Food Safety

Toxicol Rep. 2025 Mar 12;14:101988. doi: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2025.101988. eCollection 2025 Jun.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Methoxychlor (MXC), a widely used pesticide, poses significant toxicological risks to various biological systems. It is an environmental contaminant and the only organochlorine pesticide still using instead of DDT. Endocrine disruption of MXC is also under investigation.This study aimed to investigate the effects of MXC on antioxidant status, lipid peroxidation, and liver metabolism in experimental rats.

METHODS: Male Wistar rats were divided into control and treatment groups, with the latter receiving 150 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg body weight (BW) of MXC via oral administration for 30 days. Liver function was assessed by measuring circulating biomarkers, including Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Aspartate Transaminase (AST), and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP). Oxidative damage was evaluated by determining Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS), hydroperoxide (HYP), and other lipid peroxidation markers. Key enzymes involved in antioxidant defense mechanisms were also analyzed in the liver of experimental animals.

RESULTS: Our results demonstrated a significant increase in ALT, AST, and ALP levels in the serum of rats exposed to MXC, indicating impaired liver function. This was accompanied by elevated lipid peroxidation, further emphasizing oxidative stress. Moreover, the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, GPx, and CAT were markedly reduced in the MXC-exposed groups compared to the controls, suggesting a compromised antioxidant defense system.

CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that methoxychlor exposure disrupts liver function and induces oxidative stress by enhancing lipid peroxidation, thereby depleting natural antioxidant defenses. This study highlights the potential hepatotoxic effects of methoxychlor and underscores the role of oxidative stress in mediating its toxicity.

PMID:40170797 | PMC:PMC11960667 | DOI:10.1016/j.toxrep.2025.101988

Chemosphere. 2025 Apr 1;377:144339. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2025.144339. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were extensively used in India in agriculture as insecticides and in public health programs to control vector borne diseases like Malaria, and typhus. This rampant use led OCPs to persist in the environment due to their resistance to natural degradation and biotransformation, consequently, enter the human body through the food chain and bio-accumulate in adipose tissue as they are lipophillic. Exposure to OCPs have been linked to various diseases due to their endocrine disrupting properties, and lipophillic nature. The purpose of the study is to estimate the OCPs level in the breast cancer patients, and to compare the OCP levels within breast cancer patients based on their clinical features. A case control study was conducted on 100 breast cancer cases and 100 controls of benign breast disease patients. Quantification of OCPs was done by Gas Chromatography system equipped with 63 Ni Electron Capture Detector. Significantly higher levels of γHCH, Endosulfan-II, p'p'DDT and o'p'DDT were found in cases with respect to controls (p < 0.05). The odds ratios (ORs) show a significant association of Endosulfan-II (1.3) and p'p'DDT (2.7) levels with risk of breast cancer. Further, significantly higher levels of γHCH, p'p'DDT and Endosulfan-II were found in lymph node metastasis cases and γHCH and pp'DDD in advanced tumor stage cases as compared to the cases without lymph node involvement, and early tumor stage respectively. The findings of the present study support the contribution of OCPs in the pathophysiology of breast cancer. Further, OCPs like p'p'DDT, Endosulfan-II, and γHCH may promote the progression of breast cancer by influencing the metastatic ability through lymphatic pathway.

PMID:40174388 | DOI:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2025.144339

Mol Cell Toxicol. 2025;21(2):387-397. doi: 10.1007/s13273-025-00521-6. Epub 2025 Feb 27.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Given the global increase in obesity, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a major health concern. Because the liver is the primary organ for xenobiotic metabolism, the impact of environmental stressors on liver homeostasis and MASLD has garnered significant interest over the past few decades. The concept of metabolism-disrupting chemicals (MDCs) has been introduced to underscore the importance of environmental factors in metabolic homeostasis. Recent epidemiological and biological studies suggest a causal link between exposure to MDCs and prevalence and progression of MASLD.

OBJECTIVE: This review aims to introduce the emerging concept of MDCs and their representative toxic mechanisms. In particular, this review focuses on broadening the understanding of their impacts on MASLD or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) progression.

RESULT: Recent research has highlighted the environmental contaminants, such as heavy metals, microplastics, and pesticides, have the potential to influence hepatic metabolism and aggravate MASLD/MASH progression. These MDCs not only directly affect lipid metabolism in hepatocytes but also affect other cell types, such as immune cells and stellate cells, as well as the gut-liver axis.

CONCLUSION: Collectively, these findings contribute to establishing a well-defined adverse outcome pathway and identify novel therapeutic options for liver diseases associated with pollutants.

