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 association between the essential metal mixture and fasting plasma glucose in Chinese community-dwelling elderly people.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies about the effect of essential metal mixture on fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels among elderly people are sparse. The object of this study was to examine the associations of single essential metals and essential metal mixture with FPG levels in Chinese community-dwelling elderly people. METHODS: The study recruited 2348 community-dwelling elderly people in total. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry was adopted to detect the levels of vanadium (V), selenium (Se), magnesium (Mg), cobalt (Co), calcium (Ca), and molybdenum (Mo) in urine. The relationships between single essential metals and essential metal mixture and FPG levels were evaluated by linear regression and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models, respectively. RESULTS: In multiple-metal linear regression models, urine V and Mg were negatively related to the FPG levels (ß = - 0.016, 95 % CI: - 0.030 to - 0.003 for V; ß = - 0.021, 95 % CI: - 0.033 to - 0.009 for Mg), and urine Se was positively related to the FPG levels (ß = 0.024, 95 % CI: 0.014-0.034). In BKMR model, the significant relationships of Se and Mg with the FPG levels were also found. The essential metal mixture was negatively associated with FPG levels in a dose-response pattern, and Mg had the maximum posterior inclusion probability (PIP) value (PIP = 1.0000), followed by Se (PIP = 0.9968). Besides, Co showed a significant association with decreased FPG levels in older adults without hyperlipemia and in women. CONCLUSIONS: Both Mg and Se were associated with FPG levels, individually and as a mixture. The essential metal mixture displayed a linear dose-response relationship with reduced FPG levels, with Mg having the largest contribution to FPG levels, followed by Se. Further prospective investigations are necessary to validate these exploratory findings.

The effect of phthalates exposure during pregnancy on asthma in infants aged 0 to 36 months: a birth cohort study.

This cohort study sought to investigate the effects of phthalates exposure during pregnancy on offspring asthma and its association with placental stress and inflammatory factor mRNA expression levels. A total of 3474 pregnant women from the China Ma'anshan birth cohort participated in this study. Seven phthalate metabolites were detected in urine samples during pregnancy by solid phase extraction-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Placenta stress and inflammation mRNA expression were assessed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Early pregnancy may be the critical period when phthalates exposure increases the risk of asthma in infants and young children, and there is a certain gender difference in the risk of asthma in infants and young children. Moreover, through the placenta stress and inflammatory factor associated with infant asthma found anti-inflammatory factor of interleukin-10 (IL-10) mRNA expression will reduce the risk of 36-month-old male infant asthma. The expression of interleukin-4(IL-4) and macrophage (M2) biomarker cluster of differentiation 206(CD206) mRNA reduced the risk of asthma in 18-month-old female infants. Placental stress and inflammatory response were analyzed using mediating effects. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) showed a complete mediating effect between mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP) exposure in early pregnancy and asthma in 12-month-old males, and IL-10 also showed a complete mediating effect between mono-n-butyl phthalate (MBP) exposure in early and late pregnancy and asthma in 36-month-old males. In summary, exposure to phthalates during pregnancy may contribute to the development of asthma in infants, which may be associated with placental stress and inflammation.

Association of dietary inflammatory potential with risk of overall and cause-specific mortality.

Inflammation is a central mechanism in metabolic disorders associated with morbidity and mortality and dietary factors can modulate inflammation. We aimed to prospectively investigate the association between an empirically developed, food-based dietary inflammatory pattern (EDIP) score and the risk of overall and cause-specific mortality, using data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 to 2014. EDIP score was derived by entering thirty-nine predefined commonly consumed food groups into the reduced rank regression models followed by stepwise linear regression, which was most predictive of two plasma inflammation biomarkers including C-reactive protein and leucocyte count among 25 500 US adults. This score was further validated in a testing set of 9466 adults. Deaths from baseline until 31 December 2015 were identified through record linkage to the National Death Index. During a median follow-up of 7·8 years among 40 074 participants, we documented 4904 deaths. Compared with participants in the lowest quintile of EDIP score, those in the highest quintile had a higher risk of overall death (hazard ratio (HR) = 1·19, 95 % CI 1·08, 1·32, Ptrend = 0·002), and deaths from cancer (HR = 1·41, 95 % CI 1·14, 1·74, Ptrend = 0·017) and CVD (HR = 1·22, 95 % CI 0·98, 1·53, Ptrend = 0·211). When stratified by age, the association of EDIP with overall mortality was stronger among individuals under 65 years of age (Pinteraction = 0·001). Diets with a higher inflammatory potential were associated with increased risk of overall and cancer-specific mortality. Interventions to reduce the adverse effect of pro-inflammatory diets may potentially promote health and longevity.

