BACKGROUND Positive associations have been reported between persistent organic pollutants (POPs) ... more BACKGROUND Positive associations have been reported between persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); however, causality has not been established. Over the last decades, environmental exposure to legacy POPs has decreased, complicating epidemiological studies. In addition, physiological risk factors for T2DM may also influence POP concentrations, contributing to a complex network of factors that could impact associations with T2DM. Longitudinal studies on this topic are lacking, and few have assessed prospective and cross-sectional associations between repeated POP measurements and T2DM in the same individuals, which may shed light on causality. OBJECTIVES To compare longitudinal trends in concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in T2DM cases and controls, and to examine prospective and cross-sectional associations between PCBs, OCPs and T2DM at different time-points before and after T2DM diagnosis in cases. METHODS We conducted a longitudinal, nested case-control study (1986-2016) of 116 T2DM cases and 139 controls from the Tromsø Study. All participants had three blood samples collected before T2DM diagnosis in cases, and up to two samples thereafter. We used linear mixed-effect models to assess temporal changes of POPs within and between T2DM cases and controls, and logistic regression models to investigate the associations between different POPs and T2DM at different time-points. RESULTS PCBs, trans-nonachlor, cis-nonachlor, oxychlordane, cis-heptachlor epoxide, p,p'-DDE, and p,p'-DDT declined more slowly in cases than controls, whereas β-HCH and HCB declined similarly in both groups. Most POPs showed positive associations between both pre- and post-diagnostic concentrations and T2DM, though effect estimates were imprecise. These associations were most consistent for cis-heptachlor epoxide. DISCUSSION The observed positive associations between certain POPs and T2DM may be because of higher POP concentrations within prospective T2DM cases, due to slower temporal declines as compared to controls.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Population exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) may result in detrimental health effe... more Population exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) may result in detrimental health effects, especially to pregnant women, developing foetuses and young children. We are reporting the findings of a cross-sectional study of 605 mothers in their late pregnancy, recruited between August 2020 and July 2021 in southern Malawi, and their offspring. The aim was to measure the concentrations of selected POPs in their maternal serum and indicate associations with social demographic characteristics and birth outcomes. A high level of education was the main predictor of p,p′-DDE (p = 0.008), p,p′-DDT (p < 0.001), cis-NC (p = 0.014), o,p′-DDT (p = 0.019) and o,p′-DDE (p = 0.019) concentrations in maternal serum. Multiparity was negatively associated with o,p′-DDE (p = 0.021) concentrations. Maternal age was also positively associated (p,p′-DDE (p = 0.013), o,p′-DDT (p = 0.017) and o,p′-DDE (p = 0.045) concentrations. Living in rural areas was inversely associated with high maternal ...
The ubiquitous presence of legacy and emerging persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the enviro... more The ubiquitous presence of legacy and emerging persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the environmental matrices poses a potential hazard to the humans and creating public health concerns. The present study aimed to evaluate dioxins, dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and chlorinated paraffins (CPs) concentrations in serum of women (postpartum, pregnant and non-pregnant) from Northern Norway to better understand their exposure and contamination status as well as temporal trends across 2007-2009 (MISA 1) to 2019 (MISA 2). Sixty-two blood samples from the MISA 1 cohort and 38 samples from MISA 2 were randomly selected in this study (n = 100). Ninety samples from postpartum (MISA 1) and pregnant women (MISA 2) were randomly combined into 9 pools, with 9-11 individual samples contributing to each pool keeping the groups of pregnant and postpartum women. Remaining 10 samples from non-pregnant women (MISA 2) were allocated into separate group. Geometric mean, minimum and maximum were used to describe the serum concentrations of pooled POPs in MISA cohort. Mann-Whitney U test and independent sample t-test were applied for trend analysis of blood levels of POPs between MISA 1 and MISA 2. We found the serum concentrations of selected POPs in this study to be at lower range. Serum concentrations of dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) (p = 0.010), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) (p = 0.002), dioxins-like PCBs (p = 0.001), hexachlorobenzene (HCB) (p < 0.001) and p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE) (p = 0.002) were decreased between the studied time. In contrast, the serum concentrations of medium chain chlorinated paraffins showed an increasing trend between 2007 and 2009 and 2019 (p = 0.019). Our findings report a particular concern of emerging contaminant medium chain chlorinated paraffin exposure to humans. Future observational studies with repeated measurements of chlorinated paraffins in general populations worldwide and large sample size are warranted.
