Hair multi-bioelement profile of Kashin-Beck disease in the endemic regions of China

Health-related quality of life in patients with Kashin-Beck disease is lower than in those with osteoarthritis: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) is an endemic deformable bone and joint disease, which affects the quality of life (QOL) of patients. We conducted a cross-sectional study of the QOL of KBD patients by a new KBD quality of life (KBDQOL) questionnaire.

METHODS

A total of 252 KBD patients and 248 OA patients came from Northwest China, and 260 healthy people living in the same area as KBD and osteoarthritis (OA) patients served as the controls. KBDQOL questionnaire was used to evaluate the QOL of all objects.

RESULTS

The average scores for physical functions, activity limitations, support of society, mental health and general health were significantly lower in KBD patients than that in OA patients and healthy people except for economics. Monofactor analysis showed that age, height, weight status, education level and grade of KBD had a significant effect on KBDQOL score. Multivariate analysis showed that grade of KBD was the influencing factor of physical function score; gender, age, height, grade of KBD and duration of symptoms were the influencing factors of activity restriction score; age and grade of KBD were factors affecting the general health score.

CONCLUSION

The QOL of KBD patients was significantly lower than that of OA patients and healthy people. The KBDQOL questionnaire may be a promising tool for assessing the QOL of KBD patients.

Abnormal Level of Manganese, Iron, Iodine, and Selenium in the Hair of Children Living in Kashin-Beck Disease Endemic Areas

Biological geochemistry is a main suggested cause of Kashin-Beck disease (KBD), due to the absence or excess of elements in the environment. Initially, Se deficiency is regarded as the most key role in the etiology of KBD, and selenium supplementation effectively helps to prevent and control KBD. However, several elements are reported to be relevant to KBD or selenium in succession, which indicated selenium deficiency is not the original etiology of KBD. The study comprehensively analyzed the characteristics of the bio-element profile of KBD and further re-examined the unique role of selenium in etiology. The study measured 14 elements, including sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, selenium, iodine, manganese, lead, arsenic, and mercury, which were detected from hair samples collected from 150 boys. Research participants were separated based on whether they had received any preventative treatment (with and without selenium supplementation). From endemic areas, 30 KBD and 30 healthy children without any preventative treatment were selected alongside 30 KBD and 30 healthy children with selenium supplementation. The participants from endemic areas were then compared to 30 healthy children living in non-endemic areas. Compared to the non-endemic group, the levels of iron and manganese were all significantly higher in the endemic groups and were further elevated in KBD participants (p < 0.05). In contrast, selenium and iodine levels in endemic areas were much lower than those of the control group (p < 0.05). The proportions of selenium excess (p < 0.05) and iodine deficiency (p < 0.05) in endemic groups were significantly lower than participants from non-endemic areas. Meanwhile, excess levels of iron (p < 0.05) and manganese (p < 0.05) were higher in the endemic groups. Moreover, the proportions of Zn/Fe and Se/Mn were found to be significantly lower in endemic area participants than those in the control group (p < 0.05). Three pairs of elements had a correlation coefficient value of more than 0.6: 0.7423 for manganese and calcium, 0.6446 for potassium and sodium, and 0.6272 for manganese and iron. The ratios of Se/Mn and Zn/Fe were associated with a correlation coefficient value of 0.8055. Magnesium, sodium, copper, and iodine levels were meticulously examined using binary regression analysis. This was also used to determine the ratios of Ca/Mg, Ca/P, Zn/Fe, Se/Mn, and Se/I. Thus, the study largely revealed the vital role of manganese, iron, and iodine (in conjunction with selenium) in KBD etiology and pathogenesis. High manganese and iron levels with low selenium and iodine levels were identified as characteristic features of the bio-element profile of KBD. The different element ratios reflect the interaction between several elements. The most significant of these were the proportions of Se/Mn and Zn/Fe, which may be significant in the occurrence and development of KBD.

Dietary and drinking water intake of essential trace elements in a typical Kashin-Beck disease endemic area of Tibet, China

BACKGROUND

Essential trace elements (ETEs), such as copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), are very important elements for human health.

METHODS

In this study, 89 drinking water samples and 85 highland barleys were collected from 48 villages in 11 townships, and the average daily dose (ADD) of ETEs were calculated, in addition, health effects of ETEs to rural residents in Luolong County, a typical Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) endemic area in Tibet, were assessed.

