Serum antioxidants and age-related macular degeneration among older Japanese.

From the perspective of human nutrition, the prevention of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) through diet control is feasible and desirable. We investigated the relationship between serum antioxidants and AMD in the community-dwelling older Japanese eating a typical Japanese diet. In this study, 722 subjects aged 65 years or older (297 males and 425 females) who had gradable fundus photographs were included. The subjects were divided into three groups of early or late AMD or non-maculopathy. Serum antioxidants (alpha-, gamma-tocopherols, retinol, beta-cryptoxanthin, alpha-, beta-carotenes, lycopene, and lutein and zeaxanthin) were measured with high-performance liquid chromatography. To clarify the combined effect as the group of the antioxidants, we defined the carotene family (alpha-, beta-carotenes and lycopene) and carotenoid family (beta-cryptoxanthin, alpha-, beta-carotenes, lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin). Tertiles of each serum antioxidant were obtained and the prevalence of early or late AMD was compared with univariate or multivariate analysis. The overall prevalence of early AMD was 4.4% (95% confidence interval: 3.1-6.2) and late AMD was 1.1% (0.5-2.2). Only alpha-tocopherol and beta-cryptoxanthin were related to late AMD as single antioxidants. On the other hand, the carotene and carotenoid families as a combination of antioxidants were protectively associated with late AMD. No relationship was found between serum antioxidants and early AMD. Our findings support the hypothesis that a combination of serum antioxidants obtained from the traditional Japanese diet is protective for late AMD, but not for early AMD

Validation of diffusive mini-samplers for aldehyde and VOC and its feasibility for measuring the exposure levels of elementary school children

Exposure to various chemicals can cause adverse effects to health, such as asthma and allergies, especially in children. Data on personal exposure levels in children are scarce, thus small lightweight diffusive mini-samplers for aldehydes and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were designed to measure the exposure level of children to these chemicals. The aim of the study was to validate and examine the applicability of these mini-samplers for measuring daily chemical exposure. The diffusive mini-samplers are 20 mm in length, 11 mm in diameter, and 1.67 g in weight. The devices are cylindrically shaped with polytetrafluoroethylene membrane filters placed at each end. To measure aldehydes and acetone, 20 mg of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine was used as an absorbent. To measure VOCs, a carbon molecular sieve was used. The sampling rate for each chemical was determined by parallel sampling with active samplers in a closed exposure bag. The blank levels of the chemicals and the storage stability of the device were tested. The mini-samplers were compared to commercially available diffusive samplers. To examine the applicability of the samplers, 65 elementary school children carried them for 24 h. The sampling rates for formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acetone were 20.9, 22.9, and 19.7 mL min-1, respectively. The limits of quantification (LOQ) for the 24-hour sampling by high-performance liquid chromatography/ultraviolet (HPLC/UV) analysis were 8.3, 7.6, and 8.8 μg m-3 for formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acetone, respectively. The sampling rates for the 11 VOCs were determined and ranged from 3.3 mL min-1 for styrene and 2-ethyl-1-hexanol to 11.7 mL min-1 for benzene. The LOQ for the 24-hour sampling by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis ranged from 5.9-105.2 μg m-3, 1.1-24.7 parts per billion. The storage stability after 5 days ranged from 94.8 to 118.2%. Formaldehyde, acetone, benzene, and toluene were detected above the LOQ in more than 90% of the children, and the median concentrations were 21.7, 20.9, 10.1, and 21.5 μg m-3, respectively. This study shows that the diffusive samplers developed were suitable for children to carry and were capable of measuring the children's daily chemical exposure

Comparisons of urinary phthalate metabolites and daily phthalate intakes among Japanese families

