Tamara S Galloway

Publications (57)250.73 Total impact

• Source

  Available from: Lorna W Harries

  Article: Associations between PFOA, PFOS and changes in the expression of genes involved in cholesterol metabolism in humans.

  Tony Fletcher, Tamara S Galloway, David Melzer, Paul Holcroft, Riccardo Cipelli, Luke C Pilling, Debapriya Mondal, Michael Luster, Lorna W Harries
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  ABSTRACT: Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA, 'C8') and perfluoroctane sulphonate (PFOS) are environmentally stable compounds with industrial and consumer uses and long half-lives in humans. Concern has been raised over chronic exposure effects to human health, especially in relation to cholesterol metabolism. Here, we explore the association between exposure to PFOA and PFOS and the in vivo expression of genes involved in cholesterol metabolism. We studied 290 individuals exposed to background levels of PFOS and elevated concentrations of PFOA through drinking water. Using adjusted linear regression models, we found inverse associations between serum PFOA levels and the whole blood expression level of genes involved in cholesterol transport (NR1H2, NPC1 and ABCG1; p=0.002, 0.026 and 0.014 respectively). A positive association was seen between PFOS and a transcript involved in cholesterol mobilisation (NCEH1; p=0.018), and a negative relationship with a transcript involved in cholesterol transport (NR1H3; p=0.044). When sexes were analysed separately, reductions in the levels of mRNAs involved in cholesterol transport were seen with PFOA in men (NPC1, ABCG1, and PPARA; p=0.025, 0.024 and 0.012 respectively) and in women (NR1H2 expression; p=0.019), whereas an increase in the levels of a cholesterol mobilisation transcript (NCEH1; p=0.036) was noted in women alone. PFOS was positively associated with expression of genes involved in both cholesterol mobilisation and transport in women (NCEH1 and PPARA; p=0.003 and 0.039 respectively), but no effects were evident in men. This is the first report of associations between the in vivo expression of genes involved in cholesterol metabolism and exposure to PFOA or PFOS, suggested that exposure to these compounds may promote a hypercholesterolaemic environment, with wider implications for human disease.
  Environment international 04/2013; 57-58C:2-10. · 4.79 Impact Factor
• Article: The physical impacts of microplastics on marine organisms: A review.

  Stephanie L Wright, Richard C Thompson, Tamara S Galloway
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  ABSTRACT: Plastic debris at the micro-, and potentially also the nano-scale, are widespread in the environment. Microplastics have accumulated in oceans and sediments worldwide in recent years, with maximum concentrations reaching 100 000 particles m(3). Due to their small size, microplastics may be ingested by low trophic fauna, with uncertain consequences for the health of the organism. This review focuses on marine invertebrates and their susceptibility to the physical impacts of microplastic uptake. Some of the main points discussed are (1) an evaluation of the factors contributing to the bioavailability of microplastics including size and density; (2) an assessment of the relative susceptibility of different feeding guilds; (3) an overview of the factors most likely to influence the physical impacts of microplastics such as accumulation and translocation; and (4) the trophic transfer of microplastics. These findings are important in guiding future marine litter research and management strategies.
  Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex: 1987) 03/2013; · 3.43 Impact Factor
• Article: Predicted toxicity of naphthenic acids present in oil sands process-affected waters to a range of environmental and human endpoints.

