Interdependence between urinary cobalt concentrations and hemoglobin levels in pregnant women

Associations of urinary metal concentrations with anemia: A cross-sectional study of Chinese community-dwelling elderly

BACKGROUND

Anemia seriously affects the health and quality of life of the older adult population and may be influenced by various types of environmental metal exposure. Current studies on metals and anemia are mainly limited to single metals, and the association between polymetals and their mixtures and anemia remains unclear.

METHODS

We determined 11 urinary metal concentrations and hemoglobin levels in 3781 participants. Binary logistic regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) model were used to estimate the association of individual metals with anemia. We used Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) and Quantile g-computation (Q-g) regression to assess the overall association between metal mixtures and anemia and identify the major contributing elements. Stratified analyses were used to explore the association of different metals with anemia in different populations.

RESULTS

In a single-metal model, nine urinary metals significantly associated with anemia. RCS analysis further showed that the association of arsenic (As) and copper (Cu) with anemia was linear, while cobalt, molybdenum, thallium, and zinc were non-linear. The BKMR model revealed a significant positive association between the concentration of metal mixtures and anemia. Combined Q-g regression analysis suggested that metals such as Cu, As, and tellurium (Te) were positively associated with anemia, with Te as the most significant contributor. Stratified analyses showed that the association of different metals with anemia varied among people of different sexes, obesity levels, lifestyle habits, and blood pressure levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple metals are associated with anemia in the older adult population. A significant positive association was observed between metal mixture concentrations and anemia, with Te being the most important factor. The association between urinary metal concentrations and anemia is more sensitive in the non-hypertensive populations.

Micronutrients and socio-demographic factors were major predictors of anaemia among the Ethiopian population

Anaemia is characterised by low hemoglobin (Hb) concentration. Despite being a public health concern in Ethiopia, the role of micronutrients and non-nutritional factors as a determinant of Hb concentrations has been inadequately explored. This study focused on the assessment of serum micronutrient and Hb concentrations and a range of non-nutritional factors, to evaluate their associations with the risk of anaemia among the Ethiopian population (n 2046). It also explored the mediation effect of Zn on the relation between se and Hb. Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify the relationship between serum micronutrients concentration, inflammation biomarkers, nutritional status, presence of parasitic infection and socio-demographic factors with Hb concentration (n 2046). Sobel-Goodman test was applied to investigate the mediation of Zn on relations between serum se and Hb. In total, 18·6 % of participants were anaemic, 5·8 % had iron deficiency (ID), 2·6 % had ID anaemia and 0·6 % had tissue ID. Younger age, household head illiteracy and low serum concentrations of ferritin, Co, Cu and folate were associated with anaemia. Serum se had an indirect effect that was mediated by Zn, with a significant effect of se on Zn (P < 0·001) and Zn on Hb (P < 0·001). The findings of this study suggest the need for designing a multi-sectorial intervention to address anaemia based on demographic group.

Essential Trace Elements Status in Portuguese Pregnant Women and Their Association with Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes: A Prospective Study from the IoMum Cohort

Cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), and zinc (Zn) are essential trace elements (ETEs) and important cofactors for intermediary metabolism or redox balance. These ETEs are crucial during pregnancy, their role on specific pregnancy outcomes is largely unknown. This prospective study (#NCT04010708) aimed to assess urinary levels of these ETEs in pregnancy and to evaluate their association with pregnancy outcomes. First trimester pregnant women of Porto and Lisbon provided a random spot urine sample, and sociodemographic and lifestyle data. Clinical data were obtained from clinical records. Urinary ETEs were quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). A total of 635 mother:child pairs were included. Having urinary Zn levels above the 50th percentile (P50) was an independent risk factor for pre-eclampsia (PE) (aOR [95% CI]: 5.350 [1.044-27.423], p = 0.044). Urinary Zn levels above the P50 decreased the risk of small for gestational age (SGA) birth head circumference (aOR [95% CI]: 0.315 [0.113-0.883], p = 0.028), but it increased the risk SGA length (aOR [95% CI]: 2.531 [1.057-6.062], p = 0.037). This study may provide valuable information for public health policies related to prenatal nutrition, while informing future efforts to de-fine urinary reference intervals for ETEs in pregnant women.

