[Contamination of dioxins and related compounds in human and wildlife: evidences with focus on our recent studies].
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Animals↗
Biomedical subjects
Shinsuke Tanabe
Publications and source records attributed to Shinsuke Tanabe.
Organotin residues and the role of anthropogenic tin sources in the coastal marine environment of Indonesia.
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Animals↗
Chemical forms of mercury and cadmium accumulated in marine mammals and seabirds as determined by XAFS analysis.
Marine mammals and seabirds tend to exhibit high accumulations of mercury, cadmium, and selenium in their livers and kidneys. In this study, chemical forms of mercury, cadmium, and selenium accumulated in the livers and kidneys of northern fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus), Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus), and black-footed albatross (Diomedea nigripes) were studied by extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy to reveal the detoxification mechanisms of these metals. It was found that mercury and selenium exist in the form of HgSe in the liver of northern fur seal. Mercury levels were found to be higher than those of Se, based on their molar ratio, in black-footed albatross. XAFS analysis disclosed an existence of chalcogenide containing both Hg-Se and the Hg-S bonds, suggesting the existence of a solid solution Hg(Se, S) as granules in black-footed albatross. In contrast, Cd concentrations in the kidney were higher than those in the liver for northern fur seal, black-footed albatross, and Risso's dolphin. It was found that Cd was bound to sulfur, which was probably derived from the metallothionein. The Cd-O bond was observed in the tissues of northern fur seal.
Absorptiometry, Photon↗
Levels and toxicokinetic behaviors of PCDD, PCDF, and coplanar PCB congeners in common cormorants from Lake Biwa, Japan.
Concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls (Co-PCBs) were determined in the liver and pectoral muscle of common cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) collected from Lake Biwa, Japan. To clarify the toxicokinetic behaviors and potential toxicities of these chemicals, the present study addresses life-stage- and tissue-specific accumulation of the congeners. Total 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin toxic equivalents (TEQs) were in the range of 360 to 50,000 pg/g lipid weight in the liver and 310 to 12,000 pg/g lipid weight in the pectoral muscle. Among congeners, for which toxic equivalency factors were assigned, PCB126, 2,3,4,7,8-P5CDF, and 1,2,3,7,8-P5CDD made a greater contribution to total TEQs in the liver. Hepatic concentrations of T4- to H6CDDs, P5- and H6CDFs, and Co-PCBs (except PCB77) significantly increased with growth of cormorants, leading to life-stage-related compositional changes. The concentration ratios of liver to pectoral muscle revealed preferential accumulation of higher chlorinated congeners in hepatic tissue. For most congeners, concentration ratios significantly increased with an increase in hepatic total TEQs, suggesting their concentration-dependent hepatic sequestration. These results imply the presence of hepatic binding protein(s) such as cytochrome P450, inducible by these chemicals, which mayfunction as a binding species different from aryl hydrocarbon receptor. On the basis of these results, we conclude that the toxicokinetic behavior of each congener is life-stage-, tissue-, and concentration-dependent. TEQs in wildlife populations exposed to multiple congeners with varying concentrations should be used with caution for risk assessment, even within a species.
Animals↗
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers and organochlorines in archived northern fur seal samples from the Pacific coast of Japan, 1972-1998.
The present study clearly indicated possible prolonged and chronic marine pollution by polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) unless the international regulatory measures are reinforced substantially. Fat tissues of female northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus), collected at 10 time periods between 1972 and 1998 from the Pacific coast of northern Japan, were analyzed for PBDEs and organochlorine compounds (OCs). PCBs and DDTs were the predominant contaminants in the fur seal samples. PBDEs were detected in all the samples analyzed, the values ranging from 0.33 to 100 ng/g lipid wt. with predominance of BDE-47. The lowest PBDE levels were in the fur seals collected in 1972, with the peak concentration around 1991-1994 and then decreased to about 50% in 1997-1998. Compositions of higher brominated congeners increased since 1972, while some lower brominated congeners decreased, implying a change in the pattern of use, particularly the increased use of highly brominated diphenyl ethers during 1972-1998. In the meantime, PCB compositions in fur seals showed no temporal variation, suggesting a continuous input of PCBs into the marine environment in significant quantities. As peak concentrations of PBDEs occurred later than OCs, it is essential to follow up the patterns of PBDEs pollution that may be of great concern in the future. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the contamination by PBDEs in marine mammals from the Asia-Pacific waters.
