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Friedman A, Schildroth S, Fruh V, Krengel MH, Tripodis Y, Placidi D, White RF, Lucchini RG, Smith DR, Wright RO, Horton MK, Claus Henn B. Sex-specific associations of a ferroalloy metal mixture with motor function in Italian adolescents. Environ Epidemiol 2024; 8:e321. [PMID: 39022189 PMCID: PMC11254121 DOI: 10.1097/ee9.0000000000000321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Motor function is critical for children's health, yet remains an understudied neurodevelopmental domain. Exposure to metals has been linked with motor function, but no study has examined the joint effects of metal mixtures. Methods We evaluated cross-sectional associations between a metal mixture and motor function among 569 adolescents (10-14 years old) living near the ferroalloy industry. Concentrations of blood lead, hair manganese, hair copper, and hair chromium were quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Neuropsychologists administered multiple fine motor function assessments: pursuit aiming, finger tapping, visual reaction time (VRT), and subtests from the Luria Nebraska battery. We estimated associations between motor function and the metal mixture using quantile-based g-computation and multivariable linear regression, adjusting for child age, sex, and socioeconomic status. We explored sex-specific associations in stratified models. Results Associations between the metal mixture and motor function were mostly null but were modified by sex. We observed a beneficial association among females: a quartile increase in all metals in the mixture was associated with a 2.6% faster average response time on the VRT (95% confidence interval [CI] = -4.7%, -0.5%), driven by Cu and Cr. In contrast, this association was adverse among males (ß = 1.5% slower response time [95% CI = -0.7%, 3.9%]), driven by Cu and Mn. Conclusions Results suggest that males may be more susceptible to the adverse effects of metal exposure on motor function during adolescence than females. Future studies, particularly prospective study designs, are warranted to further understand the associations of metal mixtures with motor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa Friedman
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Samantha Schildroth
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Victoria Fruh
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Maxine H. Krengel
- Department of Neurology, Boston University Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yorghos Tripodis
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Donatella Placidi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Roberta F. White
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Neurology, Boston University Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Roberto G. Lucchini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Florida International University, Miami, Florida
| | - Donald R. Smith
- Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Santa Cruz, California
| | - Robert O. Wright
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Megan K. Horton
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Birgit Claus Henn
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
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Ouisselsat M, El Maouaki A, Maidoumi S, François Y, Pineau A, Sedki A. Assessment of Essential and Toxic Element Levels in the Toenails of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Biol Trace Elem Res 2024:10.1007/s12011-024-04319-w. [PMID: 39042314 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-024-04319-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has become a global public health concern, impacting the quality of life. The question of gene-environment interaction in the emergence of ASD remains a subject of ongoing debate, and exploring its pathophysiology is thoroughly related to metals as a risk factor. Therefore, this study aims to assess the levels of toxic (Al, Cd, Hg, and Pb) and essential (Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Se) elements in toenail samples collected in children with ASD and neurotypical children, by ICP-MS. Parallelly, we will discuss the use of toenails as an exposure indicator. The study involved 208 children aged 3 to 14 from Marrakech, Morocco. One hundred two were diagnosed with ASD and 106 were neurotypical children. Significant statistical differences in the concentration of Cr, Mn, and Fe were documented between the two groups. Higher levels of Pb in toenails compared to reference values have been reported. No association was established between concentrations of elements and age. Spearman correlation coefficients revealed a significantly different pattern of mutual dependence for toxic and essential elements between the two groups. The strongest positive correlations were found in the neurotypical group (Fe-Mn (ρ = 0.750), and Se-Zn (ρ = 0.800)). These results provide additional, although inconclusive, evidence on the probable role of element disturbance in the pathogenesis of ASD. Further studies should be performed to explore other nutritional, cultural, sociodemographic, environmental, and methodological factors that may impact the levels of these elements in the nails and their possible correlation with the incidence of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Ouisselsat
- Laboratory of Water, Biodiversity and Climate Change, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences - Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Bd Moulay Abdellah BP, 2390-40001, Marrakech, Morocco.
| | - Amal El Maouaki
- Laboratory of Clinical, Experimental and Environmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cadi Ayyad University, 274, 40000, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Sana Maidoumi
- Laboratory of Water, Biodiversity and Climate Change, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences - Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Bd Moulay Abdellah BP, 2390-40001, Marrakech, Morocco
- Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques, Rue Abdelouahab Derraq, 40000, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Yannick François
- Mineral Element Dosing Centre, UFR of Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, University of Nantes, 9, Rue Bias, 44035 - 44000, Nantes Cedex 1, France
| | - Alain Pineau
- Mineral Element Dosing Centre, UFR of Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, University of Nantes, 9, Rue Bias, 44035 - 44000, Nantes Cedex 1, France
| | - Azeddine Sedki
- Laboratory of Water, Biodiversity and Climate Change, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences - Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Bd Moulay Abdellah BP, 2390-40001, Marrakech, Morocco
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Oh J, Kim K, Kannan K, Parsons PJ, Mlodnicka A, Schmidt RJ, Schweitzer JB, Hertz-Picciotto I, Bennett DH. Early childhood exposure to environmental phenols and parabens, phthalates, organophosphate pesticides, and trace elements in association with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in the CHARGE study. Environ Health 2024; 23:27. [PMID: 38486233 PMCID: PMC10938747 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-024-01065-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A growing body of literature investigated childhood exposure to environmental chemicals in association with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, but limited studies considered urinary mixtures of multiple chemical classes. This study examined associations of concurrent exposure to non-persistent chemicals with ADHD symptoms in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental delay (DD), and typical development (TD). METHODS A total of 549 children aged 2-5 years from the Childhood Autism Risks from Genetics and Environment (CHARGE) case-control study were administered the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC). This study focused on the ADHD/noncompliance subscale and its two subdomains (hyperactivity/impulsivity, inattention). Sixty-two chemicals from four classes (phenols/parabens, phthalates, organophosphate pesticides, trace elements) were quantified in child urine samples, and 43 chemicals detected in > 70% samples were used to investigate their associations with ADHD symptoms. Negative binomial regression was used for single-chemical analysis, and weighted quantile sum regression with repeated holdout validation was applied for mixture analysis for each chemical class and all chemicals. The mixture analyses were further stratified by diagnostic group. RESULTS A phthalate metabolite mixture was associated with higher ADHD/noncompliance scores (median count ratio [CR] = 1.10; 2.5th, 97.5th percentile: 1.00, 1.21), especially hyperactivity/impulsivity (median CR = 1.09; 2.5th, 97.5th percentile: 1.00, 1.25). The possible contributors to these mixture effects were di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) metabolites and mono-2-heptyl phthalate (MHPP). These associations were likely driven by children with ASD as these were observed among children with ASD, but not among TD or those with DD. Additionally, among children with ASD, a mixture of all chemicals was associated with ADHD/noncompliance and hyperactivity/impulsivity, and possible contributors were 3,4-dihydroxy benzoic acid, DEHP metabolites, MHPP, mono-n-butyl phthalate, and cadmium. CONCLUSIONS Early childhood exposure to a phthalate mixture was associated with ADHD symptoms, particularly among children with ASD. While the diverse diagnostic profiles limited generalizability, our findings suggest a potential link between phthalate exposure and the comorbidity of ASD and ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiwon Oh
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California at Davis (UC Davis), Davis, CA, USA.