ObjectivesTo examine concentrations of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and lifestyle factors th... more ObjectivesTo examine concentrations of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and lifestyle factors that may contribute to higher levels of pollutants in never-pregnant women of fertile age.DesignObservational cross-sectional study.SettingParticipants were recruited among employees and students at Haukeland University Hospital and the University of Bergen, Norway.ParticipantsHealthy, never-pregnant Norwegian women (n=158) of fertile age (18–39 years).OutcomesConcentrations of 20 different PFASs, mercury (Hg), lead, cadmium, total, high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, in addition to self-reported data on dietary intake.ResultsSeven PFASs were detected in more than 95% of the women. Women aged 30–39 years had higher concentrations of sum PFAS compared with younger women. Serum PFASs were significantly intercorrelated (rho: 0.34–0.98, p<0.001) and six of them were significantly correlated to whole blood Hg (rho: 0.21–0.74, p<0.01). Fish consumption w...
ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to measure blood concentrations of environmental pollutants i... more ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to measure blood concentrations of environmental pollutants in Norwegian donors and evaluate the risk of pollutant exposure through blood transfusions.BackgroundTransfused blood may be a potential source of exposure to heavy metals and organic pollutants and presents a risk to vulnerable patient groups such as premature infants.Methods/MaterialsDonors were randomly recruited from three Norwegian blood banks: in Bergen, Tromsø and Kirkenes. Selected heavy metals were measured in whole blood using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS), and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were measured in serum by ultrahigh‐pressure liquid chromatography coupled with a triple‐quadrupole mass spectrometer (UHPLC‐MS/MS).ResultsAlmost 18% of blood donors had lead concentrations over the limit suggested for transfusions in premature infants (0.09 μmol/L). About 11% of all donors had mercury concentrations over the suggested limit of 23.7 nmol/L. Cadmium ...
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Pervasive exposure to per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) shows associations with adverse ... more Pervasive exposure to per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) shows associations with adverse pregnancy outcomes. The aim of the present study was to examine the determinants of different serum PFAS concentrations in late pregnancy and their relationship with birth outcomes in southern Malawi. The sample included 605 pregnant women with a mean age of 24.8 years and their offspring from three districts in the southern region of Malawi. Six PFAS were measured in serum from third-trimester women. The serum PFAS concentrations were assessed with head circumference, birth length, birth weight, gestational age and ponderal index. Participants living in urban areas had significantly higher serum levels of PFOA, PFNA and SumPFOS, while SumPFHxS concentrations were higher in women from rural settings. High PFOA, PFNA and SumPFHxS concentrations were generally inversely associated with head circumference. Birth length was negatively associated with PFOA and PFNA while SumPFHxS was negative...
Preterm birth is delivery before 37 completed weeks. A study was conducted to evaluate the associ... more Preterm birth is delivery before 37 completed weeks. A study was conducted to evaluate the association of maternal serum concentrations of selenium, copper, and zinc, and preterm birth. There were 181 women in this nested case-control study, 90/181 (49.7%) term and 91/181 (50.3%) preterm pregnant women. The overall mean serum concentration of selenium was 77.0; SD 19.4µg/L, copper was 2.50; SD 0.52 mg/L and zinc was 0.77; SD 0.20 mg/L with reference values of 47-142µg/L, 0.76-1.59mg/L and 0.59-1.11 mg/L, respectively. For preterm birth, mean serum concentrations for selenium was 79.7; SD 21.6µg/L, copper was 2.61; SD 0.57 mg/L, and zinc was 0.81; SD 0.20 mg/L compared to that of term births: selenium (74.2; SD 16.5µg/L; p=0.058), copper (2.39; SD 0.43 mg/L; p = 0.004), and zinc (0.73; SD 0.19 mg/L; p = 0.006) respectively. In adjusted analysis, every unit increase in maternal selenium concentrations gave increased odds of being a case OR 1.01 (95% CI: 0.99; 1.03), p=0.234, copper OR...
An automated high-throughput SPE method for selected persistent organic pollutants comprising 17 ... more An automated high-throughput SPE method for selected persistent organic pollutants comprising 17 organochlorine pesticides, 22 polychlorinated biphenyls, 9 polybrominated diphenylethers and octachlorostyrene in human serum and plasma was developed.
Analytical and bioanalytical chemistry, Jan 21, 2015
An automated high-throughput solid phase extraction (SPE) micro-elution method for 8 perfluorosul... more An automated high-throughput solid phase extraction (SPE) micro-elution method for 8 perfluorosulfonic acids, 11 perfluorocarboxylic acids and fluorooctane sulfonamide in human serum was developed. Importance was attached to the application of small volumes of reagents and solvents in addition to low sample volumes (50 μL) in order to save the highly valuable sample material for follow-up and other studies. Instrumental analysis was performed by ultra high pressure liquid chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). The recoveries of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were satisfactory and between 70 and 120 % for most of the compounds at the three investigated spike concentrations. Perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) was slightly underestimated at high concentrations (20 ng/mL; 67 %), whereas perfluoropentanoate (PFPA), perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) were overestimated with 134, 131 and 133 % respectively, at low spike con...
