July 2014 Recent Advisory News Study questions benefit of taking fish oil supplements during pregnancy A new study questions the benefits of consuming fish oil sup- plements during pregnancy. Doctors often recommend that pregnant women take an Omega-3 acid, particularly DHA sup- plement or fish oil, to optimize fetal brain and eye develop- ment. Although there are 20 different edible fatty acids, the human body cannot produce Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, and most pregnant women are not likely to get enough of these nutrients through their diets. A 2008 study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology concluded that, along with vege- table oils and two servings of seafood per week, women should get these important Omega-3's from supplements. Now, a research letter published Saturday in J AM A disputes that recommendation. Researchers studied pregnant women who were given an 800 mg DHA supplement or a placebo and their children's brain development at age 4. The study found prenatal DHA supplementation did not result in improved cognitive, problem-solving, or language abilities for children at age 4 (the children had been previously assessed at 18 months). They also observed that girls in the DHA group had poorer language scores than girls in the control group. The data collected from this study do not support recommenda- tions of prenatal DHA supplementation to enhance early childhood development. Link to original article: http:// thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2014/05/06/new-research- recommendations-for-parents /. Source: Falco, Miriam. CNN Health, 5/6/2014. Fish intake found to combat depression but only in women A new study suggests that eating fish at least twice a week re- duces the risk of depression by 25 percent in women. This study was developed by the Menzies Research Institute in Tas- mania, Australia and was published in the American J ournal of Epidemiology. The research concluded that the observed pro- tective association for women and not for men may have been due to men consuming more omega-3 fatty acids from other (non-fish) dietary sources, primarily from meat. The study tracked more than 1,400 men and women ages 26 to 36 for a period of five years. The study speculates that high levels of omega-3 fatty acids may combine with the female sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone to keep the brain functioning properly. Participants kept diaries of their diet, including various types of seafood including fish, prawns, and mussels consumed, while details about their mental health were also collated. Dietitian Dr. Sarah Schenker remarked that, "The fatty acids in fish are long chain so [they] can be readily used by the body whereas they are short chain in meat so have to be adapted. If men consume more food but are more reliant on meat for their fatty acids than women, it would perhaps explain why the positive effects of fish on depression are seen only in women in this study." Link to original article: http://www.fis.com/fis/ worldnews,/worldnews.asp?monthyear=&day=6&id= 68331&l=e&special=&ndb=1 %20target. Source: Fish Info & Services Co. 5/6/2014. Coal ash spill - fish sampling to continue in Dan River The long-term effects of a February 2014 coal ash spill on fish in the Dan River are still unknown, according to Vir- ginia and North Carolina regulatory officials. This is pri- marily because the incident at Duke Energy's old Dan Riv- er Steam Station in Eden, NC, occurred in the winter dur- ing a period when there was little biological activity by fish ------- in the Dan River. The lack of fish activity hindered the ability to monitor immediately following the spill to pick up trace-element effects in the river's fish. The Virginia De- partment of Environmental Quality (VDEQ) plans to con- duct long-term monitoring of fish tissue at eight locations along the Dan River from June through August over the next three to five years. The VDEQ collected water and sediment samples on February 11 at four sites along the river nine days after the incident that caused 39,000 tons of coal ash to enter the Dan River. The VDEQ tested the water samples for 23 metals and those concentrations did not exceed Virginia water quality standards. A preliminary review of other Virginia water quality sample data collected by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency showed no exceedances of standards. Tissue from 25 fish collected on February 20 upstream of the Schoolfield Dam were tested for 23 metals; arsenic concentrations were not elevated and mercury concentrations were found to be below Virginia Department of Health's level of concern. Despite metal concentrations in fish tissue being within acceptable ranges, it is still too early to determine to what extent the fish have taken up the metals. The metals must first be liberated from the ash and then enter the ecosystem to be taken up by the fish. The VDEQ will provide information from long-term monitoring to the Virginia Department of Health to determine whether to issue a fish consumption advisory. The Dan River, from Danville to Kerr Reservoir, already has an advisory for polychlorinated biphenyls and mercury that advises against consuming catfish more than 32 inches long and other fish more than twice a month. Link to original article: http://www.godanriver.com/ news/coal-ash/fish-sampling-to-continue-in-dan-river/ article_7f664dl6-c9a3-lle3-8f2e-001a4bcf6878.html. Source: Crane, John R. www.godanriver.com. 4/21 /2014. Fish consumption advisories for pregnant women ineffective in reducing infant exposure to persistent organic pollutants A new modeling study indicates that fish consumption ad- visories for expecting mothers are ineffective in reducing infant exposure to long-lived contaminants like persistent organic pollutants (POPs). The study focused on how var- ious levels of environmental contamination, a mother's compliance with advisories, and the behavior of chemicals in the body influenced exposure in her children. The re- sults estimate that women who stop eating fish shortly be- fore or during their pregnancy may only lower their child's exposure to POPs by 10 to 15 percent. One of the re- searchers believes that consumption advisories for POPs are ineffective because they can remain in the body for years or even decades due to properties that make it diffi- cult for the human body to eliminate them. The same does not apply for mercury-based advisories, as the residence time of mercury in the body is shorter. Fish consumption advisories are more effective for reducing exposure to quickly eliminated contaminants like mercury. Link to original article: http://www.news-medical.net/ news/20140418/Fish-consumption-advisories-for- pregnant-women-ineffective-in-reducing-infant-exposure- to-POPs.aspx. Source: News-Medical.Net. 4/18/2014. Fish in National Parks from Alaska to Colorado have unhealthy mercury levels A recent study has revealed high mercury levels in fish within a number of national parks, from Alaska to Colora- do. In some cases, the concentrations exceed limits ac- ceptable for human consumption. One fish sample from Yosemite National Park contained mercury at a concentra- tion of 950 parts per billion (ppb), "at which no human consumption is advised," according to the report produced by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the National Park Service (NPS). All 21 parks included in the four-year survey contain fish with varying levels of mercury, ranging in concentration from 9.9 ppb to 1,109 ppb, with an aver- age concentration of 77.8 ppb. Fourteen of the 21 parks surveyed did not contain any fish samples that exceeded the 300 parts per billion EPA fish tissue criterion. While only 5 percent of the nearly 1,500 fish sampled had mercu- ry concentrations exceeding a benchmark of 200 parts per billion that elicits toxic responses in fish, 35 percent of the samples had mercury concentrations above 90 parts per billion, high enough to impact some birds. In addition, mercury levels in 68 percent of the fish "were above expo- sure levels recommended by the Great Lakes Advisory Group for unlimited consumption by humans," the study said. The report notes that Zion, Capital Reef, Wrangell- St. Elias, and Lake Clark national parks all contained sites in which most fish exceeded benchmarks for the protec- tion of human and wildlife health and that some fish sam- ples taken within a single park varied widely in mercury concentrations. A joint press release from the USGS and 2 July 2014 ------- Conferences I Ith International Congress on the Biology of Fish August 3-7, 2014, Edinburgh, Scotland http://www.icbf2014. sls.hw.ac.uk/ Annual Meeting