| | - Kyoungmi Kim
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California at Davis (UC Davis), Davis, CA, USA
- UC Davis MIND (Medical Investigations of Neurodevelopmental Disorders) Institute, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, USA
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Patrick J Parsons
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, USA
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Agnieszka Mlodnicka
- UC Davis MIND (Medical Investigations of Neurodevelopmental Disorders) Institute, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California at Davis (UC Davis), Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Rebecca J Schmidt
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California at Davis (UC Davis), Davis, CA, USA
- UC Davis MIND (Medical Investigations of Neurodevelopmental Disorders) Institute, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Julie B Schweitzer
- UC Davis MIND (Medical Investigations of Neurodevelopmental Disorders) Institute, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California at Davis (UC Davis), Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Irva Hertz-Picciotto
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California at Davis (UC Davis), Davis, CA, USA
- UC Davis MIND (Medical Investigations of Neurodevelopmental Disorders) Institute, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Deborah H Bennett
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California at Davis (UC Davis), Davis, CA, USA
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Stickler A, Hawkey AB, Gondal A, Natarajan S, Mead M, Levin ED. Embryonic exposures to cadmium and PAHs cause long-term and interacting neurobehavioral effects in zebrafish. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2024; 102:107339. [PMID: 38452988 PMCID: PMC10990771 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2024.107339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Developmental exposure to either polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) or heavy metals has been shown to cause persisting and overlapping neurobehavioral effects in animal models. However, interactions between these compounds have not been well characterized, despite their co-occurrence in a variety of environmental media. In two companion studies, we examined the effects of developmental exposure to cadmium (Cd) with or without co-exposure to prototypic PAHs benzo[a]pyrene (BaP, Exp. 1) or fluoranthene (FA, Exp. 2) using a developing zebrafish model. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to Cd (0-0.3 μM), BaP (0-3 μM), FA (0-1.0 μM), or binary Cd-PAH mixtures from 5 to 122 h post fertilization (hpf). In Exp. 1, Cd and BaP produced independent effects on an array of outcomes and interacting effects on specific outcomes. Notably, Cd-induced deficits in dark-induced locomotor stimulation were attenuated by BaP co-exposure in the larval motility test and BaP-induced hyperactivity was attenuated by Cd co-exposure in the adolescent novel tank test. Likewise, in Exp. 2, Cd and FA produced both independent and interacting effects. FA-induced increases on adult post-tap activity in the tap startle test were attenuated by co-exposure with Cd. On the predator avoidance test, FA- and 0.3 μM Cd-induced hyperactivity effects were attenuated by their co-exposure. Taken together, these data indicate that while the effects of Cd and these representative PAHs on zebrafish behavior were largely independent of one another, binary mixtures can produce sub-additive effects for some neurobehavioral outcomes and at certain ages. This research emphasizes the need for detailed risk assessments of mixtures containing contaminants of differing classes, and for clarity on the mechanisms which allow cross-class toxicant interactions to occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Stickler
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Andrew B Hawkey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA
| | - Anas Gondal
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Sarabesh Natarajan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Mikayla Mead
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Edward D Levin
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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Linares AM, Thaxton-Wiggins A, Unrine JM. Concentrations of Lead and Arsenic in Mother's Milk and Children's Blood in Peruvian Breastfeeding Dyads. J Hum Lact 2024; 40:69-79. [PMID: 38084709 PMCID: PMC10984648 DOI: 10.1177/08903344231212430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxic trace elements could enter human milk through mothers' food consumption, drinking water, air, or incidental soil ingestion, and are of concern to the nursing infant. RESEARCH AIM To determine the concentration of toxic trace elements (lead and arsenic) in Peruvian mothers' milk and their association with blood concentrations in their own infants 3-20 months old. METHOD This exploratory, cross-sectional study, carried out in Peru, included breastfeeding mother/child dyads (N = 40). Following standardized protocols, biospecimens of human milk and child's blood were collected. RESULTS Lead and arsenic concentrations in milk were above the method detection limits in 73% and 100% of samples with median concentrations of 0.26 µg/L (IQR = 0.10, 0.33 µg/L) and 0.73 µg/L (IQR = 0.63, 0.91 µg/L), respectively. Concentrations of lead and arsenic in blood were 2.05 µg/dL (SD = 1.35), and 1.43 µg/dl (geometric mean: SD = 1.39), respectively. Blood lead concentrations in 12.5% (n = 5) of the samples were above the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention reference value (< 3.5 µg/dl), and over half of arsenic concentrations were above the acceptable levels of < 1.3 µg/dl (Mayo Clinic Interpretative Handbook). Our results showed that for every one-month increase in age, lead blood concentrations increased by 0.1 µg/dl (p = 0.023). Additionally, every 1 µg/L increase in the mother's milk arsenic was associated with a 1.40 µg/dl increase in the child's blood arsenic concentration. CONCLUSIONS Implementing effective interventions to decrease the toxic exposure of reproductive-aged women is needed in Peru and worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jason M. Unrine
- Environmental Toxicology, Department of Plant and Soil Sciences. Agriculture Science Center North, Kentucky Water Resources Research Institute, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
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Wen Z, Zheng D, Wu J, Tian H, Yang Q, Chen L, Ji Z, Chen Y, Li Z. Integral trends in research of lead exposure and child health from 2012 to 2022: a bibliometric analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:9251-9271. [PMID: 38191730 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31744-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Lead poisoning in children is a non-negligible and ongoing threat to children's health and optimal development worldwide. There is no sufficient scientometric analysis available on this subject, though. Aiming to uncover the research development, hotspots, and possible future orientation, we performed a scientometric analysis of related publications from 2012 to 2022. Initial information was accessed using the "Analysis Results" and "Create Citation Report" sections of the Web of Science core collection database, which were utilized to find original publications in this field of research. Biblioshiny and VOSviewer software were applied to further analyze and visualize the data. The research addressed a range of topics, including yearly publications, highly cited articles, co-cited references, journals, authors, nations, organizations, and keywords. A total of 883 articles were retrieved. From 2018 to 2021, the annual publication output was abundant and peaked in 2019. Among 111 countries, the USA obtained the highest number of documents issued, total citations, and total link strength. Meanwhile, most of the top 15 institutions, including the top four, are located in the USA. Further, we spotted greater scopes with development potential, including enhancing records to lessen exposure to harmful risks, improving methods for observing lead sources, and elucidating the gradient link between lead poisoning symptoms and concentrations. We anticipate that our research will assist researchers in summarizing previous research and providing perspectives for workable prospective study topics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuolin Wen
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Hernia Surgery, General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, No. 69 North Dongxia Road, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, People's Republic of China
| | - Daitian Zheng
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Hernia Surgery, General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, No. 69 North Dongxia Road, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinyao Wu
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Hernia Surgery, General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, No. 69 North Dongxia Road, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, People's Republic of China
| | - Huiting Tian
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Hernia Surgery, General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, No. 69 North Dongxia Road, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiuping Yang
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Hernia Surgery, General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, No. 69 North Dongxia Road, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingzhi Chen
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Hernia Surgery, General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, No. 69 North Dongxia Road, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, People's Republic of China
| | - Zeqi Ji
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Hernia Surgery, General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, No. 69 North Dongxia Road, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, People's Republic of China
| | - Yexi Chen
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Hernia Surgery, General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, No. 69 North Dongxia Road, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiyang Li
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Hernia Surgery, General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, No. 69 North Dongxia Road, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, People's Republic of China.
