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BACKGROUND: Interventions are needed to help people reduce exposure to harmful chemicals from everyday products and lifestyle habits. Report-back of individual exposures is a potential pathway to increasing environmental health literacy (EHL) and readiness to reduce exposures. OBJECTIVES: Our objective was to determine if report-back of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can reduce EDC exposure, increase EHL, and increase readiness to change (i.e., to implement EDC exposure-reduction behaviors). METHODS: Participants in the Healthy Nevada Project completed EHL and readiness-to-change surveys before (n = 424) and after (n = 174) a report-back intervention. Participants used mail-in kits to measure urinary biomarkers of EDCs. The report-back of results included urinary levels, information about health effects, sources of exposure, and personalized recommendations to reduce exposure. RESULTS: EHL was generally very high at baseline, especially for questions related to the general pollution. For questions related to chemical exposures, responses varied across several demographics. Statistically reliable improvements in EHL responses were seen after report-back. For readiness to change, 72% were already or planning to change their behaviors. Post-intervention, women increased their readiness (p = 0.053), while men decreased (p = 0.007). When asked what challenges they faced in reducing exposure, 79% cited not knowing what to do. This dropped to 35% after report-back. Participants with higher propylparaben were younger (p = 0.03) and women and participants who rated themselves in better health had higher levels of some phthalates (p = 0.02-0.003 and p = 0.001-0.003, respectively). After report-back, monobutyl phthalate decreased among the 48 participants who had valid urine tests before and after the intervention (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The report-back intervention was successful as evidenced by increased EHL behaviors, increased readiness to change among women, and a decrease in monobutyl phthalate. An EHL questionnaire more sensitive to chemical exposures would help differentiate high and low literacy. Future research will focus on understanding why men decreased their readiness to change and how the intervention can be improved for all participants.

BackgroundSynthetic chemicals are increasingly being recognized for potential independent contributions to preterm birth (PTB) and low birth weight (LBW). Bisphenols, parabens, and triclosan are consumer product chemicals that act via similar mechanisms including estrogen, androgen, and thyroid disruption and oxidative stress. Multiple cohort studies have endeavored to examine effects on birth outcomes, and systematic reviews have been limited due to measurement of 1-2 spot samples during pregnancy and limited diversity of populations.ObjectiveTo study the effects of prenatal phenols and parabens on birth size and gestational age (GA) in 3,619 mother-infant pairs from 11 cohorts in the NIH Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes program.ResultsWhile many associations were modest and statistically imprecise, a 1-unit increase in log10 pregnancy averaged concentration of benzophenone-3 and methylparaben were associated with decreases in birthweight, birthweight adjusted for gestational age and SGA. Increases in the odds of being SGA were 29% (95% CI: 5%, 58%) and 32% (95% CI: 3%, 70%), respectively. Bisphenol S in third trimester was also associated with SGA (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.08, 2.13). Associations of benzophenone-3 and methylparaben with PTB and LBW were null. In addition, a 1-unit increase in log10 pregnancy averaged concentration of 2,4-dichlorophenol was associated with 43% lower (95% CI: -67%, -2%) odds of low birthweight; the direction of effect was the same for the highly correlated 2,5-dichlorophenol, but with a smaller magnitude (-29%, 95% CI: -53%, 8%).DiscussionIn a large and diverse sample generally representative of the United States, benzophenone-3 and methylparaben were associated with lower birthweight as well as birthweight adjusted for gestational age and higher odds of SGA, while 2,4-dichlorophenol. These associations with smaller size at birth are concerning in light of the known consequences of intrauterine growth restriction for multiple important health outcomes emerging later in life.

BackgroundA growing body of literature investigated childhood exposure to environmental chemicals in association with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, but limited studies considered urinary mixtures of multiple chemical classes. This study examined associations of concurrent exposure to non-persistent chemicals with ADHD symptoms in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental delay (DD), and typical development (TD).MethodsA total of 549 children aged 2-5 years from the Childhood Autism Risks from Genetics and Environment (CHARGE) case-control study were administered the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC). This study focused on the ADHD/noncompliance subscale and its two subdomains (hyperactivity/impulsivity, inattention). Sixty-two chemicals from four classes (phenols/parabens, phthalates, organophosphate pesticides, trace elements) were quantified in child urine samples, and 43 chemicals detected in > 70% samples were used to investigate their associations with ADHD symptoms. Negative binomial regression was used for single-chemical analysis, and weighted quantile sum regression with repeated holdout validation was applied for mixture analysis for each chemical class and all chemicals. The mixture analyses were further stratified by diagnostic group.ResultsA phthalate metabolite mixture was associated with higher ADHD/noncompliance scores (median count ratio [CR] = 1.10; 2.5th, 97.5th percentile: 1.00, 1.21), especially hyperactivity/impulsivity (median CR = 1.09; 2.5th, 97.5th percentile: 1.00, 1.25). The possible contributors to these mixture effects were di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) metabolites and mono-2-heptyl phthalate (MHPP). These associations were likely driven by children with ASD as these were observed among children with ASD, but not among TD or those with DD. Additionally, among children with ASD, a mixture of all chemicals was associated with ADHD/noncompliance and hyperactivity/impulsivity, and possible contributors were 3,4-dihydroxy benzoic acid, DEHP metabolites, MHPP, mono-n-butyl phthalate, and cadmium.ConclusionsEarly childhood exposure to a phthalate mixture was associated with ADHD symptoms, particularly among children with ASD. While the diverse diagnostic profiles limited generalizability, our findings suggest a potential link between phthalate exposure and the comorbidity of ASD and ADHD.

Parabens are alkyl esters of p‐hydroxybenzoic acid that are commonly used as preservatives in personal care products such as cosmetics. Recent studies have revealed the presence of parabens in surface and tap water because of their use as disinfection products; however, little is known about their occurrence in biological samples and their bioaccumulation potential, particularly in raptor birds known as sentinels for pollutant detection. We examined the occurrence and tissue distribution of parabens, their metabolites, and halogenated byproducts in the liver, kidney, brain, and muscle of birds of prey from Texas and North Carolina (USA). Methylparaben (MeP), propylparaben (PrP), and butylparaben (BuP) were detected in more than 50% of all tissues examined, with the kidney exhibiting the highest concentration of MeP (0.65–6.84 ng/g wet wt). Para‐hydroxybenzoic acid (PHBA), a primary metabolite, had the highest detection frequency (>50%) and a high accumulation range in the liver, of 4.64 to 12.55 ng/g. The chlorinated compounds chloromethylparaben and chloroethylparaben were found in over half of the tissues, of which dichloromethylparaben (2.20–3.99 ng/g) and dichloroethylparaben (1.01–5.95 ng/g) in the kidney exhibited the highest concentrations. The dibrominated derivatives dibromideethylparaben (Br2EtP) was detected in more than 50% of samples, particularly in muscle and brain. Concentrations in the range of 0.14 to 17.38 ng/g of Br2EtP were detected in the kidney. Dibromidepropylparaben (Br2PrP) was not frequently detected, but concentrations ranged from 0.09 to 21.70 ng/g in muscle. The accumulations of total amounts (sum) of parent parabens (∑P), metabolites (∑M), and halogenated byproducts (∑H) in different species were not significantly different, but their distribution in tissues differed among the species. Positive correlations were observed among MeP, PrP, BuP, and PHBA in the liver, suggesting similar origins and metabolic pathways. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:2365–2376. © 2024 The Author(s). Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parabens are the most prevalent ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products (PCPs). They are colorless and tasteless and exhibit good stability when combined with other components. Because of these unique physicochemical properties, they are extensively used as antimicrobial and antifungal agents. Their release into the aquatic ecosystem poses potential threats to aquatic organisms, including fish. We conducted an electronic search in PubMed (http://www.ncbi. nlm.nih.gov/pubmed) using the search term parabens and fish and sorted 93 articles consisting of methyl paraben (MTP), ethyl paraben (ETP), propyl paraben (PPP), butyl paraben (BTP), and benzyl paraben (BNP) in several fish species. Furthermore, we confined our search to six fish species (common carp, Cyprinus carpio; fathead minnows, Pimephales promelas; Japanese medaka, Oryzias latipes; rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss; Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus; and zebrafish, Danio rerio) and four common parabens (MTP, ETP, PPP, and BTP) and sorted 48 articles for review. Our search indicates that among all six fish, zebrafish was the most studied fish and the MTP was the most tested paraben in fish. Moreover, depending on the alkyl chain length and linearity, long-chained parabens were more toxic than the parabens with short chains. Parabens can be considered endocrine disruptors (EDs), targeting estrogen-androgen-thyroid-steroidogenesis (EATS) pathways, blocking the development and growth of gametes, and causing intergenerational toxicity to impact the viability of offspring/larvae. Paraben exposure can also induce behavioral changes and nervous system disorders in fish. Although the USEPA and EU limit the use of parabens in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, their prolonged persistence in the environment may pose an additional health risk to humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

