29 research outputs found
Bisphenol A and its analogues: A comprehensive review to identify and prioritize effect biomarkers for human biomonitoring
Human biomonitoring (HBM) studies have demonstrated widespread and daily exposure to bisphenol A (BPA).
Moreover, BPA structural analogues (e.g. BPS, BPF, BPAF), used as BPA replacements, are being increasingly
detected in human biological matrices. BPA and some of its analogues are classified as endocrine disruptors
suspected of contributing to adverse health outcomes such as altered reproduction and neurodevelopment,
obesity, and metabolic disorders among other developmental and chronic impairments. One of the aims of the
H2020 European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HBM4EU) is the implementation of effect biomarkers at large
scales in future HBM studies in a systematic and standardized way, in order to complement exposure data with
mechanistically-based biomarkers of early adverse effects. This review aimed to identify and prioritize existing
biomarkers of effect for BPA, as well as to provide relevant mechanistic and adverse outcome pathway (AOP)
information in order to cover knowledge gaps and better interpret effect biomarker data. A comprehensive
literature search was performed in PubMed to identify all the epidemiologic studies published in the last 10 years
addressing the potential relationship between bisphenols exposure and alterations in biological parameters. A
total of 5716 references were screened, out of which, 119 full-text articles were analyzed and tabulated in detail.
This work provides first an overview of all epigenetics, gene transcription, oxidative stress, reproductive, glucocorticoid and thyroid hormones, metabolic and allergy/immune biomarkers previously studied. Then, promising effect biomarkers related to altered neurodevelopmental and reproductive outcomes including brainderived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), kisspeptin (KiSS), and gene expression of nuclear receptors are prioritized,
providing mechanistic insights based on in vitro, animal studies and AOP information. Finally, the potential of
omics technologies for biomarker discovery and its implications for risk assessment are discussed. To the best of
our knowledge, this is the first effort to comprehensively identify bisphenol-related biomarkers of effect for HBM
purposes.European Union Commission H2020-EJP-HBM4EU
733032HBM4EU Initiativ
New genetic loci link adipose and insulin biology to body fat distribution.
Body fat distribution is a heritable trait and a well-established predictor of adverse metabolic outcomes, independent of overall adiposity. To increase our understanding of the genetic basis of body fat distribution and its molecular links to cardiometabolic traits, here we conduct genome-wide association meta-analyses of traits related to waist and hip circumferences in up to 224,459 individuals. We identify 49 loci (33 new) associated with waist-to-hip ratio adjusted for body mass index (BMI), and an additional 19 loci newly associated with related waist and hip circumference measures (P < 5 × 10(-8)). In total, 20 of the 49 waist-to-hip ratio adjusted for BMI loci show significant sexual dimorphism, 19 of which display a stronger effect in women. The identified loci were enriched for genes expressed in adipose tissue and for putative regulatory elements in adipocytes. Pathway analyses implicated adipogenesis, angiogenesis, transcriptional regulation and insulin resistance as processes affecting fat distribution, providing insight into potential pathophysiological mechanisms
Inventory of current EU paediatric vision and hearing screening programmes
Background: We examined the diversity in paediatric vision and hearing screening
programmes in Europe.
Methods: Themes relevant for comparison of screening programmes were derived from
literature and used to compile three questionnaires on vision, hearing and public-health
screening. Tests used, professions involved, age and frequency of testing seem to influence
sensitivity, specificity and costs most. Questionnaires were sent to ophthalmologists,
orthoptists, otolaryngologists and audiologists involved in paediatric screening in all EU fullmember,
candidate and associate states. Answers were cross-checked.
Results: Thirty-nine countries participated; 35 have a vision screening programme, 33 a
nation-wide neonatal hearing screening programme. Visual acuity (VA) is measured in 35
countries, in 71% more than once. First measurement of VA varies from three to seven years
of age, but is usually before the age of five. At age three and four picture charts, including Lea
Hyvarinen are used most, in children over four Tumbling-E and Snellen. As first hearing
screening test otoacoustic emission (OAE) is used most in healthy neonates, and auditory
brainstem response (ABR) in premature newborns. The majority of hearing testing
programmes are staged; children are referred after one to four abnormal tests. Vision
screening is performed mostly by paediatricians, ophthalmologists or nurses. Funding is
mostly by health insurance or state. Coverage was reported as >95% in half of countries, but
reporting was often not first-hand.
Conclusion: Largest differences were found in VA charts used (12), professions involved in
vision screening (10), number of hearing screening tests before referral (1-4) and funding
sources (8)