Distribution of sleep components while working remotely.

OBJECTIVES: The circadian system is the main regulator of almost all human physiological processes. The aim of this study was to assess sleep in the working population, in relation to the share of remote working. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An online survey was conducted among students and staff representing 3 universities in Lódz, Poland (N = 1209). The participants were divided into 3 groups according to the percentage of time they worked remotely. Group I consisted of respondents performing tasks remotely for ≤45% of their working time; group II included respondents performing their duties remotely for >45-75% of their working time, and group III included those working >75% of their time remotely. RESULTS: performing their duties remotely for >45-75% of their working time, and group III included those working >75% of their time remotely. Results: In the study, the authors found the association between the length of time spent on a computer, the percentage of time working remotely, and the occurrence of physical symptoms and the prevalence of sleep disorders. The most significant difference between working days and days off in terms of the mid-point of sleep (1.5 h) was observed in group I, where there was the greatest variability in the form of work performance. The participants who worked most of their time remotely (group III) shifted their bedtime to midnight, both on working days and on days off. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights that increased remote computer use leads to a shift in sleeping patterns towards midnight. The participants with later midpoint of sleep hours were found to have a higher incidence of sleep disorders. The prevalence of sleep disorders was significantly impacted by prolonged mobile phone use before bedtime and long hours of computer use. Thus, limiting both the time spent in front of a computer and the use of mobile phones before bedtime is recommended. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2024;37(1):34-44.

Exposure to air pollution and ovarian reserve parameters.

Exposure to air pollution is associated with many different health effects, especially cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Additionally, highly significant links between exposure to air pollution and fertility, particularly male fertility was observed, however the studies regarding exposure to selected air pollutants and female fertility assessed by ovarian reserve are rare. Hence, the main aim of the study was to analyze relationship between exposure to ambient air pollution and ovarian reserve parameters among Polish women. The study population consisted of 511 women, who attended to infertility clinic because of diagnostic purposes. Participants filled in the questionnaire about social-demographic, lifestyle and health factors. Infertility specialists assessed ovarian parameters such as: antral follicle count (AFC) and concentration of hormones: Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol (E2). The air pollutants level (sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone, particulate matters) were obtained via National Environmental Protection Inspectorate database. Significant negative association between PM2,5 and AHM (p = 0.032) as well as AFC (p = 0.044) was observed. Moreover, SO2 concentrations decrease AFC (p = 0.038). The results also suggest that PM10, PM2.5, SO2 exposure on antral follicle count may be more pronounced among women with a female factor infertility diagnosis. Additionally, exposure to PM2.5 and NOx on AFC and AMH was stronger among older women (> 35 years of age). To conclude, the present study found that air pollution could lead to decrease in follicle antral count and Anti-Müllerian hormone level, especially exposure to PM2,5 and SO2 thus the evidence suggest negative impact to ovarian reserve.

Bisphenol A analogues and metabolic syndrome in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Bisphenols (BPs) have become a chemical group of special interest due to their ability to interfere with the endocrine system and their ubiquitous presence in the environment. As some of them possess mild estrogenic and anti-androgenic effects, they might be associated with the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Acting on multiple tissues, BPs exposure may lead to metabolic derangements characteristic for metabolic syndrome (MetS). Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the potential relationship between exposure to some BPA analogues and features of the MetS in women with PCOS. Serum BPE, BPC, BPG, BPM, BPP, BPZ, BPFL, and BPBP concentrations did not differ significantly between the PCOS (n = 135) and the control subjects (n = 104). However, women whose serum BPM and BPP concentrations were in the highest tertile were more likely to be diagnosed with PCOS (adjusted OR; [95%CI] 0.43; [0.20; 0.89], P < 0.001 and 0.56; [0.27; 0.96], P = 0.049, consequently). Serum concentrations of BPs were not associated with the MetS diagnosis in the PCOS group. There was a negative correlation between the concentrations of serum BPBP and total serum cholesterol (r = - 0.153; P = 0.019), BPE and serum testosterone (r = - 0.160; P = 0.014) as well as BPC and HDL-cholesterol (r = - 0.138; P = 0.036). There was a positive correlation between the concentrations of BPP and serum triglycerides (r = 0.138; P = 0.036). Our results point to the potential association between exposure to BPM, BPP, and the diagnosis of PCOS, along with the impact of BPBP, BPE, BPC, and BPP on the metabolic features of the MetS.

