1.08 (1.03-1.13), respectively. Individuals with the highest quartile concentrations of MECPP, MnBP, MEHHP, MEOHP, and MBzP were associated with 32%, 20%, 30%, 25%, and 26% increased odds of periodontitis, respectively, compared to those with the lowest quartile. Additionally, mono-(3-carboxypropyl) phthalate (MCPP) demonstrated an interesting inverted J-shaped relationship with periodontitis. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate an association of certain phthalate metabolites with periodontitis among US adults.

Association of Di(2-ethylhexyl) Terephthalate and Its Metabolites with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: An Epidemiology and Toxicology Study.

As an alternative plasticizer to conventional phthalates, di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (DEHTP) has attracted considerable concerns, given its widespread detection in the environment and humans. However, the potential toxicity, especially liver toxicity, posed by DEHTP remains unclear. In this study, based on the 2017-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, two metabolites of DEHTP, i.e., mono(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) terephthalate (MEHHTP) and mono(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) terephthalate (MECPTP), were found to be present in the urine samples of nearly all representative U.S. adults. Moreover, a positive linear correlation was observed between the concentrations of the two metabolites and the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the population. Results of weighted quantile sum and Bayesian kernel machine regression indicated that MEHHTP contributed a greater weight to the risk of NAFLD in comparison with 12 conventional phthalate metabolites. In vitro experiments with hepatocyte HepG2 revealed that MEHHTP exposure could increase lipogenic gene programs, thereby promoting a dose-dependent hepatic lipid accumulation. Activation of liver X receptor α may be an important regulator of MEHHTP-induced hepatic lipid disorders. These findings provide new insights into the liver lipid metabolism toxicity potential of DEHTP exposure in the population.

Vitamin D Deficiency Exacerbates Poor Sleep Outcomes with Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals Exposure: A Large American Population Study.

Phthalates and bisphenol A are recognized as the predominant endocrine-disrupting substances (EDCs) in the environment, but their impact on sleep health remains unclear. Vitamin D has often been reported to play a role in sleep health and may be affected by endocrine-disrupting compounds. The study utilized data from 5476 individuals in the NHANES project to investigate the correlation between combined exposure to environmental EDCs and sleep duration through modeling various exposures. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of vitamin D in the present scenario. Preliminary analyses suggested that vitamin D-deficient individuals generally slept shorter than individuals with normal vitamin D (p < 0.05). Exposure to Mono-ethyl phthalate (MEP), triclosan (TRS), and Mono-benzyl phthalate (MZP), either alone or in combination, was associated with reduced sleep duration and a greater risk of vitamin D deficiency. Individuals with low vitamin D levels exposed to TRS experienced shorter sleep duration than those with normal vitamin D levels (p < 0.05). TRS and MZP were identified as crucial factors in patient outcomes when evaluating mixed exposures (p < 0.05). The results provide new data supporting a link between exposure to EDCs and insufficient sleep length. Additionally, they imply that a vitamin D shortage may worsen the sleep problems induced by EDCs.

Biodegradation of DEP, DIBP, and BBP by a psychrotolerant Sphingobium yanoikuyae strain P4: Degradation potentiality and mechanism study.

Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) are human made chemicals widely used as plasticizers to enhance the flexibility of plastic products. Due to the lack of chemical bonding between phthalates and plastics, these materials can easily enter the environment. Deleterious effects caused by this chemo-pollutant have drawn the attention of the scientific community to remediate them from different ecosystem. In this context, many bacterial strains have been reported across different habitats and Sphingobium yanoikuyae strain P4 is among the few psychrotolerant bacterial species reported to biodegrade simple and complex phthalates. In the present study, biodegradation of three structurally different PAEs viz., diethyl phthalate (DEP), di-isobutyl phthalate (DIBP), and butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) have been investigated by the strain P4. Quantitative analyses through High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) revealed that the bacterium completely degraded 1 g/L of DEP, DIBP, and BBP supplemented individually in minimal media pH 7.0 within 72, 54, and 120 h of incubation, respectively, at 28 °C and under shake culture condition (180 rpm). In addition, the strain could grow in minimal media supplemented individually with up to 3 g/L of DEP and 10.0 g/L of DIBP and BBP at 28 °C and pH 7.0. The strain also could grow in metabolites resulting from biodegradation of DEP, DIBP, and BBP, viz. n-butanol, isobutanol, butyric acid, ethanol, benzyl alcohol, benzoic acid, phthalic acid, and protocatechuic acid. Furthermore, phthalic acid and protocatechuic acid were also detected as degradation pathway metabolites of DEP and DIBP by HPLC, which gave an initial idea about the biodegradation pathway(s) of these phthalates.

