Here, the role of non-invasive biomarkers in liquid biopsy was evaluated, mainly in exosomes and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) as promising, novel, and stable biomarkers for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). A total of 140 fractions (named from B to F) obtained by ultracentrifugations of whole blood samples from 28 individuals (13 patients and 15 controls) were included. Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) was conducted to characterized exosomal fraction. Subsequently, an analysis of digital PCR (dPCR) using the QuantStudio™ 3D Digital PCR platform was performed and the quantification of mtDNA copy number by QuantStudioTM 12K Flex Real-Time PCR System (qPCR) was developed. Moreover, Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) analyses were included using MiSeq system (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA). An F fraction, which contains all exosome data and all mitochondrial markers, was identified in dPCR and qPCR with statistically significant power (adjusted p values ≤ 0.03) when comparing cases and controls. Moreover, present analysis in mtDNA showed a relevant significance in RCC aggressiveness. To sum up, this is the first time a relation between exosomal mtDNA markers and clinical management of RCC is analyzed. We suggest a promising strategy for future liquid biopsy RCC analysis, although more analysis should be performed prior to application in routine clinical practice.

Parabens are preservatives that are widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and foods, which raise concern due to their potential as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). According to PRISMA guidelines, this study analyzes paraben concentrations in foods globally, with no temporal or geographical restrictions. Of the 713 initially identified articles, 75 were included and classified into 14 food groups. In the European Union (EU), the highest levels pertained to methylparaben and were detected in dairy products (302.82 ng g^-1), vegetables (231.90 ng g^-1) and eggs (229.90 ng g^-1), albeit within regulatory safety limits. However, cumulative exposure from multiple contaminated food sources could lead to the acceptable daily intake (ADI) being exceeded. Outside of the EU, especially in China and Saudi Arabia, higher concentrations were reported in processed condiments (methylparaben: 495700.00 ng g^-1), vegetables (ethylparaben: 312600.00 ng g^-1) and cookies (methylparaben: 253700.00 ng g^-1), with levels far exceeding those found in the EU. Stronger worldwide controls are required to reduce paraben exposure through food.

Bisphenols and parabens are endocrine-disrupting chemicals widely used in food packaging and personal care products. Early-life exposure to these compounds has been associated with adverse health effects, but their potential role in modulating the gut microbiota during childhood remains poorly understood. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between chronic exposure to bisphenols and parabens and gut microbiota diversity, composition, and function in children. A cross-sectional study in 97 Spanish children aged 4-12 year was conducted. Bisphenols and parabens in hair were quantified using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). Gut microbiota composition was assessed via 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and functional potential was inferred using PICRUSt2. Associations were explored using linear regression and random forest models, adjusting for age and sex. Total bisphenols and parabens were detected in 100 % of the children, with median concentrations of 311.33 ng/g and 1904.11 ng/g, respectively. No significant differences in overall gut microbiota diversity were observed between children with low and high exposure levels to bisphenols and parabens. However, regression models revealed associations between specific microbial genera and individual compounds. Additionally, bisphenol S was negatively associated with a predicted microbial pathway involved in methionine metabolism. Notably, Lachnospiraceae_UCG-001 emerged as a predictive genus for propylparaben exposure. Although gut microbiota composition was similar across exposure levels, specific taxa and functional pathways were linked to chronic bisphenol and paraben exposure. These findings support the need for further research on the health implications of early-life exposure to these endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

Background: Childhood obesity has become a major public health concern worldwide, and increasing attention is being paid to the potential role of endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as parabens. Understanding environmental contributors is essential for early prevention strategies. Objectives: The aim of the present research was to determine the presence of parabens in hair samples and to examine its association with excess weight and obesity in a sample of Spanish schoolchildren. Methods: A total of 104 cases and 166 controls (3–12 year olds) were recruited. Sociodemographic and lifestyle data and hair and urine samples were gathered. UHPLC-MS/MS coupled to a triple quadrupole detector was used for the quantitative determination of six parabens (methylparaben [MetPB], ethylparaben [EthPB], butylparaben [ButPB], propylparaben [PropPB], and isopropylparaben [i-PropPB]). The relationship between the concentration of parabens in hair and urine was examined according to Spearman correlation coefficients. Finally, binary logistic regression models were constructed to evaluate the relationship of parabens with excess weight/obesity. Results: Detected paraben levels were higher in cases. A weak correlation was produced between hair and urine concentrations, with the exception of i-PropP (hair)/PropPB (urine) and i-PropP (hair)/i-PropPB (urine) in boys, and i-PropPB (hair)/PropPB (urine) in girls. A high level of PropPB was associated with a 4.67 times greater risk of excess weight/obesity only in the boys. Conclusions: In males, a high concentration of PropPB in hair is associated with excess weight and obesity.

Obesity, considered a worldwide epidemic, generate great interest to the scientific community due to its impact on public health. Particularly in children because of their vulnerability. In view of the bidirectional relationship between obesity and neurodevelopmental aspects, this study aims to evaluate the effect of excess weight on cognitive and behavioural development. A total of 130 Spanish children (3 to 12 years) were included. Cognitive function and behaviour were assessed using the validated Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-V (WISC-V) and Behaviour Assessment System for Children-3 (BASC-3) tests, respectively. Individuals were classified into groups according to body mass index (BMI) (normal weight and overweight/obesity). Multivariable logistic regression models were performed to address the influence of excess weight on cognitive-behavioural functioning. The results showed that infants who had overweight/obesity were more likely to have lower scores on the full-scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ: OR adjusted = 3.81, p = 0.006), verbal comprehension (VCI: OR adjusted = 2.57, p = 0.045), fluid reasoning (FRI: OR adjusted = 2.79, p value = 0.030) and working memory index (WMI: OR adjusted = 3.59, p = 0.008). No statistically significant results were found between excess weight and behavioural outcomes after adjustment for confounding factors. Secondly, Spearman's correlation analyses revealed a set of inverse correlations between cognitive ability and various behavioural and emotional problems, especially in cases group. In conclusion, excess weight may be negatively associated with a worse cognitive performance. Further, poorer cognitive function may lead to greater vulnerability to neurobehavioral disturbances in children with excess weight. These results underscore the need of further investigation.

Background: Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) like intellectual disability (ID) are highly heritable, but the environment plays an important role. For example, endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), including bisphenol A (BPA) and its analogues, have been termed neuroendocrine disruptors. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different genetic polymorphisms (SNPs) on cognitive function in Spanish schoolchildren according to dietary bisphenol exposure. Methods: A total of 102 children aged 6–12 years old were included. Ten SNPs in genes involved in brain development, synaptic plasticity, and neurotransmission (BDNF, NTRK2, HTR2A, MTHFR, OXTR, SLC6A2, and SNAP25) were genotyped. Then, dietary exposure to bisphenols (BPA plus BPS) was estimated and cognitive functions were assessed using the WISC-V Spanish form. Results: BDNF rs11030101-T and SNAP25 rs363039-A allele carriers scored better on the fluid reasoning domain, except for those inheriting the BDNF rs6265-A allele, who had lower scores. Secondly, relevant SNP–bisphenol interactions existed in verbal comprehension (NTRK2 rs10868235 (p-int = 0.043)), working memory (HTR2A rs7997012 (p-int = 0.002), MTHFR rs1801133 (p-int = 0.026), and OXTR rs53576 (p-int = 0.030)) and fluid reasoning (SLC6A2 rs998424 (p-int = 0.004)). Conclusions: Our findings provide the first proof that exploring the synergistic or additive effects between genetic variability and bisphenol exposure on cognitive function could lead to a better understanding of the multifactorial and polygenic aetiology of NDDs.