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Simola J, Kunnasranta M, Niemi M, Biard V, Akkanen J. Mercury exposure in ringed seals (Pusa hispida saimensis) in Lake Saimaa, Finland, and the placenta as a possible non-invasive biomonitoring tool. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024:10.1007/s11356-024-34980-6. [PMID: 39294537 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-34980-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024]
Abstract
The Saimaa ringed seal (Pusa hispida saimensis) is a subspecies of ringed seal, landlocked in Lake Saimaa, Finland. The small population of less than 500 seals is facing many human-induced threats, including chemical contaminants. Mercury, in particular, has previously been suggested to be one of the chemicals affecting the viability of this endangered population. We analysed mercury concentrations from placentas and lanugo pup tissues (blubber, brain, kidney, liver, and muscle) to determine current prenatal exposure levels. These pups were found dead in or near birth lairs and were less than 3 months old. Additionally, we used threshold values available in the literature to estimate the potential mercury toxicity to the Saimaa ringed seal. We also determined selenium concentrations for its potential to alleviate the adverse effects of mercury. We further supplemented our study with brain samples collected from various seal age classes. These seals were found dead by either natural causes or by being caught in gillnets. The analysed chemicals were present in all tissues. For lanugo pups, mercury concentrations were the highest in the kidney and liver, whereas the highest selenium to mercury molar ratio was observed in placentas. The toxicity evaluation suggested that, in severe cases, mercury may cause adverse effects in lanugo and older pups. In these cases, the selenium concentrations were low and selenium to mercury ratio was below 1:1 threshold ratio and thus unlikely to provide adequate protection from the adverse effects of mercury. Furthermore, adverse effects are more likely to occur in adult seals, as mercury bioaccumulates, leading to higher concentrations in older individuals. Placental mercury concentrations correlated to those in the livers and muscle tissues of lanugo pups. This, together with the fact that placentas can be collected non-invasively and in good condition, provides a potential novel method for biomonitoring mercury exposure in Saimaa ringed seals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse Simola
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 111, FIN-80101, Joensuu, Finland.
| | - Mervi Kunnasranta
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 111, FIN-80101, Joensuu, Finland
- Natural Resource Institute Finland, Yliopistokatu 6, FIN-80100, Joensuu, Finland
| | - Marja Niemi
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 111, FIN-80101, Joensuu, Finland
| | - Vincent Biard
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 111, FIN-80101, Joensuu, Finland
| | - Jarkko Akkanen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 111, FIN-80101, Joensuu, Finland
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Rouzi L, El-Hamri H, Cherkani-Hassani A, Benbounou N, El Kari K, Bouhya S, Aguenaou H, Jouhadi Z, Fekhaoui M. Lead in umbilical cord blood and associated factors in Casablanca Morocco: A preliminary results. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2024; 85:127494. [PMID: 39024849 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2024.127494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lead is the most common toxic metal to which Moroccans are exposed. Given the susceptibility of the fetus to lead, it is crucial to assess prenatal lead exposure. However, in Morocco, no study has assessed prenatal exposure to lead. The main goals of the present study are to determine lead concentration in umbilical cord blood and identify risk factors for prenatal lead exposure in Casablanca, Morocco. METHODS To achieve these purposes, 87 cord blood lead samples were collected from mothers-baby pairs from January to December 2019. Indeed, a structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic characteristics, obstetric data, leisure, cultural habits, and environmental information. Cord blood lead level was analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. RESULTS The median lead concentration was 4.902 µg/dl with a minimum and maximum of 0.833 µg/dl and 23.593 µg/dl, respectively. A high proportion of the newborns (65.52 %) had cord blood lead levels above the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) allowable threshold limit (3.5 µg/dl). Statistical analysis was performed to assess the association between blood levels and the above factors. Lead levels in cord blood were significantly associated with the maternal educational level, anemia history, delivery mode, passive smoking during pregnancy as well as with the frequency of consumption of tea. CONCLUSION This study provides the first data on lead levels in newborns. Cord blood lead levels were high in the majority of the participants, these results reinforce the need to establish health surveillance programs in Morocco.
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Affiliation(s)
- Latifa Rouzi
- Department of Zoology and Animal Ecology, Scientific Institute, Mohammed V University in Rabat, B.P. 1040, Ibn Battuta Av, Rabat 10100, Morocco.
| | | | - Abha Cherkani-Hassani
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University in Rabat, 10100, Morocco
| | - Nadia Benbounou
- Laboratory LIMAT, Hassan II University, B.P 7955, Casablanca, Morocco; The Multi laboratory LC2A, N°182, Industrial Zone Mohammedia, Morocco
| | | | - Said Bouhya
- Department of Maternity, Children's Ibn Rochd University Hospital, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Hassan Aguenaou
- Ibn Tofail University- CNESTEN, Joint, Unit of Nutrition, Health and Environment, Laboratory of Biology and Health, FSK, Regional Designated Center for Nutrition, AFRA/IAEA), Kenitra 14000, Morocco
| | - Zineb Jouhadi
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Children's Ibn Rochd University Hospital, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Mohammed Fekhaoui
- Department of Zoology and Animal Ecology, Scientific Institute, Mohammed V University in Rabat, B.P. 1040, Ibn Battuta Av, Rabat 10100, Morocco
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Sarzo B, Ballester F, Soler-Blasco R, Sunyer J, Lopez-Espinosa MJ, Ibarluzea J, Lozano M, Julvez J, Iriarte G, Subiza-Perez M, González-Safont L, Fernández-Somoano A, Vallejo-Ortega J, Guxens M, López-González UA, Riaño-Galán I, Riutort-Mayol G, Murcia M, Llop S. The impact of prenatal mercury on neurobehavioral functioning longitudinally assessed from a young age to pre-adolescence in a Spanish birth cohort. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 252:118954. [PMID: 38631469 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118954] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
The objective is to investigate the relation between cord blood mercury concentrations and child neurobehavioural functioning assessed longitudinally during childhood until pre-adolescence. METHODS The study involves mothers and their offspring engaged in the Spanish INMA birth cohort (n = 1147). Total mercury (THg) was determined in cord blood. Behavioural problems were assessed several times during childhood using the ADHD-DSM-IV at age 4, SDQ at ages 7 and 11, CPRS-R:S and the CBCL at ages 7, 9 and 11. Covariates were obtained through questionnaires during the whole period. Multivariate generalised negative binomial (MGNB) models or mixed-effects MGNB (for those tests with information at one or more time points, respectively) were used to investigate the relation between cord blood THg and the children's punctuations. Models were adjusted for prenatal fish intake. Effect modification by sex, prenatal and postnatal fish intake, prenatal fruit and vegetable intake, and maternal polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations (PCBs) was assessed by interaction terms. RESULTS The geometric mean ± standard deviation of cord blood THg was 8.22 ± 2.19 μg/L. Despite adjusting for fish consumption, our results did not show any statistically significant relationship between prenatal Hg and the children's performance on behavioural tests conducted between the ages of 4 and 11. Upon assessing the impact of various factors, we observed no statistically significant interaction. CONCLUSION Despite elevated prenatal THg exposure, no association was found with children's behavioural functioning assessed from early childhood to pre-adolescence. The nutrients in fish could offset the potential neurotoxic impact of Hg. Further birth cohort studies with longitudinal data are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Sarzo
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ferran Ballester
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; Faculty of Nursing and Chiropody, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Raquel Soler-Blasco
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; Faculty of Nursing and Chiropody, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Jordi Sunyer
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria-Jose Lopez-Espinosa
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; Faculty of Nursing and Chiropody, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Jesus Ibarluzea
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; Department of Clinical and Health Psychology and Research Methods, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, San Sebastian, Spain; BioGipuzkoa Health Research Institute, Environmental Epidemiology and Child Development Group, 20014, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Manuel Lozano
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain; Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Food Sciences, Toxicology and Forensic Medicine Department, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Jordi Julvez
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain; Clinical and Epidemiological Neuroscience (Neuroèpia), Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain
| | - Gorka Iriarte
- Public Health Laboratory of Euskadi (Headquarters of Araba) (LSPPV), Basque Country, Spain
| | - Mikel Subiza-Perez
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; Department of Clinical and Health Psychology and Research Methods, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, San Sebastian, Spain; BioGipuzkoa Health Research Institute, Environmental Epidemiology and Child Development Group, 20014, San Sebastian, Spain; Bradford Institute for Health Research, Temple Bank House, Bradford Royal Infirmary, BD9 6RJ, Bradford, United Kingdom
| | - Llúcia González-Safont
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Fernández-Somoano
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; Department of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Jorge Vallejo-Ortega
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region, FISABIO-Public Health, Spain
| | - Mònica Guxens
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Isolina Riaño-Galán
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; Department of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain; Servicio de Pediatría. Endocrinología pediátrica. HUCA. Oviedo. Asturias, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Gabriel Riutort-Mayol
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain; Department of Computer Science, Aalto University, Finland
| | - Mario Murcia
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; Health Program and Policy Evaluation Service, Conselleria de Sanitat, Generalitat Valenciana, Valencia, Spain
| | - Sabrina Llop
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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Gogoi B, Acharjee SA, Bharali P, Sorhie V, Walling B, Alemtoshi. A critical review on the ecotoxicity of heavy metal on multispecies in global context: A bibliometric analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 248:118280. [PMID: 38272294 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118280] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Heavy metals (HMs) have become a significant concern in the current era, with deleterious effects on diverse living organisms when exposed beyond threshold concentrations. Both nature and human beings have been constantly casting out HMs into environmental matrices through various activities. Innumerable cases of threatened diseases such as cancer, respiratory ailments, reproductive defects, skin diseases, and several others have been a cause of significant concern for humans as the number of instances has been increasing with each decade. HMs migrates via several pathways to infiltrate biological organisms and amass within them. Even though numerous treatment approaches are available for remediating HM pollution, however, they are expensive, along with other setbacks. Due to such constraints, combating HM contamination requires environmentally conscious strategies like bioremediation, which employs an array of biological systems to remove HMs from the environment. Nonetheless, to address the current global HM pollution situation, it is critical to comprehend not only how these hazardous HMs cause toxicity in various living organisms but also the knowledge gaps that currently exist concerning the subject of HM ecotoxicity. In the present investigation, data was extracted from Google Scholar using software program called Harzing's Publish or Perish. The collected information has been subsequently displayed as a network file using the VOSViewer software tool. Thus, the current review presents a significant insight with the inclusion of a readily accessible bibliometric analysis to comprehend the present status of HMs research, global research trends, existing knowledge discrepancies, and research challenges. Further, it also provides an in-depth review of HMs ecotoxicity, with a focus on arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb). Thus, as indicated by the bibliometric study, the present review will assist future investigators studying HMs ecotoxicity by providing baseline data concerning a wide range of living organisms and by addressing research gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhagyudoy Gogoi
- Applied Environmental Microbial Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science, Nagaland University, HQ: Lumami, Zunheboto-798627, Nagaland, India
| | - Shiva Aley Acharjee
- Applied Environmental Microbial Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science, Nagaland University, HQ: Lumami, Zunheboto-798627, Nagaland, India
| | - Pranjal Bharali
- Applied Environmental Microbial Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science, Nagaland University, HQ: Lumami, Zunheboto-798627, Nagaland, India.
