Multidisciplinary advances in kombucha fermentation, health efficacy, and market evolution.

Kombucha, a fermented tea beverage, has seen a significant rise in global popularity. This increase is attributed to its reported health benefits and extensive cultural heritage. The comprehensive review examines kombucha through microbiology, biochemistry, and health sciences, highlighting its therapeutic potential and commercial viability. Central to kombucha production is the symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts (SCOBY), which regulates a complex fermentation process, resulting in a bioactive-rich elixir. The study examines the microbial dynamics of SCOBY, emphasizing the roles of various microorganisms. It focuses the contributions of acetic acid bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, and osmophilic yeasts, including genera such as Saccharomyces, Schizosaccharomyces, Zygosaccharomyces, Brettanomyces/Dekkera, and Pichia. These microorganisms play crucial roles in producing bioactive compounds, including organic acids, polyphenols, and vitamins. These bioactive compounds confer therapeutic properties to kombucha. These properties include antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, cancer prevention, hepatoprotective, and detoxifying effects. The review also explores the growing market for kombucha, driven by consumer demand for functional beverages and opportunities for innovative product development. It emphasizes the necessity of standardized production to ensure safety and validate health claims. Identifying research gaps, the review highlights the importance of clinical trials to verify therapeutic benefits. Ultimately, this study integrates traditional knowledge with scientific research, providing directions for future studies and commercial expansion, emphasizing the role of kombucha in health and wellness.

Negative emotions increase unhealthy eating: Evidence from the Wuhan lockdown during COVID-19.

This paper studies how negative emotions like stress, anxiety, and boredom can affect unhealthy food consumption. Using the Wuhan lockdown as an external shock, we examine the changes in food consumption in a city that was not in lockdown. We applied the difference-in-differences method to a large scanner dataset from a retail monopoly in China. Our findings reveal that negative emotions induced by the pandemic lockdown significantly elevated consumer spending on unhealthy food items such as crisps, sugary beverages, regular soda, and low-alcohol beverages. Notably, the effect of unhealthy food consumption was more pronounced among younger and wealthier demographics. Triggering factors, like information about confirmed new deaths and infections as well as proximity to local hospitals, were found to strongly influence the consumption of unhealthy foods. Overall, the lockdown's impact extended beyond short-term increases in snack consumption to substantial increases in overall dietary and nutritional intake.

Impact of Respiratory Dust on Health: A Comparison Based on the Toxicity of PM2.5, Silica, and Nanosilica.

Respiratory dust of different particle sizes in the environment causes diverse health effects when entering the human body and makes acute or chronic damage through multiple systems and organs. However, the precise toxic effects and potential mechanisms induced by dust of different particle sizes have not been systematically summarized. In this study, we described the sources and characteristics of three different particle sizes of dust: PM2.5 (<2.5 µm), silica (<5 µm), and nanosilica (<100 nm). Based on their respective characteristics, we further explored the main toxicity induced by silica, PM2.5, and nanosilica in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, we evaluated the health implications of respiratory dust on the human body, and especially proposed potential synergistic effects, considering current studies. In summary, this review summarized the health hazards and toxic mechanisms associated with respiratory dust of different particle sizes. It could provide new insights for investigating the synergistic effects of co-exposure to respiratory dust of different particle sizes in mixed environments.

An overview on the types, applications and health implications of fat replacers.

Driven by the demand of consumers for low-fat foods, the field of fat replacers has made a tremendous breakthrough over the past decade. A fat replacer is a substance that replaces whole or part of the fat in food while asserting the same physiological properties. Based on the source, fat replacers can be carbohydrate, protein or lipid-based. They serve two major purposes in food viz. reducing the calorie content and amount of fat used in the preparation of food products as well as impart fat-like properties. Fat replacers exhibit its functionalities by providing texture, acting as stabilizers, emulsifiers, gelling and thickening agents. It is crucial to select the proper kind of fat replacer because fat functionality varies considerably depending on the meal type and the formulation. Evidence suggests that reducing fat intake can help in controlling body weight and the risk of diseases like type-2 diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Consumers should not be misled into believing that fat and calorie-reduced foods may be consumed indefinitely. Fat replacers are most beneficial when they aid in calorie control and promote the consumption of meals that provide essential nutrients. This review aims to provide a deep insight into the fact that fat replacers can be utilized in various food commodities in order to meet the dietary guidelines for reducing fat intake with a healthy lifestyle and prudent dietary approach.