Aluminum and magnesium status during pregnancy and placenta oxidative stress and inflammatory mRNA expression: China Ma'anshan birth cohort study.

The aim of this study was to explore the impact of prenatal Al and Mg on placental oxidative stress and inflammatory mRNA expression. A total of 2519 pregnant women from the China Ma'anshan birth cohort participated in this study. Al and Mg levels were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Placental stress and inflammatory mRNA expression were assessed by RT-PCR. The median Al levels in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy and in cord blood were higher than the corresponding median Mg levels. Predictors of lower Al and Mg levels included Han ethnicity and high education according to a mixed linear model. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that Al and Al/Mg levels had a positive association with inflammatory mRNA expression and placental oxidative stress in the second trimester of pregnancy. A negative association existed between Al and Al/Mg levels and inflammatory mRNA expression and placenta oxidative stress in the cord blood, with the exception of IL-1ß expression. In conclusion, prenatal Al and Mg status was associated with placental oxidative stress and inflammatory mRNA expression. More preclinical studies are needed to confirm the relevant mechanism.

Analysis of Related Factors for the Retention Time of Tracheobronchial Foreign Bodies in Pediatrics.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate the related factors for the retention time of tracheobronchial foreign bodies in infants and children, to provide help for the assessment of the disease, surgical risk, and prognosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical data of 1060 patients with tracheobronchial foreign bodies from January 2015 to December 2015 were retrospectively studied, and the correlation of the retention time of foreign bodies with age, gender, preoperative complications, granulation formation, operation time, and hospital stay was analyzed. RESULTS: The retention time of foreign bodies was not correlated with age (r = 0.041, P = 0.194) and gender (r = 0.039, P = 0.214) but was correlated with preoperative complications (r = 0.072, P = 0.023), granulation formation (r = 0.134, P < 0.001), operation time (r = 0.112, P < 0.001), and hospital stay (r = 0.189, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The retention time of foreign bodies was closely correlated with granulation formation, preoperative complications, operation time, and hospital stay.

Weight changes since age 20 and cardiovascular risk factors in a middle-aged Chinese population.

Background: Little is known about the association between weight changes and adverse health outcomes among Chinese adults. Methods: A total of 1715 Chinese adults, 45-60 years of age, have been recruited to participate in the Hefei Nutrition and Health Study started in 2012. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association of weight changes since age 20 (loss ≥5.0 kg; maintain [±4.9 kg]; gain 5.0-9.9 kg; gain ≥10.0 kg) with cardiovascular risk factors. Results: Men who gained 10.0 kg or more had increased risks of hypertension (odds ratios (OR) = 3.07; 95% CI: 1.98-4.76), impaired fasting glucose (OR = 1.74; 95% CI: 1.02-2.97), reduced high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels (OR = 2.77; 95% CI: 1.42-5.40) and elevated triglyceride levels (OR = 5.72; 95% CI: 2.94-11.12). Women who gained 10.0 kg or more had increased risks of hypertension, elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and elevated triglycerides levels of 2.01(95% CI: 1.18-3.42), 3.40 (95% CI: 1.18-9.82) and 5.60 (95% CI: 1.59-19.61), respectively. Conclusion: Weight gain during adulthood was associated with increased risks of high triglycerides, hypertension, impaired fasting glucose and risk of reduced HDL cholesterol in men. Furthermore, weight gain was a predictor of high-risk triglycerides, hypertension and elevated LDL cholesterol in women.

[High Throughput Screening Analysis of Preservatives and Sweeteners in Carbonated Beverages Based on Improved Standard Addition Method].

