Highlights
2023
Within this research theme, RCPEM actively integrates intervention studies and evidence-based tracking on the research side, community health services on the medical side, and university social responsibility projects on the educational side. It engages deeply with the community to establish the optimal translational field for environmental medicine. This year, our research teams have published 24 papers in this area, 17 of which have been published in high quality journals (impact factor >5 or ranked in the top 10% in each field). Our achievements include the following:
- We integrated the measurement and modelling expertise of Dr Yu-Cheng Chen at the National Health Research Institutes (NHRI) to evaluate the quantification of PM2.5 using a machine learning technique with a cluster algorithm coupled with a backward trajectory. The result suggests that traffic-related emissions are the major sources of PM2.5-metals in Taiwan (Environ Pollut. 2023 ;316(Pt 2):120652).
- Using a simulated cooking oil fume exposure chamber and sampling techniques, trans,trans-2,4-decandienal (ttDDE), a genotoxin, was found to be the major component of cooking oil fumes. In addition, the results of an in vivo study suggested that ttDDE exposure could induce lung tumours in mice.
- We have successfully established a sampling technique for avian influenza viruses in the atmosphere. It will be helpful for early warning and reducing disaster losses. The research results were published in the journal "Environmental Science & Technology" and covered by numerous social media.
- We implemented and actively promoted the miniaturised design of the "simple and economical oil fume absorption sealed barrel" to mitigate the harm of cooking fume exposure to the public. In addition to visits from street vendors seeking information, the public also inquired about the assembly methods and usage through social media platforms. We also provided guidance to Hong Kong restaurants on improving their equipment.
- The "Pulmonary Health Clinic", which integrated data from Airbox and the Environmental Protection Bureau's air quality monitoring station as a reference for disease and prescription changes, won the 24th National Healthcare Quality Award. (6) We actively researched the effects of environmental arsenic exposure on lung function and patented a series of apigenin skeleton derivatives to reduce arsenic exposure in the body.
RCPEM is currently focusing on the toxicants melamine and phthalates. We have focused on their effects on the risk of kidney disease and immunological disorders and have sought to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these effects. Building on the previous study, we are continuing to investigate the co-exposure effects of plastic products, particularly melamine and plasticisers, on kidney health. We also focused on the interactive effects and mechanisms of sugar-sweetened beverages and key genetic factors on kidney disease and the immune system. During the year, our research teams published 19 papers in this area, 10 of which were published in high impact journals. Our findings include the following:
- We found that daily sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake >500 mL was associated with higher metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk score, and uric acid (UA) and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) levels explained 67.9% and 32.1% of the indirect effect of SSB intake >500 mL on MetS risk score, respectively.
- We found that melamine exposure is significantly associated with adverse renal outcomes in type 2 diabetic patients, especially in those who are male, have good glycaemic control or good baseline renal function (Environ Pollut 2023; 331(Pt 1):121883).
- We suggest that co-exposure to melamine and di-ethylhexyl phthalate alters mitochondrial dynamics and accelerates kidney injury in adenine diet-induced CKD mice.
- RCPEM received a Symbol of National Quality (SNQ) Award from Taiwan's Institute for Biotechnology and Medicine Industry in recognition of our multidisciplinary research team's efforts in sustainable social action and innovative services to solve everyday environmental problems of phthalates and melamine.