Recent Advances in the Biological Responses to Nano-black Phosphorus: Understanding the Importance of Intrinsic Properties and Cell Types.

The production scalability and increasing demand for nano-black phosphorus materials (nano-BPs) inevitably lead to their environmental leakage, thereby raising the risk of human exposure through inhalation, ingestion, dermal, and even intravenous pathways. Consequently, a systematic evaluation of their potential impacts on human health is necessary. This Review outlines recent progress in the understanding of various biological responses to nano-BPs. Attention is particularly given to the inconsistent toxicological findings caused by a wide variation of nano-BPs' physicochemical properties, toxicological testing methods, and cell types examined in each study. Additionally, cellular uptake and intracellular trafficking, cell death modes, immunological effects, and other biologically relevant processes are discussed in detail, providing evidence for the potential health implications of nano-BPs. Finally, we address the remaining challenges related to the health risk evaluation of nano-BPs and propose a broader range of applications for these promising nanomaterials.

Habitat disturbance influences the skin microbiome of a rediscovered neotropical-montane frog.

BACKGROUND: The skin microbiome serves as a first line defense against pathogens in vertebrates. In amphibians, it has the potential to protect against the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatis (Bd), a likely agent of amphibian declines. Alteration of the microbiome associated with unfavorable environmental changes produced by anthropogenic activities may make the host more susceptible to pathogens. Some amphibian species that were thought to be "extinct" have been rediscovered years after population declines in the late 1980s probably due to evolved Bd-resistance and are now threatened by anthropogenic land-use changes. Understanding the effects of habitat disturbance on the host skin microbiome is relevant for understanding the health of these species, along with its susceptibility to pathogens such as Bd. Here, we investigate the influence of habitat alteration on the skin bacterial communities as well as specifically the putative Bd-inhibitory bacterial communities of the montane frog Lithobates vibicarius. This species, after years of not being observed, was rediscovered in small populations inhabiting undisturbed and disturbed landscapes, and with continuous presence of Bd. RESULTS: We found that cutaneous bacterial communities of tadpoles and adults differed between undisturbed and disturbed habitats. The adults from disturbed habitats exhibited greater community dispersion than those from undisturbed habitats. We observed a higher richness of putative Bd-inhibitory bacterial strains in adults from disturbed habitats than in those from undisturbed habitats, as well as a greater number of these potential protective bacteria with a high relative abundance. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support the microbial "Anna Karenina principle", in which disturbance is hypothesized to cause greater microbial dispersion in communities, a so-called dysbiosis, which is a response of animal microbiomes to stress factors that decrease the ability of the host or its microbiome to regulate community composition. On the positive side, the high richness and relative abundance of putative Bd-inhibitory bacteria may indicate the development of a defense mechanism that enhances Bd-protection, attributed to a co-occurrence of more than 30-years of host and pathogen in these disturbed habitats. Our results provide important insight into the influence of human-modified landscapes on the skin microbiome and health implications of Bd-survivor species.

Review of the nature of some geophagic materials and their potential health effects on pregnant women: some examples from Africa.

The voluntary human consumption of soil known as geophagy is a global practice and deep-rooted in many African cultures. The nature of geophagic material varies widely from the types to the composition. Generally, clay and termite mound soils are the main materials consumed by geophagists. Several studies revealed that gestating women across the world consume more soil than other groups for numerous motives. These motivations are related to medicinal, cultural and nutrients supplementation. Although geophagy in pregnancy (GiP) is a universal dynamic habit, the highest prevalence has been reported in African countries such as Kenya, Ghana, Rwanda, Nigeria, Tanzania, and South Africa. Geophagy can be both beneficial and detrimental. Its health effects depend on the amount and composition of the ingested soils, which is subjective to the geology and soil formation processes. In most cases, the negative health effects concomitant with the practice of geophagy eclipse the positive effects. Therefore, knowledge about the nature of geophagic material and the health effects that might arise from their consumption is important.

Nutrition, Health, and Regulatory Aspects of Digestible Maltodextrins.