  Alan G Scarlett, Charles E West, David Jones, Tamara S Galloway, Steven J Rowland
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  ABSTRACT: Naphthenic acids (NAs) are considered to be a major toxic component of oil sands process-affected waters (OSPW) and are also widely used for industrial processes. The effects of previously identified NAs (54 in total), together with six alkylphenols, were modelled for a range of environmental and human toxicity related endpoints using ADMET predictor™ software. In addition to the models, experimental CALUX® assays were performed on seven tricyclic diamondoid acids. Most of the NAs modelled were predicted to have lethal median concentrations (LC(50)) >100 μM for the three aquatic species modelled. Polycyclic acids containing a single aromatic ring were predicted to be the most toxic to fathead minnows with LC(50)s typically ca 1 μM. Some of these compounds were also predicted to be the most carcinogenic (based on rat and mouse models), possess human estrogenic and androgenic activity and potentially disrupt reproductive processes. Some aliphatic pentacyclic acids also were predicted to exhibit androgenic activity and, uniquely amongst the compounds tested, act as substrates for the cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP3A4. Consistent with the models' predictions for the tricyclic acids, no estrogenic or androgenic activity was detected by ER/AR CALUX®. Further experimental validation of the predictions should now be performed for the compounds highlighted by the models (e.g. priority should perhaps be focused on the polycyclic monoaromatic acids and the aliphatic pentacyclic acids). If shown to be accurate, these compounds can then be targeted for toxicity reduction remediation efforts.
  Science of The Total Environment 03/2012; 425:119-27. · 3.29 Impact Factor
• Article: Urinary bisphenol A concentration and risk of future coronary artery disease in apparently healthy men and women.

  David Melzer, Nicholas J Osborne, William E Henley, Riccardo Cipelli, Anita Young, Cathryn Money, Paul McCormack, Robert Luben, Kay-Tee Khaw, Nicholas J Wareham, Tamara S Galloway
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  ABSTRACT: The endocrine-disrupting chemical bisphenol A (BPA) is widely used in food and beverage packaging. Higher urinary BPA concentrations were cross-sectionally associated with heart disease in National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003-2004 and NHANES 2005-2006, independent of traditional risk factors. We included 758 incident coronary artery disease (CAD) cases and 861 controls followed for 10.8 years from the European Prospective Investigation of Cancer-Norfolk UK. Respondents aged 40 to 74 years and free of CAD, stroke, or diabetes mellitus provided baseline spot urine samples. Urinary BPA concentrations (median value, 1.3 ng/mL) were low. Per-SD (4.56 ng/mL) increases in urinary BPA concentration were associated with incident CAD in age-, sex-, and urinary creatinine-adjusted models (n=1919; odds ratio=1.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.24; P=0.017). With CAD risk factor adjustment (including education, occupational social class, body mass index category, systolic blood pressure, lipid concentrations, and exercise), the estimate was similar but narrowly missed 2-sided significance (n=1744; odds ratio=1.11; 95% confidence interval, 1.00-1.23; P=0.058). Sensitivity analyses with the fully adjusted model, excluding those with early CAD (<3-year follow-up), body mass index >30, or abnormal renal function or with additional adjustment for vitamin C, C-reactive protein, or alcohol consumption, all produced similar estimates, and all showed associations at P≤0.05. Associations between higher BPA exposure (reflected in higher urinary concentrations) and incident CAD during >10 years of follow-up showed trends similar to previously reported cross-sectional findings in the more highly exposed NHANES respondents. Further work is needed to accurately estimate the prospective exposure-response curve and to establish the underlying mechanisms.
  Circulation 02/2012; 125(12):1482-90. · 14.74 Impact Factor
• Article: Urinary bisphenol a concentration and angiography-defined coronary artery stenosis.

  David Melzer, Phil Gates, Nicholas J Osborn, William E Henley, Ricardo Cipelli, Anita Young, Cathryn Money, Paul McCormack, Peter Schofield, David Mosedale, David Grainger, Tamara S Galloway
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  ABSTRACT: Bisphenol A is widely used in food and drinks packaging. There is evidence of associations between raised urinary bisphenol A (uBPA) and increased incidence of reported cardiovascular diagnoses. To estimate associations between BPA exposure and angiographically graded coronary atherosclerosis. 591 patients participating in The Metabonomics and Genomics in Coronary Artery Disease (MaGiCAD) study in Cambridgeshire UK, comparing urinary BPA (uBPA) with grades of severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) on angiography. Linear models were adjusted for BMI, occupational social class and diabetes status. Severe (one to three vessel) CAD was present in 385 patients, 86 had intermediate disease (n=86) and 120 had normal coronary arteries. The (unadjusted) median uBPA concentration was 1.28 ng/mL with normal coronary arteries, and 1.53 ng/mL with severe CAD. Compared to those with normal coronary arteries, uBPA concentration was significantly higher in those with severe CAD (OR per uBPA SD=5.96 ng/ml OR=1.43, CI 1.03 to 1.98, p=0.033), and near significant for intermediate disease (OR=1.69, CI 0.98 to 2.94, p=0.061). There was no significant uBPA difference between patients with severe CAD (needing surgery) and the remaining groups combined. BPA exposure was higher in those with severe coronary artery stenoses compared to those with no vessel disease. Larger studies are needed to estimate true dose response relationships. The mechanisms underlying the association remain to be established.
  PLoS ONE 01/2012; 7(8):e43378. · 4.09 Impact Factor
• Article: Correction: Urinary Bisphenol A Concentration and Angiography-Defined Coronary Artery Stenosis.