Urinary concentrations of phthalate metabolites in relation to preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in the environmental influences on child health outcomes (ECHO) program.

BACKGROUND: Phthalate exposure may contribute to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), including preeclampsia/eclampsia (PE/E), but epidemiologic studies are lacking. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate associations of pregnancy phthalate exposure with development of PE/E and HDP. METHODS: Using data from 3,430 participants in eight Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program cohorts (enrolled from 1999 to 2019), we quantified concentrations of 13 phthalate metabolites (8 measured in all cohorts, 13 in a subset of four cohorts) in urine samples collected at least once during pregnancy. We operationalized outcomes as PE/E and composite HDP (PE/E and/or gestational hypertension). After correcting phthalate metabolite concentrations for urinary dilution, we evaluated covariate-adjusted associations of individual phthalates with odds of PE/E or composite HDP via generalized estimating equations, and the phthalate mixture via quantile-based g-computation. We also explored effect measure modification by fetal sex using stratified models. Effect estimates are reported as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). RESULTS: In adjusted analyses, a doubling of mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP) and of mono (3-carboxypropyl) phthalate (MCPP) concentrations was associated with higher odds of PE/E as well as composite HDP, with somewhat larger associations for PE/E. For example, a doubling of MCPP was associated with 1.12 times the odds of PE/E (95%CI 1.00, 1.24) and 1.02 times the odds of composite HDP (95%CI 1.00, 1.05). A quartile increase in the phthalate mixture was associated with 1.27 times the odds of PE/E (95%CI 0.94, 1.70). A doubling of mono-carboxy isononyl phthalate (MCiNP) and of mono-carboxy isooctyl phthalate (MCiOP) concentrations were associated with 1.08 (95%CI 1.00, 1.17) and 1.11 (95%CI 1.03, 1.19) times the odds of PE/E. Effect estimates for PE/E were generally larger among pregnancies carrying female fetuses. DISCUSSION: In this study, multiple phthalates were associated with higher odds of PE/E and HDP. Estimates were precise and some were low in magnitude. Interventions to reduce phthalate exposures during pregnancy may help mitigate risk of these conditions.

Insights into pollution characteristics and human health risks of plasticizer phthalate esters in shellfish species.

The ubiquitous application of phthalate esters (PAEs) as plasticizers contributes to high levels of marine pollution, yet the contamination patterns of PAEs in various shellfish species remain unknown. The objective of this research is to provide the first information on the pollution characteristics of 16 PAEs in different shellfish species from the Pearl River Delta (PRD), South China, and associated health risks. Among the 16 analyzed PAEs, 13 were identified in the shellfish, with total PAE concentrations ranging from 23.07 to 3794.08 ng/g dw (mean = 514.35 ng/g dw). The PAE pollution levels in the five shellfish species were as follows: Ostreidae (mean = 1064.12 ng/g dw) > Mytilus edulis (mean = 509.88 ng/g dw) > Babylonia areolate (mean = 458.14 ng/g dw) > Mactra chinensis (mean = 378.90 ng/g dw) > Haliotis diversicolor (mean = 335.28 ng/g dw). Dimethyl phthalate (DMP, mean = 69.85 ng/g dw), diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP, mean = 41.39 ng/g dw), dibutyl phthalate (DBP, mean = 130.91 ng/g dw), and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP, mean = 226.23 ng/g dw) were the most abundant congeners. Notably, DEHP constituted the most predominant fraction (43.98 %) of the 13 PAEs detected in all shellfish from the PRD. Principal component analysis indicated that industrial and domestic emissions served as main sources for the PAE pollution in shellfish from the PRD. It was estimated that the daily intake of PAEs via shellfish consumption among adults and children ranged from 0.004 to 1.27 µg/kgbw/day, without obvious non-cancer risks (< 0.034), but the cancer risks raised some alarm (2.0 × 10-9-1.4 × 10-5). These findings highlight the necessity of focusing on marine environmental pollutants and emphasize the importance of ongoing monitoring of PAE contamination in seafood.