| | - Viphrezolie Sorhie
- Applied Environmental Microbial Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science, Nagaland University, HQ: Lumami, Zunheboto-798627, Nagaland, India
| | - Bendangtula Walling
- Applied Environmental Microbial Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science, Nagaland University, HQ: Lumami, Zunheboto-798627, Nagaland, India
| | - Alemtoshi
- Applied Environmental Microbial Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science, Nagaland University, HQ: Lumami, Zunheboto-798627, Nagaland, India
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Yao L, Liu L, Dong M, Yang J, Zhao Z, Chen J, Lv L, Wu Z, Wang J, Sun X, Self S, Bhatti P. Trimester-specific prenatal heavy metal exposures and sex-specific postpartum size and growth. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2023; 33:895-902. [PMID: 35490160 PMCID: PMC9617807 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-022-00443-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There has been limited research considering the effects of prenatal exposure to multiple heavy metals on early childhood size and growth. OBJECTIVE We evaluated prenatal exposures to 15 heavy metals in association with measures of weight, length, and head circumference (HC) measured at birth, and 1, 3 and 6 months of age in a study of 358 mother-child pairs. METHODS Urinary concentrations were measured in the first and third trimesters of pregnancy and examined, using sex-stratified general linear models, in association with average standardized size and changes in size (growth) over the first 6 months of life. Confounding effects among metals were explored. RESULTS Increased first trimester Hg and V were associated with decreased average HC among males and weight among females, respectively. Increased first trimester V was associated with a decline in weight among females over time. Increased third trimester Cs, Rb and Tl were associated with increased average weight and HC among males. Increased third trimester Se was associated with increased HC among females over time. Evidence for confounding was observed between Cs, Rb and Tl in association with weight and HC. SIGNIFICANCE We observed multiple biologically plausible associations between prenatal heavy metal exposures and postnatal size and growth. IMPACT We have taken a comprehensive and novel approach to evaluating the impacts of prenatal heavy metal exposures on size and growth during early childhood. Our detailed analyses consider exposures to 15 different heavy metals at two time points during pregnancy, as well as multiple metrics of size and growth collected at birth and 1, 3 and 6 months of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Yao
- Program in Epidemiology, Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lili Liu
- Department of Toxicology, Guangdong Province Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangdong Province Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ming Dong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangdong Province Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinmei Yang
- Department of Toxicology, Guangdong Province Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangdong Province Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiqiang Zhao
- Department of Toxicology, Guangdong Province Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangdong Province Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiabin Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangdong Province Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lijuan Lv
- Guangdong Maternal and Child Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhaoxia Wu
- Nanhai Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Jin Wang
- National Institute for Occupational Health and Poison Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Sun
- National Institute for Occupational Health and Poison Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Steven Self
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Parveen Bhatti
- Program in Epidemiology, Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Cancer Control Research, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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Grzesik-Gąsior J, Sawicki J, Pieczykolan A, Bień A. Content of selected heavy metals in the umbilical cord blood and anthropometric data of mothers and newborns in Poland: preliminary data. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14077. [PMID: 37640776 PMCID: PMC10462749 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41249-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability to accumulate metals in organs and tissues leads to disturbances in the physiological functioning of the body, causing oxidative stress. This negatively affects the functioning of the placenta and may result in miscarriages, premature birth and fetal growth disorders. The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between the levels of selected heavy metals in umbilical cord blood and anthropometric parameters of mothers and the newborns. Content of elements in umbilical cord blood has been assessed by high-resolution inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The study results were collected and statistically analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics software (PS IMAGO). The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to test for associations between selected variables. Regression analysis was conducted to identify predictors of anthropometric parameters of studied women and newborns. The study group consisted of women aged 19-41, whose pregnancy was uncomplicated and were not exposed to heavy metals due to their work or smoking. The following metals were identified in all collected cord blood samples: lead (26.25 ± 9.32 µg/L), zinc (2025.24 ± 717.83 µg/L), copper (749.85 ± 203.86 µg/L), manganese (32.55 ± 13.58 µg/L), chromium (8.34 ± 2.16 µg/L) and selenium (158.46 ± 41.58 µg/L). The conducted statistical analysis indicated the relationship between the copper content in the umbilical cord blood and the weight gain of pregnant women. A significant relationship was observed between newborn head circumference and chromium content. In addition, significant positive correlations were found between the content of zinc and copper, manganese and lead, manganese and selenium, lead and selenium, and lead and chromium in umbilical cord blood. The ratio of zinc to copper concentrations was related to neonatal head circumference. Weight gain in pregnant women is positively correlated with the copper level in umbilical cord blood. There is an association between head circumference at birth and the chromium concentration in umbilical cord blood. Copper and zinc levels in umbilical cord blood are positively correlated with head circumference at birth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jan Sawicki
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059, Lublin, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Pieczykolan
- Department of Coordinated Maternity Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059, Lublin, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Bień
- Department of Coordinated Maternity Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059, Lublin, Poland
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Kao CS, Chien LC, Fan CH, Lee HC, Jiang CB. Associations of metal mixtures in the meconium with birth outcomes in northern Taiwan. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2023; 248:114092. [PMID: 36493676 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2022.114092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies investigated prenatal exposure to neurotoxic metals in relation to birth anthropometrics. However, limited information has been developed on associations with birth outcomes of fetal exposure to metal mixtures using the meconium as a biomarker. The purpose of this study was to evaluate relationships of the combined effects of mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As) concentrations in the meconium on birth outcomes (i.e., birth weight, birth length, and head circumference). This cross-sectional study was conducted in northern Taiwan between January 2007 and December 2009. We collected 526 meconium samples within the first 24 h after birth to measure the in utero mixed-metal exposure determined using inductively coupled plasma/mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). We used a multivariable regression and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) to estimate associations of the combined effects and identify important mixture components with growth impairments. Our results revealed Hg, Pb, Cd, and As concentrations in the meconium and enhanced the quantity of research on meconium analyses. The overall effects of Hg, Pb, Cd, and As concentrations in the meconium as prenatal exposure biomarkers were negatively associated with birth growth. Fetal exposure to Hg and Pb was correlated with decreased birth weights. Hg and Pb concentrations in the meconium were linearly inversely related to the birth weight, birth length, and head circumference. Effects of fetal exposure to As and Cd on birth outcomes were not obvious. A significant increasing relationship was detected between Hg concentrations in the meconium and maternal fish consumption during pregnancy. Higher Pb concentrations in the meconium were observed among infants of mothers who consumed Chinese herbal medicines. Reducing maternal fish consumption and Chinese herbal medicine consumption during pregnancy could limit infant exposure to metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Sian Kao
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ling-Chu Chien
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Neuroscience Research Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Nutrition Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hua Fan
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Chang Lee
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, MacKay Children's Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chuen-Bin Jiang
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, MacKay Children's Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
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8
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Daniali SS, Yazdi M, Heidari-Beni M, Taheri E, Zarean E, Goli P, Kelishadi R. Birth Size Outcomes in Relation to Maternal Blood Levels of Some Essential and Toxic Elements. Biol Trace Elem Res 2023; 201:4-13. [PMID: 35298828 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-022-03121-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Exposures to toxic trace elements and deficiencies of essential trace elements during pregnancy may impact fetal growth. This study was conducted to determine the association between maternal blood levels of essential elements including manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) and toxic elements including arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) at the first trimester with neonatal anthropometric parameters. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019-2020 in Isfahan, Iran. Overall, 263 mother-infant pairs were recruited in the first trimester of pregnancy. Maternal whole blood was collected, and essential and toxic elements were determined by mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)-based method. Birth size measurements were performed according to standardized protocols. Geometric means and standard deviations of maternal blood concentrations of Mn, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb were 3.94 ± 0.82, 5.22 ± 0.57, 7.67 ± 0.58, 2.21 ± 0.77, - 0.59 ± 0.98, and 3.23 ± 0.72 µg/l, respectively. Mean age of mothers was 29.94 ± 5.22 years. Thirty-one (12.1%) neonates were preterm. Maternal blood Pb levels were negatively correlated with birth weight (β = - 0.22 (CI 95%: - 0.38, - 0.05) p = 0.010) and marginally with birth head circumference (β = - 0.14(CI 95%: - 0.29, 0.02), P = 0.094) after adjustment for potential confounder variables. There was no significant association between Mn, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and birth size measurements. Reverse association was found between maternal blood Pb levels and birth weight and birth head circumference. There is limited evidence related to the association between essential and toxic elements during pregnancy with birth size measurements and pregnancy disorders. More studies are suggested to assess of the effect of the trace elements and birth outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyede Shahrbanoo Daniali
- Department of Pediatrics, Child Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Maryam Yazdi
- Department of Pediatrics, Child Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Motahar Heidari-Beni
- Department of Nutrition, Child Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Ensiye Taheri
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Environment Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Elaheh Zarean
- Department of Nutrition, Child Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Parvin Goli
- Department of Pediatrics, Child Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Roya Kelishadi
- Department of Pediatrics, Child Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
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9
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Pavilonis B, Maroko A, Cai B, Shin J, Lahage N, Gupta A, Stein-Albert M, Patil U, Dubov TE, Karbalivand H, McDermott S. Characterization of fetal exposure to multiple metals among an urban population: A case study of New York City. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 211:113050. [PMID: 35259408 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113050] [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: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Metals and metalloids are ubiquitous and persistent in urban areas and are generally released into the environment as mixtures. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to establish baseline concentrations of selected elements in meconium samples among a large urban population in the US and understand the spatial variability in concentrations. The association of metal mixtures on birth weight was also assessed. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted across five public hospitals located in New York City, NY (NYC) in four boroughs. We collected meconium sample from 116 infants during the first 24 h after delivery and quantified 11 metals using ICP-MS. Principal component analysis was used to determine metal mixtures and their association with birth weight. Spatial hot spots of each metal were calculated using the Getis-Ord (GI*). RESULTS Essential elements were detected in all samples with Zn in the greatest abundance (median = 274.5 μg/g) and Mo in the least (median = 0.1845 μg/g). Pb was detected in all but two samples (median = 0.0222 μg/g), while Cd levels were detected in approximately half of the samples (median = 0.0019 μg/g). Co-located hot spots were detected for Cu, Zn, and Fe in southeast Brooklyn; Cd, Cr, and Ni in eastern Queens; and Al and Mo in south Queens. There was a significant inverse relationship between Pb concentrations (beta = -1935.7; p = 0.006) and the mixture of Cr, Cu, Mo, Zn (beta = -157.7; p = 0.045) and birth weight. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that meconium is an effective biomarker for measuring metal exposures among an urban population. We were able to quantify detectable levels of ten of the eleven metals measured in the study and characterize nutritionally necessary trace elements and metals derived from anthropogenic sources without biologic need in a cohort of NYC newborns. Further research needs to establish the change point from necessary to toxic, for the essential elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Pavilonis
- City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, 55 W. 125th Street, New York, NY, 10027, USA.
| | - Andrew Maroko
- City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, 55 W. 125th Street, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Bo Cai
- University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Jin Shin
- Medgar Evers College of The City University of New York, 1650 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, 11225, USA
| | - Nadine Lahage
- New York City Health and Hospitals, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Arpit Gupta
- New York City Health and Hospitals, New York City, NY, USA
| | | | - Uday Patil
- New York City Health and Hospitals, New York City, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Suzanne McDermott
- City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, 55 W. 125th Street, New York, NY, 10027, USA
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10
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Concentrations and determinants of lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic in pooled donor breast milk in Spain. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2021; 240:113914. [PMID: 34974272 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
AIM To measure concentrations of lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As) in longitudinally collected donor breast milk samples and to determine associated factors. METHODS Pb, Hg, Cd, and As concentrations were measured in 242 pooled breast milk samples from 83 donors to a Human Milk Bank in Spain, in 2015-2018, determining their association with the donors' sociodemographic profile, dietary and lifestyle habits, and post-partum time, among other factors, and with the nutritional characteristics of samples. Mixed-effect linear regression was used to identify predictors of Hg and As concentrations in breast milk and mixed-effect logistic regression to identify predictors of the presence of Pb and Cd. RESULTS As was the element most frequently detected in milk samples (97.1%), followed by Hg (81.2%), Pb (50.6%), and Cd (38.0%). Their median breast milk concentrations were 1.49 μg/L, 0.26 μg/L, 0.14 μg/L, and <0.04 μg/L, respectively. Concentrations of As were higher in breast milk from primiparous donors, while Hg was higher in donors with a greater intake of fatty fish and meat and lower in samples collected after a longer post-partum time and with higher lactose content. Detection of Pb was higher among multiparous donors, those gaining weight since before pregnancy, and ex-smokers and was lower in samples collected more recently and from donors with greater intake of red meat and eggs. Cd detection was higher for donors with university education and those with greater intake of fried and canned food and more frequent use of hand cream and was lower for donors with greater bread intake. CONCLUSIONS These findings reveal relatively high As concentrations, moderate Hg concentrations, and low Pb and Cd concentrations in pooled donor breast milk. Several factors including post-partum time, parity, smoking habit, and the intake of certain food items were associated with the metal content of milk samples.