Environmental and dietary determinants of metal exposure in four-year-old children from a cohort located in an industrial area (Asturias, Northern Spain)

Urine samples from four-year-old children located in a heavily industrialized zone in Asturias (Spain) were collected between 2009 and 2012 (n = 334). Vanadium (V; median 54 μg/g creatinine), cobalt (Co; 1.0 μg/g c.), nickel (Ni; 3.8 μg/g c.), copper (Cu; 22 μg/g c.), zinc (Zn; 590 μg/g c.), arsenic (As; 64 μg/g c.), selenium (Se; 49 μg/g c.), molybdenum (Mo; 110 μg/g c.), cadmium (Cd; 0.27 μg/g c.), antimony (Sb; 1.0 μg/g c.), cesium (Cs; 14 μg/g c.), barium (Ba; 2.6 μg/g c.), thallium (Tl; 0.55 μg/g c.) and lead (Pb; 1.9 μg/g c.) were analysed. Comparison with children from other sites showed that this Asturias cohort was characterized by high levels of V, As, Sb, Cs and Tl. The concentrations of Co, Ni, Zn, Cu, Mo, Se, Cd, Ba and Pb were within the range of other cohorts. Terrestrial dietary items were most strongly related to increased urinary concentrations of metals in children, e.g., red meat with Ba and Ni, pasta/cereal with Ni and Zn, sweets with Zn, Co, and Cu, eggs with Mo, Cd, and Cs, and dairy products with Co and Sb. Seafood was the second group of dietary items significantly related to increased metals, e.g., shellfish with Ba, Cs, Pb, and V, fatty fish with As, and lean fish with As and Se. In contrast, higher fruit intake was significantly associated with decreased Cu and Sb, and higher legume intake with decreased Cu, Se and Cs. Higher intakes of other dietary items also led to significant decreases in some metals, such as vegetables and lower concentrations of Se and Mo, and dairy products with decreases in Cu and As. These negative correlations implied very low concentrations of the mentioned metals in these foods. Higher exposure to traffic was associated with higher concentrations of Ba, present in brake components. Children living outside urban areas had higher concentrations of Se. No association of metals with smoking in the family was found.

Joint associations among prenatal metal mixtures and nutritional factors on birth weight z-score: Evidence from an urban U.S. population

The benefits of nutritional factors on birth outcomes have been recognized, however, limited studies have examined the role of nutritional factors in mitigating the detrimental effects of metals exposure during gestation. We used data collected from 526 mother-infant dyads enrolled in the Programming of Intergenerational Stress Mechanisms longitudinal pregnancy cohort to examine the joint effects of prenatal exposure to metals and maternal nutrition on birth weight for gestational age (BWGA) z-scores. We measured concentrations of twelve metals and trace elements in urine samples collected during pregnancy. Maternal nutritional intake was measured using the Block98 Food Frequency Questionnaire and converted into energy-adjusted consumption of individual nutrients. Using multivariable linear regression and Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression, we found that three metals [cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb)] and five metals [barium (Ba), caesium (Cs), copper (Cu), Ni, and zinc (Zn)] were associated with BWGA z-score in male and female infants, respectively. When examining the sex-specific interactions between these metals and nutrient groups [macro nutrients, minerals, A vitamins, B vitamins, anti-oxidant, methyl-donor nutrients, and inflammatory (pro- and anti-)] using a Cross-validated Kernel Ensemble model, we identified significant interactions between the macro nutrients and Co (p = 0.05), minerals and Pb (p = 0.04), and A vitamins and Ni (p = 0.001) in males. No significant interactions were found in females. Furthermore, three minerals (phosphorus, iron, potassium) and vitamin A were found to be more crucial than other nutrients in modifying the association between each respective metal and BWGA z-score in males. A better understanding of the sex-specific interactions between nutrients and metals on birth weight can guide pregnant women to protect their neonates from the adverse health impacts of metal exposures by optimizing nutrient intakes accordingly.

Associations of urine metals and metal mixtures during pregnancy with cord serum vitamin D Levels: A prospective cohort study with repeated measurements of maternal urinary metal concentrations

BACKGROUND

Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with the increased risk of many diseases, especially during early life. Exposure to some toxic metals may decrease vitamin D levels in adults and children in previous studies. However, less is known about the associations of maternal metals exposure during pregnancy with newborns' vitamin D status.

