diabetes and POPS (persistent organic pollutants: dioxins, PCBs, BPA),
DH Lee, DR Jacobs, YL Guo, ED Rosen, and other recent studies -- is
formaldehyde from the 11% methanol part of aspartame a co-factor?
Murray 2008.09.22
http://rmforall.blogspot.com/2008_09_01_archive.htm
Monday, September 22, 2008
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/aspartameNM/message/1560

"...in people with the highest combined levels of all six POPs
the rate of diabetes was a massive 38 times greater than
in those with the lowest levels..."

From: <pe...@rachel.org>
Date: Thu, Sep 18, 2008 at 6:28 PM
Subject: Rachel's #977: Chemicals and Diabetes
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Rachel's Democracy & Health News #977
"Environment, health, jobs and justice -- Who gets to decide?"
Thursday, September 18, 2008
www.rachel.org
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

From: New Scientist (pg. 36), Sept. 10, 2008

COULD THE DIABETES EPIDEMIC BE DOWN TO POLLUTION?

By Phyllida Brown

On July 10, 1976, a reactor at a chemical plant near the small town of
Seveso in northern Italy exploded, sending a toxic cloud drifting into
the summer sky. Around 18 square kilometres of land was contaminated
with TCDD, a member of the notorious class of industrial chemicals
known as dioxins.

The immediate after-effects were relatively mild: 15 children landed
in hospital with skin inflammation and around 3300 small animals were
killed. Today, however, the accident casts a long shadow over the
people of Seveso, who are suffering increased numbers of premature
deaths from cancer, cardiovascular disease and, perhaps surprisingly,
diabetes (American Journal of Epidemiology, vol 167, p 847).

To some diabetes researchers, Seveso serves as a warning to us all.
Ask why diabetes is epidemic in the 21st century and most people will
point the finger at bad diet, laziness and obesity. According to a
small but growing group of scientists, though, the real culprit is a
family of toxic chemicals known as persistent organic pollutants, or
POPs. If these researchers are right, POPs -- which include some of
the most reviled chemicals ever created, including dioxins, DDT and
PCBs -- may be key players in the web of events that lead people to
develop the disease.

The claim has yet to attract widespread attention from mainstream
diabetes research. Even its champions were initially surprised by it.
"I had never even heard of POPs until 2005," says Duk-Hee Lee, an
epidemiologist at Kyungpook National University in Daegu, Korea, who
led the work. Lee and her co-workers are now convinced, albeit
reluctantly, that they are onto something. "The hypothesis is one that
I wish were not true," says her colleague David  R. Jacobs of the
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.

[ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6544709.stm ]

Diabetes, and particularly its commonest form, type 2 (see "Sidebar:
Diabetes basics"), is practically everyone's business. The World
Health Organization estimates that it already affects 180 million
people worldwide, with the number predicted to more than double by
2030. Last year the epidemic cost $174 billion in the US alone,
according to the American Diabetes Association.
========================================================

Sidebar: Diabetes basics

Diabetes has two main forms: type 1 and type 2. About 90 per cent of
diabetics have type 2.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which insulin-producing
cells in the pancreas are progressively destroyed.

Type 2 diabetes usually develops in adulthood, although it is now
increasingly common in children. In this form, the pancreas either
produces too little insulin, or cells in the liver, muscles and fat
tissues fail to use it properly. Type 2 is most common in inactive,
overweight people who carry their fat on their midriff.
========================================================

The standard explanation for type 2 diabetes is that it is a
"lifestyle disease" caused by laziness and gluttony. For at least a
decade, however, epidemiologists have known that people briefly
exposed to high concentrations of POPs face a modest increase in their
risk of developing diabetes later in life. Those affected include the
people of Seveso and US veterans who were exposed to dioxin-
contaminated Agent Orange during the Vietnam war.

Two years ago, Lee, Jacobs and others decided to see whether everyday
exposure to POPs is also linked to diabetes. To their surprise and
horror, they found that it is.