PMID:40160987 | PMC:PMC11947047 | DOI:10.1007/s13273-025-00521-6

Mar Pollut Bull. 2025 Mar 29;215:117896. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117896. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in aquatic food systems presents significant health risks for consumers, highlighting the need for advanced monitoring and remediation solutions. This study provides a comprehensive characterization of the hazards posed by EDCs in the Vembanad Estuary (VE) of India through the biomonitoring of black clams (Villorita cyprinoides), which serve as an indicator organism. Additionally, management strategies such as depuration and cooking were evaluated for their effectiveness in reducing human health risks associated with exposure to these identified EDCs. Comprehensive screening identified 85 potential EDCs, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH - 64.0 %) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs - 13.1 %). The concentration ranges for these contaminants were 5.01-225.00 ng/g and 5.05-58.92 ng/g, respectively. Depuration was achieved using a multi-tank depuration system designed and installed in a coastal village to treat black clams harvested from the estuary as a sustainable management intervention. The depuration process significantly reduced the level of all pollutants to below the limit of quantification (LOQ), while cooking could only slightly reduce the mean concentration of PAHs from 23.67 ng/g to 17.33 ng/g. The human health risk assessment for the pre- and post-cooked clam samples revealed higher hazard index values (>1), indicating immediate risk of dietary exposure. Meanwhile, the depurated samples were safe after the complete removal of these EDCs. These findings highlight the necessity of proper environmental management practices in estuarine ecosystems that might reduce the contaminant loads in aquatic food sources, thereby ensuring both ecosystem conservation and human well-being.

PMID:40158437 | DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117896

Toxicol Lett. 2025 Mar 28:S0378-4274(25)00060-8. doi: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2025.03.011. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The organophosphorus pesticide chlorpyrifos (CPF) is widely utilized in agriculture to protect crops from pests and diseases. Concerns regarding its extensive use have emerged due to the substance's persistence, bioaccumulation, endocrine disruption, and associated toxicity, which may lead to various adverse reactions. In this study, 32 male C57BL/6J mice were orally administered varying doses of CPF over a period of two weeks. Metabolic perturbations resulting from subacute exposure to CPF were assessed using LC-MS/MS-based untargeted metabolomics, alongside biochemical analysis and histopathological techniques. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing method was employed to evaluate changes in the gut microbial community within the cecal contents of mice exposed to CPF. In vivo studies have shown that CPF exposure induced dose-dependent damage and dysregulation of the intestinal microbiota in mouse colonic tissues. This was characterized by significant alterations in the gut microbiota, increased intestinal permeability and elevated levels of lipopolysaccharides. These changes may have compromised intestinal barrier function and facilitated the transfer of intestinal microbial metabolites and endotoxins to the liver, subsequently leading to liver injury. Collectively, this study elucidates a potential mechanism by which CPF triggers liver injury through alterations in the intestinal microbial community and increased intestinal permeability. These findings not only enhance our understanding of the toxicological effects of CPF but also contribute to the assessment of health risks associated with CPF exposure.

PMID:40158758 | DOI:10.1016/j.toxlet.2025.03.011

Front Toxicol. 2025 Mar 13;7:1442801. doi: 10.3389/ftox.2025.1442801. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

The benefits of pesticides in enhancing agricultural yields are widely accepted by the general public. However, it is essential to address the limitations of the current agricultural model to develop more sustainable practices that prioritize environmental and human health. Brazil, a major global agricultural player, ranks among the top five agro-food producers and exporters, making it one of the largest consumers of pesticides worldwide. Notably, approximately 30% of pesticides used in Brazil are banned in the European Union. Paradoxically, some of these banned agrochemicals re-enter Northern markets through imported agro-food products. Addressing the regulatory disparities between Northern and Southern countries necessitates global initiatives and research to better understand the real biological risks associated with pesticide exposure, particularly concerning reproductive health, endocrine disruption, and carcinogenesis-key targets of these chemicals. Since 2001, the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA) has operated the "Reports on Pesticide Residue Analysis in Food (RPRAF)" program to evaluate pesticide residues in food samples collected across Brazil. Despite its limitations, the program has been crucial in identifying the chemical exposome related to Brazilian agro-foods, facilitating studies on relevant pesticides, their doses, routes, and exposure schedules, and enabling the development of pre-clinical studies based on real-life exposure scenarios. A thorough understanding of the main mechanism of toxicity is crucial for raising awareness about the health risks associated with pesticide exposure, fostering tailored health strategies and guiding informed regulatory policies.

