Concentrations of lead in cosmetics commonly used in South Africa

In this study, we present evidence of lead in lip liner, oil absorbent powder, mascara, concealer, lipsticks, lip gloss, and foundation. The samples were analyzed for lead by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The levels of lead in concealer, mascara, lip liner, and oil absorbent powder were found to be 7.4?±?1.3?µg?g^?1, 15.8?±?0.2?µg?g^?1, 29.0?±?9.2?µg?g^?1, and 17.3?±?2.9?µg?g^?1, respectively. The levels of lead in lipsticks, lip gloss, and foundation ranged from not detected to 73.1?±?5.2?µg?g^?1, 4.7 to 11.7?±?2.8?µg?g^?1, and 7.8 to 32.9?±?1.4?µg?g^?1, respectively. Thus, in the majority of samples, the concentrations of lead are higher than the USFDA maximum permissible concentration of 0.10?µg?g^?1 in candy and cosmetics. In lipsticks alone, only 25% of 40 samples were found to meet the requirement. Therefore, continuous use of cosmetic products in which lead concentration exceeds the maximum permissible level may pose a health hazard for the female population of South Africa in the long run.     

Concentrations,input prediction and probabilistic biological risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) along Gujarat coastline

A comprehensive investigation was conducted in order to assess the levels of PAHs, their input prediction and potential risks to bacterial abundance and human health along Gujarat coastline. A total of 40 sediment samples were collected at quarterly intervals within a year from two contaminated sites—Alang-Sosiya Shipbreaking Yard (ASSBRY) and Navlakhi Port (NAV), situated at Gulf of Khambhat and Gulf of Kutch, respectively. The concentration of ΣPAHs ranged from 408.00 to 54240.45 ng g^?1 dw, indicating heavy pollution of PAHs at both the contaminated sites. Furthermore, isomeric ratios and principal component analysis have revealed that inputs of PAHs at both contaminated sites were mixed-pyrogenic and petrogenic. Pearson co-relation test and regression analysis have disclosed Nap, Acel and Phe as major predictors for bacterial abundance at both contaminated sites. Significantly, cancer risk assessment of the PAHs has been exercised based on incremental lifetime cancer risks. Overall, index of cancer risk of PAHs for ASSBRY and NAV ranged from 4.11 × 10^?6–2.11 × 10^?5 and 9.08 × 10^?6–4.50 × 10^?3 indicating higher cancer risk at NAV compared to ASSBRY. The present findings provide baseline information that may help in developing advanced bioremediation and bioleaching strategies to minimize biological risk.     

Uranium quantification in groundwater and health risk from its ingestion in Haryana,India

Uranium is a naturally occurring radioactive element which may cause toxicological or radiological hazards to the public if present in drinking water. This study reports the quantification of uranium in groundwater of major towns of the district Fatehabad, Haryana, India. Uranium concentrations ranged between 0.3 and 48 μg L^?1. In 22% of the groundwater samples, uranium concentrations were higher than the World Health Organization maximum permissible limit of 30 µg L^?1. The radiological dose for males was found to be in the range of 4.8?×?10^?4–7.1?×?10^?2 mSv y^?1 and for females 3.5?×?10^?4–5.2?×?10^?2 mSv y^?1. The results showed that due to the ingestion of groundwater in the study area, radiological cancer risk is in the range of 9.1?×?10^?7–1.3?×?10^?4, lower than the risk limit. Uranium ingestion from groundwater varied from 0.02 to 3.5 µg kg^?1 day^?1, which is within acceptable limit.     

Spatial distributions,source apportionment and ecological risk of SVOCs in water and sediment from Xijiang River,Pearl River Delta

Xijiang River is an important drinking water source in Guangxi Province, China. Along the Xijiang River and surrounding tributary, the pollution profile of three important groups of semi-volatile organic compounds, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and phthalate esters (PAEs), was analyzed. Relatively low levels of PAHs (64–3.7 × 10² ng L^?1) and OCPs (16–70 ng L^?1), but high levels of PAEs (7.9 × 10²–6.8 × 10³ ng L^?1) occurred in the water. Comparatively, low levels of OCPs (39–1.8 × 10² ng g^?1) and PAEs (21–81 ng g^?1), but high levels of PAHs (41–1.1 × 10³ ng g^?1) were found in sediment. Principal component analyses for source identification indicated petroleum-derived residues or coal and biomass combustion, and vehicular emission was the main sources for PAHs. The OCPs sources of each category were almost independent, whereas the new input of HCHs and p,p′-DDTs probably existed in some areas. PAEs were mainly originated from personal care products of urban sewage, plastic and other industrial sources. Ecological risk through the risk quotient analysis indicated a small or significant potential adverse effect on fish, daphnia and green algae. Nevertheless, the integrated risk of all pollutants should be taken into account in future study.     