For most people, POPs are inescapable: meat, fish and dairy products
all contain them. They enter the food chain from sources such as
pesticides, chemical manufacturing and incinerated waste, and
accumulate in animals higher up in the chain. Once in the body they
take up residence in fat.

POPs have long been recognised as nasty substances: their effects
include birth defects, cancer, immune dysfunction and endocrine
disruption. Since the 1970s, various measures have been put in place
to phase them out -- 12 of the worst POPs, known as the "dirty dozen",
were banned in 2004 -- but despite these efforts, POPs remain a
significant presence in the environment and food chain, partly because
many are still in use in the developing world, and partly because
these chemicals can take decades to break down.

Role of fat

Prior to her 2005 introduction to POPs, Lee was working on a humble
enzyme called gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), which is essential for
maintaining antioxidant levels in the liver. She was puzzled to find
that obesity combined with an elevated level of GGT is a strong
predictor of diabetes, but obesity alone isn't. "I searched the
literature and finally got an idea," she says.

As it turns out, GGT has an essential role to play in removing some
pollutants, including POPs, from inside cells (Diabetologia, vol 51, p
402). Could increased GGT activity simply be a marker of exposure to
POPs?

To find out, Lee and her colleagues analysed data from more than 2000
people in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
(NHANES), which measured both diabetes status and bloodstream levels
of POPs, among other things. They discovered that people with high
levels of six different POPs in their bloodstream were much more
likely to have diabetes, regardless of obesity (see diagram). The six
POPs were chosen because they were detectable in at least 80 per cent
of the participants.

Taking into account factors such as weight, age, waist circumference
and ethnic group, Lee calculated that in people with the highest
combined levels of all six POPs the rate of diabetes was a massive 38
times greater than in those with the lowest levels (Diabetes Care, vol
29, p 1638). "The people who disagree with us will say it's all
noise," says Jacobs, "but it's pretty hard to get odds ratios of 38
with noise."

To her even greater surprise, Lee found that in people with
undetectable levels of POPs the expected link between diabetes and
body weight melted away -- those who were obese were no more likely to
have diabetes than their lean counterparts. "This suggests that POPs
may be a more fundamental factor in the risk of diabetes than
obesity," says Lee. "The absolute risk of diabetes was extremely low
among subjects with very low concentrations of POPs."

"The expected link between diabetes and body weight melted away" But
fat is not off the hook just yet. While obesity alone appears not to
be linked with diabetes, the study suggests that POPs plus obesity is
bad news, and the fatter you are the worse it gets. When the
researchers examined the link with body mass index, they found that in
people with high levels of POPs the odds of being diabetic were much
higher for the obese than the lean. This suggests that something about
excess fat may be enhancing the toxicity of POPs. "It appears that
obesity can increase the harmful effects," says Lee.

Of course, the findings do not prove that POPs cause diabetes. "This
is an association between two things, not direct evidence of a causal
link," warns Oliver Jones, an environmental biochemist at the
University of Cambridge. The idea deserves further investigation,
though, he says.

Lee and her colleagues acknowledge that their interpretation could be
stood on its head. If diabetes causes the body to become less
efficient at dealing with POPs, then higher levels of POPs in people
with diabetes could be an effect of the disease, rather than its
cause. Lee does not rule out this possibility, but thinks it unlikely.
She points to a 2003 study by other researchers that found no
relationship between diabetes and the rate at which POPs are
eliminated from the body (Journal of Toxicology and Environmental
Health, vol 66, p 211).

The team also examined the link between POPs and a metabolic disorder
called insulin resistance, in which muscle, fat and liver cells fail
to use insulin properly and which often progresses to full-blown
diabetes. Once again, they found that people whose blood contained the
highest levels of POPs were most likely to have insulin resistance
(Diabetes Care, vol 30, p 622). The results add weight to the idea
that POPs may be playing a vital role in the disease pathway from
insulin resistance to diabetes, says Lee. "I am really excited about
this."