PMID:40151620 | PMC:PMC11947944 | DOI:10.3389/ftox.2025.1442801

Food Chem. 2025 Mar 18;481:143898. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2025.143898. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study provides an improved approach to determining 105 pesticide residues in fruit by-product extracts, based on the miniaturization of the original QuEChERS (μQuEChERS) followed by HPLC-MS/MS. The methodology achieved good precision (RSD_R and RSD_R < 19 %) and accuracy, with recovery rates ranged from 90 % to 107 % and LOQ was 10 μg/kg, meeting the criteria presented in SANTE/11312/2021v2. The method was applied to various fruit by-products, including extracts from citrus pomace, sweet cherry pits, grape seeds, and date seeds, making this the first study to determine pesticide residues in by-products. The results demonstrated that while pesticide concentrations in extracts were generally below regulatory limits for their corresponding edible portions, some variability in residue reduction rates was observed depending on the compound. These findings underscore the need of monitoring pesticide residues in by-product extracts, especially as these materials are increasingly purposed for use in functional foods. This validated μQuEChERS method offers an environmentally friendly, and reliable tool for ensuring the safety of fruit by-products in the context of a circular economy requiring very small portion size.

PMID:40154060 | DOI:10.1016/j.foodchem.2025.143898

Mar Pollut Bull. 2025 Mar 26;215:117870. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117870. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in estuaries have received increasing attention due to their potential environmental impacts. However, detailed analyses of the sources, transport mechanisms, and environmental consequences of these contaminants remain limited. This study applied non-target screening technology to comprehensively assess CECs in the Nandu River estuary. A total of 18,000 characteristic features were screened, revealing a greater number of hydrophobic features in seawater than in the estuary. Systematic classification identified 74, 195, and 48 compounds at Levels 1, 2, and 4 respectively, with primary classifications comprising pharmaceuticals (34 %), industrial materials (23 %), pesticides (18 %), and natural products (17 %). Semi-quantitative analysis employing external standards revealed elevated concentrations of 61 monitored contaminants in estuarine zones compared to offshore waters, with Climbazole exhibiting peak concentration levels. Ecological risk assessment identified 12 contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) requiring prioritized monitoring (with RQ > 1). A priority list was established based on the frequency of detection, bioaccumulation potential, persistence, toxicity and endocrine disruption potential of the compounds. 64 CECs were identified as high priority, consisting mainly of pesticides and pharmaceutical compounds. Pesticides originate primarily from upstream agricultural activities, decreasing in concentration downstream, whereas pharmaceuticals, industrial materials, and natural products are linked to domestic sewage. Tidal cycles play a crucial role in modulating the distribution and concentration of CECs within estuarine waters. This modulation is attributed to the dynamic interaction between terrestrial inputs and coastal influences, where high tides contribute significantly to the dilution of land-derived pollutants.

PMID:40147050 | DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117870

Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol. 2025 Mar 26. doi: 10.1007/s00210-025-04016-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

In agriculture and public health, insecticides are vital chemicals that help manage diseases and control pests. However, their extensive use has raised concerns about their negative consequences on both humans and animals. Pesticide exposure impacts numerous human organs, including the reproductive system. Infertility is caused by reproductive system disorders, which is why they have received a lot of attention in recent decades. According to what is currently known, insecticides are among the substances that may lower the quality of the semen produced by exposed workers. The mechanisms of this action are still unclear, even though numerous underlying mechanisms have been suggested. With an emphasis on the harmful effects of insecticides on male reproductive processes, this review provides a thorough analysis of the toxicity profile of these substances. To reduce insecticides' negative impacts on human and animal health and to direct future research initiatives, it is essential to comprehend their harmful consequences.

PMID:40137965 | DOI:10.1007/s00210-025-04016-y

Horm Res Paediatr. 2025 Mar 26:1-20. doi: 10.1159/000545043. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a disease, acknowledged by WHO, characterized as an epidemic in a worldwide range, particularly in Western countries. Childhood obesity, lately, has raised major concerns. Among the complex factors contributing to obesity, environmental factors, such as endocrine disruptors (EDs) are gaining attention as emerging contributors to obesity.

SUMMARY: Toxicants, such as bisphenol A, phthalates, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, heavy metals, and pesticides have been associated with increases in the incidence of obesity in human populations, animals, and cellular models. These EDCs, called obesogens, disrupt the endocrine system across multiple pathways. They influence appetite, promote inflammation, disrupt the ecology and function of the gut microbiome, and induce transgenerational epigenetic changes. At the cellular level, they act as agonists of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, steroid, and aryl hydrocarbon receptors.

KEY MESSAGES: Children are exposed to obesogens through multiple metabolic pathways, which contribute directly and indirectly to the development of obesity. Despite the increasing evidence, more studies are needed to identify additional obesogens and elucidate their mechanisms of action to minimize exposure to pediatric and adolescent populations.