  David Melzer, Phil Gates, Nicholas J Osborn, William E Henley, Ricardo Cipelli, Anita Young, Cathryn Money, Paul McCormack, Peter Schofield, David Mosedale, David Grainger, Tamara S Galloway
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  ABSTRACT: [This corrects the article on p. e43378 in vol. 7.].
  PLoS ONE 01/2012; 7(11). · 4.09 Impact Factor
• Article: Sequestration of zinc from zinc oxide nanoparticles and life cycle effects in the sediment dweller amphipod Corophium volutator.

  Julia Fabrega, Ratna Tantra, Aisha Amer, Bjorn Stolpe, Jordan Tomkins, Tony Fry, Jamie R Lead, Charles R Tyler, Tamara S Galloway
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  ABSTRACT: We studied the effects of ZnO nanoparticles [ZnO NPs, primary particle size 35 ± 10 nm (circular diameter, TEM)], bulk [160 ± 81 nm (circular diameter, TEM)], and Zn ions (from ZnCl(2)) on mortality, growth, and reproductive endpoints in the sediment dwelling marine amphipod Corophium volutator over a complete lifecycle (100 days). ZnO NPs were characterized by size, aggregation, morphology, dissolution, and surface properties. ZnO NPs underwent aggregation and partial dissolution in the seawater exposure medium, resulting in a size distribution that ranged in size from discrete nanoparticles to the largest aggregate of several micrometers. Exposure via water to all forms of zinc in the range of 0.2-1.0 mg L(-1) delayed growth and affected the reproductive outcome of the exposed populations. STEM-EDX analysis was used to characterize insoluble zinc precipitates (sphaerites) of high sulfur content, which accumulated in the hepatopancreas following exposures. The elemental composition of the sphaerites did not differ for ZnO NP, Zn(2+), and bulk ZnO exposed organisms. These results provide an illustration of the comparable toxicity of Zn in bulk, soluble, and nanoscale forms on critical lifecycle parameters in a sediment dwelling organism.
  Environmental Science & Technology 12/2011; 46(2):1128-35. · 4.80 Impact Factor
• Source

  Available from: Samuel N Luoma

  Article: Silver nanoparticles: behaviour and effects in the aquatic environment.

  Julia Fabrega, Samuel N Luoma, Charles R Tyler, Tamara S Galloway, Jamie R Lead
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  ABSTRACT: This review summarises and evaluates the present knowledge on the behaviour, the biological effects and the routes of uptake of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) to organisms, with considerations on the nanoparticle physicochemistry in the ecotoxicity testing systems used. Different types of Ag NP syntheses, characterisation techniques and predicted current and future concentrations in the environment are also outlined. Rapid progress in this area has been made over the last few years, but there is still a critical lack of understanding of the need for characterisation and synthesis in environmental and ecotoxicological studies. Concentration and form of nanomaterials in the environment are difficult to quantify and methodological progress is needed, although sophisticated exposure models show that predicted environmental concentrations (PECs) for Ag NPs in different environmental compartments are at the range of ng L(-1) to mg kg(-1). The ecotoxicological literature shows that concentrations of Ag NPs below the current and future PECs, as low as just a few ng L(-1), can affect prokaryotes, invertebrates and fish indicating a significant potential, though poorly characterised, risk to the environment. Mechanisms of toxicity are still poorly understood although it seems clear that in some cases nanoscale specific properties may cause biouptake and toxicity over and above that caused by the dissolved Ag ion. This review concludes with a set of recommendations for the advancement of understanding of the role of nanoscale silver in environmental and ecotoxicological research.
  Environment international 02/2011; 37(2):517-31. · 4.79 Impact Factor
• Article: Urinary bis phenol a concentration and angiography-defined coronary artery stenosis

