SWEHSC Research Summaries

A recent study conducted by Drs. Melissa Furlong and Paloma Beamer investigated the association between pesticide exposure during pregnancy and the risk of stillbirth. The study, which utilized data from the Arizona Pesticide Use Registry alongside birth certificate data in the state, aimed to assess the impact of various pesticide exposures on stillbirth risk.

A recent study by Drs. Georg Wondrak and Frank Duca explored the effects of drinking chlorinated water on mouse gut microbiota. Their findings revealed a decline in fecal microbiota diversity and notable shifts in fecal bacterial composition. With potential public health implications for humans, these results underscore the need for further research in human subjects.

In a recent publication involving SWEHSC members Drs. Scott Boitano and Julie Ledford, researchers tested a compound, C781, to see how effective it is as a targeted approach that addresses allergen-induced symptoms in an animal model. C781 was developed through testing on human cells from the air passages that lead to and through the lungs (bronchial tubes) before being tested in mice for allergen-induced asthma. These tests indicate C781 is an effective treatment for allergen-induced asthma-like symptoms in the airway.

Talk about a green thumb! In a recent study involving SWEHSC member Mónica Ramírez-Andreotta, PhD, researchers sampled date palm leaves from Ahvaz city, Iran, to test for potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the environment. Plants are increasingly being used as bioindicators to detect environmental contaminants like heavy metals. Date palms are becoming a popular candidate because their unique mesh-like structure is well suited for capturing heavy metal deposits.

Toxicological Sciences has showcased a publication by center member Zelieann Craig, PhD, in their featured Tox Spotlight! Craig’s study found that exposure to di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) – a common ingredient in many personal care products and medications – disrupts follicular reproductive cycles by interfering with the hormone signaling in the ovary responsible for growth, development, and repair. For this reason, exposure to DBP could ultimately lead to reduced fertility and decreased egg number and quality in women.