TY  - JOUR
AB  - Adipose tissue (AT) is subject to permanent accumulation of persistent organic pollutants (POP) due to their hydrophobic nature. Therefore, AT can be considered as interface between the body and an increasingly complex exposure to the chemical environment. As endocrinologically activate tissue, AT itself secretes adipokines regulating inflammation, insulin sensitivity and energy expenditure among others which are known to be dysfunctional in obesity. This study examined the impact of accumulated POPs 4,4-Diisoopropylbiphenyl (DIPB) and Ethyltetradecanoate (ETD) on human AT function. RNA-sequencing based gene expression analysis was conducted within the Leipzig Obesity Biobank (LOBB) between individuals (N = 43) with positive concentrations of DIPB and ETD in body fat against negative controls in subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral AT (VAT) in a sex-specific manner independent of their obesity status. Our study reveals sex- and AT-depot-specific gene expression profiles associated with immune responses, NF-κB signaling, and PPARγ pathways, highlighting POP interaction with immunological reactions in AT independent of obesity. Notably, our findings suggest altered retinoid acid receptor activity, which may influence AT browning. This research provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the impact of POP exposure on human AT function. Importantly, our results indicate that POP exposure can contribute to AT dysfunction independently of obesity, suggesting that external environmental factors, such as POPs, should be considered as potential drivers of AT dysfunction in future obesity-related studies.
AU  - Hagemann, T.
AU  - Rolle-Kampczyk, U.*
AU  - Schubert, K.*
AU  - Dietrich, A.*
AU  - von Bergen, M.*
AU  - Blüher, M.
AU  - Hoffmann, A.
C1  - 75081
C2  - 57739
TI  - Human adipose tissue gene expression signatures indicate an inflammatory response and retinoic receptor activation under persistent organic pollutants exposure.
JO  - Environ. Adv.
VL  - 21
PY  - 2025
SN  - 2666-7657
ER  - 

TY  - JOUR
AB  - Urban air pollution from vehicular emissions remains a pressing public health concern, particularly in Eastern Europe, where data gaps hinder effective mitigation. This study, conducted in the summer of 2024, presents the first detailed analysis of ultrafine particle (UFP) and equivalent black carbon (eBC) emissions from road traffic across Lithuania's six major cities: Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipėda, Šiauliai, Panevėžys, and Alytus. We used a custom mobile laboratory to capture real-world emissions, revealing stark spatial disparities. Panevėžys and Vilnius topped eBC levels (10400 ng/m³ and 10200 ng/m³, respectively), driven by aging vehicle fleets and a diesel prevalence of 70 % in Panevėžys, which also recorded the highest UFP concentration (97800 particles/cm³). Emission factors, calculated using an adapted Operational Street Pollution Model (OSPM), identified Vilnius’ light-duty vehicles as leading in particle number emissions (8.90 × 10¹⁴ particles/(km·veh)), likely due to the prevalence of gasoline direct injection engines. At the same time, Panevėžys dominated eBC emissions (150 mg/(km·veh). Heavy-duty vehicles, including buses and trucks, exhibited emission factors up to five times higher than those of their light-duty counterparts, thereby amplifying their impact in urban areas. These findings illuminate emission dynamics in an understudied region, providing policymakers with precise and actionable insights for targeted interventions, such as fleet upgrades or the establishment of low-emission zones. By addressing a critical knowledge gap, this study empowers the scientific community and public health advocates to devise strategies that combat vehicle-related pollution, reduce exposure to harmful pollutants, and foster healthier urban environments across Eastern Europe and beyond.
AU  - Kecorius, S.
AU  - Madueno, L.*
AU  - Plauškaite, K.*
AU  - Byčenkiene, S.*
AU  - Lovrić, M.*
AU  - Petric, V.*
AU  - Carranza-García, M.*
AU  - Jiménez-Navarro, M.J.*
AU  - Martínez-Ballesteros, M.d.M.*
AU  - Kecorius, G.*
C1  - 75233
C2  - 57866
TI  - Road-traffic emissions of ultrafine particles and elemental black carbon in six Northern European cities.
JO  - Environ. Adv.
VL  - 21
PY  - 2025
SN  - 2666-7657
ER  -