Animals↗
Toxicokinetics of PCDD, PCDF, and coplanar PCB congeners in Baikal seals, Pusa sibirica: age-related accumulation, maternal transfer, and hepatic sequestration.
To assess the toxicokinetic behavior and potential toxicity of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in Baikal seals, congener-specific levels and tissue distribution were evaluated in the liver and blubber, and the effects of biological factors including sex and growth were assessed. Total 2,3,7,8-TCDD toxic equivalents (TEQs) were in the range of 210-920 pgTEQ/g fat wt (180-800 pgTEQ/g wet wt) in the blubber and 290-7800 pgTEQ/g fat wt (10-570 pgTEQ/wet wt) in the liver. Non-ortho coplanar PCB126 was the most TEQ-contributed congener accounting for 37-59% of the total TEQs in the liver. From the unique congener profiles, weak metabolic properties of Baikal seals for 2,3,7,8-TCDF and 1,2,3,7,8-P5CDF are suggested. Concentrations of most congeners linearly increased with age in male seals, whereas in adult females the levels revealed an age-related decline. The increasing and declining rates were congener-specific. Maternal transfer rates of 5 representative congeners from adult female to pup through lactation, which was estimated from male-female differences in the body burden, was 1.1 ngTEQ/kg/day for the first pup and decreased with every lactational epoch. The liver-blubber distribution of 1,2,3,4,7,8-H6CDD, 1,2,3,6,7,8-H6CDD, PCB81, PCB126, and PCB169 was dependent on the hepatic total TEQ, indicating hepatic sequestration by induced cytochrome P450 (CYP). These results indicate that congener profile in Baikal seals is governed by complex factors including sex, tissue concentration, binding to CYP, and rates of absorption and metabolism/excretion.
Adipose Tissue↗
Global pollution monitoring of polybrominated diphenyl ethers using skipjack tuna as a bioindicator.
To elucidate the global distribution of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), these chemicals were determined in the muscle of skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) collected from offshore waters of various regions in the world (Japan, Taiwan, Philippines, Indonesia, Seychelles, and Brazil, and the Japan Sea, East China Sea, South China Sea, Indian Ocean, and North Pacific Ocean). PBDEs were detected in almost all the skipjack tuna collected from the locations surveyed (from < 0.1 to 53 ng/g of lipid), indicating widespread contamination by these compounds in the marine environment. Residue levels of PBDEs in these samples from the northern hemisphere seem to be higher than those from the southern hemisphere, which is plausibly due to larger usage of these compounds in the northern hemisphere. Higher concentrations of PBDEs were detected in the samples from waters around the East China Sea (up to 53 ng/g of lipid). Developing countries around the East China Sea are supposedly the "hot spots" releasing these chemicals into the marine environment. With regard to the composition of PBDE congeners, the percentage contribution by lower brominated congeners (BDE15, -28, and -47) showed an increasing trend with increasing latitude. On the other hand, higher brominated congeners (BDE153, -154, and -183) showed a reverse trend. These patterns suggest that lower brominated congeners of PBDEs (di-, tri-, and tetra-BDEs) were preferentially transported from pollution sources to northern colder regions through the atmosphere. PBDEs may have a high potency to cause global pollution like PCBs.
Animals↗
PCDDs, PCDFs, and coplanar PCBs in albatross from the North Pacific and Southern Oceans: levels, patterns, and toxicological implications.
Concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls (coplanar PCBs) were determined in five albatross species collected from the North Pacific and Southern Oceans to assess the north-south differences in residue levels, accumulation patterns, and toxic potential. Black-footed and Laysan albatrosses from the North Pacific Ocean contained higher levels of PCDD/Fs and coplanar PCBs than albatrosses from the Southern Ocean, indicating that emission sources of these contaminants were predominant in the northern hemisphere. Residue levels in albatrosses from the remote North Pacific Ocean far from the point source of pollution were comparable to or higher than those in terrestrial and coastal birds from contaminated areas in developed nations, suggesting the specific exposure and accumulation of PCDD/Fs and coplanar PCBs in albatross. The long life span and ingestion of plastic resin pellets by albatrosses could be the plausible explanations for the elevated accumulation of persistent and lipophilic contaminants including PCDD/Fs and coplanar PCBs in these birds. Relative proportions of PCDFs and coplanar PCBs in albatross were higher than those observed in birds inhabiting terrestrial and coastal areas, suggesting that these toxic chemicals may have higher transportability by air and water than PCDDs. Congener patterns of PCDD/Fs in albatross showed less variability as compared to those in terrestrial species, indicating that contamination patterns of PCDD/Fs were similar within the open ocean environment. Contributions of PCDD/Fs to total TEQs in albatrosses from the open ocean were generally lower than those in terrestrial birds, suggesting different toxic potency of PCDD/Fs and coplanar PCBs on animals inhabiting open ocean and terrestrial environment. Whereas albatrosses from southern oceans retained lower TEQ concentrations, possible adverse effects of PCDD/Fs and coplanar PCBs to black-footed and Laysan albatrosses of the North Pacific Ocean may be suspected from TEQ levels.
Animals↗
Occurrence of PCBs, organochlorine insecticides, tris(4-chlorophenyl)methane, and tris(4-chlorophenyl)methanol in human breast milk collected from Cambodia.
The present study determined the concentrations of persistent organochlorines (OCs) such as DDT and its metabolites (DDTs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (HCHs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), chlordane compounds (CHLs), tris(4-chlorophenyl)methane (TCPMe), and tris(4-chlorophenyl)methanol (TCPMOH) in human breast milk from Cambodia. DDTs, PCBs, HCHs, HCB, CHLs, and TCPMe were detected in almost all the human breast milk samples analyzed, and the concentrations ranged from 310 to 11,000, 6.0 to 87, <0.12 to 21, <0.12 to 8.1, <0.12 to 5.3, and 2.9 to 70 ng/g lipid wt, respectively. TCPMOH was detected in only 10 among 36 samples. Concentrations of DDTs in human breast milk from Cambodia were notably higher than those from developed countries and comparable to those from other developing countries, where usage of DDT for agricultural and public health purposes has been suspected to be continuing still, implying the recent usage of DDT in Cambodia. On the other hand, concentrations of PCBs, HCHs, HCB, and CHLs in human breast milk from Cambodia were 1-2 orders of magnitude less than those from other countries, indicating that Cambodia is one of the less contaminated countries by these OCs. Significant correlation between concentrations of TCPMe and DDTs in human breast milk suggested that exposure to DDT is the source of TCPMe in Cambodian residents. Concentrations of OCs in human breast milk tended to decrease with an increase in the number of children, implying that the first infant would be exposed to higher levels of OCs from breast milk and might be at higher risk by these contaminants, especially DDTs in Cambodia. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive study on the residue levels of OCs in human breast milk from Cambodia.
Adolescent↗
Persistent organochlorine residues in human breast milk from Hanoi and Hochiminh City, Vietnam: contamination, accumulation kinetics and risk assessment for infants.
Despite the ban on persistent organochlorines (OCs) in most of the developed nations, their usage continued until recently in many Asian developing countries including Vietnam, for agricultural purposes and vector-borne disease eradication programs. In this study, we collected human breast milk samples from the two big cities in Vietnam: Hanoi (n=42) and Hochiminh (n=44) and determined the concentrations of persistent OCs such as PCBs, DDT and its metabolites (DDTs), hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), chlordane compounds (CHLs) and tris-4-chlorophenyl-methane (TCPMe). The contamination pattern of OCs was in the order of DDTs > PCBs > HCHs > CHLs approximately HCB approximately TCPMe. Compilation of available data indicated that DDT residue levels in human breast milk from Vietnam were among the highest values reported for Asian developing countries as well as developed nations. This result suggests recent usage of DDTs in both north and south Vietnam. Interestingly, in both cities, the p,p'-DDT portion was higher in multiparas than those in primiparas. Considering the fact that the interval between the first and the second child of a mother in Vietnam is usually short, this result probably indicates continuous intake of DDTs in the population. Analysis of infant exposure to DDTs via breast milk suggested that the daily intake rates for number of individuals are close to or above the threshold for adverse effects which may raise concern on children health.