PMID:40139165 | DOI:10.1159/000545043

Environ Pollut. 2025 Mar 23;373:126118. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126118. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The co-occurrence of pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and MPs has resulted in combined toxicity and high risks to ecosystems and human health. However, understanding on the interactions among co-occurring pollutants in soils remains limited. This study focused on adsorption behaviour of a pesticide mixture (chlorpyrifos (CPF), pendimethalin (PDM) and pyraclostrobin (PCS)) in three soils (sandy soil (S1), loamy soil (S2), and silt soil (S3)) to examine the absorption behaviour of pesticides in the presence of the pharmaceutical compound albendazole (ALB) and starch-based microplastics (MPs). The results showed that ALB significantly decreased (p < 0.05) the adsorption of CPF, PDM, and PCS by 29 %-41 % in S1. The adsorption of CPF (+20 %) and PCS (+101 %) in S2 were significantly enhanced but PDM (-22 %) adsorption was inhibited by ALB. ALB also significantly (p < 0.05) promoted CPF and PCS adsorption in S3 by 39 % and 120 %, respectively, but did not change PDM adsorption. In soil-MP matrices, ALB significantly reduced the adsorption of CPF (-25 %), PDM (-26 %), and PCS (-21 %) in the S1-MP matrix, but no significant change in the S2 and S3-MP matrices was observed. Moreover, MPs significantly (p < 0.05) increased the adsorption of the pesticide mixture by 120-730 %, but reduced ALB adsorption by 11-24 % in soils. Further, regardless of ALB presence, correlation analysis suggested that K_d of pesticides showed positive correlations (p < 0.01) to soil organic matter, specific surface area, and clay content in soil matrices without MP-contamination, while no significant positive correlation between K_d of pesticides and soil properties was observed in soil-MPs matrices. This study indicates that co-occurring pollutants could alter the adsorption behaviour of pesticides in soil and thereby affect their bioavailability and mobility in the soil ecosystem. Further study is urgently needed to assess the ecotoxicity of co-occurring multi-contaminants, as well as their potential transport to other environmental compartments.

PMID:40132742 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126118

Environ Monit Assess. 2025 Mar 22;197(4):457. doi: 10.1007/s10661-025-13896-9.

ABSTRACT

The current work gives a snapshot of pesticide residuals, their exposure levels, and the associated potential risks of some organophosphates in Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu. The study has significant viewpoints on food safety and pesticide management. The pesticide residual analysis was carried out on two commonly used vegetables, tomato and brinjal. The QuEChERS method is used to extract pesticides and GC-MS/SIM analyses were used to quantify pesticide residues. Among the various samples tested, organophosphorus pesticides, such as Phorate Sulfoxide, Chlorpyrifos, and Malathion, were detected in some samples. In the majority of brinjal samples analyzed, no pesticide residues were detected. However, one sample showed the presence of malathion (0.001 mg/kg). The detected level of malathion was within the acceptable safety limits, indicating that the sample is safe for consumption. Nevertheless, in one of the tomato samples tested, the residual level of phorate sulfoxide (0.34 mg/kg) is found to be higher than the MRL with a health risk index of 2.79. Except for phorate sulfoxide, all the other pesticide residuals were within MRL. Phorate residues with a soil half-life of 2 to 173 days are readily water soluble and may leach easily into groundwater, adversely affecting human health. The dietary risk of phorate can also put people at increased health risks of reproductive harm, endocrine system disruption, neurological damage, and an increased risk of certain cancers. The study's outcome suggests the need to review the strict guidelines imposed on using unsafe pesticides. Also, future investigations are necessary to validate the presence of other toxic pesticides in the study area.

PMID:40119213 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-025-13896-9

Environ Monit Assess. 2025 Mar 21;197(4):456. doi: 10.1007/s10661-025-13809-w.

ABSTRACT

Wastewater is a major source of contamination and must be treated before it is discharged into rivers and lakes. Water contaminated with emerging pollutants such as micropollutants, pharmaceuticals, endocrine disruptors (EDs), pesticides, synthetic dyes, toxins and hormones is of major concern due to its potential adverse effects. The accumulation of such pollutants can disbalance trophic levels and has negative ecological impacts and possible health risks. Monitoring and detecting these contaminants is essential for effective mitigation. Ongoing research on emerging contaminants drives the development of new analytical techniques and technologies for detection, monitoring and removal of such contaminants. As the demand for sustainable wastewater management increases, both conventional and advanced detection methods can be practised as treatment strategies. This approach enhances our capacity to detect and measure contaminants in environmental samples, leading to the development of more effective treatment methods. This review provides important insights into different classes of emerging contaminants, their sources as well as environmental and health risks associated with these pollutants. It also examines the major conventional and advanced technologies used to manage emerging contaminants.