UV filters and parabens, as ingredients of cosmetics, are commonly occurring water pollutants. In our work, nutshells were used as biosorbents in the developed analytical procedure for the determination of UV filters and parabens in water samples. The shells obtained from walnuts, hazelnuts, peanuts and pistachios were applied as biosorbents. The proposed analytical method can be used as a powerful alternative to other methods for the analysis of UV filters and parabens in water samples. A method of carrying out the sorption step and its parameters, i.e., the effect of time, pH, and salt addition, was developed. A method for the desorption of analytes was also developed, in which the type and volume of solvent, and the desorption time, were established. The recoveries were in the range of 59–117% for benzophenones and lower recoveries from 14 to 75% for parabens. The results showed that nutshells can be used as low-cost, efficient and eco-friendly biosorbents for the determination of parabens and UV filters in water samples. These materials can be used as a 'greener' replacement for the commercially available adsorbents for the extraction of cosmetic ingredients from the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smart microgels can be used as sorbents, possessing high surface area and rapid stimuli‐responsiveness. A series of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAM) and pNIPAM‐co‐starch nanoparticles (pNIPAM‐co‐SNPs) thermo‐responsive microgels were synthesized, presenting different hydrophilic/hydrophobic behavior according to the composition. The adsorption studies were carried out for methylparaben (MPB), ethylparaben (EPB), propylparaben (PPB), butylparaben (BPB), and bisphenol A (BPA), and the extraction and desorption efficiency were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography and spectrophotometric detection (HPLC‐UV). The effect of microgel phase transition according to the temperature and the copolymerization with SNPs in each sorptive step was investigated. The extraction of less polar compounds (BPA, PPB, and BPB) above the volume phase transition temperature (VPTT) was favored, driven by a predominant hydrophobic interaction. According to microgel composition, the desorption capacity as a function of temperature can be influenced by hydrophilic interactions and water competition. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and binding free energy calculations were performed to provide theoretical evidence about binding energies between pNIPAM and BPA, which experimentally showed the best extraction efficiency results. These findings may provide a strategy for designing high‐performance sorptive phases that could remove hydrophilic and hydrophobic compounds from water and a hypothesis about the driving forces of such processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An eco-friendly method for the determination of sweeteners (aspartame, acesulfame-K) and preservatives (benzoic acid, sorbic acid, methylparaben, ethylparaben) in functional beverages and flavoured waters using thin film microextraction (TFME) and high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection (HPLC-UV) was proposed. A series of fourteen green and renewable solidified natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) were prepared and tested as 'eutectosorbents' in TFME for the first time. In the proposed method, the NADES containing acetylcholine chloride and 1-docosanol at a 1:3 molar ratio was finally chosen to coat a support. Four factors, i.e., the mass of the NADES, pH of the samples, extraction time, and desorption time, were tested in the central composite design to select the optimal TFME conditions. Limits of detection were equal to 0.022 µg mL−1 for aspartame, 0.020 µg mL−1 for acesulfame-K, 0.018 µg mL−1 for benzoic acid, 0.026 µg mL−1 for sorbic acid, 0.013 µg mL−1 for methylparaben, and 0.011 µg mL−1 for ethylparaben. Satisfactory extraction recoveries between 82% and 96% were achieved with RSDs lower than 6.1% (intra-day) and 7.4% (inter-day). The proposed 'eutectosorbent' presented good stability that enabled effective extractions for 16 cycles with recovery of at least 77%. The proposed NADES-TFME/HPLC-UV method is highly sensitive and selective. However, the use of a solid NADES as a sorbent, synthesized without by-products, without the need for purification, and with good stability on a support with the possibility of reusability increases the ecological benefit of this method. The greenness aspect of the method was evaluated using the Complex modified Green Analytical Procedure Index protocol and is equal to 84/100. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenols, parabens, and phthalates (PPPs) are suspected or known endocrine disruptors. They are used in consumer products that pregnant women and their progeny are exposed to daily through the placenta, which could affect offspring health. This review aims to compile data from cohort studies and in vitro and in vivo models to provide a summary regarding placental transfer, fetoplacental development, and the predisposition to adult diseases resulting from maternal exposure to PPPs during the gestational period. In humans, using the concentration of pollutants in maternal urine, and taking the offspring sex into account, positive or negative associations have been observed concerning placental or newborn weight, children's BMI, blood pressure, gonadal function, or age at puberty. In animal models, without taking sex into account, alterations of placental structure and gene expression linked to hormones or DNA methylation were related to phenol exposure. At the postnatal stage, pollutants affect the bodyweight, the carbohydrate metabolism, the cardiovascular system, gonadal development, the age of puberty, sex/thyroid hormones, and gamete quality, but these effects depend on the age and sex. Future challenges will be to explore the effects of pollutants in mixtures using models and to identify the early signatures of in utero exposure capable of predicting the health trajectory of the offspring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel diester monomer synthesized from 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, a compound which can be derived from lignin, was used to obtain aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters (P1–P4) by melt polymerization with 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, and either 1,4-butanedioic acid, 1,6-hexanedioic acid, 1,8-octanedioic acid, or 1,12-dodecanedioic acid as aliphatic diacid. Structure-property relations for the copolyesters were established using FTIR and 1H NMR spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis and tensile testing. The weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of the samples ranged from 41,400 to 48,300 g/mol. As the spacer length in the aliphatic diacid was increased, the glass transition temperature (Tg) decreased from 90 to 51 °C, the melting point (Tm) from 175 to 147 °C, the tensile modulus from 1800 to 980 MPa, and the yield strength from 76 to 54 MPa, while the elongation at break increased from 270 to 320%. The thermal stability of the copolyesters also decreased for longer aliphatic diacid spacers. The copolyester derived from 1,12-dodecanedioic acid displayed the highest degradation rate in artificial soil, with 4.4% degradation after 30 weeks, and low ecotoxicity in an earthworm viability test. These findings contribute to understanding structure-property relationships and the environmental impact of aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters as potential sustainable materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hair relaxers have been suggested as a source of exposure to parabens and phthalates. However, dermally absorbed doses of these chemicals resulting from consumer use of hair relaxers have yet to be quantified, and results from epidemiological studies have consistently demonstrated that there is no increased risk for hormone-sensitive, reproductive cancers associated with use of hair relaxers among Black women. Therefore, dermal absorption of parabens and phthalates associated with hair relaxer use for several commercially available hair relaxer kits was modeled using IH SkinPerm™. The chemicals detected in the hair relaxer kits included methylparaben (MP), ethylparaben (EP), butylparaben (BP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), and the phthalate substitute bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA). The daily absorbed dose ranges (mg/kg/day), standardized over a year of product use, were as follows: 8.64 × 10−5-0.00116 MP, 2.30 × 10−8-3.07 × 10−6 EP, 3.24 × 10−8-4.33 × 10−6 BP, 8.65 × 10−9-1.15 × 10−6 DEP, and 8.94 × 10−7-0.000119 DEHP for Kit #1; 8.44 × 10−5-0.00113 MP and 7.91 × 10−5-0.00106 DEP for Kit #2; and 2.49 × 10−6-3.33 × 10−5 MP, 1.52 × 10−8-2.03 × 10−6 EP, 3.29 × 10−9-4.39 × 10−7 DEP, and 3.11 × 10−6-4.14 × 10−5 DEHA for Kit #3. These absorbed doses were well below applicable health-based guidance values, indicating consumer exposure from product use is not expected to pose a health risk. These results provide valuable information for health risk evaluations for hair relaxer use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can result in alterations of natural hormones in the body. The aim of this review article is to highlight the knowledge about EDCs and obesity. Methods: A scoping review of the electronic literature was performed using PubMed platform for studies on EDCs and obesity published between the years 2013–2023. A total of 10 systematic reviews and meta-analysis studies met our inclusion criteria on more prominent EDCs focusing mainly on bisphenols, including parabens, triclosan, and phthalates, and their association with obesity. Design: Scoping review. Results: EDCs, mostly bisphenols and phthalates, are related to health effects, while there is less information on the impact of parabens and triclosan. A series of negative physiological effects involving obesogenic, diabetogenic, carcinogenic, and inflammatory mechanisms as well as epigenetic and microbiota modulations was related to a prolonged EDCs exposure. A more profound research of particular pollutants is required to illuminate the accelerating effects of particular EDCs, mixtures or their metabolites on the mechanism of the development of obesity. Conclusion: Considering the characteristics of EDCs and the heterogeneity of studies, it is necessary to design specific studies of effect tracking and, in particular, education about daily preventive exposure to EDCs for the preservation of long-term public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endocrine disruptors are molecules that can interfere with the proper functioning of the endocrine system and lead to harmful effects in living organisms. This review focuses on the impact of synthetic fragrances, which are commonly found in personal care and household products, on the endocrine system. The article discusses the different types of hormones in the body and how they interact with receptors to produce signals. It also explores how endocrine disruptors can interfere with hormone signaling and transport, leading to adverse effects in the body. This work underscores the crucial need for further research into the impact of synthetic fragrances on the endocrine system and the importance of using safer alternatives in personal care and household products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) are ubiquitous in soil, posing serious risks to soil biota, especially earthworms, which have been found to be affected by these compounds, despite not being their typical target organisms. Earthworms are essential for sustaining soil health and quality, by promoting soil aeration, organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling, among other functions. This review synthesizes available literature evidencing the negative impact of EDC exposure, through traditional endocrine pathways and other toxicological mechanisms, on histopathological, biochemical, molecular and reproductive endpoints of earthworms. The compounds described, in the consulted literature, to induce histopathological, biochemical, genotoxicity and molecular and reproductive alterations include antibiotics, antimicrobial additives, flame retardants, fragrances, fungicides, herbicides, hormones, inorganic ions, insecticides, organic UV filters, parabens, perfluoroalkyl substances, pesticides, petroleum derivatives, plasticizers and polychlorinated biphenyls. These compounds reach soil through direct application or via contaminated organic amendments and water derived from potentially polluted sources. The findings gather in the present review highlight the vulnerability of earthworms to a broad spectrum of chemicals with endocrine disrupting capacity. Additionally, these studies emphasize the physiological disruptions caused by EDC exposure, underscoring the critical need to protect biodiversity, including earthworms, to ensure soil quality and ecosystem sustainability. Ongoing research has provided insights into molecular mechanisms responsive to EDCs in earthworms, including the identification of putative hormone receptors that exhibit functional similarity to those present in vertebrates. In conclusion, this review emphasizes the impact of EDCs in earthworms, especially through non-hormonal mediated pathways, and addresses the need for strong regulatory frameworks to mitigate the detrimental effects of EDCs on soil invertebrates in order to safeguard soil ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Introduction Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can result in alterations of natural hormones in the body. The aim of this review article is to highlight the knowledge about EDCs and obesity. Methods A scoping review of the electronic literature was performed using PubMed platform for studies on EDCs and obesity published between the years 2013–2023. A total of 10 systematic reviews and meta-analysis studies met our inclusion criteria on more prominent EDCs focusing mainly on bisphenols, including parabens, triclosan, and phthalates, and their association with obesity. Design Scoping review. Results EDCs, mostly bisphenols and phthalates, are related to health effects, while there is less information on the impact of parabens and triclosan. A series of negative physiological effects involving obesogenic, diabetogenic, carcinogenic, and inflammatory mechanisms as well as epigenetic and microbiota modulations was related to a prolonged EDCs exposure. A more profound research of particular pollutants is required to illuminate the accelerating effects of particular EDCs, mixtures or their metabolites on the mechanism of the development of obesity. Conclusion Considering the characteristics of EDCs and the heterogeneity of studies, it is necessary to design specific studies of effect tracking and, in particular, education about daily preventive exposure to EDCs for the preservation of long-term public health.