Digestible maltodextrins are low-sweet saccharide polymers consisting of D-glucose units linked primarily linearly with alpha-1,4 bonds, but can also have a branched structure through alpha-1,6 bonds. Often, maltodextrins are classified by the amount of reducing sugars present relative to the total carbohydrate content; between 3 and 20 percent in the case of digestible maltodextrins. These relatively small polymers are used as food ingredients derived by hydrolysis from crops naturally rich in starch. Through advances in production technology, the application possibilities in food products have improved during the last 20 years. However, since glucose from digested maltodextrins is rapidly absorbed in the small intestine, the increased use has raised questions about potential effects on metabolism and health. Therefore, up-to-date knowledge concerning production, digestion, absorption, and metabolism of maltodextrins, including potential effects on health, were reviewed. Exchanging unprocessed starch with maltodextrins may lead to an increased glycemic load and therefore post meal glycaemia, which are viewed as less desirable for health. Apart from beneficial food technological properties, its use should accordingly also be viewed in light of this. Finally, this review reflects on regulatory aspects, which differ significantly in Europe and the United States, and, therefore, have implications for communication and marketing.

Mycotoxins in food: Occurrence, health implications, and control strategies-A comprehensive review.

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by various filamentous fungi, including Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium, Alternaria, Claviceps, Mucor, Trichoderma, Trichothecium, Myrothecium, Pyrenophora, and Stachybotrys. They can contaminate various plants or animal foods, resulting in a significant loss of nutritional and commercial value. Several factors contribute to mycotoxin production, such as humidity, temperature, oxygen levels, fungal species, and substrate. When contaminated food is consumed by animals and humans, mycotoxins are rapidly absorbed, affecting the liver, and causing metabolic disorders. The detrimental effects on humans and animals include reduced food intake and milk production, reduced fertility, increased risk of abortion, impaired immune response, and increased occurrence of diseases. Therefore, it is imperative to implement strategies for mycotoxin control, broadly classified as preventing fungal contamination and detoxifying their toxic compounds. This review aims to discuss various aspects of mycotoxins, including their occurrence, and risk potential. Additionally, it provides an overview of mycotoxin detoxification strategies, including the use of mycotoxin absorbents, as potential techniques to eliminate or mitigate the harmful effects of mycotoxins and masked mycotoxins on human and animal health while preserving the nutritional and commercial value of affected food products.

Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs): Assessment of health and dietary risk in the consumption of Plagioscion squamosissimus in one of the largest rivers in a semi-arid region (Rio São Francisco, Brazil).

The São Francisco River, significant in semi-arid areas, faces impacts from hydroelectric plants and agricultural pesticides. Despite extensive research on its aquatic life, especially fish reproductive biology, there's a notable lack of studies on toxicity and its human health implications. This gap highlights the need for targeted research in this vital ecological zone. Consequently, this study aimed to scrutinize the concentrations of Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs), including Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs), Organochlorine Pesticides (OCPs), pyrethroid pesticides (PPs), triazine pesticides (TPs), and Organophosphorus Pesticides (OPPs) in the water, sediment, and fish (Plagioscion squamosissimus). The findings revealed the presence of all compound classes in sediment, albeit in limited quantities in water. Biotic components exhibited higher concentrations in nerve tissue, followed by the liver and muscle, indicative of a bioaccumulation trend. It is noteworthy that more concerning levels were observed in both water and sediments. In particular, Fenvalerate in water and Prometon in sediments demonstrated the highest Bioaccumulation Factor (BAF) values. While for non-carcinogenic effects and Cancer Risk (CR), the parameters were calculated and all classified in the areas of acceptable or insignificant according to chemical safety agencies. However, the compounds under scrutiny demand vigilant attention, given their nearly ubiquitous presence across various matrices and demonstrated bioaccumulative capacity, potentially posing future repercussions for human health.

Toxic and essential metals: metabolic interactions with the gut microbiota and health implications.