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7
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Howe CG, Laue HE. Invited Perspective: Studying Metal Impacts on Neurobehavior during the Critical but Challenging Window of Adolescence. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2024; 132:21303. [PMID: 38363633 PMCID: PMC10871113 DOI: 10.1289/ehp14303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin G. Howe
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Hannah E. Laue
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
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Schildroth S, Kordas K, White RF, Friedman A, Placidi D, Smith D, Lucchini RG, Wright RO, Horton M, Claus Henn B. An Industry-Relevant Metal Mixture, Iron Status, and Reported Attention-Related Behaviors in Italian Adolescents. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2024; 132:27008. [PMID: 38363634 PMCID: PMC10871126 DOI: 10.1289/ehp12988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to environmental metals has been consistently associated with attention and behavioral deficits in children, and these associations may be modified by coexposure to other metals or iron (Fe) status. However, few studies have investigated Fe status as a modifier of a metal mixture, particularly with respect to attention-related behaviors. METHODS We used cross-sectional data from the Public Health Impact of Metals Exposure study, which included 707 adolescents (10-14 years of age) from Brescia, Italy. Manganese, chromium, and copper were quantified in hair samples, and lead was quantified in whole blood, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Concentrations of Fe status markers (ferritin, hemoglobin, transferrin) were measured using immunoassays or luminescence assays. Attention-related behaviors were assessed using the Conners Rating Scales Self-Report Scale-Long Form, Parent Rating Scales Revised-Short Form, and Teacher Rating Scales Revised-Short Form. We employed Bayesian kernel machine regression to examine associations of the metal mixture with these outcomes and evaluate Fe status as a modifier. RESULTS Higher concentrations of the metals and ferritin were jointly associated with worse self-reported attention-related behaviors: metals and ferritin set to their 90th percentiles were associated with 3.0% [β = 0.03 ; 95% credible interval (CrI): - 0.01 , 0.06], 4.1% (β = 0.04 ; 95% CrI: 0.00, 0.08), and 4.1% (β = 0.04 ; 95% CrI: 0.00, 0.08) higher T -scores for self-reported attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) index, inattention, and hyperactivity, respectively, compared with when metals and ferritin were set to their 50th percentiles. These associations were driven by hair manganese, which exhibited nonlinear associations with all self-reported scales. There was no evidence that Fe status modified the neurotoxicity of the metal mixture. The metal mixture was not materially associated with any parent-reported or teacher-reported scale. CONCLUSIONS The overall metal mixture, driven by manganese, was adversely associated with self-reported attention-related behavior. These findings suggest that exposure to multiple environmental metals impacts adolescent neurodevelopment, which has significant public health implications. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP12988.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Schildroth
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Katarzyna Kordas
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Roberta F. White
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alexa Friedman
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Donatella Placidi
- Department of Occupational Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Donald Smith
- Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
| | - Roberto G. Lucchini
- Department of Occupational Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Robert O. Wright
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Megan Horton
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Birgit Claus Henn
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Bauer JA, Romano ME, Jackson BP, Bellinger D, Korrick S, Karagas MR. Associations of Perinatal Metal and Metalloid Exposures with Early Child Behavioral Development Over Time in the New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study. EXPOSURE AND HEALTH 2024; 16:135-148. [PMID: 38694196 PMCID: PMC11060719 DOI: 10.1007/s12403-023-00543-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
Research on the neurodevelopmental effects of metal(loid)s has focused mainly on outcomes assessed at one time point, even though brain development progresses over time. We investigated biomarkers of perinatal exposure to metals and changes in child behavior over time. We followed 268 participants from the prospective New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study between birth and age 5 years. We measured arsenic (As), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) in toenails from 6-week-old infants. The Behavioral Symptoms Index (BSI), externalizing, and internalizing symptoms were assessed using the Behavior Assessment System for Children, 2nd edition (BASC-2) at ages 3 and 5 years. Multivariable linear regression was used to estimate associations of metals with behavior change, calculated as the difference in symptom raw scores between 3 and 5 years, in addition to the associations for symptom scores at 3 and 5 years separately. Sex-specific associations were also explored using stratified models and a sex-metal interaction term. Adjusted associations of metals and change in behavior varied by exposure and outcome. Each 1 μg/g increase in ln toenail Cu was associated with improved behavior between 3 and 5 years [BSI: β = - 3.88 (95%CI: - 7.12, - 0.64); Externalizing problems: β = - 2.20 (95%CI: - 4.07, - 0.33)]. Increasing Zn was associated with increased externalizing behavior over time (β = 3.42 (95%CI: 0.60, 6.25). Sex-stratified analyses suggested more pronounced associations among boys compared to girls. Perinatal exposure to metals may alter behavioral development between ages 3 and 5 years. Findings support the need for more research on associations between metals and neurodevelopment over longer time periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia A. Bauer
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, 1 Medical Center Dr., Lebanon, Hanover, NH 03756, USA
| | - Megan E. Romano
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, 1 Medical Center Dr., Lebanon, Hanover, NH 03756, USA
| | - Brian P. Jackson
- Department of Earth Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - David Bellinger
- Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Susan Korrick
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Margaret R. Karagas
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, 1 Medical Center Dr., Lebanon, Hanover, NH 03756, USA
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Schildroth S, Valeri L, Kordas K, Shi B, Friedman A, Smith D, Placidi D, Wright RO, Lucchini RG, White RF, Horton M, Claus Henn B. Assessing the mediating role of iron status on associations between an industry-relevant metal mixture and verbal learning and memory in Italian adolescents. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167435. [PMID: 37774885 PMCID: PMC10918745 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metals, including lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr) and copper (Cu), have been associated with neurodevelopment; iron (Fe) plays a role in the metabolism and neurotoxicity of metals, suggesting Fe may mediate metal-neurodevelopment associations. However, no study to date has examined Fe as a mediator of the association between metal mixtures and neurodevelopment. OBJECTIVE We assessed Fe status as a mediator of a mixture of Pb, Mn, Cr and Cu in relation to verbal learning and memory in a cohort of Italian adolescents. METHODS We used cross-sectional data from 383 adolescents (10-14 years) in the Public Health Impact of Metals Exposure Study. Metals were quantified in blood (Pb) or hair (Mn, Cr, Cu) using ICP-MS, and three markers of Fe status (blood hemoglobin, serum ferritin and transferrin) were quantified using luminescence assays or immunoassays. Verbal learning and memory were assessed using the California Verbal Learning Test for Children (CVLT-C). We used Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression Causal Mediation Analysis to estimate four mediation effects: the natural direct effect (NDE), natural indirect effect (NIE), controlled direct effect (CDE) and total effect (TE). Beta (β) coefficients and 95 % credible intervals (CIs) were estimated for all effects. RESULTS The metal mixture was jointly associated with a greater number of words recalled on the CVLT-C, but these associations were not mediated by Fe status. For example, when ferritin was considered as the mediator, the NIE for long delay free recall was null (β = 0.00; 95 % CI = -0.22, 0.23). Conversely, the NDE (β = 0.23; 95 % CI = 0.01, 0.44) indicated a beneficial association of the mixture with recall that operated independently of Fe status. CONCLUSION An industry-relevant metal mixture was associated with learning and memory, but there was no evidence of mediation by Fe status. Further studies in populations with Fe deficiency and greater variation in metal exposure are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Schildroth
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Linda Valeri
- Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Katarzyna Kordas
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Baoyi Shi
- Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alexa Friedman
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Donald Smith
- Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Donatella Placidi
- Department of Occupational Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Robert O Wright
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Roberto G Lucchini
- Department of Occupational Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Roberta F White
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Neurology, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Megan Horton
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Birgit Claus Henn
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Howe CG, Armstrong DA, Muse ME, Gilbert-Diamond D, Gui J, Hoen AG, Palys TJ, Barnaby RL, Stanton BA, Jackson BP, Christensen BC, Karagas MR. Periconceptional and Prenatal Exposure to Metals and Extracellular Vesicle and Particle miRNAs in Human Milk: A Pilot Study. EXPOSURE AND HEALTH 2023; 15:731-743. [PMID: 38074282 PMCID: PMC10707483 DOI: 10.1007/s12403-022-00520-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Human milk is a rich source of microRNAs (miRNAs), which can be transported by extracellular vesicles and particles (EVPs) and are hypothesized to contribute to maternal-offspring communication and child development. Environmental contaminant impacts on EVP miRNAs in human milk are largely unknown. In a pilot study of 54 mother-child pairs from the New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study, we examined relationships between five metals (arsenic, lead, manganese, mercury, and selenium) measured in maternal toenail clippings, reflecting exposures during the periconceptional and prenatal periods, and EVP miRNA levels in human milk. 798 miRNAs were profiled using the NanoString nCounter platform; 200 miRNAs were widely detectable and retained for downstream analyses. Metal-miRNA associations were evaluated using covariate-adjusted robust linear regression models. Arsenic exposure during the periconceptional and prenatal periods was associated with lower total miRNA content in human milk EVPs (PBonferroni < 0.05). When evaluating miRNAs individually, 13 miRNAs were inversely associated with arsenic exposure, two in the periconceptional period and 11 in the prenatal period (PBonferroni < 0.05). Other metal-miRNA associations were not statistically significant after multiple testing correction (PBonferroni ≥ 0.05). Many of the arsenic-associated miRNAs are involved in lactation and have anti-inflammatory properties in the intestine and tumor suppressive functions in breast cells. Our findings raise the possibility that periconceptional and prenatal arsenic exposure may reduce levels of multiple miRNAs in human milk EVPs. However, larger confirmatory studies, which can apply environmental mixture approaches, evaluate potential effect modifiers of these relationships, and examine possible downstream consequences for maternal and child health and breastfeeding outcomes, are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin G. Howe
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, 1 Medical Center Dr, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - David A. Armstrong
- Department of Dermatology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, 1 Medical Center Dr, Lebanon, NH, USA
- Research Service, VA Medical Center, 215 N Main St, White River Junction, VT, USA
| | - Meghan E. Muse
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, 1 Medical Center Dr, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Diane Gilbert-Diamond
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, 1 Medical Center Dr, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Jiang Gui
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, 1 Medical Center Dr, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Anne G. Hoen
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, 1 Medical Center Dr, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Thomas J. Palys
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, 1 Medical Center Dr, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Roxanna L. Barnaby
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, 66 College St, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Bruce A. Stanton
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, 66 College St, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Brian P. Jackson
- Department of Earth Sciences, Dartmouth College, 6105 Sherman Fairchild Hall, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Brock C. Christensen
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, 1 Medical Center Dr, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Margaret R. Karagas
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, 1 Medical Center Dr, Lebanon, NH, USA
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12
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Goodman CV, Green R, DaCosta A, Flora D, Lanphear B, Till C. Sex difference of pre- and post-natal exposure to six developmental neurotoxicants on intellectual abilities: a systematic review and meta-analysis of human studies. Environ Health 2023; 22:80. [PMID: 37978510 PMCID: PMC10655280 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-023-01029-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early life exposure to lead, mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybromide diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), organophosphate pesticides (OPPs), and phthalates have been associated with lowered IQ in children. In some studies, these neurotoxicants impact males and females differently. We aimed to examine the sex-specific effects of exposure to developmental neurotoxicants on intelligence (IQ) in a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHOD We screened abstracts published in PsychINFO and PubMed before December 31st, 2021, for empirical studies of six neurotoxicants (lead, mercury, PCBs, PBDEs, OPPs, and phthalates) that (1) used an individualized biomarker; (2) measured exposure during the prenatal period or before age six; and (3) provided effect estimates on general, nonverbal, and/or verbal IQ by sex. We assessed each study for risk of bias and evaluated the certainty of the evidence using Navigation Guide. We performed separate random effect meta-analyses by sex and timing of exposure with subgroup analyses by neurotoxicant. RESULTS Fifty-one studies were included in the systematic review and 20 in the meta-analysis. Prenatal exposure to developmental neurotoxicants was associated with decreased general and nonverbal IQ in males, especially for lead. No significant effects were found for verbal IQ, or postnatal lead exposure and general IQ. Due to the limited number of studies, we were unable to analyze postnatal effects of any of the other neurotoxicants. CONCLUSION During fetal development, males may be more vulnerable than females to general and nonverbal intellectual deficits from neurotoxic exposures, especially from lead. More research is needed to examine the nuanced sex-specific effects found for postnatal exposure to toxic chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly V Goodman
- Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, M3J 1P3, ON, Canada.
