Hugo Neels emeritus occasional assignment

Research Hugo Neels

Research team

Bisphenol A alternatives: transfer from food contact materials, fate and human exposure. 01/01/2016 - 31/12/2019

Abstract

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is again at the forefront of research because its restriction has resulted in the use of numerous BPA analogues, e.g., other bisphenols (e.g. BPS and BPF). Whereas BPA is a recognized and rather well studied endocrine disrupting chemical, the other bisphenols have not received sufficient attention until now. Very recent studies have shown that some bisphenols have similar effects to those of BPA and stressed the urgent need to focus on the human health risk assessment of these chemicals. Since bisphenols are used without restriction in various food contact materials (FCMs), they could (easily) migrate in food. Using advanced mass spectrometric-based analytical techniques, we will first characterize the conditions in which bisphenols migrate from FCMs. Then, we will investigate the transformation products (TPs) of bisphenols formed under various stress conditions and the metabolites during in vitro metabolism. The estrogen-like potency of bisphenols and their metabolites/TPs will be tested in vitro. A significant contribution of the project will be the validation of multi-residue methods for the determination of bisphenols and their metabolites/TPs in human urine. These methods could be implemented in public health institutes and employed for monitoring the resulting human exposure. The completion of this unique and innovative project will greatly contribute to knowledge on human exposure and potential risks for public health to these BPA-related chemicals. This PhD project is part of a collaborative project with the Jozef Stefan Institute (Slovenia) funded by the FWO.

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  • Research Project

The rise and threat of new psychoactive substances: integrated research to obtain evidence-based information on their properties and actual use. 01/10/2015 - 30/09/2018

Abstract

In recent years increasing amounts of new psychoactive substances (NPS) are detected on the drug market. These substances are chemically based on known illicit drugs (e.g. amphetamine, cannabis), have comparable effects, and are designed specifically to avoid drug regulations. The number of NPS detected keeps rising at a high rate with more than one new NPS reported every week in 2013 in the EU. In most cases, no information whatsoever is available regarding their metabolic aspects, effects, and toxicity, and this has resulted in a significant number of deaths worldwide. Furthermore, solid epidemiological data on the extent of use NPS use is lacking. This project aims at obtaining objective and timely information on the use of NPS in Belgium through a three-tiered approach. In first instance, an evaluation of the Belgian drug market will be made for the presence of NPS through a combination of amnesty bin analysis, purchase analysis and information obtained from the Belgian Early Warning System Drugs. The relevant NPS identified from this research will be subjected to in vitro metabolism experiments in order to gather scientific information on their metabolic fate and to identify biomarkers to target in biomonitoring studies. Biomonitoring will be performed on different population levels through wastewater analysis (communities), pooled urine analysis (specific populations) and individual serum/urine samples in order to obtain data on the extent of NPS use in Belgium.

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  • Research Project

Expanding the detection window in forensic toxicology: hair and nail analysis. 01/01/2014 - 31/12/2014

Abstract

This project represents a research agreement between the UA and on the onther hand IWT. UA provides IWT research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

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  • Research Project

Human exposure, in vitro metabolism and hepatotoxicity of organophosphate flame retardants. 01/10/2013 - 30/09/2015

Abstract

The main goals are: 1) to characterize most important exposure pathways for humans to OPFRs in the indoor environment and identify the compounds of concern; 2) to investigate the biotransformation of OPFRs using in vitro systems; 3) to develop innovative mass spectrometry-based metabolomic approaches for simultaneous detection of selected OPFRs and the endogenous metabolites (small molecules which are produced by the cell resulting from its normal functions) in exposed human hepatocytes; 4) to identify specific biomarkers (e.g. endogenous metabolites) impacted by exposure to OPFRs in hepatocytes. The project has been already initiated with the development of analytical methods necessary for the completion of the first goal, while procedures for the second goal are currently being developed. The completion of the proposed project will ensure a better understanding of the risk potential of OPFRs to human health provided by in vitro experiments.

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  • Research Project

Refinement and validation of the sewage epidemiology approach to estimate illicit drug use in the general population. 01/10/2012 - 30/09/2015

Abstract

In this post-doctoral mandate, I will validate and refine an innovative approach for estimating illicit drug use in the general population based on sewage analysis for human excretion products of these substances ("sewage epidemiology"). In the first objective of this proposal, I will validate the approach by simultaneously executing a drug consumption questionnaire (the gold standard at this moment) and sewage epidemiology for a well-defined population and time period. The data resulting from both approaches will be compared and can serve as a validation of sewage epidemiology. The second objective focuses on refining sewage epidemiology back-calculations, by addressing the issue of estimating the population contributing to a specific sewage system in an objective, dynamic and real-time way. Different approaches for estimating the real amount of people contributing to a specific sewage system will be based on the analysis of specific markers in sewage that result from human activity. The last objective deals with applying sewage epidemiology for new and innovative purposes, such as the exploratory investigation of the use of new and emerging substances and through the execution of uniformed Europe-wide monitoring studies that allow reliable international comparisons on the epidemiology of illicit drug use. It is expected that the successful completion of these objectives will have positive implications for international drug policy and public health.