Simulated water samples of 3 kinds of preservatives and 4 kinds of sweeteners were formulated by using orthogonal design. Kernel independent component analysis (KICA) was used to process the UV spectra of the simulated water samples and the beverages added different amounts of the additive standards, then the independent components (ICs), i. e. the UV spectral profiles of the additives, and the ICs' coefficient matrices were used to establish UV-KICA-SVR prediction model of the simulated preservatives and sweeteners solutions using support vector regression (SVR) analysis. The standards added beverages samples were obtained by adding different amounts level of additives in carbonated beverages, their UV spectra were processed by KICA, then IC information represented to the additives and other sample matrix were obtained, and the sample background can be deducted by removing the corresponding IC, other ICs' coefficient matrices were used to estimate the amounts of the additives in the standard added beverage samples based on the UV-KICA-SVR model, while the intercept of linear regression equation of predicted amounts and the added amounts in the standard added samples is the additive content in the raw beverage sample. By utilization of chemometric "blind source separation" method for extracting IC information of the tested additives in the beverage and other sample matrix, and using SVR regression modeling to improve the traditional standard addition method, a new method was proposed for the screening of the preservatives and sweeteners in carbonated beverages. The proposed UV-KICA-SVR method can be used to determine 3 kinds of preservatives and 4 kinds of sweetener in the carbonate beverages with the limit of detection (LOD) are located with the range 0.2-1.0 mg · L⁻¹, which are comparable to that of the traditional high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method.

Dietary patterns are associated with body mass index and bone mineral density in Chinese freshmen.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to examine associations between dietary patterns and body mass index (BMI) and bone mineral density (BMD) in Chinese freshmen. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was done in 1319 college freshmen (aged 18.1 ± 1.2 years old). Diet was assessed by using a validated self-administrated food-frequency questionnaire. Blood pressure, weight, height, waist circumference, and hip circumference were measured and bone measurements were done using Quantitative Ultrasound System. RESULTS: Four dietary patterns were identified by factor analysis: Western food, animal protein, calcium food, and Chinese traditional patterns. The prevalence of overweight/obesity and osteopenia/osteoporosis were 8.2% (108/1319) and 28.1% (371/1319). The highest tertile of Western food pattern scores had greater odds of overweight/obesity (highest vs. lowest tertile, odds ratio [OR] = 2.00, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24-3.22), and the highest tertile of Chinese traditional pattern scores had lower risk of overweight/obesity (highest vs. lowest tertile, OR = 0.65, 95% CI, 0.53-0.80) in an adjusted model. The calcium food pattern and Chinese traditional pattern were negatively associated with the risk of osteopenia/osteoporosis (highest vs. lowest tertile, OR = 0.59, 95% CI, 0.41-0.87; OR = 0.78, 95% CI, 0.55-0.89) after adjusting for confounders. CONCLUSION: These findings suggested that there was a positive correlation between Chinese traditional dietary pattern and healthy BMI and BMD and that this same association existed between calcium food pattern and BMD in Chinese freshmen. In contrast, the Western-style diet was negatively correlated with healthy BMI in Chinese freshmen.

Gender difference in the association of hyperuricemia with hypertension in a middle-aged Chinese population.

In this study, we report the relationship between hyperuricemia and hypertension in a middle-aged Chinese population, emphasizing the difference of gender. The cross-sectional study was conducted among 1776 adults aged 45-60 years, who participated in the Hefei Nutrition and Health Study (2012). Hyperuricemia was defined as serum uric acid (SUA)> 420 µmol/l for men, and > 360 µmol/l for women. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥ 90 mmHg. Anthropometric measurements and biochemical data were collected using standardized procedures. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship between hyperuricemia and hypertension with adjustment of potential confounding factors. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), SBP, DBP, fasting glucose, SUA and the prevalence of hyperuricemia and hypertension were significantly higher in male than in female (p < 0.001). Females had significantly higher levels of triglycerides (TG) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol (5.23 ± 0.87 vs 5.12 ± 1.01, p < 0.05, 1.50 ± 0.37 vs 1.28 ± 0.41, respectively.) than males. Simple correlation analysis showed that SUA was positively associated with WC and TG. In addition, after adjusting for potential confounders, hyperuricemia was associated with increased risk of hypertension in both males and females, with odds ratios (95% CI) of 1.680 (1.110-2.543) and 1.065 (1.012-1.118), respectively. Conclusions: The association of hyperuricemia with hypertension was stronger in males than in females, and middle-aged men with hyperuricemia had greater association with hypertension. Our findings remain to be confirmed in future prospective studies.

