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Palir N, Stajnko A, Mazej D, France Štiglic A, Rosolen V, Mariuz M, Ronfani L, Snoj Tratnik J, Runkel AA, Tursunova V, Marc J, Prpić I, Špirić Z, Barbone F, Horvat M, Falnoga I. Maternal APOE ε2 as a possible risk factor for elevated prenatal Pb levels. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024:119583. [PMID: 38992759 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) is a global contaminant associated with multiple adverse health effects. Humans are especially vulnerable during critical developmental stages. During pregnancy, exposure to Pb can occur through diet and release from maternal bones. Apolipoprotein E gene (APOE) variants (ɛ2, ɛ3, ɛ4 alleles) may influence sex steroid hormones, bone metabolism, and Pb kinetics. We examined the interplay among maternal APOE (mAPOE) genotypes, fetal sex, parity, and Pb in maternal and cord blood (mB-Pb, CB-Pb) using linear regression models. Our study involved 817 pregnant women and 772 newborns with measured adequate levels of zinc and selenium. We compared carriers of the ε2 and ε4 alleles to those with the ε3/ε3 genotype. The geometric means (range) of mB-Pb and CB-Pb were 11.1 (3.58 - 87.6) and 9.31 (1.82 - 47.0) ng/g, respectively. In cases with female fetuses, the maternal mAPOE ε2 allele was associated with higher, while the mAPOE ε4 allele was associated with lower mB-Pb and CB-Pb levels. Nulliparity increased the strength of the observed associations. These findings highlight the significance of mAPOE genetics, fetal sex, and parity in prenatal Pb kinetics. Notably, the maternal ε2 allele may increase the risk of Pb exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neža Palir
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Anja Stajnko
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Darja Mazej
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alenka France Štiglic
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Valentina Rosolen
- Central Directorate for Health, Social Policies and Disability, Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, 34124 Trieste, Italy
| | - Marika Mariuz
- Central Directorate for Health, Social Policies and Disability, Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, 34124 Trieste, Italy
| | - Luca Ronfani
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", 34137 Trieste, Italy
| | - Janja Snoj Tratnik
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Agneta Annika Runkel
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Janja Marc
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Igor Prpić
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Centre Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | | | - Fabio Barbone
- Central Directorate for Health, Social Policies and Disability, Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, 34124 Trieste, Italy; Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34129 Trieste, Italy
| | - Milena Horvat
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ingrid Falnoga
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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de Melo NC, Sampaio E Souza PC, Marques RC, Bernardi JVE, Bastos WR, Cunha MPL. Environmental exposure to metal(loid)s and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: A systematic review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 257:119391. [PMID: 38857855 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Environmental exposure to metal(loid)s has been associated with adverse effects on human health, but the systemic repercussion of these elements on the development of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) is still poorly understood. OBJECTIVE To summarize evidence published about the influence of environmental exposure to aluminum, arsenic, barium, cadmium, lead, strontium and mercury on the development of HDP. METHODS We conducted a systematic literature review according to the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The search strategy was validated by the Peer Review of Electronic Search Strategies. We searched for articles published up to February 2023 in seven databases without language restriction. Two researchers conducted the steps for selection, data extraction and evaluation of the methodological quality of the instruments for epidemiological studies of the Joanna Briggs Institute. Any disagreements were resolved by a third researcher. RESULTS We obtained 5076 records, of which 37 articles met the inclusion criteria moderate to high methodological quality. Single exposure to metal(loid)s was predominant, and the leading biological matrix analyzed to detect the concentrations from exposure was maternal blood. Lead was the metal investigated the most, and had the largest number of studies showing positive association with HDP. In relation to the other metal(loid)s, higher levels were found in women with HDP in comparison with healthy women, but the finding of a cause-effect relationship was inconsistent. CONCLUSIONS Although we found evidence of harmful effects of the metal(loid)s studied on human health, the results were inconclusive with regard to HDP. Longitudinal studies that consider prospective investigation, adjustment of confounding factors and the interference of other contaminants in the exacerbation of oxidative stress in women from the preconception phase to the puerperal period should be encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayra Carla de Melo
- Postgraduate Program in Regional Development and Environment, Federal University of Rondônia Foundation, Porto Velho, Rondônia, 76801-059, Brazil; WCP Environmental Biogeochemistry Laboratory, Federal University of Rondônia Foundation, Porto Velho, Rondônia, 76815-800, Brazil.
