0000000000352857
AUTHOR
Peter Fürst
Environmental exposure to dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls reduce levels of gonadal hormones in newborns: Results from the Duisburg cohort study
Abstract Background Endocrine dysfunction related to the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid (HPT) and/or the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis (HPG) is being discussed as underlying developmental adversity of polychlorinated dibenzo- p -dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). This study was done to evaluate effects related to the HPG axis. Methods A birth-cohort study was initiated in the year 2000. Healthy mother–infant pairs were recruited in the industrialized city of Duisburg, Germany. Dioxins, dioxin-like PCBs and six indicator PCBs were measured in maternal blood during pregnancy and in maternal milk. Testosterone and estradiol levels were measured in m…
Nitrate and nitrite in the diet: How to assess their benefit and risk for human health
Nitrate is a natural constituent of the human diet and an approved food additive. It can be partially converted to nitrogen monoxide, which induces vasodilation and thereby decreases blood pressure. This effect is associated with a reduced risk regarding cardiovascular disease, myocardial infarction, and stroke. Moreover, dietary nitrate has been associated with beneficial effects in patients with gastric ulcer, renal failure, or metabolic syndrome. Recent studies indicate that such beneficial health effects due to dietary nitrate may be achievable at intake levels resulting from the daily consumption of nitrate-rich vegetables. N-nitroso compounds are endogenously formed in humans. However…