1
|
Su P, Wang D, Cao Z, Chen J, Zhang J. The role of NLRP3 in lead-induced neuroinflammation and possible underlying mechanism. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 287:117520. [PMID: 34182382 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroinflammation induced by lead exposure (Pb) is a major cause of neurotoxicity of Pb in the central nervous system (CNS). The NLR family, domain of pyrin containing 3 (NLRP3) involves in various neurological diseases, while the question of whether NLRP3 plays a role in lead-induced neuroinflammation has not yet been reported. METHODS Developmental and knockout (KO) NLRP3 mice were used to establish two in vivo models, and BV2 cells were used to establish an in vitro model. Behavioral and electrophysiologic tests were used to assess the neurotoxicity of Pb, and immunofluorescence staining was used to assess neuroinflammation. Real-time PCR and western blot were performed to examine the mRNA and protein levels of inflammatory cytokines and NLRP3 inflammasomes. siRNA technology was used to block NLRP3 expression. RESULTS Pb exposure led to neural injure and microglial activation in the hippocampus region, while minocycline intervention attenuated Pb-induced neurotoxicity by inhibiting neuroinflammation. Pb increased the expression of NLRP3 and promoted cleavage of caspase-1 in mRNA and protein levels, and minocycline partially reversed the effects of Pb on NLRP3 inflammasomes. Blocking of NLRP3 by KO mice or siRNA attenuated neural alterations induced by Pb, weakened microglial activation in vivo and in vitro as well, without affecting the accumulation of Pb. Pb increased autophagic protein levels and phosphorylation of NF-κB, while suppressing autophagy or NF-κB inhibited Pb's effects on NLRP3. CONCLUSIONS NLRP3 is involved in the regulation of Pb-induced neurotoxicity. These findings expand mechanism research of Pb neurotoxicity and may help establish new prevention strategies for Pb neurotoxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Su
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health and the Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, School of Public Health, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Diya Wang
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health and the Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, School of Public Health, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Zipeng Cao
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health and the Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, School of Public Health, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Jingyuan Chen
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health and the Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, School of Public Health, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Jianbin Zhang
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health and the Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, School of Public Health, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zdral S, Monge Calleja ÁM, Catarino L, Curate F, Santos AL. Elemental Composition in Female Dry Femora Using Portable X-Ray Fluorescence (pXRF): Association with Age and Osteoporosis. Calcif Tissue Int 2021; 109:231-240. [PMID: 33792736 DOI: 10.1007/s00223-021-00840-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Pathophysiological conditions can modify the skeletal chemical concentration. This study analyzes the elemental composition in two anatomical regions from dry femoral bone using a portable X-Ray Fluorescence (pXRF) and evaluates its impact in the bone mineral density (BMD). The left femora of 97 female skeletons (21-95 years old individuals) from the Coimbra Identified Skeletal Collection were studied. Diagenetic biases were discarded at the outset and BMD was determined with Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Chemical measurements were performed at the midpoint of the femoral neck and at the midshaft using a pXRF device, and comparisons were made considering the age and the BMD values. Only elements with a Technical Measurement Error ≤ 5% were selected: P, S, Ca, Fe, Zn, As, Sr, Pb and the Ca/P ratio. Statistically significant differences were found between regions, with higher concentrations of P, Ca, Zn and S at the midshaft, and the Ca/P ratio at the femoral neck. The concentration of P is higher in individuals < 50 years, while S and Ca/P ratio increase in individuals ≥ 50 years. The decrease of P with age can be simultaneously related to the decline of its concentration in osteoporosis. Decreased BMD is also associated with higher levels of S and Pb. Osteoporosis enhances the absorption of osteolytic elements in specific locations. This fast and non-destructive technique has proved effective for the comprehension of chemical changes related to bone mass loss. This study highlights the potential of identified skeletal collections to improve the knowledge about bone fragility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofía Zdral
- Physical Anthropology Unit, Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Calle Darwin 2, 28049, Madrid, Spain.