| | - Rivka Green
- Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, M3J 1P3, ON, Canada
| | - Allya DaCosta
- Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, M3J 1P3, ON, Canada
| | - David Flora
- Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, M3J 1P3, ON, Canada
| | - Bruce Lanphear
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Christine Till
- Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, M3J 1P3, ON, Canada
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13
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Friedman A, Schildroth S, Bauer JA, Coull BA, Smith DR, Placidi D, Cagna G, Krengel MH, Tripodis Y, White RF, Lucchini RG, Wright RO, Horton M, Austin C, Arora M, Claus Henn B. Early-life manganese exposure during multiple developmental periods and adolescent verbal learning and memory. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2023; 100:107307. [PMID: 37832858 PMCID: PMC10834060 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2023.107307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Manganese (Mn) is both an essential and toxic metal, and associations with neurodevelopment depend on exposure timing. Prospective data examining early life Mn with adolescent cognition are sparse. METHODS We enrolled 140 Italian adolescents (10-14 years old) from the Public Health Impact of Metals Exposure study. Mn in deciduous teeth was measured using laser ablation-mass spectrometry to represent prenatal, postnatal and early childhood exposure. The California Verbal Learning Test for Children (CVLT-C) was administered to assess adolescent verbal learning and memory. Multivariable regression models estimated changes in CVLT-C scores and the odds of making an error per doubling in dentine Mn in each exposure period. Multiple informant models tested for differences in associations across exposure periods. RESULTS A doubling in prenatal dentine Mn levels was associated with lower odds of making an intrusion error (OR = 0.23 [95% CI: 0.09, 0.61]). This beneficial association was not observed in other exposure periods. A doubling in childhood Mn was beneficially associated with short delay free recall: (ß = 0.47 [95% CI: -0.02, 0.97]), which was stronger in males (ß = 0.94 [95% CI: 0.05, 1.82]). Associations were null in the postnatal period. CONCLUSION Exposure timing is critical for understanding Mn-associated changes in cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa Friedman
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, USA.
| | - Samantha Schildroth
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | - Julia A Bauer
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Darmouth, USA
| | - Brent A Coull
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T. H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | - Donald R Smith
- Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, USA
| | - Donatella Placidi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giuseppa Cagna
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Maxine H Krengel
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, USA
| | - Yorghos Tripodis
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | - Roberta F White
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, USA; Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, USA
| | - Roberto G Lucchini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Florida International University, Miami, USA
| | - Robert O Wright
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Megan Horton
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Christine Austin
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Manish Arora
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Birgit Claus Henn
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, USA
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14
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Liu B, Cai F, Tang B, Li J, Yan X, Du D, Zheng J, Ren M, Yu Y. Maternal hair segments reveal metal(loid) levels over the course of pregnancy: a preliminary study in Southern China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2023; 25:1684-1693. [PMID: 37705410 DOI: 10.1039/d3em00279a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Characterization of metal(loid) variation during pregnancy and identification of the affecting factors are important for assessing pregnancy exposures in epidemiological studies. In this study, maternal hair was collected in three segments (each 3 cm) from pregnant women in Guangzhou, China. Ten metal(loid)s, including six essential trace metal(loid)s and four toxic trace metal(loid)s, were analyzed to investigate the levels of various metal(loid)s during pregnancy and the factors that influence them. Strong pairwise correlations were observed between manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), and vanadium (V), between selenium (Se), arsenic (As), and antimony (Sb), and between cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb). All metal(loid)s except for Se, Mn, and Co showed strong correlations among the three hair segments, and most of the metal(loid)s had good reproducibility, with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) ranging from 0.510 to 0.931, except for As (ICC = 0.334), Mn (ICC = 0.231), and Co (ICC = 0.235). Zn levels decreased, while Sb increased, in maternal hair during pregnancy. Maternal sociodemographic characteristics and dietary intake affected metal(loid) levels in maternal hair. These results provide foundational data for using maternal hair segmental analysis to evaluate exposure variation to metal(loid)s during pregnancy and the potential factors associated with them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingqing Liu
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, P. R. China
| | - Fengshan Cai
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510530, P. R. China.
| | - Bin Tang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510530, P. R. China.
| | - Jialu Li
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510530, P. R. China.
- School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Disease Monitoring of Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550000, P. R. China
| | - Xiao Yan
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510530, P. R. China.
- School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Disease Monitoring of Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550000, P. R. China
| | - Dongwei Du
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510530, P. R. China.
| | - Jing Zheng
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510530, P. R. China.
- School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Disease Monitoring of Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550000, P. R. China
| | - Mingzhong Ren
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510530, P. R. China.
| | - Yunjiang Yu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510530, P. R. China.
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15
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Correia-Sá L, Fernandes VC, Maia ML, Pinto E, Norberto S, Almeida A, Santos C, Delerue-Matos C, Calhau C, Domingues VF. Trace Elements in Portuguese Children: Urinary Levels and Exposure Predictors. TOXICS 2023; 11:767. [PMID: 37755777 PMCID: PMC10535189 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11090767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to environmental chemicals during developmental stages can result in several adverse outcomes. In this study, the exposure of Portuguese children to Cu, Co, I, Mo, Mn, Ni, As, Sb, Cd, Pb, Sn and Tl was evaluated through the analysis of first morning urine through ICP-MS. Furthermore, we attempted to determine possible exposure predictors. The study sample consisted of 54% girls and 46% boys, with a median age of 10 years; 61% were overweight/obese and were put on a nutritionally oriented diet. For I, half of the population was probably in deficiency status. The median urinary concentrations (μg/L) were Cu 21.9, Mo 54.6, Co 0.76, Mn 2.1, Ni 4.74, As 37.9, Sb 0.09, Cd 0.29, Pb 0.94, Sn 0.45, Tl 0.39 and I 125.5. The region was a significant predictor for Cu, Co, Ni, As and Tl. Children living in an urban area had higher urinary levels, except for Co and Ni. Age was a significant predictor for Cu, I, Mo, Mn, Ni, Sb, Cd and Sn with urinary levels of these elements decreasing with age. No sex-related differences were observed. Diet and weight group were predictors for urinary Cu, Mn, Ni, Sb and As. Significant differences were observed between the diet/weight groups for Cu, Ni, Sb and As, with the healthy diet group presenting higher values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luísa Correia-Sá
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 431, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal; (V.C.F.); (M.L.M.); (C.D.-M.)
| | - Virgínia C. Fernandes
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 431, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal; (V.C.F.); (M.L.M.); (C.D.-M.)
- Center for Research in Health Technologies and Information Systems, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal; (S.N.); (C.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Maria Luz Maia
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 431, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal; (V.C.F.); (M.L.M.); (C.D.-M.)