Fetal bisphenol and phthalate exposure and early childhood growth in a New York City birth cohort.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as bisphenols and phthalates during pregnancy may disrupt fetal developmental programming and influence early-life growth. We hypothesized that prenatal bisphenol and phthalate exposure was associated with alterations in adiposity through 4 years. This associations might change over time. METHODS: Among 1091 mother-child pairs in a New York City birth cohort study, we measured maternal urinary concentrations of bisphenols and phthalates at three time points in pregnancy and child weight, height, and triceps and subscapular skinfold thickness at ages 1, 2, 3, and 4 years. We used linear mixed models to assess associations of prenatal individual and grouped bisphenols and phthalates with overall and time-point-specific adiposity outcomes from birth to 4 years. RESULTS: We observed associations of higher maternal urinary second trimester total bisphenol and bisphenol A concentrations in pregnancy and overall child weight between birth and 4 years only (Beta 0.10 (95 % confidence interval 0.04, 0.16) and 0.07 (0.02, 0.12) standard deviation score (SDS) change in weight per natural log increase in exposure), We reported an interaction of the exposures with time, and analysis showed associations of higher pregnancy-averaged mono-(2-carboxymethyl) phthalate with higher child weight at 3 years (0.14 (0.06, 0.22)), and of higher high-molecular-weight phthalate, di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate, mono-(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate, mono-(2-carboxymethyl) phthalate, and mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate with higher child weight at 4 years (0.16 (0.04, 0.28), 0.15 (0.03, 0.27), 0.19 (0.07, 0.31), 0.16 (0.07, 0.24), 0.11 (0.03, 0.19)). Higher pregnancy-averaged high-molecular-weight phthalate, di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate, mono-(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate, mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate, and mono-2(ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate concentrations were associated with higher child BMI at 4 years (0.20 (0.05, 0.35), 0.20 (0.05, 0.35), 0.22 (0.06, 0.37), 0.20 (0.05, 0.34), 0.20 (0.05, 0.34)). For skinfold thicknesses, we observed no associations. DISCUSSION: This study contributes to the evidence suggesting associations of prenatal exposure to bisphenols and high-molecular-weight phthalates on childhood weight and BMI.

Dual-ligand Eu-MOF/CuS@Au Heterostructure Array-based ECL Sensor for MiRNA-128 Detection in Glioblastoma Tissues.

In this work, the dual-ligand lanthanide metal-organic framework (MOF)-based electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensor was constructed for the detection of miRNA-128 in glioblastoma (GBM) diagnosis. The luminescent Eu-MOF (EuBBN) was synthesized with terephthalic acid (BDC) and 2-amino terephthalic acid (BDC-NH2) as dual-ligand. Due to the antenna effect, EuBBN with conjugated-π structure exhibited strong luminescent signal and high quantum efficiency, which can be employed as ECL nanoprobe. Furthermore, the novel plasmonic CuS@Au heterostructure array has been prepared. The localized surface plasmon resonance coupling effect of the CuS@Au heterostructure array can amplify the ECL signal of EuBBN significantly. The EuBBN/CuS@Au heterostructure array-based sensing system has been prepared for the detection of miRNA-128 with a wide linear range from 1 fM to 1 nM and a detection limit of 0.24 fM. Finally, miRNA-128 in the clinic GBM tissue sample has been analysis for the distinguish of tumor grade successfully. The results demonstrated that the dual-ligand MOF/CuS@Au heterostructure array-based ECL sensor can provide important support for the development of GBM diagnosis.

Ecotoxicity assessment of additives in commercial biodegradable plastic products: Implications for sustainability and environmental risk.