[Occupational carcinogens and mutagens in Poland - occurrence and workers' exposure in the years 2018-2021 based on the data from Central register of carcinogenic or mutagenic agents]. / Zawodowe kancerogeny i mutageny w Polsce ­ wystepowanie i narazenie pracowników w latach 2018­2021 na podstawie danych z Centralnego rejestru czynników o dzialaniu rakotwórczym lub mutagennym.

BACKGROUND: Central register of data on exposure to carcinogenic or mutagenic chemical substances, their mixtures, agents or technological processes (CRCR) conducted by Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine (NIOM) enables monitoring of such agents occurrence in working environment in Poland. The NIOM conducts CRCR based on the provisions of the Regulation of the Minister of Health of 24 July 2012 on chemical substances, their mixtures, agents or technological processes with carcinogenic or mutagenic effects in the work environment. The work summarizes the information reported to CRCR in 2018-2021. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The data were extracted from CRCR, to which it was transferred by sanitary inspections. The data were extracted from CRCR. Data in this register is gathered based on employers' notifications to sanitary inspection. The study includes the number of reported agents (chemical substances and technological processes), the number of enterprises and the number of persons exposed to particular groups of agents (chemical substances, technological processes, ionizing radiation). RESULTS: The number of substances notified to the CRCR increases, from 382 reported substances in 2018 to 444 in 2021. Significant increase in the number of enterprises reporting technological processes (from 981 in 2018 to 5422 in 2021) and the number of exposed persons results from the law amendments extending the list of carcinogenic or mutagenic processes. CONCLUSIONS: The CRCR is a unique database on the occurrence and exposure to occupational carcinogens and mutagens, in which data from over 20 years has been collected. The increase in the number of reports to the register was mainly influenced by legislative changes regarding carcinogenic or mutagenic agents. Due to amount and complexity of data, they can be used for analysis in projects and programs aimed at raising awareness and reducing risk of occupational exposure to carcinogens and also during legislative works in Poland and in the EU. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2023;74(5):399-407.

[Assessment of the suitability of selected non-measuring models for dermal exposure estimation for the purposes of assessing compliance of working conditions with restrictions 71 and 76 in Annex XVII of the REACH regulation]. / Ocena przydatnosci wybranych modeli bezpomiarowych do szacowania narazenia dermalnego dla potrzeb oceny zgodnosci warunków pracy z ograniczeniami 71 i 76 zalacznika XVII do rozporzadzenia REACH.

BACKGROUND: Occupational exposure to chemicals occurs mainly through inhalation and the skin. The inhalation exposure assessment is regulated by law, while in Poland the method of conducting measurements for dermal exposure has not been indicated in the law. However, due to the restrictions 71 and 76 from Annex XVII of REACH for 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), exposure assessment by the dermal route is necessary. These restrictions require to ensure that exposure of workers is below the derived no-effect levels (DNELs) for dermal exposure. The aim of the work was assessment of suitability of selected non-measurement forecasting models for the estimation of dermal occupational exposure to chemicals for the purposes of assessing compliance of working conditions with the restrictions 71 and 76 of the REACH regulation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three tools estimating dermal exposure, recommended by European Chemical Agency (ECHA), were selected: ECETOC TRA, RISKOFDERM and IH SkinPerm, which were used to estimate 2 exemplary workplaces. RESULTS: Results of the estimations of dermal exposure showed that non-measuring models are useful for fulfilling the obligations under restrictions 71 and 76 of Annex XVII of REACH. The type of exposure scenario and amount of data available for the workplace are crucial for the selection of the model. The ECETOC TRA was considered the best model for this type of analysis, whose main advantages are direct comparison of the output data in mg/kg/day with the DNEL value and use of standardized descriptors system. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure modeling is a good and cheap way to determine the dermal exposure magnitude at workplaces, also to comply with the requirements of restrictions 71 and 76 of Annex XVII of REACH. The application of modeling in the case of occupational exposure by the dermal route is one of the solutions when it is necessary to comply with the DNEL for dermal exposure. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2023;74(6):487-500.