- Center for Research in Health Technologies and Information Systems, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal; (S.N.); (C.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Edgar Pinto
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal; (E.P.); (A.A.)
- Departmento de Saúde Ambiental, Escola Superior de Saúde, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 400, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sónia Norberto
- Center for Research in Health Technologies and Information Systems, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal; (S.N.); (C.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Agostinho Almeida
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal; (E.P.); (A.A.)
| | - Cristina Santos
- Center for Research in Health Technologies and Information Systems, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal; (S.N.); (C.S.); (C.C.)
- Health Information and Decision Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina Delerue-Matos
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 431, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal; (V.C.F.); (M.L.M.); (C.D.-M.)
| | - Conceição Calhau
- Center for Research in Health Technologies and Information Systems, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal; (S.N.); (C.S.); (C.C.)
- Nutrição e Metabolismo NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Valentina F. Domingues
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 431, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal; (V.C.F.); (M.L.M.); (C.D.-M.)
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Cediel-Ulloa A, Lindner S, Rüegg J, Broberg K. Epigenetics of methylmercury. Neurotoxicology 2023; 97:34-46. [PMID: 37164037 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2023.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Methylmercury (MeHg) is neurotoxic at high levels and particularly affects the developing brain. One proposed mechanism of MeHg neurotoxicity is alteration of the epigenetic programming. In this review, we summarise the experimental and epidemiological literature on MeHg-associated epigenetic changes. RECENT FINDINGS Experimental and epidemiological studies have identified changes in DNA methylation following in utero exposure to MeHg, and some of the changes appear to be persistent. A few studies have evaluated associations between MeHg-related changes in DNA methylation and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Experimental studies reveal changes in histone modifications after MeHg exposure, but we lack epidemiological studies supporting such changes in humans. Experimental and epidemiological studies have identified microRNA-related changes associated with MeHg; however, more research is needed to conclude if these changes lead to persistent and toxic effects. SUMMARY MeHg appears to interfere with epigenetic processes, potentially leading to persistent changes. However, observed associations of mercury with epigenetic changes are as of yet of unknown relevance to neurodevelopmental outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Cediel-Ulloa
- Department of Organism Biology, Uppsala University, Kåbovägen 4, 752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sabrina Lindner
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Joëlle Rüegg
- Department of Organism Biology, Uppsala University, Kåbovägen 4, 752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Karin Broberg
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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17
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Schildroth S, Friedman A, White RF, Kordas K, Placidi D, Bauer JA, Webster TF, Coull BA, Cagna G, Wright RO, Smith D, Lucchini RG, Horton M, Claus Henn B. Associations of an industry-relevant metal mixture with verbal learning and memory in Italian adolescents: The modifying role of iron status. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 224:115457. [PMID: 36773645 PMCID: PMC10117691 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biomarker concentrations of metals are associated with neurodevelopment, and these associations may be modified by nutritional status (e.g., iron deficiency). No prior study on associations of metal mixtures with neurodevelopment has assessed effect modification by iron status. OBJECTIVES We aimed to quantify associations of an industry-relevant metal mixture with verbal learning and memory among adolescents, and to investigate the modifying role of iron status on those associations. METHODS We used cross-sectional data from 383 Italian adolescents (10-14 years) living in proximity to ferroalloy industry. Verbal learning and memory was assessed using the California Verbal Learning Test for Children (CVLT-C), and metals were quantified in hair (manganese, copper, chromium) or blood (lead) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Serum ferritin, a proxy for iron status, was measured using immunoassays. Covariate-adjusted associations of the metal mixture with CVLT subtests were estimated using Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression, and modification of the mixture associations by ferritin was examined. RESULTS Compared to the 50th percentile of the metal mixture, the 90th percentile was associated with a 0.12 standard deviation [SD] (95% CI = -0.27, 0.50), 0.16 SD (95% CI = -0.11, 0.44), and 0.11 SD (95% CI = -0.20, 0.43) increase in the number of words recalled for trial 5, long delay free, and long delay cued recall, respectively. For an increase from its 25th to 75th percentiles, copper was beneficially associated the recall trials when other metals were fixed at their 50th percentiles (for example, trial 5 recall: β = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.14, 0.48). The association between copper and trial 5 recall was stronger at the 75th percentile of ferritin, compared to the 25th or 50th percentiles. CONCLUSIONS In this metal mixture, copper was beneficially associated with neurodevelopment, which was more apparent at higher ferritin concentrations. These findings suggest that metal associations with neurodevelopment may depend on iron status, which has important public health implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Schildroth
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston MA, USA.
| | - Alexa Friedman
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston MA, USA
| | - Roberta F White
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston MA, USA; Department of Neurology, Boston University, Boston MA, USA
| | - Katarzyna Kordas
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Donatella Placidi
- Department of Occupational Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Julia A Bauer
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Thomas F Webster
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston MA, USA
| | - Brent A Coull
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston MA, USA
| | - Giuseppa Cagna
- Department of Occupational Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Robert O Wright
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York NY, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York NY, USA
| | - Donald Smith
- Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz CA, USA
| | - Roberto G Lucchini
- Department of Occupational Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Florida International University, Miami FL, USA
| | - Megan Horton
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York NY, USA
| | - Birgit Claus Henn
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston MA, USA
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18
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Oh J, Kim K, Kannan K, Parsons PJ, Mlodnicka A, Schmidt RJ, Schweitzer JB, Hertz-Picciotto I, Bennett DH. Early childhood exposure to environmental phenols and parabens, phthalates, organophosphate pesticides, and trace elements in association with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in the CHARGE study. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2565914. [PMID: 36798220 PMCID: PMC9934759 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2565914/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Background Agrowing body of literature investigated childhood exposure to environmental chemicals in association with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, but limited studies considered urinary mixtures of multiple chemical classes. This study examined associations of concurrent exposure to non-persistent chemicals with ADHD symptoms in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental delay, and typical development. Methods A total of 574 children aged 2-5 years from the Childhood Autism Risks from Genetics and Environment (CHARGE) case-control study was administered the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC). This study focused on the Hyperactivity subscale and its two subdomains (hyperactivity/impulsivity, inattention). Sixty-two chemicals from four classes (phenols/parabens, phthalates, organophosphate pesticides, trace elements) were quantified in child urine samples, and 43 chemicals detected in >70% samples were used in statistical analyses. Weighted quantile sum regression for negative binomial outcomes with repeated holdout validation was performed to investigate covariate-adjusted associations between mixtures and ABC scores in 574 children. The mixture analyses were further restricted to 232 children with ASD. Results Phthalate metabolite mixtures, weighted for mono-n-butylphthalate (MNBP), mono-2-heptyl phthalate, and mono-carboxy isononyl phthalate, were associated with the Hyperactivity subscale (mean incidence rate ratio [mIRR] = 1.11; 2.5th, 97.5th percentile: 1.00, 1.23), especially the hyperactivity/impulsivity subdomain (mIRR = 1.14; 2.5th, 97.5th percentile: 1.06, 1.26). These associations remained similar after restricting to children with ASD. The inattention subdomain was associated with a phenols/parabens mixture, weighted for several parabens and bisphenols (mIRR = 1.13; 2.5th, 97.5th percentile: 1.00, 1.28) and a total mixture, weighted for 3,4-dihydroxy benzoic acid, MNBR and mono-(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate (mIRR = 1.11; 2.5th, 97.5th percentile: 1.01,1.25) only among children with ASD. Conclusions Concurrent exposure to phthalate mixtures was associated with hyperactivity in early childhood. Though causal inference cannot be made based on our cross-sectional findings, this study warrants further research on mixtures of larger number of chemicals from multiple classes in association with ADHD-related behaviors in young children.