RESULTS

The mean concentrations of Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Se, Zn in drinking water were 0.278 ± 0.264 μg·kg^-1, 0.766 ± 0.312 μg·kg^-1, 0.411 ± 0.526 μg·kg^-1, 0.119 ± 0.223 μg·kg^-1, 0.155 ± 0.180 μg·kg^-1, and 0.804 ± 1.112 μg·kg^-1, respectively; and mean concentrations of Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Se and Zn in highland barley were 3.550 ± 0.680 mg·kg^-1, 81.17 ± 38.14 mg·kg^-1, 14.03 ± 1.42 mg·kg^-1, 0.350 ± 0.200 mg·kg^-1, 0.0028 ± 0.0056 mg·kg^-1, and 23.58 ± 3.10 mg·kg^-1, respectively. The ADD of Cu in the study area was appropriate; the ADD of Fe and Mn in each township were higher than the maximum oral reference dose recommended by the National Health Commission of China, indicating that Fe and Mn had non-carcinogenic health risks; the ADD of Mo and Zn in 36.36% and 54.55% of the townships exceeded the maximum oral reference dose; and 72.73% of the townships had insufficient ADD of Se. The ADD of Mo, Cu and Se in different townships was significantly correlated with the prevalence of KBD.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, in order to prevent and control the prevalence of KBD and ensure the health of local residents, it is necessary to reduce the intake of high concentrations of Fe, Mn and Zn in diet, as well as increase the intake of Mo, Cu, especially Se.

Hydrochemical characteristics of surface waters and their relationships to the Kashin-Beck Disease in Longzi County, Tibet

Although previous studies have been reported between the Kashin-Beck Disease (KBD) epidemic and the hydrochemical characteristics of surface waters, the etiology of the disease remains unclear. In the present study, we comprehensively investigated the relationship between the KBD and the hydrochemical characteristics of surface waters in Longzi County. Results show that, the pH (mean = 7.27 ± 0.30), total hardness (TH, mean = 57.08 ± 45.74 mg L^-1), total dissolved solids (TDS, mean = 67.56 ± 44.00 mg L^-1) and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP, mean = 84.11 ± 23.55 mV) of surface waters in KBD endemic areas are lower than those in the non-KBD endemic areas (means of pH = 7.49 ± 0.30; TH = 262.06 ± 123.29 mg L^-1; TDS = 253.25 ± 100.39 mg L^-1; ORP = 215.90 ± 55.99 mV). These results suggest that long-term consumption of low TDS, essential trace elements (e.g., nickel, cobalt, iron, selenium, zinc, molybdenum, and iodine) deficient, and potential toxic elements (e.g., arsenic) enriched waters by humans likely causes the KBD. Environmental factors such as the geology and geomorphology may produce biogeochemical imbalance, geomorphic, vegetation types and local climatic conditions may have significant impact on food fungi toxin poisoning and water organic compound poisoning, and these also impact the KBD occurrence.

Interactions of antimony with biomolecules and its effects on human health

Antimony (Sb) pollution has increased health risks to humans as a result of extensive application in diverse fields. Exposure to different levels of Sb and its compounds will directly or indirectly affect the normal function of the human body, whereas limited human health data and simulation studies delay the understanding of this element. In this review, we summarize current research on the effects of Sb on human health from different perspectives. First, the exposure pathways, concentration and excretion of Sb in humans are briefly introduced, and several studies have revealed that human exposure to high levels of Sb will cause higher concentrations in body tissues. Second, interactions between Sb and biomolecules or other nonbiomolecules affected biochemical processes such as gene expression and hormone secretion, which are vital for causing and understanding health effects and mechanisms. Finally, we discuss the different health effects of Sb at the biological level from small molecules to individual. In conclusion, exposure to high levels of Sb compounds will increase the risk of disease by affecting different cell signaling pathways. In addition, the appropriate form and dose of Sb contribute to inhibit the development of specific diseases. Key challenges and gaps in toxicity or benefit effects and mechanisms that still hinder risk assessment of human health are also identified in this review. Systematic studies on the relationships between the biochemical process of Sb and human health are needed.

Effect of Resveratrol, L-Carnitine, and Aromatic Amino Acid Supplements on the Trace Element Content in the Organs of Mice with Dietary-Induced Obesity

Given environmental contamination with toxic metals, diets that promote the elimination of these metals from the body of individuals, including those suffering from obesity, are urgently needed. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of supplementation with resveratrol (Res), L-carnitine (L-Car), tyrosine (Tyr), and tryptophan (Trp) on the content of trace elements in the organs of mice. DBA/2J mice and DBCB tetrahybrid mice received diets high in carbohydrate and fat supplemented with Res, L-Car, Tyr, or Trp for 65 days. In the liver, kidneys, and brain, the contents of 18 elements, including Al, As, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Se, and Zn, were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Res, L-Car, Tyr, and Trp had minimal or no effect on the essential elements (Fe, Mg, Cu, Zn, Se) in all organs studied. The Mn content notably increased in the organs of mice consuming L-Car and Trp. Mn accumulation was stimulated by Res in organs exclusively in DBCB mice and by Tyr exclusively in livers and brains of DBA/2J mice. Al levels were significantly reduced by L-Car and Trp in all organs of the mice, by Res in only DBCB mice, and by Tyr in only kidneys and livers of DBA/2J mice. In addition, L-Car and Trp decreased Pb accumulation in most organs of mice. Res and Tyr also inhibited Pb accumulation in some cases. Thus, the studied supplements affected the metabolism of trace elements, which may contribute to dietary treatments for obese individuals.