OBJECTIVE

We conducted a prospective cohort study to investigate the relationships between urine metals and metal mixtures during pregnancy and newborns' vitamin D status.

METHODS

Urine samples of 598 pregnant women were collected in each trimester and cord blood samples of newborns were collected at delivery. The concentrations of 20 metals in urine and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] in cord serum were quantified. Generalized linear models were used to estimate the associations between individual metals and cord serum total 25(OH)D. We applied Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) to evaluate the mixture and interaction effects of urine metals.

RESULTS

In individual metals analyses, we reported that a double increase in urine vanadium (V), cobalt (Co), and thallium (Tl) throughout pregnancy was associated with a 9.91% [95% confidence interval (CI): -18.58%, -0.30%], 11.42% (95% CI: -17.73%, -4.63%), and 12.64% (95% CI: -21.44%, -2.86%) decrease in cord serum total 25(OH)D, respectively. Exposures to the three metals during the whole pregnancy were also correlated to increased odds for newborns' vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) [odds ratio (95% CI): 1.80 (1.05, 3.10) for V, 1.88 (1.25, 2.82) for Co, and 1.90 (1.07, 3.38) for Tl]. BKMR analyses revealed a negative influence of metal mixtures (V+Co+Tl) on neonatal vitamin D status, as well as potential synergism between V and Co and between V and Tl.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides evidence of negative impacts of maternal exposure to V, Co, and Tl during pregnancy on cord serum vitamin D levels at delivery. Potential synergism between V and Co and between V and Tl existed in their associations with cord serum total 25(OH)D.

Cobalt exposure in relation to cardiovascular disease in the United States general population

Cobalt exposure has adverse health effects on the cardiovascular system in occupational and laboratory studies, but these effects have not been assessed in the general population. We aimed to determine whether serum cobalt levels had relationship with the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the general population. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2015-2016), we performed the cross-sectional study. We analyzed the baseline characteristics of 3389 participants (1623 men and 1766 women). Generalized linear models and restricted cubic spline plots curve were undertaken to elucidate the relationship. Stratified subgroup analysis was tested to exclude interaction between different variates and cobalt. Our results showed that the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for CVD prevalence across the quartiles of cobalt were 0.94 (0.67, 1.30), 1.55 (1.15, 2.10), and 1.74 (1.28, 2.35) compared with lowest quartile. The restricted cubic spline curve also suggested nonlinear and positive association between cobalt and CVD (P for nonlinearity = 0.007). In summary, our cross-sectional results verify that higher cobalt levels are associated with a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease.

Association of biomarkers of exposure to metals and metalloids with maternal hormones in pregnant women from Puerto Rico

BACKGROUND

Metal(loid)s have been associated to adverse birth outcomes in experimental and epidemiological studies, but the underlying mechanism(s) are not well understood. Endocrine disruption may be a mechanism by which the metal(loid)s impact birth outcomes.

METHODS

Pregnant women were recruited through the Puerto Rico Testsite for Exploring Contamination Threats (PROTECT). Urine, blood, demographic and pregnancy-related data were collected at recruitment and subsequent visits. Sixteen metal(loid)s were analyzed in urine and blood samples, while nine maternal hormones (corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG), estriol (E3), progesterone, testosterone, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), total triiodothyronine (T3), total thyroxine (T4), and free thyroxine (fT4)) were measured in serum samples from 815 singleton pregnancies. Linear mixed models with random intercepts were used to examine associations between metal(loid)s in blood and urine with hormone concentrations.

RESULTS

Arsenic blood concentrations were significantly associated with increased levels in CRH (%Δ: 23.0, 95%CI: 8.4-39.6) and decreased levels in testosterone (%Δ: ^-16.3, 95%CI: ^-26.2-^-5.1). Cobalt, manganese, and lead blood concentrations were associated with small increases in SHBG (%Δ range: 3.3-4.2), E3 (%Δ range: 3.9-8.7) and progesterone (%Δ range: 4.1-6.3) levels, respectively. Nickel blood concentration was inversely associated with testosterone levels (%Δ ^-13.3, 95%CI: ^-18.7-^-7.6). Significant interactions were detected for the association between nickel and study visit in relation to CRH (p < 0.02) and testosterone levels (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Our analysis suggests that metal(loid)s may act as endocrine disruptors by altering prenatal hormone levels. This disruption may depend on specific windows of exposure during pregnancy. Additionally, some essential metal(loid)s such as managense and cobalt may be contributors to adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. The study of metal(loid)s as endocrine disruptors is in the early stages of epidemiological research and future studies are needed to further investigate these associations.