Age Factors↗
Contamination of butyltin compounds in Malaysian marine environments.
Concentration of butyltin compounds (BTs), including tributyltin (TBT), dibutyltin (DBT) and monobutyltin (MBT) and total tin (SigmaSn) were determined in green mussel (Perna viridis), 10 species of muscle fish and sediment from coastal waters of Malaysia. BTs were detected in all these samples ranging from 3.6 to 900 ng/g wet wt., 3.6 to 210 ng/g wet wt., and 18 to 1400 ng/g dry wt. for mussels, fish and sediments, respectively. The concentrations of BTs in several locations of this study were comparable with the reported values from some developed countries and highest among Asian developing nations. Considerable concentration of BTs in several locations might have ecotoxicological consequences and may cause concern to human health. The parent compound TBT was found to be highest than those of its degradation compounds, DBT and MBT, suggesting recent input of TBT to the Malaysian marine environment. Significant positive correlation (Spearman rank correlation: r2=0.82, P<0.0001) was found between BTs and SigmaSn, implying considerable anthropogenic input of butyltin compounds to total tin contamination levels. Enormous boating activities may be a major source of BTs in this country, although aquaculture activities may not be ignored.
Animals↗
Persistent organochlorines in human breast milk collected from primiparae in Dalian and Shenyang, China.
The present study determined the concentrations of organochlorines (OCs) such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and its metabolites (DDTs), hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (HCHs), chlordane compounds (CHLs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and tris(4-chlorophenyl)methane (TCPMe) in human breast milk collected from primiparae in Dalian and Shenyang, northeastern China during 2002. In addition, dioxins and related compounds in pooled samples of human breast milk from Dalian and Shenyang were also analyzed. OCs were detected in all the human breast milk samples analyzed in this study. The predominant contaminants in human breast milk were HCHs, DDTs and HCB, and the levels were relatively higher than those in other countries. On the other hand, concentrations of dioxins and related compounds, PCBs, and CHLs were relatively low. Concentrations of OCs in human breast milk from Dalian, which is located along the coast of Bo Hai Strait, were significantly higher than those from Shenyang, implying that the residents in Dalian might be mainly exposed to these contaminants from seafood. When the relationship between concentrations of OCs in human breast milk and age of primiparae was examined, no significant correlation was observed. This might be caused by the limited sample numbers and narrow range of mother's age and/or recent ban of DDT and HCH production and use. Significant correlation between concentrations of TCPMe and DDTs in human breast milk suggested that technical DDT might be a source of TCPMe in the Chinese population. When daily intakes of DDTs and HCHs to infants through human breast milk were estimated, human breast milk from Dalian showed significantly higher contribution than Shenyang, implying that infants in Dalian might be at higher risk by these contaminants.
Adult↗
Butyltin concentrations along the Japanese coast from 1997 to 1999 monitored by Caprella spp. (Crustacea: Amphipoda).
The concentrations of butyltins along the Japanese coastline were investigated from 1997 to 1999, 7 to 9 years after implementation of legislation limiting the use of tributyltin (TBT) in Japan. Seawater was sampled at 0.5 m depth, and Caprella spp. were collected from Sargassum spp. and aquaculture facilities from 18 areas within four broad areas along the coastline of Japan, i.e., the Pacific coast of northern Japan, the coast along the Sea of Japan, Tokyo Bay and adjacent areas, and western Japan. Butyltins (MBT, DBT and TBT) were detected in 32 of the 63 seawater samples with average concentrations of 4.6 ng MBT/l, 4.5 ng DBT/l and 6.8 ng TBT/l, respectively. Butyltin concentrations in seawater from western Japan indicate "hot spots" even in unpopulated areas. Butyltins (MBT, DBT and TBT) were detected in all samples of Caprella spp., varying from 2.3 ng BTs /g wet wt in C. penantis R-type from Tobishima Island in the Sea of Japan to 464 ng BTs /g wet wt in C. decipiens Mayer from Amakusa, western Kyushu. The BT concentrations in Caprella spp. form western Japan were significantly higher than those from other areas, including Tokyo Bay and adjacent areas, where large scale industry and international ports are located. These results indicate that butyltin contamination still remains even in unpopulated areas after the regulation on TBT usage, and that the regulation governing TBT usage since 1990 has not been effective enough to concede recovery of shallow water ecosystems around Japan.