The accumulation levels of heavy metals (Ni,Cr, Sr, & Ag) in marine algae from southwest coast of India

In the context of use of marine algae as biological indicators of heavy metal pollution in coastal waters, six species of marine algae collected from the southwest coast of India were analysed for the levels of heavy metals (Ni, Cr, Sr, and Ag). Interspecies and interclass variations were determined on a spatial and temporal scale. The metal contents varied in the ranges, Ni: 0.20–21.06?µg?g^?1 (mean?=?10.13?µg?g^?1), Cr: non-detectable level (ND)–37.18?µg?g^?1 (mean?=?13.86?µg?g^?1), Sr: 2.19–103.90?µg?g^?1 (mean =?29.40?µg?g^?1), and Ag: ND–6.39?µg?g^?1 (mean?=?1.80?µg?g^?1). Ni and Cr contents were of similar magnitude to those reported for algae from polluted areas.     

Determination of persistent organic pollutants in sediment and fish of the western coast of Alexandria,Egypt

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) were recorded in sediment and fish samples collected from the western coast of Alexandria. Total hydrocarbons (aliphatic+PAHs ) in sediment ranged from 683.8 to 34670.1 ng g ^?1 with an average of 9286.9 ng g ^?1. The sum of C16–C34 of aliphatic fractions was<4000?ng g;^?1, indicating the presence of a fresh petroleum source. For all sediments, the anthracene/phenanthrene ratio was>0.1, suggesting the dominance of a pyrolytic source. Total aliphatics in different fish species ranged from 253 to 11?132 ng g;^?1, while total PAHs ranged from 3862 to 35?746 ng g;^?1 wet weight. Benzo[a]pyrene was the most dominant PAH fraction ranged from 1902.7 to 32 905.5 with an average of 9464.5?ng g;^?1 wet weight in all fish species. Concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) ranged from 0.79 to 64.9?ng g;^?1 with an average 12.14?ng g;^?1 wet weight. The concentrations of organochlorines in fish species (Euthynnus alleferatus, Scomberomorus commerson, Sphyraena Sphyraena, Diplodus vulgaris, and Alepes djedaba) decreased following the order: PCBs>DDTs>HCHs>total cyclodienes. Concentrations of DDTs in fish tissues ranged from 4.89 to 36.37 ng g^?1 with an average of 16.4?ng g;^?1 wet weight. The concentrations of total HCHs ranged from 0.3 to 65.7?ng g;^?1 with an average of 16.35?ng g;^?1. The present study indicates: (1) fresh petroleum input where Pr/Ph>1; (2) PAHs in sediment<4000 ng g ^?1; (3) BaP concentration exceeded the permissible levels in Alepes djedaba species; (4) DDTs in sediment were below the effective range low level; (5) PCBs>effective range low and相似文献   

Carbon paste electrode modified with chromium thiopental for the potentiometric flow injection analysis of chromium (III)

A chemically modified carbon paste electrode for chromium (III) based on the formation of ion-association complex of chromium with 5-ethyl-6-oxo-5-pentan-2-yl-sulfanyl-pyrimidin-4-olate (thiopental, THP) as electroactive ion-exchanger (Cr-THP) was prepared and investigated. The electrode has a linear dynamic range of 1.7?×?10^?6–1.3?×?10^?2?mol?L^?1, with a Nernstian slope of 19.6?±?0.5?mV per decade and a detection limit of 9.0?×?10^?7?mol?L^?1. It has a fast response time of <15?s and can be used for at least 7 weeks without any considerable divergence in potential. The proposed sensor revealed good selectivity for Cr(III) over a wide variety of mono-, di-, and trivalent cations and could be used in the pH range of 2.3–6.5. The proposed electrode was used in batch measurements and in flow injection analysis. The Cr-CMCPE was successfully applied for the determination of Cr(III) in real samples (wastewater of hot dip galvanizing unit and alloys). The present electrode was also used as an indicator electrode in potentiometric titration of Cr(III). The results were highly satisfactory.     