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11
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Moradnia M, Movahedian Attar H, Heidari Z, Mohammadi F, Kelishadi R. Monitoring of urinary arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) among a sample of pregnant Iranian women. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCE & ENGINEERING 2021; 19:1901-1909. [PMID: 34900315 PMCID: PMC8617224 DOI: 10.1007/s40201-021-00743-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Heavy metals, as significant toxic environmental contaminants, can cause serious adverse health outcomes on the human body even in trace concentrations. There is limited evidence on heavy metal concentrations existing in the body fluids of pregnant women. This study aims to evaluate the urinary levels of arsenic (As) and lead (Pb), as two main toxic heavy metals, among pregnant women and their lifestyle determinants. METHODS The study was performed in 2019-2020 in Isfahan, Iran. A number of 140 urine samples of pregnant women who were in their first pregnancy trimester were examined. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) was applied to analyze the urinary concentrations of As and Pb. Socio-demographic data including age, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), education status, and family income, as well as the use of cleaning products (cosmetic and household cleaning products), and lifestyle habits (food intake, smoking, and physical activity) were collected using a validated questionnaire. RESULTS The mean concentration of As and Pb were 8.14 ± 10.8 and 9.6 ± 7.1 μg/g creatinine, respectively. The mean urinary concentration of Pb indicated significant differences in the levels of cosmetic usage, second-hand smoking exposure, and the use of Copper, Aluminum, Teflon, Steel, and Enameled utensils for cooking (p-value < 0.05). Furthermore, the mean of urinary Pb concentrations at high levels of physical activity and scratched utensils using was significantly different from the other categories (p-value = 0.02). No significant differences were found between As and Pb concentration with other socio-demographic factors. CONCLUSION The lifestyle determinants and cosmetic products use are important predictors of urinary heavy metals in pregnant women, rather than sociodemographic characteristics. Additional research is necessary to determine long-term adverse birth outcomes of exposure to these heavy metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Moradnia
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hossein Movahedian Attar
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Environment Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Zahra Heidari
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Mohammadi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Environment Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Roya Kelishadi
- Department of Pediatrics, Child Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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12
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Cai Z, Qian L, Peng X, Wang Z. Direct Ultratrace Detection of Lead in a Single Hair Using Portable Electromagnetic Heating Vaporization-Atmospheric Pressure Glow Discharge-Atomic Emission Spectrometry. Anal Chem 2021; 93:14701-14707. [PMID: 34704432 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c03057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, the first demonstration of direct ultratrace determination of lead in a single human hair by direct current-atmospheric pressure glow discharge-atomic emission spectrometry (DC-APGD-AES) coupled with electromagnetic heating vaporization (EMV) was described. Only the ultramicro mass of a human hair sample (about 0.15 mg, often a single human hair) was required during the analysis, and fast detection was implemented without tedious pretreatment processes, such as grinding and digestion. A limit of detection (LOD) of 30.8 μg kg-1 (4.8 pg) for Pb was obtained under optimized conditions, which was even equivalent to that of conventional LA-ICP-MS/ETV-ICP-MS/GFAAS. EMV-APGD-AES, meanwhile, can facilitate miniaturization and portability with low power and small size. The accuracy and practicality of the method were verified by the analysis of certified reference materials (CRMs) GBW09101b (human hair) and human hair samples from three volunteers. A simple, efficient, and low-cost method for detecting Pb in human hair has been developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoqing Cai
- Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, China.,Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ling Qian
- Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, China
| | - Xiaoxu Peng
- Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, China.,Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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13
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Lead (Pb) and neurodevelopment: A review on exposure and biomarkers of effect (BDNF, HDL) and susceptibility. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2021; 238:113855. [PMID: 34655857 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant and a potent toxic compound. Humans are exposed to Pb through inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact via food, water, tobacco smoke, air, dust, and soil. Pb accumulates in bones, brain, liver and kidney. Fetal exposure occurs via transplacental transmission. The most critical health effects are developmental neurotoxicity in infants and cardiovascular effects and nephrotoxicity in adults. Pb exposure has been steadily decreasing over the past decades, but there are few recent exposure data from the general European population; moreover, no safe Pb limit has been set. Sensitive biomarkers of exposure, effect and susceptibility, that reliably and timely indicate Pb-associated toxicity are required to assess human exposure-health relationships in a situation of low to moderate exposure. Therefore, a systematic literature review based on PubMed entries published before July 2019 that addressed Pb exposure and biomarkers of effect and susceptibility, neurodevelopmental toxicity, epigenetic modifications, and transcriptomics was conducted. Finally included were 58 original papers on Pb exposure and 17 studies on biomarkers. The biomarkers that are linked to Pb exposure and neurodevelopment were grouped into effect biomarkers (serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and serum/saliva cortisol), susceptibility markers (epigenetic markers and gene sequence variants) and other biomarkers (serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL), maternal iron (Fe) and calcium (Ca) status). Serum BDNF and plasma HDL are potential candidates to be further validated as effect markers for routine use in HBM studies of Pb, complemented by markers of Fe and Ca status to also address nutritional interactions related to neurodevelopmental disorders. For several markers, a causal relationship with Pb-induced neurodevelopmental toxicity is likely. Results on BDNF are discussed in relation to Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) 13 ("Chronic binding of antagonist to N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) during brain development induces impairment of learning and memory abilities") of the AOP-Wiki. Further studies are needed to validate sensitive, reliable, and timely effect biomarkers, especially for low to moderate Pb exposure scenarios.
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Lum JTS, Chan YN, Leung KSY. Current applications and future perspectives on elemental analysis of non-invasive samples for human biomonitoring. Talanta 2021; 234:122683. [PMID: 34364482 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2021.122683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Humans are continuously exposed to numerous environmental pollutants including potentially toxic elements. Essential elements play an important role in human health. Abnormal elemental levels in the body, in different forms that existed, have been reported to be correlated with different diseases and environmental exposure. Blood is the conventional biological sample used in human biomonitoring. However, blood samples can only reflect short-term exposure and require invasive sampling, which poses infection risk to individuals. In recent years, the number of research evaluating the effectiveness of non-invasive samples (hair, nails, urine, meconium, breast milk, placenta, cord blood, saliva and teeth) for human biomonitoring is increasing. These samples can be collected easily and provide extra information in addition to blood analysis. Yet, the correlation between the elemental concentration in non-invasive samples and in blood is not well established, which hinders the application of those samples in routine human biomonitoring. This review aims at providing a fundamental overview of analytical methods of non-invasive samples in human biomonitoring. The content covers the sample collection and pretreatment, sample preparation and instrumental analysis. The technical discussions are separated into solution analysis and solid analysis. In the last section, the authors highlight some of the perspectives on the future of elemental analysis in human biomonitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judy Tsz-Shan Lum
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Yun-Nam Chan
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Kelvin Sze-Yin Leung
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; HKBU Institute of Research and Continuing Education, Shenzhen Virtual University Park, Shenzhen, China.
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15
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Gundacker C, Graf-Rohrmeister K, Gencik M, Hengstschläger M, Holoman K, Rosa P, Kroismayr R, Offenthaler I, Plichta V, Reischer T, Teufl I, Raffesberg W, Scharf S, Köhler-Vallant B, Delissen Z, Weiß S, Uhl M. Gene Variants Determine Placental Transfer of Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), Mercury (Hg) and Lead (Pb), and Birth Outcome: Findings From the UmMuKi Bratislava-Vienna Study. Front Genet 2021; 12:664946. [PMID: 34220941 PMCID: PMC8242356 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.664946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), bisphenol A (BPA), lead (Pb), total mercury (THg), and methylmercury (MeHg) can affect fetal development. Factors influencing placental transfer rate of these toxins are poorly investigated. Whether prenatal exposure to pollutants has an effect on birth weight is incompletely understood. We therefore aimed (1) to determine placental transfer rates of PFAS, BPA, Pb, THg, and MeHg, (2) to analyze relationships between fetal exposure and birth outcome and (3) to analyze gene variants as mediators of placental transfer rates and birth outcome. Two hundred healthy pregnant women and their newborns participated in the study. BPA, 16 PFAS, THg, MeHg, and Pb were determined using HPLCMS/MS (BPA, PFAS), HPLC-CV-ICPMS (MeHg), CV-AFS (THg), and GF-AAS (Pb). Questionnaires and medical records were used to survey exposure sources and birth outcome. 20 single nucleotide polymorphisms and two deletion polymorphisms were determined by real-time PCR from both maternal and newborn blood. Genotype-phenotype associations were analyzed by categorical regression and logistic regression analysis. Specific gene variants were associated with altered placental transfer of PFAS (ALAD Lys59Asn, ABCG2 Gln141Lys), THg (UGT Tyr85Asp, GSTT1del, ABCC1 rs246221) and Pb (GSTP1 Ala114Val). A certain combination of three gene polymorphisms (ABCC1 rs246221, GCLM rs41303970, HFE His63Asp) was over-represented in newborns small for gestational age. 36% of Austrian and 75% of Slovakian mothers had levels exceeding the HBM guidance value I (2 μg/L) of the German HBM Commission for PFOA. 13% of newborns and 39% of women had Ery-Pb levels above 24 μg/kg, an approximation for the BMDL01 of 12 μg/L set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Our findings point to the need to minimize perinatal exposures to protect fetal health, especially those genetically predisposed to increased transplacental exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Gundacker
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | | | - Karol Holoman
- University Hospital Bratislava-Ružinov, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Petra Rosa
- University Hospital Bratislava-Ružinov, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Renate Kroismayr
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien, Vienna, Austria.,Environment Agency Austria, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Veronika Plichta
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Agency for Food and Health Safety, Vienna, Austria
| | - Theresa Reischer
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Isabella Teufl
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | | | - Zoja Delissen
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Medgene, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | | | - Maria Uhl
- Environment Agency Austria, Vienna, Austria
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16
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Goto Y, Mandai M, Nakayama T, Yamazaki S, Nakayama SF, Isobe T, Sato T, Nitta H. Association of prenatal maternal blood lead levels with birth outcomes in the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS): a nationwide birth cohort study. Int J Epidemiol 2021; 50:156-164. [PMID: 33141187 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyaa162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite dramatic declines in prenatal maternal blood lead levels (BLLs) in most developed countries, little is known about the effects of extremely low-level (<1.0 µg/dL) lead exposure on fetal growth. METHODS We measured maternal BLL during the second or third trimester of pregnancy and assessed birth outcomes, including birthweight, preterm birth (<37 gestational weeks) risk, small for gestational age births (SGA; birthweight <10th percentile) and low birthweight (LBW; <2500 g). The association between birthweight and maternal BLL was estimated using linear and quadratic spline models. Multivariable logistic models were used to examine the risk of binary responses. RESULTS From 103 099 pregnant women, 20 000 blood samples were randomly selected for analysis. The maternal BLL range was 0.16-7.4 µg/dL, and the median was 0.63 µg/dL. After adjusting for covariates, the linear model showed that each 0.1 μg/dL increase in maternal BLL was associated with a 5.4 g decrease in mean birthweight [95% confidence interval (CI), 3.4 to 7.5 g]. The risk of SGA [adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 1.03; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.05) and LBW (aOR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.05) increased, whereas the risk of preterm delivery did not (aOR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.97 to 1.02). CONCLUSIONS Even at a maternal BLL below 1.0 µg/dL, prenatal lead exposure was associated with decreased birthweight and increased risk of SGA and LBW, but not preterm delivery. The adverse effect estimates of prenatal lead exposure on birth outcomes were quantitatively small and clinically limited at this low level.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marie Mandai
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takeo Nakayama
- Department of Health Informatics, Kyoto University School of Public Health, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shin Yamazaki
- Japan Environment and Children's Study Programme Office, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Shoji F Nakayama
- Japan Environment and Children's Study Programme Office, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Tomohiko Isobe
- Japan Environment and Children's Study Programme Office, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Tosiya Sato
- Department of Biostatistics, Kyoto University School of Public Health, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Nitta
- Japan Environment and Children's Study Programme Office, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Japan
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17
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Cao X, Gao X, Zeng X, Ma Y, Gao Y, Baeyens W, Jia Y, Liu J, Wu C, Su S. Seeking for an optimal strategy to avoid arsenic and cadmium over-accumulation in crops: Soil management vs cultivar selection in a case study with maize. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 272:129891. [PMID: 33601208 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.129891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Soil management and cultivar selection are two strategies to reduce the accumulation risk of heavy metals in crops. However, it is still an open question which of these two strategies is more efficient for the safe utilization of contaminated soil. In this study, the available bio-concentration factors (aBCF) of arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) among 39 maize cultivars were determined through a field experiment. The effect of soil management was mimicked by choosing diverse sampling sites having different soil available contents of As and Cd. The aBCF of As and Cd in grain ranged from 0.02 to 0.13 and 1.17 to 42.2, respectively. The accumulation ability of As and Cd was classified among different maize cultivars. Soil pH and total As controlled the level of available As in soils, while soil pH dominated available Cd in soil. A soil pH of 6.5 was recommended to simultaneously minimize soil available As and Cd by managing soil conditions. The quantitative effects of cultivar and soil management on grain As and Cd were expressed as Q [Grain As] = 0.746Q [Cultivar]-0.126Q [pH]+0.276Q [Asavailable] (R2 = 0.648, P = 1.00 × 10-37) and Q [Grain Cd] = 0.913Q [Cultivar]-0.192Q [pH]+0.071Q [SOC] (R2 = 0.782, P = 1.00 × 10-37), respectively. Cultivar selection contributed stronger than soil management to decrease the As and Cd levels in maize grains. A feasible method to seek for a more efficient strategy was proposed for the safe utilization of contaminated soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxia Cao
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Xin Gao
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Xibai Zeng
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Yibing Ma
- Macau Environmental Research Institute, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, 999078, China
| | - Yue Gao
- Analytical, Environmental and Geo-Chemistry (AMGC), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Willy Baeyens
- Analytical, Environmental and Geo-Chemistry (AMGC), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Yuehui Jia
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Jie Liu
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Cuixia Wu
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Shiming Su
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, 100081, China.
