Crude oil pollution in the Niger Delta, perpetrated by both local communities and industrial actors, has brought about soil pollution with its consequent ecological, human health and food challenges. The purpose of th...Crude oil pollution in the Niger Delta, perpetrated by both local communities and industrial actors, has brought about soil pollution with its consequent ecological, human health and food challenges. The purpose of this research was to examine the concentration and distribution of heavy metals in soil from communities contaminated by crude oil in Niger Delta, and to evaluate the potential health risks to residents from exposure to these contaminants. To achieve this, soil samples were collected from the Ihwrekreka community and analyzed for heavy metal content using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The analytical results in mg/kg revealed a significant metals pollution level derived from the oil spill in the soil ranging from 4.85 - 17,078 (Cu), 1.01 - 16.1 (Cd), 0.22 - 36.8 (Cr), 8.28 - 40.9 (Ni), 7.51 - 6474 (Pb), and 8.84 - 12,851 (Zn) respectively. Most of the metals were above the permissible limits of World Health Organization, with Cu, Zn, and Pb as the most contaminating metals. Lead was found to be the main contributor to the hazard index (HI) values for both children and adults in the study area, with its concentration exceeding the permitted limits set by the WHO and the EC. The hazard index (HI) values of Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, Ni, and Cr were significantly higher than 1. These findings suggest that the release of heavy metals from an oil-contaminated site may pose a risk to human health and the environment.展开更多
Soy isoflavones are natural tyrosine kinase inhibitors closely associated with decreased morbidity and mortality of various tumors.The activation of tyrosine kinases such as ERBB2 is the mechanism by which cholecystit...Soy isoflavones are natural tyrosine kinase inhibitors closely associated with decreased morbidity and mortality of various tumors.The activation of tyrosine kinases such as ERBB2 is the mechanism by which cholecystitis transforms into gallbladder cancer(GBC),therefore,it is important to investigate the relationship between long-term exposure to soy isoflavones and the occurrence and progression of GBC.This case-control study(n=85 pairs)found that the high level of plasma soy isoflavoneDgenistein(GEN)was associated with a lower risk of gallbladder cancer(≥326.00 ng/m L compared to≤19.30ng/m L,crude odds ratio 0.15,95%CI 0.04–0.59;P for trend=0.016),and that the level of GEN exposure negatively correlated with Ki67 expression in GBC tissue(n=85).Consistent with these results,the proliferation of GBC cells was inhibited in the long-term exposure models of GEN in vitro and in vivo.The long-term exposure to GEN reduced the tyrosine kinase activity of ERBB2 and impaired the function of the PTK6-AKT-GSK3βaxis,leading to downregulation of the MCM complex in GBC cells.In summary,long-term exposure to GEN associated with soy products intake might play a certain role in preventing GBC and even inhibiting the proliferation of GBC cells.展开更多
Artisanal gold mining,a labor-intensive and antiquated technique,is a growing industry and the source of income for rural communities all over the world.However,artisanal gold mining has potential negative and long-te...Artisanal gold mining,a labor-intensive and antiquated technique,is a growing industry and the source of income for rural communities all over the world.However,artisanal gold mining has potential negative and long-term effects on economy,environment,and society.This study collected soil samples from 16 sample points including a control point to examine the pollution degrees and spatial distribution of heavy metals,as well as ecological and health risks associated with heavy metal pollution in the Ijero-Ekiti mining site,Nigeria.Geographical Information System(GIS)and remote sensing technologies were used to identify regions with high concentrations of heavy metals and assess the environmental impact of gold mining activities.The results show that the mean heavy metal concentrations of 16 soil pointa are 8.94(±5.97)mg/kg for As,0.18(±0.54)mg/kg for Cd,0.11(±1.06)mg/kg for Co,14.32(±3.43)mg/kg for Cr,6.89(±0.64)mg/kg for Cu,48.92(±11.77)mg/kg for Fe,135.81(±30.75)mg/kg for Mn,5.92(±0.96)mg/kg for Ni,5.72(±1.66)mg/kg for Pb,and 13.94(±1.38)mg/kg for Zn.The study reveals that heavy metal concentration in soils follows the order of Mn>Fe>Cr>Zn>As>Cu>Ni>Pb>Co>Cd.An analysis of soil samples indicates that 3 principal components(PCs)account for 70.008%of the total variance and there are strong positive correlations between various pairs of heavy metals.The total potential ecological risk index(309.599)in the study area is high.Non-carcinogenic risk suggests that there may be long-term health impacts on people who work in the mining areas due to chronic exposure to the environment.Based on the study,the hazard index of carcinogenic health risks associated with heavy metals through ingestion is 520.00×10^(–4).Dermal contact from As and Cr also increases the risk of cancer,with the highest hazard index value of 18.40×10^(–4).The lowest exposure pathway,with the hazard index value of 0.68×10^(–4),indicates that the inhalation of heavy metals has a comparatively low risk of cancer.This study recommends the展开更多
