M.J.M. van Velzen

Plastic particles are ubiquitous pollutants in the living environment and food chain but no study to date has reported on the internal exposure of plastic particles in human blood. This study’s goal was to develop a robust and sensitive sampling and analytical method with double shot pyrolysis - gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and apply it to measure plastic particles ≥700 nm in human whole blood from 22 healthy volunteers. Four high production volume polymers applied in plastic were identified and quantified for the first time in blood. Polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene and polymers of styrene (a sum parameter of polystyrene, expanded polystyrene, acetonitrile butadiene styrene etc.) were the most widely encountered, followed by poly(methyl methacrylate). Polypropylene was analysed but values were under the limits of quantification. In this study of a small set of donors, the mean of the sum quantifiable concentration of plastic particles in blood was 1.6 µg/ml, showing a first measurement of the mass concentration of the polymeric component of plastic in human blood. This pioneering human biomonitoring study demonstrated that plastic particles are bioavailable for uptake into the human bloodstream. An understanding of the exposure of these substances in humans and the associated hazard of such exposure is needed to determine whether or not plastic particle exposure is a public health risk.

Environmental contamination by plastic particles, also known as ‘microplastics’, brings synthetic materials that are non-degradable and biologically incompatible into contact with ecosystems. In this paper we present concentration data for this emerging contaminant in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and freshwater and marine systems, reflecting the routes via which these particles can travel and the ecosystems they potentially impact along their path. Raw sewage influents, effluents and sewage sludge from seven municipal WWTPs in the Netherlands contained mean particle concentrations of 68–910 L− 1, 51–81 L− 1 and 510–760 kg− 1 wet weight (ww), respectively (particle sizes between 10 and 5000 μm). Even after treatment, wastewater constitutes a source of microplastic pollution of surface waters, and via biosolids applications in farming and forestry, plastic retained in sewage sludge can be transferred to terrestrial environments. The WWTPs investigated here had a mean microplastics retention efficiency of 72% (s.d. 61%) in the sewage sludge. In the receiving waters of treated and untreated wastewaters, we detected high microplastic levels in riverine suspended particulate matter (1400–4900 kg− 1 dry weight (dw)) from the Rhine and Meuse rivers. Amsterdam canal water sampled at different urban locations contained microplastic concentrations (48–187 L− 1), similar to those observed in wastewater that is emitted from sewage treatment facilities in the area. At least partial settling of the particles occurs in freshwater as well, as indicated by microplastics in urban canal sediments (< 68 to 10,500 particles kg− 1 dw). Microplastics in suspension in the water column have the potential to be discharged into the sea with other riverine suspended particulates. We report microplastic concentrations from 100 up to 3600 particles kg− 1 dry sediment collected at 15 locations along the Dutch North Sea coast. The high microplastic enrichment in marine sediments compared to most literature data for seawater at the surface supports the hypothesis of a seabed sink for these materials. Marine species are heavily exposed to plastic particles. Body residues between 10 and 100 particles g− 1 dw were measured in benthic macroinvertebrate species inhabiting the Dutch North Sea coast: filter-feeding mussels and oysters (species for human consumption) as well as other consumers in the marine food chain.

The ban on perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) has led to the production and use of alternative fluorinated compounds such as GenX. Limited information is available on the occurrence of this PFOA substitute. In this pilot study, we investigated the presence of GenX in/on grass and leaf samples collected near a fluoropolymer manufacturing plant in the Netherlands and in drinking water produced from surface and surface-water influenced groundwater intake points within 25 km from the plant. GenX was detected in/on all grass and leaf samples collected within 3 km north-east from the plant, with levels ranging from 1 to 27 ng/g wet weight (ww) and 4.3–86 ng/g ww, respectively. The PFOA levels in/on grass and leaves were lower, ranging from 0.7 to 11 ng/g ww and 0.9–28 ng/g ww, respectively. A declining concentration gradient of GenX and PFOA with increasing distance from the plant was observed, which suggests that the plant is a point source of GenX and was a point source for PFOA in the past. In all drinking water samples, GenX and PFOA were detected with levels ranging from 1.4 to 8.0 ng/L and 1.9–7.1 ng/L, respectively. The detection of GenX, which is only used since 2012, in/on grass and leaves and in drinking water indicates that GenX is now distributed through the environment. The presence of GenX and PFOA in/on grass and leaves within 3 km north-east of the plant also suggests that these chemicals could also be present on the locally grown food in gardens around the factory.