Human exposure to heavy metals, which encompasses both essential and toxic varieties, is widespread. The intestine functions as a critical organ for absorption and metabolism of heavy metals. Gut microbiota plays a crucial role in heavy metal absorption, metabolism, and related processes. Toxic heavy metals (THMs), such as arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd), can cause damage to multiple organs even at low levels of exposure, and it is crucial to emphasize their potential high toxicity. Nevertheless, certain essential trace elements, including iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn), play vital roles in the biochemical and physiological functions of organisms at low concentrations but can exert toxic effects on the gut microbiota at higher levels. Some potentially essential micronutrients, such as chromium (Cr), silicon (Si), and nickel (Ni), which were considered to be intermediate in terms of their essentiality and toxicity, had different effects on the gut microbiota and their metabolites. Bidirectional relationships between heavy metals and gut microbiota have been found. Heavy metal exposure disrupts gut microbiota and influences its metabolism and physiological functions, potentially contributing to metabolic and other disorders. Furthermore, gut microbiota influences the absorption and metabolism of heavy metals by serving as a physical barrier against heavy metal absorption and modulating the pH, oxidative balance, and concentrations of detoxification enzymes or proteins involved in heavy metal metabolism. The interactions between heavy metals and gut microbiota might be positive or negative according to different valence states, concentrations, and forms of the same heavy metal. This paper reviews the metabolic interactions of 10 common heavy metals with the gut microbiota and their health implications. This collated information could provide novel insights into the disruption of the intestinal microbiota caused by heavy metals as a potential contributing factor to human diseases.

Cold exposure, gut microbiota and health implications: A narrative review.

Temperature has been recognized as an important environmental factor affecting the composition and function of gut microbiota (GM). Although research on high-temperature impacts has been well studied, knowledge about the effect of cold exposure on GM remains limited. This narrative review aims to synthesize the latest scientific findings on the impact of cold exposure on mammalian GM, and its potential health implications. Chronic cold exposure could disrupt the α-diversity and the composition of GM in both experimental animals and wild-living hosts. Meanwhile, cold exposure could impact gut microbial metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids. We also discussed plausible biological pathways and mechanisms by which cold-induced changes may impact host health, including metabolic homeostasis, fitness and thermogenesis, through the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Intriguingly, alterations in GM may provide a tool for favorably modulating the host response to the cold temperature. Finally, current challenges and future perspectives are discussed, emphasizing the need for translational research in humans. GM could be manipulated by utilizing nutritional strategies, such as probiotics and prebiotics, to deal with cold-related health issues and enhance well-being in populations living or working in cold environments.

Fine particulate matter air pollution and health implications for Nairobi, Kenya.

Background: Continuous ambient air quality monitoring in Kenya has been limited, resulting in a sparse data base on the health impacts of air pollution for the country. We have operated a centrally located monitor in Nairobi for measuring fine particulate matter (PM2.5), the pollutant that has demonstrated impact on health. Here, we describe the temporal levels and trends in PM2.5 data for Nairobi and evaluate associated health implications. Methods: We used a centrally located reference sensor, the beta attenuation monitor (BAM-1022), to measure hourly PM2.5 concentrations over a 3-year period (21 August 2019 to 20 August 2022). We used, at minimum, 75% of the daily hourly concentration to represent the 24-hour concentrations for a given calendar day. To estimate the deaths attributable to air pollution, we used the World Health Organization (WHO) AirQ+ tool with input as PM2.5 concentration data, local mortality statistics, and population sizes. Results: The daily (24-hour) mean (±SEM) PM2.5 concentration was 19. 2 ± 0.6 (µg/m3). Pollutant levels were lowest at 03:00 and, peaked at 20:00. Sundays had the lowest daily concentrations, which increased on Mondays and remained high through Saturdays. By season, the pollutant concentrations were lowest in April and highest in August. The mean annual concentration was 18.4 ± 7.1 (µg/m3), which was estimated to lead to between 400 and 1,400 premature deaths of the city's population in 2021 hence contributing 5%-8% of the 17,432 adult deaths excluding accidents when referenced to WHO recommended 2021 air quality guideline for annual thresholds of 5 µg/m3. Conclusion: Fine particulate matter air pollution in Nairobi showed daily, day-of-week, and seasonal fluctuations consistent with the anthropogenic source mix, particularly from motor vehicles. The long-term population exposure to PM2.5 was 3.7 times higher than the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m3 and estimated to lead to a substantial burden of attributable deaths. An updated regulation targeting measures to reduce vehicular emissions is recommended.

