The association of serumtrans-nonachlor levels with atherosclerosis

Abstract

Recent epidemiological studies suggest a strong association between exposure to environmental contaminants, including organochlorine (OC) insecticides or their metabolites, and development of pathologies, such as atherosclerosis, in which oxidative stress plays a significant etiological role. Biomarkers of systemic oxidative stress have the potential to link production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are formed as a result of exposure to xenobiotic toxicants, and underlying pathophysiological states. Measurement of F2-isoprostane concentrations in body fluids is the most accurate and sensitive method currently available for assessing in vivo steady-state oxidative stress levels. In the current study, urinary concentrations of F2-isoprostanes and serum levels of persistent OC compounds p,p’-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethene (DDE), trans-nonachlor (a component of the technical chlordane mixture) and oxychlordane (a chlordane metabolite) were quantified in a cross-sectional study sample and the association of these factors with a clinical diagnosis of atherosclerosis determined. Urinary isoprostane levels were not associated with atherosclerosis or serum concentrations of OC compounds in this study sample. However, occurrence of atherosclerosis was found to be associated with serum trans-nonachlor levels. DDE and oxychlordane were not associated with atherosclerosis. This finding supports current evidence that exposure to environmental factors is a risk factor for atherosclerosis in addition to other known risk factors.

Blood Levels of Organochlorine Contaminants Mixtures and Cardiovascular Disease

“…β-HCH exhibits characteristics of both an endocrine disrupting chemical and an activator of AhR signaling, thereby facilitating the development of oxidative stress, as well as has the capacity to cause DNA damage through H2AX phosphorylation . Similarly, elevated levels of transnonachlor have been linked to clinical manifestations of atherosclerosis, compromised glycemic control, and impaired beta cell function . Exposure to OC mixtures in mice has also shown to be able to intensify oxidative and inflammatory stressors in the heart to overwhelm protective mechanisms allowing for adverse cardiac remodeling …”

Increased risk of atherosclerosis associated with pesticide exposure in rural areas in Korea

“…The result of this study seems similar to that of recent studies. A previous study reported that OC pesticides were related to the higher prevalence of peripheral artery diseases [8] and that elevated serum levels of OC pesticides were associated with the risk of atherosclerosis [9]. Meanwhile, other researchers found contrasting results wherein lower mortality from coronary artery disease was seen with higher exposure to herbicides [10]; and no significant relationship was reported between OC pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, and CIMT [4].…”

“…With the recently growing concern and interest for environmental chemicals, pesticide exposure is emerging as a risk factor for atherosclerosis [4,5]. Although pesticide exposure has been linked with cardiovascular diseases [6,7] and serum levels of organochlorine (OC) pesticides are associated with several forms of atherosclerosis [8,9], the association between pesticide exposure and atherosclerosis is unclear. Moreover, previous studies on this issue have not provided consistent results [10], prompting the need for further investigation.…”