Birth weight and subsequent risk of asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies suggest that birth weight is related to later risk of asthma. However, few meta-analyses have investigated these associations. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis with different classifications to further validate the relationship between birth weight and asthma. METHODS: PubMed (1990-2013), ScienceDirect (1990-2013), EMBASE(1990-2013),EBSCO (1990-2013) and Springer (1990-2013) were searched for articles. The following MeSH terms were used: "birth weight", "fetal growth retardation", "intrauterine growth restriction", "asthma", "wheezing". RESULTS: We included 18 studies with data from a total of over 90,000 children and adults. (1) Low birth weight (<2,500g) as compared with BW>2,500g and BW=2500-4000g was associated with increased risk of asthma (Children: OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.09-1.50, P<0.05; OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.13-1.60, P<0.05, Adults: OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.12-1.39, P<0.05; OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.12-1.40, P<0.05). (2) High birth weight (>4,000g) was not associated with the risk of asthma when BW<4,000g and BW=2500-4000g were used as the reference. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that low birth weight (<2,500g) is associated with increased risk of asthma both in children and adults and may serve as a mediator between prenatal influences and later disease risk; but high birth weight (>4,000g) was not associated with increased risk of asthma.

Dietary patterns and stomach cancer: a meta-analysis.

Investigation of the relationship between dietary patterns and some chronic diseases becomes appealing in nutrition epidemiology. Many studies reported potential associations between different dietary patterns and the risk of stomach cancer, however, a consistent perspective hasn't been established to date. Herein, we carried this meta-analysis to identify the associations between different dietary patterns and the risk of stomach cancer. A total of 23 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this meta-analysis. A decreased risk of stomach cancer was shown for the highest compared with the lowest category of a "healthy" dietary pattern [odds ratio (OR) = 0.69; confidence interval (CI): 0.53, 0.89; P = 0.005). There were evidence of the increased risk of stomach cancer in the highest compared with the lowest categories of Western-style pattern (OR = 1.59; CI: 1.25, 2.04; P = 0.0002) and alcohol-drinking pattern (OR = 1.37; CI: 1.11, 1.70; P = 0.004). The results of this meta-analysis indicate that healthy dietary pattern may decrease the risk of stomach cancer, whereas Western-style and alcohol-drinking dietary patterns may increase the risk of stomach cancer.

The associations of non-essential metal mixture with fasting plasma glucose among Chinese older adults without diabetes.

The evidence about the effect of non-essential metal mixture on fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels among older adults without diabetes is limited. This study aims to estimate the individual and joint relationship between five non-essential metals and FPG levels in Chinese older adults without diabetes. This study included 2362 older adults without diabetes. Urinary concentrations of five non-essential metals, i.e., cesium (Cs), aluminum (Al), thallium (Tl), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As), were detected by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The associations of single metals and the metal mixture with FPG levels were assessed using linear regression and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models, respectively. Adjusted single-metal linear regression models showed positive associations of urinary Al (ß = 0.016, 95%CI: 0.001-0.030) and Cs (ß = 0.018, 95%CI: 0.006-0.031) with FPG levels. When comparing the 2th, 3th, and 4th quartiles of urine Cs to its 1th quartile, the significant associations between Cs and FPG levels were found and presented as an "inverted U" trend (ßQ2 vs. Q1: 0.034; ßQ3 vs. Q1:0.054; ßQ4 vs. Q1: 0.040; all P<0.05). BKMR analyses showed urinary level of Cs exhibited an "inverted U" shape association with FPG levels. Moreover, the FPG levels increased linearly with the raised levels of the non-essential metal mixture, and the posterior inclusion probability (PIP) of Cs was the highest (0.92). Potential positive interaction of As and Cs on FPG levels was found in BKMR model. Stratified analysis displayed significant interactions of hyperlipidemia and urine Cs or Tl on FPG levels. An inverse U-shaped association between Cs and FPG was found, individually and as mixture. The FPG levels increased with the raised levels of the non-essential metal mixture, and Cs was the most contributor to FPG levels. Further research is required to confirm the correlation between non-essential metals and FPG levels and to clarify the underlying mechanisms.