We measured urinary phthalate metabolites, including di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), di-isobutyl phthalate, benzyl butyl phthalate (BBzP), and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), from 178 school-aged children and their 284 family members using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and we calculated daily phthalate intakes. The highest median levels of phthalate metabolites were for mono-isobutyl phthalate in all participants except schoolchildren, where the highest levels were for mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP). Comparing the schoolchildren with their parents, the schoolchildren had significantly higher urinary metabolites for MEOHP, mono-(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate, and EDEHP. Regarding daily intakes, the schoolchildren had significantly higher daily intakes of DnBP, BBzP, and EDEHP. All phthalate metabolite and sums of metabolite levels in the schoolchildren were positively correlated with their mothers' levels, except for MEHP, whereas fathers were less correlated with their children. The DEHP intake in this study was higher than that of most other studies. Moreover, 10% of the children and 3% of the adults exceeded the Reference Dose (RfD) value (20 mu g/kg/day) of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which indicates that it is important to focus on children's DEHP exposure because the children exceeded the RID more than adults among the same families who shared similar exposure sources. Our results will contribute to considerations of the regulations for some phthalates and the actual phthalate exposure levels in the Japanese population. (C) 2015 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved

Indoor environmental pollutants and their association with sick house syndrome among adults and children in elementary school

Sick house syndrome (SHS) derived from sick building syndrome (SBS) is used to describe symptoms that inhabitants experience due to indoor environment and personal factors, and children might be more susceptible to the effects of SHS than adults. However, there have been no comprehensive studies on effects of indoor pollutants exposure in relation to SHS. Thus, the aim of this study is to examine the association between indoor pollutants and SHS in children and adults who live in the same dwelling. This is a cross-sectional study on 184 elementary school children and 273 adults/adolescents in Sapporo, Japan. Indoor pollutants were measured in air and dust collected from 128 dwellings. Results showed children (20.6%) have higher prevalence of any symptoms than adults/adolescents (15.1%). Among SHS, mucosal symptoms were the most common in both children and adults/adolescents. Doctor diagnosed allergies, building age, dampness, and ventilation system showed significant association with prevalence of SHS. Formaldehyde, di(isobutyl) phthalate (DiBP), di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), di(isononyl) phthalate (DiNP), endotoxin, and 13-glucan were detected in all dwellings. Any symptoms and mucosal symptoms were significantly associated with the exposure to 2-ethyl-1-hexanol (2E1H). Floor dust DiNP, multi-surface dust Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate with mucosal symptoms and endotoxin with dermal symptoms were inversely associated in adults/adolescent. Multi-surface dust DiBP also showed inverse association with mucosal symptoms in children. 2E1H emission increased with dampness in the dwellings thus, eliminating dampness in the dwellings may reduce the emissions of 2E1H and the risk of SHS in residents

[Nine-month observation of effects of SO2 on the respiratory system in child Miyakejima citizens].

BACKGROUND: Mt. Oyama on Miyakejima Island erupted in June 2000 and all Miyake village citizens were forced to evacuate the island in the September, due to continuous eruptions and emission of unsafe amounts of volcanic gas, mainly sulfur dioxide (SO2). Beginning in February 2005, residents returned to live on the island despite the fact that volcanic gas was still being emitted. OBJECTIVE: To examine changes in the respiratory systems of included children from February 2006 to November 2006. METHODS: The study population was 141 children who participated in health checkups in November 2006, including 33 SO2 hypersusceptible children who had a current or past history of asthma, obstructive lung function, current symptoms of whistling and wheezing, and/or deterioration of respiratory symptoms. Respiratory effects were evaluated by a questionnaire for respiratory symptoms and by spirometry. SO2 was monitored at 7 sampling points within inhabited areas, and the mean SO2 concentration from February 2005 to November 2006 was 0.031 ppm. The area was categorized into four areas by average SO2 concentration, namely, areas L, H-1, H-2, and H-3, where the average SO2 levels were 0.019, 0.026, 0.032, and 0.045 ppm, respectively. RESULTS: Compared to children in area L, the frequencies of "phlegm" and "irritation of the nose" were significantly greater in the children in areas H-2 and H-3. %FVC and %FEV1 in hypersusceptible children were significantly reduced in November 2006 as compared to February 2006 (P = 0.047, 0.027), though no reduction observed in normosusceptible children. CONCLUSION: Respiratory functions in hypersusceptible Miyakejima children may be affected by SO2 exposure, and further follow-up observation is necessary