  David Melzer, Phil Gates, Nicholas J Osborne, William E Henley, Ricardo Cipelli, Anita Young, Cathryn Money, Paul McCormack, David Mosedale, David Grainger, Tamara S Galloway
  01/2011;
• Article: Tissue injury and cellular immune responses to mercuric chloride exposure in the common mussel Mytilus edulis: modulation by lipopolysaccharide.

  Sherin K Sheir, Richard D Handy, Tamara S Galloway
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  ABSTRACT: Little is known about the immunotoxic effects of sublethal mercury (Hg) exposure in bivalves, and whether or not stimulation of the immune system exacerbates Hg toxicity. The mussel, Mytilus edulis, was exposed to a total inorganic Hg concentration of 50 microgl(-1) as HgCl2 for up to 11 days compared to no added Hg controls. Then the immune functions of haemocytes, haematology, biochemistry and organ histology were assessed. Selected experiments were then repeated in mussels injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to stimulate the immune system prior to Hg exposure. Hg exposure alone caused Hg accumulation mainly in gills and digestive gland, and to a lesser extent in the adductor muscle and haemolymph. This general pattern of Hg accumulation also occurred during the Hg plus LPS experiments. Hg exposure alone caused a transient increase of phagocytosis, but no Hg-dependent effects on neutral red retention or the cytotoxicity of haemocytes. Changes in haemolymph Na+, K+ and glucose levels were negligible during Hg exposure alone compared to controls. However, histological examination showed tissues injuries consistent with inflammation in the gills, digestive gland and adductor muscle during Hg exposure alone. LPS injection had a significant effect (Kruskal Wallis, P=0.02) on circulating haemocytes numbers at the end of the experiment compared to saline injected controls and the Hg+LPS treatment (mean+/-S.E.M., n=6, cells ml(-1)x10(6)); control, 2.1+/-0.08; LPS treated, 3.18+/-0.36, and LPS+Hg, 2.1+/-0.2. The Hg+LPS treatment also caused a transient decline in superoxide dismutase activity in haemocytes (85% decline, Kruskal Wallis, P=0.006) compared to controls. Target tissue inflammation and injury was greatly increased by the effect of Hg exposure with an LPS injection compared to either treatment alone. We conclude that Hg can cause inflammation in mussels in vivo, and that stimulation with LPS can greatly increase Hg-dependent immunotoxicity.
  Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 09/2010; 73(6):1338-44. · 2.29 Impact Factor
• Article: Complications with remediation strategies involving the biodegradation and detoxification of recalcitrant contaminant aromatic hydrocarbons.