BackgroundSome hormonally active cancers have low survival rates, but a large proportion of their incidence remains unexplained. Endocrine disrupting chemicals may affect hormone pathways in the pathology of these cancers.ObjectiveTo evaluate cross-sectional associations between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), phenols, and parabens and self-reported previous cancer diagnoses in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).MethodsWe extracted concentrations of 7 PFAS and 12 phenols/parabens and self-reported diagnoses of melanoma and cancers of the thyroid, breast, ovary, uterus, and prostate in men and women (≥20 years). Associations between previous cancer diagnoses and an interquartile range increase in exposure biomarkers were evaluated using logistic regression models adjusted for key covariates. We conceptualized race as social construct proxy of structural social factors and examined associations in non-Hispanic Black, Mexican American, and other Hispanic participants separately compared to White participants.ResultsPrevious melanoma in women was associated with higher PFDE (OR:2.07, 95% CI: 1.25, 3.43), PFNA (OR:1.72, 95% CI: 1.09, 2.73), PFUA (OR:1.76, 95% CI: 1.07, 2.89), BP3 (OR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.10, 2.96), DCP25 (OR: 2.41, 95% CI: 1.22, 4.76), and DCP24 (OR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.05, 3.26). Previous ovarian cancer was associated with higher DCP25 (OR: 2.80, 95% CI: 1.08, 7.27), BPA (OR: 1.93, 95% CI: 1.11, 3.35) and BP3 (OR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.00, 3.09). Previous uterine cancer was associated with increased PFNA (OR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.03, 2.34), while higher ethyl paraben was inversely associated (OR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.85). Various PFAS were associated with previous ovarian and uterine cancers in White women, while MPAH or BPF was associated with previous breast cancer among non-White women.Impact statementBiomarkers across all exposure categories (phenols, parabens, and per- and poly- fluoroalkyl substances) were cross-sectionally associated with increased odds of previous melanoma diagnoses in women, and increased odds of previous ovarian cancer was associated with several phenols and parabens. Some associations differed by racial group, which is particularly impactful given the established racial disparities in distributions of exposure to these chemicals. This is the first epidemiological study to investigate exposure to phenols in relation to previous cancer diagnoses, and the first NHANES study to explore racial/ethnic disparities in associations between environmental phenol, paraben, and PFAS exposures and historical cancer diagnosis.

Personal care products (PCPs) are a class of emerging pollutants that have attracted public concern owing to their harmful effects on humans and the environment. Biomonitoring data is valuable for insight the levels of PCPs in the human body and can be crucial for identifying potential health hazards. To gain a better understanding of timely exposure profiles and health risk of reproductive-age population to PCPs, we determined six parabens, six benzophenone-type ultraviolet filters, and three disinfectants in 256 urine samples collected from young adults aged 18–44 years in Beijing, China. The urinary levels of benzophenone-3 (BP-3) and 4-hydroxybenzophenone (4-OHBP) were significantly higher in summer compared to winter, suggesting these compounds have different seasonal usage patterns. Moreover, the total concentration of 15 PCPs in female was 430 ng/mL, approximately two times higher than that in male. P ‑chloro- m -xylenol (PCMX), as a new type of antibacterial agent, has the greatest level among all target analytes, indicating the increasingly use of this antibacterial alternative recently. Five potential influencing factors that lead to the elevated exposure level of PCPs were identified. Over 19% of the target population had a high hazard index value (greater than 1) which was attributed to exposure to propyl paraben (PrP), benzophenone-1 (BP-1), BP-3 and PCMX, indicating that PCPs may pose a relatively high exposure risk at environmental levels that should be a cause for concern. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endocrine disruptors are molecules that can interfere with the proper functioning of the endocrine system and lead to harmful effects in living organisms. This review focuses on the impact of synthetic fragrances, which are commonly found in personal care and household products, on the endocrine system. The article discusses the different types of hormones in the body and how they interact with receptors to produce signals. It also explores how endocrine disruptors can interfere with hormone signaling and transport, leading to adverse effects in the body. This work underscores the crucial need for further research into the impact of synthetic fragrances on the endocrine system and the importance of using safer alternatives in personal care and household products.