Abstract In this study, the endocrine‐disrupting (ED) potency of metabolites from brominated flame retardants (BFRs) was determined. Metabolites were obtained by incubating single‐parent compound BFRs with phenobarbital‐induced rat liver microsomes. Incubation extracts were tested in seven in vitro bioassays for their potency to compete with thyroxine for binding to transthyretin (TTR), to inhibit estradiol‐sulfotransferase (E2SULT), to interact with thyroid hormone‐mediated cell proliferation, and to (in‐)activate the androgen, progesterone, estrogen, or aryl hydrocarbon receptor. For most BFRs, TTR‐binding potencies, and to a lesser extent E2SULT‐inhibiting potencies, significantly increased after biotransformation. Microsomal incubation had less pronounced effects on other ED modes of action, due to low biotransformation efficiency and background activities determined in control incubations without BFRs. Moreover, cell‐based bioassays suffered from cytotoxicity from metabolites of lower‐brominated polybrominated diphenyl ethers. For the environmentally relevant 2,2′,4,4′‐tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE‐47), six hydroxylated metabolites were identified. Individual metabolites had TTR‐binding and E2SULT‐inhibiting potencies 160–1600 and 2.2–220 times higher than BDE‐47 itself, whereas their combined potencies in a realistic mixture were well predicted via concentration addition. In combination with other environmentally relevant hydroxylated organohalogens acting on TTR‐binding and E2SULT inhibition, internal exposure to BFR metabolites may significantly contribute to the overall risk of endocrine disruption.

All nine PFRs studied were detected in house and car dust from the Netherlands with the exception of tris(butyl) phosphate (TNBP) and tris(isobutyl) phosphate (TIBP) in car dust. Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBOEP, median 22 μg g−1) was dominant in house dust collected around and on electronics followed by tris(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP, median 1.3 μg g−1), tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP, median 1.3 μg g−1) and tris(phenyl) phosphate (TPHP, median 0.8 μg g−1). Levels of TPHP and tris(methylphenyl) phosphate (TMPP, also known as TCP) in house dust on electronics were significantly higher than in house dust collected around electronics, suggesting that electronic equipment has limited contribution to the PFR levels in house dust, with the exception of TPHP and TMPP. Car dust was dominated by tris(1,3-dichloroisopropyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) with the highest levels found in dust collected from the car seats (1100 μg g−1). The mean TDCIPP and TCIPP levels observed in car dust were significantly higher than the levels observed in dust collected around electronics. Significantly higher mean TMPP levels in dust taken from car seats were found compared to dust collected around the equipment (p < 0.05). This is probably influenced by the use of TDCIPP, TCIPP in polyurethane foam (car seats) and the use of TMPP as plasticizer in car interiors. Worldwide four PFR patterns were observed in house dust. The PFR pattern in the Netherlands of TDCIPP, TMPP, TCEP, TCIPP and TPHP in house dust is comparable to the pattern found in six other countries, which may point to identical sources of these PFRs in the indoor environment. However, the PFR levels between the countries and within countries showed high variation.

Gastroesophageal cancers are a major cause of death worldwide and treatment outcomes remain poor. Adequate predictive biomarkers have not been identified. Microsatellite instability (MSI) as a result of mismatch repair deficiency is present in four to twenty percent of gastroesophageal cancers and has been associated with favorable survival outcomes compared to microsatellite stable tumors. This prognostic advantage may be related to immunosurveillance, which may also explain the favorable response to immune checkpoint inhibition observed in MSI high (MSI-H) tumors. The value of conventional cytotoxic treatment in MSI-H tumors is unclear and results on its efficacy range from detrimental to beneficial effects. Here the recent data on MSI as a predictive factor for outcome of gastroesophageal cancer treatment is reviewed.