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18
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Hu JMY, Arbuckle TE, Janssen P, Lanphear BP, Zhuang LH, Braun JM, Chen A, McCandless LC. Prenatal exposure to endocrine disrupting chemical mixtures and infant birth weight: A Bayesian analysis using kernel machine regression. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 195:110749. [PMID: 33465343 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.110749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnant women are regularly exposed to a multitude of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). EDC exposures, both individually and as mixtures, may affect fetal growth. The relationship of EDC mixtures with infant birth weight, however, remains poorly understood. We examined the relations between prenatal exposure to EDC mixtures and infant birth weight. METHODS We used data from the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) Study, a pan-Canadian cohort of 1857 pregnant women enrolled between 2008 and 2011. We quantified twenty-one chemical concentrations from five EDC classes, including organochlorine compounds (OCs), metals, perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), phenols and phthalate metabolites that were detected in >70% of urine or blood samples collected during the first trimester. In our primary analysis, we used Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models to assess variable importance, explore EDC mixture effects, and identify any interactions among EDCs. Our secondary analysis used traditional linear regression to compare the results with those of BKMR and to quantify the changes in mean birth weight in relation to prenatal EDC exposures. RESULTS We found evidence that mixtures of OCs and metals were associated with monotonic decreases in mean birth weight across the whole range of exposure. trans-Nonachlor from the OC mixture and lead (Pb) from the metal mixture had the greatest impact on birth weight. Our linear regression analysis corroborated the BKMR results and found that a 2-fold increase in trans-nonachlor and Pb concentrations reduced mean birth weight by -38 g (95% confidence interval (CI): -67, -10) and -39 g (95% CI: -69, -9), respectively. A sex-specific association for OC mixture was observed among female infants. PFAS, phenols and phthalates were not associated with birth weight. No interactions were observed among the EDCs. CONCLUSIONS Using BKMR, we observed that both OC and metal mixtures were associated with decreased birth weight in the MIREC Study. trans-Nonachlor from the OC mixture and Pb from the metal mixture contributed most to the adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice M Y Hu
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada.
| | - Tye E Arbuckle
- Population Studies Division, Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Patricia Janssen
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Bruce P Lanphear
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Liheng H Zhuang
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Joseph M Braun
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Aimin Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Comparative Study of Cytotoxicity, DNA Damage and Oxidative Stress Induced by Heavy Metals Cd(II), Hg(II) and Cr(III) in Yeast. Curr Microbiol 2021; 78:1856-1863. [PMID: 33770215 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-021-02454-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Wide range of applications of heavy metals and improperly discarded their castoffs possess serious threats to environment and human health. In this study, cytotoxicity, DNA damage and oxidative stress induced by Cd(II), Hg(II) and Cr(III) were comparatively studied in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Cd(II), Hg(II), and Cr(III) all produced strong cytotoxicity resulting in growth inhibition and cell mortality to varying degrees (Hg(II) > Cd(II) > Cr(III)). Hg(II) produced more oxidative stress. Cr(III) caused more serious DNA damage in vitro. Cd(II) also caused both obvious DNA damage and oxidative stress at higher concentration, but not as efficiently as Cd(II) and Hg(II). A further null mutation sensitivity assay showed that the relative sensitivity of rad1∆ to the metals was Cr(III) > Cd(II) > Hg(II), and that of trx1∆ to the metals was Hg(II) > Cd(II) > Cr(III). These data provide a clear evidence that the Cr(III) can cause significant DNA damage and potential genotoxicity; Hg(II) can strongly inhibit SOD activity, produce lipid peroxidation and cause serious membrane injury, suggesting these heavy metals can cause different toxic effects in different ways.
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20
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Michelsen-Correa S, Martin CF, Kirk AB. Evaluation of Fetal Exposures to Metals and Metalloids through Meconium Analyses: A Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18041975. [PMID: 33670707 PMCID: PMC7922990 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
This paper surveys the existing scientific literature on metals concentrations in meconium. We examine some 32 papers that analyzed meconium for aluminum, arsenic, barium, calcium, chromium, copper, iron, lithium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, lead, mercury, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, phosphorus, lead, antimony, selenium, tin, vanadium, and zinc. Because of the lack of detail in the statistics it is not possible to do a rigorous meta-analysis. What stands out is that almost every study had subjects with seemingly large amounts of at least one of the metals. The significance of metals in meconium is not clear beyond an indication of exposure although some studies have correlated metals in meconium to a number of adverse outcomes. A number of outstanding questions have been identified that, if resolved, would greatly increase the utility of meconium analysis for assessment of long-term gestational metals exposures. Among these are questions of the developmental and long-term significance of metals detected in meconium, the kinetics and interactions among metals in maternal and fetal compartments and questions on best methods for meconium analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephani Michelsen-Correa
- AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow Hosted by EPA Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, Biopesticides and Pollution Prevention Division, Washington, DC 20004, USA;
| | - Clyde F. Martin
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Andrea B. Kirk
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA;
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21
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Wang D, Fu X, Zhang J, Xu C, Hu Q, Lin W. Association between blood lead level during pregnancy and birth weight: A meta-analysis. Am J Ind Med 2020; 63:1085-1094. [PMID: 32969041 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to provide a quantitative summary of evidence for a relationship between prenatal lead (Pb) exposure and birth weight. METHODS PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched for eligible epidemiological studies. We transformed findings in eligible studies with different effect-size metrics to standardized regression coefficients, and used fixed-effects or random-effects models to assess the pooled effects of prenatal Pb exposure on birth weight. RESULTS There was a significant negative association between prenatal Pb exposure and birth weight. Birth weight reduction was associated with elevated lead levels in maternal blood (β = -0.094; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.157 to -0.030) and cord blood (β = -0.120; 95% CI: -0.239 to -0.001). CONCLUSIONS This meta-analysis is the first to provide a quantitative assessment of Pb exposure during pregnancy and an increased risk of lower birth weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duo Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health Sun Yat‐sen University Guangzhou Guangdong China
| | - Xi Fu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health Sun Yat‐sen University Guangzhou Guangdong China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital Sun Yat‐sen University Guangzhou Guangdong China
| | - Chengfang Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital Sun Yat‐sen University Guangzhou Guangdong China
| | - Qiansheng Hu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health Sun Yat‐sen University Guangzhou Guangdong China
| | - Weiwei Lin
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health Sun Yat‐sen University Guangzhou Guangdong China
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22
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Kabamba M, Tuakuila J. Toxic metal (Cd, Hg, Mn, Pb) partition in the maternal/foetal unit: A systematic mini - review of recent epidemiological studies. Toxicol Lett 2020; 332:20-26. [PMID: 32569801 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2020.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to summarise the available information regarding the partition of toxic metal (Cd, Hg, Mn, Pb) levels in the maternal/foetal unit from large epidemiological studies. We performed a systematic search of PubMed/MedLine, EMBASE, and ISI Web of Science for papers on Cd, total Hg, Mn or Pb levels in the maternal/cord blood that were published in English (n > = 200; 2010-2017). Data on year of publication, sample size, location, year of survey, and main results were extracted. We found a total of 35 papers. Most studies included large convenience samples of healthy pregnant women. The maternal/cord blood was properly used as a biomarker of prenatal exposure to toxic metals. The partition of these toxic metal levels in the maternal/foetal unit was metal-specific. Cd median levels (IQR) in cord blood reported worldwide were much lower [∼ 70 % < LOD = ± 0.11 μg/L] than those found in maternal blood [0.23 μg/L (0.15-0.35), ∼ 65 % > LOD]. Considering that Cd was under LOD in 70 % of the cord blood, Cd cord:maternal ratio as well as Cd cord proportion were not provided. Total Hg median levels (IQR) in cord blood [0.75 μg/L (0.40-1.19), ∼30 % < LOD = ±0.35 μg/L] were usually higher than in maternal blood [0.55 μg/L (0.40-0.85), ∼ 10 % < LOD = ±0.15 μg/L]. Hg cord:maternal ratio was 1.34 (1.00-1.91), and infants born would have Hg cord:(cord + maternal) proportion ranged from 0.50 to 0.63. Mn was the only metal that was detected in 100 % in both maternal (LOD : ±0.50 μg/L) and cord (LOD = ±0.2 μg/L) blood. Mn median levels (IQR) in cord blood [32.96 μg/L (26.90-40.10)] were 2 times higher than in maternal blood [14.01 μg/L (11.50-17.58)]. Mn cord:maternal ratio was 2.35 (1.09-3.80), and infants born would have Mn proportion ranged from 0.52 to 0.79. Pb median levels (IQR) in cord blood [5.79 μg/L (4.34-8.38), ∼ 5% < LOD : ±2.07 μg/L] were usually equal to or lower than those reported in maternal blood [8.07 μg/L (5.79-10.76), ∼ 1% < LOD = ±1.03 μg/L]. Pb cord:maternal ratio was 0.71 (0.59-0.96), and infants born would have Pb proportion ranged from 0.37 to 0.49. Globally, the results indicate that total Hg and Mn levels were lower in maternal blood but higher in cord blood. However, much greater variability was seen with Cd and Pb. At delivery, total Hg and Pb levels in maternal blood were strong predictors of cord blood levels. Our findings empty that understanding the partition, levels and correlations of toxic metals in the maternal/cord blood may help to elucidate the adverse effects of these metals on foetuses and neonates.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Kabamba
- Faculty of Sciences, University of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - J Tuakuila
- Faculty of Sciences, University of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada.
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23
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Sekovanić A, Piasek M, Orct T, Sulimanec Grgec A, Matek Sarić M, Stasenko S, Jurasović J. Mercury Exposure Assessment in Mother-Infant Pairs from Continental and Coastal Croatia. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10060821. [PMID: 32471193 PMCID: PMC7355586 DOI: 10.3390/biom10060821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The main source of mercury (Hg) exposure in the general population is fish. Another possible source is dental amalgam. Here, we compare the levels of Hg and selenium (Se) in samples of maternal and fetal origin collected shortly after childbirth of healthy postpartum women in the coastal (n = 96) and continental (n = 185) areas of Croatia related to maternal seafood/fish consumption. We also evaluated Hg concentrations and maternal serum metallothionein (MT2) concentrations in relation to the number of dental amalgam fillings, and MT2A-5A/G (rs28366003) polymorphism. The levels of Hg and Se in maternal hair and blood/serum, placenta and cord blood/serum increased in relation to increasing fish consumption with the highest values in subjects from the coast. The concentrations of each element and between elements correlated across the matrices. Increasing amalgam number correlated linearly with increased Hg levels in maternal and cord serum and was not associated with serum MT2. No association of MT2A-5A/G polymorphism and Hg or Se levels were found. The results confirmed higher fish consumption in coastal vs. continental Croatia and increases of both Hg and Se related to fish consumption in all analyzed samples. Increased blood Hg reflected the predominant MeHg share from seafood, while increased serum Hg matched exposure from dental amalgams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankica Sekovanić
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.S.); (T.O.); (A.S.G.); (J.J.)
| | - Martina Piasek
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.S.); (T.O.); (A.S.G.); (J.J.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Tatjana Orct
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.S.); (T.O.); (A.S.G.); (J.J.)
| | - Antonija Sulimanec Grgec
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.S.); (T.O.); (A.S.G.); (J.J.)
| | | | - Sandra Stasenko
- Clinical Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Merkur University Hospital, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Jasna Jurasović
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.S.); (T.O.); (A.S.G.); (J.J.)
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24
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Weng JC, Hong CI, Tasi JD, Shen CY, Su PH, Wang SL. The association between prenatal endocrine-disrupting chemical exposure and altered resting-state brain fMRI in teenagers. Brain Struct Funct 2020; 225:1669-1684. [PMID: 32448957 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-020-02089-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Many studies have reported that prenatal exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can cause adverse behavioral effects or cognitive dysfunction in children. This study aimed to investigate a relationship of the concentration of prenatal EDCs and brain function in teenagers. We recruited 59 mother-child pairs during the third trimester of pregnancy, and collected and examined the concentration of EDCs, such as heavy metals, phthalates and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), in maternal urine and serum. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) data were collected in teenagers 13-16 years of age, and fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo) were performed to find the association between maternal EDC concentrations and the functional development of the teenage brain. We found a correlation between MBP concentration and activity in the superior frontal gyrus, middle frontal gyrus, middle temporal gyrus and inferior temporal gyrus in the combined group of boys and girls. We also observed a correlation between MBzP concentration and activity in the anterior cingulum gyrus and insula in girls. We found a correlation between lead concentration and activity in the cuneus in the combined group. We also observed a correlation between MeHg concentration and activity in the superior temporal gyrus, caudate nucleus and putamen in the combined group. The PFOS results revealed a negative relationship between activity in the right putamen in boys, girls and the combined group after phthalate or heavy metals were applied as covariates. The PFNA results showed a negative correlation between activity in the left/right putamen and left caudate nucleus in boys, girls and the combined group after phthalate, heavy metals or PFOS were applied as covariates. We examined the correlations between maternal EDC concentrations and brain development and found that the associations with resting-state teenage brains in some circumstances are sex-related.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Cheng Weng
- Department of Medical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Medical Imaging Research Center, Institute for Radiological Research, Chang Gung University and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Chi Ieong Hong
- Department of Medical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jeng-Dau Tasi
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Pediatrics, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Yu Shen
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Imaging, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Pen-Hua Su
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Pediatrics, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Li Wang
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, 35 Keyan Rd., Zhunan, Miaoli County 350, Taiwan.