  Max Frenzel, Alan Scarlett, Steven J Rowland, Tamara S Galloway, Sara K Burton, Hilary M Lappin-Scott, Andy M Booth
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  ABSTRACT: Environmentally persistent aromatic hydrocarbons known as unresolved complex mixtures (UCMs) derived from crude oil can be accumulated by, and elicit toxicological responses in, marine organisms (e.g. mussels, Mytilus edulis). Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography time-of-flight mass-spectrometry (GCxGC-ToF-MS) previously revealed that these UCMs included highly branched alkylated aromatic hydrocarbons. Here, the effects of biodegradation on the toxicity and chemical composition of an aromatic UCM hydrocarbon fraction isolated from Tia Juana Pesado (TJP) crude oil were examined. 48h exposure of mussels to the aromatic hydrocarbon fraction (F2) resulted in tissue concentrations of 900microgg(-1) (dry wt.) and approximately 45% decrease in clearance rate. Over 90% of the hydrocarbon burden corresponded to an UCM. Following a 5day recovery period, GCxGC-ToF-MS analysis of the tissues indicated depuration of most accumulated hydrocarbons and clearance rates returned to those observed in controls. To assess the potential of biodegradation to reduce UCM toxicity, TJP F2 was exposed to bacteria isolated from Whitley Bay, UK, for 46days. Mussels exposed to the undegraded TJP F2 from the abiotic control exhibited a reduction in clearance rate comparable with values for the pure crude oil TJP F2. Clearance rates of mussels exposed to biodegraded TJP F2 were statistically similar to seawater controls, suggesting biodegradation had reduced the TJP F2 toxicity. GCxGC-ToF-MS analysis revealed the same compound groups in the tissue of mussels exposed to pure TJP F2, undegraded TJP F2 and biodegraded TJP F2 samples; however >300 fewer compounds were observed in the biodegraded (954 compounds) compared to the undegraded TJP F2 (1261). The compound distributions were markedly different, possibly accounting for the decrease in toxicity. Extraction and analysis of pelleted bacterial cell material revealed that a significant proportion of the TJP F2 had adsorbed onto the cells. Thus extreme care must be taken in interpreting biodegradation data from recalcitrant UCM hydrocarbons.
  Science of The Total Environment 09/2010; 408(19):4093-101. · 3.29 Impact Factor
• Article: Immunotoxicity and oxidative stress in the Arctic scallop Chlamys islandica: effects of acute oil exposure.

  Marie L Hannam, Shaw D Bamber, A John Moody, Tamara S Galloway, Malcolm B Jones
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  ABSTRACT: With increasing oil exploration in Arctic regions, the risk of an accidental oil spill into the environment is inevitably elevated. As a result, concerns have been raised over the potential impact of oil exposure on Arctic organisms. This study assessed the effects of an acute oil exposure (mimicking an accidental spill) on the immune function and oxidative stress status of the Arctic scallop Chlamys islandica. Scallops were exposed to the water accommodated fraction of crude oil over 21 d (maximum SigmaPAH 163 microg l(-1)) and immune endpoints and oxidative stress parameters were measured. Mortalities were recorded during the exposure and reductions in immunocompetence were observed, with significant impairment of phagocytosis and cell membrane stability. Scallops were also subjected to oxidative stress, with a significant reduction in glutathione levels and induction of lipid peroxidation. After the acute oil exposure had subsided, no recovery of immune function was observed indicating potential for prolonged sublethal effects.
  Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 09/2010; 73(6):1440-8. · 2.29 Impact Factor
• Article: Integrated assessment of oil pollution using biological monitoring and chemical fingerprinting.

  Ceri Lewis, Carlos Guitart, Chris Pook, Alan Scarlett, James W Readman, Tamara S Galloway
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  ABSTRACT: A full assessment of the impact of oil and chemical spills at sea requires the identification of both the polluting chemicals and the biological effects they cause. Here, a combination of chemical fingerprinting of surface oils, tissue residue analysis, and biological effects measures was used to explore the relationship between spilled oil and biological impact following the grounding of the MSC Napoli container ship in Lyme Bay, England in January 2007. Initially, oil contamination remained restricted to a surface slick in the vicinity of the wreck, and there was no chemical evidence to link biological impairment of animals (the common limpet, Patella vulgata) on the shore adjacent to the oil spill. Secondary oil contamination associated with salvage activities in July 2007 was also assessed. Chemical analyses of aliphatic hydrocarbons and terpanes in shell swabs taken from limpet shells provided an unequivocal match with the fuel oil carried by the ship. Corresponding chemical analysis of limpet tissues revealed increased concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) dominated by phenanthrene and C1 to C3 phenanthrenes with smaller contributions from heavier molecular weight PAHs. Concurrent ecotoxicological tests indicated impairment of cellular viability (p < 0.001), reduced immune function (p < 0.001), and damage to DNA (Comet assay, p < 0.001) in these animals, whereas antioxidant defenses were elevated relative to un-oiled animals. These results illustrate the value of combining biological monitoring with chemical fingerprinting for the rapid identification of spilled oils and their sublethal impacts on biota in situ.
  Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 06/2010; 29(6):1358-66. · 2.81 Impact Factor
• Source