Biodegradable plastics have gained popularity as environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional petroleum-based plastics, which face recycling and degradation challenges. Although the biodegradability of these plastics has been established, research on their ecotoxicity remains limited. Biodegradable plastics may still contain conventional additives, including toxic and non-degradable substances, to maintain their functionality during production and processing. Despite degrading the polymer matrix, these additives can persist in the environment and potentially harm ecosystems and humans. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the potential ecotoxicity of biodegradable plastics by analyzing the phthalate esters (PAEs) leaching out from biodegradable plastics through soil leachate. Sixteen commercial biodegradable plastic products were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to determine the types and amounts of PAE used in the products and evaluate their ecotoxicity. Among the various PAEs analyzed, non-regulated dioctyl isophthalate (DOIP) was the most frequently detected (ranging from 40 to 212 µg g-1). Although the DOIP is considered one of PAE alternatives, the detected amount of it revealed evident ecotoxicity, especially in the aquatic environment. Other additives, including antioxidants, lubricants, surfactants, slip agents, and adhesives, were also qualitatively detected in commercial products. This is the first study to quantify the amounts of PAEs leached from biodegradable plastics through water mimicking PAE leaching out from biodegradable plastics to soil leachate when landfilled and evaluate their potential ecotoxicity. Despite their potential toxicity, commercial biodegradable plastics are currently marketed and promoted as environmentally friendly materials, which could lead to indiscriminate public consumption. Therefore, in addition to improving biodegradable plastics, developing eco-friendly additives is significant. Future studies should investigate the leaching kinetics in soil leachate over time and toxicity of biodegradable plastics after landfill disposal.

Supramolecular 3 in 1: A Lubrication and Co-Delivery System for Synergistic Advanced Osteoarthritis Therapy.

The complexity, heterogeneity, and drug resistance of diseases necessitate a shift in therapeutic paradigms from monotherapy to combination therapy, which could augment treatment efficiency. Effective treatment of advanced osteoarthritis (OA) requires addressing three key factors contributing to its deterioration: chronic joint inflammation, lubrication dysfunction, and cartilage-tissue degradation. Herein, we present a supramolecular nanomedicine of multifunctionality via molecular recognition and self-assembly. The employed macrocyclic carrier, zwitterion-modified cavitand (CV-2), not only accurately loads various drugs but also functions as a therapeutic agent with lubricating properties for the treatment of OA. Kartogenin (KGN), a drug for articular cartilage regeneration and protection, and flurbiprofen (FP), an anti-inflammatory agent, were coloaded onto CV-2 assembly, forming a supramolecular nanomedicine KGN&FP@CV-2. The three-in-one combination therapy of KGN&FP@CV-2 addresses the three pathological features for treating OA collectively, and thus provides long-term therapeutic benefits for OA through sustained drug release and intrinsic lubrication in vivo. The multifunctional integration of macrocyclic delivery and therapeutics provides a simple, flexible, and universal platform for the synergistic treatment of diseases involving multiple drugs.

Fetal and Infancy Exposure to Phenols, Parabens, and Phthalates and Anthropometric Measurements up to 36 Months, in the Longitudinal SEPAGES Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Endocrine-disrupting chemicals may play a role in adiposity development during childhood. Until now literature in this scope suffers from methodologic limitations in exposure assessment using one or few urine samples and missing assessment during the infancy period. OBJECTIVES: We investigated the associations between early-life exposure to quickly metabolized chemicals and post-natal growth, relying on repeated within-subject urine collections over pregnancy and infancy. METHODS: We studied the associations of four phenols, four parabens, seven phthalates, and one nonphthalate plasticizer from weekly pooled urine samples collected from the mother during second and third trimesters (median 18 and 34 gestational weeks, respectively) and infant at 2 and 12 months of age, and child growth until 36 months. We relied on repeated measures of height, weight and head circumference from study visits and the child health booklet to predict growth outcomes at 3 and 36 months using the Jenss-Bayley nonlinear mixed model. We assessed associations with individual chemicals using adjusted linear regression and mixtures of chemicals using a Bayesian kernel machine regression model. RESULTS: The unipollutant analysis revealed few associations. Bisphenol S (BPS) at second trimester was positively associated with all infant growth parameters at 3 and 36 months, with similar patterns between exposure at third trimester and all infant growth parameters at 3 months. Mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP) at 12 months was positively associated with body mass index (BMI), weight, and head circumference at 36 months. Mixture analysis revealed positive associations between exposure at 12 months and BMI and weight at 36 months, with MnBP showing the highest effect size within the mixture. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that exposure in early infancy may be associated with increased weight and BMI in early childhood, which are risk factors of obesity in later life. Furthermore, this study highlighted the impact of BPS, a compound replacing bisphenol A, which has never been studied in this context. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP13644.

Extracellular Vesicles in Environmental Toxicological Studies: Association between Urinary Concentrations of Phthalate Metabolites and Exosomal miRNA Expression Profiles.