of the American Fisheries National Forum on Contaminants in Fish September 22-24, 2014, Alexandria, Virginia http://water.epa.gov/scitech/swguidance/ fishshellfish/fishadvisories/index.cfm NPS pointed out that the NPS is coordinating with state officials in the 10 study states regarding potential fish con- sumption advisories. The study, "Mercury in fishes from 21 national parks in the Western United States - Inter and intra-park variation in concentrations and ecological risk," is available at: http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2014/1051/pdf/ ofr2014-1051 .pdf. Link to original article: http: / / www.nationalparkstraveler.com/2014/04/fish-national- parks-alaska-colorado-have-unhealthy-mercury-levels24948 Source: Repanshek, Kurt, www.nationalparkstraveler.com. 4/17/2014. Research into Noxon walleye fish beginning Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) says that biolo- gists began to collect data starting in early April to deter- mine population demographics, reproductive potential, dietary habits, and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concen- trations within edible portions of walleye in the Noxon Reservoir. State officials say the information will be used in a revised draft Environmental Assessment and to deter- mine if additional consumption advisories are necessary for Noxon's sport fish. The goal of this short-term feasibility study is to determine if the Noxon walleye population can be effectively controlled, as a substantial amount of scien- tific data indicates that walleye pose a threat to reservoirs' fisheries, including perch and bass. Studies show that wall- eye are efficient predators that feed on any species of fish available and can quickly overpopulate, giving walleye the ability to significantly reduce populations of other fish spe- cies. Link to original article: http://www.kpax.com/ news/research-into-noxon-walleye-fish-beginning/. Source: KPAX News Staff, www.kpax.com. 4/17/2014. State issues new fish consumption advisories The 2014 West Virginia Sport Fish Consumption Advisory has updated its advisories for eating fish caught in lakes and rivers. This advisory revision removes limits on con- sumption of Greenbrier River smallmouth bass and walleye from Summersville Lake. The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources explained that newer in- formation indicates lower mercury levels in both fish spe- cies at these locations. However, a limit on consumption of smallmouth bass from the Shenandoah River was ex- panded to include all fish sizes, while the previous limit only applied to fish greater than 12 inches in length. New National Listing of Fish Advisories 3 ------- information reveals higher concentrations of mercury in smaller smallmouth bass. limits on consumption of Ohio River striped bass hybrids have been revised from one meal per month to no more than six meals per year due to in- creased levels of polychlorinated biphenyls. Link to origi- nal article: http://www.register-herald.com/latestncws/ x749157588/State-issues-new-fish-consumption-advisories. Source: Associated Press. The Register-Herald, 4/14/2014. State warns certain Monterey Bay seafoods may be temporarily unsafe to eat The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) warned the public of a naturally occurring toxin that is showing up in seafood recently caught in Monterey Bay. According to a recent press release, unsafe levels of domoic acid, produced by algae blooms, have been detected in an- chovy, sardines, and the internal organs of crab caught off the shores of Monterey and Santa Cruz counties. Anchovy and sardines are of concern because the toxin resides in their digestive tracks and these fish are not usually gutted before they are eaten. CDPH is coordinating with com- mercial fishermen in the area to ensure that recendy caught sardines, anchovies, and crab were not distributed into the human food supply. CDPH has also warned consumers to avoid bivalves including mussels, clams, and whole scallops harvested by recreational fishermen in Monterey Bay. However, commercially sold bivalves from approved sources are exempt from the advisory because they are test- ed for toxins. While no related illnesses have been report- ed, the state continues to monitor domoic acid levels in the area's seafood. For more information and updates, call (800) 553-4133 or visit CDPH's Natural Marine Toxins website. Link to original article: http:// www.montereycountyweekly.com/blogs/news_blog/ state- warns-certain-monterey-bay-seafoods-may-be-temporarily- unsafe/article_a9a2105a-c0e9-l Ie3-8f62- 0017a43b2370.html. Source: Abraham, Kera. Monterrey County Weekly. 4/10/2014. Mercury level concerns prompt Flathead Lake fish guidelines Trout, in Flathead Lake contain trace amounts of mercury, therefore the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) have partnered to issue guidelines for safe consumption of the fish. Lake trout are predators in Flathead Lake, and are more likely to accumulate mercury. CSKT Information and Education Specialist, Germaine White, says that the size of the fish is what really matters. CKST created a guideline for safe consumption, advising children and women of childbearing age to eat no more than six serv- ings a month of lake trout 6 to 10 inches long. Adult males can eat up to 12 servings a month of the smaller fish. While eating Flathead Lake trout is safe, the guidelines rec- ommend against eating lake trout longer than 30". For a complete guide on safe lake trout consumption: http:// fwp.mt.gov/ news/newsReleases/fishing/nr_0824.html. link to original article: http://www.kpax.com/news/ mercury-level-concerns-prompt-flathead-fish-guidelines /. Source: Cole, Anna. KAJ News. 4/9/2014. Recent Publications Please note: The following abstracts are reprinted verbatim unless otherwise noted. Titles and citations (only) are listed for publications that are copyright protected. Occurrence of di-(2-ethylhexyl) adipate and phthalate plasticizers in samples of meat, fish, and cheese and their packaging films Di-(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) and phthalates are com- monly used as plasticizers to soften polyvinyl chloride products. Because both DEHA and certain phthalates have been identified as priority chemicals for assessment of human health risk under the Government of Canada's Chemicals Management Plan, a comprehensive targeted survey was conducted to investigate the occurrence of ------- DEHA and eight phthalates (di-methyl phthalate, di-ethyl phthalate, di-n-butyl phthalate, di-iso-butyl phthalate, butyl benzyl phthalate, di-n-hexyl phthalate, d-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, and di-n-octyl phthalate) in a total of 118 sam- ples of meat (beef, pork, and chicken), fish, and cheese packaged mostly in cling films. The eight phthalates were not detected in any of the food packaging, but DEHA was detected in most of the cling films, indicating that although DEHA-plasticized films (e.g., polyvinyl chloride film) are currently being used by most grocery stores, nonplasticized cling films such as polyethylene film, are also being used by some stores. DEHA was not detected in any of the 10 cheese samples packaged in nonplasticized rigid plastics but was detected in all 30 cheese samples packaged in DEHA- plasticized cling films at levels from 0.71 to 879 [xg/g, with an average of 203 [xg/g. Only DEHA was detected in the beef, pork, chicken, and fish samples packaged in DEHA- plasticized cling films but at considerably lower levels than those found in cheese, with averages of 6.3, 9.1,2.5, and 5.9 fig/g, respectively. Among the eight phthalates, only di -(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) was detected in a few cheese samples at levels from 0.29 to 15 [xg/g, with an av- erage of 2.8 [xg/g; these levels were very likely due to envi- ronmental contamination. Levels of DEHA found in most of the cheese samples from this study are above the Euro- pean specific migration limit of 18 mg/kg for DEHA in food or food simulants, and levels of phthalates (i.e., DEHP) were low. Source: Cao, X.L., Zhao W„ Churchill, R., Hilts, C. Bureau of Chemi- cal Safety, Food Directorate, Health Canada, Ontario, Canada. "Occurrence of di-(2-ethylhexyl) adipate and phthalate plasticizers in samples of meat fish, and cheese and their packaging films." Journal of Food Protection. 