  Available from: William Henley

  Article: Association between serum perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and thyroid disease in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

  David Melzer, Neil Rice, Michael H Depledge, William E Henley, Tamara S Galloway
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  ABSTRACT: Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA, also known as C8) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) are stable compounds with many industrial and consumer uses. Their persistence in the environment plus toxicity in animal models has raised concern over low-level chronic exposure effects on human health. We estimated associations between serum PFOA and PFOS concentrations and thyroid disease prevalence in representative samples of the U.S. general population. Analyses of PFOA/PFOS versus disease status in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for 1999-2000, 2003-2004, and 2005-2006 included 3,974 adults with measured concentrations for perfluorinated chemicals. Regression models were adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, smoking status, body mass index, and alcohol intake. The NHANES-weighted prevalence of reporting any thyroid disease was 16.18% (n = 292) in women and 3.06% (n = 69) in men; prevalence of current thyroid disease with related medication was 9.89% (n = 163) in women and 1.88% (n = 46) in men. In fully adjusted logistic models, women with PFOA >or= 5.7 ng/mL [fourth (highest) population quartile] were more likely to report current treated thyroid disease [odds ratio (OR) = 2.24; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.38-3.65; p = 0.002] compared with PFOA <or= 4.0 ng/mL (quartiles 1 and 2); we found a near significant similar trend in men (OR = 2.12; 95% CI, 0.93-4.82; p = 0.073). For PFOS, in men we found a similar association for those with PFOS >or= 36.8 ng/mL (quartile 4) versus <or= 25.5 ng/mL (quartiles 1 and 2: OR for treated disease = 2.68; 95% CI, 1.03-6.98; p = 0.043); in women this association was not significant. Higher concentrations of serum PFOA and PFOS are associated with current thyroid disease in the U.S. general adult population. More work is needed to establish the mechanisms involved and to exclude confounding and pharmacokinetic explanations.
  Environmental Health Perspectives 05/2010; 118(5):686-92. · 7.04 Impact Factor
• Article: Spatial patterns of plastic debris along Estuarine shorelines.

  Mark A Browne, Tamara S Galloway, Richard C Thompson
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  ABSTRACT: The human population generates vast quantities of waste material. Macro (>1 mm) and microscopic (<1 mm) fragments of plastic debris represent a substantial contamination problem. Here, we test hypotheses about the influence of wind and depositional regime on spatial patterns of micro- and macro-plastic debris within the Tamar Estuary, UK. Debris was identified to the type of polymer using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and categorized according to density. In terms of abundance, microplastic accounted for 65% of debris recorded and mainly comprised polyvinylchloride, polyester, and polyamide. Generally, there were greater quantities of plastic at downwind sites. For macroplastic, there were clear patterns of distribution for less dense items, while for microplastic debris, clear patterns were for denser material. Small particles of sediment and plastic are both likely to settle slowly from the water-column and are likely to be transported by the flow of water and be deposited in areas where the movements of water are slower. There was, however, no relationship between the abundance of microplastic and the proportion of clay in sediments from the strandline. These results illustrate how FT-IR spectroscopy can be used to identify the different types of plastic and in this case was used to indicate spatial patterns, demonstrating habitats that are downwind acting as potential sinks for the accumulation of debris.
  Environmental Science and Technology 04/2010; 44(9):3404-9. · 5.23 Impact Factor
• Article: The influence of seasonality on biomarker responses in Mytilus edulis.