Objective This study investigated the impact of occupational mercury(Hg) exposure on human gene transcription and expression, and its potential biological mechanisms.Methods Differentially expressed genes related to H...Objective This study investigated the impact of occupational mercury(Hg) exposure on human gene transcription and expression, and its potential biological mechanisms.Methods Differentially expressed genes related to Hg exposure were identified and validated using gene expression microarray analysis and extended validation. Hg-exposed cell models and PTEN lowexpression models were established in vitro using 293T cells. PTEN gene expression was assessed using qRT-PCR, and Western blotting was used to measure PTEN, AKT, and PI3K protein levels. IL-6 expression was determined by ELISA.Results Combined findings from gene expression microarray analysis, bioinformatics, and population expansion validation indicated significant downregulation of the PTEN gene in the high-concentration Hg exposure group. In the Hg-exposed cell model(25 and 10 μmol/L), a significant decrease in PTEN expression was observed, accompanied by a significant increase in PI3K, AKT, and IL-6 expression.Similarly, a low-expression cell model demonstrated that PTEN gene knockdown led to a significant decrease in PTEN protein expression and a substantial increase in PI3K, AKT, and IL-6 levels.Conclusion This is the first study to report that Hg exposure downregulates the PTEN gene, activates the PI3K/AKT regulatory pathway, and increases the expression of inflammatory factors, ultimately resulting in kidney inflammation.展开更多
Microplastics are ubiquitous in the global environment.As a typical emerging pollutant,its potential health hazards have been widely concerning.In this brief paper,we introduce the source,identification,toxicity,and h...Microplastics are ubiquitous in the global environment.As a typical emerging pollutant,its potential health hazards have been widely concerning.In this brief paper,we introduce the source,identification,toxicity,and health hazard of microplastics in the human.The literature review shows that microplastics are frequently detected in environmental and human samples.Humans are potentially exposed to microplastics through oral intake,inhalation,and skin contact.We summarize the toxic effects of microplastics in experimental models like cells,organoids,and animals.These effects consist of oxidative stress,DNA damage,organ dysfunction,metabolic disorder,immune response,neurotoxicity,as well as reproductive and developmental toxicity.In addition,the epidemiological evidence suggests that a variety of chronic diseases may be related to microplastics exposure.Finally,we put forward the gaps in toxicity research of microplastics and their future development directions.This review will be helpful to the understanding of the exposure risk and potential health hazards of microplastics.展开更多
Tetrabromobisphenol A(TBBPA)is a flame retardant that adversely affects the environment and human health.The present study exposed HepG2 cells to low concentrations of TBBPA daily to investigate the changes in gene re...Tetrabromobisphenol A(TBBPA)is a flame retardant that adversely affects the environment and human health.The present study exposed HepG2 cells to low concentrations of TBBPA daily to investigate the changes in gene regulation,mainly related to pathways associated with the endocrine system.The quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qPCR)confirmed that prolonged exposure gradually activated the thyroid hormone and parathyroid hormone signaling pathways.The expression levels of genes related to the thyroid hormone signaling pathway were upregulated(1.15-8.54 times)after five generations of exposure to 1 and 81 nM TBBPA.Furthermore,co-exposure to 81 nM TBBPA and 0.5 nM thyroid hormone receptor antagonist for five generations significantly reduced the expression of thyroid hormone and parathyroid hormone receptors.Meanwhile,81 nM TBBPA inhibited the activation of the Ras pathway and downregulated Ras gene expression level(3.7 times),indicating the association between the toxic effect and thyroid hormone receptors.Additionally,our experiments revealed that the thyroid hormone pathway regulated the induction of the Ras signaling pathway by TBBPA.The study thus proves that daily exposure to TBBPA interferes with the thyroid hormone signaling pathway and subsequently the endocrine system.展开更多