In vitro kinetic characterization of inhibition of acetylcholinesterase by organophosphate and carbamate compounds in food animals

Organophosphate, dichlorvos (2,2-dichlorovinyldimethylphosphate, DDVP), and diazinon (DZN) as well as carbamates are currently found in contaminated water, dust, soil, agricultural waste, and elsewhere in the environment, and can be harmful after accidental or deliberate exposure. Intoxication by these compounds causes a generalized cholinergic crisis due to the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), whose major physiological role in mammalian tissues is in nervous transmission. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) was found to be higher for carbaryl than DDVP and DZN, about 3–4 times in liver and about 4–6 times in muscles. The half time (t _1/2) of inhibition (8?µmol?L^?1 DDVP or DZN; 40?µmol?L^?1 carbaryl) ranged between 4 and 16?min and decreased as follows: pig?>?cattle?>?sheep for liver tissue, and cattle?>?sheep?>?pig for muscle. Rate constants of inhibition (k _i) ranged between 43?×?10^?3 and 168?×?10^?3?min^?1 for liver and from 46?×?10^?3 to 115?×?10^?3?min^?1 for muscles. Very little residual AChE activity (<6.1%) was seen in liver, but more was seen in muscle (<17%).     

The evolution of pollution profile and health risk assessment for three groups SVOCs pollutants along with Beijiang River,China

Three important groups of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), organic chlorinated pesticides (OCPs) and phthalate esters (PAEs), were produced by various human activities and entered the water body. In this study, the pollution profiles of three species including 16 PAHs, 20 OCPs and 15 PAEs in water along the Beijiang River, China were investigated. The concentrations of Σ₁₆PAHs in the dissolved and particulate phases were obtained as 69–1.5 × 10² ng L^?1 and 2.3 × 10³–8.6 × 10⁴ ng g^?1, respectively. The levels of Σ₂₀OCPs were 23–66 ng L^?1 (dissolved phase) and 19–1.7 × 10³ ng g^?1 (particulate phase). Nevertheless, higher levels of PAEs were found both in the dissolved and particulate phases due to abuse use of plastic products. Furthermore, non-cancer and cancer risks caused by these SVOCs through the ingestion absorption and dermal absorption were also assessed. There was no non-cancer risk existed through two kinds of exposure of them at current levels, whereas certain cancer risk existed through dermal absorption of PAHs in the particulate phase in some sampling sites. The results will show scientific insights into the evaluation of the status of combined pollution in river basins, and the determination of strategies for incident control and pollutant remediation.     

Organochlorine pesticides (HCHs and DDTs) in soils along the north coastal areas of the Bohai Sea,China

A systematic survey of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) including hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (α-HCH, β-HCH, γ-HCH, δ-HCH and ΣHCH) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane metabolites (p,p′-DDT, p,p′-DDE, o,p′-DDT, p,p′-DDD and ∑DDT) in soils along the north coastal areas of the Bohai Sea, China, has been lacking. In this study, 31 representative surface soil samples were collected along the north coastal and riverine areas of the Bohai Sea to characterise the potential for adverse effects of ∑HCH, ∑DDT and their individual isomers and transformation products. Concentrations of ΣHCH and ΣDDT in soils ranged from less than the limit of detection (1 ng · g^?1 dw (mean: 3.5 ng · g^?1 dw) and2 ng · g^?1 dw (mean: 1.7 × 10¹ ng · g^?1 dw), respectively. Compared with studies of OCPs in soils from other locations, concentrations of HCHs and DDTs observed in this study were moderate. Concentrations of OCPs observed in soils were generally less than proposed reference values. HCH residues were a mixture of historical technical HCH and current lindane sources. The pattern of DDTs was consistent with historical releases of technical DDTs. Selected soil physicochemical properties did not explain the sorption and/or partitioning of HCHs or DDTs.     