Friday Ebhodaghe Okonofua,1– 3 Lorretta Favour Chizomam Ntoimo,1,3,4 Emmanuel Unuabonah,5,6 Titus Alfred Makudali Msagati,7 Makuachukwu Chioma Ekwo,3 Oladiran Frederick Ayodeji,8 Michael Emefiele Aziken,2 Kenneth Toby Maduako,1,2 Vivian Ifunanya Onoh,1 Akhere Omonkhua,1,9 Victor Ohenhen,10 Celestina Oluwaseun Olafusi,11 Moses O Alfred5,6 1Centre of Excellence in Reproductive Health Innovation (CERHI), University of Benin, Benin, Edo State, Nigeria; 2Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, University of Benin, Benin, Edo State, Nigeria; 3Women’s Health and Action Research Centre (WHARC), Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria; 4Department of Demography and Social Statistics, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria; 5Department of Chemical Sciences, Redeemer University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria; 6African Centre of Excellence for Water and Environmental Research (ACEWATER), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria; 7Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability, College of Science, Engineering & Technology, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa; 8Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Medical Sciences, Ilaje, Ondo State, Nigeria; 9Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin, Edo State, Nigeria; 10Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Central Hospital, Benin, Edo State, Nigeria; 11Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Medical Sciences, Ilaje, Ondo, NigeriaCorrespondence: Friday Ebhodaghe Okonofua, Women’s Health and Action Research Centre Km 11 Benin Lagos Expressway, Igue-Iheya, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, Email feokonofua@yahoo.co.uk; friday.okonofua@cerhi.uniben.eduBackground: Parabens, which are chemicals used as preservatives in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products, have been reported to be associated with low sperm quality in animal and human models. Despite the high exposure of men to paraben-containing products in Nigeria, there are no known studies that investigate the association of parabens with sperm quality in the country.Objective: To determine the association of urinary levels of metabolites of parabens with sperm count and quality.Design/Setting: A multicenter case–control study among fertile and infertile men in five hospitals in southern Nigeria. A total of 136 men diagnosed with male infertility (cases) were compared with 154 controls with normal fertility. Urinary levels of parabens (ethyl-paraben, methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben) were measured using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, while semen analysis and hormone assays were carried out using World Health Organization standards and radioimmunoassay, respectively. Data were analyzed with non-parametric statistics and non-parametric linear regression.Results: The results showed high levels of parabens in both cases and controls. However, there was no statistically significant difference in urinary levels of ethyl-paraben, methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben between cases and controls. In contrast, propylparaben had a decreasing association with total motility in both groups, but the effect was only statistically significant in the case of male infertility. The results of the regression analysis showed that a unit increase in propylparaben significantly decreased total motility in the cases (infertile men). Similarly, a unit increase in propylparaben decreased morphology significantly in the unadjusted model for infertile men. Only serum testosterone showed an insignificant correlation with urinary parabens.Conclusion: We conclude that urinary parabens are associated with features of poor sperm quality – motility, morphology, and volume. Measures to reduce exposure of men to agents containing parabens in Nigeria may reduce the prevalence of male infertility in the country.Keywords: male infertility, Nigeria, parabens, LCMS, case–control study, spermatozoa

The development of self-preserving personal care cosmetics represents a significant advancement in the cosmetics industry, offering safer and more natural alternatives to consumers. This study focused on the preparation of such formulations using multifunctional ingredients along with other cosmetic components. Five unique multifunctional ingredients (MFIs) were identified based on their antimicrobial properties: sodium coco PG-dimonium chloride phosphate, ricinoleic acid, palmitoleic acid, raspberry ketone, and sorbitan caprylate. Through meticulous experimentation, 150 combinations of MFIs were prepared and tested to understand their synergistic actions. From these trials, three synergistic antimicrobial compositions were determined: sodium coco PG-dimonium chloride phosphate: ricinoleic acid: raspberry ketone in the ratios 1:6.3:6.3 and 1:6.3:15.7. Sodium coco PG-dimonium chloride phosphate: palmitoleic acid: sorbitan caprylate at a ratio of 1:12.5:37.5. These synergistic compositions exhibited enhanced antimicrobial efficacy compared with their individual components, as evidenced by their lower Minimum Inhibitory Concentration values. Incorporating these formulations into three distinct personal care cosmetic products, including a color protection shampoo, body wash shower gel, and skin-lightening cream, the study further validated their effectiveness. A Preservation Challenge Test study revealed that all three antimicrobial compositions successfully preserved the cosmetic formulations for up to 28 days. This method of product preservation not only ensures consumer safety and stability but also reduces the need for potentially conventional preservatives. In conclusion, the appropriate use of multifunctional ingredients in combination with meticulous formulation techniques has led to the successful development of self-preserving personal care cosmetics. These formulations offer a promising avenue for the cosmetic industry, catering to the rising demand for natural, effective, and consumer-friendly cosmetic products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The presence of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in environmental matrices is considered one of the major scientific concerns. Most of these substances are disposed of unchanged through wastewater treatment plants and sewage systems. Consequently, they are continuously introduced into the water systems and progressively contaminate surface, ground and drinking water. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a large number of emerging contaminants including parabens were released to the environment through various routes. In this study, the occurrence of parabens (methylparaben (MePB), ethylparaben (EtPB), propylparaben (PrPB), and butylparaben (BuPB) was investigated in wastewater samples from various wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and the receiving surface waters in KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng Provinces (South Africa). Methods: The samples were collected between October 2020 and December 2021, covering the 2nd, 3rd and 4th waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. A solid phase extraction protocol with high-performance liquid chromatography was used to extract and enrich parabens before analysis. Results and Discussion: Methylparaben (2.02-84.7 μg/L), EtPB (<0.24-24.8 μg/L), PrPB (<0.26-55.1 μg/L), and BuPB (<0.27-17.3 μg/L) were quantified in wastewater influent collected WWTPs of KwaZulu Natal Province. While <0.19-5.43 μg/L, <0.16-5.63 μg/L, <0.17-6.89 μg/L, and <0.19-5.32 μg/L for MePB, EtPB, PrPB, and BuPB, respectively, were quantified in effluent wastewater from the same province. The concentrations of MePB, EtPB, PrPB, and BuPB in influent wastewater from Gauteng Province were 2.58-123 μg/L, <0.24-33.6 μg/L, 3.77-73.4 μg/L and <0.27-85.8 μg/L, respectively. In effluent wastewater, concentrations ranging from 0.24-17.76 μg/L (MePB), <0.16-4.88 μg/L (EtPB), 0.69-12.5 μg/L (PrPB), and <0.19-4.726 μg/L (BuPB) were quantified. During the 4th wave, the concentrations of parabens in surface water were lower compared to the second and third waves of the pandemic. In general, the paraben residues in the surface of KwaZulu Natal Province (<0.08-16.4 μg/L) were higher than those in Gauteng Province (0.08-3.14 µg/L). Methylparaben and propylparaben were dominant in all investigated samples (wastewater and surface water), followed by ethylparaben. The ecotoxicological risk assessment was carried out for aquatic biota, which was estimated in terms of risk quotients (RQs). RQs for the target compounds in river water indicated that MePB and EtPB pose low risk, whereas PrPB and BuPB pose low to medium risk to aquatic organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parabens are frequently used preservatives in food and personal care products. These are also termed endocrine disruptors which have the potential to damage the endocrine system Therefore, an easy and facile extraction and detection of parabens are critically important. This work evaluates different magnetic sorbents such as Fe3O4@MIL‐101(Cr), Fe3O4@MIL‐101(Cr)@NH2, and Fe3O4@MIL‐101(Cr)@SO3H for magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) and further selected Fe3O4@MIL‐101(Cr)@NH2 to determine paraben content in chili powder and facial toner samples. Fe3O4@MIL‐101(Cr)@NH2 is an efficient sorbent material specially designed for MSPE, which profoundly extracted nine parabens within a short span of just 6 min, driven by π–π interaction and hydrogen bonding. And a detailed optimization and LC–MS/MS analysis was carried out. Fe3O4@MIL‐101(Cr)@NH2 exhibited superior extraction efficiency, enabling subsequent quantification via LC–MS/MS. The limit of detection ranged from 0.063 to 0.622 ng mL−1 and limit of quantification of 0.211 to 2.073 ng mL−1 were a good recovery in the range of 76.2%–108%. An effective detection of eight parabens in chili powder and four parabens in facial toner samples was determined indicating that Fe3O4@MIL‐101(Cr)‐NH2 sorbents are suitable for MSPE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on human health. EDCs are exogenous compounds that disrupt the synthesis, secretion, and elimination of natural hormones, leading to various health issues such as asthma, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, infertility, and cancers. The article highlights the diverse mechanisms of action of EDCs, including disruption of ligand-receptor interaction, interference of signal transduction, and alteration of epigenetic landscapes. It also presents several studies that explore the effects of specific EDCs on male fertility, testicular function, reproductive health, liver injuries, brain development, behavioral disorders, and cancer development. The research emphasizes the need for updated toxicological approaches to assess the low-dose effects of EDCs and calls for further investigation into the potential risks posed by these chemicals. [Extracted from the article]