Selenium attenuates the association of co-exposure to arsenic, cadmium, and lead with cognitive function among Chinese community-dwelling older adults.

The effects of interactions between the toxic and essential metal mixtures on cognitive function are poorly understood. This study aims to identify the joint association of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) with cognitive function in older adults and the moderating role of selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) in this association. This study included 1000 community-dwelling older adults. Cognitive function was assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Blood concentrations of As, Cd, Pb, Se, Zn, and Cu were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Linear regression and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models were applied to assess the individual and joint associations of As, Cd, and Pb with cognitive function and to examine whether Se, Zn, and Cu (individually and as a mixture) modified these associations. In the adjusted single-metal models, both Cd (ß = - 0.37, 95% CI: - 0.73 to - 0.01) and Pb (ß = - 0.44, 95% CI: - 0.86 to - 0.02) were associated with MMSE scores, while Se (ß = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.30 to 1.13) exhibited a positive relationship with MMSE scores. Univariate exposure-response functions from BKMR models showed similar results. Moreover, the toxic metal mixture (As, Cd, and Pb) exhibited a significant negative association with MMSE scores in a dose-response pattern, with Pb being the greatest contributor within the mixture. The negative association of Pb alone or the toxic metal mixture with MMSE scores became weaker at higher concentrations of Se within its normal range, especially when Se levels were greater than the median (89.18 µg/L). Our findings support that Se can attenuate the negative associations of exposure to single Pb or the As, Cd, and Pb mixtures with cognitive function. Future prospective studies are needed to replicate our findings.

Up-regulation of heat shock protein 70-1 (Hsp70-1) in human limbo-corneal epithelial cells cultivated on amniotic membrane: A proteomic study.

Transplantation of cultivated human limbo-corneal epithelial (HLE) cells has been recognized as an effective stem cell (SC) therapy for treating corneal epithelial SC deficiency caused by burn or other diseases. With this technique, cryo-preserved human intact amniotic membrane (IAM) has been successfully used as a cell culture substrate and carrier, and is reported to preferentially preserve HLE stem/progenitor cells in vitro. However, little is known about what factors released by HLE cells are involved in the progenitor cell-preserving mechanism. Using proteomic method, we identified 13 proteins over-expressed by HLE cells cultured on IAM, which included heat shock protein 70-1 (Hsp70-1), Hsp-27, glutathione (GSH) S-transferase, annexin A2, galectin-7, and protein S100-A9. Increased Hsp70-1 expression was confirmed by Western blot and real-time PCR. The role of Hsp70-1 in promoting HLE cell survival was demonstrated by increased apoptosis index and increased cleaved poly ADP-ribose polymerase (CPARP) formation in hsp70-1-silenced, but not normal HLE cells after exposure to sublethal UVB irradiation or hydrogen peroxide. To understand the regulatory mechanism of Hsp70-1 expression in HLE cells, the role of transcription factor deltaNp63 (a well-recognized HLE stem cell; SC marker) was studied. We found that over-expression of deltaNp63α by plasmid vector induced a corresponding increase in Hsp70-1 protein production. Likewise, Hsp70-1 expression decreased in HLE cells after addition of deltaNp63α SiRNA. Immunoconfocal microscopy also revealed a paralleled expression of both proteins in corneal specimens. Thus, deltaNp63α-associated Hsp70-1 over-expression may promote HLE progenitor cell survival on IAM, possibly through the cytoprotective and anti-apoptotic effect of Hsp70-1.

Birth weight and overweight/obesity in adults: a meta-analysis.