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  • Research Project

Human exposure to new chemicals from indoor environments. 01/10/2011 - 30/09/2013

Abstract

The project aims firstly to characterize the presence, relevance and contribution of substitute phthalates and flame retardants in consumer goods (plastic materials, textiles, etc) and characterization of human exposure pathways (dietary and non-dietary: air, dust) to such chemicals. A general priority list for these new chemicals regarding their presence in indoor dust, air and food samples will be addressed in relation to their emission sources. Afterward, the identification of relevant biotransformation pathways of selected substitute chemicals present in the indoor environment through a combination of in vitro experiments and various mass spectrometry techniques will be the second important research direction of this project. Rat, pooled human liver microsomes and plasma will be used to characterize the metabolism of selected chemicals. Exposure experiments will be conducted with single and mixtures, at various doses relevant for the concentrations measured in indoor air, dust or food samples. Finally, the identification and quantification of parent compounds and their metabolites in human blood and urine samples will be performed in order to validate the results obtained from the in vitro experiments. The utility of non-invasive matrices (hair, nails, saliva) for providing accurate measures of internal exposure to selected new chemicals will also be evaluated.

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  • Research Project

Human exposure, in vitro biotransformation and hepatotoxicity of organophosphate flame retardants. 01/10/2011 - 30/09/2013

Abstract

The main goals are: 1) to characterize most important exposure pathways for humans to OPFRs in the indoor environment and identify the compounds of concern; 2) to investigate the biotransformation of OPFRs using in vitro systems; 3) to develop innovative mass spectrometry-based metabolomic approaches for simultaneous detection of selected OPFRs and the endogenous metabolites (small molecules which are produced by the cell resulting from its normal functions) in exposed human hepatocytes; 4) to identify specific biomarkers (e.g. endogenous metabolites) impacted by exposure to OPFRs in hepatocytes. The project has been already initiated with the development of analytical methods necessary for the completion of the first goal, while procedures for the second goal are currently being developed. The completion of the proposed project will ensure a better understanding of the risk potential of OPFRs to human health provided by in vitro experiments.

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  • Research Project

Human exposure to the endocrine disruptor Bisphenol-A. 01/10/2010 - 30/09/2012

Abstract

This is a fundamental research project financed by the Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO). The project was subsidized after selection by the FWO-expert panel.

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  • Research Project

Estimation of drug abuse in Belgium by analysis of wastewater. 01/10/2010 - 30/09/2012

Abstract

This project aims at the development of models to estimate the use of illicit drugs in Belgium by means of the analysis of illicit drugs and their metabolites in wastewater ("sewage epidemiology"). Sewage epidemiology can deliver important and real-time information about local, regional, national and international illicit drug consumption which can be used in addition to classical socio-epidemiological studies to give policy makers a better picture about trends, patterns and hot-spots of illicit drug use.

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  • Research Project

Time of Flight Mass Spectrometer coupled to Liquid Chromatography system (LC-TOF/MS). 22/07/2010 - 31/12/2015

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the Flemish Public Service. UA provides the Flemish Public Service research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

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  • Research Project

Exposure and metabolism of new brominated flame retardants. 01/10/2009 - 31/01/2012

Abstract

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) have been used in commercial and household products, with a number of new BFRs (nBFRs) being recently introduced on the market. At this moment, very little is known regarding the environmental fate, food chain transfer, metabolism and toxicological profile of these nBFRs and this warrants additional and systematic research. The present proposal builds on the extensive experience and collaboration network related to BFRs accumulated in my first research mandate. A first objective is the validation of suitable analytical methods for the detection of nBFRs at trace levels in environmental and biological matrices. It further aims at a systematic investigation of the exposure routes, fate and biomagnification potential of nBFRs in representative aquatic and terrestrial food chains. This research will also aim at evaluating the degree and pathways of human exposure to nBFRs. Furthermore, the metabolic pathways of nBFRs in representative species, including humans, will also be investigated. Finally, the project will investigate the metabolic rates for the most important nBFRs. The completion of the proposed project will ensure a better understanding of the accumulation, fate and metabolism of nBFRs in biota.

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    • Research Project

    Endocrine-disrupting environmental chemicals: From accumulation to their role in the global "neuro-endocrine" epidemic of obesity and its metabolic consequences. 01/01/2009 - 31/12/2012

    Abstract

    It is recently hypothesised that the disturbance of weight homeostasis leading to obesity in humans might at least partially be influenced by endocrine disrupting chemicals. This study particularly investigates the accumulation and role of older and new emerging endocrine disrupting chemicals in the pandemic of the 21st century called obesity. The effects are studied at molecular, cellular and organism level using in vitro and in vivo approaches, analytical techniques, cell culture, genomics, genetics and epidemiological data in humans.