A metabolomic study on the association of exposure to heavy metals in the first trimester with primary tooth eruption

BACKGROUND

The influence of prenatal heavy metals exposure on primary tooth eruption in humans is rarely reported.

AIM

Based on the cohort study design, we investigated the association of exposure to 12 heavy metals in the first trimester with primary tooth eruption, and the maternal metabolisms in the first trimester which might be related to the above relationship.

METHODS

Maternal urine samples were collected in their first trimester, and 12 metals (Ti, V, Fe, Co, Cu, As, Se, Cd, Sn, Hg, Tl, U) were measured using the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry method. The maternal metabolome in the first trimester was analyzed by ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography coupled mass spectrometry based metabolomics using urine samples. The infant's first tooth eruption time and number of teeth at age one were recorded by oral examination and questionnaire.

RESULTS

No significant associations were observed between heavy metals exposure in the first trimester and primary tooth eruption, except for Co. The level of Co was positively associated with time of infant's first tooth eruption, and was negatively associated with the number of teeth at age one. Based on metabolomic profiling, glycine was revealed as the key mediating metabolite, which showed negative correlation with Co and opposite effect of Co in the primary tooth eruption.

CONCLUSIONS

Prenatal Co exposure in the first trimester might delay the primary tooth eruption in children through the decreased glycine-disrupted dentin formation, providing the first evidence and novel insights into the control of prenatal heavy metals exposure for ensuring normal (timely) primary tooth eruption.

Relationship between Selected Trace Elements and Hematological Parameters among Japanese Community Dwellers

This study aimed (1) to assess serum trace elements concentrations and hematological parameters, (2) to evaluate the sex differences in the associations between serum trace elements levels and hematological parameters, and (3) to identify the associations between serum trace elements concentrations and risk of anemia among Japanese community dwellers. This is a community-based cross-sectional study that utilized the data of the 2014 Iwaki Health Promotion Project. Participants were 1176 community dwellers (>18 years) residing in the Iwaki District, Aomori Prefecture, Japan. We assessed the data of serum trace elements concentrations of cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) as well as the hematological parameters of red blood cells (RBC) counts, hemoglobin, packed cells volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH). Serum concentrations of Zn (871.5 μg/L vs. 900.1 μg/L) and Fe (946.8 μg/L vs. 1096.1 μg/L) were significantly lower in females than in males, while serum concentrations of Co (0.4 μg/L vs. 0.3 μg/L) and Cu (1062.4 μg/L vs. 965.3 μg/L) were significantly higher in females. By multivariate linear regression, serum Se concentration was significantly, positively associated with PCV (β = 1.04; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.17, 1.92; p = 0.016) among the study participants. Serum Zn also had positive associations with hemoglobin (β = 0.42; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.77; p = 0.020), PCV (β = 1.79; 95% CI: 0.78, 2.81; p < 0.001), and RBCs count (β = 15.56; 95% CI: 7.31, 31.69; p = 0.002). On the other hand, serum Co concentration was negatively associated with the hematological parameters, particularly in females. Moreover, serum Zn concentration had a decreased risk of anemia (lowest vs. highest quartiles: odds ratio (OR) = 0.42; 95% CI: 0.23, 0.76; p = 0.005) while higher Co concentrations had an increased risk of anemia (lowest vs. highest quartiles: OR = 1.95; 95% CI: 1.04, 3.67; p = 0.037). However, no significant association was found between serum Cu level and hematological parameters. There were substantial sex differences in serum trace elements, implying that trace elements metabolism differed between males and females. Zn can play a protective role in the development of anemia. Surprisingly, increased Co concentration increased the risk of anemia among our study population, which called for further studies to confirm and to consider for speciation analysis.