Assessment of lead exposure in indoor shooters in central Poland.

A steady increase in shooting practices is observed worldwide. Potential lead exposure at shooting ranges poses a risk to their employees and users, which is not widely reported outside of the USA, especially in Poland. Exposure to lead results from the use of bullets containing lead and the main route of exposure to this metal at shooting ranges is inhalation, i.e., during shooting or cleaning. The aim of this study was to assess lead exposure of employees and users in selected indoor shooting ranges in central Poland. Airborne lead concentrations at all locations in the shooting ranges were above Polish occupational exposure limit (OEL, 0.05 mg m-3). Elevated blood and urine lead levels, and decreased 4-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity (ALA-D) were found in subjects participating in shooting even for only a few (< 10) hours per week. Lead exposure at shooting ranges in central Poland, as indicated by elevated blood lead levels and decreased ALA-D activity, could represent an elevated risk for adverse health effects. Thus, information on the possible health consequences of lead exposure should be provided at these sites, and biomonitoring appears to be reasonable for regular workers and shooters.

Urinary concentration of selected nonpersistent endocrine disrupting chemicals-reproductive outcomes among women from a fertility clinic.

Parabens and benzophenones are compounds widely used in cosmetics and personal care products. Although human exposure is widespread there is a limited number of epidemiological studies assessing the relationship between exposure to these chemicals and female reproductive health. The aim of the study is to explore the relationship between paraben and benzophenone concentrations and reproductive outcomes among women attending a fertility center. This prospective cohort included 450 women undergoing in vitro treatment (IVF) at fertility clinic in Poland. The validated gas chromatography ion-tap mass spectrometry to assess concentrations of parabens in urine (methyl (MP), ethyl (EP), propyl (PP), butyl paraben (BP)) and benzophenone-3 (BP-3) was used. To explore the relationship between concentrations of examined chemicals and reproductive outcomes (methaphase II (MII) oocyte yield, total oocyte yield, implantation rate, fertilization rate, clinical pregnancy, live births), multivariable generalized linear mixed model was used for the analysis. Increased exposure to butyl paraben was associated with a significant decrease in MII oocyte count (p = 0.007) when exposure to BP was treated as the continuous variable. Additionally, the exposure to BP in the highest quartile of exposure also decreases MII oocyte count (p = 0.02) compared to the lowest quartile. Urinary concentrations of BP were not related to total oocyte count, fertilization and implantation rate, clinical pregnancy, and live birth when the exposure variable was continuous variable or in the quartiles of exposure. Exposure to MP, EP, PP, the sum of examined parabens, and benzophenone-3 were not related to any of the examined reproductive outcomes. Exposure to butyl paraben was associated with a decrease in MII oocyte count among women attending fertility clinic rinsing concerns that exposure may have a potential adverse impact on embryological outcomes. The results emphasize the importance to reduce chemicals in the environment in order to minimize exposure. As this is the first study showing such an association, further research is needed to confirm these novel results in other populations.

An exposure to endocrine active persistent pollutants and endometriosis - a review of current epidemiological studies.

Widespread exposure to persistent pollutants can disrupt the bodies' natural endocrine functions and contribute to reproductive diseases like endometriosis. In this review, we focus at the relationship between endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), including metals and trace elements, organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), poly-brominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated dibenzodioxin (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure and risk of endometriosis. Relevant studies from the last 10 years by November 2022 were identified by searching Pubmed, Web of Science, and Scopus. The cohort and case-control studies that reported effect size with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of EDC exposure and endometriosis were selected. Twenty three articles examining the relationship between endometriosis and exposure to persistent EDCs were considered. Most of the studies indicated association with exposure to persistent chemicals and development of endometriosis. The consistent results were found in case of lead, PCB-28, PCB-138, PCB-153, PCB-180, PCB-201, 1,2,3,7,8 - PeCDD, 2,3,4,7,8 - PeCDF and all described OCPs, showing the increased risk of endometriosis. These results support that exposure to certain EDCs, including OCPs, PCBs, PBBs, PBDEs, PFAS, and lead increase the risk of endometriosis.