Detection and intake assessment of organophosphate flame retardants in house dust in Japanese dwellings

The demand for phosphorus flame retardants (PFRs) has recently increased as an alternative to polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE). PFRs have been detected in house dust, but little is known about the concentrations of PFRs in private homes and the effects on human health. We measured the levels of 10 PFRs in indoor floor dust and upper surface dust from 128 Japanese dwellings of families with children in elementary school. The median (min–max) concentrations (μg/g) of PFRs were as follows: tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBOEP), 30.88 (< 0.61–936.65); tris(2-chloro-iso-propyl) phosphate (TCIPP), 0.74 (< 0.56–392.52); and triphenyl phosphate (TPHP), 0.87 (< 0.80–23.35). These values exceeded 50% detection rates, and the rates are median over the LOD in floor dust. The concentrations (μg/g) of TBOEP 26.55 (< 0.61–1933.24), TCIPP 2.23 (< 0.56–621.23), TPHP 3.13 (< 0.80–27.47), tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) 1.17 (< 0.65–92.22), and tributyl phosphate (TNBP) 0.74 (< 0.36–60.64) exceeded 50% detection rates in the upper surface dust. A significant positive correlation (P < 0.05) between the concentrations of TCIPP and TBOEP was shown in floor dust and upper surface dust (n = 48). Estimated median and 95th percentile daily intake was calculated for toddlers and elementary school children and was compared with reference dose values (RfD) from the literature. For TBOEP, the estimated 95th percentile intake from floor dust was 14% of RfD for toddlers and 4% for school children. The estimated intake from upper surface dust was somewhat lower. Estimated median intake of TBOEP and median intake for the other PFRs were less than 1% of the RfD. TBOEP, TCIPP and TPHP were the main PFRs in the dust. The median levels of PFRs are well below the RfD values

Association of filaggrin gene mutations and childhood eczema and wheeze with phthalates and phosphorus flame retardants in house dust : The Hokkaido study on Environment and Children's Health

Background and Aim: Exposure to phthalates and phosphorus flame retardants (PFRs) is considered to be a risk factor for asthma and allergies. However, little is known about the contribution of loss-of-function mutations in the gene encoding filaggrin (FLG) gene, which are considered to be predisposing factors for eczema and asthma, to these associations. We investigated the associations between exposure to phthalates and PFRs in dust and eczema/wheeze among Japanese children, taking into consideration loss-of-function mutations in FLG. Methods: This study was part of the Hokkaido study on Environment and Children's Health. Seven phthalates and 11 PFRs in household dust were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Eczema and wheeze were assessed in children aged 7 years using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire. Eight FLG mutations previously identified in the Japanese population were extracted from cord blood samples. Children with one or more FLG mutations were considered to be positive for FLG mutations. The study included 296 children who had complete data (birth records, FLG mutations, first trimester and 7 years questionnaires, and phthalate/PFR levels). Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidential intervals (CIs) of eczema and wheeze were calculated for log-transformed phthalate/PFR levels by logistic regression. We also performed stratified analyses based on FLG mutations. Results: The prevalence rates of eczema and wheeze were 20.6% and 13.9%, respectively. Among children without any FLG mutations, tris (1, 3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) increased the OR of wheeze, (OR: 1.22, CI: 1.00-1.48). Significant p values for trends were found between tris (2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBOEP) and eczema and di-iso-nonyl phthalate (DiNP) and eczema among children without any FLG mutations, respectively. Conclusions: Despite our limited sample size and cross-sectional study design, the effects of indoor environmental factors on childhood eczema and wheeze were clearer in children without loss-of-function mutations in FLG than in children with mutations. Children with FLG mutations might already be cared for differently in terms of medication or parental lifestyle. Further studies in larger populations are warranted so that severity of symptoms and combinations of FLG mutations can be investigated