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria (IBBTEC), Regulation of Gene Expression During Development Group, Calle Albert Einstein 22, 39011, Santander, Spain.
| | - Álvaro M Monge Calleja
- Department of Life Sciences, Research Centre for Anthropology and Health (CIAS), University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Lidia Catarino
- Department of Earth Sciences, Geosciences Center (CGeo), University of Coimbra, Rua Sílvio Lima, 3030-790, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Francisco Curate
- Department of Life Sciences, Research Centre for Anthropology and Health (CIAS), University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Luisa Santos
- Department of Life Sciences, Research Centre for Anthropology and Health (CIAS), University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Liu N, Huang Y, Zhang H, Wang T, Tao C, Zhang A, Chen B, Yin Y, Song M, Qu G, Liang Y, Shi J, He B, Hu L, Jiang G. Unified Probability Distribution and Dynamics of Lead Contents in Human Erythrocytes Revealed by Single-Cell Analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:3819-3826. [PMID: 33660988 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c05989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the presence and dynamics of chemical pollutants in individual cells is fundamentally important for their trafficking, fate, and toxicity in humans. The presence of molecular components (i.e., proteins and mRNA) in individual cells of higher organisms is considered a stochastic event. The characteristics of chemical pollutants, as extrinsic compounds, in subpopulation of human cells on single-cell basis have not been explored yet. Here, we demonstrated the lead (Pb) content in individual mature erythrocytes (m-erythrocytes) of Pb-intoxicated patients, and healthy subjects exhibited a unified pattern in probability distribution (gamma distribution) and dynamics, despite being highly heterogeneous. The Pb content in individual m-erythrocytes decreased with the lifetime of m-erythrocytes. Meanwhile, the distribution and dynamics were found to be highly related to the Pb content in m-erythrocytes and was independent of patients and their status. This is the first study to analyze the distribution pattern of chemical pollutants at a single-cell level in higher organisms. This study sheds light on the molecular mechanism of Pb trafficking and fate in humans and the search for an efficient strategy to improve Pb excretion during Pb treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yongshun Huang
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Guangdong Province Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510300, China
| | - Huazhou Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Huizhou City Occupational Disease Prevention and Control Hospital, Huizhou, Guangdong 516008, China
| | - Chen Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Aiqian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Baowei Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Yongguang Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Maoyong Song
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Guangbo Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yong Liang
- Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Jianbo Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Bin He
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ligang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310000, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Elser H, Falconi AM, Bass M, Cullen MR. Blue-collar work and women's health: A systematic review of the evidence from 1990 to 2015. SSM Popul Health 2018; 6:195-244. [PMID: 30417066 PMCID: PMC6215057 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2018.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the implications of gender and sex differences for health risks associated with blue-collar work, adverse health outcomes among blue-collar workers has been most frequently studied among men. The present study provides a "state-of-the-field" systematic review of the empiric evidence published on blue-collar women's health. We systematically reviewed literature related to the health of blue-collar women published between January 1, 1990 and December 31, 2015. We limited our review to peer-reviewed studies published in the English language on the health or health behaviors of women who were presently working or had previously worked in a blue-collar job. Studies were eligible for inclusion regardless of the number, age, or geographic region of blue-collar women in the study sample. We retained 177 studies that considered a wide range of health outcomes in study populations from 40 different countries. Overall, these studies suggested inferior health among female blue-collar workers as compared with either blue-collar males or other women. However, we noted several methodological limitations in addition to heterogeneity in study context and design, which inhibited comparison of results across publications. Methodological limitations of the extant literature, alongside the rapidly changing nature of women in the workplace, motivate further study on the health of blue-collar women. Efforts to identify specific mechanisms by which blue-collar work predisposes women to adverse health may be particularly valuable in informing future workplace-based and policy-level interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Holly Elser
- School of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology, University of California, Berkeley, 50 University Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
| | - April M. Falconi
- Stanford Center for Population Health Sciences, Stanford University, 1070 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304, United States
| | - Michelle Bass
- Population Research Librarian, Lane Medical Library & Knowledge Management Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Dr L109, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
| | - Mark R. Cullen