Characterization of trace elements exposure in pregnant women in the United States, NHANES 1999-2016

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the current study is to report on urine, blood and serum metal concentrations to characterize exposures to trace elements and micronutrient levels in both pregnant women and women of child-bearing age in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) years 1999-2016.

METHODS

Urine and blood samples taken from NHANES participants were analyzed for thirteen urine metals, three blood metals, three serum metals, speciated mercury in blood and speciated arsenic in urine. Adjusted and unadjusted least squares geometric means and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for all participants among women aged 15-44 years. Changes in exposure levels over time were also examined. Serum cotinine levels were used to adjust for smoke exposure, as smoking is a source of metal exposure.

RESULTS

Detection rates for four urine metals from the ATSDR Substance Priority List: arsenic, lead, mercury and cadmium were ~83-99% for both pregnant and non-pregnant women of child bearing age. A majority of metal concentrations were higher in pregnant women compared to non-pregnant women. Pregnant women had higher mean urine total arsenic, urine mercury, and urine lead; however, blood lead and mercury were higher in non-pregnant women. Blood lead, cadmium, mercury, as well as urine antimony, cadmium and lead in women of childbearing age decreased over time, while urine cobalt increased over time.

CONCLUSIONS

Pregnant women in the US have been exposed to several trace metals, with observed concentrations for some trace elements decreasing since 1999.

Urinary cobalt and ferritin in four-years-old children

Cobalt (Co) is an essential trace element but may cause toxic effects upon occupational or environmental exposure. The present study is aimed to determine the urine concentrations of Co in four years-old children in the INMA-Asturias cohort (Spain) and to assess the factors determining the observed levels. This cohort is located in a heavily industrialized zone with strong potential for metal exposure. Some diet components such as consumption of sweets were meaningfully associated with higher urine Co concentrations. Traffic pollution also showed a noteworthy positive association with Co levels. Family tobacco consumption did not show substantial association with the urine concentrations of this metal in the INMA-Asturias children. A significant inverse association between urine Co and venous blood ferritin was found. Iron deficiency anemic children had significantly higher concentrations of Co than those with normal levels, e.g. median values 1.9 μg/g creatinine and 1.0 μg/g creatinine, respectively. This association could be explained by an increased expression of DMT1, a divalent metal transporter that captures higher levels of iron in deficiency states of this metal. This transporter is non-specific and not only captures iron but also other divalent metals such as Co. The presence of this metal in iron deficiency anemic children may represent an additional disturbing health factor that must be considered during treatment.

Multiple metal exposure and platelet counts during pregnancy: A repeated measure study

BACKGROUND

Evidence from animal and in vitro studies suggest that some metals interfere with normal platelet counts (PLT). However, limited human studies have investigated the association of metals and PLT, a marker of hematologic and hemostatic, particularly in susceptible populations such as pregnant women.

OBJECTIVES

Our purpose was to investigate the associations of repeated measures of 13 urinary metals with PLT during pregnancy.

METHODS

The present study involved 3911 pregnant women participating in a prospective cohort study in Wuhan, China, from 2013 to 2016. We measured 13 metals in urine and PLT in blood samples collected in the first, second, and third trimester (median = 13, 24, and 35 weeks of gestation, respectively). Mixed linear models and general linear models were applied to analyze the associations between multiple metals and PLT during pregnancy. The odds ratio (OR) for gestational thrombocytopenia was examined using generalized estimating equations.

RESULTS

After adjusting for other metals and covariates, the repeated measure analyses showed that decreased levels of PLT were associated with a 10-fold increase in urinary concentration of cadmium (Cd) [percent difference (%Δ) = -5.02, 95%CI = -9.53, -0.29], manganese (Mn) [percent difference (%Δ) = -4.63, 95%CI = -7.50, -1.67], and arsenic (As) [percent difference (%Δ) = -4.56, 95%CI = -8.11, -0.86]. Cross-sectional analyses by trimesters revealed that Cd was inversely associated with PLT through the three trimesters. In addition, Cd was associated with an increased OR of 1.80 (95%CI: 1.26, 2.56), 1.65 (95%CI: 1.05, 2.59), 1.54 (95%CI: 1.02, 2.33) for gestational thrombocytopenia in the first, second, and third trimester, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggested an association of Cd, Mn, and As with decreased PLT during pregnancy. Particularly, Cd may increase the risk of gestational thrombocytopenia.