Even so, she acknowledges two obvious objections to her work. First,
while levels of POPs in the blood of Americans have been falling for a
couple of decades, the diabetes epidemic is just taking off. Lee
suggests that as obesity seems to make POPs more dangerous, its rising
prevalence may have cancelled out any health improvements that should
have followed the decline in POPs.

A second question is why, if POPs are central to diabetes, the
incidence of the disease is soaring not only in the meat-addicted west
but also in countries such as India, where many millions are
vegetarian. Lee's answer is that, while many POPs are banned in the
west, some are still used as pesticides in developing countries. "The
highest rate ...

read more »

Molecular epidemiologic evidence for diabetogenic effects of dioxin
exposure in BACKGROUND: One of the outcomes positively associated with
dioxin exposure in humans is type 2 diabetes. OBJECTIVES: This study
was conducted in order to find the molecular biological evidence for
the diabetogenic action of dioxin in adipose samples from Vietnam
veterans. METHODS: We obtained 313 adipose tissue samples both from
Vietnam veterans who were exposed to dioxin (Operation Ranch Hand) and
from comparison veterans who served in Southeast Asia with no record
of dioxin exposure. We conducted quantitative reverse-transcribed
polymerase chain reaction studies on selected marker mRNAs from these
samples. RESULTS: We found the most sensitive and reliable molecular
indicator of dioxin-induced diabetes to be the ratio of mRNA of
glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) and nuclear transcription factor kappa B
(NFkappaB), a marker of inflammation. This ratio showed significant
correlations to serum dioxin residues and to fasting glucose among
those in the Ranch Hand group and, surprisingly, even in the
comparison group, who have low levels of dioxin comparable to the
general public. Such a correlation in the comparison group was
particularly significant among those with known risk factors such as
obesity and family history of diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: These results
show that the GLUT4:NFkappaB ratio is a reliable marker for the
diabetogenic action of dioxin, particularly at very low exposure
levels that are not much higher than those found in the general
public, implying a need to address current exposure levels. PMID:
17107852

Polychlorinated biphenyl-77 induces adipocyte differentiation and
proinflammatory adipokines and promotes obesity and atherosclerosis.
BACKGROUND: Obesity, an inflammatory condition linked to
cardiovascular disease, is associated with expansion of adipose
tissue. Highly prevalent coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
such as 3,3',4,4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB-77) accumulate in adipose
tissue because of their lipophilicity and increase with obesity.
However, the effects of PCBs on adipocytes, obesity, and obesity-
associated cardiovascular disease are unknown. OBJECTIVES: In this
study we examined in vitro and in vivo effects of PCB-77 on adipocyte
differentiation, proinflammatory adipokines, adipocyte morphology,
body weight, serum lipids, and atherosclerosis. METHODS: PCB-77 or
2,2',4,4,5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB-153) was incubated with 3T3-L1
adipocytes either during differentiation or in mature adipocytes.
Concentration-dependent effects of PCB-77 were contrasted with those
of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). For in vivo studies, we
treated C57BL/6 wild-type (WT) or aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)(-/-)
mice with vehicle or PCB-77 (49 mg/kg, by intraperitoneal injection)
and examined body weight gain. In separate studies, we injected
ApoE(-/-) mice with vehicle or PCB-77 over a 6-week period and
examined body weight, adipocyte size, serum lipids, and
atherosclerosis. RESULTS: Low concentrations of PCB-77 or TCDD
increased adipocyte differentiation, glycerol-3-phosphate
dehydrogenase activity, and expression of peroxisome proliferator-
activated receptor gamma, whereas higher concentrations inhibited
adipocyte differentiation. Effects of PCB-77 were abolished by the AhR
antagonist alpha-naphthoflavone. PCB-77 promoted the expression and
release of various proinflammatory cytokines from 3T3-L1 adipocytes.
Administration of PCB-77 increased body weight gain in WT but not
AhR(-/-) mice. ApoE(-/-) mice injected with PCB-77 exhibited greater
body weight, adipocyte hypertrophy, serum dyslipidemia, and augmented
atherosclerosis. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that PCB-77 may
contribute to the development of obesity and obesity-associated
atherosclerosis. PMID: 18560532