- Stanford Center for Population Health Sciences, Stanford University, 1070 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Manocha A, Srivastava LM, Bhargava S. Lead as a Risk Factor for Osteoporosis in Post-menopausal Women. Indian J Clin Biochem 2016; 32:261-265. [PMID: 28811684 DOI: 10.1007/s12291-016-0610-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 08/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Lead exposure is increasingly becoming an important risk factor for osteoporosis. In adults, approximately 80-90 % of absorbed lead is stored in the bones. These bone lead deposits are released into the blood during periods of enhanced bone resorption like menopause, forming a potential endogenous source of lead exposure. Postmenopausal women are at a higher risk for bone lead release because of hormonal and age related changes in bone metabolism. Estrogen deficiency is associated with increase in osteoclasts number and activity leading to both the early and late form of osteoporosis. Hence, high blood lead level coupled with concomitant environmental exposure exposes women in this age group to lead related adverse outcomes like hypertension, reduced kidney and neurocognitive functions as well as increased risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular mortality. A few studies have also identified coexisting variates like ethnicity, occupation, residence, education, smoking, alcohol medications, water etc. as significant determinants of bone and blood lead in women, thus increasing the magnitude of postmenopausal bone changes. Hence, interventions focused on reducing the intensity of bone resorption during menopause will help decrease exposure to endogenous lead. This would play a significant role in decreasing the morbidity and mortality associated with menopause. Also, identification of modifiable factors that prevent bone lead release will reduce the risk of chronic lead exposure and improve the health outcomes of post-menopausal women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anjali Manocha
- Department of Biochemistry, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, 110060 India
| | - L M Srivastava
- Department of Biochemistry, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, 110060 India
| | - Seema Bhargava
- Department of Biochemistry, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, 110060 India
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ross JA, Shipp EM, Trueblood AB, Bhattacharya A. Ergonomics and Beyond: Understanding How Chemical and Heat Exposures and Physical Exertions at Work Affect Functional Ability, Injury, and Long-Term Health. HUMAN FACTORS 2016; 58:777-795. [PMID: 27125533 PMCID: PMC6894162 DOI: 10.1177/0018720816645457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 03/12/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To honor Tom Waters's work on emerging occupational health issues, we review the literature on physical along with chemical exposures and their impact on functional outcomes. BACKGROUND Many occupations present the opportunity for exposure to multiple hazardous exposures, including both physical and chemical factors. However, little is known about how these different factors affect functional ability and injury. The goal of this review is to examine the relationships between these exposures, impairment of the neuromuscular and musculoskeletal systems, functional outcomes, and health problems with a focus on acute injury. METHOD Literature was identified using online databases, including PubMed, Ovid Medline, and Google Scholar. References from included articles were searched for additional relevant articles. RESULTS This review documented the limited existing literature that discussed cognitive impairment and functional disorders via neurotoxicity for physical exposures (heat and repetitive loading) and chemical exposures (pesticides, volatile organic compounds [VOCs], and heavy metals). CONCLUSION This review supports that workers are exposed to physical and chemical exposures that are associated with negative health effects, including functional impairment and injury. Innovation in exposure assessment with respect to quantifying the joint exposure to these different exposures is especially needed for developing risk assessment models and, ultimately, preventive measures. APPLICATION Along with physical exposures, chemical exposures need to be considered, alone and in combination, in assessing functional ability and occupationally related injuries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Ross
- Texas A&M University, College StationUniversity of Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Eva M Shipp
- Texas A&M University, College StationUniversity of Cincinnati, Ohio
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Rotter I, Kosik-Bogacka DI, Dołęgowska B, Safranow K, Kuczyńska M, Laszczyńska M. Analysis of the relationship between the blood concentration of several metals, macro- and micronutrients and endocrine disorders associated with male aging. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2016; 38:749-761. [PMID: 26254889 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-015-9758-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Beyond 30 years of age, men experience a decline in the production of testosterone, yet only a few develop late-onset hypogonadism. This study was designed to determine the relationship between blood concentrations of metals, macro- and micronutrients and age-related testosterone deficiency and associated hormonal changes in aging men. The research involved 313 men aged 50-75 years. We used ELISA to determine the concentrations of total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), estradiol (E2), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). We calculated free androgen index (FAI). With the use of emission spectrometry in inductively coupled argon plasma, we determined the whole-blood concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As) and tungsten (W), as well as serum concentrations of magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn) and molybdenum (Mo). The study showed no relationship between TT and FT and the concentrations of metals. Men with TT deficiency had significantly lower concentrations of Mg and Fe and increased Mn. Men with FT deficiency had higher W and Cr levels and lower Fe. Assessing the correlation between the concentrations of hormones, SHBG and FAI, and the concentration of metals and macro- and microelements in the blood of the men, we found positive correlations between the concentrations of TT-Mg, TT-Fe, TT-Mo, FT-Fe, E2-As, SHBG-Mn, FAI-W, FAI-As, FAI-Zn and FAI-Ca, and negative correlations between the concentrations of TT-Mn, FT-Cd, FT-Cr, E2-Hg, E2-Cr, SHBG-W, SHBG-As, SHBG-Zn, SHBG-Ca, FAI-Pb and FAI-Mn. Positive correlations between As and E2 and between As and FAI may suggest a lack of association between this metal and hypogonadism in people not exposed to excess As levels. Our research indicates a positive relationship between the concentrations of Mg, Fe and Zn and endocrine system in aging men, in contrast to Mn and Cr. Toxic metals (Cd, Pb) seemed to negatively affect the level of bioavailable testosterone. In persons not exposed to As, As does not contribute late-onset hypogonadism. Heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg and W) may contribute to a lower concentration of DHEAS. The role of W in men with LOH was found to be ambiguous, as on the one hand its concentration was higher in men with FT deficiency, and on the other hand it positively correlated with FAI, which in turn indirectly indicates testosterone availability. Copper and selenium do not seem to play any significant role in the occurrence of TT deficiency in aging men.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iwona Rotter
- Independent Laboratory of Medical Rehabilitation, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Danuta I Kosik-Bogacka
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland.