2014 Apr;77(4):610-20. Heavy metals levels in fish from aquacul- ture farms and risk assessment in Lhasa, Tibetan Autonomous Region of China Fish is consumed as a common food by humans due to its nutritional and therapeutic benefits. However, they can accumulate toxic chemicals (such as heavy metals, persis- tent organic pollutants) from water and food chain. Very few studies have been investigated on heavy metal contents in fish from Tibetan Autonomous Region of China. In order to study heavy metals levels in fish from aquaculture farms and evaluate the risk that humans consume fish in this area, we collected four types of aquaculture fish species (6 big-head carps, 5 grass carps, 5 carps and 5 tilapias) from fisheries around Lhasa city in this study. 9 heavy metals (Cr, As, Cd, Pb, Cu, Ba, Co, Mn and V) in different tissues of fish were determined by an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Cr, Ba, Co, Mn and V could easily ac- cumulate in the gill, and Cu was detected in the hearts of all the fishes. Toxic metal (As, Cd and Pb) contents were higher in the liver than those in other tissues, heavy metal levels were the lowest in the muscle among all tissues. Most of heavy metal concentrations in the tilapia tissues were higher than those in other fish tissues, especially arse- nic. Arsenic content in the tilapia samples was ~2-4 times higher than the maximum levels (MLs) of contaminants in the national standard, and other metals were all lower than the MLs. Compared the estimated daily intake of heavy metals through fish consumption with tolerable daily in- takes recommended by FAO, the metals daily intake of As, Cd and Pb from fish consumption might not pose serious health risk to the local inhabitants. It is therefore necessary to determine the dose level for human, which is considered to be taken daily over a lifetime without adverse effects. Source: Jiang, D., Hu, Z., Liu, F., Zhang, R., Duo, B., Fu, J., Cui, Y., Li, M. State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control & Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Xianlin Campus, Nan- jing, People's Republic of China. "Heavy metals levels in fish from aquaculture farms and risk assessment in Lhasa, Tibetan Autonomous Region of China." Ecotoxicology. 2014 Mar 27. [Epub ahead of print]. Human health risks of geothermally derived metals and other contaminants in wild-caught food Arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg) associated with geothermal- ly influenced lakes and rivers represent a potential health risk to communities where wild-caught food is consumed. The Rotorua Lakes region of New Zealand has extensive natural geothermal activity and a large proportion (35%) of indigenous Maori population, for whom wild food gather- ing is an important cultural activity. The aim of this study was to measure selected heavy metal and organochlorine (OC) concentrations in important local fish and shellfish species and assess the potential health risk to the local pop- ulation of consuming these species. Following U.S. Envi- ronmental Protection Agency (EPA) protocols, consump- tion limits were calculated based on both excess lifetime cancer risk and noncancer risk. These were compared with local consumption rates, which were determined by ques- tionnaire (n = 19). Median and 95th percentile contami- nant concentrations were calculated to approximate ran- National Listing of Fish Advisories 5 ------- dom and most extreme contaminant consumption scenari- os. Only Hg concentrations exceeded established Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) guideline val- ues of 0.5 mg/kg, namely, for rainbow trout (Oncorhjnchus mykiss; 62% of the study sites) and koura (freshwater cray- fish; Paranephropsplanifrons\ 25% of sites). The major risk was from consumption of trout, where the local consump- tion rate (1.5 meals/mo) exceeded the consumption limit of 0.9 meals/mo (median data) and 0.4 meals/mo (95th percentile data). Shellfish—pipi (Paphies australis) and mussel (Perna canaliculus)—collected from the only estuarine site also had local consumption rates (3.5 meals/mo) above calcu- lated consumption limits (2.6 and 2.9 meals/mo, respec- tively). Our results, while based on a limited sample size and therefore exploratory in nature, nevertheless provide the basis for developing consumption guidelines. This study makes a significant contribution to broadening our understanding of the complexities of managing customary fisheries. Source: Phillips, N.R., Stewart, M., Olsen, G., Hickey, C.W. National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research , Hamilton , New Zealand. "Human health risks of geothermally derived metals and other contam- inants in wild-caught food." Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health. Part A. 20l4;77(6):346-65. Exposure assessment of pregnant Portu- guese women to methylmercury through the ingestion of fish: cross-sectional survey and biomarker validation Methylmercury (MeHg) contamination is a critical public health problem in Portugal, where fish is an important component of the daily diet. The Portuguese are the third largest consumers in the world (after Japan and Iceland) but first in Europe. Prenatal exposure to MeHg is believed to be linked to fetal/child neurodevelopment and behav- ioral impairments due to the neurotoxicity of the com- pound. The objective of this study was to assess the expo- sure of pregnant Portuguese women to mercury (Hg) due to fish consumption, calculating the indices of risk and confirming exposure through analyses of a biomarker of exposure. The study consisted of a cross-sectional evalua- tion of 343 pregnant women recruited at their visit to two antenatal care units in Lisbon, Portugal. A food frequency questionnaire was used to estimate prenatal exposure. To- tal Hg levels in hair were analyzed by atomic absorption, in samples from 186 women. The average fish consumption was 3.1 meals per week. Median Hg level in the hair was 1.26 [ig/g (range: 0.07-5.3 p-g/g). The mean calculated risk index was 0.81; however, 28% of the pregnant women in- gested levels above the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) level recommended by the World Health Organi- zation (WHO; 1.6 mg/kg per body weight), indicating the possibility of risk due to MeHg exposure. Multiple linear regression analysis showed the risk index was reliably pre- dicted from predatory fish species and number of fish meals consumed per week. Ingestion of black and silver scabbard fish as well as mixed predatory fish cooked in traditional dishes enhanced the toxicity risk. In conclusion, some exposure levels exceeded the reference value; there- fore, nutritional counseling needs to be provided to popu- lations at risk. Source: Nunes, E., Cavaco, A, Carvalho, C. Instituto de lnvestiga?ao do Medicamento, Faculdade de Farmacia , Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal. "Exposure assessment of pregnant Portuguese wom- en to methylmercury through the ingestion of fish: cross-sectional survey and biomarker validation." Journal of Toxicology and Environ- mental Health. Part A. 2014:77(1-3): I 33-42. Children's health risk and benefits offish consumption: risk indices based on a diet diary follow-up of two weeks Several epidemiological studies indicate that fish intake is associated with neurocognitive development and visual outcomes in children attributed to long-chain polyunsatu- rated fatty acids (PUFA). However, methylmercury (MeHg) represents the most toxic and abundant form of environmental mercury (Hg) exposure to humans and ex- posure occurs primarily through fish consumption. The objective of the study was to describe fish consumption during childhood in Portugal, estimating the intake of Hg from fish and calculating the indices of risk. The group consisted of 233 infants and students aged 7-11 yr and at- tending 5 primary schools in Lisbon, Amadora, and Sesimbra. Information regarding food consumption habits was collected through a food diary during 2 weeks, com- pleted under the supervision of teachers and parents, where participants registered what was ingested for lunch and dinner during that period. The exposure assessment and indices of risk were calculated for each participant. Indi- viduals were classified according to weekly intake and indi- ces of risk determined per group. In addition, the methods used to collect information on fish intake habits, a food frequency questionnaire and diet diary, are described in relation to quality of information provided. The mean val- 6 July 2014 ------- ue of fish meals per week was approximately 5. The calcu- lated indices of risk reached values above 1 in more than 50% of the studied population, demonstrating the presence of risk in subsets of the population. While Portuguese chil- dren represent an important group of fish consumers, this does not manifest as appreciable benefit with respect to omega-3 ingestion, as children ingest half or less of the recommended value (200 mg/d of omega-3), which is equivalent to being exposed to risk for Hg intoxication. The choice of fish species shows lack of knowledge of fish characteristics. Therefore, risk communication and popula- tion education need to be established to prevent consump- tion of predatory fish species that contribute to the in- crease in risk toxicity and to encourage ingestion of prey fish, which represent significant levels of high-value nutri- ents such as PUFA. Source: Nunes, E., Cavaco, A, Carvalho, C. Institute de Investigacjao do Medicamento (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmacia , Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal. "Children's health risk and benefits offish consumption: risk indices based on a diet diary follow-up of two weeks." Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health. Part A. 2014;77(l-3): 103-14. Hazard assessment of metals in invasive fish species of the Yamuna River, India in relation to bioaccumulation factor and exposure concentration for human health implications Monitoring of heavy metals was conducted in the Yamuna River considering bioaccumulation factor, exposure con- centration, and human health implications which showed contamination levels of copper (Cu), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), and chromium (Cr) and their dispersion patterns along the river. Largest concentration of Pb in river water was 392 fig L(-l); Cu was 392 pig L(-l) at the extreme downstream, Allahabad and Ni was 146 jxg L(-l) at midstream, Agra. Largest concentration of Cu was 617 fig kg(-l), Ni 1,621 pig kg(-l) at midstream while Pb was 1,214 pig kg(-l) at Allaha- bad in surface sediment. The bioconcentration of Cu, Pb, Ni, and Cr was observed where the largest accumulation of Pb was 2.29 fig kg(-l) in Oreochromis niloticus and 1.55 pig kg (-1) in Cyprinus carpio invaded at Allahabad while largest concentration of Ni was 174 pig kg(-l) in 0. niloticus and 124 pig kg(~l) in C. carpio in the midstream of the river. The calculated values of hazard index (HI) for Pb was found more than one which indicated human health con- cern. Carcinogenic risk value for Ni was again high i.e., 17.02 X 10(-4) which was larger than all other metals stud- ied. The results of this study indicated bioconcentration in fish due to their exposures to heavy metals from different routes which had human health risk implications. Thus, regular environmental monitoring of heavy metal contami- nation in fish is advocated for assessing food safety since health risk may be associated with the consumption of fish contaminated through exposure to a degraded environ- ment. Source: Singh, A.K., Srivastava, S.C., Verma, P., Ansari, A, Verma, A Exotic Fish Germplasm Section of Fish Health Management, National Bureau offish Genetic Resources, Uttar Pradesh, India. "Hazard as- sessment of metals in invasive fish species of the Yamuna River, India in relation to bioaccumulation factor and exposure concentration for human health implications." Environmental Monitoring and Assess- ment. 2014 Jun; 186(6):3823-36. Fish intake during pregnancy, fetal growth, and gestational length in 19 European birth cohort studies B ACKGROUND: Fish is a rich source of essential nutri- ents for fetal development, but in contrast, it is also a well- known route of exposure to environmental pollutants. OBJECTIVE: We assessed whether fish intake during pregnancy is associated with fetal growth and the length of gestation in a panel of European birth cohort studies. DE- SIGN: The study sample of 151,880 mother-child pairs was derived from 19 population-based European birth co- hort studies. Individual data from cohorts were pooled and harmonized. Adjusted cohort-specific effect estimates were combined by using a random- and fixed-effects meta- analysis. RESULTS: Women who ate fish >1 time/wk during pregnancy had lower risk of preterm birth than did women who rarely ate fish (< 1 time/wk); the adjusted RR of fish intake >1 but <3 times/wk was 0.87 (95% CI: 0.82, National Listing of Fish Advisories 7 ------- 0.92), and for intake > 3 times/wk, the adjusted RR was 0.89 (95% CI: 0.84, 0.96). Women with a higher intake of fish during pregnancy gave birth to neonates with a higher birth weight by 8.9 g (95% CI: 3.3,14.6 g) for >1 but <3 times/wk and 15.2 g (95% CI: 8.9,21.5 g) for > 3 times/ wk independent of gestational age. The association was greater in smokers and in overweight or obese women. Findings were consistent across cohorts. CONCLUSION: This large, international study indicates that moderate fish intake during pregnancy is associated with lower risk of preterm birth and a small but significant increase in birth weight. Source: Leventakou, V., Roumeliotaki, T., Martinez, D., Barros, H., Brantsaeter, A.L., Casas, M., Charles, M.A., Cordier, S., Eggesbo, M., van Eijsden, M., Forastiere, F., Gehring, U.,Govarts, E., Halldorsson, T.I., Hanke, W„ Haugen, M., Heppe, D.H., Heude, B., Inskip, H.M., Jaddoe, V.W., Jansen, M., Kelleher, C., Meltzer, H.M., Merletti, F., Molto-Puigmartf, C., Mommers, M., Murcia, M., Oliveira, A, Olsen, S.F., Pele, F., Polanska, K., Porta, D., Richiardi, L., Robinson, S.M., Stigum, H., Strom, M., Sunyer, J., Thijs, C., Viljoen, K., Vrijkotte, T.G., Wijga, AH., Kogevinas, M., Vrijheid, M., Chatzi, L. "Fish intake during preg- nancy, fetal growth, and gestational length in 19 European birth cohort studies." The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 20l4Mar;99 (3):506-l 6. Temporal and spatial trends in freshwater fish tissue mercury concentrations associ- ated with mercury emissions reductions Mercury (Hg) concentrations were monitored from 1999 to 2011 in largemouth bass (LMB) and yellow perch (YP) in 23 lakes in Massachusetts USA during a period of signifi- cant local and regional Hg emissions reductions. Average LMB tissue Hg concentration decreases of 44% were seen in 13 of 16 lakes in a regional Hg "hotspot" area. YP in all lakes sampled in this area decreased 43% after the major emissions reductions. Comparative decreases throughout the remainder of the state were 13% and 19% for LMB and YP respectively. Annual tissue mercury concentration rate decreases were 0.029 (LMB) and 0.016 mg Hg/kg/yr (YP) in the hotspot. In lakes around the rest of the state, LMB showed no trend and YP Hg decreased 0.0068 mg Hg/kg/ yr. Mercury emissions from major point sources in the hotspot area decreased 98%, and 93% in the rest of the state from the early 1990s to 2008. The significant declines in fish Hg concentrations in many lakes occurred over the second half of a two decade decrease in Hg emissions pri- marily from municipal solid waste combustors and, second- arily, from other combustion point sources. In addition to the substantial Hg emissions reductions achieved in Massa- chusetts, further regional, national and global emissions reductions are needed for fish Hg levels to decrease below fish consumption advisory levels. Source: Hutcheson, M.S., Smith, C.M., Rose, J., Batdorf, C., Pancorbo, O., West, C.R., Strube, J., Francis, C. Office of Research and Stand- ards, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, Boston, Massachusetts. "Temporal and spatial trends in freshwater fish tissue mercury concentrations associated with mercury emissions reduc- tions." Environmental Science and Technology. 2014 Feb 18;48 (4):2193-202. Milestone achievement and neurodevelop- ment of rural Amazonian toddlers (12 to 24 months) with different methylmercury and ethylmercury exposure Neurological outcomes (Gesell development schedules [GDS]), age of walking, and age of talking were studied in 299 toddlers (12 to 24 mo) in relation to environmental (fish consumption and tin mining) exposure. Exposure to fish methylmercury (MeHg) consumption and iatrogenic ethylmercury (EtHg) in Thimerosal-containing vaccines (TCV) was quantified in toddlers from two rural villages (n = 91, Itapua; n = 218, Bom Futuro) respectively populated by fishers and cassiterite miners. Median total hair Hg (HHg) concentrations of infants from Itapua (3.5 jig/g) were significantly higher than those of infants from Bom Futuro (2.2 [xg/g). Median EtHg exposure from TCV was also significantly higher in toddlers from Itapua (137.5 p.g) than in those from Bom Futuro (112.5 pig). There were no significant differences between groups for any of the Gesell schedules; however, there were proportionally more com- promised toddlers (GDS < 70) in Itapua than Bom Futuro. Median age of talking was not statistically different but me- dian age of walking was significantly higher in Bom Futuro. In toddlers from both villages, of fishers and miners, HHg concentrations were significantly correlated with family fish consumption. A logistic regression model was applied to all infants after classification into two groups: above or below the median Gesell schedules. Overall, there was no distinctive pattern of neurodevelopment associated with either HHg or EtHg exposure; however, nutritional status was significantly associated with GDS. In conclusion, milestone achievement was delayed in toddlers from tin- ore mining communities. Despite significantly higher ex- posure to both forms of organic Hg (MeHg from maternal fish consumption, and EtHg from TCV) in toddlers from the fishing village, significant differences were seen only 8 July 2014 ------- among the proportions of most severely affected toddlers (GDS < 70). Source: Dorea, J.G., Marques, R.C., Abreu, L. Department of Nutri- tion. Universidade de Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil. "Milestone achievement and neurodevelopment of rural Amazonian toddlers (12 to 24 months) with different methylmercury and ethylmercury exposure." Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health. PartA. 2014:77(1-3): I-13. Pre-anthropocene mercury residues in North American freshwater fish Mercury (Hg) has been entering the environment from both natural and anthropogenic sources for millennia, and humans have been influencing its environmental transport and fate from well before the Industrial Revolution. Expo- sure to Hg (as neurotoxic monomethylmercury [MeHg]) occurs primarily through consumption of finfish, shellfish, and marine mammals, and regulatory limits for MeHg con- centrations in fish tissue have steadily decreased as infor- mation on its health impacts has become available. These facts prompted us to consider 2 questions: 1) What might the MeHg levels in fish tissue have been in the pre- Anthropocene, before significant human impacts on the environment? and 2) How would these pre-Anthropocene levels have compared with current regulatory criteria for MeHg residues in fish tissue? We addressed the first ques- tion by estimating pre-Anthropocene concentrations of MeHg in the tissues of prey and predatory fish with an in- tegrated Hg speciation, transport, fate, and food web mod- el (SERAFM), using estimated Hg concentrations in soil, sediment, and atmospheric deposition before the onset of significant human activity (i.e., <2000 BCE). Model results show MeHg residues in fish varying depending on the characteristics of the modeled water body, which suggests that Hg in fish tissue is best considered at the scale of indi- vidual watersheds or water bodies. We addressed the sec- ond question by comparing these model estimates with current regulatory criteria and found that MeHg residues in predatory (but not prey) fish could have approached or exceeded these criteria in some water bodies during the pre -Anthropocene. This suggests that the possibility of natu- rally occurring levels of Hg in fish below which it is not possible to descend, regardless of where those levels stand with respect to current regulatory limits. Risk management decisions made under these circumstances have the poten- tial to be ineffectual, frustrating, and costly for decision makers and stakeholders alike, suggesting the need for reg- ulatory flexibility when addressing the issue of Hg in fish. Source: Hope, B.K., Louch, J CH2M HILL, Portland, Oregon, USA. "Pre-anthropocene mercury residues in North American freshwater fish." Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management. 2014 Apr; l0(2):299-308. Mercury exposure in pregnancy: a review Mercury exposure in pregnancy has been associated with both pregnancy complications and developmental prob- lems in infants. Apart from industrial accidents and con- taminated food, mercury exposure is likely to arise from predatory fish consumption, environmental contamination and dental amalgam restorations placed before or during pregnancy. It would be prudent to recommend that preg- nant women avoid these potential problems and minimize any risk. The available literature indicates a linear relation- ship with mercury levels and IQ deficit, and therefore a safe limit of mercury cannot be calculated. Source: Solan, T.D., Lindow, S.W. "Mercury exposure in pregnancy: a review." Journal of Perinatal Medicine. 2014 Apr 3. [Epub ahead of print]. Gestational weight gain and exposure of newborns to persistent organic pollutants BACKGROUND: Exposure to persistent organic pollu- tants (POPs) during fetal development can increase the risk of adverse health effects during childhood. Maternal char- acteristics and physiological changes during gestation such as gestational weight gain (GWG) may have an influence in the overall burden of POPs in neonates. However, the associations between GWG and POP concentrations are still not well established. OBJECTIVE: We examined the association of GWG with cord serum POPs concentrations after adjusting for pre-pregnancy maternal body mass index National Listing of Fish Advisories 9 ------- (BMI) and other potential determinants of the transfer of POPs into newborns. The GWG values were evaluated after grouping by the reference guidelines of the Institute of Medicine (IOM). METHODS: We measured levels of 14 organochlorine pesticides, 7 polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) and 14 polybromodiphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in 325 cord serum samples from a Spanish birth cohort. Multivar- iable models were used to estimate associations of GWG, pre-pregnancy BMI, and other maternal determinants on cord serum concentrations of POPs. RESULTS: Neonatal concentrations of POPs were inversely associated with GWG after adjustment for age, pre-pregnancy BMI, educa- tional level, and fish consumption. On average, neonates of women with IOM recommended GWG have lower POP concentrations than neonates of mothers with inade- quate GWG. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings suggest an association between neonatal exposure to POPs and inadequate GWG during pregnancy. Encouraging pregnant women to meet the recommended IOM guide- lines for GWG may reduce the accumulation of POPs in newborns. Source: Vizcaino, E„ Grimalt, J.O.. Glomstad, B„ Fernandez-Somoano, A., Tardon, A. Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Oviedo, Asturias; Department of Environmental Chemis- try, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (ID/EA-CSIC), Barcelona, Catalonia; and Spanish Consortium for Re- search on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain. "Gestational Weight Gain and Expo- sure of Newborns to Persistent Organic Pollutants." Environmental Health Perspectives. 2014 May 2. [Epub ahead of print] Comparison of seafood consumption in a group of Italian mother-child pairs Seafood is an important component of healthful human diets. Intake of seafood is recommended both for young women and children. In fact, it is a good source of high- quality protein, low in saturated fats, and rich in essential nutrients (e.g. iodine, iron, choline, and selenium) and long- chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs), especially omega-3. However, the relationship between maternal diet and the children's dietary habits is controversial. This study investigated the possible association between the seafood consumption by mothers and that by their 8-11 years old children and compared maternal seafood intakes during pregnancy and about 10 years later. The seafood consump- tion by 37 pregnant women was assessed in 1999-2001. In 2009, mothers were asked to report their weekly intake and their children's. Mother-child pairs showed a similar con- sumption pattern: the overall intake was 1.28 +/- 0.77 ver- sus 1.19 +/- 0.64 (p = 0.49) while the sum of specific items was 3.71 +/- 3.01 versus 3.18 +/- 2.90 (p = 0.049). How- ever, it cannot be discerned whether maternal diet affected the children's nutritional habits or vice-versa. In fact, mothers showed to have a higher seafood intake about 10 years after pregnancy (3.71 versus 1.83; p < 0.001), suggest- ing that a progressive modification of dietary habits oc- curred after delivery, possibly due to the influence of ma- ternal diet on the nutritional habits of offspring or due to the presence of children in the family unit, that could have influenced maternal dietary habits. This dietary improve- ment could be brought forward through educational inter- ventions addressed to young women, that could also allow a more informed choice of the healthier species of fish both for them and their children. Source: Deroma, L., Valent, F„ Parpinel, M., Barbone, F. Centre for Rare Diseases, University Hospital "Santa Maria della Misericordia," Udine, Italy; Regional Health Directorate, Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, Udine, Italy; Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, University of Udine, Italy; Institute of Hygiene and Clinical Epidemiology, Universi- ty Hospital "Santa Maria della Misericordia", Udine, Italy. "Comparison of seafood consumption in a group of Italian mother-child pairs." jour- nal of Health, Population, and Nutrition. 