Fate and Complex Pathogenic Effects of Dioxins and Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Obese Subjects before and after Drastic Weight Loss

Abstract

BackgroundIn humans, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are stored primarily in adipose tissue. Their total body burden and their contribution to obesity-associated diseases remain unclear.ObjectivesWe characterized POP total body burden and their redistribution in obese individuals before and after drastic weight loss and compared these values with a variety of molecular, biological, and clinical parameters.MethodsSeventy-one obese subjects were enrolled and underwent bariatric surgery. Blood and adipose tissue samples were obtained at different times from these individuals as well as from 18 lean women.ResultsPOP content (17 dioxins/furans and 18 polychlorinated biphenyl congeners) in different adipose tissue territories was similar, allowing us to assess total POP body burden from a single biopsy. Total POP body burden was 2 to 3 times higher in obese than in lean individuals. We also found increased expression of some POP target genes in obese adipose tissue. Drastic weight loss led to increased serum POPs and, within 6–12 months, to a significant 15% decrease in total polychlorinated biphenyl body burden. Importantly, serum POP levels were positively correlated with liver toxicity markers and lipid parameters, independently of age and body mass index.ConclusionsPOP content in adipose tissue and serum correlate with biological markers of obesity-related dysfunctions. Drastic weight loss leads to a redistribution of POPs and to a moderate decrease of their total body burden.

Adipose tissue accumulation of endocrine disrupting compounds: Variant of a common theme in exposome research

“…As mentioned before, moderate or severe weight loss was associated with increased plasma levels of POP, like PCB and organochlorine pesticides (13)(14)(15). e increased plasma levels of POP induced by weight loss are also correlated to changes in adipose POP.…”

“…e increased plasma levels of POP induced by weight loss are also correlated to changes in adipose POP. Some researchers investigated POP concentrations in blood and adipose tissues and also assessed the total amount of fat mass (30). eir results indicated that the POP concentration in the adipose tissue increased with weight loss, this being correlated with the signi cantly decrease of the total amount of fat mass.…”

“…Moderate or severe weight loss elicited by dietary changes either alone or coupled with bariatric surgery was associated with increased plasma concentrations of POP such as PCB and organochlorine pesticides (13)(14)(15), suggesting that the systemic presence of POP could be the result of an increased lipolysis. In all studies, serum POP levels were positively correlated with liver toxicity markers and lipid parameters.…”

“…For instance, organochloride insecticides are accumulated in subcutaneous and renal adipose tissue, while POP are accumulated in the subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue (17). Other researchers (15) observed that the patterns of POP congeners distributions in these adipose tissues are extremely similar, therefore subcutaneous adipose tissue could be used to estimate total POP body burden.…”

Bariatric surgery, adipose tissue and gut microbiota

“…At least 17 dioxins/furans and 18 polychlorinated biphenyl congeners accumulate in different adipose tissue depots. 7 Drastic weight loss induced by gastric bypass (GBP) led to increased levels of serum persistent organic pollutants and, within 6 to 12 months, to a significant 15% decrease in total polychlorinated biphenyls. In this study, persistent organic pollutants levels were positively correlated with liver toxicity markers and lipid parameters.…”