Quantification of regulated and emerging disinfection byproducts (DBPs) in swimming pool water,as well as the assessment of their lifetime health risk are limited in China.In this study,the occurrence of regulated DBP...Quantification of regulated and emerging disinfection byproducts (DBPs) in swimming pool water,as well as the assessment of their lifetime health risk are limited in China.In this study,the occurrence of regulated DBPs (e.g.,trihalomethanes,haloacetic acids) and emerging DBPs (e.g.,haloacetonitriles,haloacetaldehydes) in indoor swimming pool water and the corresponding source water at a city in Eastern China were determined.The concentrations of DBPs in swimming pool water were 1-2 orders of magnitude higher than that in source water.Lifetime cancer and non-cancer risks of DBPs stemming from swimming pool water were also estimated.Inhalation and dermal exposure were the most significant exposure routes related to swimming pool DBP cancer and non-cancer risks.For the first time,buccal and aural exposure were considered,and were proven to be important routes of DBP exposure (accounting for 17.9%-38.9%of total risk).The cancer risks of DBPs for all swimmers were higher than 10^(-6)of lifetime exposure risk recommended by United States Environmental Protection Agency,and the competitive adult swimmers experienced the highest cancer risk (7.82×10^(-5)).These findings provide important information and perspectives for future efforts to lower the health risks associated with exposure to DBPs in swimming pool water.展开更多
文摘Crude oil pollution in the Niger Delta, perpetrated by both local communities and industrial actors, has brought about soil pollution with its consequent ecological, human health and food challenges. The purpose of this research was to examine the concentration and distribution of heavy metals in soil from communities contaminated by crude oil in Niger Delta, and to evaluate the potential health risks to residents from exposure to these contaminants. To achieve this, soil samples were collected from the Ihwrekreka community and analyzed for heavy metal content using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The analytical results in mg/kg revealed a significant metals pollution level derived from the oil spill in the soil ranging from 4.85 - 17,078 (Cu), 1.01 - 16.1 (Cd), 0.22 - 36.8 (Cr), 8.28 - 40.9 (Ni), 7.51 - 6474 (Pb), and 8.84 - 12,851 (Zn) respectively. Most of the metals were above the permissible limits of World Health Organization, with Cu, Zn, and Pb as the most contaminating metals. Lead was found to be the main contributor to the hazard index (HI) values for both children and adults in the study area, with its concentration exceeding the permitted limits set by the WHO and the EC. The hazard index (HI) values of Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, Ni, and Cr were significantly higher than 1. These findings suggest that the release of heavy metals from an oil-contaminated site may pose a risk to human health and the environment.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(2019XH004,81874181,82073206,21705108,and 81773043)the Emerging Frontier Program of Hospital Development Centre(SHDC12018107)+4 种基金the Key Program of Shanghai Science and Technology Commission(YDZX20193100004049)the State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes(KF2120)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2021YFE0203300)the Shuguang Program of Shanghai Education Development Foundation and Shanghai Municipal Education Commission(20SG14)he Program of Shanghai Academic Research Leader(19XD1422700)。
文摘Soy isoflavones are natural tyrosine kinase inhibitors closely associated with decreased morbidity and mortality of various tumors.The activation of tyrosine kinases such as ERBB2 is the mechanism by which cholecystitis transforms into gallbladder cancer(GBC),therefore,it is important to investigate the relationship between long-term exposure to soy isoflavones and the occurrence and progression of GBC.This case-control study(n=85 pairs)found that the high level of plasma soy isoflavoneDgenistein(GEN)was associated with a lower risk of gallbladder cancer(≥326.00 ng/m L compared to≤19.30ng/m L,crude odds ratio 0.15,95%CI 0.04–0.59;P for trend=0.016),and that the level of GEN exposure negatively correlated with Ki67 expression in GBC tissue(n=85).Consistent with these results,the proliferation of GBC cells was inhibited in the long-term exposure models of GEN in vitro and in vivo.The long-term exposure to GEN reduced the tyrosine kinase activity of ERBB2 and impaired the function of the PTK6-AKT-GSK3βaxis,leading to downregulation of the MCM complex in GBC cells.In summary,long-term exposure to GEN associated with soy products intake might play a certain role in preventing GBC and even inhibiting the proliferation of GBC cells.