Human biomonitoring to evaluate exposure to toxic and essential trace elements during pregnancy. Part B: Predictors of exposure

Maternal exposure to toxic and essential trace elements represents a surrogate of exposure to the unborn child. Variables of exposure as sociodemographic, lifestyles and diet may contribute to different exposure of pregnant women to specific trace elements. Blood, urine and cord blood samples of 53 pregnant women of the HEALS-EXHES cohort, recruited in Reus (Catalonia, Spain) between 2016 and 2017, were analysed for the concentrations of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se and Zn. Univariate and multivariate models were built in order to assess associations between element concentrations in each matrix, and variables obtained by questionnaires on mothers' characteristics and dietary habits. Results showed several significant associations between various variables and essential trace and toxic elements. Age was associated with higher levels of Cd and Pb in cord blood samples. Multiparous women showed lower levels of Cd in maternal blood and Pb in both maternal and cord blood than nulliparous women. Hispanic mothers presented higher levels of blood As and lower levels of blood Se compared to mothers of different ethnicity. Higher education level was associated with higher As and Hg concentrations in both maternal and cord blood samples. Higher annual income diminished the level of Pb in maternal blood. Smoking in pregnancy incremented the levels of Cd in mothers' blood. Alcohol consumption may affect the absorption of Cu, Mn and Zn. Supplementations with multivitamins, folic acid and iron showed effects on elements as Cr, Mn, Se and Zn. Regarding food group intake, bluefish incremented Pb levels, while canned fish and seafood affected levels of some elements as As, Hg, Cu and Se. Other elements such as Mn and Pb were influenced by the intake of different kinds of foods. The present results showed that some modifiable lifestyles and food intakes could be the target of interventions to help pregnant women to maintain suitable concentrations of essential elements and lower levels of toxic ones, and to improve consequently neonatal health outcomes.

Human biomonitoring to evaluate exposure to toxic and essential trace elements during pregnancy. Part A. concentrations in maternal blood, urine and cord blood

Exposures to toxic elements or deficiencies of essential elements during pregnancy may be associated to various birth complications or even diseases in early life. The aim of this paper was to assess the concentrations of selected toxic (As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb) and essential trace elements (Co, Cu, Mn, Se and Zn) in blood and urine samples of delivering women at different periods of gestation and cord blood, as well as to evaluate the placental permeability for these elements. A total of 53 women participating in the HEALS-EXHES study were enrolled. In particular, 48 blood samples from 1st trimester of pregnancy, 40 blood samples at delivery, and 31 cord blood at delivery were collected. Moreover, mothers' urine were sampled at the 1st (53 samples), 2nd (53 samples) and 3rd trimester (49 samples) of pregnancy. Results showed that Hg and Mn levels in cord blood were about 2.0 times higher than in maternal blood, suggesting that these elements may be transferred from mother to fetus. The cord blood levels of As and Pb were lower (ca. the 65%) than those in maternal blood, showing that the placenta modulates the rate of transfer for these elements. Essential elements as Cu and Zn showed significantly lower levels in cord than in maternal blood suggesting that the transplacental transfer of these nutrients was very limited. In addition, correlation between paired maternal and cord blood samples for As, Hg and Pb was statistically significant indicating that the fetal body burden may reflect the maternal exposure. Cadmium, Co, Cr, Ni and Se levels did not show significant correlations between maternal and cord blood. Maternal urinary concentrations of trace elements, including As, Cr, Cu, Hg, Se and Zn decreased along pregnancy, which may cause variations in fetal exposure. The levels of toxic and essential elements in maternal blood and urine, as well as in cord blood, were for most elements at the lower end of the ranges found in the scientific literature not being of special concern for pregnant women and the unborn.

The role of trace element, mineral, vitamin and total antioxidant status in women with habitual abortion

OBJECTIVE

In this study, women with habitual abortus (HA) and healthy control groups were determined for zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), potassium (K), retinol, cholecalciferol, α-tocopherol, phylloquinone, total antioxidant (TAS) and total oxidation status (TOS) levels, also, and the relationships of these variables with HA were evaluated.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 39 women with HA and 39 healthy control subjects. In this study, trace element and mineral analyses by ICP-OES and vitamin analyses were determined using HPLC method.