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We examined whether mixtures of urinary concentrations of bisphenol A (BPA), parabens and phthalate metabolites were associated with serum lipid levels among 175 pregnant women who enrolled in the Environment and Reproductive Health (EARTH) Study (2005–2017), including triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), non-HDL, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). We applied Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) and quantile g-computation while adjusting for confounders. In the BKMR models, we found no associations between chemical mixture and lipid levels, e.g., total cholesterol [mean difference (95% CRI, credible interval) = 0.02 (−0.31, 0.34)] and LDL [mean difference (95% CRI) = 0.10 (−0.22, 0.43)], when comparing concentrations at the 75th to the 25th percentile. When stratified by BMI, we found suggestive positive relationships between urinary propylparaben and total cholesterol and LDL among women with high BMI [mean difference (95% CRI) = 0.25 (−0.26, 0.75) and 0.35 (−0.25, 0.95)], but not with low BMI [mean difference (95% CRI) = 0.00 (−0.06, 0.07) and 0.00 (−0.07, 0.07)]. No association was found by quantile g-computation. This exploratory study suggests mixtures of phenol and phthalate metabolites were not associated with serum lipid levels during pregnancy, while there were some suggestive associations for certain BMI subgroups. Larger longitudinal studies with multiple assessments of both exposure and outcome are needed to corroborate these novel findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead halide perovskites are well known for their exceptional photophysical and electronic properties, which have placed them at the forefront of challenging optoelectronic applications and solar‐to‐fuel conversion. However, their air/water instability, combined with their toxicity, is still a critical problem that has slowed down their commercialization. In this sense, bismuth‐based halide derivatives attract much interest as a potentially safer, air‐stable alternative. Herein, a novel Bi‐based perovskite‐inspired material, IEF‐19 (IEF stands for IMDEA Energy Framework), which contains a bulky aromatic cation (1,5‐diammonium naphthalene), is prepared. Additionally, an N‐alkylation strategy is successfully employed to achieve four water‐stable perovskite‐inspired materials, which contains diammonium naphthalene cations that are tetra‐alkylated by methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl groups. Moreover, computational studies are performed to gain a deeper understanding of the intrinsic structural stability and affinity of water molecules for Bi‐based perovskite‐inspired materials. Importantly, the air‐ and water‐stable IEF‐19‐Et (i.e., stable at least 12 months under ambient conditions and 3 weeks in contact with water) is found to be an active photocatalyst for vapor‐phase overall water splitting in the absence of any sacrificial agent under both ultraviolet–visible or simulated sunlight irradiation. This material exhibits an estimated apparent quantum yield of 0.08% at 400 nm, partially explained by its adequate energy band level diagram. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Propylparaben (PrP) and dichloropropylparaben (diClPrP) are found in soil worldwide, mainly due to the incorporation of urban sludge in crop soils and the use of non-raw wastewater for irrigation. Studies on the adverse effects of PrP on plants are incipient and not found for diClPrP. PrP and diClPrP were evaluated at concentrations 4, 40, and 400 µg/L for their phytotoxic potential to seeds of Allium cepa (onion), Cucumis sativus (cucumber), Lycopersicum sculentum (tomato), and Lactuca sativa (lettuce), and cytotoxic, genotoxic potential, and for generating oxygen-reactive substances in root meristems of A. cepa bulbs. PrP and diClPrP caused a significant reduction in seed root elongation in all four species. In A. cepa bulb roots, PrP and diClPrP resulted in a high prophase index; in addition, PrP at 400 µg/L and diClPrP at the three concentrations significantly decreased cell proliferation and caused alterations in a significant number of cells. Furthermore, diClPrP concentrations induced the development of hooked roots in onion bulbs. The two chemical compounds caused significant changes in the modulation of catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and guaiacol peroxidase, disarming the root meristems against hydroxyl radicals and superoxides. Therefore, PrP and diClPrP were phytotoxic and cytogenotoxic to the species tested, proving dangerous to plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate antioxidative features using 2,2-diphenyl-1-pycrylhydrazyl free radical (DPPH•) scavenging method, bovine serum albumin (BSA)-binding properties with usage of spectrofluorimetric method, proliferative and cyto/genotoxic status by use of chromosome aberration test, and antimicrobial potential using broth microdilution method, followed by resazurin assay of benzyl-, isopropyl-, isobutyl and phenylparaben in vitro. Our results showed that all parabens had significant antiradical scavenger activity compared to p-hydroxybenzoic acid (PHBA) precursor. Higher mitotic index for benzyl-, isopropyl and isobutylparaben (250 µg/mL) in comparison with control was demonstrated. An increase in the frequency of acentric fragments in lymphocytes treated with benzylparaben and isopropylparaben (125 and 250 µg/mL), and isobutylparaben (250 µg/mL) was observed. Isobutylparaben (250 µg/mL) induced higher number of dicentric chromosomes. An increased number of minute fragments in lymphocytes exposed to benzylparaben (125 and 250 µg/mL) was found. A significant difference in the frequency of chromosome pulverization, between phenylparaben (250 µg/mL) and control, was detected. Benzylparaben (250 µg/mL) and phenylparaben (62.5 µg/mL) caused an increase in the number of apoptotic cells, while isopropylparaben (62.5, 125 and 250 µg/mL) and isobutylparaben (62.5 and 125 µg/mL) induced higher frequency of necrosis. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of tested parabens ranged 15.62–250 µg/mL for bacteria, and 125–500 µg/mL for the yeast. Minimum microbiocidal concentration ranged 31.25 to 500 µg/mL, and 250 to 1000 µg/mL in bacteria and fungi respectively. The lowest MICs for bacteria were observed for phenyl- (15.62 µg/mL) and isopropylparaben (31.25 µg/mL) against Enterococcus faecalis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document discusses the use of nanocatalysts for the degradation of refractory pollutants in water and air. The document highlights recent advancements in nanocatalysts and their applications in water treatment and air purification. It includes 12 research articles that cover various topics related to the use of nanocatalysts in pollutant removal. The articles discuss the synthesis and performance of different nanocatalysts, such as fluorinated Fe3O4 microspheres, heterojunction nanocomposites, and metal-organic frameworks. The document aims to inspire researchers to develop more effective nanocatalysts for environmental remediation. [Extracted from the article]