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25
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Recent developments in environmental mercury bioremediation and its toxicity: A review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.enmm.2020.100283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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26
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Kim SS, Meeker JD, Aung MT, Yu Y, Mukherjee B, Cantonwine DE, McElrath TF, Ferguson KK. Urinary trace metals in association with fetal ultrasound measures during pregnancy. Environ Epidemiol 2020; 4:e075. [PMID: 32201854 PMCID: PMC7083213 DOI: 10.1097/ee9.0000000000000075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxic metals have been associated with lower birth weight while essential metals have been associated with higher birth weight. Evidence for other metals is either inconsistent or limited in terms of number of studies. This study analyzed 17 urinary metals, individually and as a mixture, and their association with measures of fetal growth in the LIFECODES birth cohort. Ultrasound was used to measure abdominal circumference, head circumference, and femur length and measures were used to calculate estimated fetal weight at ~26 and ~35 weeks. We calculated the z-score based on gestational age at scan, and estimated fetal weight (EFW) was combined with birth weight for longitudinal analyses. Metals were measured in samples collected at ~26 weeks. We used linear mixed effects models to examine associations between metals and repeated measures of each outcome, controlling for covariates. Principal components analysis reduced the biomarkers to predictors that may share some commonality. We found that an interquartile range increase in selenium was inversely associated with femur length z-score as well as other growth outcomes. Other essential metals, however, were associated with an increase in growth. Finally, the PCA component comprised of arsenic, mercury, and tin was associated with decreased head circumference z-score (-0.14 [95% CI: -0.23, -0.05]).
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephani S. Kim
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - John D. Meeker
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Max T. Aung
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Youfei Yu
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Bhramar Mukherjee
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - David E. Cantonwine
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Thomas F. McElrath
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kelly K. Ferguson
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
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27
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Astolfi ML, Protano C, Marconi E, Massimi L, Piamonti D, Brunori M, Vitali M, Canepari S. Biomonitoring of Mercury in Hair among a Group of Eritreans (Africa). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17061911. [PMID: 32183479 PMCID: PMC7143335 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17061911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Small-scale or artisanal mining, using gold-mercury amalgamation to extract gold from ore, is a significant source of exposure for the workers and nearby populations. Few studies on hair mercury (Hg) have been conducted in Africa despite the fact that Africa has several gold deposits. No studies have been conducted in Eritrea that is one of the emerging gold producing countries in Africa. The aim of the study was to assess the Hg concentration in hair samples (n = 120) of a population living in Asmara, capital of Eritrea, and to evaluate the influence of some factors on the Hg levels in hair. Information on age, height, weight, occupation, smoking and fish consumption of participants were collected via questionnaire. Hair Hg concentration was significantly higher among women compared to men (p < 0.001) and among women preparing spicy products in Medeber market compared to those who did other jobs (p = 0.010). These results highlight the need for routine biomonitoring surveys and for health promotion campaigns devoted to local decision makers and workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luisa Astolfi
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy; (L.M.); (S.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0649913384
| | - Carmela Protano
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy; (C.P.); (E.M.); (M.V.)
| | - Elisabetta Marconi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy; (C.P.); (E.M.); (M.V.)
| | - Lorenzo Massimi
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy; (L.M.); (S.C.)
| | - Daniel Piamonti
- Department of Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Nephrology, Anaesthesiology and Geriatric Science, Sapienza University, Viale del Policlinico 155, I-00161 Rome, Italy; (D.P.); (M.B.)
| | - Marco Brunori
- Department of Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Nephrology, Anaesthesiology and Geriatric Science, Sapienza University, Viale del Policlinico 155, I-00161 Rome, Italy; (D.P.); (M.B.)
| | - Matteo Vitali
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy; (C.P.); (E.M.); (M.V.)
| | - Silvia Canepari
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy; (L.M.); (S.C.)
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28
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Jagodic M, Potočnik D, Snoj Tratnik J, Mazej D, Pavlin M, Trdin A, Eftimov T, Kononenko L, Ogrinc N, Horvat M. Selected elements and fatty acid composition in human milk as indicators of seafood dietary habits. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 180:108820. [PMID: 31639654 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The maternal diet and living environment can affect levels of chemical elements and fatty acid (FA) composition and their stable isotopes (δ13CFA) in human milk. Information obtained from questionnaires is frequently imprecise, thus limiting proper associations between external and internal exposures as well as health effects. In this study, we focused on seafood as a source of potentially toxic and essential elements and nutritional FAs. Concentrations of selected elements in human milk (As, Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb, Se and Zn) were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and Hg using cold vapour atomic-absorption spectrometry (CV-AAS). The identification and quantification of FAs in maternal milk were performed by an in-situ trans-esterification method (FAMEs), and the characterization of FAMEs was performed by gas chromatography with a flame ionisation detector (GC-FID). δ13CFA was determined by gas chromatography-combustion-isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC-C-IRMS). Seventy-four lactating Slovenian women from the coastal area of Koper (KP), with more frequent consumption of seafood, and the inland area of Pomurje (MS), with less frequent seafood consumption, were included in this study. Along with basic statistical analyses, data mining approaches (classification and clustering) were applied to investigate whether FA composition and δ13CFA could improve the information regarding dietary sources of potentially toxic elements. As and Hg levels in milk were found to be statistically higher in populations from KP than in those from MS, and 71% of individual FAs and 30% of individual δ13CFA values in milk differed statistically between the studied areas. In 19 cases, the levels of FAs in milk were higher in KP than in MS; these FAs include C20:5ω3 and C22:6ω3/C24:1ω9, which are typically contained in fish. In 16 cases, the mean percentage of FAs was higher in MS than in KP; these FAs include the PUFAs C18:2ω6, C18:3ω3, and C20:4ω6 which are important for human and infant growth. The difference in δ13C levels of C10:0, C12:0, C14:0, C16:1, C16:0, C18:1ω9c, C22:6ω3, and δ13C 18:0-16:0 in the study groups was statistically significant. In all seven cases where δ13C of FA significantly differed between KP and MS, δ13C was higher in KP, indicating a higher proportion of a marine-based diet. The data mining approaches confirmed that the percentage of selected FAs (iC17:0, C4:0, C18:2ω6t, aC17:0, CLA, and C22:4ω6) and δ13CFA of C18:1ω9c in human milk could be used to distinguish between high and low frequency of fresh seafood consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Jagodic
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Doris Potočnik
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Janja Snoj Tratnik
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Darja Mazej
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Majda Pavlin
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Ajda Trdin
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Tome Eftimov
- Computer Systems Department, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Lijana Kononenko
- Ministry of Health, Chemicals Office of the Republic of Slovenia, Ajdovščina 4, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Nives Ogrinc
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Milena Horvat
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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29
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Padula AM, Monk C, Brennan PA, Borders A, Barrett ES, McEvoy C, Foss S, Desai P, Alshawabkeh A, Wurth R, Salafia C, Fichorova R, Varshavsky J, Kress A, Woodruff TJ, Morello-Frosch R. A review of maternal prenatal exposures to environmental chemicals and psychosocial stressors-implications for research on perinatal outcomes in the ECHO program. J Perinatol 2020; 40:10-24. [PMID: 31616048 PMCID: PMC6957228 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-019-0510-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Exposures to environmental chemicals and psychosocial stressors during pregnancy have been individually associated with adverse perinatal outcomes related to birthweight and gestational age, but are not often considered in combination. We review types of psychosocial stressors and instruments used to assess them and classes of environmental chemical exposures that are known to adversely impact perinatal outcomes, and identify studies relevant studies. We discuss the National Institutes of Health's Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program that has combined existing longitudinal cohorts that include more than 50,000 children across the U.S. We describe future opportunities for investigators to use this important new resource for addressing relevant and critical research questions to maternal health. Of the 84 cohorts in ECHO, 38 collected data on environmental chemicals and psychosocial stressors and perinatal outcomes. The diverse ECHO pregnancy cohorts provide capacity to compare regions with distinct place-based environmental and social stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy M. Padula
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
USA
| | | | | | - Ann Borders
- North Shore University Health System, Evanston, IL,
USA
| | | | | | - Sophie Foss
- Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Preeya Desai
- Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | - Raina Fichorova
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical
School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Amii Kress
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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30
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Environmental Exposures and Adverse Pregnancy-Related Outcomes. HEALTH IMPACTS OF DEVELOPMENTAL EXPOSURE TO ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICALS 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-0520-1_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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31
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Trdin A, Falnoga I, Fajon V, Živković I, Snoj Tratnik J, Prpić I, Špirić Z, Horvat M. Mercury speciation in meconium and associated factors. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 179:108724. [PMID: 31627028 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Meconium is formed early in gestation and it is normally not excreted until after birth. Thus it may provide a longer and cumulative record of exposure to mercury (Hg). The present study aims to speciate Hg in meconium samples (N = 488) from Slovenian and Croatian new-borns prenatally exposed to low levels of methyl-Hg (MeHg) from maternal seafood intake and to Hg0 from maternal dental amalgam fillings. We had complete data of total Hg (THg) and MeHg in meconium and THg in maternal hair (MH), while THg and MeHg in maternal blood (MB) were available only for Croatian mothers. Personal data namely maternal seafood intake, age, pre-pregnancy BMI, parity, smoking, estimated gestational age at birth, sex, and birth weight were available for the majority of participants, except the number of dental amalgams which was in most cases missing for Croatian mothers. The median THg concentration in meconium was 11.1 (range: 0.41-375.2) ng/g and inorganic Hg (Hg(II)) presented 98.8% (range: 82%-100%, CV: 2%) of THg. We observed significant correlation between meconium and MH Hg levels, with the highest correlation between hair THg and meconium MeHg. Correlation analysis including MB (available only for Croatian population) showed a significant positive correlation between THg in meconium and THg in MB (Rs = 0.642). Additionally, MeHg from MB was correlated with MeHg in meconium (Rs = 0.898), while the correlation between Hg(II) in MB and meconium was positive, but not significant. Maternal seafood intake was significantly correlated with meconium MeHg (Rs = 0.498) and Hg(II) (Rs = 0.201). Multiple linear regression (performed on the Slovenian population, N = 143) confirmed a positive association between meconium MeHg and seafood intake. Furthermore, meconium Hg(II) was positively associated with the number of maternal dental amalgam fillings, but linear regression models did not confirm correlation between seafood intake and meconium Hg(II) levels. We assume that Hg0 released from maternal dental amalgam fillings and MeHg from seafood intake were both transported through the placental barrier and portioned between different foetal compartments including meconium. Weak correlation between maternal seafood intake and Hg(II) levels in meconium suggests that there is certain evidence of MeHg demethylation. However, because this correlation was not confirmed by the multiple regression, MeHg demethylation during prenatal life cannot be neither confirmed nor excluded. Further investigations at higher level of exposure are needed to confirm this observations. We can conclude that meconium is a suitable biomarker for MeHg and Hg0 exposure during pregnancy. However, comparability of the results reported in meconium in different studies is hindered by a lack of standardized sampling protocols, storage, and analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajda Trdin
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ingrid Falnoga
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Vesna Fajon
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Igor Živković
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janja Snoj Tratnik
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Igor Prpić
- Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital Centre Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | | | - Milena Horvat
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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32
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Trdin A, Snoj Tratnik J, Mazej D, Fajon V, Krsnik M, Osredkar J, Prpić I, Špirić Z, Petrović O, Marc J, Neubauer D, Kodrič J, Kobal AB, Barbone F, Falnoga I, Horvat M. Mercury speciation in prenatal exposure in Slovenian and Croatian population - PHIME study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 177:108627. [PMID: 31421448 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, several studies have addressed the issue of prenatal exposure to methylmercury (MeHg); however, few have actually analysed MeHg blood concentrations. Our study population included mothers and their new-borns from Slovenia (central region; N = 584) and Croatia (coastal region; N = 234). We have measurements of total Hg (THg) and MeHg in maternal hair, maternal peripheral blood, and cord blood. Cord blood Hg concentrations were low to moderate (median THg = 1.84 ng/g and MeHg = 1.69 ng/g). The proportion of THg as MeHg (%MeHg) in maternal and cord blood varied between 4% and 100% (coefficient of variation, CV = 32%) and between 8% and 100% (CV = 20%), respectively. Our data shows that variability of %MeHg was higher at lower blood THg levels. Concentrations of MeHg in maternal blood and cord blood were highly correlated (Rs = 0.943), in the case of inorganic Hg correlation was significant but weaker (Rs = 0.198). MeHg levels in maternal blood and cord blood were positively associated with seafood intake, maternal age, and negatively associated with pre-pregnancy BMI. Additionally, MeHg in maternal blood was positively associated with plasma selenium levels, and cord blood MeHg was negatively associated with parity. The results of multiple linear regression models showed that speciation analysis provides more defined estimation of prenatal exposure in association modelling. Associations between Hg exposure and cognitive performance of children (assessed using Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler development) adjusted for maternal or child Apolipoprotein E genotypes showed higher model R2 and lower p-values when adjusted for MeHg compared to THg. This study demonstrates that Hg speciation improves the association between exposure and possible negative health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajda Trdin
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janja Snoj Tratnik
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Darja Mazej
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Vesna Fajon
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mladen Krsnik
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Joško Osredkar
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Igor Prpić
- Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital Centre Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | | | - Oleg Petrović
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Centre Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Janja Marc
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - David Neubauer
- Department of Child, Adolescent, and Developmental Neurology, Division of Paediatrics, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jana Kodrič
- Department of Child, Adolescent, and Developmental Neurology, Division of Paediatrics, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alfred B Kobal
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Fabio Barbone
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health - IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - Ingrid Falnoga
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Milena Horvat