Associations of phthalate concentrations in floor dust and multi-surface dust with the interior materials in Japanese dwellings

Phthalates are widely used as plasticizers in numerous products. However, there has been some concern about the various effects they may have on human health. Thus, household phthalate levels are an important public health issue. While many studies have assessed phthalate levels in house dust, the association of these levels with building characteristics has scarcely been examined. The present study investigated phthalate levels in house dust samples collected from the living areas of homes, and examined associations between these phthalate levels and the interior materials. Dust was collected from two portions of the living area: floor dust from the entire floor surface, and multi-surface dust from objects more than 35 cm above the floor. The levels of seven phthalates were measured using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry in selective ion monitoring mode. Phthalate levels were higher in multi-surface dust than in floor dust Among floor dust samples, those from dwellings with compressed wooden flooring had significantly higher levels of di-iso-butyl phthalate compared to those with other floor materials, while polyvinyl chloride (PVC) flooring was associated with higher di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) levels. Among multi-surface dust samples, higher levels of DEHP and di-iso-nonyl phthalate (DINP) were found in samples from homes with PVC wallpaper than without The number of PVC interior materials was significantly positively correlated with the levels of DEHP and DINP in multi-surface dust. The phthalate levels in multi-surface dust were associated with the interior surface materials, and those in floor dust were directly related to the flooring materials. Our findings show that when using house dust as an exposure assessment, it is very important to note where the samples were collected from. The present report provides useful information about the association between phthalates and dust inside dwellings, which will assist with establishing public health provisions. (C) 2013 Published by Elsevier B.V

Combined exposure to phthalate esters and phosphate flame retardants and plasticizers and their associations with wheeze and allergy symptoms among school children

Background: Phthalate esters and phosphate flame retardants and plasticizers (PFRs) are both used as plasticizers and are commonly detected in indoor environments. Although both phthalates and PFRs are known to be associated with children's wheeze and allergic symptoms, there have been no previous studies examining the effects of mixtures of these exposures. Objectives: To investigate the association between exposure to mixtures of phthalate esters and PFRs, and wheeze and allergic symptoms among school-aged children. Methods: A total of 128 elementary school-aged children were enrolled. Metabolites of 3 phthalate esters and 7 PFRs were measured in urine samples. Parent-reported symptoms of wheeze, rhinoconjunctivitis, and eczema were evaluated using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire. In the primary model, we created a phthalate ester and PFR mixture exposure index, and estimated odds ratios (ORs) using weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression and quantile g (qg)-computation. The two highest chemicals according to qg-computation weight %s were combined to create a combination high × high exposure estimate, with ORs calculated using the “low × low” exposure group as the reference category. Concentrations of each metabolite were corrected by multiplying this value by the sex- and body size-Standardised creatinine concentration and dividing by the observed creatinine value. All models were adjusted for sex, grade, dampness index and annual house income. Results: The odds ratio of rhinoconjunctivitis for the association between exposure to chemical mixtures according to the WQS index positive models was; OR = 2.60 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.38-5.14). However, wheeze and eczema of the WQS index positive model, none of the WQS index negative models or qg-computation result yielded statistically significant results. Combined exposure to the two highest WQS weight %s of “high-high” ΣTCIPP and ΣTPHP was associated with an increased prevalence of rhino-conjunctivitis, OR = 5.78 (1.81–18.43) to the “low × low” group. Conclusions: Significant associations of mixed exposures to phthalates and PFRs and increased prevalence of rhinoconjunctivitis was found among elementary school-aged children in the WQS positive model. Mixed exposures were not associated with any of allergic symptoms in the WQS negative model or qg-computation approach. However, the combined effects of exposure to two PFRs suggested an additive and/or multiplicative interaction, potentially increasing the prevalence of rhinoconjunctivitis. A further study with a larger sample size is needed to confirm these results