(1) Background: Prolonged coexposure to environmental contaminants is reportedly associated with adverse impacts on skin health. However, the collective effects of contaminant mixtures on psoriasis prevalence remain unclear. (2) Methods: A nationally representative cohort study was conducted using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–2006 and 2009–2014. The association between contaminant exposures and psoriasis prevalence was analyzed through weighted quantile sum regressions, restricted cubic splines, and multivariable logistic regression. (3) Results: 16,453 participants and 60 contaminants in 8 groups were involved. After adjusting for demographics and comorbidities, exposure to urinary perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate mixtures (OR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.00–1.21) demonstrated a significant positive linear association with psoriasis prevalence. Ethyl paraben (OR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.02–1.44) exhibited a significant positive correlation with psoriasis risk as an individual contaminant. The association between blood cadmium, lead, and mercury mixtures (OR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.00–1.21), urinary perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate mixtures (OR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.00–1.34), and psoriasis prevalence was more pronounced in the lower healthy lifestyle score subgroup. (4) Conclusions: Exposure to perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate mixtures, and ethyl paraben was associated with an elevated psoriasis prevalence. Furthermore, the association between cadmium and lead and mercury mixtures as well as perchlorate, nitrate and thiocyanate mixtures, and psoriasis prevalence was more pronounced in individuals with less healthy lifestyles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psittacofulvins are polyenal dyes responsible for coloring parrot feathers and protecting them against photo-oxidation, harmful radicals, and bacterial degradation. To explain the unusual properties of these compounds, the thermodynamic and global chemical activity descriptors characterizing four natural and three synthetic psittacofulvins, as well as their hydroxyl, carboxyl and dialdehyde derivatives, were determined. To this aim, the DFT method at the B3LYP/QZVP theory level and the C-PCM solvation model were used. The calculations enabled the selection of the projected compounds for the greatest bioactivity and potential applicability as multifunctional ingredients in medicines, cosmetics, supplements, and food, in which they may play a triple role as preservative, radical scavenger, and coloring agent. The results obtained provide arguments for the identification of a fifth psittacofulvin within the parrot feather pigment, characterized by ten conjugated double bonds (docosadecaenal). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, fluorescence techniques were utilized to investigate the interactions of selected phenolic acids (PAs) and flavonoids (FLs) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) under physiological conditions. The binding of PAs/FLs with BSA was investigated at three temperatures: 292, 303 and 310 K. From the obtained spectra, the Stern-Volmer constant (Ksv), bimolecular quenching constant (kq), binding constants (Kb), and binding site number (n) constants were calculated. Presented results indicate that fluorescence quenching of BSA in the presence of phenolic acids/flavonoids is a static quenching process. The strongest static binding occurs during the formation of the BSA-pHBA (p-hydroxybenzoic acid) complex (kq = 57.1×1012 M-1 s-1 at 292 K), and BSA-Que (quercetin) complex (kq = 42.8×1012 M-1 s-1 at 292 K). The structure of PAs/FLs was revealed to significantly affect the binding/quenching process and additionaly, fluorescence resonance energy transfer studies confirmed the static nature of this process. The results of synchronous fluorescence spectra suggest changes in the microenvironment of tyrosine. Three-dimensional spectra showed changes related to the backbone structures of the protein chain (caused by the π-π∗ transition of the carbonyl group). Furthermore, thermal denaturation was performed by nano differential scanning fluorimetry (nanoDSF) and transition temperature (Tm) values for BSA complexes with PAs/FLs are slightly lower than Tm for BSA, except Tm for BSA complexes with kaempferol and chrysine. According to in silico analysis, theoretically, caffeic acid and quercetin showed the best binding position with albumin (4F5S). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of cut flowers has substantial economic potential, and therefore, extending their lifespan has been the main focus of several floriculture researchers. Despite the increased marketable value of gladioli, their spikes rapidly lose their visual value and postharvest quality, accompanied by a short vase life. Unfortunately, most floral preservatives used to extend the flower lifespan have hazardous impacts; thus, providing eco-friendly alternatives has spurred immense interest among scientists. Sage and rosemary essential oils (EOs) seem to be effective eco-friendly flower preservatives due to their content of antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds. This study was therefore conducted to investigate whether using sage or rosemary EOs as novel preservative solutions can enhance the quality and prolong the vase life of cut gladiolus spikes. Gladiolus spikes were subjected to several concentrations (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg L−1) of sage or rosemary EOs in a vase solution. All levels of both EOs significantly prolonged the vase life of gladiolus spikes, increased their water uptake and enhanced floret opening compared to the control. The vase life was increased by 88.16 and 84.76% by applying 150 or 100 mg L−1 of sage or rosemary EOs, respectively, compared to the untreated spikes. Sage and rosemary EO treatments markedly decreased bacterial populations, preserved the chlorophyll content, decreased H2O2 production and retarded the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA), and therefore preserved the membrane stability relative to the control. Furthermore, the total phenols and the antioxidant enzyme activities of catalase, glutathione reductase and ascorbate peroxidase were significantly increased due to sage or rosemary EO applications. In conclusion, sage or rosemary EOs may be applied as innovative, eco-friendly alternative preservatives to the communal chemicals used as preservatives in the cut flower industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methylparaben (MPB) and propylparaben (PPB) are produced in high volumes worldwide and constantly released into the environment. They are found in the soil mainly due to the incorporation of urban sewage sludge into agricultural soils and the use of wastewater in irrigation. No studies were found on the impact assessment of parabens in mixture in soil organisms. The main objective of this study was to assess the ecotoxicity of MPB and PPB in mixture to plants. MPB and PPB were evaluated separately at concentrations 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 ng/L, and in combinations MPB 0.1 × PPB 0.1, MPB 1 × PPB 1, MPB 10 × PPB 10, and MPB 100 × PPB 100. Individually, the two parabens were not phytotoxic and cytogenotoxic. In mixture, MPB and PPB caused a significant reduction in root elongation in seeds of A. cepa, C. sativus, L. esculentum, and L. sativa. In A. cepa bulbs, the interaction of MPB and PPB reduced root elongation by inhibiting cell division and causing disturbances to the mitotic spindle and chromosomal compaction in meristematic cells. Such disorders were triggered because MPB and PPB in combination inhibit the cells’ defense system, leading to excess hydrogen peroxide in root meristems. Therefore, there was a phytotoxic, cytotoxic, and genotoxic synergy between MPB and PPB in plants, from the MPB 0.1 × PPB 0.1 combination, demonstrating that these compounds in a mixture can negatively impact crop productivity and the development non-cultivated plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracts from Veronica species (speedwells) are known for the various biological activities they show, such as cytotoxic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. Also, the plants from this genus are known as medicinal plants used in traditional medicine worldwide. Phenolic compounds are specialized metabolites that contribute to biological activity the most. Therefore, the aim of this research is identification and quantification of phenolic compounds present in three Veronica species (Veronica anagallis-aquatica L., Veronica persica Poir., and Veronica polita Fr.) using the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) technique. All extracts were tested for antioxidant activity with two methods: DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity). Also, standards for compounds that were detected in the highest amount in all species were also tested for antioxidant activity. Three different solvents (pure methanol, 80% ethanol, and water) were used for the extraction of phenolic components and their comparison in order to test their antioxidant activity as a final goal. The main compounds present in the tested Veronica extracts were: p-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, caffeic acid, gentisic acid, and apigenin. V. anagallis-aquatica contained the highest amount of phenolic components in comparison with the two other tested species, V. persica and V. polita. Caffeic acid showed the highest antioxidant activity in both studied methods with an IC50 value for DPPH activity of 1.99 µg/mL. For the plant extracts, in general, methanolic/ethanolic extracts showed higher activity than water extracts in both methods which was expected, as organic solutions extract more phenolic compounds. This research points to the potential application of extracts of different Veronica species for antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aromatase (CYP19A1), a pivotal enzyme in the biosynthesis of estradiol from testosterone, is predominantly expressed in reproductive tissues including placentas. This study investigated the effects of paraben acid and nine parabens on the activity of human and rat CYP19A1 using microsomes derived from human and rat placentas and on estradiol secretion in human choriocarcinoma BeWo cells. The results showed that propyl, butyl, hexyl, heptyl, and nonyl parabens significantly inhibited human CYP19A1 activity, with IC50 values of 66.37, 61.08, 55.65, 48.26, and 27.24 μM, respectively. In BeWo cells, these parabens notably diminished estradiol secretion at concentrations of 100 μM. Similarly, rat CYP19A1 was inhibited by these parabens, with IC50 values of 98.07, 70.10, 41.30, 27.93, and 6.33 μM for propyl, butyl, hexyl, heptyl, and nonyl parabens, respectively. Kinetic analysis identified these compounds as mixed inhibitors. Bivariate correlation analysis revealed a negative correlation between the partition coefficient value, molecular weight, the number of carbon atoms in the alcohol moiety, as well as heavy atom number and IC50 values. Three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship analysis highlighted the critical role of hydrophobic regions in determining inhibitory potency. Docking studies suggested that parabens interact with the heme-iron binding site of both human and rat CYP19A1. This study elucidates the inhibitory effects of various parabens on CYP19A1 and their binding mechanisms, thereby providing a deeper understanding of their potential impact on estrogen biosynthesis.