| | - Barbara Dołęgowska
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology Diagnostics, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Safranow
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Magdalena Kuczyńska
- Department of Human Sciences in Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Maria Laszczyńska
- Department of Histology and Developmental Biology, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Eum KD, Weisskopf MG, Nie LH, Hu H, Korrick SA. Cumulative lead exposure and age at menopause in the Nurses' Health Study cohort. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2014; 122:229-34. [PMID: 24398113 PMCID: PMC3948024 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1206399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2012] [Accepted: 01/03/2014] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early menopause has been associated with many adverse health outcomes, including increased risk of cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality. Lead has been found to be adversely associated with female reproductive function, but whether exposures experienced by the general population are associated with altered age at menopause has not been explored. OBJECTIVE Our goal was to assess the association between cumulative lead exposure and age at natural menopause. METHODS Self-reported menopausal status and bone lead concentration measured with K-shell X-ray fluorescence-a biomarker of cumulative lead exposure-were obtained from 434 women participants in the Nurses' Health Study. RESULTS The mean (± SD) age at natural menopause was 50.8 ± 3.6 years. Higher tibia lead level was associated with younger age at menopause. In adjusted analyses, the average age of menopause for women in the highest tertile of tibia lead was 1.21 years younger (95% CI: -2.08, -0.35) than for women in the lowest tertile (p-trend = 0.006). Although the number of cases was small (n = 23), the odds ratio for early menopause (< 45 years of age) was 5.30 (95% CI: 1.42, 19.78) for women in the highest tertile of tibia lead compared with those in the lowest tertile (p-trend = 0.006). There was no association between patella or blood lead and age at menopause. CONCLUSIONS Our results support an association between low-level cumulative lead exposure and an earlier age at menopause. These data suggest that low-level lead exposure may contribute to menopause-related health outcomes in older women through effects on age at menopause. CITATION Eum KD, Weisskopf MG, Nie LH, Hu H, Korrick SA. 2014. Cumulative lead exposure and age at menopause in the Nurses' Health Study Cohort. Environ Health Perspect 122:229–234; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1206399
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ki-Do Eum
- Department of Environmental Health, and
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhang A, Hu H, Sánchez BN, Ettinger AS, Park SK, Cantonwine D, Schnaas L, Wright RO, Lamadrid-Figueroa H, Tellez-Rojo MM. Association between prenatal lead exposure and blood pressure in children. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2012; 120:445-50. [PMID: 21947582 PMCID: PMC3295346 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1103736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2011] [Accepted: 09/21/2011] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lead exposure in adults is associated with hypertension. Altered prenatal nutrition is associated with subsequent risks of adult hypertension, but little is known about whether prenatal exposure to toxicants, such as lead, may also confer such risks. OBJECTIVES We investigated the relationship of prenatal lead exposure and blood pressure (BP) in 7- to 15-year-old boys and girls. METHODS We evaluated 457 mother-child pairs, originally recruited for an environmental birth cohort study between 1994 and 2003 in Mexico City, at a follow-up visit in 2008-2010. Prenatal lead exposure was assessed by measurement of maternal tibia and patella lead using in vivo K-shell X-ray fluorescence and cord blood lead using atomic absorption spectrometry. BP was measured by mercury sphygmomanometer with appropriate-size cuffs. RESULTS Adjusting for relevant covariates, maternal tibia lead was significantly associated with increases in systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) in girls but not in boys (p-interaction with sex = 0.025 and 0.007 for SBP and DBP, respectively). Among girls, an interquartile range increase in tibia lead (13 μg/g) was associated with 2.11-mmHg [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.69, 3.52] and 1.60-mmHg (95% CI: 0.28, 2.91) increases in SBP and DBP, respectively. Neither patella nor cord lead was associated with child BP. CONCLUSIONS Maternal tibia lead, which reflects cumulative environmental lead exposure and a source of exposure to the fetus, is a predisposing factor to higher BP in girls but not boys. Sex-specific adaptive responses to lead toxicity during early-life development may explain these differences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aimin Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2029, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lopez R, Goldoftas B. The urban elderly in the United States: health status and the environment. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2009; 24:47-57. [PMID: 19476291 DOI: 10.1515/reveh.2009.24.1.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