Partitioning of Cs-137 Between Sediment and Water From the Black Sea

Abstract

As part of a joint USA/USSR Environmental Agreement to determine the distribution and concentration of Chernobyl radioactivity in the northwest Black Sea area, the sediment from eight stations was collected and analyzed to assess the ability of this material to adsorb radiocaesium. Batch tests were conducted in which Cs-137 tracer was added to mixtures of sediment and bottom water, with contact solutions ranging from 85 Bq ml^?1 to 1,760 Bq ml^?1. This work was done in an argon atmosphere at 9.5°C, which is the average temperature of the sediment. Isotherms were linear for all cores and distribution ratios (R_D) calculated from the slopes of the isotherms ranged from 660 to 1,660 ml g^?1. These isotherms fit a simplified Freundlich isotherm. Correlations of R_D to a number of sediment parameters describing texture and mineralogy were determined. A close relationship was observed between R_D for caesium and the percentage of illite contained in the samples.     

大气细颗粒物暴露后小鼠肺组织microRNA差异表达谱芯片分析

microRNAs作为临床疾病早期诊断的新型生物标记物越来越受到重视,为了进一步探究其在大气污染暴露后引起疾病的分子染毒机制。本研究通过建立大气污染小鼠染毒模型,利用Agilent芯片筛查小鼠肺组织中microRNAs差异表达谱,并通过实时荧光定量PCR方法验证芯片结果,使用Target Scan,PITA,microRNAorg数据对差异mi RNA进行靶基因预测,进行靶基因富集的基因功能(GO)和信号通路(KEGG)分析。结果显示,大气细颗粒物暴露2周后小鼠肺组织microRNAs有显著差异表达谱,高剂量暴露组与对照组比较有4个mi RNAs上调,低剂量暴露组与对照组比较有2个mi RNAs上调,高剂量组与低剂量组比较,有4个mi RNAs上调(标准为fold change值=2.0且P值=0.05),挑选差异明显的mi RNAs进行q RT-PCR验证,mi R-139-5p、mi R-691及mi R-340-3p变化趋势与芯片一致,生物信息学结果显示,差异表达的mi RNAs所调控的靶基因明显富集于34个GO通路(包括RNA转录酶II启动子的转录,RNA拼接,DNA模板,蛋白质结合和核酸结合)和32个KEGG通路(主要集中轴突导向通路和癌症通路)。综上所述,大气细颗粒物暴露染毒可诱导小鼠肺组织中mi R-139-5p、mi R-691及mi R-340-3p明显上调,且生物信息学分析提示中枢神经系统发育及癌症通路可能作为PM2.5暴露相关差异表达mi RNAs调控靶基因介导的主要致病通路。     

Efficiency of Zn phytoextraction,biomass yield and formation of low-molecular-weight organic acids in S × rubens – a hydroponic experiment

The aim of the study was to estimate Zn phytoextraction and changes in biomass of S?×?rubens growing in modified Knop's solution with different levels of Zn addition (0.5, 1.0, 2.5 and 5.0?mM). Obtained results were correlated with secretion of selected low-molecular-weight organic acids (LMWOAs) in the rhizosphere, roots and leaves. An increase in Zn concentration in Knop's solution resulted in Zn accumulation in roots, shoots and leaves. The highest accumulation was observed for plants growing in 5?mM Zn, at concentration levels 4741.36?±?98.66, 1227.31?±?16.57 and 2241.65?±?34.90?mg?kg^?1 DW in roots, shoots and leaves, respectively. The bioaccumulation factor and the translocation factor for plants growing in 0.5, 1.0 and 2.5?mM Zn clearly indicate that this Salix taxon is an effective Zn accumulator. The general reduction of Salix biomass with an increase in Zn concentration in the solution was observed. In the rhizosphere, the total LMWOA concentration was almost 0.93?µmol?kg^?1 DM for control (Zn free) plants, while for 5.0?mM of Zn it was 4.9?µmol?kg^?1 DM. Increasing concentrations of acids were observed in roots (1.34 for the control and 5.57?µmol?kg^?1 DM for plants treated with 2.5?mM of Zn).     