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    • Research Project

    Analysis of pharmaceutical products in wastewater: development, validation and evaluation of a new and innovative model for their (rational) use. 01/01/2009 - 31/12/2012

    Abstract

    The fundamental aim of this project is to develop and to validate a mathematical model to transform concentrations of the most prescribed and used pharmaceuticals and their metabolites of which the use is known (RIZIV) in waste water in an amount of used pharmaceuticals in Belgium (measured vs. predicted environmental concentrations).

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    • Research Project

    Development of LC-MS methods for the analysis of pharmaceuticals in waste water. 01/11/2008 - 31/10/2009

    Abstract

    The proposal aims at validating analytical methods based on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry for the determination of various classes of priority pharmaceuticals in waste water. A first ever screening of these pharmaceuticals in waste water from Flanders will be done. Next, the identification of pharmaceuticals other than the target compounds and the evaluation of the stability of priority pharmaceuticals in waste water will also be investigated.

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    • Research Project

    Human exposure to the endocrine disruptor Bisphenol-A. 01/10/2008 - 30/09/2010

    Abstract

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    • Research Project

    Evaluation of drug abuse in Belgium by analysis of wastewater. 01/10/2008 - 30/09/2010

    Abstract

    This projects consists of two parts. In the first part, methods of analysis for the determination of several drugs (cocaine, amphetamines, cannabis,...) and their metabolites in waste and surface water are being developped and validated. In the second part, the concentrations of drugs and metabolites found in watersamples will be used to estimate the abuse of drugs in Belgium.

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    • Research Project

    Human exposure to emerging phenolic contaminants. 01/10/2007 - 30/09/2008

    Abstract

    Doelstellingen: De eerste doelstelling van dit project is de ontwikkeling van selectieve en gevoelige analysemethoden die toepasbaar zijn op de relevante matrices (voeding, drinkwater, huisstof, serum, vet en urine). In de tweede doelstelling zullen de voornaamste blootstellingroutes van triclosan en bisphenol-A voor de mens (voeding, drinkwater en huisstof) onderzocht worden. De derde doelstelling is de contaminatie met triclosan en bisphenol-A van de Vlaamse bevolking te onderzoeken. Belangrijk hierbij is het vaststellen van de achtergrondconcentraties,accumulatiepatronen en de evolutie doorheen de tijd. Dit project zal leiden tot een beter begrip van de blootstelling en de accumulatie van NEC's in het milieu en het zal onderzoek rond de (toxische) effecten van NEC's in zowel mens als dier stimuleren. Het voorgestelde project heeft ook tot doel het analytische spectrum van het Toxicologisch Centrum uit te breiden met nieuwe contaminanten.

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    • Research Project

    Estimation of the use of illicit drugs through analysis of waste water. 01/10/2007 - 30/09/2008

    Abstract

    This projects consists of two parts. In the first part, methods of analysis for the determination of several drugs (cocaine, amphetamines, cannabis,...) and their metabolites in waste and surface water are being developped and validated. In the second part, the concentrations of drugs and metabolites found in watersamples will be used to estimate the abuse of drugs in Belgium

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    • Research Project

    Cocaine and its metabolites in Belgian waste and surface water. 01/04/2007 - 31/03/2008

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    • Research Project

    Contamination of eggs from chickens kept in non-professional environments. 01/02/2007 - 31/01/2008

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    • Research Project

    Characterization of metabolisation patterns and pathways for two groups of contaminants (PBDEs and PCBs). 01/02/2007 - 31/01/2008

    Abstract

    The proposed project aims firstly at optimizing and validating analytical methods based on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) for the determination of metabolites of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in biological samples. Next, the project aims at identifying and predicting metabolisation pathways of PBDEs and PCBs in various top-predators.

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    • Research Project

    Hydroxylated metabolites of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (HO-PBDEs): analytical and environmental issues. 01/01/2007 - 31/10/2007

    Abstract

    The proposed project aims at optimizing and validating analytical methods based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for the determination of the hydroxylated metabolites of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (HO-PBDEs) in biological samples. Next, it aims at identifying and predicting metabolisation pathways of PBDEs in various terrestrial top-predators and at investigating relationships between metabolites and parent compounds.

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    • Research Project

    Exposure, food chain transfer and metabolism of brominated flame retardants. 01/10/2006 - 30/09/2009

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      Support maintenance scientific equipment (Toxicology). 01/01/2005 - 31/12/2017

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      Evaluation of the distribution, occurrence and fate of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in agricultural products and wildlife in South Africa. 01/01/2005 - 31/12/2006

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      An integrated study on the effects of persistent organochlorine pollutants (POPs) in insectivorous songbirds, with special attention to their possible endocrine disrupting role. 01/01/2004 - 31/12/2007

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      • Research Project