PMID:40119196 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-025-13809-w

J Environ Manage. 2025 Mar 21;380:124993. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.124993. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Numerous reviews have focused on the chemistry, fate and transport, and remediation of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) across various environmental media. However, there remains a significant gap in the literature regarding a comprehensive review specifically addressing PFAS contamination within agricultural soils. Recognizing the threat PFAS pose to ecosystems and human health, this review critically examines the sources of PFAS in agricultural environments, their uptake and translocation within plant systems, and recent advancements in soil remediation techniques. PFAS ingress into agricultural soils primarily occurs through the application of biowastes, wastewater, and pesticides, necessitating a thorough examination of their pathways and impacts. Factors such as carbon chain length, salinity, temperature, and pH levels affect PFAS uptake and distribution within plants, ultimately influencing their transfer through the food web. Moreover, this review explores a range of physical, chemical, and biological strategies currently employed for the remediation of PFAS-contaminated agricultural soils.

PMID:40120441 | DOI:10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.124993

J Nanobiotechnology. 2025 Mar 21;23(1):231. doi: 10.1186/s12951-025-03314-0.

ABSTRACT

With the extensive utilization of plastic products, microplastics/nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) contamination not only poses a global hazard to the environment, but also induces a new threat to the growth development and nutritional quality of plantation agricultural products. This study thoroughly examines the behavior of MPs/NPs, including their sources, entry routes into plants, phytotoxicity under various biotic and abiotic stresses (e.g., salinity, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals, antibiotics, plasticizers, nano oxide, naturally occurring organic macromolecular compounds, invasive plants, Botrytis cinerea mycorrhizal fungi.) and controlling strategies. MPs/NPs in agricultural systems mainly originate from mulch, sewage, compost fertilizer, municipal solid waste, pesticide packaging materials, etc. They enter plants through endocytosis, apoplast pathways, crack-entry modes, and leaf stomata, affecting phenotypic, metabolic, enzymatic, and genetic processes such as seed germination, growth metabolism, photosynthesis, oxidative stress and antioxidant defenses, fruit yield and nutrient quality, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity. MPs/NPs can also interact with other environmental stressors, resulting in synergistic, antagonistic, or neutral effects on phytotoxicity. To address these challenges, this review highlights strategies to mitigate MPs/NPs toxicity, including the development of novel green biodegradable plastics, plant extraction and immobilization, exogenous plant growth regulator interventions, porous nanomaterial modulation, biocatalysis and enzymatic degradation. Finally, the study identifies current limitations and future research directions in this critical field.

PMID:40114145 | PMC:PMC11927206 | DOI:10.1186/s12951-025-03314-0

Arch Toxicol. 2025 Mar 21. doi: 10.1007/s00204-025-04009-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Neurological disorders have become the leading cause of disease and disability worldwide, with 80% of these conditions being recorded in low- and middle-income countries. Scientific evidence has increasingly associated these disorders with exposure to xenobiotics, such as pesticides, heavy metals and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Recent studies have focused on the consequences of exposure to chemical mixtures and their potential neurotoxic effects. As reported, such exposures can adversely affect cognitive and motor skills, particularly when they occur prenatally or during the early stages of development. Long-term exposure to mixtures of these substances has been strongly related to oxidative stress, inflammation and neurodegeneration. This review aims to explore the neurobehavioral effects of low-dose xenobiotic combinations, stressing the potential long-term neurological damage from such exposure. The in vivo and epidemiological studies reviewed indicate that early-life exposure to chemical mixtures is linked to motor and cognitive disorders, increased anxiety prevalence and behavioral dysregulation. Mechanistic evidence suggests that these exposures may exacerbate oxidative stress, immune activation, and neuronal dysfunction, ultimately leading to neuroinflammation. Chemical interactions greatly affect neurotoxicity, often deviating from simple dose addition. Synergistic effects can arise at both low and high doses, while some studies also report antagonistic outcomes. The specific impacts depend on the chemicals involved, their ratios, and the biological endpoints assessed. Since pollutants like heavy metals can persist in the environment due to their resistance to natural degradation processes, innovative strategies are necessary to mitigate the detrimental effects of exposure to chemical mixtures on human health and the environment.

PMID:40116907 | DOI:10.1007/s00204-025-04009-z

Environ Res. 2025 Mar 19;276:121438. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2025.121438. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The role of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the development of metabolic syndrome has gained increasing recognition in recent years. The underlying mechanisms are largely unresolved. Disruption of corticosteroid action and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis are considered possible mechanisms.

OBJECTIVE: To summarise epidemiological studies investigating an association between EDC concentration and altered levels of corticosteroids and the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).

METHODS: Following the PRISMA guidelines, we searched PubMed and the Cochrane Library for epidemiological studies published from database inception until April 1st, 2024. Various groups of EDCs were evaluated with the prerequisite of direct measurement of the chemical, a metabolite, or biomarker.