BACKGROUND Positive associations have been reported between persistent organic pollutants (POPs) ... more BACKGROUND Positive associations have been reported between persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); however, causality has not been established. Over the last decades, environmental exposure to legacy POPs has decreased, complicating epidemiological studies. In addition, physiological risk factors for T2DM may also influence POP concentrations, contributing to a complex network of factors that could impact associations with T2DM. Longitudinal studies on this topic are lacking, and few have assessed prospective and cross-sectional associations between repeated POP measurements and T2DM in the same individuals, which may shed light on causality. OBJECTIVES To compare longitudinal trends in concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in T2DM cases and controls, and to examine prospective and cross-sectional associations between PCBs, OCPs and T2DM at different time-points before and after T2DM diagnosis in cases. METHODS We conducted a longitudinal, nested case-control study (1986-2016) of 116 T2DM cases and 139 controls from the Tromsø Study. All participants had three blood samples collected before T2DM diagnosis in cases, and up to two samples thereafter. We used linear mixed-effect models to assess temporal changes of POPs within and between T2DM cases and controls, and logistic regression models to investigate the associations between different POPs and T2DM at different time-points. RESULTS PCBs, trans-nonachlor, cis-nonachlor, oxychlordane, cis-heptachlor epoxide, p,p'-DDE, and p,p'-DDT declined more slowly in cases than controls, whereas β-HCH and HCB declined similarly in both groups. Most POPs showed positive associations between both pre- and post-diagnostic concentrations and T2DM, though effect estimates were imprecise. These associations were most consistent for cis-heptachlor epoxide. DISCUSSION The observed positive associations between certain POPs and T2DM may be because of higher POP concentrations within prospective T2DM cases, due to slower temporal declines as compared to controls.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Population exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) may result in detrimental health effe... more Population exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) may result in detrimental health effects, especially to pregnant women, developing foetuses and young children. We are reporting the findings of a cross-sectional study of 605 mothers in their late pregnancy, recruited between August 2020 and July 2021 in southern Malawi, and their offspring. The aim was to measure the concentrations of selected POPs in their maternal serum and indicate associations with social demographic characteristics and birth outcomes. A high level of education was the main predictor of p,p′-DDE (p = 0.008), p,p′-DDT (p < 0.001), cis-NC (p = 0.014), o,p′-DDT (p = 0.019) and o,p′-DDE (p = 0.019) concentrations in maternal serum. Multiparity was negatively associated with o,p′-DDE (p = 0.021) concentrations. Maternal age was also positively associated (p,p′-DDE (p = 0.013), o,p′-DDT (p = 0.017) and o,p′-DDE (p = 0.045) concentrations. Living in rural areas was inversely associated with high maternal ...
The ubiquitous presence of legacy and emerging persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the enviro... more The ubiquitous presence of legacy and emerging persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the environmental matrices poses a potential hazard to the humans and creating public health concerns. The present study aimed to evaluate dioxins, dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and chlorinated paraffins (CPs) concentrations in serum of women (postpartum, pregnant and non-pregnant) from Northern Norway to better understand their exposure and contamination status as well as temporal trends across 2007-2009 (MISA 1) to 2019 (MISA 2). Sixty-two blood samples from the MISA 1 cohort and 38 samples from MISA 2 were randomly selected in this study (n = 100). Ninety samples from postpartum (MISA 1) and pregnant women (MISA 2) were randomly combined into 9 pools, with 9-11 individual samples contributing to each pool keeping the groups of pregnant and postpartum women. Remaining 10 samples from non-pregnant women (MISA 2) were allocated into separate group. Geometric mean, minimum and maximum were used to describe the serum concentrations of pooled POPs in MISA cohort. Mann-Whitney U test and independent sample t-test were applied for trend analysis of blood levels of POPs between MISA 1 and MISA 2. We found the serum concentrations of selected POPs in this study to be at lower range. Serum concentrations of dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) (p = 0.010), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) (p = 0.002), dioxins-like PCBs (p = 0.001), hexachlorobenzene (HCB) (p < 0.001) and p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE) (p = 0.002) were decreased between the studied time. In contrast, the serum concentrations of medium chain chlorinated paraffins showed an increasing trend between 2007 and 2009 and 2019 (p = 0.019). Our findings report a particular concern of emerging contaminant medium chain chlorinated paraffin exposure to humans. Future observational studies with repeated measurements of chlorinated paraffins in general populations worldwide and large sample size are warranted.