White adipose tissue: storage and effector site for environmental
pollutants.
White adipose tissue (WAT) represents a reservoir of lipophilic
environmental pollutants, especially of those which are resistant to
biological and chemical degradation - so-called persistent organic
pollutants (POPs). Large amounts of different congeners and isomers of
these compounds exhibit a variety of adverse biological effects.
Interactions among different classes of compounds, frequently with
opposing effects, complicate hazard evaluation and risk assessment.
WAT is the key organ for energy homeostasis and it also releases
metabolites into the circulation and adipokines with systemic effects
on insulin sensitivity and fuel partitioning in muscles and other
tissues. Its beneficial role is lost in obesity when excessive
accumulation of WAT contributes to severe diseases, such as diabetes.
POPs may crossroad or modulate the effect of endogenous ligands of
nuclear transcription factors, participating in differentiation,
metabolism and the secretory function of adipocytes. These mechanisms
include, most importantly: i) endocrine disrupting potency of POPs
mixtures on androgen, estrogen or thyroid hormone metabolism/functions
in WAT, ii) interference of dioxin-like chemicals with retinoic acid
homeostasis, where impact on retinoid receptors is expected, and iii)
interaction with transcriptional activity of peroxisome proliferator-
activated receptors is likely. Thus, the accumulation and action of
POPs in WAT represents a unitary mechanism explaining, at least in
part, the effects of POPs in the whole organism. By modulating WAT
differentiation, metabolism and function, the POPs could affect not
only the physiological role of WAT, but they may also influence the
development of obesity-associated diseases. PMID: 16925464

http://www.ideals.uiuc.edu/bitstream/2142/970/2/v18n505.pdf
DoD Releases Study on Link Between
Agent Orange and Diabetes
On July 6, 2005, the Department of Defense released the latest report
of the Air Force Health Study on the health effects of exposure to
herbicides in Vietnam, which includes the strongest evidence to date
that Agent Orange is associated with adult-onset diabetes. This
supports the findings from earlier reports in 1992 and 1997 ...

http://www.totalhealthbreakthroughs.com/2008/09/pesticides-weight-gai...

Pesticides, Weight Gain, and Insulin Resistance   09/23/2008

If you are having difficulty losing weight even after dieting and
exercising more, you are not alone. Over the years, I have helped
probably thousands of people with the same problem, but I am finding
this scenario to be much more common now than in the past. What I want
you to know is that when you’ve tried everything and weight loss or
lowering of blood sugar or lipids seems impossible, it could be that
environmental toxins are disrupting your body.

Some pesticides, for instance, have been linked with suboptimal
thyroid function and others to insulin resistance (IR). Certain
pesticides that haven’t even been used for years, like DDT, are still
a problem because they are so persistent in the environment, and from
there can get into our bodies.

Researchers call these substances persistent organic pollutants
(POPs). The insecticide, dieldrin, is an example. This organochlorine
pesticide was used on cotton and corn from the 1950s until 1970. And
although its use was banned on crops in 1974, it was still used for
termite control until it was finally banned by the EPA completely in
1987. Because it is tightly bound to soil and it evaporates very
slowly, dieldrin persists in the environment even though it’s no
longer used.1

So how does dieldrin affect us today? Plants absorb it from the soil,
and water runoff carries the soil with the chemical into water
supplies. When we eat plants grown in soil still contaminated with
dieldrin, it enters our bodies. We can also get it from the flesh of
animals eating contaminated plants or fish living in contaminated
waters.1

After being consumed, dieldrin is then stored in our body fat. And
here’s the problem: dieldrin may be linked to disruption in the
thyroid hormones, T4 and TSH. One study found that women with
significantly high dieldrin in their blood had decreased T4 levels and
increased TSH.