Parabens are the most prevalent ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products (PCPs). They are colorless and tasteless and exhibit good stability when combined with other components. Because of these unique physicochemical properties, they are extensively used as antimicrobial and antifungal agents. Their release into the aquatic ecosystem poses potential threats to aquatic organisms, including fish. We conducted an electronic search in PubMed (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed) using the search term parabens and fish and sorted 93 articles consisting of methyl paraben (MTP), ethyl paraben (ETP), propyl paraben (PPP), butyl paraben (BTP), and benzyl paraben (BNP) in several fish species. Furthermore, we confined our search to six fish species (common carp, Cyprinus carpio; fathead minnows, Pimephales promelas; Japanese medaka, Oryzias latipes; rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss; Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus; and zebrafish, Danio rerio) and four common parabens (MTP, ETP, PPP, and BTP) and sorted 48 articles for review. Our search indicates that among all six fish, zebrafish was the most studied fish and the MTP was the most tested paraben in fish. Moreover, depending on the alkyl chain length and linearity, long-chained parabens were more toxic than the parabens with short chains. Parabens can be considered endocrine disruptors (EDs), targeting estrogen-androgen-thyroid-steroidogenesis (EATS) pathways, blocking the development and growth of gametes, and causing intergenerational toxicity to impact the viability of offspring/larvae. Paraben exposure can also induce behavioral changes and nervous system disorders in fish. Although the USEPA and EU limit the use of parabens in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, their prolonged persistence in the environment may pose an additional health risk to humans.

Ingestion of breast milk represents the primary exposure pathway for endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in newborns. To elucidate the associated risks, it is essential to quantify EDC levels in both breast milk and infant urine. This study measured the concentrations of 13 EDCs, including parabens (methyl paraben (MP), ethyl paraben (EP), propyl paraben (PP), iso-propyl paraben, butyl paraben, and iso-butyl paraben), bisphenols (bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol F, bisphenol S, bisphenol AF, and bisphenol Z), triclosan (TCS), and triclocarban, in breast milk and infant urine to assess their potential health effects and endocrine disruption risks. In total, 1 014 breast milk samples were collected from 20 cities across China, along with 144 breast milk samples and 134 urine samples from a mother-infant cohort in Hangzhou. The EDCs were detected using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. Endocrine-disrupting potency was evaluated using a predictive method based on EDC affinity for 15 hormone receptor proteins. The toxicological priority index (ToxPi), incorporating population exposure data, was employed to assess health risks associated with exposure to multiple EDCs. Among the 13 EDCs, MP, EP, PP, BPA, and TCS were detected in over 50 % of breast milk samples, with the highest median concentrations observed for MP (0.37 ng/mL), EP (0.29 ng/mL), and BPA (0.17 ng/mL). Across the 20 cities, 0 %–40 % of infants had a hazard index (HI) exceeding 1. Based on affinity prediction analysis and estimated exposure, cumulative endocrine disruption risk intensity was ranked as MP > TCS > BPA > EP > PP. This research highlights the extensive exposure of Chinese infants to EDCs, offering a detailed analysis of their varying endocrine disruption potencies and underscoring the significant health risks associated with EDCs in breast milk.

Background: The inconsistent relationship between chemical exposure and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) has been examined in only a few studies. We investigated the association between paraben exposure and indicators of renal function in a total of 361 individuals recruiting from a representative study. Method: The levels of urinary parabens, including methylparaben (MeP), ethylparaben (EtP), propylparaben (PrP), and butylparaben (BuP), were measured using UPLC-MS/MS. The association between paraben exposure and indices of renal function was assessed using multiple logistic regression and Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR). Results: The median levels of urinary parabens in the adult group were significantly higher than those in the minor group, that is, 397 vs. 148 ng/mL for MeP, 38.8 vs. 13.6 ng/mL for EtP, 117 vs. 57.7 ng/mL for PrP, and 6.61 vs. 2.79 ng/mL for BuP (all P < 0.001). In the adult group, multivariate regression models confirmed a positive association between the albumin-to-creatinine ratio and urinary MeP (β = 0.580) and a positive association of BUN (β = 0.061) and a negative association of eGFR (β = −0.051) with urinary EtP (all P < 0.001). In the adult group, compared with the lowest tertile group, the adjusted odds ratio in the third tertile (T3) of urinary EtP levels indicated a 3.08 times increased risk of eGFR abnormalities, followed by the second tertile (T2) with a 2.63 times increased risk. The generalized additive model (GAM) and BKMR models showed a non-linear correlation between urinary EtP levels and early CKD, as well as reduced eGFR. We observed a significant positive cumulative effect of urinary paraben on eGFR, and a significant positive single exposure effect of urinary EtP with eGFR abnormality. Conclusion: We found a significant association between exposure to EtP and an increased risk of high BUN levels and decreased eGFR.

Background: Toxicological and epidemiological studies have shown that environmental endocrine disruptors interfere with hormonal homeostasis. However, there is limited research on the effects of mixed exposure to nonpersistent endocrine disruptors on thyroid hormones and the factors (e.g., presence status of thyroid autoantibodies or nutritional status of organismal iodine) that may influence this association. Methods: Data were collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2008 and 2011–2012. Relationships between single pollutants and thyroid hormone and thyroid autoantibody levels were assessed using generalized linear (GLM) and restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression models. Weighted quantile sum regression (WQS), group-weighted quantile sum regression (GWQS), quantile-based g-computation (qgcomp), and adaptive elasticity network (AENET) were applied to assess the mixed exposure effect. Next, subgroup analyses were performed on the basis of the urinary iodine concentration or thyroid autoantibody status to assess the modifying role of urinary iodine and thyroid autoantibodies. Results: A total of 2385 study participants were included in this study. Both the single-pollutant model and the multipollutant mixed model revealed that parabens and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) metabolites were significantly and negatively associated with serum thyroxine (T4) levels. However, no associations were found between the target pollutants and thyroid autoantibodies (thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb)). In addition, this study revealed that urinary iodine or thyroid autoantibody status altered the associations of some of the target pollutants with thyroid hormones. WQS and qgcomp analyses, revealed that the associations of mixed pollutants with hormones differed depending on the urinary iodine or antibody status, especially T4 and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Conclusion: Significant associations were found between phenols, parabens, and phthalates and serum thyroid hormone levels, with parabens and DEHP metabolites playing major roles. Urinary iodine and thyroid autoantibody status act as modifiers between environmental endocrine-disrupting pollutants and thyroid hormones.