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Astolfi ML, Protano C, Schiavi E, Marconi E, Capobianco D, Massimi L, Ristorini M, Baldassarre ME, Laforgia N, Vitali M, Canepari S, Mastromarino P. A prophylactic multi-strain probiotic treatment to reduce the absorption of toxic elements: In-vitro study and biomonitoring of breast milk and infant stools. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 130:104818. [PMID: 31279184 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Potential exposure to toxic elements initially occurs during gestation and after birth via breast milk, which is the principal source of nutrients for infants during the first months of life. In this study, we evaluated whether maternal oral supplementation with a multi-strain probiotic product can protect infants from exposure to arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) via breast milk. In-vitro studies of the bacterial strains present in this probiotic product showed a high bacterial tolerance for As, Cd, Hg, and Pb, and good binding capacity for Cd, Hg, and Pb (72%, 81%, and 64%, respectively) within 1 h of contact. We evaluated concentrations (5 mg L-1 for Cd and Pb, and 2 mg L-1 for Hg) that largely exceeded the provisional tolerable weekly intake of these toxic elements via food or water applicable for human consumption. Changes in the levels of these elements in breast milk and newborn stools were evaluated in the control (orally supplemented with placebo) and experimental (orally supplemented with probiotic) groups at birth (t0), 15 days (t15), and 30 days (t30) after delivery. Elemental analysis of breast milk did not show significant differences between the control and experimental groups at different stages of lactation; however, stool samples obtained from newborns of mothers supplemented with the probiotic product showed that Cd levels were significantly reduced (by 26%) at t15 compared with the levels of the controls. Our data did not show an association between concentration of toxic elements in breast milk and that in newborn stools. Indeed, the concentration of Cd, Hg, and Pb in breast milk decreased during the lactation period, whereas the levels of these elements in newborn stools were stable over time. Although our in-vitro data indicate that the consortium of these probiotic strains can absorb toxic compounds, this study was limited by its small sample size and potential uncontrolled confounding effects, such as maternal diet and lifestyle. Therefore, we could not confirm whether prophylactic use of this probiotic product can reduce the absorption of toxic elements. The risk assessment in the studied population evidenced a margin of exposure (MOE) of 1, or between 1 and 10 for Pb, and lower than 50 for As. This poses a potential risk for breastfed infants, indicating that interventions aimed to avoid breastfeeding-related health risks remain a major challenge in public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luisa Astolfi
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Carmela Protano
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Schiavi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Marconi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Capobianco
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Massimi
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Ristorini
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Elisabetta Baldassarre
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Section of Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University "Aldo Moro" of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, I-70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Laforgia
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Section of Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University "Aldo Moro" of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, I-70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Matteo Vitali
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Canepari
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Mastromarino
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
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Cappelletti S, Piacentino D, Fineschi V, Frati P, D'Errico S, Aromatario M. Mercuric chloride poisoning: symptoms, analysis, therapies, and autoptic findings. A review of the literature. Crit Rev Toxicol 2019; 49:329-341. [PMID: 31433682 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2019.1621262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Among mercury-related intoxications, the re-emerging of mercuric chloride poisoning has been recently described in literature. Only sparse data, reporting the clinical symptoms, the anatomo-pathological findings, the analytical procedures or the treatment have been published and no exhaustive analysis of all these factors exists in literature. The classic symptoms associated with toxicity of mercuric chloride is a combination of renal, gastrointestinal (GI) and central nervous system (CNS) damages, eventually leading to death. Fatalities related to exposure to mercuric chloride have been reported since the nineteenth century. To date, there have been 45 published cases in the medical literature in which the intoxication or the death is attributed to mercuric chloride. In this review, we will describe the modern medical treatments, with particular attenztion to the developments of the lasts two decades, in order to provide an exhaustive description of the clinical symptoms, the post-mortem findings, and the analytical procedures to act out when mercuric chloride intoxication occurs. The analysis of the data obtained permitted us to accurately describe all the organs and apparatus involved in mercuric chloride intoxication. The target organs were the kidneys, the GI tract and the CNS. A description of the analytical procedures for the determination of mercuric chloride in biological materials, to carry out in vivo and in post-mortem samples has also been described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Cappelletti
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome , Italy.,State Police Health Service Department, Ministry of Interior , Rome , Italy
| | - Daria Piacentino
- Section on Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), Division of Intramural Clinical and Basic Research and National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda , MD , USA
| | - Vittorio Fineschi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome , Italy
| | - Paola Frati
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome , Italy
| | - Stefano D'Errico
- Legal Medicine Unit, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome , Italy
| | - Mariarosaria Aromatario
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome , Italy.,Legal Medicine Unit, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome , Italy
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35
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Queipo-Abad S, González PR, Martínez-Morillo E, Davis WC, García Alonso JI. Concentration of mercury species in hair, blood and urine of individuals occupationally exposed to gaseous elemental mercury in Asturias (Spain) and its comparison with individuals from a control group formed by close relatives. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 672:314-323. [PMID: 30959298 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.03.367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Between November 19th, 2012 and December 3rd, 2012, 50 workers were intoxicated with gaseous Hg in San Juan de Nieva (Asturias, Spain) during the maintenance of a heat exchanger of a zinc manufacturer. We have quantified the concentration of methylmercury (MeHg), ethylmercury (EtHg) and Hg(II) in blood, hair and urine samples of those individuals taken three years after the accident. Blood, hair and urine of their closest relatives were also analyzed to assess whether the mercury burden present in the intoxicated individuals was due to the occupational exposure or to environmental or lifestyle-related factors. The determination of the mercury species in the samples was carried out applying multiple spiking Isotope Dilution GC-ICP-MS. This procedure corrects for possible interconversion reactions between the Hg species during the sample preparation procedure. Linear correlations were observed for both groups when plotting MeHg in blood vs MeHg in hair, and MeHg in hair vs Hg (II) in urine. The concentrations of Hg species in the intoxicated individuals were not significantly different from those obtained in the control group except for MeHg in blood. Significantly higher levels of MeHg in blood were obtained in some of the intoxicated individuals who had not consumed fish or seafood since the accident. A different correlation between MeHg in hair and MeHg in blood was obtained for these individuals compared to the control group who showed a hair-to-blood ratio consistent with the reported value for people exposed to Hg via fish consumption. Our results suggest that ingested MeHg followed the same pathway of deposition in hair in exposed and non-exposed individuals. However, the exposed individuals with high MeHg levels in blood showed a significantly different extent of MeHg deposition in hair compared to the control group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Queipo-Abad
- Department of Physical and Analytical Chemistry, University of Oviedo, Julián Clavería, 8, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Pablo Rodríguez González
- Department of Physical and Analytical Chemistry, University of Oviedo, Julián Clavería, 8, 33006 Oviedo, Spain.
| | - Eduardo Martínez-Morillo
- Service of Clinical Biochemistry, Laboratory of Medicine, Central University Hospital of Asturias (HUCA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - W Clay Davis
- Chemical Sciences Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA
| | - José Ignacio García Alonso
- Department of Physical and Analytical Chemistry, University of Oviedo, Julián Clavería, 8, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
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36
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Ruggieri S, Drago G, Colombo P, Alesci A, Augello P, Bisbano A, Bucolo A, Dattoli P, De Sole R, La Runa V, Lopez A, Lo Presti L, Magliarditi B, Paravati F, Pirillo G, Ziino Colanino A, Cibella F. Three contaminated sites in southern Italy. The Neonatal Environment and Health Outcomes cohort: protocol for a longitudinal birth cohort study. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e029471. [PMID: 31196906 PMCID: PMC6575711 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-029471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Exposure to environmental contaminants during pregnancy is one of the determinants of child's future health outcomes. The effect of environmental pollution on pregnant women living in heavily polluted areas is of special interest and, in this context, the Neonatal Environment and Health Outcomes (NEHO) cohort will focus on the investigation of (1) toxicants transferred from the environment to the mother and from the mother to the developing fetus and (2) the influence of toxicants on pregnancy outcomes, fetal development and health status during infancy. Because the human placenta is positioned at the interface between the maternal/external environment and the embryo, it can be considered a highly informative matrix regarding many key pregnancy events that can shape infant's future health. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The NEHO cohort will enrol an estimated total of 800 pregnant women in three selected National Priority Contaminated Sites in southern Italy. Epidemiological data, concerning maternal health status, lifestyle and pregnancy, are obtained through questionnaires provided to the mother starting from the last 2 months of pregnancy. At delivery, maternal blood, umbilical cord blood and placenta tissue are collected to assess contaminant levels and to clarify how toxicants interact with the placental domain. Furthermore, placental transcriptome is studied in order to explore the interferences of toxicants on the role of the placenta in maternal/fetal interplay. Regular follow-up is planned at 6, 12 and 24 months. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study has been approved by all the Ethics Committees of the three National Priority Contaminated Sites involved: the Ethics Committee of the University Hospitals of Messina (18 September 2017, n. 9/2017); the Ethics Committee 'Catania 2' (11 July 2017, n. 38/2017/CECT2); the Ethics Committee of the Region of Calabria (20 July 2017, n. 173). Findings will be disseminated in the scientific community and on a regional basis for appropriate policy actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Ruggieri
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gaspare Drago
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology, Palermo, Italy
| | - Paolo Colombo
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessio Alesci
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology, Palermo, Italy
- P.O. ’Fogliani', Local Health Authority (ASP) of Messina, Milazzo (ME), Italy
| | - Pasquale Augello
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology, Palermo, Italy
- P.O. ’Umberto I', Local Health Authority (ASP) of Siracusa, Siracusa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bisbano
- P.O. ’San Giovanni di Dio', Local Health Authority (ASP) of Crotone, Crotone, Italy
| | - Antonino Bucolo
- P.O. ’Umberto I', Local Health Authority (ASP) of Siracusa, Siracusa, Italy
| | - Patrizia Dattoli
- P.O. ’San Giovanni di Dio', Local Health Authority (ASP) of Crotone, Crotone, Italy
| | - Raffaella De Sole
- P.O. ’San Giovanni di Dio', Local Health Authority (ASP) of Crotone, Crotone, Italy
| | - Valentina La Runa
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology, Palermo, Italy
- P.O. di Lentini, Local Health Authority (ASP) of Siracusa, Lentini (SR), Italy
| | - Angela Lopez
- P.O. ’San Giovanni di Dio', Local Health Authority (ASP) of Crotone, Crotone, Italy
| | - Lucia Lo Presti
- P.O. di Lentini, Local Health Authority (ASP) of Siracusa, Lentini (SR), Italy
| | - Bruno Magliarditi
- P.O. ’Fogliani', Local Health Authority (ASP) of Messina, Milazzo (ME), Italy
| | - Francesco Paravati
- P.O. ’San Giovanni di Dio', Local Health Authority (ASP) of Crotone, Crotone, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pirillo
- P.O. ’San Giovanni di Dio', Local Health Authority (ASP) of Crotone, Crotone, Italy
| | | | - Fabio Cibella
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology, Palermo, Italy
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Li A, Zhuang T, Shi J, Liang Y, Song M. Heavy metals in maternal and cord blood in Beijing and their efficiency of placental transfer. J Environ Sci (China) 2019; 80:99-106. [PMID: 30952357 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2018.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 11/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the effect of exposure to heavy metals in pregnant women in Beijing, China. We also evaluated the association of these heavy metals with birth weight and length of newborns. We measured the levels of 10 heavy metals, including lead (Pb), titanium (Ti), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), antimony (Sb), stannum (Sn), vanadium (V), and arsenic (As), in 156 maternal and cord blood pairs. An inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry method was used for measurement. Pb, As, Ti, Mn, and Sb showed high detection rates (>50%) in both maternal and cord blood. Fourteen (9%) mothers had blood Pb levels greater than the United States Center for Disease Control allowable threshold limit for children (50 μg/L). In prenatal exposure to these heavy metals, there was no significant association between any heavy metal and birth weight/length. Moreover, we estimated the placental transfer efficiency of each heavy metal, and the median placental transfer efficiency ranged from 49.6% (Ni) to 194% (Mn) (except for Cd and Sn). The level and detection rate of Cd in maternal blood were much higher than that in cord blood, which suggested that Cd had difficulty in passing the placental barrier. Prospective research should focus on the source and risk of heavy metals in non-occupationally exposed pregnant women in Beijing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aijing Li
- Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effects, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Taifeng Zhuang
- Department of Pediatrics, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100026, China
| | - Jianbo Shi
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effects, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yong Liang
- Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Maoyong Song
- Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effects, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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38
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Punshon T, Li Z, Jackson BP, Parks WT, Romano M, Conway D, Baker ER, Karagas MR. Placental metal concentrations in relation to placental growth, efficiency and birth weight. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 126:533-542. [PMID: 30851484 PMCID: PMC6475117 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.01.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The quality of the intrauterine environment, in which the placenta plays a critical role, affects birth outcomes and lifelong health. The effect of metal contaminants on the growth and functioning of the placenta have not been widely reported but may provide insights into how metal exposures lead to these outcomes. We examined relationships between placental concentrations of cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) and measures of placental growth and functioning (placental weight, placental efficiency (the log ratio of placental weight and birth weight), chorionic disc area and disc eccentricity) as part of the New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study (N = 1159). We additionally examined whether these associations were modified by placental concentrations of essential elements zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se). Associations were evaluated using generalized linear models. Multivariable-adjusted differences in placental weight were - 7.81 g (95% CI: -15.42, -2.48) with every ng/g increase in the Cd concentration of placenta (p-Value = 0.0009). Greater decrements in placental weight and efficiency associated with placental Cd were observed for females. For placentae with below median Zn and Se concentrations, decrements in placental weight were - 8.81 g (95% CI: -16.85, -0.76) and - 13.20 g (95% CI: -20.70, -5.70) respectively. The Cd concentration of placenta was also associated with reductions in placental efficiency both overall, and in Zn- and Se-stratified models. No appreciable differences were observed with other elements (As, Hg or Pb) and with other placental measures (chorionic disc area and disc eccentricity). In structural equation models, placental weight was a mediator in the relation between placental Cd concentration and reduced birth weight. Our findings suggest a role of interacting essential and contaminant elements on birth weight that may be mediated by changes in the growth and function of the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy Punshon
- Dartmouth College, Department of Biology, 78 College Street, Hanover, NH 03755, USA.