RESULTS

Statistical analysis found that in the HA group was significantly lower than the control group with regarding cholecalciferol, phylloquinone, TAS, Se, Zn, Cu, Mg, K and Na levels (p < .05, p < .01, p < .01, p < .001, p < .05, p < .05, p < .01, p < .01 and p < .05). However, HA group was also significantly higher than control group regards to TOS, OSI and Ca⁄Mg levels (p < .05, p < .001, p < .05). In the HA group, significantly positive correlations were observed between phylloquinone and Ca (r = 0.495; p = .027), also, indicates negative significant correlation between cholecalciferol and Co (r = -0.598; p = .031).

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that the results could be helpful in the monitoring of women with HA in terms of deficiency. It is important that in terms of the evaluation of phylloquinone, cholecalciferol Se, Zn, Cu, Mg and Ca/Mg ratio is required to consider.

Levels and temporal variations of urinary lead, cadmium, cobalt, and copper exposure in the general population of Taiwan

Toxic metal contamination in food products and the environment is a public health concern. Therefore, understanding human exposure to cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), cobalt (Co), and copper (Cu) levels in the general population of Taiwan is necessary and urgent. We aimed to establish the human biomonitoring data of urine toxic metals, exposure profile changes, and factors associated with metal levels in the general population of Taiwan. We randomly selected 1601 participants older than 7 years of age (36.9 ± 18.7 years (7-84 years)) from the Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan (NAHSIT) conducted during 1993-1996 (93-96) and 2005-2008 (05-08) periods and measured the levels of four metals in the participants' urine samples using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The median (range) levels of urinary Cd, Pb, Co, and Cu in participants from the NAHSIT 93-96 (N = 821)/05-08 (N = 780) were 0.60 (ND-13.90)/0.72 (ND-7.44), 2.28 (ND-63.60)/1.09 (0.04-48.88), 0.91 (0.08-17.30)/1.05 (0.05-22.43), and 16.87 (2.62-158.28)/13.66 (1.67-189.70) μg/L, respectively. We found that the urinary median levels of Pb and Cu in our participants were significantly lower in the NAHSIT 05-08 (Pb 1.09 μg/L, Cu 13.66 μg/L) than in the NAHSIT 93-96 (Pb 2.28 μg/L, Cu 16.87 μg/L; P < 0.01), whereas those of Cd and Co were significantly higher in the NAHSIT 05-08 (Cd 0.72 μg/L, Co 1.05 μg/L; P < 0.01). Youths had higher exposure levels of Pb, Co, and Cu than adults. Participants with alcohol consumption, betel quid chewing, or cigarette smoking had significantly higher median levels of urinary Pb or Cu (P < 0.01) than those without. Principal components and cluster analysis revealed that sex had different exposure profiles of metals. We concluded that levels of urinary Cd, Pb, Co, and Cu exposure in the general Taiwanese varied by age, sex, and lifestyles.

Comparative Hair Trace Element Profile in the Population of Sakhalin and Taiwan Pacific Islands

The objective of the current study is to perform a comparative analysis of hair trace element content in 393 apparently healthy adults living in Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China (94 women and 46 men) and Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Sakhalin, Russia (186 women and 67 men). The obtained data indicate that Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk inhabitants were characterized by significantly higher hair Co, Cr, Mn, and V levels, exceeding the respective Taipei values by a factor of 3, 2, 7, and 5, respectively (all p < 0.001). Hair Cu, Fe, and Si levels were also higher in examinees from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk than those from Taipei by 10% (p = 0.001), 61% (p < 0.001), and 68% (p < 0.001), respectively. It is notable that the only essential element, being significantly higher (+ 30%; p < 0.001) in Taipei inhabitants, is selenium. Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk inhabitants were characterized by 60% higher levels of hair Sn, and nearly two- and threefold higher scalp hair content of Be and Cd in comparison to Taipei values, respectively (all p < 0.001). Oppositely, the examinees from Taipei had 14% (p = 0.040) and 47% (p = 0.001) higher levels of hair As and Hg as compared to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk inhabitants. Further analysis demonstrated that men from both Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk and Taipei were characterized by significantly higher hair Mn, As, and Pb levels in comparison to women. The intensive development of heavy industry in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk may result in increased metal emissions, whereas fish consumption may result in elevation of hair Hg, As, and Se levels in Taiwan inhabitants.

