The overview of current evidence on the reproductive toxicity of dibutyl phthalate.

Over the past years, many legitimate concerns have been raised about the effects of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) as an endocrine disruptor, especially on reproduction. The aim of this publication is to critically review the literature related to the developmental and reproductive toxicity of DBP in animals. Several electronic databases were systematically searched until 2019. Studies were qualified for the review if they: linked exposure to DPB with reproduction, were published in English after 1990, and were conducted on animals. In the studies of the testicular effects of DBP on experimental animals, the most common effects of exposure included reduced fertility, atrophic changes in male gonads, degenerative changes in the epididymis, as well as a reduction in sperm count and motility, cryptorchidism, hypospadias, poor sperm quality and other genital defects (decreased testicular weight, delayed spermatogenesis, Leydig cell aggregation, impaired Sertoli cell maturation, and significant inhibitions of testicular enzymes). The embryotoxic effects of DBP on laboratory animals included mainly an increase in fetal resorption and a decrease in live births. The teratogenic effects of DBP also manifest as skeletal malformations in fetuses, malformations of male gonads and other genital effects. On the basis of the literature data, it is clearly demonstrated that DBP shows anti-androgenic effects; however, there are also reports confirming its weak estrogenic effect. Additionally, lower doses cause more adverse effects than the highest dose, which is an important fact because of the widespread environmental exposure to DBP. The studies clearly confirm that DBP is an endocrine disruptor. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2021;34(1):15-37.

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.

2-naphthylamine toxicity.

In the past, 2-naphthylamine (2-NA) was used for the production of azo dyes, as an antioxidant in the cable industry and in the rubber industry. Despite the fact that 2-NA is not produced on an industrial scale, it is still used in small quantities as a model bladder carcinogen in laboratories, and also for sewage control, water analysis and oxytocinase assays. In addition, it is detected in the air in coke ovens, where it is formed as one of the pyrolysis products. The main aim of this work is to provide an actual literature review for health risk assessments related to 2-NA which is still used in laboratories. Occupational exposure to 2-NA is important for the respiratory tract, mucous membranes and the skin, and, to a lesser extent, for absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. It is absorbed into the body through the skin and by inhalation, and then undergoes metabolic changes. Most of the absorbed 2-NA dose is excreted in the urine, in the form of metabolites, metabolites conjugated to acids, and even in an unchanged form. Based on literature data, the effects of 2-NA toxicity in sub-chronic and chronic exposure include contact dermatitis, chronic cystitis and bladder cancer. The authors have concluded that it is recommended to determine the occupational exposure limit which will allow preparing the exposure assessment of people at work. Med Pr. 2020;71(2):205-20.

Are platinum nanoparticles safe to human health?

Platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) have been widely used not only in industry, but above all in medicine and diagnostics. However, there are disturbing reports related to the toxic effects of nanoplatinum, which is the main reason why the authors of this study have decided to review and analyze literature data related to its toxicity and impact on human health. While PtNPs may be absorbed by the respiratory and digestive tract, and can penetrate through the epidermis, there is no evidence concerning their absorption through the skin. Platinum nanoparticles accumulate mainly in the liver and spleen although they also reach other internal organs, such as lungs, kidneys or heart. Toxicokinetics of platinum nanoparticles depends strongly on the particle size. Only few studies regarding platinum nanoparticles toxicity have been conducted. Animals intratracheally exposed to platinum nanoparticles have demonstrated an increased level of proinflammatory cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage which confirms inflammatory response in the lungs. Oral administration of PtNPs can cause inflammatory response and induce oxidative stress. Nanoplatinum has been found to induce hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity via the intravenous route. It can cause DNA damage and cellular apoptosis without significant cytotoxicity. There are no research studies on its carcinogenicity. Fetal or maternal toxicity has not been observed, but an increased mortality and a decreased growth of the offspring have been demonstrated. Platinum nanoparticles may permeate the skin barrier but there is no evidence for their absorption. Due to the insufficient number of tests that have been carried out to date, it is not possible to clearly determine the occupational exposure limit value; however, caution is recommended to employees exposed to their effects. Med Pr. 2019;70(4):487-95.