| | - Zhigang Li
- Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Brian P Jackson
- Dartmouth College, Department of Earth Sciences, 6105 Sherman Fairchild Hall, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - W Tony Parks
- Dartmouth College, Department of Biology, 78 College Street, Hanover, NH 03755, USA; Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, 1 Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Megan Romano
- Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | | | - Emily R Baker
- Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, 1 Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH, USA
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Rothenberg SE, Wagner CL, Hamidi B, Alekseyenko AV, Andrea Azcarate-Peril M. Longitudinal changes during pregnancy in gut microbiota and methylmercury biomarkers, and reversal of microbe-exposure correlations. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 172:700-712. [PMID: 30903970 PMCID: PMC6675619 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Revised: 01/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Gut microorganisms contribute to the metabolism of environmental toxicants, including methylmercury (MeHg). Our main objective was to investigate whether associations between biomarkers for prenatal MeHg exposure and maternal gut microbiota differed between early and late gestation. METHODS Maternal blood and stool samples were collected during early (8.3-17 weeks, n=28) and late (27-36 weeks, n=24) gestation. Total mercury and MeHg concentrations were quantified in biomarkers, and inorganic mercury was estimated by subtraction. The diversity and structure of the gut microbiota were investigated using 16S rRNA gene profiling (n = 52). Biomarkers were dichotomized, and diversity patterns were compared between high/low mercury concentrations. Spearman's correlation was used to assess bivariate associations between MeHg biomarkers (stool, blood, and meconium), and 23 gut microbial taxa (genus or family level, >1% average relative abundance). RESULTS Within-person and between-person diversity patterns in gut microbiota differed between early/late gestation. The overall composition of the microbiome differed between high/low MeHg concentrations (in blood and stool) during early gestation, but not late gestation. Ten (of 23) taxa were significantly correlated with MeHg biomarkers (increasing or decreasing); however, associations differed, depending on whether the sample was collected during early or late gestation. A total of 43% of associations (69/161) reversed the direction of correlation between early/late gestation. CONCLUSIONS The time point at which a maternal fecal sample is collected may yield different associations between gut microorganisms and MeHg biomarkers, which may be due in part to remodeling of maternal microbiota during pregnancy. Our results suggest the effectiveness of dietary interventions to reduce prenatal MeHg exposure may differ between early and late gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Rothenberg
- School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA.
| | - Carol L Wagner
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Bashir Hamidi
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Alexander V Alekseyenko
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - M Andrea Azcarate-Peril
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and Microbiome Core Facility, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Sharma BM, Sáňka O, Kalina J, Scheringer M. An overview of worldwide and regional time trends in total mercury levels in human blood and breast milk from 1966 to 2015 and their associations with health effects. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 125:300-319. [PMID: 30735961 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/08/2018] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mercury is a pollutant of global concern. To protect human health and environment from mercury pollution, the Minamata Convention on mercury entered into force in 2017. OBJECTIVES To support a future effectiveness evaluation of the convention, this study assesses worldwide and regional time trends of total mercury levels in human blood and breast milk across different population sub-groups in the last half-century prior to entry-into-force of the Minamata Convention. This study also provides an overview of the epidemiological literature showing evidence of associations between mercury exposure (in terms of total mercury levels in whole blood, cord blood, and breast milk) and human health. METHODS We searched electronic databases to identify articles published prior to June 14, 2017 and reported total mercury levels in any of three biological matrices (whole blood, cord blood, or breast milk) and/or associations with human health. Temporal trends of total mercury levels in the selected biological matrices across different population sub-groups were estimated using a linear fit of the log-transformed data. In parallel, statistical methods were employed to assess any possible effect of sources of inhomogeneity (i.e. study and population characteristics such as age, sex, ethnicity, source of exposure, sampling period, and geographical region) in the collected studies. Furthermore, a summary of significant and relevant associations between mercury exposure and human health conditions in children and adults was prepared. FINDINGS We found significant declines in total mercury levels in whole blood, cord blood, and breast milk between 1966 and 2015. A regional overview of total mercury levels in whole blood, cord blood, and breast milk suggests the highest levels in South America, followed by Africa or Asia whereas the population groups from Europe or North America displayed the lowest levels of total mercury in the selected biological matrices. We observed conclusive consistent associations of mercury exposure with selected health conditions, especially neurodevelopment and neurotoxicity in children and adults. For several other health conditions, reported findings in the collected studies do not support conclusive associations. We also found that several studies demonstrated significant associations between mercury exposure below the USEPA reference level and various health conditions. CONCLUSIONS This study provides a worldwide and regional overview of trends in total mercury levels in human blood and breast milk and associated health risks prior to entry-into-force of the Minamata Convention and calls for further epidemiological investigations from across the globe to fully understand the health implications of mercury exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brij Mohan Sharma
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment (RECETOX), Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Ondřej Sáňka
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment (RECETOX), Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Kalina
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment (RECETOX), Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Scheringer
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment (RECETOX), Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic; Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
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Cherkani-Hassani A, Ghanname I, Mouane N. Total, organic, and inorganic mercury in human breast milk: levels and maternal factors of exposure, systematic literature review, 1976-2017. Crit Rev Toxicol 2019; 49:110-121. [PMID: 30777784 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2019.1571010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
This systematic review summarizes the finding of 58 studies from 33 countries, which assessed mercury concentrations in breast milk and the factors related to the level of contamination. We performed a literature search in Pubmed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases for studies published between 1976 and 2017 that are monitoring and measuring mercury in human breast milk and investigating the associated factors. Then, we extracted more information about the aim of the study, the country, samples size, time of lactation, mercury concentration, and other data. Most of the studies used mature milk or colostrum for analysis and in about 60% of them, the concentrations exceed significantly the limit set by the World Health Organization (WHO) of 1.7 µg/l; In addition, many factors and parameters were related to the level of mercury contamination in breast milk. Periodic monitoring surveys are recommended in each country to evaluate the level of mercury in milk of lactating women and to estimate the level of exposure of newborns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abha Cherkani-Hassani
- Unit of training and research in Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Mohammed V , Rabat , Morocco.,Center of Doctoral Studies in Life Sciences and Health CEDoc-SVS, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Mohammed V , Rabat , Morocco
| | - Imane Ghanname
- Team Research of Pharmacoeconomics and Pharmacoepidemiology, Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Mohammed V , Rabat , Morocco.,Faculty of Health Sciences, International University of Casablanca , Rabat , Morocco
| | - Nezha Mouane
- Unit of training and research in Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Mohammed V , Rabat , Morocco.,Department of Pediatric Hepatology Gastroenterology and Nutrition-P III, Rabat Children's Hospital , Rabat , Morocco
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Placental metal concentrations and birth outcomes: The Environment and Childhood (INMA) project. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2019; 222:468-478. [PMID: 30638867 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2018.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2018] [Revised: 12/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the association of placental levels of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), and chromium (Cr) with birth outcomes (birth weight, length, and head circumference, low birth weight [LBW], gestational age, preterm delivery, and small for gestational age [SGA]) in mother-child pairs from the Environment and Childhood (INMA) Project in Spain. METHODS Metal concentrations were measured in placenta tissue samples randomly selected from five INMA cohorts. Data on birth outcomes were obtained from medical records. Associations were assessed in a sub-sample of 327 mother-infant pairs by regression models adjusted for confounding factors and for all metals simultaneously. Effect modification by sex was also evaluated. RESULTS Elevated placental Cd levels (>5.79 vs. <3.30 ng/g) were associated with reduced birth weight (-111.8 g, 95%CI = -215.6; -8.06, p-trend = 0.01) and length (-0.62 cm, 95%CI = -1.20; -0.04, p-trend = 0.02), while a 10% increase in Cd was associated with 1.21-fold increased odds (95%CI = 1.01; 1.43) of LBW in the global sample but with 14% lower odds (95%CI = 0.78; 0.96) of preterm delivery in males (Pinteraction = 0.10). Detected (vs. undetected) Hg was associated with reduced head circumference (-0.49 cm, 95%CI = -1.00; 0.03) in females (Pinteraction = 0.03). A 10% increase in placental Mn was associated with slight increases in gestational age (0.04 weeks, 95%CI = 0.01; 0.07) in the global sample and in head circumference (0.05 cm, 95%CI = -0.01; 0.10) in females (Pinteraction = 0.03). Elevated Cr levels (>99.6 vs. <56.1 ng/g) were associated with reduced birth length (-0.68 cm, 95%CI = -1.33; -0.04, p-trend = 0.02) and slightly increased gestational age (0.35 weeks, 95%CI = -0.07; 0.77, p-trend = 0.08) in the global sample. As and Pb were detected in few placentas (27% and 13%, respectively) and were not associated with any studied birth outcome. CONCLUSIONS Data suggest that in utero exposure to Cd, Hg, and Cr could adversely affect fetal growth, whereas Mn and Cr appear to have a positive effect on gestational age. Given the relatively small number of subjects, sex-specific associations should be interpreted with caution.