Abstract Background A growing body of literature investigated childhood exposure to environmental chemicals in association with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, but limited studies considered urinary mixtures of multiple chemical classes. This study examined associations of concurrent exposure to non-persistent chemicals with ADHD symptoms in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental delay (DD), and typical development (TD). Methods A total of 549 children aged 2–5 years from the Childhood Autism Risks from Genetics and Environment (CHARGE) case-control study were administered the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC). This study focused on the ADHD/noncompliance subscale and its two subdomains (hyperactivity/impulsivity, inattention). Sixty-two chemicals from four classes (phenols/parabens, phthalates, organophosphate pesticides, trace elements) were quantified in child urine samples, and 43 chemicals detected in > 70% samples were used to investigate their associations with ADHD symptoms. Negative binomial regression was used for single-chemical analysis, and weighted quantile sum regression with repeated holdout validation was applied for mixture analysis for each chemical class and all chemicals. The mixture analyses were further stratified by diagnostic group. Results A phthalate metabolite mixture was associated with higher ADHD/noncompliance scores (median count ratio [CR] = 1.10; 2.5th, 97.5th percentile: 1.00, 1.21), especially hyperactivity/impulsivity (median CR = 1.09; 2.5th, 97.5th percentile: 1.00, 1.25). The possible contributors to these mixture effects were di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) metabolites and mono-2-heptyl phthalate (MHPP). These associations were likely driven by children with ASD as these were observed among children with ASD, but not among TD or those with DD. Additionally, among children with ASD, a mixture of all chemicals was associated with ADHD/noncompliance and hyperactivity/impulsivity, and possible contributors were 3,4-dihydroxy benzoic acid, DEHP metabolites, MHPP, mono-n-butyl phthalate, and cadmium. Conclusions Early childhood exposure to a phthalate mixture was associated with ADHD symptoms, particularly among children with ASD. While the diverse diagnostic profiles limited generalizability, our findings suggest a potential link between phthalate exposure and the comorbidity of ASD and ADHD.

Products used in daily life can contain chemicals such as parabens, benzophenones, triclosan, and triclocarban that have potential endocrine-disrupting effects. Little is known about the temporal trends of exposure levels to some of these chemicals in Japan. Our study assessed the intake and risk associated with exposure to commonly used chemicals. We measured the concentrations of five parabens, four benzophenones, and triclosan and triclocarban in 133 single spot urine samples. The urine samples were collected in 1993, 2000, 2003, 2009, 2011, and 2016 from healthy female residents in Kyoto, Japan. With the exception of methylparaben, ethylparaben, and butylparaben, there were no significant fluctuations in the concentrations of target chemicals over the study period; however, methylparaben, ethylparaben, and butylparaben showed temporal changes in concentrations. Methylparaben concentrations peaked in 2003 with a median value of 309 μg/g creatinine, ethylparaben concentrations peaked in 1993 with a median value of 17.3 μg/g creatinine, and butylparaben showed a decline, with the median values becoming non-detectable in 2009 and 2016. We calculated estimated daily intakes and hazard quotients for each chemical. In the analysis of total samples, 2.3% (3 samples) for butylparaben and 0.8% (1 sample) for propylparaben were found to surpass a hazard quotient of 1. Overall, 3% (n = 4) of the study participants exceeded a hazard index of 1. The potential health risks associated with exposure to butylparaben and propylparaben emphasize the need for further monitoring and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to repurpose plant waste, specifically pea husks, to synthesize cellulose/zinc oxide nanoparticles (CNC/ZnO NPs) using two environmentally friendly and low-cost techniques. Initially, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were extracted from the cellulose-rich biomass of pea husks through chemical treatments. Subsequently, a hybrid material of CNCs and ZnO NPs was fabricated using two techniques: T1, involving the dissolution of cellulose (Cs) in a basic solution, and T2, utilizing Cs crystals directly. The yield of the obtained Cs and CNCs was quantified, demonstrating a high biomass yield of 93.04 ± 1.39% for Cs and 28.81 ± 2.18% for CNCs. Various analysis techniques, including Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), and Ultraviolet visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), were employed to study the material's different properties. Furthermore, CNC/ZnO NPs were tested against human pathogenic bacteria and a fungus. Results indicated the crystalline nature of the CNC/ZnO NPs, with an average size of 20 nm. Morphological analysis showed a notable contrast in ZnO nanoparticle distribution on CNC surfaces. In the first method, ZnO NPs formed a complete and evenly distributed coating, resulting in a smooth structure. Conversely, the second method led to ZnO NPs appearing as scattered dots on the CNCs, resulting in the lowest ZnO NP content. The study demonstrated a significant increase in antimicrobial properties after coating Cs nanoparticles with ZnO NPs, with the hybrid material exhibiting higher antimicrobial activity than pure CNCs. These findings suggest the potential of CNC/ZnO NPs for antimicrobial pharmaceuticals and as a natural food preservative to control the growth of microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parabens are esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, used for decades as a preservative in many products, including agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, foods and cosmetics. Concerns regarding parabens toxicity include adverse effects on endocrine activity, carcinogenesis, infertility, spermatogenesis, and adipogenesis. The present study aimed to investigate the in vivo administration of methyl and butylparaben at concentrations of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight, by subcutaneous injection, in variable murinometric measurements, antioxidant systems and genotoxicity. The administration of parabens did not affect the consumption of water and food. However, there was a decrease in the weight of the testes and the seminal vesicle (p < 0.05). The administration of parabens caused an increase in superoxide dismutase for methylparaben (200 mg/kg) and both concentrations of butylparaben (p < 0.05). Catalase showed increased activity in all groups treated with parabens. In contrast, glutathione reductase and glutathione S-transferase suffered a decrease in the groups treated with both parabens. These results show that parabens, especially butyl, can affect the rat testis enzymatic antioxidant system, decreasing the cellular antioxidant capacity, which was confirmed by the decrease in the glutathione reducing power, expressed by the reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio. Therefore, an increase in lipid peroxidation was observed, which was significant in the case of butyl. Genetic Damage Indicator values show that butylparaben treatments displayed significantly higher values than the control. This study shows for the first time that parabens can induce genotoxicity in the rat male reproductive organ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) films that including fully paraben substituted triazine derivatives having anti‐bacterial properties have been prepared by utilizing the solvent‐casting method. PLA as biodegradable polymer, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) as a plasticizing agent and s‐triazine molecules (TA01, TA02, TA03, TA04, and TA05) behaving as an anti‐bacterial component have been utilized in the experiments. The influence of TA compounds on the antibacterial performance of PLA/PEG films was investigated for the first time against Gram‐negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria via the contact active method. TA01‐03‐05 incorporated PLA/PEG films gave the best results against E.coli bacteria and log10 reductions of these films were 0.78, 0.64, and 0.65 respectively. The effect of TA compounds on the cell viability was investigated against cancer and non‐cancerous cell lines using an MTS assay. The results showed that TA compounds had a positive effect on cell growth in non‐cancerous cells, while they had a negative effect on cell growth in cancer cells. Furthermore, the addition of TA considerably increased the decomposition temperatures from 349° to 361° and char yield from 0.65 for PLA/PEG film to 2.3 for PLA/PEG/TA05. All of the films had good transparency and low opacity which was 7.2 for pure PLA used for control and the maximum opacity value was 11.2 observed for PLA/PEG/01. TA03 and TA04 caused a decrement of water vapor permission when compared to PLA/PEG films from 1439 to 749 and 664. It was also observed that pure PLA/PEG film lost weight rapidly over time during degradation tests. On the other hand, weight loss wasn't observed in PLA/PEG/TA films. This study focused on demonstrating the use of our new, flexible PLA/PEG derivatives in food and medical packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parabens (p-hydroxybenzoic acid esters) commonly used preservatives (in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and foods) can pose potential effects on environmental health. In this study, seven parabens were quantified in marine fish samples using an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (UHPLC-MS/MS) system. Parabens in the fish samples were extracted and purified by a rapid, simple, and effective procedure comprising sample homogenization with solvent, solid-phase extraction clean-up, and solvent evaporation. Results demonstrated that the recoveries of seven compounds (with relative standard deviation < 15%) were 88–103% in matrix-spike samples and 86–105% in surrogate standards. The method detection limits and method quantification limits of seven parabens were 0.015–0.030 and 0.045–0.090 ng/g-ww (wet weight), respectively. The optimized method was applied to measure the concentration of parabens in the 37 marine fish samples collected from Vietnam coastal waters. The concentration ranges of seven parabens found in round scad and greater lizardfish samples were 6.82–25.3 ng/g ww and 6.21–17.2 ng/g-ww, respectively. Among parabens, methylparaben accounted for the highest contribution in both fish species (43.2 and 44.9%, respectively). Based on the measured concentrations of parabens in marine fish samples, the estimated daily intake was calculated for children and adults with the corresponding values of 0.0477 µg/kg/day and 0.0119 µg/kg/day, respectively. However, the presence of parabens in Vietnamese marine fish may not pose a significant risk to human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]