BUTYLPARABEN

A simple, rapid, and green dispersive solid-phase microextraction method using a newly synthesized PHBpeg-CdS-1 adsorbent coupled with UV-Vis spectrophotometry was developed for determination of butylparaben in cosmetic and personal care products. Current analytical methods for BuP determination mainly rely on chromatographic techniques, which, although sensitive, often require complex instrumentation and extensive sample preparation. Experimental parameters, including solution pH, adsorbent type and amount, extraction time, desorption solvent, and desorption conditions were systematically optimized. Under optimum conditions, the method showed a linear range of 20-850 ng mL -1 , with a detection limit of 6.2 ng mL -1 and a relative standard deviation of 2.5%. The method was successfully applied to various cosmetic samples, where BuP was detected in several products at concentrations ranging from 2.8 to 15.2 mg kg -1 , while it was not detected in others. Recovery values ranged between 90 and 98%. The results were in good agreement with those obtained by a reference method. The greenness and applicability of the method were evaluated using AGREE and BAGI tools, confirming that the proposed method is a reliable and sustainable alternative for routine analysis.

Butylparaben (BP) is widely used in food, beverage containers, personal care products, and cosmetics, resulting in high human exposure. Previous studies reported a potential link between BP and adverse effects on human health, but its effects on female reproduction and the underlying mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. This study examined the molecular mechanisms of BP-induced female reproductive damage and a potential therapeutic strategy. BP exposure was found to impair cumulus cell expansion, oocyte nuclear maturation, and subsequent embryonic development. BP-exposed oocytes exhibited abnormalities in microtubule structure, stability, and actin-mediated cytoskeleton dynamics. BP exposure also induced cytoplasmic maturation defects by disrupting mitochondria, the endoplasmic reticulum, and lipid metabolism. In addition, BP exposure induces oxidative stress, which interferes with DNA double-strand break repair, causes DNA damage, and ultimately leads to cell death. However, melatonin (MLT) supplementation ameliorated BP-induced meiotic and developmental defects in porcine oocytes. These results suggest that MLT plays a protective role in BP-exposed oocytes by preventing meiotic failure due to impaired nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation. MLT supplementation, therefore, offers a strategy to improve oocyte quality, fertility, and subsequent embryonic development. Our findings regarding the toxicological effects of endocrine disruptors on female reproduction suggest a novel approach for preserving female fertility.

Endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), such as butylparaben (BP), which are used as preservatives in food and cosmetics, have been shown to negatively affect male reproductive health. Organs under the control of hormones such as androgens and estrogens, such as the prostate, are vulnerable to EDC stimulation. It is well known that BP can cause hormonal imbalances in the prostate and lead to various prostate diseases. However, studies on the long-term exposure of low-dose BP, which is common in daily life, are lacking, and existing studies rely heavily on in vitro tests to assess the risk of EDCs. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the long-term exposure effects of low-dose BP using a prostate organoid model that more closely resembles the target organ. When prostate organoids were treated with BP for a long period, hormonal imbalance was confirmed through differences in the expression of hormone receptors. In addition, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was confirmed by DCFDA staining, and the protective effect of prostate organoids against stimulation was confirmed by increased protein levels of antioxidant factors. Through transcriptome analysis, we confirmed the occurrence of reproductive toxicity caused by BP. The long-term treatment of prostate organoids with BP causes hormonal imbalance and increased ROS exhibits reproductive toxicity and exerts a protective mechanism against BP through the expression of antioxidant factors. Our results highlight the potential of prostrate organoids as an alternative to animal experimental model and the need for further research on the effects of low EDC concentrations on male reproductive function.

The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has increased concomitantly with heightened exposure to environmental chemicals, such as benzophenone-type ultraviolet (BP-type UV) filters and parabens, which are prevalent in personal care products. This study aimed to investigate the potential link between the exposure to these chemicals and the risk of developing NAFLD. We conducted a case-control study involving 228 participants from South China, encompassing individuals diagnosed with NAFLD and healthy controls. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for the presence of 11 parabens and 8 BP-type UV filters. The findings revealed significantly elevated concentrations of several parabens and BP-type UV filters in the blood of patients with NAFLD compared with the healthy cohort. Notably, methylparaben (MeP), ethylparaben (EtP), isopropylparaben (iPrP), butylparaben (BuP), isobutylparaben (iBuP), 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,4-DHB), total parabens (Σparabens), BP1, BP3, BP4, and 4-hydroxybenzophenone (4-OH-BP) were identified as significant predictors of NAFLD prevalence. Through multiple regression analyses, the blood levels of iBuP, Σparabens, and BP4 were found to be significantly associated with elevated triglycerides (TG) (β = 0.59 mmol/L, 95% CI = 0.11-1.59), total bilirubin (TBIL) (β = 2.81 μmol/L, 95% CI = 0.46-15.6) or direct bilirubin (DBIL) (β = 1.89 μmol/L, 95% CI = 0.47-10.2), and reduced globulins (GLB) (β = -0.29 g/L, 95% CI = -0.07 to -5.45), respectively, which are indicators of liver damage. Moreover, TBIL and DBIL were found to mediate 26.7% and 24.6% of the increase in NAFLD prevalence associated with Σparabens, respectively. In conclusion, this study offers pioneering insights into human exposure to parabens and BP-type UV filters as well as their hepatotoxic potential.