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Meconium analysis as a promising diagnostic tool for monitoring fetal exposure to toxic substances: Recent trends and perspectives. Trends Analyt Chem 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2018.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Singh L, Anand M, Singh S, Taneja A. Environmental toxic metals in placenta and their effects on preterm delivery-current opinion. Drug Chem Toxicol 2018; 43:531-538. [PMID: 30257569 DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2018.1515216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Preterm birth is a significant public reproductive health concern globally; Furthermore, preterm birth has long-lasting medical and pecuniary burdens on the society. Moreover, preterm birth is well-established as the underlying cause of low birth weight in infants as well as neonatal mortality. A growing body of literature suggests that the etiology of preterm delivery in women is elusive; however, countless environmental factors are considered responsible for preterm birth. Environmental contaminants that are toxic metals such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury are familiar confounding factors for preterm birth globally. Recent studies have indicated that these toxic heavy metals induce oxidative stress in the trophoblastic placental tissue by producing reactive oxygen species that alter the mechanism of antioxidants possibly leading to preterm birth. Moreover, no obvious mechanism underlying metal-induced oxidative stress in the placenta has been identified until date. Consequently, this review offers an outline of the currently existing scientific information on the association of toxic metals and redox status of the placental tissue with preterm birth. Furthermore, this study critically recognizes the gaps related to the deleterious effect of metals on the gestation period in scientific literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laxmi Singh
- Department of Chemistry, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar University, Khandari Campus, Agra, India
| | - Madhu Anand
- Department of Chemistry, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar University, Khandari Campus, Agra, India
| | - Saroj Singh
- Department of Obstetrician and Gynecology, S.N. Medical College, Agra, India
| | - Ajay Taneja
- Department of Chemistry, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar University, Khandari Campus, Agra, India
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Tatsuta N, Nakai K, Sakamoto M, Murata K, Satoh H. Methylmercury Exposure and Developmental Outcomes in Tohoku Study of Child Development at 18 Months of Age. TOXICS 2018; 6:toxics6030049. [PMID: 30134554 PMCID: PMC6161177 DOI: 10.3390/toxics6030049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2018] [Revised: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Seafood is an important component in a healthy diet and may contain methylmercury or other contaminants. It is important to recognize the risks and benefits of consuming seafood. A longitudinal prospective birth cohort study has been conducted to clarify the effects of neurotoxicants on child development—the Tohoku Study of Child Development (TSCD) in Japan. TSCD comprises two cohorts; a polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) cohort (urban area) and a methylmercury cohort (coastal area). Our previous results from the coastal area showed prenatal methylmercury exposure affected psychomotor development in 18-month-olds, and boys appear to be more vulnerable to the exposure than girls. In this report, we have added the urban area cohort and we reanalyzed the impact of prenatal exposure to methylmercury, which gave the same results as before. These findings suggest prenatal exposure to low levels methylmercury may have adverse effects on child development, especially in boys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nozomi Tatsuta
- Development and Environmental Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan.
| | - Kunihiko Nakai
- Development and Environmental Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan.
| | - Mineshi Sakamoto
- Development and Environmental Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan.
- Environmental Health Section, Department of Environmental Science and Epidemiology, National Institute for Minamata Disease, Kumamoto 867-0008, Japan.
| | - Katsuyuki Murata
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita 010-8502, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Satoh
- Environmental Health Science, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan.
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Kosik-Bogacka D, Łanocha-Arendarczyk N, Kot K, Malinowski W, Szymański S, Sipak-Szmigiel O, Pilarczyk B, Tomza-Marciniak A, Podlasińska J, Tomska N, Ciosek Ż. Concentrations of mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se) in afterbirth and their relations with various factors. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2018; 40:1683-1695. [PMID: 29492803 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-018-0081-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to evaluate Hg and Se concentrations and Se:Hg molar ratios in the placenta, umbilical cord and fetal membranes, and to examine the relationship between the concentrations of the elements and selected factors. The study material consisted of the placenta, umbilical cord and fetal membranes obtained from 91 healthy women from northwestern and central Poland. In our study mean Hg and Se concentrations in afterbirth were ~ 0.01 mg/kg dry weight (dw) and ≤ 0.5 mg/kg dw, respectively. Correlation analysis showed negative relationships between placenta weight and Se concentration in the placenta and umbilical cord, as well as between placenta length and Se levels in the umbilical cord. We found negative correlations between THg concentration in the placenta and birth weight and between Se concentration in the placenta and umbilical cord and the morphological parameters of the placenta. Furthermore, we noted new types of interactions in specific parts of the afterbirth. In our study, Se:THg molar ratios ranged from 5 to 626; these values indicate protection against Hg toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danuta Kosik-Bogacka
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstanców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111, Szczecin, Poland.
| | - Natalia Łanocha-Arendarczyk
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstanców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Karolina Kot
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstanców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Witold Malinowski
- Department of Obstetrical and Gynecological Nursing, Pomeranian Medical University, Żołnierska 48, 71-210, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Sławomir Szymański
- Department of Obstetrical and Gynecological Nursing, Pomeranian Medical University, Żołnierska 48, 71-210, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Olimpia Sipak-Szmigiel
- Department of Obstetrical and Gynecological Nursing, Pomeranian Medical University, Żołnierska 48, 71-210, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Bogumiła Pilarczyk
- Department of Animal Hygiene and Prophylaxis, West Pomeranian University of Technology, Judyma 6, 71-466, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Tomza-Marciniak
- Department of Animal Hygiene and Prophylaxis, West Pomeranian University of Technology, Judyma 6, 71-466, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Joanna Podlasińska
- Department of Ecology, Environmental Management and Protection, Słowackiego 17, 71-434, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Natalia Tomska
- Laboratory of Medical Rehabilitation, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Żołnierska 54, 71-210, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Żaneta Ciosek
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstanców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111, Szczecin, Poland
- Laboratory of Medical Rehabilitation, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Żołnierska 54, 71-210, Szczecin, Poland
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Yan J, Gao Z, Wang J, Ma W, Ying X, Zhou C, Yan C. Family environmental and dietary implications for low-level prenatal lead exposure in Wujiang City, China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:12780-12787. [PMID: 29473138 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-1102-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
To explore the potential environmental and dietary factors during pregnancy affecting low-level prenatal lead exposure, we conducted a longitudinal study in Wujiang City, China. A total of 1976 mother-infant pairs were included from 2009 to 2010. An interviewed questionnaire was conducted and cord blood samples were collected. The geometric means of cord blood lead level was 30.3 μg/L (95% CI, 29.8-30.8) with 99.24% below 100 μg/L. Maternal age, passive smoking, and living in the countryside were significantly associated with cord blood lead concentrations. Multiple logistic models showed that some family environmental factors including using firewood and electricity as kitchen fuel were positively correlated with increased cord blood lead levels. Among dietary sources recorded in this study, meat consumption (> 3 times/week), fish consumption (1-3 times/week), vegetables consumption (> 1 times/day), and fruit intake (> 1 times/day) had inverse relationship with cord blood lead levels. In general, our findings may have important implications for family environmental and dietary direction during pregnancy to decrease prenatal lead exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Yan
- MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Zhenyan Gao
- MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Ju Wang
- MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Wenjuan Ma
- MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Xiaolan Ying
- MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Cancan Zhou
- MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Chonghuai Yan
- MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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Arrieta A, Guillen J. The birthweight toll of mining pollution: evidence from the most contaminated mine site in the Andean region. BJOG 2018; 125:1272-1278. [PMID: 29700946 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.15257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of mining pollution on birthweight. DESIGN A retrospective before-and-after study with an untreated comparison group. SETTING La Oroya, a mining town in the Peruvian Andes, considered the most contaminated town in the Andean region. POPULATION All pregnant women who delivered in the social security healthcare system in years 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2009. A total of 214 983 births records were used, 957 from La Oroya and 214 026 from the rest of the country. METHODS A difference-in-difference estimation is used to assess the effect of mining pollution on birthweight before and after two business policy changes: a partial environmental improvement and a subsequent closure of smelter operations in La Oroya. Birthweight was compared with a group not affected by the environmental changes in La Oroya. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Birthweight in grams. RESULTS A steep reduction in mining pollution due to the closure of smelter operations in La Oroya showed an increased birthweight of 71.6 g after controlling for socio-economic and medical characteristics. None of the environmental improvements prior to the closure had a statistically significant effect on birthweight. CONCLUSIONS Mining pollution in La Oroya had a negative impact on birthweight. Partial environmental improvements were not enough to improve birthweight. Only after the closure of all mining and smelter operations in La Oroya was a significant gain in birthweight shown. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT The closure of the most contaminated mine site in the Andean region increased birthweight by 72 g.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Arrieta
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - J Guillen
- Graduate School of Business, ESAN, Lima, Peru
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Park Y, Lee A, Choi K, Kim HJ, Lee JJ, Choi G, Kim S, Kim SY, Cho GJ, Suh E, Kim SK, Eun SH, Eom S, Kim S, Kim GH, Moon HB, Kim S, Choi S, Kim YD, Kim J, Park J. Exposure to lead and mercury through breastfeeding during the first month of life: A CHECK cohort study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 612:876-883. [PMID: 28886539 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.08.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Mercury and lead are naturally occurring toxicants and are responsible for various health issues including neurobehavioral and developmental disorders. Because of crucial synchronized developmental processes occurring at the early stage of life, infancy and childhood are considered as among the most susceptible windows to the exposure to these metals. Breastmilk is often the only source of nutrition during the first months of life. As breastmilk can be contaminated with these metals, breastfeeding may serve as a significant route of heavy metal exposure among infants. In order to understand current levels of exposure to mercury and lead through breastfeeding, and their associated risks, a total of 157 lactating mothers were recruited from Children's Health and Environmental Chemicals of Korea (CHECK) cohort, and breastmilk samples were collected at 15 and 30days after delivery (n=207). Mercury was detected from 100% of breastmilk with a median concentration of 0.59μg/L, and lead was detected in 77% of the samples with a median at 4.71μg/L. Higher concentrations of lead were found in the 30- day breastmilk than in the 15-day. Up to 45% of the breastmilk samples exceeded the normal range of the breastmilk lead suggested by WHO. Based on Monte Carlo simulation, about 71% of 15days old infants and 56% of 30days old infants were estimated at risk due to lead exposure through breastfeeding. Considering vulnerability of infants and well-known neurological toxicity of these metals, further studies to identify major exposure sources that contribute the lead concentration in breastmilk and health implication of early life stage exposure to lead among the breastfed infants are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yelim Park
- College of Natural Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Republic of Korea; Chemtopia, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Aram Lee
- College of Natural Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungho Choi
- School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hai-Joong Kim
- College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Jae Lee
- College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyuyeon Choi
- College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungjoo Kim
- College of Medicine, Hallym University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Su Young Kim
- College of Medicine, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Geum Joon Cho
- College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunsook Suh
- College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Koo Kim
- College of Medicine, Hallym University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - So-Hee Eun
- College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soyong Eom
- College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seunghyo Kim
- College of Medicine, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Gun-Ha Kim
- College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Bang Moon
- Department of Marine Sciences and Convergent Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungkyoon Kim
- School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sooran Choi
- College of Medicine, Inha University, Inchoen, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Don Kim
- School of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University, Changwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinho Kim
- Hankook General Hospital, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeongim Park
- College of Natural Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Republic of Korea.
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Lee H, Park H, Ha E, Hong YC, Ha M, Park H, Kim BN, Lee SJ, Lee KY, Kim JH, Jeong KS, Kim Y. Stability of cognitive development during the first five years of life in relation to heavy metal concentrations in umbilical cord blood: Mothers' and Children's Environmental Health (MOCEH) birth cohort study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 609:153-159. [PMID: 28738198 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.07.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2017] [Revised: 07/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/09/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate stability of cognitive development during the first five years of life in relation to heavy metal concentrations in umbilical cord blood in Korean children. This research is part of the Mothers' and Children's Environmental Health (MOCEH) study, a multi-center prospective birth cohort study of pregnant women in Korea who were recruited from 2006 to 2010. We analyzed the complete follow-up data of children who were 5years-old in 2016. We measured lead, mercury, and cadmium levels in the umbilical cord blood of 251 children, and analyzed them, for whom neurodevelopmental data were available. We determined stability of cognitive development scores using three methods. First, we used partial correlation analyses to examine the stability of cognitive development at each measurement time. Second, we used Cramer's V to investigate the magnitude and direction of changes in cognitive development scores at each follow-up period among three groups (high, medium, and low scores). The results showed that cognitive development scores measured at the closest times had the strongest correlations, and the stability of cognitive development scores increased with age, from 6 to 60months. Groups at the extreme ends of cognitive development (high or low scores) had more stable scores, and this tendency was also stronger in infants >24months-old. The stability of cognitive development was unrelated to the umbilical cord level of heavy metals, based on analysis with Fisher's transformation. In conclusion, the present study showed that the cognitive development scores in a cohort of infants (6 to 60months-old) were stable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyungmin Lee
- Department of Child and Family Welfare, Hankyong National University, Anseong, South Korea
| | - Hyewon Park
- Department of Child and Family Welfare, University of Ulsan, Ulsan, South Korea
| | - Eunhee Ha
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Ewha Medical Research Center, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yun-Chul Hong
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Mina Ha
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, South Korea
| | - Hyesook Park
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Ewha Medical Research Center, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Bung-Nyun Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Soo-Jeong Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, South Korea
| | - Kyung Yeon Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, South Korea
| | - Ja Hyeong Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, South Korea
| | - Kyoung Sook Jeong
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, College of Medicine, Dongguk University, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, South Korea
| | - Yangho Kim
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, South Korea.
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