RESULTS: We identified 2094 articles. After removing duplicates and screening, 27 studies were included. Studies focused predominantly on glucocorticoids (n = 26) compared to mineralocorticoids (n = 5) and ACTH (n = 2). The most studied EDCs were pesticides (n = 9) and phthalates (n = 8). Significant associations between the concentrations of specific EDCs and hormone levels were found in all but three studies. Only one study described an association between EDCs, and hormone concentration and metabolic features.

CONCLUSION: There is clear evidence for the impact of specific EDCs on plasma corticosteroid concentrations in different age groups worldwide, however, results varied according to EDC class, study population and study methodology. Further research combining EDC and hormone concentrations, and clinical features, complemented by experimental investigations to study cell mechanisms, is needed to gain holistic knowledge of EDCs' influence on glucocorticoid- and mineralocorticoid-related disorders.

PMID:40118322 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2025.121438

Environ Toxicol Chem. 2025 Mar 19:vgaf067. doi: 10.1093/etojnl/vgaf067. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Amphibians are the current model species for investigating the endocrine disrupting (ED) properties through the thyroid modality in non-mammalian species. A recurrent question in the EU regulatory endocrine assessment of pesticide active substances (2018/605) is whether the positive results from an in vivo screening test, ie, Amphibian Metamorphosis Assay (AMA) can be considered sufficient to conclude on the ED properties of a pesticide active substance, or whether the Larval Amphibian Growth and Developmental Assay (LADGA) is a necessary step to further clarify the concerns identified in the AMA. Another one is the consideration of the Extended AMA (EAMA). To further clarify some of the uncertainties around the use of the LAGDA, and to help further consideration of the EAMA in regulatory context, the statistical power of the three test designs was tested for all the parameters entailed to be measured in the respective study design (except for thyroid histopathology) by using data from real experimental studies. Our findings showed that the statistical power of the EAMA is in line with other OECD standardized tests ie, AMA, LAGDA. Our results also confirmed that the LAGDA is more powerful to detect effects on relevant parameters, ie, time to reach metamorphosis, compared to other in vivo tests. However, the difference in power was small, questioning its contribution to an overall weight of evidence already supporting the identification of a substance as an ED. These findings should be considered only in the context of hazard-based endocrine assessment of active substances (ie, EU regulatory ED assessment of pesticide active substances, 2018/65), while they may not be fully applicable for risk assessment-based approach.

PMID:40107992 | DOI:10.1093/etojnl/vgaf067

Environ Int. 2025 Mar 13;198:109372. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2025.109372. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Human activities generate a large amount of environmental pollutants, including drugs and agricultural and industrial chemicals that are released into the air, water, and soil. Environmental pollutants can enter food animals through contaminated feed and water, posing risks to human health via the food chain. Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling is used to predict the target organ dosimetry informing human health risk assessment. However, there is a lack of critical reviews concerning PBPK models for environmental pollutants in food animals in the last several years (2020-2024). This review is part of a series of reviews focusing on applications of PBPK models for drugs and environmental chemicals in food animals to inform human health and food safety assessments. Part I is focused on veterinary drugs. The present article is Part II and focuses on environmental chemicals, including pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), bisphenols, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This article discusses the existing challenges in developing PBPK models for environmental pollutants and shares our perspectives on future directions, including the combinations of in vitro to in vivo extrapolation (IVIVE), machine learning and artificial intelligence, read-across approaches, and quantitative pharmacodynamic modeling to enhance the potential applications of PBPK models in assessing human health and food safety.

PMID:40106874 | DOI:10.1016/j.envint.2025.109372

Am J Epidemiol. 2025 Mar 17:kwaf059. doi: 10.1093/aje/kwaf059. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Adolescents' menstrual cycle characteristics can be 'vital signs' of health and impact quality of life. While endocrine disrupting pesticides are commonly used in agriculture, limited research exists on how exposure might affect the adolescent menstrual cycle. We examined the association between prenatal residential proximity to 11 agricultural pesticides and menstrual cycle characteristics at 16 years of age among 273 Latina adolescents from the Center for the Health Assessment of Mothers and Children of Salinas (CHAMACOS) study. We estimated prenatal pesticide exposure by linking maternal residential addresses to California's Pesticide Use Reporting database. Menstrual characteristics, including cycle length irregularities, painful menstruation, and heavy bleeding, were evaluated through questionnaire. We used generalized linear models to evaluate exposure-outcome associations one pesticide at a time. To adjust for co-exposure to pesticides, we used Bayesian Hierarchical Models to include all pesticide exposures in one model. In our single exposure model, we observed increased odds of heavy bleeding (OR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.64) for each doubling in prenatal methomyl exposure. This association persisted in our joint exposure model (OR: 1.09, CrI: 0.99, 1.19). Our results suggest prenatal exposure to endocrine disrupting pesticides may impact certain adolescent menstrual cycle characteristics.