Amphipoda↗
Trace element residues in tissues of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) from South China waters.
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Animals↗
Recent contamination by persistent organochlorines in Baikal seal (Phoca sibirica) from Lake Baikal, Russia.
Blubber samples of Baikal seals pups (Phoca sibirica) collected in 2001 and 2002 were analyzed for persistent organochlorines (OCs) such as PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), DDTs (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and its metabolites), HCHs (hexachlorocyclohexane isomers), CHLs (chlordane related compounds), TCPMe [tris(4-chlorophenyl)methane] and TCPMOH [tris(4-chlorophenyl)methanol]. The distribution pattern of OCs was in the following order: DDTs>PCBs>CHLs>HCHs>TCPMOH>TCPMe. Organochlorine concentrations and composition patterns in eight pup blubber samples (2002) analyzed in the present study were compared with the corresponding levels in juvenile Baikal seals from 1992 survey, and it was found that residue levels of OC compounds have declined during the 10 year period. In particular, concentrations of PCBs, HCHs and CHLs in seals collected in 2002 were approximately two times lower, while DDTs levels were three times lower than the corresponding levels in 1992. Furthermore, higher ratios of beta-HCH/HCHs and p,p(')-DDE/DDTs were found in 2002 samples. While comparing the OC levels with those in other seal pups it appeared that all the OC concentrations were lower than the levels in seals from coastal California known as one of the most polluted areas. PCB and DDT concentrations in the present specimens were higher than that in Arctic seal pups. The proportions of tri-, tetra-, penta- and hexachlorobiphenyls in pups captured in 2002 were higher than those in 1992. TEQ concentrations of non- and mono-ortho coplanar PCBs in Baikal seals collected in 2002 were higher than those in seals collected from some locations in the world, where human and industrial activities are extensive, suggesting potential for toxic implications of coplanar PCBs in Baikal seals.
Adipose Tissue↗
Trace element residues in eggs of Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) and Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) from Hong Kong, China.
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Animals↗
POPs--need for target research on high risk stage.
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Environmental Pollutants↗
Total and subcellular distribution of trace elements in the liver of a mother-fetus pair of Dall's porpoises (Phocoenoides dalli).
Total and subcellular hepatic Zn, Cu, Se, Mn, V, Hg, Cd, and Ag were determined in a mother-fetus pair of Dall's porpoises (Phocoenoides dalli). Except for higher fetal Cu concentration, all maternal elements were higher. Elements existed mostly in the cytosol of both animals except in the case of maternal Ag in the microsome and fetal Cu and Ag in the nuclei and mitochondria. In the maternal cytosol, Zn, Mn, Hg, and Ag were present in the high-molecular-weight substances (HMW); Se and V were present in the low-molecular-weight substances (LMW); Cu and Cd were mostly sequestered by metallothionein (MT). In the fetal cytosol, Zn, Se, Mn, Hg, Cd, and Ag were present in the HMW and V in the LMW, while Cu and Ag were mostly associated with MT. MT isoforms were characterized using the HPLC/ICP-MS. Two and four obvious peaks appeared in the maternal and fetal MT fractions, respectively. The highest elemental ion intensities were at a retention time of 7.8 min for the mother, and for the fetus the peak elemental ion intensities occurred at a retention time of 4.3 min, suggesting that different MT isoforms may be involved in elemental accumulation in maternal and fetal hepatocytosols.
Animals↗