Parabens are endocrine-disrupting chemicals that are widely used as preservatives in the form of methyl (MP)-, ethyl-, propyl-, and butyl-paraben in cosmetics, personal care products, food, and pharmaceuticals. This study analyzed the presence of four parabens in 268 human milk samples and 189 placental samples collected from pregnant women in Taiwan and calculated the estimated daily intake (EDI) of total parabens among breastfed infants at one and three months of age. Parabens were analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. We also explored the dietary and PCP factors associated with parabens exposure. Monte Carlo simulation was employed to characterize uncertainty in the EDI calculation. Our findings indicate that MP was the most frequently detected paraben in placental, first- and third-month milk, with detection frequencies of 57%, 80%, and 45%, respectively. The Σparabens concentration ranged from below the limit of detection (LOD) to 8.2 ng/g in placenta, < LOD to 35.8 ng/g in first-month milk, and < LOD to 21.6 ng/g in third-month milk. Furthermore, the 95th percentile EDI of MP was higher in third-month milk (617 ng/kg-day) compared to first-month milk (118 ng/kg-day), yet remained several orders of magnitude below the EFSA-established acceptable daily intake of 10 mg/kg-day. This biomonitoring study highlights the widespread, low-level exposure of infants to parabens, especially MP, through both prenatal and postnatal pathways. These findings reinforce the need for continued surveillance of parabens exposure during the critical developmental period. This study is among the first large-scale biomonitoring studies to measure parabens in placenta and human milk samples from an Asian population. Methylparaben emerged as the most commonly detected parabens in both placenta and breast milk, indicating both prenatal and postnatal exposure for infants. Although the estimated daily intake levels were well below the safety thresholds, the detection of parabens in the early developmental period raises concern for potential long-term health effects. By integrating biomonitoring data with maternal dietary habits and personal care product use, this work highlights the need for continuous monitoring and regulatory measures of early-life parabens exposure.

Parabens are a family of p-hydroxybenzoic acid esters used as preservatives in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals products, parabens are pollutants that have been detected in the environment at low concentrations. Recent research describes that parabens can cause health alterations. Alternatives for contaminant removal include the adsorption process, which can use materials that are abundant, inexpensive and susceptible to modifications. In this sense, biochar can be an option for obtaining materials that can be used for pollutants removal. In this report, we present the use of biochar derived from fique bagasse as an adsorbent for the removal of butylparaben (BP) from water. This paper examines how pH variations influence the adsorption capacity of butylparaben onto fique bagasse biochar, it was determined that the highest adsorption capacity occurred at pH 6. Furthermore, pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, Weber and Morris, and Boyd models were used to study the adsorption kinetics. As a result, the pseudo-first order model was favorable for six carbonaceous materials studied. Finally, Freundlich, Langmuir, and Sips adsorption isotherm models were investigated; the Langmuir model was the best for adsorption isotherm data. The maximum adsorption capacity of BP for FB-3Na was 20.9520 mg g -1 .

Prenatal exposure to parabens, which are environmental endocrine disrupting chemicals and widely used preservatives in cosmetics, may alter DNA methylation (DNAm) in cord blood. Study design In 328 mother-child dyads of the Finnish PREDO Study cohort, we studied with robust linear regression if paraben levels in early pregnancy associated with DNAm levels in cord blood. We measured genome-wide DNAm using Illumina Infinium Human Methylation 450 k or EPIC v1 arrays and concentrations of metabolites of six parabens, namely methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, isopropyl-, butyl, and isobutylparaben, in early pregnancy urine samples with liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry. All parabens were analyzed as continuous and binary variables (high levels > 66th percentile). As isopropylparaben was present in only 8 % of samples it was analyzed separately as a dichotomic (detected/undetected) variable. Furthermore, we explored the putative functions of associated DNAm markers. Every mother in the cohort had been exposed to parabens during early pregnancy. After correction for multiple testing there were significant associations (p-value ≤ 2.4 × 10 -7 ) between parabens and hypomethylation of four GpG sites: butylparaben associated with cg19246197 near USP2 (B = -0.009; p = 2.10 × 10 -7 ), high level of isobutylparaben associated with cg27194164 near GLTD25D1 (B = -0.004; p = 1.89 × 10 -7 ), detected isopropylparaben associated with cg00973732 in FAM38A (B = 0.007; p = 1.26 × 10 -7 ), and high levels in the sum of the five most common parabens associated with cg21701043 in chromosome 11 (B = -0.016; p = 1.01 × 10 -7 ). In total, 52 CpG sites associated with at least one of the parabens at a suggestive level (p-value < 1 × 10 -5 ). Moreover, butyl- and isobutylparaben showed associations with differentially methylated regions located within PF4 and ABAT. Paraben exposure during early pregnancy associates with altered DNAm in cord blood.