Phthalates are chemical compounds, mainly used as additives in plastics, which are known to induce harmful impacts to the environment and human health due to their ability to act as hormone-mimics. Few studies have been reported on the relationship between human exposure to phthalates and the level of circulating microRNAs (miRs), especially those miRs encapsulated in extracellular vesicles/exosomes or exosome-like vesicles (ELVs). We examined the relationship of ELV-miR expression patterns and urine of adult men with five phthalate metabolites (i.e., mono isobutyl phthalate, mono-n-butyl phthalate, mono benzyl phthalate, mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate, mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate) to identify potential biomarkers and relevant pathways. We found significant positive associations which were further confirmed by multivariable analysis. Overall, our analyses showed that the Σ phthalate metabolite concentration was associated with a significant increase in the expression level of two miRs found in ELV: miR-202 and miR-543. Different pathways including cancer and immune-related responses were predicted to be involved in this relationship. Analyzing the specific downstream target genes of miR-202 and miR-543, we identified the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) as the key gene in several converging pathways. In summary, the obtained results demonstrate that exposure to environmental phthalates could be related to altered expression profiles of specific ELV-miRs in adult men, thereby demonstrating the potential of miRs carried by exosomes to act as early effect biomarkers.

Phthalate Exposure and Neurotoxicity in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Objectives: This systematic review aims to assess the relationship between prenatal and childhood exposure to phthalates and neurodevelopmental outcomes, identifying periods of heightened susceptibility. Data sources considered studies examining repeated phthalate exposure during pregnancy and childhood on neurodevelopment. Methods: Evaluation included bias risk and study quality criteria. Evidence was synthesized by groups of low and high phthalate molecular weight and exposure measured prenatally and postnatally and outcome measured in childhood. Beta coefficients and their standard errors were extracted, leading to meta-analyses of various neurodevelopmental outcomes: cognition, motor skills, language, behavior, and temperament. Results: Eleven pregnancy and birth cohort studies were identified as relevant. For each phthalate group and outcome combination, there was low or very low evidence of an association, except for prenatal and postnatal phthalate exposure and behavioral development and postnatal exposure and cognition. Conclusion: The estimated effects sizes were relatively small and strong evidence for periods of heightened susceptibility could not be elucidated. No distinction between phthalates of low molecular weight and those of high molecular weight with regards to the outcomes was found.

Magnetostrictive-piezocatalytic CoFe2O4@UiO-66 nanohybrid and its potential for deep-seated tumor treatment.

Magnetostrictive CoFe2O4 (CFO) nanoparticles were encapsulated within a UiO-66 metal-organic-framework layer to form a CFO@UiO-66 nanohybrid. The deforming of CFO, in response to a high-frequency AC magnetic field, initiates the piezocatalytic property of UiO-66 to generate ˙OH radicals, which can kill cancer cells buried in thick tissues, showcasing bright potential for deep-seated tumor treatment.

Estimating Intervention Impact: Racial Disparities in Phthalate Exposure and Preterm Birth.

Pooling data from 16 studies, researchers estimated that, among Black and Hispanic/Latina participants, reducing disparities in phthalate exposure during pregnancy might also reduce preterm birth rates.

Relationship between phthalates exposures and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease in United States adults.

As a new definition for the evidence of hepatic steatosis and metabolic dysfunctions, the relationship between phthalates (PAEs) and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) remains virtually unexplored. This study included 3,137 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey spanning 2007-2018. The diagnosis of MAFLD depended on the US Fatty Liver Index (US FLI) and evidence of metabolic dysregulation. Eleven metabolites of PAEs were included in the study. Poisson regression, restricted cubic spline (RCS), and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression were used to assess the associations between phthalate metabolites and MAFLD. After adjusting for potential confounders, Poisson regression analysis showed that mono-2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl phthalate (MECPP), mono-n-butyl phthalate, mono-(3-carboxypropyl) phthalate, mono-ethyl phthalate (MEP), mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP) and mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate were generally significant positively associated with MAFLD (P<0.05). Furthermore, the WQS index constructed for the eleven phthalates was significantly related to MAFLD (OR:1.43; 95%CI: 1.20, 1.70), MEHHP (33.30%), MEP (20.84%), MECPP (15.43%), and mono-isobutyl phthalate (11.78%) contributing the most. This study suggests that exposure to phthalates, individually or in combination, may be associated with an increased risk of MAFLD.