This is exactly what is seen in a condition known as subclinical
hypothyroidism. The body is still making thyroid hormone, but levels
are lowered and so the person will start to see the symptoms of
lowered thyroid, like weight gain and being cold, even with only
moderately skewed levels.

In the study mentioned above, blood levels of dieldrin were
significantly high in the hypothyroid of women with disrupted thyroid
hormones compared to those with normal thyroid levels.2 People do not
realize there are many environmental pollutants that have this same
effect.

People with high levels of POPs like organochlorine pesticides and
PCBs are more likely to develop IR as well.3 And down the road, there
is an increased risk of high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and
heart disease. And sure enough, the link has now been made between
POPs and diabetes.4

So what is the solution to this problem? We have to try to reduce our
exposures as much as possible by drinking water that has been purified
with a good filtration system (reverse osmosis systems remove the most
contaminants) and eating certified organic foods. This can help reduce
any further pesticide load, but obviously does nothing to address the
pollutants that permeate our soils and water from years past.

We can however help our body remove existing pesticides from our
tissues by supplying nutrients and other substances that either
promote detoxification enzymes in the body or that directly help
remove toxic substances.

Glutathione is one of the primary detoxification enzymes in the body.
It needs a steady supply of the amino acid cysteine (found in eggs,
whey, and cabbage family vegetables), plus trace minerals like
selenium and zinc, and B vitamins to prevent a build up homocysteine.
Several supplement manufacturers make products that combine these
nutrients to support internal production of glutathione.

However, since many pesticides tend to reside in the fatty components
of our body, they can be very difficult to remove, and so far, the
only effective way to remove them is through sweating, with the use of
saunas for instance. Far infrared saunas are a new type of sauna
technology that has been researched in Japan. This type of sauna is
reported to be even more effective in removing toxic substances than
traditional saunas because the rays penetrate deeper into the tissue.
But any form of sweating is helpful, even sweating from exercise.

Unfortunately, weight and blood sugar management issues are only the
tip of the iceberg when it comes to health problems from environmental
pollutants. Many of the substances are neurotoxic, and some suppress
our immune system. So start doing what you can today to reduce the
effects of pesticides on your health –and be aware that the research
is really starting to explode on this topic.

   That post was an excellent contribution!  But I, too, wonder about
the answer to your question.  How serious are the formaldehyde and
methanol, and how well equipped are our livers to cope with them?

--
Marshall Price of Miami
Known to Yahoo as d021317c

<snip>

   What does that mean, "the hypothyroid of women"?  Is it a mistake?

--
Marshall Price of Miami
Known to Yahoo as d021317c

<snip>

   My recent experience with long-term fasting may provide some insight
into this problem.  My weight fell from nearly 190 pounds to below 90
(and perhaps 80) pounds, and my arms and legs were quite emaciated.  So
was every part of me, except for one region: that part of my abdomen
between the belly button and pubic bone!  In that region, I retained
fat, not only subcutaneous fat (as evidenced by pinching my skin), but
also intra-abdominal fat, detectable by a pronounced bulge.

   Could the fact that I'd often taken saunas prior to the whole
episode, but haven't during it, nor since, have made that fat less
watery, and thus, more intractable to its reduction for energy?

   Another hypothesis: Could the wearing of belts (tight enough to hold
our pants up) interfere with our circulation enough to make belly fat
different from other fat deposits?

--
Marshall Price of Miami
Known to Yahoo as d021317c

Looks like a mistake to me also. Maybe they meant:
... blood levels of dieldrin were significantly high in women with
disrupted thyroid hormones ...

What made you take such a drastic fast? Were you still exercising
during fast? How are you feeling now?

Its possible or that particular section is most effected by POPs.
Possibly antioxidants such as ALA, Carnitine, NAC, CoQ10 or green tea
would help.