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19
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Dietrich AM, Yao W, Gohlke JM, Gallagher DL. Environmental risks from consumer products: Acceptable drinking water quality can produce unacceptable indoor air quality with ultrasonic humidifier use. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 856:158787. [PMID: 36116655 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The commonly used consumer product of an ultrasonic humidifier (e.g., cool mist humidifier) emits fine particles containing metals from tap water used to fill the humidifier. The objectives are: 1) predict emitted indoor air inhalable metal concentrations produced by an ultrasonic humidifier filled with tap-water containing As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, and Pb in 33 m3 or 72 m3 rooms with varying air exchange rates; 2) calculate daily ingestion and 8-h inhalation average daily dose (ADD) and hazard quotient (HQ) for adults and children (aged 0.25-6 yr); and 3) quantify deposition in respiratory tract via multi-path particle dosimetry (MPPD) model. Mass concentrations of indoor air metals increase proportionally with aqueous metal concentrations in fill water, and are inversely related to ventilation. Inhalation-ADDs are 2 magnitudes lower than ingestion-ADDs, using identical water quality for ingestion and fill-water. However, in the 33 m3, low 0.2/h ventilated room, inhalation-HQs are >1 for children and adults, except for Pb. HQ inhalation risks exceed ingestion risks at drinking water regulated levels for As, Cd, Cr, and Mn. MPPD shows greater dose deposits in lungs of children than adults, and 3 times greater deposited doses in a 33 m3 vs 72 m3 room. Rethinking health effects of drinking water and consumer products to broaden consideration of multiple exposure routes is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea M Dietrich
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
| | - Wenchuo Yao
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Julia M Gohlke
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Daniel L Gallagher
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
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20
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Schildroth S, Kordas K, Bauer JA, Wright RO, Claus Henn B. Environmental Metal Exposure, Neurodevelopment, and the Role of Iron Status: a Review. Curr Environ Health Rep 2022; 9:758-787. [PMID: 35997893 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-022-00378-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Exposure to environmental metals, like lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), and methylmercury (Me-Hg), has consistently been implicated in neurodevelopmental dysfunction. Recent research has focused on identifying modifying factors of metal neurotoxicity in childhood, such as age, sex, and co-exposures. Iron (Fe) status is critical for normal cognitive development during childhood, and current mechanistic, animal, and human evidence suggests that Fe status may be a modifier or mediator of associations between environmental metals and neurodevelopment. The goals of this review are to describe the current state of the epidemiologic literature on the role of Fe status (i.e., hemoglobin, ferritin, blood Fe concentrations) and Fe supplementation in the relationship between metals and children's neurodevelopment, and to identify research gaps. RECENT FINDINGS We identified 30 studies in PubMed and EMBASE that assessed Fe status as a modifier, mediator, or co-exposure of associations of Pb, Me-Hg, Mn, copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), or metal mixtures measured in early life (prenatal period through 8 years of age) with cognition in children. In experimental studies, co-supplementation of Fe and Zn was associated with better memory and cognition than supplementation with either metal alone. Several observational studies reported interactions between Fe status and Pb, Mn, Zn, or As in relation to developmental indices, memory, attention, and behavior, whereby adverse associations of metals with cognition were worse among Fe-deficient children compared to Fe-sufficient children. Only two studies quantified joint associations of complex metal mixtures that included Fe with neurodevelopment, though findings from these studies were not consistent. Findings support memory and attention as two possible cognitive domains that may be both vulnerable to Fe deficiency and a target of metals toxicity. Major gaps in the literature remain, including evaluating Fe status as a modifier or mediator of metal mixtures and cognition. Given that Fe deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide, characterizing Fe status in studies of metals toxicity is important for informing public health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Schildroth
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Boston University, 715 Albany St., Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
| | - Katarzyna Kordas
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Julia Anglen Bauer
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Robert O Wright
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Birgit Claus Henn
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Boston University, 715 Albany St., Boston, MA, 02118, USA
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21
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Stein CR, Wu H, Bellinger DC, Smith DR, Wolff MS, Savitz DA. Exposure to metal mixtures and neuropsychological functioning in middle childhood. Neurotoxicology 2022; 93:84-91. [PMID: 36122627 PMCID: PMC10513744 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2022.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Elevated exposure to multiple trace metals can be neurotoxic even at relatively low levels. These findings are primarily evident from adult occupational studies as well as in children exposed prenatally or in early childhood. Less research has focused on the neurodevelopmental impacts of exposure to metals among school-aged children. We examined associations between exposure to a mixture of four metals (arsenic, cadmium, manganese, lead) measured in hair and markers of cognition, attention, and behavior among 222 6-12 year old children who participated in a 2009-2010 neurodevelopmental follow-up to the C8 Health Project. Using quantile-based g-computation we estimated the adjusted overall metal mixture effect ψ (95 % CI) as the change in outcome per decile increase in all metals in the mixture. Hair metal levels varied by metal, with cadmium being lowest (median 0.007, interquartile range (IQR) 0.013 μg/g) and lead the highest concentration (median 0.152, IQR 0.252 μg/g). Children's cognitive skills and development, attention/impulsivity, and behavior were all close to standardized population means. Each decile increase in all metals was associated with a Full Scale IQ reduction of 1.01 points (95 % confidence interval (CI) -1.88, -0.15) and Verbal IQ reduction of 1.11 points (95 % CI -1.97, -0.25), adjusted for child age, sex, secondhand smoke exposure, HOME score, maternal education, maternal IQ, and examiner. Maternal report of ADHD-like behaviors and executive functioning also showed adverse associations with the metal mixture. Our findings suggest that similar to exposure during prenatal and early childhood periods, recent exposure to metals during middle childhood is associated with adverse neurodevelopmental consequences. Middle childhood may also be a developmental window of susceptibility to the negative consequences of exposure to environmental neurotoxicants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl R Stein
- Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Child Study Center, One Park Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10016, USA.
| | - Haotian Wu
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th St, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - David C Bellinger
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Farley Basement Box 127, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Donald R Smith
- Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, University of California, 442 Physical Sciences Building, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA.
| | - Mary S Wolff
- Department of Environmental Medicine & Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 17 East 102 Street, New York, NY 10029, USA.
| | - David A Savitz
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 S. Main Street, Box G-S-121-2, Providence, RI 02912, USA.
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22
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Farías P, Hernández-Bonilla D, Moreno-Macías H, Montes-López S, Schnaas L, Texcalac-Sangrador JL, Ríos C, Riojas-Rodríguez H. Prenatal Co-Exposure to Manganese, Mercury, and Lead, and Neurodevelopment in Children during the First Year of Life. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13020. [PMID: 36293596 PMCID: PMC9603303 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and manganese (Mn) are neurotoxic, but little is known about the neurodevelopmental effects associated with simultaneous prenatal exposure to these metals. We aimed to study the associations of Pb, Hg, and Mn prenatal levels (jointly and separately) with neurodevelopment in the first year of life. Methods: Pb, Hg, and Mn blood lead levels were measured in 253 pregnant women. Their offspring's neurodevelopment was assessed through the Bayley Scale of Infant Development III® at one, three, six, and twelve months. The metals' mean blood levels (µg/L) were Pb = 11.2, Hg = 2.1, and Mn = 10.2. Mean language, cognitive, and motor development scores of the infants at each age were between low-average and average. Multilevel models' results showed that language development coefficients of the offspring decreased by 1.5 points per 1 µg/dL increase in maternal blood lead levels (p = 0.002); the magnitude of the aforementioned association increased in children with maternal blood Mn < 9.6 µg/L (ß = -1.9, p = 0.003) or Hg > 1.9 µg/L (ß = -1.6, p = 0.013). Cognitive and motor development had negative associations with maternal blood Pb levels; the latter was statistically significant when the interaction term between Pb, Mn, and Hg was included (ß = -0.037, p = 0.03). Prenatal exposure to low Pb levels may impair infants' neurodevelopment in the first year of life, even more so if they are exposed to Hg or deficient in Mn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Farías
- Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Dirección de Salud Ambiental, Universidad 655, Col. Sta. Ma. Ahucatitlán, Cuernavaca 62100, Mexico
| | - David Hernández-Bonilla
- Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Dirección de Salud Ambiental, Universidad 655, Col. Sta. Ma. Ahucatitlán, Cuernavaca 62100, Mexico
| | - Hortensia Moreno-Macías
- Unidad Iztapalapa, División de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Ciudad de México 09340, Mexico
| | - Sergio Montes-López
- Unidad Académica Multidisciplinaria Reynosa-Aztlán, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Lago de Chapala y Calle 16, Aztlán, Reynosa 88740, Mexico
| | - Lourdes Schnaas
- Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Montes Urales 800, Lomas de Virreyes, Ciudad de México 11000, Mexico
| | - José Luis Texcalac-Sangrador
- Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Dirección de Salud Ambiental, Universidad 655, Col. Sta. Ma. Ahucatitlán, Cuernavaca 62100, Mexico
| | - Camilo Ríos
- Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Av. Insurgentes Sur No. 3877, La Fama, Ciudad de México 14269, Mexico
| | - Horacio Riojas-Rodríguez
- Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Dirección de Salud Ambiental, Universidad 655, Col. Sta. Ma. Ahucatitlán, Cuernavaca 62100, Mexico
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23
