AOA Dx’s Post

It is difficult to exaggerate the health risks posed by phthalates! Happy to share our recent paper in Chemosphere, in which we report that one of the most hazardous phthalates namely Monoethylhexylphthalate (MEHP), is a potent agonist of the human TRPA1 channel. Unexpectedly, we find that the N855S mutation in hTRPA1, which is associated with Familial Episodic Pain Syndrome in humans, severely blocks MEHP-induced hTRPA1 activation. This work has led to new mechanisms for phthalate-related toxicities in humans.  Please access our article using this link below. https://lnkd.in/gsvgzgze Thanks to all the co-authors: Megan Goh, Lin Fu, Wei Guang Seetoh, Ann Koay, Huang Hua, Shi Min Tan, Shermaine Tay, Elaine Chin Jinfeng, Nimo Abdullah, Shi Yan Ng, Manikandan Lakshmanan.  Thanks to Benjamin Smith for fruitful discussions. (Image courtesy: Plastics News, copyright Crain Communications Inc., used with permission https://lnkd.in/gFjAmjDt).

PSA: negative health effects of heavy metals documented,wide-ranging, including damaging cardiovascular, nervous, endocrine systems; damaging the liver, kidneys, brain; increasing the risk of dementia, cancer, harming maternal health, fetal development

In the FIRST STUDY OF ITS KIND, tampons were finally tested for toxic metals. The findings were shocking. 14 major tampon brands (incl. organic) were found to contain toxic metals like lead and arsenic. Researchers found that "metals were present in all types of tampons; no category had consistently lower concentrations of all or most metals. Lead concentrations were higher in non-organic tampons but arsenic was higher in organic tampons. Metals have been found to increase the risk of dementia, infertility, diabetes, and cancer. They can damage the liver, kidneys, and brain, as well as the cardiovascular, nervous, and endocrine systems. In addition, metals can harm maternal health and fetal development." To UC Berkeley School of Public Health: my deepest appreciation for drawing the public's attention to this important topic. I started The Flex Co. because I was getting infections from tampons for 15 years. I felt that my concerns were brushed aside from doctors for years and I could never find any research on the issue. While not everyone has experienced negative health issues from tampons the way that I did, the fact remains that we need more research like this across all spectrums of women's health. I hope that our collective outrage will lead to more funding for research because we deserve better than this. We are your mothers, sisters, daughters, granddaughters, partners, spouses, aunties, cousins, friends, and mothers of your children, after all. https://lnkd.in/gXJCAR9f #tampons #womenshealth #periods #menstruation #cpg

The Brenner hypothesis proposes that higher protein results in greater production of urea and that, as a filterable substrate, urea leads to kidney problems. As a thesis, it's now 50-60yr old, and you know what we still don't have any evidence that this actually happens in humans! The IOM and the WHO both agree there is no evidence that protein causes (note causality) kidney problems (https://lnkd.in/gjKbxUzJ), yet the spectre remains. Several meta-analyses and even Mendalian randomization analyses conclude that protein has no causative role in declines in kidney function https://lnkd.in/g8xaf7Xu, https://lnkd.in/g-JrHQA4, and https://lnkd.in/gCwZd98T In fact, the conclusion of the Mendelian analysis was, "...increased relative fat intake causally increased the risk of kidney function impairment... and that higher relative protein intake was causally linked to a lower CKD risk..." In the courts of scientific evidence, the absence of evidence isn't quite an acquittal, but when does a theory lose its crown and become a mere hypothesis again? In my view (and based on a review of evidence) Brenner's theory seems destined for a nasty collision with Brandolini's law. #protein #diet #kideny #renal #CKD #health #aging #sarcopenia #muscle Here are a few more references: https://lnkd.in/gYcpZr93 https://lnkd.in/gpaaFmUS

A study we should all be aware of!