文摘Artisanal gold mining,a labor-intensive and antiquated technique,is a growing industry and the source of income for rural communities all over the world.However,artisanal gold mining has potential negative and long-term effects on economy,environment,and society.This study collected soil samples from 16 sample points including a control point to examine the pollution degrees and spatial distribution of heavy metals,as well as ecological and health risks associated with heavy metal pollution in the Ijero-Ekiti mining site,Nigeria.Geographical Information System(GIS)and remote sensing technologies were used to identify regions with high concentrations of heavy metals and assess the environmental impact of gold mining activities.The results show that the mean heavy metal concentrations of 16 soil pointa are 8.94(±5.97)mg/kg for As,0.18(±0.54)mg/kg for Cd,0.11(±1.06)mg/kg for Co,14.32(±3.43)mg/kg for Cr,6.89(±0.64)mg/kg for Cu,48.92(±11.77)mg/kg for Fe,135.81(±30.75)mg/kg for Mn,5.92(±0.96)mg/kg for Ni,5.72(±1.66)mg/kg for Pb,and 13.94(±1.38)mg/kg for Zn.The study reveals that heavy metal concentration in soils follows the order of Mn>Fe>Cr>Zn>As>Cu>Ni>Pb>Co>Cd.An analysis of soil samples indicates that 3 principal components(PCs)account for 70.008%of the total variance and there are strong positive correlations between various pairs of heavy metals.The total potential ecological risk index(309.599)in the study area is high.Non-carcinogenic risk suggests that there may be long-term health impacts on people who work in the mining areas due to chronic exposure to the environment.Based on the study,the hazard index of carcinogenic health risks associated with heavy metals through ingestion is 520.00×10^(–4).Dermal contact from As and Cr also increases the risk of cancer,with the highest hazard index value of 18.40×10^(–4).The lowest exposure pathway,with the hazard index value of 0.68×10^(–4),indicates that the inhalation of heavy metals has a comparatively low risk of cancer.This study recommends the
基金supported by the Jiangsu Province’s Outstanding Medical Academic Leader Program [CXTDA2017029]the Jiangsu Provincial Key Medical Discipline [ZDXK202249].
文摘Objective This study investigated the impact of occupational mercury(Hg) exposure on human gene transcription and expression, and its potential biological mechanisms.Methods Differentially expressed genes related to Hg exposure were identified and validated using gene expression microarray analysis and extended validation. Hg-exposed cell models and PTEN lowexpression models were established in vitro using 293T cells. PTEN gene expression was assessed using qRT-PCR, and Western blotting was used to measure PTEN, AKT, and PI3K protein levels. IL-6 expression was determined by ELISA.Results Combined findings from gene expression microarray analysis, bioinformatics, and population expansion validation indicated significant downregulation of the PTEN gene in the high-concentration Hg exposure group. In the Hg-exposed cell model(25 and 10 μmol/L), a significant decrease in PTEN expression was observed, accompanied by a significant increase in PI3K, AKT, and IL-6 expression.Similarly, a low-expression cell model demonstrated that PTEN gene knockdown led to a significant decrease in PTEN protein expression and a substantial increase in PI3K, AKT, and IL-6 levels.Conclusion This is the first study to report that Hg exposure downregulates the PTEN gene, activates the PI3K/AKT regulatory pathway, and increases the expression of inflammatory factors, ultimately resulting in kidney inflammation.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant nos.22241604 and 22125606).