REPRO_PL-Polish Mother and Child Cohort-Exposure, Health Status, and Neurobehavioral Assessments in Adolescents-Design and Cohort Update.

Early life is a crucial window of opportunity to improve health across the life course. The prospective cohort study design is the most adequate to evaluate the longitudinal effects of exposure, the notification of changes in the exposure level and evaluation of the simultaneous impact of various exposures, as well as the assessment of several health effects and trajectories throughout childhood and adolescence. This paper provides an overview of the Polish Mother and Child cohort (REPRO_PL), with particular emphasis on Phase IV of this study. REPRO_PL is conducted in central Europe, where such longitudinal studies are less frequently implemented. In this population-based prospective cohort, which was established in 2007, three phases covering pregnancy (I), early childhood (II), and early school age (III) periods have already been completed. Phase IV gives a uniform opportunity to follow-up children during adolescence in order to evaluate if the consequences of prenatal and early postnatal exposures still persist at the age of 14. Moreover, we will be able to investigate the associations between simultaneous exposures to a broad spectrum of environmental factors, adolescents' health and neurobehavioral outcomes, and their trajectories within life, which is a novel framework of high scientific, public health and clinical priority.

Synthetic Pyrethroids Exposure and Embryological Outcomes: A Cohort Study in Women from Fertility Clinic.

Pyrethroids exposure has been associated with adverse reproductive outcome. However, there is no study that explores the effect of environmental exposure and embryological outcomes. This question was addressed in a prospective cohort of couples undergoing fertility treatment. The study aims to assess the association between urinary metabolites of synthetic pyrethroids and embryological outcomes (MII oocyte count, top quality embryo, fertilization and implantation rate). We included 450 women aged 25−45 undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycle at Infertility Clinic in Poland. Urine samples were collected at the time of fertility procedure(s) to assess four urinary synthetic pyrethroids concentrations (3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3PBA), cis-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid (cis-DCCA), trans-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid (trans-DCCA), cis-2,2-dibromovinyl-2,2-dimethylocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (DBCA)) using validated gas chromatography ion-tap mass spectrometry and calculated for each cycle-specific metabolite. To evaluate the effect of environmental exposure to synthetic pyrethroids and embryological outcomes (methaphase II (MII) oocyte yield, top quality embryo, fertilization rate, implantation rate), multivariable generalized linear mixed analyses with random intercepts were prepared. Urinary 3-PBA concentrations decrease MII oocyte count (p = 0.007) in the fourth quartile (>75 percentile) compared to women in the first quartile (≤25 percentile). Additionally, when 3-PBA was treated as continuous variable, the negative association between exposure to pyrethroids and MII oocyte count was also observed (p = 0.012). Exposure to other pyrethroid metabolities (CDCCA, TDCCA, DBCA) was not related to any of the examined embryological outcomes. Exposure to synthetic pyrethroids may be associated with poorer embryological outcome among couples seeking fertility treatments. As this is the first study on this topic, the results need to be confirmed in further studies.

Environmental Exposure to Non-Persistent Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals and Endometriosis: A Systematic Review.

Endometriosis is a disease characterized by the presence of the uterine endometrium outside of its normal location. As the etiology of endometriosis is not well known and hormonal imbalance is central to disease pathogenesis, the potential contribution of exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) has been hypothesized in endometriosis. A systematic search of the literature was carried out to identify relevant studies using: PubMed, Scopus, Elsevier, Springer; EBSCO, and Web of Science. A total of 22 studies were considered. Most of the studies reviewed in this paper showed an association between exposure to BPA and phthalates and endometriosis. In the case of phthalate exposure, the reviewed studies found an association between the concentration of at least one phthalate metabolite and endometriosis. Only one study was performed to assess the exposure to parabens and a significant relationship with endometriosis was found. Additionally, only one study assessed the relationship of non-persistent pesticide exposure with endometriosis, observing a significant association between endometriosis and the urinary concentration of diazinon, chlorpyrifos, and chlorpyrifos-methyl. Studies struggled to provide a conclusion on the effect of exposure to benzophenones on endometriosis. Despite the numerous limitations of the results, the reviewed studies suggest that exposure to non-persistent endocrine disruptors, especially bisphenol A and phthalates may affect endometriosis. The results of the studies on exposure to parabens, benzophenones, and non-persistent insecticides are inconclusive.