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Friedman A, Bauer JA, Austin C, Downs TJ, Tripodis Y, Heiger-Bernays W, White RF, Arora M, Claus Henn B. Multiple metals in children's deciduous teeth: results from a community-initiated pilot study. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2022; 32:408-417. [PMID: 34750512 PMCID: PMC9079191 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-021-00400-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Characterizing retrospective exposure to toxicants during multiple early-life developmental periods is challenging, yet critical for understanding developmental effects. OBJECTIVE To characterize early-life metal exposure using deciduous teeth in a community concerned about past exposures. METHODS Naturally shed teeth were collected from 30 children ages 5-13 years who resided in Holliston, Massachusetts since conception. We estimated weekly prenatal and postnatal (up to 1 year of age) exposure to 12 metals by measuring dentine concentrations using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Multivariable linear mixed models were used to explore sociodemographic, dietary, and behavioral correlates of dentine metal concentrations. RESULTS Temporal trends in dentine levels differed by metal. Source of milk during the first year of life was associated with dentine barium (Ba) levels, where being fed predominantly breastmilk was associated with 39% (95% CI: -57%, -13%) lower dentine Ba compared to predominantly formula use. Females had higher prenatal and postnatal dentine Mn and Pb, compared to males (e.g., % difference, postnatal Mn: 122% (17%, 321%); postnatal Pb: 60% (95% CI: -8%, 178%)). SIGNIFICANCE Deciduous teeth provide retrospective information on dose and timing of early-life metals exposure at high resolution. We demonstrate their utility in a community-based study with known past contamination of drinking water. IMPACT STATEMENT We conducted a community-initiated pilot study in a community concerned with historical exposure to multiple metals. Using deciduous teeth, a novel noninvasive biomarker, we characterized early-life exposure to 12 metals in approximately weekly increments during sensitive developmental periods, thus demonstrating the utility of this biomarker in communities concerned with past exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa Friedman
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Julia Anglen Bauer
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Christine Austin
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Timothy J Downs
- Department of International Development, Community, and Environment, Clark University, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Yorghos Tripodis
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Wendy Heiger-Bernays
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Roberta F White
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Manish Arora
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Birgit Claus Henn
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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24
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Ruiz-Azcona L, Markiv B, Expósito A, Pozueta A, García-Martínez M, Fernández-Olmo I, Santibáñez M. Poorer cognitive function and environmental airborne Mn exposure determined by biomonitoring and personal environmental monitors in a healthy adult population. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 815:152940. [PMID: 35007600 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.152940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM In the Santander Bay (Cantabria, northern Spain), a ferromanganese alloy plant is located. Our objective was to characterize the Mn personal exposure of adult healthy volunteers living in this highly Mn exposed region, and to determine its association with a poorer cognitive function. METHODS Cross-sectional study analyzing 130 consecutive participants. Cognitive function was assessed by Stroop Color Word, Verbal Fluency tests, Trail Making Test (TMT), Digit Span (WAIS III) and Rey Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF) tests and crude scores were standardized according to NEURONORMA norms. Exposure to Mn was assessed in terms of source distance, by Personal Environmental Monitors (PEMs) allowing the separation of fine (PM2.5) and coarse (PM10-2.5) particles (obtaining the bioaccessible fraction by in-vitro bioaccessibility tests), and by biomarkers (blood, hair and fingernails). Age, sex, study level and number of years of residence were predefined as confounding variables and adjusted Mean Differences (MDs) were obtained. RESULTS Statistically significant lower scores (negative MDs) in all test were observed when living near the industrial emission source, after adjusting for the predefined variables. Regarding PEMs results, statistically significant lower scores in all Stroop parts were obtained in participants with higher levels of Total Mn in All fractions (PM10). For Verbal Fluency tests, negative MDs were obtained for both bioaccessible fractions. Digit Span Backward scores were lower for those with higher levels in the bioaccessible coarse fraction, and negative MDs were also observed for the ROCF Delayed part and the non-bioaccessible fine fraction. As regards to Mn in fingernails, adjusted MDs of -1.60; 95%CI (-2.57 to -0.64) and -1.45; 95%CI (-2.29 to -0.61) for Digit Span Forward and Backward parts were observed. CONCLUSIONS Our results support an association between poorer cognitive function and environmental airborne Mn exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Ruiz-Azcona
- Global Health Research Group. Dpto Enfermería, Universidad de Cantabria, Avda. Valdecilla, s/n., 39008 Santander, Cantabria, Spain
| | - Bohdana Markiv
- Dpto. de Ingenierías Química y Biomolecular, Universidad de Cantabria, Avda. Los Castros s/n, 39005 Santander, Cantabria, Spain
| | - Andrea Expósito
- Dpto. de Ingenierías Química y Biomolecular, Universidad de Cantabria, Avda. Los Castros s/n, 39005 Santander, Cantabria, Spain
| | - Ana Pozueta
- Service of Neurology, IDIVAL, University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla, University of Cantabria, 39008 Santander, Spain; CIBERNED, Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - María García-Martínez
- Service of Neurology, IDIVAL, University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla, University of Cantabria, 39008 Santander, Spain; CIBERNED, Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Fernández-Olmo
- Dpto. de Ingenierías Química y Biomolecular, Universidad de Cantabria, Avda. Los Castros s/n, 39005 Santander, Cantabria, Spain
| | - Miguel Santibáñez
- Global Health Research Group. Dpto Enfermería, Universidad de Cantabria, Avda. Valdecilla, s/n., 39008 Santander, Cantabria, Spain; Nursing Research Group, IDIVAL, Calle Cardenal Herrera Oria s/n, 39011 Santander, Cantabria, Spain.
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25
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de Weerth C, Aatsinki AK, Azad MB, Bartol FF, Bode L, Collado MC, Dettmer AM, Field CJ, Guilfoyle M, Hinde K, Korosi A, Lustermans H, Mohd Shukri NH, Moore SE, Pundir S, Rodriguez JM, Slupsky CM, Turner S, van Goudoever JB, Ziomkiewicz A, Beijers R. Human milk: From complex tailored nutrition to bioactive impact on child cognition and behavior. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2022; 63:7945-7982. [PMID: 35352583 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2053058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Human milk is a highly complex liquid food tailor-made to match an infant's needs. Beyond documented positive effects of breastfeeding on infant and maternal health, there is increasing evidence that milk constituents also impact child neurodevelopment. Non-nutrient milk bioactives would contribute to the (long-term) development of child cognition and behavior, a process termed 'Lactocrine Programming'. In this review we discuss the current state of the field on human milk composition and its links with child cognitive and behavioral development. To promote state-of-the-art methodologies and designs that facilitate data pooling and meta-analytic endeavors, we present detailed recommendations and best practices for future studies. Finally, we determine important scientific gaps that need to be filled to advance the field, and discuss innovative directions for future research. Unveiling the mechanisms underlying the links between human milk and child cognition and behavior will deepen our understanding of the broad functions of this complex liquid food, as well as provide necessary information for designing future interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina de Weerth
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, EN Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Anna-Katariina Aatsinki
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Meghan B Azad
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Manitoba Interdisciplinary Lactation Centre, Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Frank F Bartol
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Lars Bode
- Department of Pediatrics and Mother-Milk-Infant Center of Research Excellence (MOMI CORE), University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Maria Carmen Collado
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology-National Research Council (IATA-CSIC), Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Amanda M Dettmer
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Catherine J Field
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Meagan Guilfoyle
- Department of Anthropology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Katie Hinde
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Aniko Korosi
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, Brain Plasticity group, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hellen Lustermans
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, EN Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Nurul Husna Mohd Shukri
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sophie E Moore
- Department of Women & Children's Health, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK
- School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Nutrition Theme, MRC Unit The Gambia and the London, Fajara, The GambiaBanjul
| | - Shikha Pundir
- The Liggins Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Juan Miguel Rodriguez
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carolyn M Slupsky
- Department of Nutrition and Department of Food Science and Technology, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Sarah Turner
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Manitoba Interdisciplinary Lactation Centre, Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Johannes B van Goudoever
- Department of Pediatrics, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Ziomkiewicz
- Department of Anthropology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Roseriet Beijers
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, EN Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Social Development, Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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26
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Free Cortisol Mediates Associations of Maternal Urinary Heavy Metals with Neonatal Anthropometric Measures: A Cross-Sectional Study. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10040167. [PMID: 35448428 PMCID: PMC9032588 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10040167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to heavy metals is known to be associated with adverse birth outcomes and oxidative stress biomarkers. In this study, we examined whether maternal free cortisol or 8-Hydroxy-2-Deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) could mediate associations between maternal heavy metal exposure and birth outcomes. A total of 182 healthy pregnant women were recruited. Heavy metals (including Pb, Hg, and Cd), free-cortisol, and 8-OHdG were analyzed in urine at delivery. Birth outcomes including birth weight, length, Ponderal index, and head circumference were measured. To examine associations of maternal urinary heavy metals with biomarkers and birth outcomes, generalized linear models were employed. Birth length was positively associated with Pb (β = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.09−1.46) and Hg (β = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.23−1.45) (both p < 0.05). The Ponderal index, a measure of a newborn’s leanness, was negatively associated with maternal urinary Pb (β = −0.23, 95% CI: −0.46−−0.07) and Hg (β = −0.26, 95% CI: −0.44−−0.08) (both p < 0.05). No association between maternal Cd and birth outcomes was observed. Most heavy metals showed positive associations with free cortisol and 8-OHdG. Free cortisol was identified as a mediator underlying the observed relationship between Hg and birth length or Ponderal index. This study observed adverse birth outcomes from maternal exposures to Pb and Hg. Increased free cortisol related to Hg exposure was suggested as a possible causal pathway from Hg exposure to birth outcomes such as the Ponderal index.