Parabens, preservatives commonly used in personal care products (PCPs), have emerged as environmental contaminants of concern due to their biological activity, water solubility, and pseudo-persistence. This study assessed the occurrence of methylparaben (MeP), ethylparaben (EtP), propylparaben (PrP), and butylparaben (BuP) in PCPs available on the Argentine market, as well as their distribution in surface water, suspended particulate matter (SPM), and sediments from La Plata city and the surrounding metropolitan area, Argentina. A total of 183 PCPs were analyzed in sampling campaigns conducted in 2018 and 2022. MeP and PrP were the most frequently detected compounds, with an overall decrease in detection frequency between the two campaigns, suggesting a shift toward "paraben-free" formulations. However, inconsistencies were observed between product labeling and actual paraben content. In environmental matrices, MeP and PrP were consistently detected across all campaigns, primarily in water and SPM, with maximum concentrations of 1519 ng/L and 24,610 ng/g (dry weight), respectively. Detection patterns were spatially and temporally homogeneous, indicating a continuous input from urban sources. Multivariate analysis confirmed the association of MeP and PrP with surface water and SPM and suggested limited retention in sediments. These findings highlight the need for stricter regulatory frameworks, improved labeling transparency, and the implementation of systematic monitoring programs that address both consumer products and their environmental implications. This study provides the first integrated evaluation of parabens in consumer products and urban aquatic environments in Argentina.

Parabens are widely used as antimicrobials in personal care products and pharmaceuticals. While previous studies demonstrate paraben exposure is ubiquitous, data investigating infants' exposure is limited. We sought to characterize infants' exposure to parabens and identify factors associated with higher levels of exposure. Families enrolled in the CHildren's Immune ResPonse Study between 2016-2018. Parents completed questionnaires, providing information on demographics and lifestyle factors. Urine samples were collected when infants were 1 to 3 months old (n = 71) and 12 months old (n = 29), with 18 infants evaluated at both ages. Parabens were measured in urine samples using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and served as an indicator of exposure. Methylparaben (MP), ethylparaben (EP), and propylparaben (PP) were detected in >70% of urine samples, and concentrations ranged several orders of magnitude (specific-gravity-corrected medians: MP = 25.4 PP = 3.55; EP = 0.90 ng/mL). Butylparaben was detected less frequently (<50%). Paraben concentrations were lower than those reported for older children and adults; however, we did not find statistically significant differences in paraben concentrations by infant age. Correlations between measurements taken over time were poor, suggesting paraben exposure is variable, and multiple measurements are needed to capture cumulative exposure information. We observed differences in exposure by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status; non-White infants and infants whose parents completed less education had higher paraben exposure. Recent lotion usage strongly predicted paraben exposure in 1-3-month-olds. For example, infants using lotion in the past seven days had urinary MP concentrations 355% higher than infants without lotion usage (e ß = 4.55, 95% Confidence Interval = 1.68, 12.55, p < 0.001). Together, our results suggest infants are ubiquitously exposed to parabens and personal care product use may be an important source of exposure. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper to report paraben levels and evaluate predictors of exposure in infants. This study supports the hypothesis that universal exposure to parabens extends to infants, as indicated by urinary biomarker concentrations. Of the predictors evaluated, lotion use in the last seven days was the strongest predictor of exposure in 1-3-month-olds. Given infant paraben levels are strongly correlated to lotion use, there may be an opportunity for parents to reduce paraben exposure by limiting its application or consulting ingredient labels to ensure no parabens are present.