Screening of endogenous antioxidants in some medicinal plants

The evaluation of antioxidant enzymes and antioxidant metabolites was done in leaf tissues of Azadirachta indica, Butea monosperma, Cassia fistula, Mangifera indica, and Syzygium cumini growing in the Thar Desert, Rajasthan, India. The plants are naturally exposed to drought stress and high temperatures during summer. Enzymatic reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging mechanisms in plants include superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase, catalase, and guaiacol peroxidase, and non-enzymatic antioxidants including the carotenoids, proline, and vitamin C were studied. The strategies to cope up with ROS under these extreme conditions are plant-specific. The highest activity of APX was found in M. indica (13.6?±?2.4?units?g^?1 fresh wt.). A. indica exhibited maximum guaiacol peroxidase activity (0.024?±?0.006?units?min?g^?1 fresh wt.), while S. cumini showed maximum SOD (12.5?±?2.3?units?g^?1 fresh wt.) and catalase activities (6.9?±?2.2?units?g^?1 fresh wt.). M. indica and S. cumini have been found to be more potent antioxidant systems among the studied plants.     

Dissolved nutrient dynamics along the southwest coastal waters of India during northeast monsoon: a case study

Dissolved nutrients, Chl-a and primary productivity were measured from seven transects along the coastal waters of the southeastern Arabian Sea during northeast monsoon. Ten major estuaries were chosen to study the influence of estuarine discharge on the nutrient dynamics in the coastal waters. The mean water discharge of the estuaries in the north (64.8?±?18?×?10⁵?m³?d^?1) was found to be higher than those in the south (30.6?±?21.4?×?10⁵?m³?d^?1), whereas the nutrient concentrations were found to be higher in the estuaries of the south. The results from the offshore waters were discussed in accordance with the depth contour classification, that is, shelf (depth?≤?30?m) and slope waters (depth?≥?30?m). Our results suggest that the estuarine discharge plays a major role in the nutrient distribution in near shore shelf waters, whereas in shelf and slope waters, it was mainly controlled by in situ biological processes. The inorganic form of N to P ratios were found to be higher than Redfield ratio in slope waters when compared with shelf waters, suggesting that PO₄^3? (<0.15?µmol?L^?1) is a limiting nutrient for primary production. The multivariate statistical analysis revealed that the nutrient dynamics in the coastal waters was controlled by both biological and physical processes.     

Seasonal variation of the concentrations of 137Cs in sediment,sea water,and some organisms collected from Izmir Bay and Didim

¹³⁷Cs in the marine environment mainly originates from fallout of atmospheric nuclear weapon tests, accidental releases from nuclear facilities, and from the Chernobyl accident. After the latter accident, many studies have been carried out in Turkey. The objective of this study is to assess the spatial distribution of ¹³⁷Cs in the coastal marine environment of the Aegean Sea.

The concentrations of ¹³⁷Cs in sediment, sea water, mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis), and fish samples collected from the coast of the Aegean Sea at Izmir Bay and near Didim (Akbük) have been monitored for seasonal variability by the means of gamma spectroscopy: they vary between 0.10 ± 0.01 and 1.5 ± 0.3 Bq kg^?1, 1.3 ± 0.1 and 4.3 ± 0.4 Bq m^?3, <0.2 and 1.3 ± 0.3 Bq kg^?1, and 0.20 ± 0.03 and 1.8 ± 0.3 Bq kg^?1, respectively.     

Fish as an indicator of aquatic environment: Multielemental neutron activation analysis of nutrient and pollutant elements in fish from Indian coastal areas