ObjectivesTo examine concentrations of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and lifestyle factors th... more ObjectivesTo examine concentrations of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and lifestyle factors that may contribute to higher levels of pollutants in never-pregnant women of fertile age.DesignObservational cross-sectional study.SettingParticipants were recruited among employees and students at Haukeland University Hospital and the University of Bergen, Norway.ParticipantsHealthy, never-pregnant Norwegian women (n=158) of fertile age (18–39 years).OutcomesConcentrations of 20 different PFASs, mercury (Hg), lead, cadmium, total, high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, in addition to self-reported data on dietary intake.ResultsSeven PFASs were detected in more than 95% of the women. Women aged 30–39 years had higher concentrations of sum PFAS compared with younger women. Serum PFASs were significantly intercorrelated (rho: 0.34–0.98, p<0.001) and six of them were significantly correlated to whole blood Hg (rho: 0.21–0.74, p<0.01). Fish consumption w...
ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to measure blood concentrations of environmental pollutants i... more ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to measure blood concentrations of environmental pollutants in Norwegian donors and evaluate the risk of pollutant exposure through blood transfusions.BackgroundTransfused blood may be a potential source of exposure to heavy metals and organic pollutants and presents a risk to vulnerable patient groups such as premature infants.Methods/MaterialsDonors were randomly recruited from three Norwegian blood banks: in Bergen, Tromsø and Kirkenes. Selected heavy metals were measured in whole blood using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS), and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were measured in serum by ultrahigh‐pressure liquid chromatography coupled with a triple‐quadrupole mass spectrometer (UHPLC‐MS/MS).ResultsAlmost 18% of blood donors had lead concentrations over the limit suggested for transfusions in premature infants (0.09 μmol/L). About 11% of all donors had mercury concentrations over the suggested limit of 23.7 nmol/L. Cadmium ...
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Pervasive exposure to per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) shows associations with adverse ... more Pervasive exposure to per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) shows associations with adverse pregnancy outcomes. The aim of the present study was to examine the determinants of different serum PFAS concentrations in late pregnancy and their relationship with birth outcomes in southern Malawi. The sample included 605 pregnant women with a mean age of 24.8 years and their offspring from three districts in the southern region of Malawi. Six PFAS were measured in serum from third-trimester women. The serum PFAS concentrations were assessed with head circumference, birth length, birth weight, gestational age and ponderal index. Participants living in urban areas had significantly higher serum levels of PFOA, PFNA and SumPFOS, while SumPFHxS concentrations were higher in women from rural settings. High PFOA, PFNA and SumPFHxS concentrations were generally inversely associated with head circumference. Birth length was negatively associated with PFOA and PFNA while SumPFHxS was negative...
Preterm birth is delivery before 37 completed weeks. A study was conducted to evaluate the associ... more Preterm birth is delivery before 37 completed weeks. A study was conducted to evaluate the association of maternal serum concentrations of selenium, copper, and zinc, and preterm birth. There were 181 women in this nested case-control study, 90/181 (49.7%) term and 91/181 (50.3%) preterm pregnant women. The overall mean serum concentration of selenium was 77.0; SD 19.4µg/L, copper was 2.50; SD 0.52 mg/L and zinc was 0.77; SD 0.20 mg/L with reference values of 47-142µg/L, 0.76-1.59mg/L and 0.59-1.11 mg/L, respectively. For preterm birth, mean serum concentrations for selenium was 79.7; SD 21.6µg/L, copper was 2.61; SD 0.57 mg/L, and zinc was 0.81; SD 0.20 mg/L compared to that of term births: selenium (74.2; SD 16.5µg/L; p=0.058), copper (2.39; SD 0.43 mg/L; p = 0.004), and zinc (0.73; SD 0.19 mg/L; p = 0.006) respectively. In adjusted analysis, every unit increase in maternal selenium concentrations gave increased odds of being a case OR 1.01 (95% CI: 0.99; 1.03), p=0.234, copper OR...
An automated high-throughput SPE method for selected persistent organic pollutants comprising 17 ... more An automated high-throughput SPE method for selected persistent organic pollutants comprising 17 organochlorine pesticides, 22 polychlorinated biphenyls, 9 polybrominated diphenylethers and octachlorostyrene in human serum and plasma was developed.
Analytical and bioanalytical chemistry, Jan 21, 2015
An automated high-throughput solid phase extraction (SPE) micro-elution method for 8 perfluorosul... more An automated high-throughput solid phase extraction (SPE) micro-elution method for 8 perfluorosulfonic acids, 11 perfluorocarboxylic acids and fluorooctane sulfonamide in human serum was developed. Importance was attached to the application of small volumes of reagents and solvents in addition to low sample volumes (50 μL) in order to save the highly valuable sample material for follow-up and other studies. Instrumental analysis was performed by ultra high pressure liquid chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). The recoveries of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were satisfactory and between 70 and 120 % for most of the compounds at the three investigated spike concentrations. Perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) was slightly underestimated at high concentrations (20 ng/mL; 67 %), whereas perfluoropentanoate (PFPA), perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) were overestimated with 134, 131 and 133 % respectively, at low spike con...
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