Associations of Persistent Organic Pollutants Exposure with Coronary Heart Disease and Hearing Loss

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are endocrine-disrupting chemicals associated with adverse health outcomes. Emerging evidence suggests that POP exposure may contribute to chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease (CHD) and hearing loss, potentially through inflammatory pathways. Inflammation is a key biological mechanism in the development of CHD, and several traditional CHD risk factors are also associated with hearing loss. We examined the cross-sectional associations of (1) POPs with CHD, conducting sex-stratified analyses a priori to account for potential sex differences in POP metabolism, elimination, and toxicology; (2) POPs with hearing loss and hearing thresholds; and (3) inflammatory biomarkers with hearing loss and hearing thresholds among Hispanic/Latino adults. Data were obtained from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) ancillary study, "Persistent Organic Pollutants, Endogenous Hormones, and Diabetes in Latinos," which included 2,333 participants aged 45–74 years. Multivariable logistics and linear regression models were used to estimate associations, taking into account the survey design and relevant covariates. In the overall cohort, β-Hexachlorocyclohexane(β-HCCH) was significantly associated with increased odds of CHD. Among men, both β-HCCH and Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) were positively associated with CHD, while in women, mirex showed a significant positive association. Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) were positively associated with hearing loss and elevated hearing thresholds, while phenobarbital-type inducing polychlorinated biphenyls (PHBB-PCBs) demonstrated a non-linear relationship with hearing loss. Additionally, higher levels of the inflammatory markers high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) were associated with greater odds of hearing loss and increased hearing thresholds. These findings add to the growing evidence linking POP exposure to CHD and hearing loss, particularly among Hispanic/Latino adults. Although additional longitudinal studies are warranted, the results underscore the need for public health strategies that aim to reduce POP exposure, enhance early monitoring of inflammation, and implement targeted interventions to mitigate the long-term burden of CHD and hearing loss.

Author dc:creator

• Mariam Oladosu (23291707)

• Mariam Oladosu Thesis Submission

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

DOI dc:identifier

https://doi.org/10.25417/uic.31451458.v1

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:figshare.com:article/31451458