Fish is the main food in coastal areas and its analysis for toxic metals has been used as an indicator of the pollution status of the aquatic environment. Several different fish species from the three Indian coasts, Visakhapatnam in the east, Mumbai in the west and Mangalore in the south west and also inland freshwater fish from Nagpur in the central region for comparison were analyzed for up to 20 elements (As, Au, Ba, Br, Cl, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Mn, Na, P, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, Sr, Zn) by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). Dried fish samples in powdered form were irradiated with thermal neutrons in a nuclear reactor followed by high resolution gamma ray spectrometry at different intervals. Several Reference Materials (RMs) of biological origin were analyzed for quality assurance and data validation. Elemental contents in different fish species vary in a wide range depending on the species, its size, location, and aquatic environment. Fish from Mangalore showed highest mean contents of Cr (14.8?±?29.9?µg?g^?1), Cu (1005?±?643?µg?g^?1) and Sb (849?±?888?ng?g^?1) whereas those from Mumbai exhibited highest Hg (2066?±?2146?ng?g^?1) and P (20.3?±?4.63?µg?g^?1) but lowest Cu (6.30?±?3.10?µg?g^?1) contents. Fish from all the regions showed significant amounts of nutrient elements such as Na, K, P, Mn, Fe, Se and Zn as well as some pollutant elements (Br, Cr, Sb, Hg). No regularity in variation of elemental contents with the size was observed. Prawn (Panaeus latisulcatus), a popular fish species from four different regions showed wide variation in elemental contents of Cr, Mn, Fe, Zn, Se, P including toxic pollutants, Sb and Hg. An attempt has been made to calculate daily dietary intake (DDI) for some nutrient elements from Indian fish. Elemental data for Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Se, and Zn have been compared with those from other fish exporting countries.     

Potential correlation between perfluorinated acids and liver morphology in East Greenland polar bears (Ursus maritimus)

In this study, residual concentrations of chlorpyrifos (CPF) were determined in feed (40) and fodder (25) samples collected from various locations of Tarai region of Uttarakhand. For extracting residues, liquid–liquid partition followed by alumina column clean up was used and the detection and quantification of residues was undertaken with the help of high-performance liquid chromatography using C18 column and diode array detector at 220?nm. Of the total 40 feed samples analyzed, 7 (17.5%) samples were found positive for CPF with the mean residual concentration of 0.058?µg?g^?1; while out of 25 fodder samples, CPF residues were detected in a single (4%) sample with residual concentration of 0.39?µg?g^?1. However, none of the feed or fodder samples contained CPF residues above the prescribed limit.     

Photo- and electro-catalysis for solar disinfection of Escherichia coli-contaminated water using Ag–TiO2/graphite

A titanium dioxide film on a graphite substrate was synthesized by chemical bath deposition from TiCl₄ as precursor and with the surfactant cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide as a linking and assembling agent. Silver was loaded on the TiO₂ film by electrodeposition at 0.025?A. Water contaminated with Escherichia coli was disinfected under sunlight irradiation by photolysis (Lys), photocatalysis (PC), photoelectrocatalysis (PEC), and electrocatalysis (EC). The highest rate constant, k, was achieved with EC; k was 5.1?×?10^?2 colony forming units (CFU) mL^?1?min^?1. However, auto-oxidation of Ag occurred during EC and PEC. Meanwhile, the rate constant of disinfection by means of PC was lower than EC and PEC, and k was 3.82?×?10^?2 CFU?mL^?1?min^?1. Nevertheless, the auto-oxidation of Ag in the Ag–TiO₂/graphite tablet did not occur during the disinfection process.     

Dioxin alters inflammatory responses to lipopolysaccharide

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) has well characterized effects on specific immune responses, but the effects on the innate immune system are less understood. The effect of TCDD on inflammatory responses induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was evaluated in C57BL/6J female mice. Mice were treated with 30?µg?kg^?1 TCDD or vehicle once, p.o., and 4 days later, animals received LPS (0.05?×?10⁷?EU?kg^?1, i.p.) or vehicle. Inflammatory mediators and the liver injury marker, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), were measured, and liver histology was evaluated. TCDD-treated animals had higher plasma ALT activity than vehicle-treated animals, but the effect was mild and time-dependent. Few changes in liver histopathology were observed, mainly represented in greater steatosis in TCDD/LPS-treated mice compared to mice treated with LPS or TCDD alone. LPS produced a time-dependent increase in the plasma concentrations of interleukins (IL)-6, -10, and -12 and interferon (IFN)-γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1. With the exception of IL-12, concentrations of each of these mediators were higher in plasma of mice co-treated with TCDD and LPS compared to either agent alone. The dose–response curve for the concentration of IL-6 in plasma suggested that dioxin increased the potency of LPS to cause the release of this cytokine but not the maximal response. Co-treatment with TCDD and LPS also led to greater expression of mRNA for IL-10 and IFN-γ compared to either TCDD or LPS alone. These results suggest that TCDD changes the inflammatory cytokine profile induced by LPS and that LPS enhances the hepatic steatotic response to TCDD.