PMID:40098466 | DOI:10.1093/aje/kwaf059

Sci Rep. 2025 Mar 16;15(1):9038. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-93638-6.

ABSTRACT

Today, pesticides are widely used to enhance agricultural yield mixed with soil and water, creating significant environmental pollution. The extensive use of insecticides for pest control has made this issue more pronounced. Abamectin, a key member of the avermectin family, is used as an insecticide and an antihelminthic agent in agriculture. It is an active and effective agricultural pesticide, particularly preferred for combating pests such as aphids and red spider mites. The dosage and frequency of its use vary depending on the target plant species and pest organism. For example, abamectin-based products with an 18 g/L EC formulation in apple orchards are typically recommended at 10 ml/100 L of water to control red spider mites. Although significantly below agricultural application levels, the low dose of 0.75 µg L⁻¹ used in our study has demonstrated effects that cannot be overlooked. However, it can contaminate aquatic environments, posing harmful effects on organisms. Studies indicate that abamectin exposure may lead to serious health issues, showing toxic and reproductive toxicity effects in aquatic species. Examining abamectin's effects on testicular tissue revealed hypertrophy of Sertoli cells in the group exposed to 0.75 µg L⁻¹ of abamectin. Apoptotic cells were observed in the groups exposed to 0.75 µg L⁻¹ and 1.5 µg L⁻¹. At the same time, pyknotic structures, disruption of seminiferous tubules, interstitial fibrosis, and atrophic appearance were identified across all dose groups, with severity increasing dose-dependently. Analysis of ovarian tissue demonstrated distortion of the zona radiata in groups exposed to 0.75 µg L⁻¹ and 1.5 µg L⁻¹ of abamectin. Moreover, in all dose groups, thickening of the zona radiata, vacuolization, formation of degenerated follicles, and nuclear disruption were observed, with these pathological alterations exacerbating in a dose-dependent manner. Like many studies involving zebrafish, this research is crucial for assessing potential toxic effects that may pose risks to human health. This study examined the histopathological effects of varying doses of abamectin (0.75 µg L⁻¹, 1.5 µg L⁻¹, and 3 µg L⁻¹) on zebrafish gonads after 96 h of exposure. Using standard histological techniques, the samples prepared were stained with H&E and observed under a light microscope. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS 23. The normality of the data was assessed with the Shapiro-Wilk test. One-way ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc tests were used for normally distributed groups, while the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunnett's T3 tests were applied for non-normally distributed groups. All analyses were performed with a 95% confidence interval and a significance level of p > 0.05.

PMID:40090936 | PMC:PMC11911406 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-93638-6

Curr Res Toxicol. 2025 Feb 1;8:100220. doi: 10.1016/j.crtox.2025.100220. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

Low molecular weight ortho-phthalate compounds have been implicated in disruption of androgen pathways when exposure occurs during the masculinization programming window. Di-isononyl phthalate (DINP) is a high molecular weight phthalate and a high production volume chemical. To understand the potential for DINP and its metabolites to disrupt endocrine pathways, a weight of evidence assessment was conducted according to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)/ European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Endocrine Disruptor Guidance (2018). Toxicological data related to estrogen (E), androgen (A), thyroid (T), or steroidogenesis (S) pathways was assessed. Literature searches returned 110 articles from which data were extracted and assessed in conjunction with 105 high-throughput assays. An in-silico assessment of the EATS activity for DINP metabolites also was conducted. Based on the available evidence, DINP did not elicit thyroid- or estrogen-related apical outcomes in vivo. There were no studies evaluating thyroid hormone levels in vivo which, according to the ECHA/EFSA guidance, constitutes a data gap and prevents a conclusion being drawn on the T-pathway. The E, A, and S-pathways were sufficiently assessed to conclude on the endocrine disrupting potential of DINP. Based on the lack of apical outcomes, DINP did not disrupt the E-pathway. For the A and S-pathways, there was limited evidence to support adverse apical outcomes, so a mode of action assessment using a structured adverse outcome pathway (AOP) framework was performed. No biologically plausible link could be established between the key events in the hypothesized AOP that lead to adverse outcomes. Further, no dose or temporal concordance for A- and S-mediated findings were identified. Therefore, DINP does not meet the ECHA/EFSA criteria to be considered an endocrine disruptor.