Urinary Bisphenol A Concentrations and Parameters of Ovarian Reserve among Women from a Fertility Clinic.

BACKGROUND: Human exposure to environmentally widespread endocrine disruptors, especially bisphenol A (BPA), has been suggested to affect reproductive health. Animal studies indicate that BPA may play a role in the process of reproduction and impact on maturing oocytes, meiotic cell division or fertilization rate. Nevertheless, data regarding the effects of exposure to BPA on women's ovarian function are still limited. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to assess the effects of environmental exposure to BPA on ovarian reserve. METHODS: The study participants consisted of 511 women in reproductive age (25-39 years) who attended an infertility clinic for diagnosis, due to the couples' infertility. BPA urinary concentrations were assessed by the validated gas chromatography ion-trap mass spectrometry method. The ovarian reserve was assessed using ovarian reserve parameters: Hormones concentrations: E2 (estradiol), FSH (follicle stimulating hormone), AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone), and AFC (antral follicle count). RESULTS: In the present study, the negative association between BPA urinary concentrations and AMH (p = 0.02) and AFC (p = 0.03) levels was found. Exposure to BPA was not related to other examined parameters of ovarian reserve (FSH, E2). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that BPA exposure may affect women ovarian reserve parameters and reduce ovarian reserve. As this is one of the first studies of its kind, the findings need confirmation in a further investigation.

Exposure to Heated Tobacco Products and Adverse Health Effects, a Systematic Review.

Heated tobacco products (HTP) are a form of nicotine delivery intended to be an alternative to traditional cigarettes. HTP tobacco products are sold to consumers as a less harmful alternative to traditional cigarettes, both for users and bystanders. The actual impact of HTP on the health of users and its overall impact on public health is still not fully known. A systematic search of the literature was carried out to identify relevant studies published in English from 2015 to February 2021. The following databases were used: PubMed, Scopus, Elsevier and ClinicalKey. 25 studies (independent and sponsored by the tobacco industry) were considered. The analysis of exposure biomarkers and cardiovascular and respiratory biomarkers showed differences between smokers and people using heated tobacco products. Improvements in clinically relevant risk markers, especially cholesterol, sICAM-1, 8-epi-PGF2α, 11-DTX-B2, HDL and FEV1, were observed compared to persistent cigarette smokers. On the other hand, exposure to IQOS has been reported to alter mitochondrial function, which may further exaggerate airway inflammation, airway remodeling and lung cancer. These products have the potential to increase oxidative stress and increase respiratory tract infections by increasing microbial adherence to the respiratory tract. Our review suggests that HTP products may be products with a reduced risk of chronic diseases, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and cancer compared to traditional smoking, although in the case of non-smokers so far, they may pose a risk of their occurrence. Research seems to be necessary to assess the frequency of HTP use and its potential negative health effects.

Concentrations of urinary biomarkers and predictors of exposure to pyrethroid insecticides in young, Polish, urban-dwelling men.

Pyrethroid insecticides are a class of pesticides with multiple agricultural and residential applications. However, widespread use of these chemicals may pose a threat to human health. Biomarkers of pyrethroid exposure are frequently detected in populations around the world, but some groups may be underrepresented. Moreover, there is an ongoing debate on factors contributing to pyrethroid burden in humans. To address these problems, we measured urinary biomarkers of pyrethroid exposure in urine samples from 306 young men living in urban area of Lódz, Poland, and gathered questionnaire data to identify predictors of exposure. Limit of detection (LOD) of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method was 0.1 ng/mL for all quantified pyrethroid metabolites, namely cis-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid (cis-DCCA), trans-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid (trans-DCCA), cis-3-(2,2-dibromovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid (cis-DBCA), and 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA). Detection rate ranged from 32% (cis-DBCA) to 76% (trans-DCCA). Concentrations of urinary biomarkers in studied sample were in lower range of these observed in similar studies, with unadjusted geometric means (GMs) of most prevalent biomarkers, trans-DCCA and 3-PBA, equal to 0.268 and 0.228 ng/mL, respectively. As for questionnaire data, the statistical analysis revealed that non-dietary factors, especially dog ownership and pesticide use on household pets, contribute significantly to urinary trans-DCCA and 3-PBA concentrations (p ≤ 0.009). Moreover, a few dietary sources of exposure were identified, such as seeds and nuts consumption for 3-PBA (p < 0.001) and vegetable juice intake for trans-DCCA (p = 0.015). Multivariate analyses further highlighted the importance of non-dietary factors in pyrethroid exposure. Compared to other works, our results confirm widespread exposure to pyrethroids observed in other studies and stress the role of residential pyrethroid use in pyrethroid burden in humans.