A large number of elderly persons live in United States metropolitan areas and center cities. Although the urban environment can be supportive of health, the urban elderly face issues of decrease in organ function and reserves; impaired chemical clearance and detoxification; vulnerability to medication-environment adverse interactions (heat/psychotropic drugs); legacy of past occupational and environmental cumulative exposures to persistent agents; overall poorer health status; decreased ability to respond to disasters, emergencies, and extreme conditions; decreased ability to access good and services outside their homes; and increased sensitivity to environmental conditions. Planning for these challenges can create a supportive environment and improve the health of the urban elderly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Russ Lopez
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02119, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Relationship of blood lead levels to incident nonspine fractures and falls in older women: the study of osteoporotic fractures. J Bone Miner Res 2008; 23:1417-25. [PMID: 18410230 PMCID: PMC2683156 DOI: 10.1359/jbmr.080404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Lead is stored in the skeleton and can serve as an endogenous source for many years. Lead may influence the risk of fracture, through direct effects on bone strength or indirectly by disturbing neuromuscular function and increasing the risk of falls. The objective of this analysis is to test the hypothesis that women with higher blood lead levels experience higher rates of falls and fracture. This was a prospective cohort study of 533 women 65-87 yr of age enrolled in the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures at two U.S. research centers (Baltimore, MD; Monongahela Valley, PA) from 1986 to 1988. Blood lead levels (in microg/dl) were measured in 1990-1991 by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and classified as "low" (<or=3; lower 15th percentile, referent); "medium" (4-7); or "high" (>or=8; upper 15th percentile). Total hip BMD was measured by DXA twice, 3.55 yr apart. Information on falls was collected every 4 mo for 4 yr. Incident nonspine fractures were identified and confirmed over 10 yr. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% CI of fracture. Generalized estimating equations were used to calculate the incident rate ratio of falls (95% CI). The mean blood lead level was 5.3 +/- 2.3 (SD) microg/dl (range, 1-21 microg/dl). Baseline BMD was 7% lower in total hip and 5% lower in femoral neck in the highest compared with lowest blood lead group (p < 0.02). Hip bone loss tended to be greater in the high lead group, but differences were not significant. In multivariable adjusted models, women with high blood lead levels had an increased risk of nonspine fracture (HR = 2.50; 95% CI = 1.25, 5.03; p trend = 0.016) and higher risk of falls (incident rate ratio = 1.62; 95% CI = 1.07, 2.45; p trend = 0.014) compared with women with lowest lead level. Blood lead levels are associated with an increased risk of falls and fractures, extending the negative health consequences of lead to include osteoporotic fractures.
Collapse
|
12
|
Rabstein S, Unfried K, Ranft U, Illig T, Kolz M, Mambetova C, Vlad M, Roman C, Weiss T, Becker D, Brüning T, Pesch B. Lack of association of delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase polymorphisms with blood lead levels and hemoglobin in Romanian women from a lead-contaminated region. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2008; 71:716-724. [PMID: 18569569 DOI: 10.1080/15287390801985190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
As part of a project on environmental pollution, this study aimed to evaluate associations between blood lead (BPb) levels, hemoglobin (Hb) content, and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) gene in 129 unrelated women from Romania. Five SNPs (rs1805313, rs2228083, rs1805312, rs1800435, rs1139488) were analyzed with respect to haplotype structure and impact on BPb levels and Hb content with proportional odds and analysis of covariance models. Combinations of SNPs were rare (16%). Low haplotype diversity was found with seven haplotypes. One rare haplotype implied the C allele of rs1800435, often referred to as the ALAD2 allele (frequency 8.6%). The putative risk genotype (CC) occurred in only one woman with BPb below 0.5 microg/dl. Median BPb was 4.8 microg/dl and differed markedly by community with a level of 12.5 microg/dl near a mining-spill region. Hb was regular (interquartile range 12.3-13.7 g/dl) and not correlated with BPb, although quantitatively lower in women living near the spill region. No significant associations were found for BPb or Hb with SNPs, haplotypes, or diplotypes. BPb levels were higher in this region than in populations from industrialized countries but without hematotoxic effects. An impact of ALAD2 on BPb or Hb was not seen in these women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Rabstein
- BGFA-Research Institute of Occupational Medicine, German Social Accident Insurance, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|