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Bauer JA, White RF, Coull BA, Austin C, Oppini M, Zoni S, Fedrighi C, Cagna G, Placidi D, Guazzetti S, Yang Q, Bellinger DC, Webster TF, Wright RO, Smith D, Horton M, Lucchini RG, Arora M, Claus Henn B. Critical windows of susceptibility in the association between manganese and neurocognition in Italian adolescents living near ferro-manganese industry. Neurotoxicology 2021; 87:51-61. [PMID: 34478771 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2021.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Understanding the neurodevelopmental effects of manganese (Mn) is complicated due to its essentiality for growth and development. While evidence exists for the harmful effects of excess Mn, pediatric epidemiologic studies have observed inconsistent associations between Mn and child cognition. OBJECTIVE We sought to estimate prospective associations between Mn measured in three different early-life time windows with adolescent cognition using deciduous teeth biomarkers. METHODS Deciduous teeth were collected from 195 participants (ages 10-14 years) of the Public Health Impact of Manganese Exposure (PHIME) study in Brescia, Italy. Measurements of tooth Mn represented prenatal (∼14 weeks gestation - birth), early postnatal (birth - 1.5 years) and childhood (∼1.5 - 6 years) time windows. Neuropsychologists administered the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, 3rd edition (WISC-III), to obtain composite IQ and subtest scores. Associations between tooth Mn at each time window and adolescent WISC-III scores were estimated using multivariable linear regression. We tested differences in associations between Mn and outcomes across time windows using multiple informant models. Sex-specific associations were explored in stratified models. RESULTS Adjusted associations between tooth Mn and composite IQ scores were positive in the prenatal period and negative in the childhood period. Associations were strongest for subtest scores that reflect working memory, problem solving, visuospatial ability and attention: prenatal Mn was positively associated with Digits backward [SD change in score per interquartile range increase in Mn: β = 0.20 (95 % CI: 0.02, 0.38)] and Block design [β = 0.21 (0.01, 0.41)] and early postnatal Mn was positively associated with Digits forward [β = 0.24 (0.09, 0.40)], while childhood Mn was negatively associated with Coding [β = -0.14 (-0.28, -0.001)]. Sex-stratified analyses suggested different Mn-cognition associations for boys and girls and was also dependent on the time window of exposure. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that exposure timing is critical when evaluating Mn associations between Mn and cognition. Higher prenatal Mn was beneficial for adolescent cognition; however, these beneficial associations shifted towards harmful effects in later time windows. Cognitive domains most sensitive to Mn across time windows included visuospatial ability, working memory, attention and problem-solving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Anglen Bauer
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Roberta F White
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brent A Coull
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christine Austin
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Manuela Oppini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, Italy
| | - Silvia Zoni
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, Italy
| | - Chiara Fedrighi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, Italy
| | - Giuseppa Cagna
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, Italy
| | - Donatella Placidi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Qiong Yang
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David C Bellinger
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Thomas F Webster
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robert O Wright
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Donald Smith
- Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Megan Horton
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Roberto G Lucchini
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, Italy; School of Public Health, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Manish Arora
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Birgit Claus Henn
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Perini JA, Silva MC, de Vasconcellos ACS, Viana PVS, Lima MO, Jesus IM, Kempton JW, Oliveira RAA, Hacon SS, Basta PC. Genetic Polymorphism of Delta Aminolevulinic Acid Dehydratase ( ALAD) Gene and Symptoms of Chronic Mercury Exposure in Munduruku Indigenous Children within the Brazilian Amazon. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:8746. [PMID: 34444495 PMCID: PMC8394242 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Genetic polymorphisms involved in mercury toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics may be associated with severe mercury toxicity. This study aimed to investigate the impact of an ALAD polymorphism on chronic mercury exposure and the health situation of indigenous children from the Brazilian Amazon. One-hundred-and-three indigenous children (under 15 years old) were included and genotyped (rs1800435) using a TaqMan validated assay. The mean age was 6.6 ± 4.5 years old, 60% were female, 49% presented with anemia, and the mean hair mercury concentration was 7.0 ± 4.5 (1.4-23.9) µg/g, with 49% exceeding the reference limit (≥6.0 µg/g). Only two children were heterozygous ALAD, while the others were all wild type. Minor allele frequency (ALAD G) and heterozygous genotype (ALAD CG) were 1% and 2%, respectively. The two children (12 and 14 years old) with the ALAD polymorphism had mercury levels above the average as well as had neurological symptoms related to chronic mercury exposure, such as visual field alterations, memory deficit, distal neuropathy, and toe amyotrophy. Both children also reported frequent consumption of fish in the diet, at least three times a week. In conclusion, our data confirm that an ALAD polymorphism can contribute to mercury half-life time, harmful effects, and neuropsychological disorders in indigenous children with chronic mercury exposure to gold mining activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamila Alessandra Perini
- Laboratório de Pesquisa de Ciências Farmacêuticas (LAPESF), Centro Universitário Estadual da Zona Oeste (UEZO), Av. Manuel Caldeira de Alvarenga, 1.203, Rio de Janeiro 23070-200, RJ, Brazil; (J.A.P.); (M.C.S.)
| | - Mayara Calixto Silva
- Laboratório de Pesquisa de Ciências Farmacêuticas (LAPESF), Centro Universitário Estadual da Zona Oeste (UEZO), Av. Manuel Caldeira de Alvarenga, 1.203, Rio de Janeiro 23070-200, RJ, Brazil; (J.A.P.); (M.C.S.)
| | - Ana Claudia Santiago de Vasconcellos
- Laboratório de Educação Profissional em Vigilância em Saúde, Escola Politécnica de Saúde Joaquim Venâncio, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (EPSJV/Fiocruz), Av. Brasil, 4365-Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil;
| | - Paulo Victor Sousa Viana
- Centro de Referência Professor Hélio Fraga, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (CRPHF/ENSP/Fiocruz), Estrada de Curicica, 2000-Curicica, Rio de Janeiro 22780-195, RJ, Brazil;
| | - Marcelo Oliveira Lima
- Seção de Meio Ambiente, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde, Ministério da Saúde (SEAMB/IEC/SVS/MS), Rodovia BR-316 km 7 s/n-Levilândia, Ananindeua 67030-000, PA, Brazil; (M.O.L.); (I.M.J.)
| | - Iracina Maura Jesus
- Seção de Meio Ambiente, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde, Ministério da Saúde (SEAMB/IEC/SVS/MS), Rodovia BR-316 km 7 s/n-Levilândia, Ananindeua 67030-000, PA, Brazil; (M.O.L.); (I.M.J.)
| | - Joseph William Kempton
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Medical School Building, St Mary’s Hospital, Norfolk Place, London W2 1PG, UK;
| | | | - Sandra Souza Hacon
- Departamento de Endemias Samuel Pessoa, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (ENSP/Fiocruz), Rua Leopoldo Bulhões, 1480-Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, RJ, Brazil;
| | - Paulo Cesar Basta
- Departamento de Endemias Samuel Pessoa, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (ENSP/Fiocruz), Rua Leopoldo Bulhões, 1480-Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, RJ, Brazil;
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