Chlorinated paraffins (CPs) are used in various products to improve their physicochemical characteristics. Due to recycling, CPs may end up in "new" recycled products. In this study we investigated CPs present in end-of-life car tires that are recycled to rubber granulates used on artificial soccer fields, and playground tiles. The ∑CP(C10-C30) concentrations ranged from 1.5 to 67 μg/g in car tires, 13-67 μg/g in rubber granulates, and 16-74 μg/g in playground tiles. MCCPs were the dominant CP group with an average contribution of 72%. LCCPs up to C30, were detected for the first time in car tires, rubber granulates, and playground tiles. The CPs application in tires is unclear, the low CP concentrations found in this study (<0.007%) could possibly indicate contamination during the manufacturing process. The presence of CPs in the granulates and tiles, in addition to the multiple chemicals already detected, emphasizes the need to further investigate the migration and leaching behavior, in order to assess potential risks of CPs for humans and the environment. The presence of CPs in car tires may be another source of CPs for the environment. The CP volume brought into the environment by tire wear particles (TWP) from car tires in the European Union, is estimated at 2.0-89 tons annually.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzo-p-furans (PCDD/Fs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), hexabromocyclododecane diastereomers (HBCDs), and perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) were analyzed in popular farmed fish such as salmon, trout, tilapia, and pangasius and in farmed shrimp. The samples originated from southeast Asia, Europe, and South America. Results show the following: (i) Carnivorous species contained higher contaminant concentrations than omnivorous species. (ii) Contaminant concentrations generally decreased per species in the following order of salmon > trout >> tilapia approximately equal to pangasius approximately equal to shrimp. (iii) Most contaminant concentrations decreased in the following order of PCBs approximately equal to dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethanes (DDTs) >> hexachlorobenzene approximately equal to pentachlorobenzene approximately equal to dieldrin approximately equal to PBDEs approximately equal to alpha-HBCD approximately equal to perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) >> World Health Organization toxic equivalents (WHO-TEQ) [PCDD/Fs and dioxin-like (dl)-PCBs]. (iv) Contaminant concentrations were very low (mostly <1 ng/g wet weight) and far below the European and Dutch legislative limits. (v) Contaminant concentrations in farmed shrimp, pangasius, and tilapia were lower than those in wild fish, whereas contaminant concentrations in farmed salmon and trout were higher than those in lean wild marine fish. From the five species investigated, salmon is predominantly responsible (97%) for human exposure to the sum of the investigated contaminants. The contribution of trout, tilapia, pangasius, and shrimp is small (3%) because contaminant concentrations and consumption volumes were much lower.

Although the ubiquitous detection of polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) and organophosphate flame retardants (PFRs) in indoor dust has raised health concerns, only very few epidemiological studies have assessed their impact on human health. Inhalation of dust is one of the exposure routes of FRs, especially in children and can be hazardous for the respiratory health. Moreover, PFRs are structurally similar to organophosphate pesticides, which have been associated with allergic asthma. Thus, we investigated whether the concentrations of PFRs and PBDEs in indoor dust are associated with the development of childhood asthma. We selected 110 children who developed asthma at 4 or at 8 years old and 110 matched controls from a large prospective birth cohort (BAMSE - Barn, Allergy, Milieu Stockholm Epidemiology). We analyzed the concentrations of 7 PFRs and 21 PBDEs in dust collected around 2 months after birth from the mother's mattress. The abundance rank in dust was as follows: TBOEP⪢TPHP>mmp-TMPP>EHDPHP~TDCIPP>TCEP~TCIPP~BDE-209⪢BDE-99>BDE-47>BDE-153>BDE-183>BDE-100. There was no positive association between the FRs in mattress dust and the development of childhood asthma. In contrast, dust collected from mattresses of the mothers of children who would develop asthma contained significant lower levels of TPHP and mmp-TMPP. This study provides data on a wide range of PFRs and PBDEs in dust samples and development of asthma in children.