  Josephine A Hagger, David Lowe, Awantha Dissanayake, Malcolm B Jones, Tamara S Galloway
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  ABSTRACT: The utility of some biomarkers in environmental monitoring may be limited due to the lack of knowledge that exists on how they respond to extrinsic abiotic and intrinsic biotic factors. During the present study we investigated the seasonal responses of three biomarkers, Neutral Red Retention, clearance/filtration rate and heart rate in the common blue mussel Mytilus edulis located in the Exe Estuary, UK during September 2006-September 2007. During the current study, a significant decrease in feeding rate was observed in mussels during June, July and August 2007, coinciding with the period following spawning when the mussels lay down nutrient reserves. Heart rate also increased between April and September 2007 and corresponded with times when mussels were spawning and laying down nutrient reserves. By integrating the individual biomarker responses into a Biomarker Response Index (BRI) we were able to identify times of the year when environmental impact was highest and hence when the timing of monitoring programmes using biomarkers should be carried out. For many years the lack of knowledge of normal physiological ranges of biomarkers has impeded their applied use, however by integrating biomarker responses into the BRI and creating an index of health, we have shown that we can limit the natural variability of individual responses; and thus we are better able to make informed judgements on the overall health status of these populations of mussels.
  Ecotoxicology 03/2010; 19(5):953-62. · 2.36 Impact Factor
• Article: Effects of the model PAH phenanthrene on immune function and oxidative stress in the haemolymph of the temperate scallop Pecten maximus.

  Marie L Hannam, Shaw D Bamber, Tamara S Galloway, A John Moody, Malcolm B Jones
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  ABSTRACT: Phenanthrene, a major component of crude oil, is one of the most abundant PAHs in aquatic ecosystems, and is readily bioavailable and toxic to a range of marine invertebrates. Within bivalves, the haemolymph acts as a transfer medium for these pollutants and their metabolic products, leaving haemocytes susceptible to deleterious effects. Using a suite of biological endpoints, this study determined the sublethal (7-d exposure to 50, 100 and 200microgL(-1)) effects of phenanthrene on several oxidative stress and immunological parameters in the haemolymph of the commercially-important scallop Pecten maximus. Phenanthrene exposure (200microgL(-1)) resulted in immune modulation with significant reductions in cell membrane stability (P<0.05) and phagocytosis (P<0.05), and a significant increase in the number of total haemocytes (P<0.05). Oxidative stress was also observed with a significant decrease in total glutathione (P<0.05) and significantly increased levels of lipid peroxidation in the haemolymph (P<0.05). Changes in the cellular and biochemical endpoints observed in this study illustrate their potential use in assessing the subtle effects of contaminant exposure. Whilst previous reports have suggested a link between free radical generation and immune suppression in vertebrates, this is the first instance where oxidative stress and immune function have been measured together in the haemolymph of a bivalve mollusc, demonstrating a possible link between PAH-induced oxidative stress and the subsequent inhibition in haemocyte immune function.
  Chemosphere 02/2010; 78(7):779-84. · 3.21 Impact Factor
• Source

  Available from: William Henley

  Article: Association of urinary bisphenol a concentration with heart disease: evidence from NHANES 2003/06.

  David Melzer, Neil E Rice, Ceri Lewis, William E Henley, Tamara S Galloway
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  ABSTRACT: Bisphenol A (BPA) is a high production volume chemical widely used in food and drinks packaging. Associations have previously been reported between urinary BPA concentrations and heart disease, diabetes and liver enzymes in adult participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003/04. We aimed to estimate associations between urinary BPA concentrations and health measures in NHANES 2005/06 and in data pooled across collection years. A cross-sectional analysis of NHANES: subjects were n = 1455 (2003/04) and n = 1493 (2005/06) adults aged 18-74 years, representative of the general adult population of the United States. Regression models were adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, income, smoking, BMI, waist circumference, and urinary creatinine concentration. Main outcomes were reported diagnoses of heart attack, coronary heart disease, angina and diabetes and serum liver enzyme levels. Urinary BPA concentrations in 2005/06 (geometric mean 1.79 ng/ml, 95% CI: 1.64 to 1.96) were lower than in 2003/04 (2.49 ng/ml, CI: 2.20 to 2.83, difference p-value = 0.00002). Higher BPA concentrations were associated with coronary heart disease in 2005/06 (OR per z-score increase in BPA = 1.33, 95%CI: 1.01 to 1.75, p = 0.043) and in pooled data (OR = 1.42, CI: 1.17 to 1.72, p = 0.001). Associations with diabetes did not reach significance in 2005/06, but pooled estimates remained significant (OR = 1.24, CI: 1.10 to 1.40, p = 0.001). There was no overall association with gamma glutamyl transferase concentrations, but pooled associations with alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase remained significant. Higher BPA exposure, reflected in higher urinary concentrations of BPA, is consistently associated with reported heart disease in the general adult population of the USA. Studies to clarify the mechanisms of these associations are urgently needed.
  PLoS ONE 01/2010; 5(1):e8673. · 4.09 Impact Factor
• Article: Transport and release of chemicals from plastics to the environment and to wildlife.