Triclosan exposure and in vitro fertilization treatment outcomes in women undergoing in vitro fertilization.

Triclosan (TCS) is a widespread environmental endocrine-disrupting chemical. Animal and in vitro studies suggested that triclosan may affect homesostasis of sex and thyroid hormones and impact on reproduction. Due to limited data derived from human epidemiological studies, this study was performed to examine the association between urinary concentration of triclosan and in vitro reproductive outcomes (methaphase II (MII) oocyte yield, top quality embryo, fertilization rate, implantation rate, and clinical pregnancy) among women from infertility clinic. The study participants were enrolled in an Infertility Center in Poland. A total of 450 women aged 25-45 (n = 674 IVF cycles) provided urine samples. The urinary concentrations of triclosan were evaluated using validated gas chromatography ion-tap mass spectrometry method. Clinical outcomes of IVF treatment were abstracted from patients electronic chart records. Triclosan was detected in urine of 82% of women with geometric mean 2.56 ± 6.13 ng/mL. Urinary concentrations of triclosan were associated with decrease implantation rate (p = 0.03). There were no association between other examined IVF outcomes: MII oocytes, embryo quality, fertilization rate, and exposure to triclosan. As this is one of the first study on this topic, studies among larger and more diverse population are needed to confirm the results.

Serum bisphenol A analogues in women diagnosed with the polycystic ovary syndrome - is there an association?

Due to the endocrine disrupting effects of bisphenol A (BPA) several governmental authorities have banned its use and the manufacturers had to find alternative substances with similar chemical properties. This led to the increase in the use of so-called BPA analogues, which however also turn out to possess mild estrogenic and ani-androgenic properties and thus, may cause fertility problems and sex-hormone dependent endocrinopathies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential association between the exposure to BPA and its two analogues: BPS and BPF, with the diagnosis of the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which remains the most common female endocrinopathy. Serum concentrations of BPA, BPS and BPF were measured using high performance liquid chromatography method with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) among 199 women with PCOS and 158 control subjects. In women with PCOS serum BPS concentrations were significantly higher compared to the control subjects (geometric mean [95% CI]: 0.14 ng/mL [0.10; 1.17] vs. 0.08 ng/mL [0.06; 0.09], P = 0.023). Serum BPA and BPF concentrations did not differ between the studied groups. There was however a negative correlation between serum BPA and HOMA-IR (r = - 0.233, P = 0.001) and TST (r = - 0.203, P = 0.006) in women with PCOS. No correlations were found between the serum BPs and other metabolic parameters such as serum lipids, insulin, DHEA-S, androstenedione and FAI. When studying the association between serum BPA analogues and PCOS it turned out that women whose serum BPS concentrations were in the first tertile were more likely to be diagnosed with this endocrinopathy (OR [95% CI]: 1.21 [1.04; 3.46], P = 0.017). This association was also statistically significant when adjusted for age, education, BMI, smoking, income, and alcohol consumption (adjusted OR [95% CI]: 1.12 [1.03; 3.71], P = 0.029). These results point to the potential association between the exposure to BPS and the diagnosis of PCOS. The role of BPA is not clear and warrants further studies.

Evaluation of 1-year urinary excretion of eight metabolites of synthetic pyrethroids, chlorpyrifos, and neonicotinoids.