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has predictive and prognostic value in localized and metastatic cancer. This study analyzed the prognostic value of baseline and on-treatment ctDNA in metastatic gastroesophageal cancer (mGEC) using a region-specific next generation sequencing (NGS) panel.Cell free DNA was isolated from plasma of patients before start of first-line palliative systemic treatment and after 9 and 18 weeks. Two NGS panels were designed comprising the most frequently mutated genes and targetable mutations in GEC. Tumor-derived mutations in matched metastatic biopsies were used to validate that the sequencing panels assessed true tumor-derived variants. Tumor volumes were calculated from baseline CT scans and correlated to variant allele frequency (VAF). Survival analyses were performed using univariable and multivariable Cox-regression analyses.ctDNA was detected in pretreatment plasma in 75% of 72 patients and correlated well with mutations in metastatic biopsies (86% accordance). The VAF correlated with baseline tumor volume (Pearson's R 0.53, p < 0.0001). Detection of multiple gene mutations at baseline in plasma was associated with worse overall survival (OS, HR 2.16, 95% CI 1.10-4.28; p = 0.027) and progression free survival (PFS, HR 2.71, 95% CI 1.28-5.73; p = 0.009). OS and PFS were inferior in patients with residual detectable ctDNA after 9 weeks of treatment (OS: HR 4.95, 95% CI 1.53-16.04; p = 0.008; PFS: HR 4.08, 95% CI 1.31-12.75; p = 0.016).Based on our NGS panel, the number of ctDNA mutations before start of first-line chemotherapy has prognostic value. Moreover, residual ctDNA after three cycles of systemic treatment is associated with inferior survival.

Many patients with cancer search for and use alternative and complementary treatments, aiming to improve the effectiveness of their anticancer treatment and a reduction in treatment-associated side effects. Short-term fasting (STF) and fasting mimicking diets (FMDs) are among the most commonly used dietary interventions. In recent years, different trials have reported the promising results of dietary interventions in combination with chemotherapy, in terms of slowing down tumor growth and reduction in chemotherapy-related side effects. In this narrative review, we identify and describe the current evidence about feasibility and effects of STF and FMDs in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. The studies that examined the effects of STF when combined with chemotherapy suggest potential benefits regarding reduction in side effects and improved quality of life. We also conclude with a list of well-designed studies that are still recruiting patients, examining the long-term effects of STF.

Abstract Fat models frequently use input parameters that are defined at environmental conditions. In a recently developed gas‐liquid chromatography method (GC‐VAP), vapor pressures, heats of vaporization, and heat capacity differences (gas‐liquid) of fatty acid esters are determined over a large temperature range that includes environmental temperatures. This method also allows an accurate determination of the normal boiling point temperature of a substance. Literature values of vapor pressure, boiling point temperature, and heat of vaporization at 298.15 K for the chosen esters are all in excellent agreement with those determined with the developed method. Correlations between carbon number and heat of vaporization are high.

Abstract Earthworms may promote the biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil, but the mechanism through which they exert such influence is still unknown. To determine if the stimulation of PAH degradation by earthworms is related to changes in microbial communities, a microcosm experiment was conducted consisting of columns with natural uncontaminated soil covered with PAH‐contaminated dredge sediment. Columns without and with low and high Eisenia andrei densities were prepared. Organic matter and PAH content, microbial biomass, and dehydrogenase activity (DHA) were measured in soil and sediment over time. Biolog Ecoplate™ and polymerase chain reaction using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis were used to evaluate changes in metabolic and structural diversity of the microbial community, respectively. Earthworm activity promoted PAH degradation in soil, which was significant for biphenyl, benzo[ a ]pyrene, and benzo[ e ]pyrene. Microbial biomass and DHA activity generally did not change over the experiment. Earthworm activity did change microbial community structure, but this did not affect its functioning in terms of carbon substrate consumption. Results suggest no relationship between changes in the microbial community by earthworm activity and increased PAH disappearance. The role of shifts in soil microbial community structure induced by earthworms in PAH removal needs further investigation. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012;31:794–803. © 2011 SETAC