Hair relaxers have been suggested as a source of exposure to parabens and phthalates. However, dermally absorbed doses of these chemicals resulting from consumer use of hair relaxers have yet to be quantified, and results from epidemiological studies have consistently demonstrated that there is no increased risk for hormone-sensitive, reproductive cancers associated with use of hair relaxers among Black women. Therefore, dermal absorption of parabens and phthalates associated with hair relaxer use for several commercially available hair relaxer kits was modeled using IH SkinPerm™. The chemicals detected in the hair relaxer kits included methylparaben (MP), ethylparaben (EP), butylparaben (BP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), and the phthalate substitute bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA). The daily absorbed dose ranges (mg/kg/day), standardized over a year of product use, were as follows: 8.64 × 10 -5 -0.00116 MP, 2.30 × 10 -8 -3.07 × 10 -6 EP, 3.24 × 10 -8 -4.33 × 10 -6 BP, 8.65 × 10 -9 -1.15 × 10 -6 DEP, and 8.94 × 10 -7 -0.000119 DEHP for Kit #1; 8.44 × 10 -5 -0.00113 MP and 7.91 × 10 -5 -0.00106 DEP for Kit #2; and 2.49 × 10 -6 -3.33 × 10 -5 MP, 1.52 × 10 -8 -2.03 × 10 -6 EP, 3.29 × 10 -9 -4.39 × 10 -7 DEP, and 3.11 × 10 -6 -4.14 × 10 -5 DEHA for Kit #3. These absorbed doses were well below applicable health-based guidance values, indicating consumer exposure from product use is not expected to pose a health risk. These results provide valuable information for health risk evaluations for hair relaxer use.

Alkylphenols can originate from numerous products containing alkylphenol ethoxylates, including cleaning products, household items, and cosmetics. Some phenols, such as nonylphenol, are known to be endocrine disruptors, and exposure to them is thought to have contributed to the recent increase in allergic diseases such as asthma. However, the impacts of prenatal phenol exposure on asthma development in children are still unclear. We analyzed the association between maternal urinary phenol concentrations during early pregnancy and the development of asthma in children at the age of 4, using data from the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS), a large-scale nationwide birth cohort study. We recruited 3,513 pairs of mothers and children participating in the Sub-Cohort Study of JECS. We measured 24 phenols, including nitrophenol, parabens, bisphenol, octylphenol, and nonylphenol, in urine samples taken during the first trimester of pregnancy. The urinary levels of these phenols differed markedly, and some showed a broad spectrum of distribution. Methylparaben was detected at high levels in almost every participant (267.7 ng/ml, standard deviation 433.78). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the odds ratio of asthma onset for high exposure to butylparaben was 1.54 (95% confidence interval: 1.11-2.15). Additionally, logistic regression analysis by gender revealed an asthma development odds ratio of 2.09 (95% confidence interval: 1.20-3.65) for males and 0.65 (95% confidence interval: 0.25-1.70) for females born to mothers in whom 4-nonylphenol was detected, suggesting a gender difference. Our current analysis using large cohort data suggests that high exposure to butylparaben and low exposure to 4-nonylphenol during pregnancy are risk factors for asthma development in children. These findings establish a valuable foundation for formulating recommendations about prenatal phenol exposure.

Parabens are alkyl esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid that are commonly used as preservatives in personal care products such as cosmetics. Recent studies have revealed the presence of parabens in surface and tap water because of their use as disinfection products; however, little is known about their occurrence in biological samples and their bioaccumulation potential, particularly in raptor birds known as sentinels for pollutant detection. We examined the occurrence and tissue distribution of parabens, their metabolites, and halogenated byproducts in the liver, kidney, brain, and muscle of birds of prey from Texas and North Carolina (USA). Methylparaben (MeP), propylparaben (PrP), and butylparaben (BuP) were detected in more than 50% of all tissues examined, with the kidney exhibiting the highest concentration of MeP (0.65-6.84 ng/g wet wt). Para-hydroxybenzoic acid (PHBA), a primary metabolite, had the highest detection frequency (>50%) and a high accumulation range in the liver, of 4.64 to 12.55 ng/g. The chlorinated compounds chloromethylparaben and chloroethylparaben were found in over half of the tissues, of which dichloromethylparaben (2.20-3.99 ng/g) and dichloroethylparaben (1.01-5.95 ng/g) in the kidney exhibited the highest concentrations. The dibrominated derivatives dibromideethylparaben (Br2EtP) was detected in more than 50% of samples, particularly in muscle and brain. Concentrations in the range of 0.14 to 17.38 ng/g of Br2EtP were detected in the kidney. Dibromidepropylparaben (Br2PrP) was not frequently detected, but concentrations ranged from 0.09 to 21.70 ng/g in muscle. The accumulations of total amounts (sum) of parent parabens (∑P), metabolites (∑M), and halogenated byproducts (∑H) in different species were not significantly different, but their distribution in tissues differed among the species. Positive correlations were observed among MeP, PrP, BuP, and PHBA in the liver, suggesting similar origins and metabolic pathways. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:2365-2376. © 2024 The Author(s). Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.