UNLABELLED: The objective of this study is to assess the association between birth weight and overweight/obesity in adults. The following MeSH terms were used: "birth weight," "obesity," "overweight." Fifteen studies involving a total of 211,457 persons were identified. Low birth weight (<2,500 g), as compared with normal birth weight (2,500-4,000 g), was not associated with increased risk of overweight/obesity (OR = 1.17, 95% CI 0.94, 1.46). High birth weight (≥ 4,000 g), as compared with normal birth weight, was associated with increased risk of overweight/obesity (OR = 1.46, 95% CI 1.27, 1.68). Low birth weight compared with normal birth weight, the total mean difference of BMI decreased 0.14 kg/m(2). High birth weight compared with normal birth weight, the total mean difference of BMI increased 0.76 kg/m(2). Low birth weight, as compared with a birth weight of ≥ 2,500 g, was not significantly associated with decreased risk of obesity (OR = 1.12, 95% CI 0.90-1.40). High birth weight, as compared with a birth weight of <4,000 g, was associated with increased risk of obesity (OR = 1.43, 95% CI 1.25-1.64). Low birth weight compared with birth weight ≥ 2,500 g, the total mean difference of BMI was decreased 0.42 kg/m(2); high birth weight compared with birth weight <4,000 g, the total mean difference of BMI was increased 0.79 kg/m(2). CONCLUSION: Neither positively linear nor J- or U-shaped relations exist between birth weight and overweight/obesity in adults. It is high birth weight, not low birth weight, that is associated with increased risk of overweight/obesity in adults.

The association between essential trace element mixture and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk among Chinese community-dwelling older adults.

The evidence about the association of the essential trace element (ETE) mixture with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) amongst older adults is limited. This study aims to evaluate the associations of single ETEs and the ETE mixture with the 10-year ASCVD risks and its predicting factors in Chinese community-dwelling older adults. A total of 607 community-dwelling older adults were included in this study. Blood levels of vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), and selenium (Se) were assessed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The predicted 10-year ASCVD risk was calculated using the Prediction for ASCVD Risk in China (China-PAR) equations. Traditional linear regressions and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) were used to assess the associations of single ETEs and the ETE mixture with the 10-year ASCVD risks and its predicting factors such as systolic blood pressure (SBP), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), diabetes, and waist circumference (WC). In linear regression models, blood Cr levels were negatively associated with the 10-year ASCVD risks after adjustment for covariates (ß = - 0.07, 95% CI = - 0.11 ~ - 0.03); The 3th quartile (Q3) of Se levels was also associated with a lower 10-year ASCVD risks when compared with the lowest quartile (Q1) of Se levels (ßQ3 vs. Q1: - 0.12, 95% CI = - 0.22 ~ - 0.02). In BKMR models, the negative associations of Cr and Se with the 10-year ASCVD risks were observed. Higher blood levels of ETE mixture were associated with decreased 10-year ASCVD risks in a dose-response pattern, with Cr having the highest value of the posterior inclusion probability (PIP) within the mixture. Furthermore, a positive association between Cr and HDL-C and a negative association between Se and SBP were found in both linear regression and BKMR models. Cr and Se were negatively associated with the 10-year ASCVD risks, individually and as a mixture. ETE mixture showed a linear dose-response association with decreased 10-year ASCVD risks, with Cr being the most important component within the mixture. The negative association of the ETE mixture with the 10-year ASCVD risks may be attributed to Cr and Se, mainly mediated by HDL-C and SBP, respectively. Further cohort studies are needed to clarify this association.

Mediation Effects of Placental Inflammatory Transcriptional Biomarkers on the Sex-Dependent Associations between Maternal Phthalate Exposure and Infant Allergic Rhinitis: A Population-Based Cohort Study.

Objective: Prenatal phthalate exposure has been associated with placental inflammatory factors and infant allergic rhinitis (AR). However, the results are inconclusive. We designed a population-based cohort study to examine the effects of placental inflammatory biomarkers on the sex-dependent associations between maternal phthalate exposure and infant AR. Methods: A total of 2,348 pregnant women from Ma'anshan, Anhui Province, China, who were screened before antenatal visits and met the inclusion criteria, were included in the present study. We assessed AR in their offspring aged 36 months with a questionnaire. Quantitative PCR was performed to measure placental inflammatory factor mRNAs. The independent samples t-test and multivariable logistic regression were used to determine the associations between infant AR and maternal phthalates. Results: Childhood AR may be related to education and family monthly income ( P = 0.01). The phthalate metabolites, mono (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), mono (2-ethyl-5-hydroxyl) phthalate (MEHHP), in pregnant women were associated with a significantly increased risk for infant AR in males [ P < 0.05; odds ratio ( OR): 1.285; 95% confidence interval ( CI): 1.037-1.591, and OR: 1.232, 95% CI: 1.008-1.507, respectively], but not females. Additionally, irritably-increased expression levels of HO-1 and IL-4 were associated with AR in male infants ( OR: 1.175; 95% CI: 1.038-1.329 and OR: 1.181; 95% CI: 1.056-1.322, respectively). The association between maternal urinary MEHHP and placental HO-1 was marginally significant according to mediation analysis. Conclusion: The associations of maternal MEHHP and MEOHP levels with fetal AR in males were significant. Placental HO-1 was a fractional mediator in the associations between MEHHP and AR. Thus, the placenta should be further investigated as a potential mediator of maternal exposure-induced disease risk in children.