2013 Dec;31 (4):455-61. 10 July 2014 ------- Food sources of arsenic in pregnant Mediterranean women with high urine concentrations of this metalloid Seafood consumption provides a significant amount of arsenic, although in its organic, nontoxic forms. Mediterra- nean populations may incorporate high levels of this metal- loid as a consequence of seafood consumption. In the pre- sent study, the significance of this input among pregnant women from a Mediterranean city (Sabadell, Catalonia, Spain) is assessed. Total urinary arsenic was analyzed in 489 pairs of urine samples, corresponding to the 12th and 32th weeks of pregnancy. Association of arsenic content with seafood and other dietary items were studied. Geo- metric mean concentrations were 34 and 37 |xg/g creatinine during the first and third trimesters, respectively. The ob- served concentrations were similar to those reported in studies from other Mediterranean countries. The differ- ences between both periods were not statistically signifi- cant. The only dietary factor significantly and positively associated with total urinary arsenic in both series of sam- ples was seafood, particularly lean fish. Moreover, lean fish consumption during both periods was found to be the main determinant for differences in levels of arsenic be- tween the first and third trimesters, which confirms the association between high levels of total urinary arsenic and seafood consumption. Source: Fort M., Grimalt, J.O., Casas, M., Sunyer, J. Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. "Food sources of arsenic in pregnant Mediterranean women with high urine concentrations of this metalloid." Environmental Science and Pollution Research Interna- tional. 2014 February 22. [Epub ahead of print]. Dietary effects of introducing school meals based on the New Nordic Diet - a randomised controlled trial in Danish children.The OPUS School Meal Study. The OPUS (Optimal well-being, development and health for Danish children through a healthy New Nordic Diet (NND)) School Meal Study investigated the effects on the intake of foods and nutrients of introducing school meals based on the principles of the NND covering lunch and all snacks during the school day in a cluster-randomised cross- over design. For two 3-month periods, 834 Danish children aged 8-11 years from forty-six school classes at nine schools received NND school meals or their usual packed lunches brought from home (control) in random order. The whole diet of the children was recorded over seven consecutive days using a validated Web-based Dietary As- sessment Software for Children. The NND resulted in higher intakes of potatoes (130 %, 95 % CI 2-07, 2-58), fish (48 %, 95 % CI 1 -33,1-65), cheese (25 %, 95 % CI MS, 1-36), vegetables (16 %, 95 % CI MO, 1-21), eggs (10 %, 95 % CI 1 -01,1 ¦ 19) and beverages (6 %, 95 % CI 1 -02, 1-09), and lower intakes of bread (13 %, 95 % CI 0*84, 0-89) and fats (6 %, 95 % CI 0-90, 0-98) were found among the children during the NND period than in the control period (all, P< 0'05). No difference was found in mean energy intake (P= 0'4), but on average children re- ported 0-9 % less energy intake from fat and 0-9 % higher energy intake from protein during the NND period than in the control period. For micronutrient intakes, the largest differences were found for vitamin D (42 %, 95 % CI 1-32, 1-53) and iodine (11 %, 95 % CI 1-08,1-15) due to the higher fish intake. In conclusion, the present study showed that the overall dietary intake at the food and nutrient lev- els was improved among children aged 8-11 years when their habitual packed lunches were replaced by school meals following the principles of the NND. Source: Andersen, R., Biltoft-Jensen, A., Christensen, T., Andersen, E.W., Ege, M., Thorsen, A.V., Dalskov. S.M., Damsgaard, C.T.. Astrup, A, Michaelsen, K.F., Tetens, I. Division of Nutrition, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark: Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark: Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark. "Dietary effects of introducing school meals based on the New Nordic Diet - a randomised controlled trial in Danish children. The OPUS School Meal Study." The British Journal of Nutrition. 2014 April 8:1 -10. [Epub ahead of print]. National Listing of Fish Advisories 11 ------- Fish consumption and lung cancer risk: systematic review and meta-analysis There is evidence pointing to a possible role of diet on can- cer etiology. Prior studies evaluating the relationship be- tween fish consumption and lung cancer risk reported in- conclusive results. The aim of this study was to achieve a comprehensive assessment of the relationship between fish consumption and lung cancer risk through systematic re- view and meta-analysis. Case control and cohort studies up to September 1,2012 about fish consumption and lung cancer risk were confirmed by an online search. Separate relative risk (RR) or odds ratio (OR) estimates with 95% confidence interval (CI) of the relationship between lung cancer risk and fish consumption level from the included articles were combined by Statall.O software. Publication bias was evaluated by Egger's linear regression test and funnel plot. Twenty articles (17 case-control and 3 cohort studies) comprising 8799 cases of lung cancer and 17,072 noncases were included in the final analysis. The pooled results from all studies indicated that high fish consump- tion was significantly associated with a decreased risk of lung cancer (pooled RR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.69-0.92). There was heterogeneity among the studies (1(2) = 73%, P < 0.05). Pooled RR in case control and cohort studies were 0.76 (95% CI: 0.63-0.91) and 0.95 (95% CI: 0.73-1.24), re- spectively. Omission of any single study had little effect on the combined risk estimates. This article had no publica- tion bias. This study identifies a significant association between fish consumption and lung cancer, confirming a protective role of fish in lung cancer. More well-designed prospective studies are required to further verify the effect of fish consumption on lung cancer. Source: Song, J., Su, H„ Wang, B.L., Zhou, Y.Y., Guo, L.L. Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health Anhui Medi- cal University, Hefei. Anhui Province, China. "Fish consumption and lung cancer risk: systematic review and meta-analysis." Nutrition and Cancer. 2014 66(4):539-49. Influence of feeding graded levels of canned sardines on the inflammatory markers and tissue fatty acid composition ofWistar rats Canned sardines are a ready-to-use fish product with excel- lent nutritional properties owing to its high n-3 long-chain PUFA content, mainly EPA (20 : 5n-3) and DHA (22 : 6n- 3). The present study aimed to assess the effect of two dosages of canned sardines, recommended for the primary and secondary prevention of human CVD, on the inflam- matory marker concentrations and fatty acid composition of erythrocytes and key metabolic tissues (Uver, muscle, adipose tissue and brain) in the rat model. Wistar rats were fed a diet containing 11 % (w/w) of canned sardines (low- sardine (LS) diet) and a diet containing 22 % (w/w) of canned sardines (high-sardine (US) diet) for 10 weeks. Daily food intake, weight gain, and organ and final body weights were not affected by the dietary treatments. The concentrations of total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol decreased in both the LS and HS groups, while those of alanine aminotransferase and adiponectin increased. The concentrations of IL-lp increased only with the highest dosage of sardine. The dose-dependent influ- ence of the graded levels of EPA+DHA was tissue specif- ic. Compared with that of other tissues and erythrocytes, the fatty acid composition of the brain was less affected by the canned sardine-supplemented diets. In contrast, the retroperitoneal adipose tissue was highly responsive. The deposition ratios of EPA and DHA indicated that the LS diet was optimal for DHA deposition across the tissues, except in the retroperitoneal adipose tissue. Taken togeth- er, our findings indicate that a LS diet positively affects plasma lipid profiles and inflammatory mediators, whereas a HS diet has contradictory effects on IL~1|3, which, in turn, is not associated with variations in the concentrations of other pro-inflammatory cytokines. This finding requires further investigation and pathophysiological understanding. Source: Rodrigues, P.O., Martins, S.V., Lopes, P.A., Ramos, C„ Migueis, S., Alfaia, C.M., Pinto. R.M., Rolo. E.A, Bispo, P., Batista, l„ Bandarra, N.M., Prates, J.A CEDOC, Faculdade de Ciencias Medicas, Univer- sidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal; CIISA Faculdade de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal; DIVAV, Institute Portugues do Mar e da Atmosfera, Lisbon, Portugal; iMed.UL, Fac- uldade de Farmacia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal. "influence of feeding graded levels of canned sardines on the inflamma- tory markers and tissue fatty acid composition of Wistar rats." The British Journal of Nutrition. 