Distribution of organochlorines and PCB congeners in Korean human tissues

Abstract

In order to investigate the residual amounts of organochlorines and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in Korean human tissues (blood, adipose tissue, liver, kidney cortex, and lung), the samples were collected from the autopsied cadavers of 40 men and 40 women (from teens to seventies of age). Alpha-BHC, beta-BHC, gamma-BHC, delta-BHC, p,p'-DDT, p,p'-DDD, p,p'-DDE, endrin, dieldein, aldrin, and 7 marker PCBs (28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153, and 180) were determined in human tissues. The levels of organochlorines and PCB congeners indicated that they have been widely distributed in Korean human body. Positive correlations in terms of age were observed for the following cases: p,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDT, Sigma-DDT, PCB 118, PCB 138, PCB 153, and Sigma-PCB in the adipose tissue, and p,p'-DDE in the lung. Concentration of these compounds showed a significant age-related increase. Accumulation of these compounds in aged people revealed that these compounds were more slowly eliminated in our environment and risk assessment was necessary for further proper action. Significant differences in the levels of PCBs between genders were found for PCB 118 in the adipose tissue and PCB 138 in the liver. Positive correlation coefficients between tissues were detected with p,p'-DDE and p-BHC.

High concentrations of polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs) in breast adipose tissue of California women

“…On the other hand, our data are within the expected range for industrialized countries [Belgium, infertility patients (Pauwels et al, 2000); Danish postmenopausal women (Vaclavik et al, 2006); Spanish women undergoing breast surgery (Costabeber and Emanuelli, 2003) for studies conducted at the same period]. Data from more recent time periods continue to show higher PCB levels in Europe (Fernandez et al, 2007; Pulkrabova et al, 2009; Naert et al, 2006; Kiviranta, 2005) and lower in Asian countries (Park et al, 2005; Tan et al, 2008; Qin et al, 2010). …”

Exposure to priority organochlorine contaminants in the Italian general population. Part 2

“…20,25,[41][42][43][44] Other studies [45][46][47][48] measured higher PCBs concentrations in males than in females and in particular Park et al found higher level of PCB 118 in males than in females. 49 Minh et al found higher concentrations of hepta-CBs in males than in female, while tetra-and penta-CBs were lower in males. The authors suggested preferential elimination of more chlorinated biphenyls in females.…”

Organochloride pesticides impaired mitochondrial function in hepatocytes and aggravated disorders of fatty acid metabolism

“…To mimic internal exposures in the human body, we selected low doses in this study that were close to the low level of the range detected in humans and environment123435. Such doses did not cause abnormalities in serum liver enzymes, but subcellular pathological changes as well as changes in metabolites profiles in liver tissues already occurred.…”