Therapeutic Potential of Fungal Polysaccharides in Gut Microbiota Regulation: Implications for Diabetes, Neurodegeneration, and Oncology.

This review evaluates the therapeutic effects of polysaccharides derived from mushroom species that have medicinal and edible properties. The fungal polysaccharides were recently studied, focusing on their modulation of the gut microbiota and their impact on various diseases. The study covers both clinical and preclinical studies, detailing the results and highlighting the significant influence of these polysaccharides on gut microbiota modulation. It discusses the potential health benefits derived from incorporating these polysaccharides into the diet for managing chronic diseases such as diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer. Furthermore, the review emphasizes the interaction between fungal polysaccharides and the gut microbiota, underscoring their role in modulating the gut microbial community. It presents a systematic analysis of the findings, demonstrating the substantial impact of fungal polysaccharides on gut microbiota composition and function, which may contribute to their therapeutic effects in various chronic conditions. We conclude that the modulation of the gut microbiota by these polysaccharides may play a crucial role in mediating their therapeutic effects, offering a promising avenue for further research and potential applications in disease prevention and treatment.

Exploring the Microbial Landscape of Neonatal Skin Flora: A Comprehensive Review.

This comprehensive review explores the intricate landscape of the neonatal skin microbiome, shedding light on its dynamic composition, developmental nuances, and influential factors. The neonatal period represents a critical window during which microbial colonization significantly impacts local skin health and the foundational development of the immune system. Factors such as mode of delivery and gestational age underscore the vulnerability of neonates to disruptions in microbial establishment. Key findings emphasize the broader systemic implications of the neonatal skin microbiome, extending beyond immediate health outcomes to influence susceptibility to infections, allergies, and immune-related disorders. This review advocates for a paradigm shift in neonatal care, proposing strategies to preserve and promote a healthy skin microbiome for long-term health benefits. The implications of this research extend to public health, where interventions targeting the neonatal skin microbiome could potentially mitigate diseases originating in early life. As we navigate the intersection of research and practical applications, bridging the gap between knowledge and implementation becomes imperative for translating these findings into evidence-based practices and improving neonatal well-being on a broader scale.

Beyond Obesity and Overweight: The Clinical Assessment and Treatment of Excess Body Fat in Children : Part 1 - Insulin Resistance as the Root Cause of Pediatric Obesity.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Pediatric obesity and comorbidities related to insulin resistance continue to be a growing public health crisis. If lifestyle measures are unsuccessful, pharmacological and surgical interventions are offered. In this paper, we describe the driving force of the obesity crisis: hyperinsulinemia and the development of insulin resistance. We give historical background of key policy issues which have contributed to this pandemic as well as the physiologic mechanisms of insulin resistance. The prevalence of obesity will continue to rise unless the root cause of hyperinsulinemia is addressed. RECENT FINDINGS: Current research on insulin resistance demonstrates that a decreased consumption of carbohydrates is an effective first-line dietary intervention for the treatment of obesity and related metabolic diseases. Evidence shows it is safe and beneficial. A low-carbohydrate eating pattern can be helpful to address pediatric obesity. However, there must be policy guardrails in place to ensure that this is a sustainable and viable option for children and their families. There must be a change in the nutritional environment to help individuals battle the chronic disease of obesity.

Revealing new insights: Two-center evidence of microplastics in human vitreous humor and their implications for ocular health.

Microplastics (MPs), an emerging environmental contaminant, have raised growing health apprehension due to their detection in various human biospecimens. Despite extensive research into their prevalence in the environment and the human body, the ramifications of their existence within the enclosed confines of the human eye remain largely unexplored. Herein, we assembled a cohort of 49 patients with four ocular diseases (macular hole, macular epiretinal membrane, retinopathy and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment) from two medical centers. After processing the samples with an optimized method, we utilized Laser Direct Infrared (LD-IR) spectroscopy and Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) to analyze 49 vitreous samples, evaluating the characteristics of MPs within the internal environment of the human eye. Our results showed that LD-IR scanned a total of 8543 particles in the composite sample from 49 individual vitreous humor samples, identifying 1745 as plastic particles, predominantly below 50 µm. Concurrently, Py-GC/MS analysis of the 49 individual samples corroborated these findings, with nylon 66 exhibiting the highest content, followed by polyvinyl chloride, and detection of polystyrene. Notably, correlations were observed between MP levels and key ocular health parameters, particularly intraocular pressure and the presence of aqueous humor opacities. Intriguingly, individuals afflicted with retinopathy demonstrated heightened ocular health risks associated with MPs. In summary, this research provides significant insights into infiltration of MP pollutants within the human eye, shedding light on their potential implications for ocular health and advocating for further exploration of this emerging health risk.