2014 Apr 28:1-1 I. [Epub ahead of print] 12 July 2014 ------- Impact of Omega-3 and Omega-9 fatty ac- ids enriched total parenteral nutrition on blood chemistry and inflammatory markers in septic patients Objective: Lipid emulsions containing omega-3 are known to have positive effects on patient's prognosis due to anti- inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to in- vestigate the effects of omega-3 enriched total parenteral nutrition (TPN) emulsion containing omega-9 on biochem- ical parameters, inflammatory mediators in septic patients. Methods: Thirty-two participants who were not fed orally for over five days and needing TPN support were included in this prospective, randomized and double-blind clinical study. Patients were randomly divided into control (n=16), treatment (n=16) groups. The treatment group received TPN containing 80% olive oil+20% soy oil additionally 10 g fish oil enriched TPN. Control group received only olive oil containing standard lipid emulsion (1.3+0.1 g/kg/day). Blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis on the l(st) and 6(th) days of study. Results: The serum albu- min levels significantly increased (p<0.05) in both groups whereas total protein and prealbumin levels did not show any significant changes. In treatment group, significant decreases were determined in LTB4 and CRP levels (p<0.05) while decreases in IL-6, TNF-oc and leukocyte levels were not significant. No statistically significant changes were found in LTB4, CRP, IL-6, TNF-a and leu- kocyte levels of controls. Conclusion: Results of the study have shown that omega-3 enriched TPN solution contain- ing omega-9 contributes to decrease in the levels of inflam- matory mediators and to improvement in the biochemical parameters in septic patients. Source: Gultekin, G„ Sahin, H„ Inane, N., Uyanik, F„ Ok, E. MSc, Formortaca Diet Clinic, Mugla, Turkey; Department of Nutrition and Dietetics; Department of Nutrition and Dietetics; Nuh Naci Yazgan University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kayseri, Turkey; Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University. "Impact of Omega-3 and Omega-9 fatty acids enriched total parenteral nutrition on blood chemistry and in- flammatory markers in septic patients." Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences. 2014 March. 30(2):299-304. Longitudinal associations between fish con- sumption and depression in young adults Few studies have examined longitudinal associations be- tween fish consumption and depression; none have defined depression using a diagnostic tool. We investigated wheth- er fish consumption was associated with fewer new depres- sion episodes in a national study of Australian adults. In 2004-2006,1,386 adults aged 26-36 years (38% males) completed a 127-item (9 fish items) food frequency ques- tionnaire. Fish intake was examined continuously (times/ week) and dichotomously (reference group: <2 times/ week). During 2009-2011, the lifetime version of the Com- posite International Diagnostic Interview was administered by telephone. New episodes of major depression/ dysthymic disorder (since baseline) were defined using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition. During follow-up, 160 (18.8%) women and 70 (13.1%) men experienced depression. For women, each additional weeldy serving of fish consumed at baseline decreased the risk of having a new depressive episode by 6% (adjusted relative risk = 0.94, 95% confidence interval: 0.87,1.01). Women who ate fish >2 times/week at base- line had a 25% lower risk of depression during follow-up than those who ate fish <2 times/week (adjusted relative risk = 0.75, 95% confidence interval: 0.57, 0.99). Reverse causation was also suggested but appeared to be restricted to persons with recent depression. Fish consumption was not associated with depression in men. These findings provide further evidence that fish consumption may be beneficial for women's mental health. Source; Smith, K.J., Sanderson, K., McNaughton. S.A.. Gall, S.L., Dwyer, T„ Venn, A.J. "Longitudinal Associations Between Fish Con- sumption and Depression in Young Adults." American Journal of Epi- demiology. 2014 April 15. [Epub ahead of print]. gjgff National Listing of Fish Advisories 1J ------- Omega-3 fatty acids and depression: scien- tific evidence and biological mechanisms The changing of omega-6/omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the food supply of Western societies oc- curred over the last 150 years is thought to promote the pathogenesis of many inflammatory-related diseases, in- cluding depressive disorders. Several epidemiological stud- ies reported a significant inverse correlation between intake of oily fish and depression or bipolar disorders. Studies conducted specifically on the association between omega-3 intake and depression reported contrasting results, suggest- ing that the preventive role of omega-3 PUFA may depend also on other factors, such as overall diet quality and the social environment. Accordingly, tertiary prevention with omega-3 PUFA supplement in depressed patients has reached greater effectiveness during the last recent years, although definitive statements on their use in depression therapy cannot be yet freely asserted. Among the biological properties of omega-3 PUFA, their anti-inflammatory ef- fects and their important role on the structural changing of the brain should be taken into account to better understand the possible pathway through which they can be effective both in preventing or treating depression. However, the problem of how to correct the inadequate supply of omega -3 PUFA in the Westernized countries' diet is a priority in order to set food and health policies and also dietary rec- ommendations for individuals and population groups. Source: Grosso, G., Galvano, F., Marventano, S., Malaguarnera, M., Bucolo, C.. Drago, F., Caraci, F. University of Catania, Catania, Italy. "Omega-3 fatty acids and depression: scientific evidence and biological mechanisms." Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. 2014. 2014:313570. Global methylmercury exposure from seafood consumption and risk of develop- mental neurotoxicity: a systematic review OBJECTIVE: To examine biomarkers of methylmercury (MeHg) intake in women and infants from seafood- consuming populations globally and characterize the com- parative risk of fetal developmental neurotoxicity. METH- ODS: A search was conducted of the published literature reporting total mercury (Hg) in hair and blood in women and infants. These biomarkers are validated proxy measures of MeHg, a neurotoxin found primarily in sea- food. Average and high-end biomarkers were extracted, stratified by seafood consumption context, and pooled by category. Medians for average and high-end pooled distri- butions were compared with the reference level established by a joint expert committee of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). FINDINGS: Selection criteria were met by 164 studies of women and infants from 43 countries. Pooled average biomarkers suggest an intake of MeHg several times over the FAO/WHO reference in fish-consuming riparians living near small-scale gold mining and well over the reference in consumers of marine mammals in Arctic regions. In coastal regions of south-eastern Asia, the west- em Pacific and the Mediterranean, average biomarkers ap- proach the reference. Although the two former groups have a higher risk of neurotoxicity than the latter, coastal regions are home to the largest number at risk. High-end biomarkers across all categories indicate MeHg intake is in excess of the reference value. CONCLUSION: There is a need for policies to reduce Hg exposure among women and infants and for surveillance in high-risk populations, the majority of which live in low-and middle-income coun- tries. Source: Sheehan, M.C., Burke, T.A. Navas-Acien, A., Breysse, P.N., McGready, J., Fox, M.A Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland. "Global methylmercury exposure from seafood consumption and risk of developmental neurotoxicity: a sys- tematic review." Bulletin of the World Health Organization. 