The chemicals made by humans in our environment cause "disturbing" changes in the liver of sheep

The exposure to synthetic chemicals found all around us has caused "disturbing" changes in the sheep's liver, according to researchers behind a new study.

The researchers say that the study conducted by the universities of Aberdeen, Glasgow, Edinburgh, the James Hutton Institute and the National Institute of Agricultural Research (INRA, Jouy-en-Josas) raises questions about the potential effect of environmental chemicals on human health and the environment.

The liver, as an integral part of the body's sophisticated natural defenses, can break down many chemicals. However, the environment contains a large number of chemicals that have entered the food chain. These include many synthetic chemicals, such as plasticizers, pharmaceuticals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs), which do not break down easily.

This is particularly problematic because the liver not only protects the body against toxins, but also adjusts the functioning of our body, for example by playing a role in the manufacture or burning of fat.

The study, published today in International environment, have examined livers of sheep raised in an environment containing sewage sludge fertilizers containing potentially harmful chemicals at levels commonly encountered in our daily environment.

The animals were exposed to the chemicals used in accordance with the guidelines of agriculture throughout their lives, even before conception and until early in adulthood.

The study revealed that the livers of sheep exposed to the fertilizer had abnormalities. In addition, exposure to the liver of ewes and rams was influenced differently. For example, the ewes exposed had altered amounts of fat in their liver, whereas indications of cancer predisposition were observed in the liver of exposed rams.

Researchers say the results are worrisome because if they were translated to humans, they would suggest that chronic exposure to an environment polluted by chemicals will eventually damage the liver, potentially contributing to diseases. badociated with the liver.

Professor Paul Fowler of the University of Aberdeen said, "A liver that works well is important for health and development, so the risks to the liver, such as exposure to chemicals, need to be better understood Liver-related diseases are widespread in the population, with non-alcoholic fats affecting more than 20% of people Liver cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer deaths. Unfortunately, the number of liver-related diseases is increasing and we need to know if these types of chemicals contribute to liver disease.

"We know that chemicals in the environment, such as phthalates and heavy metals, to which we are exposed daily damage the liver, but we do not know the extent of the damage. what was wrong and that information is helpful to help us repair the wrongs. "

Dr. Panagiotis Filis, postdoctoral researcher at the University of Aberdeen and lead author of the project, added: "Our study provides further evidence of the harmful effects of environmental chemicals on our body." Several different effects were observed in exposed animals while still young adults, is of concern.

"We hope this will include better management of chemicals in the environment and surveillance of people at risk."

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More information:
Panagiotis Filis et al. Long-term exposure to chemicals in sewage sludge fertilizers modifies the lipid content of the liver in women and the expression of cancer in men, International environment (2019). DOI: 10.1016 / j.envint.2019.01.003