Phthalate and DINCH exposure and ovarian reserve markers among women seeking infertility care.

Phthalate exposure can adversely impact ovarian reserve, yet investigation on the influence of its alternative substance, the non-phthalate plasticizer diisononyl-cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate (DINCH), on ovarian reserve is very sparce. We aimed to investigate the associations of phthalate and DINCH exposure as well as their combined mixture with ovarian reserve. This present study included 657 women seeking infertility care in Jiangsu, China (2015-2018). Urine samples during enrollment prior to infertility treatment were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography-isotope dilution tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) to quantify 17 phthalate metabolites and 3 DINCH metabolites. Multivariate linear regression models, Poisson regression models and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression were performed to access the associations of 17 urinary phthalate metabolites and 3 DINCH metabolites with ovarian reserve markers, including antral follicle count (AFC), anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). We found that the most conventional phthalates metabolites (DMP, DnBP, DiBP, DBP and DEHP) were inversely associated with AFC, and the DINCH metabolites were positively associated with serum FSH levels. The WQS index of phthalate and DINCH mixtures was inversely associated with AFC (% change = -8.56, 95 % CI: -12.63, -4.31) and positively associated with FSH levels (% change =7.71, 95 % CI: 0.21, 15.78). Our findings suggest that exposure to environmental levels of phthalate and DINCH mixtures is inversely associated with ovarian reserve.

Gender associations between phthalate exposure and biomarkers of oxidative stress: A prospective cohort study.

Previous epidemiologic research has shown that phthalate exposure in pregnant women is related to adverse birth outcomes in a sex-specific manner. However, the biological mechanism of phthalate exposure that causes these birth outcomes remains poorly defined. In this research, we investigated the association between phthalate exposure and placental oxidative stress in a large population-based cohort study, aiming to initially explore the relationship between phthalate exposure and gene expression in placental oxidative stress in a sex-specific manner. Quantitative PCR was performed to measure the expression of placental inflammatory mRNAs (HO-1, HIF1α, and GRP78) in 2469 placentae. The multiple linear regression models were used to investigate the associations between mRNA and urinary phthalate monoesters. Phthalate metabolites monomethyl phthalate (MMP) and mono-n-butyl phthalate (MBP) were positively correlated with higher HIF1α expression in placentae of male fetuses (p < .05). Mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP) increased the expression of HO-1, HIF1α, and GRP78 in placentae of male fetuses, and mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP) up-regulated the expression of HIF1α and GRP78. Additionally, mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP) was negatively correlated with HO-1, HIF1α, and GRP78 in placentae of female fetuses. Maternal phthalate exposure was associated with oxidative stress variations in placental tissues. The associations were closer in the placentas of male fetuses than in that of female ones. The placenta oxidative stress is worth further investigation as a potential mediator of maternal exposure-induced disease risk in children.

The release, degradation, and distribution of PVC microplastic-originated phthalate and non-phthalate plasticizers in sediments.

This study investigated the leaching of phthalate and non-phthalate plasticizers from polyvinyl chloride microplastics (MPs) into sediment and their degradation over a 30-d period via abiotic and biotic processes. The results showed that 3579% of plasticizers were released into the sediment from the MPs and > 99.9% degradation was achieved. Although a significantly higher degradation was found in plasticizer-added microcosms under biotic processes (overall, 94%), there was a noticeable abiotic loss (72%), suggesting that abiotic processes also play a role in plasticizer degradation. Interestingly, when compared with the initial sediment-water partitioning for plasticizers, the partition constants for low-molecular-weight compounds decreased in both microcosms, whereas those for high-molecular-weight compounds increased after abiotic degradation. Furthermore, changes in the bacterial community, abundance of plasticizer-degrading bacterial populations, and functional gene profiles were assessed. In all the microcosms, a decrease in bacterial community diversity and a notable shift in bacterial composition were observed. The enriched potential plasticizer-degrading bacteria were Arthrobacter, Bacillus, Desulfovibrio, Desulfuromonas, Devosia, Gordonia, Mycobacterium, and Sphingomonas, among which Bacillus was recognized as the key plasticizer degrader. Overall, these findings shed light on the factors affecting plasticizer degradation, the microbial communities potentially involved in biodegradation, and the fate of plasticizers in the environment.