Differences of selenium and other trace elements abundances between the Kaschin-Beck disease area and nearby non-Kaschin-Beck disease area, Shaanxi Province, China

In order to find out the environmental geochemical characteristics of KBD affected area, KBD and non-KBD villages in KBD Counties, Weibei KBD area, Shaanxi Province, China were studied. Contents of Se and other elements in soil, wheat, maize and drinking water were analyzed. The results show that soil of Weibei KBD area is deficient in trace elements comparing with BSC and non-KBD area. Wheat of Weibei KBD area is deficient both in major elements and trace elements comparing with REC. Wheat of KBD village is especially deficient in Cr, Co, Se, Mo and Mg. Contents of Sr, Li and Mo in wheat of KBD village are significantly lower than nearby non-KBD village, but the average Se content is slightly higher. The deficiency of trace elements, especially Se, Sr, Li and Mo in staple food and trace elements in soil, is the main characteristic for the environment of KBD area.

Loci and natural alleles for cadmium-mediated growth responses revealed by a genome wide association study and transcriptome analysis in rice

BACKGROUND

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal that is harmful to the environment and human health. Cd pollution threatens the cultivation of rice (Oryza sativa L.) in many countries. Improving rice performance under Cd stress could potentially improve rice productivity.

RESULTS

In this study, 9 growth traits of 188 different cultivated rice accessions under normal and Cd stress conditions were found to be highly variable during the seedling stage. Based on ~3.3 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 119 Cd-mediated growth response (CGR) quantitative trait loci (QTL) were identified by a genome-wide association study (GWAS), 55 of which have been validated by previously reported QTL and 64 were new CGR loci. Combined with the data from the GWAS, transcriptome analysis, gene annotations from the gene ontology (GO) Slim database, and annotations and functions of homologous genes, 148 CGR candidate genes were obtained. Additionally, several reported genes have been found to play certain roles in CGRs. Seven Cd-related cloned genes were found among the CGR genes. Natural elite haplotypes/alleles in these genes that increased Cd tolerance were identified by a haplotype analysis of a diverse mini core collection. More importantly, this study was the first to uncover the natural variations of 5 GST genes that play important roles in CGRs.

CONCLUSION

The exploration of Cd-resistant rice germplasm resources and the identification of elite natural variations related to Cd-resistance will help improve the tolerance of current major rice varieties to Cd, as well as provide raw materials and new genes for breeding Cd-resistant varieties.

Five thousand years of bellyaches: Exploring boron concentration in ancient populations of the Atacama Desert

OBJECTIVES

This study explores whether ancient Atacama Desert populations in northern Chile were exposed to endemic boron contamination.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), we studied 144 strands of ancient mummy hair, ranging from 3000 B.C. to 1500 A.D., excavated from the Lluta, Azapa, and Camarones valleys in northern Chile. We tested whether these ancient populations showed signs of significant boron concentration in hair tissue.

RESULTS

On average, all individuals from these valleys showed high boron concentrations, ranging from 1.5 to 4 times above the average boron concentration in contemporary hair (baseline <0.85 μg/g). The boron concentration in mummy hair varied according to the main geographic areas mentioned above.

CONCLUSIONS

The rivers of northern Chile have high geogenic boron concentrations. They contain 38 times above the recommended limit for human consumption. Geogenic boron contamination likely played a role in population morbidity and the types of crops that were cultivated in antiquity. The ancient populations were chronically affected by boron overexposure, suggesting that ancient geogenic water contamination should be considered when discussing the biocultural trajectories of ancient populations.

Effects of methylation of deiodinase 3 gene on gene expression and severity of Kashin-Beck disease

Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) is a complex endemic osteoarthropathy, which mainly occurs in the northeast to southwest China. Iodothyronine deiodinases 3 (DIO3) is one of the selenoproteins, which is closely related to bone metabolism and unclear to KBD. This study aims to investigate the role and associated mechanisms of methylation and expression of DIO3 with disease severity in patients with KBD. We performed a bioinformatics analysis first to identify the biological mechanisms involved in selenoproteins. The methylation status of the DIO3 gene and DIO3 gene expression, as well as DIO3-related regulatory genes in patients with KBD, were analyzed. We found that 15 CpG sites of six selenoproteins were hypomethylated with 5-azacytidine treatment. DIO3 hypermethylation was associated with an increased risk of KBD and may lead to downregulation of DIO3 gene expression as well as be an indicator of the severity of KBD, which may provide a new insight for gene-environment correlations and interactions in etiology and pathogenesis of KBD.