Metallothionein is considered to be a potential biomarker for heavy metal exposure in the terrestrial environment. However, limited information is available on metallothioneins from insects, a major class of terrestrial invertebrates. In this study we have quantified metallothioneins in the springtail Orchesella cincta by determining metallothionein-bound cadmium after separation of these proteins using gel filtration and reversed phase chromatography from total body homogenates of animals dietary exposed to different concentrations of cadmium. Furthermore, we have studied in more detail where cadmium and metallothionein-bound cadmium is located within this animal. The concentration of metallothionein-bound cadmium increases with the exposure concentration in the same way as the total internal concentration. Both reach a plateau at an exposure concentration of approximately 1.0 micromol Cd/dry food. Cadmium is primarily located within the gut of O. cincta and isolation of metallothionein from this organ gives results identical to isolations from total bodies. Based on this results an estimation of the metallothionein level at the highest exposure concentration results in a concentration of about 115 microg metallothionein/g fresh gut. The O. cincta metallothionein gives the possibility of using this protein as a biomarker for heavy metal exposure in soil insects.

The contamination of freshwater with microplastics (MPs) has been established globally. While the analysis of MPs has predominantly involved spectroscopic methods for revealing particle numbers, the potential of employing spectroscopy for mass estimation has been underutilized. Consequently, there is a need to enhance our understanding of the mass loads of MPs and ensure the complementarity and comparability of various techniques for accurate quantification. This study presents the first comparative results on urban water samples using micro Fourier-transform infrared (μ-FTIR) imaging and pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) to identify and quantify MPs in both particle numbers and mass concentration. Two sampling campaigns in summer and winter were conducted at 11 locations within the Amsterdam canal network. An advanced in-situ volume-reducing sampling pump was employed to collect MPs from the surface water within the size fraction of 10-300 μm. The analysis revealed MP concentrations within the range of 16 -107 MP/m

The induction of metallothionein was studied in the springtail Orchesella cincta (Collembola), a species of insect living in forest soils. Upon dietary exposure to Cd, two Cd‐binding, cysteine‐rich peptides were isolated from whole‐body homogenates, using gel filtration and reversed‐phase FPLC. Mass spectrometric analysis revealed that the molecular masses of these peptides were 2989 Da and 4139 Da, respectively. Amino acid sequencing of the 2989‐Da peptide resulted in a sequence typical for a metallothionein. Sequencing of the 4139‐Da protein was unsuccessful, probably due to N‐terminal blockage. Using different PCR techniques (3′ and 5′ RACE) with (degenerate) primers based on the identified amino acid sequence of the 2989 Da peptide, a metallothionein cDNA was isolated. The sequence of this cDNA potentially codes for a protein of 77 amino acids. The 2989 Da peptide corresponds to the C‐terminal part of this protein. The 4139‐Da protein is probably encoded by the N‐terminal part of this protein. These results suggest that the identified peptides are products of one gene, and that the primary gene product is subject to post‐translational processing. The deduced amino acid sequence of the O. cincta metallothionein shows low sequence similarity with metallothioneins from Drosophila . The similarity between O. cincta MT and MTs of invertebrates is not higher than that between O. cincta and vertebrates.

The aqueous solubility and n-octanol-water partition coefficient of fifteen fatty acid esters are determined by the RP-HPLC method. Aqueous solubilities decrease from 5.7 × 10−5 M for methyl caprate to 5.3 × 10−12 M for methyl behenate while the log Kow's increase from 4.4 to 10. Special attention is given to satisfying the statistical assumptions underlying the establishment of the calibration line. Residual plots show that in this case small systematic errors are introduced rapidly even if the selected substances for the calibration line are similar in their physical properties to the fatty acid esters. Combining previously determined vapour pressure data with the estimated solubility values allows for the estimation of Henry's law constants. Although the calculated values are not very accurate, it can be concluded that they are in general lower than those of the halogenated hydrocarbon solvents.