文摘Microplastics are ubiquitous in the global environment.As a typical emerging pollutant,its potential health hazards have been widely concerning.In this brief paper,we introduce the source,identification,toxicity,and health hazard of microplastics in the human.The literature review shows that microplastics are frequently detected in environmental and human samples.Humans are potentially exposed to microplastics through oral intake,inhalation,and skin contact.We summarize the toxic effects of microplastics in experimental models like cells,organoids,and animals.These effects consist of oxidative stress,DNA damage,organ dysfunction,metabolic disorder,immune response,neurotoxicity,as well as reproductive and developmental toxicity.In addition,the epidemiological evidence suggests that a variety of chronic diseases may be related to microplastics exposure.Finally,we put forward the gaps in toxicity research of microplastics and their future development directions.This review will be helpful to the understanding of the exposure risk and potential health hazards of microplastics.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Project(2019YFC1804504 and 2019YFC1804503)National Natural Science Foundation of China(41731279)Local Innovative and Research Teams Project of Guangdong Pearl River Talents Program(2017BT01Z032).
文摘Tetrabromobisphenol A(TBBPA)is a flame retardant that adversely affects the environment and human health.The present study exposed HepG2 cells to low concentrations of TBBPA daily to investigate the changes in gene regulation,mainly related to pathways associated with the endocrine system.The quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qPCR)confirmed that prolonged exposure gradually activated the thyroid hormone and parathyroid hormone signaling pathways.The expression levels of genes related to the thyroid hormone signaling pathway were upregulated(1.15-8.54 times)after five generations of exposure to 1 and 81 nM TBBPA.Furthermore,co-exposure to 81 nM TBBPA and 0.5 nM thyroid hormone receptor antagonist for five generations significantly reduced the expression of thyroid hormone and parathyroid hormone receptors.Meanwhile,81 nM TBBPA inhibited the activation of the Ras pathway and downregulated Ras gene expression level(3.7 times),indicating the association between the toxic effect and thyroid hormone receptors.Additionally,our experiments revealed that the thyroid hormone pathway regulated the induction of the Ras signaling pathway by TBBPA.The study thus proves that daily exposure to TBBPA interferes with the thyroid hormone signaling pathway and subsequently the endocrine system.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos.52170009,52091542)the National Key Research and Development Program of China (No.2021YFC_(3)200702)+3 种基金the Program of Shanghai Academic Research Leader,China (No.21XD1424000)the International Cooperation Project of Shanghai Science and Technology Commission (No.20230714100)the Key Research and Development Program of Guangdong Province (No.2020B1111350001)the Tongji University Youth 100 Program。
文摘Quantification of regulated and emerging disinfection byproducts (DBPs) in swimming pool water,as well as the assessment of their lifetime health risk are limited in China.In this study,the occurrence of regulated DBPs (e.g.,trihalomethanes,haloacetic acids) and emerging DBPs (e.g.,haloacetonitriles,haloacetaldehydes) in indoor swimming pool water and the corresponding source water at a city in Eastern China were determined.The concentrations of DBPs in swimming pool water were 1-2 orders of magnitude higher than that in source water.Lifetime cancer and non-cancer risks of DBPs stemming from swimming pool water were also estimated.Inhalation and dermal exposure were the most significant exposure routes related to swimming pool DBP cancer and non-cancer risks.For the first time,buccal and aural exposure were considered,and were proven to be important routes of DBP exposure (accounting for 17.9%-38.9%of total risk).The cancer risks of DBPs for all swimmers were higher than 10^(-6)of lifetime exposure risk recommended by United States Environmental Protection Agency,and the competitive adult swimmers experienced the highest cancer risk (7.82×10^(-5)).These findings provide important information and perspectives for future efforts to lower the health risks associated with exposure to DBPs in swimming pool water.