⚠ Chemicals used in commerce must be tested for safety🌍   Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) are chemicals manufactured for commercial purposes like making plastics, but also interact with hormone systems in people and animals. EDCs can have a variety of negative effects on people’s health, such as: 🔸 Decrease in blood levels of thyroid hormone. If this occurs in a pregnant woman, the fetus is at risk of having cognitive deficits 🔸 Risk of interfering with the insulin system that controls blood sugar levels. As a result, this can lead to metabolic disorders 🔸Increased risk of breast cancer and prostate cancer   Dr. R. Thomas Zoeller, Örebro University and University of Massachusetts Amherst, and Ida Hallberg at SLU - Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences lead the workshop “Testing our way to a safe environment” at Uppsala Health Summit 2023. The workshops will identify ways that the testing process can be improved. For new chemicals being planned for market release, testing is the gateway to identify safer product, according to Dr. Zoeller. - Chemical manufacturers and regulators are challenged more than ever to ensure the safety of their chemicals through a testing program before release into the market. These tests will determine whether the chemical itself has the ability to cause harm to human health or the environment, says Dr. Zoeller.   However, different regulatory agencies worldwide can have dramatically different estimates of the safe level of a chemical.   - Agencies need to have an agreement that chronic disease is an important outcome of chemical exposures. Debate about the best way to protect the human population would then be productive, says Dr. Zoeller.   Read the full interview with Dr. Zoeller here: https://lnkd.in/dpq7MevA Learn more on our website https://lnkd.in/dVc6wc3R and register to #uppsalahealthsummit 2023 ➡ https://lnkd.in/ddyky2dp   POP's Lab at SLU #chemicalpollution 

Integrated Analysis of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Exposure and Metabolic Profiling of Elderly Residents Living near Industrial Plants. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are widely used in industrial production, causing potential health risks to the residents living around chemical industrial plants; however, the lack of data on population exposure and adverse effects impedes our understanding and ability to prevent risks. In this study, we performed screening and association analysis on exogenous PFAS pollutants and endogenous small-molecule metabolites in the serum of elderly residents living near industrial plants. Exposure levels of 11 legacy and novel PFASs were determined. PFOA and PFOS were major contributors, and PFNA, PFHxS, and 6:2 Cl-PFESA also showed high detection frequencies. Association analysis among PFASs and 287 metabolites identified via non-target screening was performed with adjustments of covariates and false discovery rate. Strongly associated metabolites were predominantly lipid and lipid-like molecules. Steroid hormone biosynthesis, primary bile acid biosynthesis, and fatty-acid-related pathways, including biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid metabolism, alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, and fatty acid biosynthesis, were enriched as the metabolic pathways associated with mixed exposure to multiple PFASs, providing metabolic explanation and evidence for the potential mediating role of adverse health effects as a result of PFAS exposure. Our study achieved a comprehensive screening of PFAS exposure and associated metabolic profiling, demonstrating the promising application for integrated analysis of exposome and metabolome. Source: Environ Sci Technol https://lnkd.in/exXpRERw

Arsenic, lead and other toxic metals found in tampons, study says. Tampons are particularly dangerous if contaminated with harmful substances as they come into direct contact with the vagina, where they are more easily absorbed. Toxic metals have been found in tampons, scientists say, which could put women at greater risk of potentially fatal health conditions. Researchers from the University of California, Berkeley examined 30 tampons from 14 different brands and found all 16 metals they were testing for in each type. The metals found included arsenic, lead, mercury, nickel, copper, and iron, among others. Findings of metal levels varied depending on whether the tampons were sold in the US, UK, or EU, whether they were organic or not, and whether they were branded or supermarket lines. According to the study, between 52% and 86% of women in the US use tampons during their period. Metal absorption has been found to increase the risk of dementia, cancer, infertility, and diabetes - creating issues in the liver, kidneys and brain, as well as the cardiovascular, nervous and endocrine systems. #skynews https://lnkd.in/g83gVGY4

Zinc, a vital mineral, is present in cells throughout your body, aiding in their growth and division. It is essential for the functioning of enzymes, proteins, and DNA (the genetic material). Since the body is incapable of producing zinc on its own, it must be obtained through diet. Experts recommend getting 8 to 14 milligrams per day. We're planning on producing a lot of zinc at Pine Point - about 329 million pounds per year, which could keep us all in great health for a long time! But while we are big believers in the health benefits of zinc, most of our output will be used for industrial purposes. Read the full deep dive on Zinc with Health Direct: https://lnkd.in/gPq_tGrM

Phytocannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids are well-known for their health benefits. But did you know they possess the necessary molecular structure to activate their Endocannabinoid counterparts? This activation can reverse and resolve oxidative stress imbalances in the cell. Let’s harness the power of these natural compounds to improve your health and wellbeing. #phytocannabinoids #terpenes #flavonoids #healthylifestyle #oxidativestress #wellness