Gastric cancer is the fifth most common cancer worldwide, and investigating its incidence, characteristics, treatment, and outcomes over the past decades can help in selecting clinical strategies and future research directions.To analyze the trends in incidence, staging, and treatment of gastric cancer.This nationwide, population-based cohort study included patients diagnosed with noncardia gastric cancer (NCGC) between 1989 and 2021 in the Netherlands.Differences in tumor characteristics, treatment, and survival were analyzed per fixed time periods (1989-1993, 1994-1998, 1999-2003, 2004-2008, 2009-2013, 2014-2018, and 2019-2021).In total, 47 014 patients (median [IQR] age, 73 [64-80] years; 28 032 [60%] male patients) were identified with mostly adenocarcinomas of the antrum region (when location was known). Age-standardized incidence decreased from 20.3 to 6.1 per 100 000 person-years between 1989 and 2021. During the study period, unknown T and N stages were recorded less frequently, and metastatic disease was diagnosed more frequently (1989-1993: 2633 of 9493 patients [28%]; 2019-2021: 1503 of 3200 patients [47%] in 2019-2021). Over time, fewer patients with metastatic disease underwent surgery with or without other treatment modalities (68% in 1989-1993 vs 64% in 2019-2021), and palliative chemotherapy in metastatic NCGC increased from 9% to 40%. For patients with nonmetastatic disease, 5-year relative survival improved from 28% (95% CI, 26.5%-29.2%) to 36% (95% CI, 33.5%-37.6%) between 1989 and 2021. For patients with nonmetastatic disease undergoing a resection, 5-year survival increased from 40% (95% CI, 38.3%-41.8%) to 51% (95% CI, 47.9%-53.3%). For patients with metastatic disease, 1-year relative survival increased from 10% (95% CI, 8.7%-11.1%) to 19% (95% CI, 17.2%-21.6%), but 3-year relative survival remained poor at 5% (95% CI, 3.6%-7.5%).In this nationwide cohort study involving 47 014 patients diagnosed with NCGC (1989-2021), the results showed a decrease in incidence, more accurate staging, a shift in treatment modalities, and improved patient survival.

The British Journal of Haematology publishes original research papers in clinical, laboratory and experimental haematology. The Journal also features annotations, reviews, short reports, images in haematology and Letters to the Editor.

Polycythaemia vera (PV) can be defined as a myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) with erythrocytosis and JAK2V617F (or an equivalent marker of clonality). While these simple criteria are sufficient for most cases of overt PV, an estimated 10–15% of PV patients do not have an elevated haemoglobin concentration (Hb) and may mimic JAK2-positive essential thrombocythaemia (ET). This poses a problem for accurate diagnosis and may also have clinical significance, since patients with ‘masked' PV (mPV) might receive less intense treatment leading to shortened survival compared with overt PV.1

BackgroundPopulation-based predictive factors for the effectiveness of second-line palliative systemic therapy in gastro-oesophageal cancer are not available. This study investigates the predictive value of effectiveness of first-line treatment for second-line treatment outcomes in gastro-oesophageal cancer in a real-world setting.MethodsPatients with metastatic gastro-oesophageal cancer diagnosed in 2010–2017 who were treated with second-line therapy after disease progression on first-line therapy were identified from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Patients were divided into four groups as per duration of time to treatment failure (TTF) of the first line (0–3, 3–6, 6–9 and >9 months), and the association with overall survival (OS) and second-line TTF was assessed using Kaplan-Meier curves and two-sided multivariable regression models.ResultsMedian OS since the start of the second line of patients (n = 611) with first-line TTF of 0–3, 3–6, 6–9 and >9 months was 4.0, 4.1, 5.5 and 7.1 months, respectively (P < 0.001). Median second-line TTF of patients with first-line TTF of 0–3, 3–6, 6–9 and >9 months was 2.8, 2.4, 3.0 and 4.5 months, respectively (P < 0.001). Patients with first-line TTF of >9 months showed a longer OS than patients with first-line TTF of 0–3 months (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.90; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.46–2.47), 3–6 months (adjusted HR 1.88; 95% CI 1.47–2.39) and 6–9 months (adjusted HR 1.31; 95% CI 1.04–1.65). Results for second-line TTF were similar.ConclusionsThis study shows a positive correlation between effectiveness of first-line therapy and outcomes of second-line therapy in gastro-oesophageal cancer. Physicians should take duration of the first line into account when considering second-line palliative systemic therapy.