Mediterranean diet: a potential player in the link between oral microbiome and oral diseases.

Background: The oral microbiome is a complex and dynamic assemblage of microorganisms that colonize different sites of the oral cavity maintaining both oral and systemic health. Therefore, when its composition is altered, oral diseases occur. Among oral inflammatory pathologies, periodontal diseases affect the tissues surrounding the teeth, representing the main cause of tooth loss and one of the most important threats to the oral health. Lifestyle and eating habits influence the composition of the human oral microbiota and the development and progression of oral diseases. In this context, the Mediterranean Diet (MD) model, comprising both healthy dietary choices and lifestyle, is linked to the prevention of several metabolic and chronic-degenerative pathological processes, including oral diseases. Indeed, the MD is a plant-based diet, enriched of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant nutrients, which may induce beneficial effects against dental caries and periodontal diseases. Aim: This review summarizes the role of the oral microbiome in the development of the oral diseases and the potential of MD in modulating the oral microbiome leading to implications for oral health. Conclusions: The data collected highlight the need to promote the MD pattern along with the correct hygiene habits to prevent the development of oral diseases.

The oral microbiome is a complex and dynamic assemblage of microorganisms that colonize different sites of the oral cavity maintaining both oral and systemic health.The Mediterranean Diet (MD) model, comprising both healthy dietary choices and lifestyle, is linked to the prevention of several metabolic and chronic degenerative pathological processes, including oral diseases.The MD may represent a potential player in the link between oral microbiome and oral diseases.

Oxalate in Foods: Extraction Conditions, Analytical Methods, Occurrence, and Health Implications.

Oxalate is an antinutrient present in a wide range of foods, with plant products, especially green leafy vegetables, being the main sources of dietary oxalates. This compound has been largely associated with hyperoxaluria, kidney stone formation, and, in more severe cases, systematic oxalosis. Due to its impact on human health, it is extremely important to control the amount of oxalate present in foods, particularly for patients with kidney stone issues. In this review, a summary and discussion of the current knowledge on oxalate analysis, its extraction conditions, specific features of analytical methods, reported occurrence in foods, and its health implications are presented. In addition, a brief conclusion and further perspectives on whether high-oxalate foods are truly problematic and can be seen as health threats are shown.

Polychlorinated Biphenyls: A Review of Recent Updates on Food Safety and Environmental Monitoring, Health and Toxicological Implications, and Analysis.

A class of organic chemicals known as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) consists of chlorine, hydrogen, and carbon atoms. High boiling points, chemical stability, non-flammability, and insulating properties have enabled them to be used in various industries. Because of their high toxicity, PCBs were one of the first industrial compounds to be banned from production. These compounds have high-fat solubility with bioaccumulation and biomagnification properties in the environment, food chain, and individuals. Hence, they may have an impact not only on individual organisms but ultimately on whole ecosystems. The main sources of PCB exposure are food and environmental pollutants. In the toxicology of PCBs, oxidative stress plays the most influential function. The induction of CYP1A1 due to the high affinity of PCBs for aryl hydrocarbon receptors is considered a trigger for oxidative stress. Production of reactive oxygen species and depletion of glutathione occur due to phase Ⅰ and Ⅱ metabolism, respectively. Thus, cellular redox balance may be disrupted in the presence of PCBs and their metabolites. Chronic and long-term exposure to these compounds can often lead to life-threatening diseases, like diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular and neurological diseases, cancer, and reproductive and endocrine disorders. We present the current knowledge of the routes of PCB exposure and bioaccumulation, the outlook regarding environmental and food safety, the potential role of PCBs in various diseases, the principal mechanisms responsible for PCB toxicity, and the main detection techniques used for PCBs.