PMID:40092461 | PMC:PMC11910676 | DOI:10.1016/j.crtox.2025.100220

Environ Res. 2025 Mar 15;275:121409. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2025.121409. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The disposal of sewage sludge, a byproduct of wastewater treatment, presents both opportunities and challenges in agricultural applications due to its rich nutrient content and potential pollutant load. This study investigates the effects of torrefaction, a low-temperature thermochemical treatment, on the elemental composition and organic pollutant content of sewage sludge and its impact on maize (Zea mays L.). Sewage sludge from a municipal wastewater treatment plant was torrefied at 320 °C for 3 h, then applied to soil in a field experiment. The torrefaction process concentrated mineral nutrients such as phosphorus and potassium but reduced nitrogen and sulfur content. The content of available phosphorus and potassium decreased by only 28°% and 24°%, respectively. Importantly, torrefaction significantly decreased the concentrations of pharmaceuticals, synthetic musk compounds, and endocrine-disrupting compounds in the sludge, with reductions of over 90°% for most compounds. Persistent organic pollutants, including polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides, also showed significant reductions (99 and 95°%, respectively), although polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) increased by 20°% due to torrefaction. Despite this, the PAH content in torrefied sludge (Σ16 PAH <3 mg/kg) remained below regulatory limits set for soil application. At higher application doses, the effect of torrefied sludge on agronomic performance of maize did not differ from that of dried sewage sludge. Torrefaction has demonstrated promising results in improving the safety and efficacy of sewage sludge as a fertilizer by reducing organic contaminants and increasing phosphorus and potassium contents without significantly diminishing their availability. However, the limited effectiveness of torrefaction in reducing PAH content must be carefully considered when evaluating its suitability for soil applications. Furthermore, the condensate produced during the torrefaction process was not analyzed in this study and may represent a potentially hazardous by-product due to its pollutant content.

PMID:40096958 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2025.121409

Polymers (Basel). 2025 Feb 28;17(5):658. doi: 10.3390/polym17050658.

ABSTRACT

Recycling post-consumer plastics for food contact applications is crucial for the circular economy; however, it presents challenges due to potential contamination and regulatory requirements. This review outlines the current European and U.S. legislation governing recycled plastics in food contact materials (FCM). The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) mandates the evaluation and authorization of recycling processes. This includes examining input/output flows, prioritizing the use of previously authorized FCM, and assessing decontamination efficiency through material-specific challenge tests. Additionally, it evaluates new installations intended to apply approved decontamination technologies. In contrast, the voluntary submission to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides guidelines with general advice on methodologies and recommended parameters and challenge tests. Applications to the EFSA for non-PET materials, such as HDPE, PP, and PS, are reviewed, highlighting the challenges of each material. Recycled PS, with its lower diffusivity compared to polyolefins shows promise for food packaging, with potential as a next material approved for use in the European Union. Decontamination technologies for post-consumer PS are explored, including super-cleaning processes, solvent extraction, and industrial methods. The review emphasizes the need for multidisciplinary collaboration to address the uncertainties around potential contaminants and ensure the safety of recycled plastics for food contact applications.

PMID:40076149 | PMC:PMC11902640 | DOI:10.3390/polym17050658

Atherosclerosis. 2025 Mar 2:119160. doi: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2025.119160. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Soil and water pollution represent significant threats to global health, ecosystems, and biodiversity. Healthy soils underpin terrestrial ecosystems, supporting food production, biodiversity, water retention, and carbon sequestration. However, soil degradation jeopardizes the health of 3.2 billion people, while over 2 billion live in water-stressed regions. Pollution of soil, air, and water is a leading environmental cause of disease, contributing to over 9 million premature deaths annually. Soil contamination stems from heavy metals, synthetic chemicals, pesticides, and plastics, driven by industrial activity, agriculture, and waste mismanagement. These pollutants induce oxidative stress, inflammation, and hormonal disruption, significantly increasing risks for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease (CVD). Emerging contaminants like micro- and nanoplastics amplify health risks through cellular damage, oxidative stress, and cardiovascular dysfunction. Urbanization and climate change exacerbate soil degradation through deforestation, overfertilization, and pollution, further threatening ecosystem sustainability and human health. Mitigation efforts, such as reducing chemical exposure, adopting sustainable land-use practices, and advancing urban planning, have shown promise in lowering pollution-related health impacts. Public health initiatives, stricter pollution controls, and lifestyle interventions, including antioxidant-rich diets, can also mitigate risks. Pollution remains preventable, as demonstrated by high-income nations implementing cost-effective solutions. Policies like the European Commission's Zero-Pollution Vision aim to reduce pollution to safe levels by 2050, promoting sustainable ecosystems and public health. Addressing soil pollution is critical to combating the global burden of NCDs, particularly CVDs, and fostering a healthier environment for future generations.

PMID:40074641 | DOI:10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2025.119160