ADVERTISEMENT RETURN TO ISSUEPREVCorrespondence/Rebut...Correspondence/RebuttalNEXTResponse to “Comment on Halogenated Contaminants in Farmed Salmon, Trout, Tilapia, Pangasius, and Shrimp”S. P. J. van Leeuwen*†, M. J. M. van Velzen†, C. P. Swart†, I. van der Veen†, W. A. Traag‡, and J. de Boer†View Author Information Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM), VU University, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands, RIKILT-Institute of Food Safety, P.O. Box 230, 6700 AE Wageningen, The Netherlands* Corresponding author phone: +31 20 59 89 555; fax: +31 20 59 89 553; e-mail: [email protected]†VU University.‡RIKILT-Institute of Food Safety.Cite this: Environ. Sci. Technol. 2009, 43, 19, 7586–7587Publication Date (Web):August 21, 2009Publication History Received22 July 2009Published online21 August 2009Published inissue 1 October 2009https://doi.org/10.1021/es9021975Copyright © 2009 American Chemical SocietyRIGHTS & PERMISSIONSArticle Views536Altmetric-Citations1LEARN ABOUT THESE METRICSArticle Views are the COUNTER-compliant sum of full text article downloads since November 2008 (both PDF and HTML) across all institutions and individuals. These metrics are regularly updated to reflect usage leading up to the last few days.Citations are the number of other articles citing this article, calculated by Crossref and updated daily. Find more information about Crossref citation counts.The Altmetric Attention Score is a quantitative measure of the attention that a research article has received online. Clicking on the donut icon will load a page at altmetric.com with additional details about the score and the social media presence for the given article. Find more information on the Altmetric Attention Score and how the score is calculated. Share Add toView InAdd Full Text with ReferenceAdd Description ExportRISCitationCitation and abstractCitation and referencesMore Options Share onFacebookTwitterWechatLinked InReddit PDF (50 KB) Get e-AlertsSUBJECTS:Ethers,Impurities,Organochlorine,Phenyls,Testing and assessment Get e-Alerts

Abstract The effect of exposure to chlorinated dioxins and dibenzofurans on the vitamin K status of the human newborn was investigated in 32 mother‐infant pairs. Pre‐ and postnatal exposure to these xenobiotics was estimated by the concentrations of these compounds in the fat of the breast‐milk three weeks after delivery. Vitamin K1 and PIVKA‐II levels were measured in cord blood and in the infants at eleven weeks. Vitamin K1 concentrations in cord blood were below the detection limit (40 pg/mL) in all samples measured. PIVKA‐II could be detected in nine of the 28 available cord blood samples, but no correlation was found with total dioxin concentrations (expressed in toxic equivalents) in the breast‐milk. Neither was there a significant correlation with the separate congeners. From the eleven‐week‐old infants nine blood samples were available. No significant correlation could be found between total dioxin concentrations and vitamin K1 or PIVKA‐II levels. However, there was a significant inverse correlation (P < 0.05) between the congeners 1,2,3,7,8‐PeCDD and 1,2,3,4,6,7,8‐HpCDF, and vitamin K1 levels. A highly significant inverse correlation (P < 0.001) was found between the congener 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzofuran (2,3,7,8‐TCDF) and vitamin K1 levels at this age. These results indicate that dioxins, and especially 2,3,7,8‐TCDF, may play a role in vitamin K1 deficiency in the newborn.