  Emma L Teuten, Jovita M Saquing, Detlef R U Knappe, Morton A Barlaz, Susanne Jonsson, Annika Björn, Steven J Rowland, Richard C Thompson, Tamara S Galloway, Rei Yamashita, [......], Mohamad P Zakaria, Kongsap Akkhavong, Yuko Ogata, Hisashi Hirai, Satoru Iwasa, Kaoruko Mizukawa, Yuki Hagino, Ayako Imamura, Mahua Saha, Hideshige Takada
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  ABSTRACT: Plastics debris in the marine environment, including resin pellets, fragments and microscopic plastic fragments, contain organic contaminants, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, petroleum hydrocarbons, organochlorine pesticides (2,2'-bis(p-chlorophenyl)-1,1,1-trichloroethane, hexachlorinated hexanes), polybrominated diphenylethers, alkylphenols and bisphenol A, at concentrations from sub ng g(-1) to microg g(-1). Some of these compounds are added during plastics manufacture, while others adsorb from the surrounding seawater. Concentrations of hydrophobic contaminants adsorbed on plastics showed distinct spatial variations reflecting global pollution patterns. Model calculations and experimental observations consistently show that polyethylene accumulates more organic contaminants than other plastics such as polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride. Both a mathematical model using equilibrium partitioning and experimental data have demonstrated the transfer of contaminants from plastic to organisms. A feeding experiment indicated that PCBs could transfer from contaminated plastics to streaked shearwater chicks. Plasticizers, other plastics additives and constitutional monomers also present potential threats in terrestrial environments because they can leach from waste disposal sites into groundwater and/or surface waters. Leaching and degradation of plasticizers and polymers are complex phenomena dependent on environmental conditions in the landfill and the chemical properties of each additive. Bisphenol A concentrations in leachates from municipal waste disposal sites in tropical Asia ranged from sub microg l(-1) to mg l(-1) and were correlated with the level of economic development.
  Philosophical Transactions of The Royal Society B Biological Sciences 08/2009; 364(1526):2027-45. · 6.40 Impact Factor
• Article: Application of biomarkers to assess the condition of European Marine Sites.

  Josephine A Hagger, Tamara S Galloway, William J Langston, Malcolm B Jones
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  ABSTRACT: A series of European Marine Sites has been designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) in England. The aim of this study was to develop a practical methodology to assess the condition of SACs by applying a suite of biomarkers. Biomarkers were applied to the blue mussel Mytilus edulis and the shore crab Carcinus maenas from the Fal and Helford SAC (Cornwall). Individual biomarkers provided useful diagnostic information on the activity of certain classes of contaminants and an integrated Biomarker Response Index (BRI) was used to achieve a more holistic understanding of the condition of the SAC. The BRI indicated that the general health of both organisms was impacted in the upper part of the SAC (Fal Estuary) which correlated well with known chemical hotspots and sources of contamination. The BRI allows a pragmatic way to prioritise SAC sites that may require further investigative studies.
  Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex: 1987) 05/2009; 157(7):2003-10. · 3.43 Impact Factor