Maternal cypermethrin exposure during lactation impairs testicular development and spermatogenesis in male mouse offspring.

Within the last decade, numerous epidemiological studies have demonstrated that endocrine disruptors are a possible cause for a decline in semen quality. Cypermethrin is a widely used pyrethroid insecticide, but little is known about its potentially adverse effects on male reproduction. In the present study, we investigated the effects of maternal cypermethrin exposure during lactation on testicular development and spermatogenesis in male offspring. Maternal mice were administered with cypermethrin (25 mg/kg) by gavage daily from postnatal day 0 (PND0) to PND21. Results showed that the weight of testes at PND21 was significantly decreased in pups whose mothers were exposed to cypermethrin during lactation. Maternal cypermethrin exposure during lactation markedly decreased the layers of spermatogenic cells, increased the inside diameter of seminiferous tubules, and disturbed the array of spermatogenic cells in testes of pups at PND21. In addition, maternal cypermethrin exposure during lactation markedly reduced mRNA and protein levels of testicular P450scc, a testosterone (T) synthetic enzyme. Correspondingly, the level of serum and testicular T at weaning was significantly decreased in pups whose mothers were exposed to cypermethrin during lactation. Although the expression of testicular T synthetic enzymes and serum and testicular T in adulthood had restored to control level, the decreased testicular weight and histological changes were irreversible. Importantly, the number of spermatozoa was significantly decreased in adult male offspring whose mothers were exposed to cypermethrin during lactation. In conclusion, maternal cypermethrin exposure during lactation permanently impairs testicular development and spermatogenesis in male offspring, whereas cypermethrin-induced endocrine disruption is reversible.

Levels and determinants of urinary phthalate metabolites in Chinese community-dwelling older adults.

BACKGROUND: Biomonitoring studies have demonstrated extensive exposure of infants, children, and pregnant women to phthalates, but data on phthalate exposure and their determinants in Chinese older adults remain insufficient. This study aims to assess urinary phthalate metabolite levels, individual and cumulative exposure risk, and their determinants in Chinese community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: A total of 987 individuals aged 60 years or over were included in this study. The urinary levels of seven phthalate metabolites were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The estimated daily intake (EDI), hazard quotient (HQ), and hazard index (HI) of phthalates were calculated based on urinary metabolite levels. The associations between phthalate metabolite levels and potential determinants were examined using multiple linear regressions. RESULTS: Detection rates of seven phthalate metabolites from the study population ranged from 63.83% to 99.39%. The highest median concentration was 43.64 µg/L (42.59 µg/g creatinine) for mono-butyl phthalate (MBP). The highest median EDI was 1.55 µg/kg-bw/day for diethyl phthalate (DBP). Nearly 5% of participants had high HI values exceeding 1, mainly attributed to DBP and di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP). Furthermore, we found that females, higher body mass index (BMI), smoking, having two or more chronic diseases, and vegetable-based diets were significantly associated with higher levels of parts of phthalate metabolites. More interestingly, higher urine levels of high-molecular-weight (HMW) phthalate metabolites and lower urine levels of low-molecular-weight (LMW) phthalate metabolites were found in rural older adults than in urban older adults. CONCLUSIONS: Chinese community-dwelling older adults are extensively exposed to phthalates, especially to DBP and DEHP. More attention should be paid to urban-rural differences in exposure to HMW and LMW phthalates and to phthalate exposure among older adults with overweight/obesity, females, and individuals who are current heavy smokers, have two or more chronic diseases, and consume vegetable-based diets.