Determination of major and trace element variability in healthy human urine by ICP-QMS and specific gravity normalisation

Sixty five urine samples obtained during one or two non-consecutive days from 10 healthy individuals were analysed for major (Na, Mg, K, Ca) and trace (Co, Cu, Zn, As, Rb, Sr, Mo and Pb) element concentrations. Following microwave digestion, the analyses were carried out using ICP-QMS (inductively coupled plasma quadrupole mass spectrometry) incorporating a collision/reaction cell. Repeat analyses of quality control samples show that the procedure produces unbiased results and is well suited for routine urinalysis of the investigated elements. Concentrations were normalised using specific gravity (SG) and the resultant decrease in variability supports previous conclusions that SG-normalisation appropriately corrects for differences in urine dilution. The elemental concentrations of the individual urine samples show large differences in dispersion. Most variable are As, Co and Zn, with CVs (coefficients of variation) of >75%. The major elements as well as Rb, Sr and Mo display intermediate variability, whilst Cu and Pb have the least elemental dispersion with CV values of about 30%. A detailed assessment shows that the overall elemental variability is governed both by differences between individuals and variations for a single individual over time. Spot urine samples exhibit elemental concentrations that, on average, resemble the daily mean values to within about 30% for all elements except K and Rb. Diet-related changes in urinary element concentration are most prominent for Mg, K, Co, Rb and Pb. The concentrations of Co, As and Rb appear to vary systematically with gender but this may primarily reflect co-variance with specific diets.

Urinary element concentrations were quantified by ICP-QMS and variations over time, between individuals and with gender and diet were assessed.

Layered double hydroxide-enhanced luminescence in a Fenton-like system for selective sensing of cobalt in Hela cells

This work presented a facile and eco-friendly method for the determination of cobalt ions (Co(II)) in living cells based on layered double hydroxides (Mg-Al CO₃-LDHs) enhanced chemiluminescence (CL) emission of a Co(II)-hydrogen peroxide-sodium hydroxide system. The enhanced CL emission was attributed to the large specific surface area of Mg-Al CO₃-LDHs, which facilitates the generation of an excited-stated intermediate. The proposed method displayed high selectivity toward Co(II) over other metal ions. Under the optimal conditions, the increased CL intensity showed a linear response versus Co(II) concentration in the range of 5.0-1000 nM with a detection limit of 3.7 nM (S/N = 3). The relative standard deviation for nine repeated measurements of 100 nM Co(II) was 3.2%. Furthermore, the proposed method was successfully applied to detect Co(II) in living cell samples, and the results were agreed with those obtained by the standard ICP-MS method.

The Pregnancy Exposome: Multiple Environmental Exposures in the INMA-Sabadell Birth Cohort

The "exposome" is defined as "the totality of human environmental exposures from conception onward, complementing the genome" and its holistic approach may advance understanding of disease etiology. We aimed to describe the correlation structure of the exposome during pregnancy to better understand the relationships between and within families of exposure and to develop analytical tools appropriate to exposome data. Estimates on 81 environmental exposures of current health concern were obtained for 728 women enrolled in The INMA (INfancia y Medio Ambiente) birth cohort, in Sabadell, Spain, using biomonitoring, geospatial modeling, remote sensors, and questionnaires. Pair-wise Pearson's and polychoric correlations were calculated and principal components were derived. The median absolute correlation across all exposures was 0.06 (5th-95th centiles, 0.01-0.54). There were strong levels of correlation within families of exposure (median = 0.45, 5th-95th centiles, 0.07-0.85). Nine exposures (11%) had a correlation higher than 0.5 with at least one exposure outside their exposure family. Effectively all the variance in the data set (99.5%) was explained by 40 principal components. Future exposome studies should interpret exposure effects in light of their correlations to other exposures. The weak to moderate correlation observed between exposure families will permit adjustment for confounding in future exposome studies.