Release Overview
- New Litagion agent profiles for NDMA and transglutaminase and a new theme summarizing CoMeta content related to celiac disease
- New blog content: "Increasing risk of GL-D&O clash" and "Beware the second wave"
- Updated Litagion agent and company profiles impacted by newly published peer-reviewed science and newly gathered company information
New Content
Themes
- Celiac Disease. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease in genetically-susceptible individuals in which the ingestion of gluten causes the immune system to attack the small intestine. The resulting damage can lead to gastrointestinal distress and malnutrition and is associated with a range of chronic disease conditions such as infertility, osteoporosis, and cancer. The disease affects between one and two percent of people worldwide. Its increasing prevalence in developed countries has led scientists to hypothesize that chemical exposures affecting the proper functioning of the immune system and the composition of the gut microbiome are partly to blame.
Litagion agents
- N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). A nitrosamine that forms when nitrogen oxide reacts with secondary amines. NDMA is commonly found at low levels in fermented foods, like beer and cheese, and in foods preserved with nitrites, such as cured meats. Pharmaceutical manufacturers began detecting NDMA in some drugs in 2019 leading to recalls.
- Transglutaminase. An enzyme used in food production to improve texture, lengthen shelf life, and bind meat products together. Its cross-linking properties help in the manufacture of cheese and other dairy products, baked goods, and meat processing. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has designated transglutaminase as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS).
Updated Litagion agent profiles based upon newly published science
All Litagion agent profiles have been updated to reflect the most recently published peer-reviewed science. Notable scientific studies added to CoMeta since the last release include:
- Addictive software design. A longitudinal study of university students reported a negative association between internet gaming disorder and psychosocial well-being (self-esteem, social support, and life satisfaction).
- Per- & polyfluoroalkyl substances. A study employing data from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (1999-2017) reported a positive assoication between serum concentrations of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and early menopause.
In addition, we highlight the following changes to the components of Litagion agent risk resulting from newly published peer-reviewed science:
| Litagion agent | Risk category change | Overall risk change |
| Butylparaben | Projected science risk changes from Medium (yellow) to Medium-high (orange) | Change from Medium-low (light green) to Medium (yellow) |
|
Fluoride in drinking water |
Projected science risk changes from Medium-high (orange) to High (red) | Change from Medium-low (light green) to Medium (yellow) |