Synthetic pyrethroids, chlorpyrifos, and neonicotinoids are representatives of non-persistent insecticides ubiquitously used against insects all over the world. Their widespread use causes prevalent exposure to these compounds, which may be hazardous to human health. The insecticides have short biological half-lives and are mostly excreted in urine within 24 h after entering the human body; thus, the urinary concentration of their metabolites is highly dependent on the time elapsed between exposure and sample collection. Considering the within-day fluctuations in urinary concentration, one randomly collected sample may cause misclassification of long-term exposure. We evaluated the variability of excretion of eight insecticide metabolites in 24-h urine samples collected from 14 volunteers once or twice per month over 12 consecutive months. High detection frequency above 70% for non-specific metabolites of pyrethroid, chlorpyrifos, and neonicotinoids confirmed widespread exposure to these insecticides in the studied population. A long-term variability of exposure was assessed based on intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). We found relatively low variability of excretion for non-specific pyrethroid metabolites and 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (ICC > 0.75), but poor repeatability for 6-chloronicotinic acid. Constantly higher ICCs were observed for daily excretion than for unadjusted concentrations. Seasonal differences were observed for 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol and 6-chloronicotinic acid, with the highest and the lowest median concentration, respectively, in the summer. Due to high ICC values and lack of seasonal variations, one 24-h urine sample was considered sufficient to characterize long-term excretion of non-specific pyrethroid metabolites in non-occupationally exposed population. In addition, we calculated the daily intake (DI) for cypermethrin, permethrin, deltamethrin, and chlorpyrifos. The estimated DI values were mostly below the acceptable daily intake, which indicates that the evaluated exposure is non-hazardous to the population.

Exposure to pyrethroid pesticides and ovarian reserve.

INTRODUCTION: Synthetic pyretroids are among the most common pesticides currently used worldwide. Animal studies suggest that exposure to pyrethroids could dysregulated the function of the ovary, mainly follicular development and/or synthesis of the reproductive hormone. Nevertheless data regarding the effect of exposure on female ovarian function is limited. So the aim of the present study is to assess the effect of exposure to synthetic pyrethroids on ovarian reserve. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population consists of 511 females aged 25-39 years attending infertility clinics for diagnostic purposes, because of couples' infertility. Validated gas chromatography ion-tap mass spectrometry method was used to assess the urinary concentrations of pyrethroid metabolites (CDDCA (cis-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid), TDDCA (trans-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid), 3PBA (3-phenoxybenzoic acid) and DBCA (cis-2,2-dibromovinyl-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid)). Ovarian reserve was assessed using parameters of ovarian reserve (antral follicle count and concentrations of hormones: AMH (anti-Mullerian hormone), FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and E2 (estradiol)). RESULTS: In the present analysis the association was found between urinary concentrations of 3-PBA and levels of AMH (p = 0.03), FSH (p = 0.04) and antral follicle count (p = 0.02). Urinary level of CDCCA, TDCCA and DBCA was not associated with any examined parameters of ovarian reserve. CONCLUSIONS: Synthetic pyrethroids may affect female ovarian reserve. As this is the first, preliminary study the results need confirmation in a further detailed investigations.

Urinary bisphenol A concentrations and in vitro fertilization outcomes among women from a fertility clinic.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widespread environmental endocrine disrupting chemical. Although many animals and in vitro studies reported that BPA may affect female fertility through the effect on maturing oocytes and meiotic cell division, but the data from human studies are limited and inconclusive. The study was conducted to examine the association between urinary BPA concentration and in vitro reproductive outcomes (metaphase II (MII) oocyte yield, top quality embryo, fertilization rate, implantation rate and clinical pregnancy) among women from an infertility clinic. The study participants were enrolled in the Infertility Center in Poland. 450 women aged 24-44 (n = 674 IVF cycles) provided urine samples. The urinary concentrations of BPA were evaluated using validated gas chromatography ion-tap mass spectrometry method. Clinical outcomes of IVF treatment were abstracted from patients electronic chart records. To assess the relationship between urinary BPA concentrations early examined reproductive outcomes generalized linear mixed models were used. The detection rate of BPA in urine samples was 98% and the geometric mean 1.59 ± 2.15 ng/ml. A significant decrease was observed between urinary concentration of BPA and implantation (p = 0.04) and decreased MII oocyte count (p = 0.03). There was no association between other examined IVF outcomes: embryo quality, fertilization rate and clinical pregnancy and BPA exposure. Exposure to BPA may have a negative effect during the early stages of human development. The studies among the larger and more diverse population are needed to confirm the results.