2014 April I. 92(4):254-269F. Fatty acids and cardiac disease: Fuel carrying a message Source: van Bilsen, M., Planavila, A. Department of Physiology, Cardi- ovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maas- tricht, the Netherlands. "Fatty acids and cardiac disease: Fuel carrying a message." Acta Physiologica (Oxford, England). 2014 April 28. [Epub ahead of print]. ImU# ?n i a ------- The effect of docosahexaenoic acid on bone microstructure in young mice and bone fracture in neonates Source: Fallon, E.M., Nazarian, A, Nehra, D., Pan, A.H., O'Loughlin, A.A., Nose, V., Puder, M. Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachu- setts; Department of Surgery and the Vascular Biology Program, Bos- ton Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Center for Advanced Orthopaedic Studies, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Surgery and the Vascular Biology Pro- gram, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; "The effect of docosahexaenoic acid on bone microstructure in young mice and bone fracture in neonates." The Journal of Surgical Research. 2014 April 12. pii: S0022-4804114100359-X. Diet and psoriasis, part lil: Role of nutritional supplements Source; Millsop, J.W., Bhatia, B.K., Debbaneh, M., Koo, J., Liao, W. University of California, San Francisco, California. "Diet and psoriasis, part III: Role of nutritional supplements." Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2014 April 25. pii: SO 190-9622( 14)01243-2. Distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydro- carbon (PAH) residues in several tissues of edible fishes from the largest freshwater lake in China, Poyang Lake, and associated human health risk assessment Source: Zhao Zl, Zhang L2, Cai Yl, Chen Yl. State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment Research, Nanjing Institute of Geog- raphy and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China. "Distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) residues in several tissues of edible fishes from the largest freshwater lake in Chi- na, Poyang Lake, and associated human health risk assessment." Eco- toxicology and Environmental Safety. 2014 April II. IQ4C323-331. Evaluation of human health risks posed by carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic multiple contaminants associated with consumption offish fromTaihu Lake, China Source: Yu, Y., Wang, X., Yang, D., Lei, B., Zhang, X., Zhang, X. Institute of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmen- tal and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, PR China. "Evaluation of human health risks posed by carcinogenic and non- carcinogenic multiple contaminants associated with consumption offish from Taihu Lake, China." Food and Chemical Toxicology. 2014 April 12;69C:86-93. The arsenic content in marketed seafood and associated health risks for the resi- dents of Shandong, China Source: Wu, X., Gao, M., Wang, L„ Luo, Y„ Bi, R„ Li, L„ Xie, L. Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Insti- tute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China; Central Laboratory, Shandong Academy of Agriculture Science (Shandong Key Laboratory of Test Technique on Food Quality and Safety), China; Guangxi Fisheries Research Institute, China. "The arsenic content in marketed seafood and associated health risks for the residents of Shan- dong, China." Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety. 2014 April. 102:168-73. Elevated blood Hg at recommended sea- food consumption rates in adult seafood consumers Source: Karimi, R., Silbernagel, S., Fisher, N.S., Meliker, J.R. Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York. "Elevated blood Hg at recommended seafood consumption rates in adult seafood consum- ers." International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health. 2014 April 6. pii: SI438-4639(14)00034-0. High levels of perfluoroalkyl acids in sport fish species downstream of a firefighting training facility at Hamilton International Airport, Ontario, Canada Source: Gewurtz, S.B., Bhavsar, S.P., Petro, S., Mahon, C.G., Zhao, X., Morse, D.. Reiner, E.J., Tittlemier, S.A, Braekevelt, E., Drouillard, K. Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Wind- sor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada; Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Toronto, Canada; School of the Environment, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E8, Canada. "High levels of perfluoroalkyl acids in sport fish species downstream of a firefighting training facility at Hamil- ton International Airport, Ontario, Canada." Environment Internation- al. 2014 June. 67:1-11. National Listing of Fish Advisories 15 ------- Metal concentration in water, sediment and four fish species from LakeTiticaca reveals a large-scale environmental concern Source: Monroy. M„ Maceda-Veiga, A., de Sostoa, A. University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Cardiff University, Cardiff, United King- dom. "Metal concentration in water, sediment and four fish species from Lake Titicaca reveals a large-scale environmental concern." The Science of the Total Environment. 2014 April 28;487C:233-244. Heavy metals in fish from the Aleutians: Interspecific and locational differences Source: Burger, J., Gochfeld, M., Jeitner, C., Pittfield, T„ Donio, M. Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey. "Heavy metals in fish from the Aleutians: Interspecific and locational differences." Environ- mental Research. 2014 April 8; 131C: I 19-130. Concentrations of selected heavy metals in maternal blood and associated factors in rural areas in Shanxi Province, China Source: Jin, L„ Liu, J., Ye, B„ Ren, A. School of Public Health, Peking University, PR China; Institute for Environment Hygiene and Health Related Product Safety, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Pre- vention, PR China; Institute of Reproductive and Child Health/Ministry of Health Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Peking University, PR China. "Concentrations of selected heavy metals in maternal blood and associated factors in rural areas in Shanxi Province, China." Envi- ronment International. 2014 May;66:157-64. Perinatal multiple exposure to neurotoxic (lead, methyl mercury, ethylmercury, and aluminum) substances and neurodevelop- ment at six and 24 months of age Source: Marques, R.C., Bernardi, J.V., Dorea, J.G., de Fatima, R., Moreira, M„ Malm, O. Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. Campus Macae, Brazil; ^University of Brasilia, Brasil; Escola Nacional de Saude Publica, Fundagao Oswaldo Cruz, RJ, Brazil. "Perinatal multiple expo- sure to neurotoxic (lead, methylmercury, ethylmercury, and aluminum) substances and neurodevelopment at six and 24 months of age." Envi- ronmental Pollution (Barking, Essex: 1987). 2014 April; 187:130-5. Fish consumption and blood mercury lev- els: Golding et al. respond Source: Golding, J., Steer, C.D., Lowery, T., Jones, R., Hibbeln, J.R. Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom. "Fish consumption and blood mercury levels: golding et Al. Respond." Environmental Health Perspectives. 2014 May I; 122 (5):A 120-1. Exposure to mercury among Spanish pre- school children:Trend from birth to age four Source: Llop, S., Murcia, M., Aguinagalde, X., Vioque, J., Rebagliato, M., Cases, A, Iniguez, C., Lopez-Espinosa, M.J., Amurrio, A, Maria Navarrete- Munoz, E„ Ballester, F. Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiolo- gy and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; Foundation for the Pro- motion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region, FISABIO-Public Health, Valencia, Spain; Laboratorio de Salud Publica de Alava, Vitoria Gasteiz, Spain; Universidad Miguel Hernandez, Santjoan d'Alacant, Spain. "Exposure to mercury among Spanish preschool chil- dren: Trend from birth to age four." Environmental Research. 2014 April 15; 132Q83-92. Additional Information For more information about specific advisories within a state, contact the appropriate state agency listed on EPA's NLFA website at http://fishadvisoryoniine.epa.gov/ Contacts.aspx For more information about the NLFA or EPA's Fish Advisory Program, contact: The NLFA Newsletter at Fish_Advisory@epa.gov or Jeff Bigler, National Program Manager, Fish Advisory Program Telephone: 202.566.0389 E-mail: bigler.jeff@epa.gov U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Science and Technology (4305T) 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20460 16 July 2014 ------- |