| | - Priscilla Cristovam Sampaio E Souza
- Postgraduate Program in Regional Development and Environment, Federal University of Rondônia Foundation, Porto Velho, Rondônia, 76801-059, Brazil
| | - Rejane Correa Marques
- Postgraduate Program in Environmental Sciences and Conservation, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro Janeiro (UFRJ), Macaé, Rio de Janeiro, 27965-045, Brazil
| | - José Vicente Elias Bernardi
- Geostatistics and Geodesy Laboratory, UnB Planaltina College, University of Brasília, Planaltina, Federal District, 73345-010, Brazil
| | - Wanderley Rodrigues Bastos
- Postgraduate Program in Regional Development and Environment, Federal University of Rondônia Foundation, Porto Velho, Rondônia, 76801-059, Brazil; WCP Environmental Biogeochemistry Laboratory, Federal University of Rondônia Foundation, Porto Velho, Rondônia, 76815-800, Brazil
| | - Mônica Pereira Lima Cunha
- Postgraduate Program in Regional Development and Environment, Federal University of Rondônia Foundation, Porto Velho, Rondônia, 76801-059, Brazil; WCP Environmental Biogeochemistry Laboratory, Federal University of Rondônia Foundation, Porto Velho, Rondônia, 76815-800, Brazil
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Rosa MJ, Foppa Pedretti N, Goldson B, Mathews N, Merced-Nieves F, Xhani N, Bosquet Enlow M, Gershon R, Ho E, Huddleston K, Wright RO, Wright RJ, Colicino E. Integrating Data Across Multiple Sites in the Northeastern United States to Examine Associations Between a Prenatal Metal Mixture and Child Cognition. Am J Epidemiol 2024; 193:606-616. [PMID: 37981721 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwad233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
We applied a novel hierarchical Bayesian weighted quantile sum (HBWQS) regression to combine data across 3 study sites to examine associations between prenatal exposure to metals and cognitive functioning in childhood. Data from 326 mother-child dyads enrolled in an ongoing cohort study, the Programming of Intergenerational Stress Mechanisms (PRISM) Study, based in New York, New York (recruitment in 2013-2020) and Boston, Massachusetts (recruitment 2011-2013), and the First Thousand Days of Life (FTDL) cohort study (recruitment 2012-2019), based in northern Virginia, were used. Arsenic, cadmium, manganese, lead, and antimony were measured in urine collected during pregnancy. Cognitive functioning was assessed in children aged 3-11 years using the National Institutes of Health Toolbox Cognition Battery. The HBWQS regression showed a negative association between the urinary metal mixture and the Cognition Early Childhood Composite Score in the PRISM New York City (β = -3.67, 95% credible interval (CrI): -7.61, -0.01) and FTDL (β = -3.76, 95% CrI: -7.66, -0.24) samples, with a similar trend in the PRISM Boston sample (β = -3.24, 95% CrI: -6.77, 0.144). We did not detect these associations in traditionally pooled models. HBWQS regression allowed us to account for site heterogeneity and detect associations between prenatal metal-mixture exposure and cognitive outcomes in childhood. Given the ubiquity of metals exposure, interventions aimed at reducing prenatal exposure may improve cognitive outcomes in children. This article is part of a Special Collection on Environmental Epidemiology.
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Issah I, Duah MS, Arko-Mensah J, Bawua SA, Agyekum TP, Fobil JN. Exposure to metal mixtures and adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes: A systematic review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:168380. [PMID: 37963536 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168380] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal exposure to metal mixtures is associated with adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes like low birth weight, preterm birth, and small for gestational age. However, prior studies have used individual metal analysis, lacking real-life exposure scenarios. OBJECTIVES This systematic review aims to evaluate the strength and consistency of the association between metal mixtures and pregnancy and birth outcomes, identify research gaps, and inform future studies and policies in this area. METHODS The review adhered to the updated Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) checklist, along with the guidelines for conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses of observational studies of etiology (COSMOS-E). Our data collection involved searching the PubMed, MEDLINE, and SCOPUS databases. We utilized inclusion criteria to identify relevant studies. These chosen studies underwent thorough screening and data extraction procedures. Methodological quality evaluations were conducted using the NOS framework for cohort and case-control studies, and the AXIS tool for cross-sectional studies. RESULTS The review included 34 epidemiological studies, half of which focused on birth weight, and the others investigated neonate size, preterm birth, small for gestational age, miscarriage, and placental characteristics. The findings revealed significant associations between metal mixtures (including mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), barium (Ba), cesium (Cs), copper (Cu), selenium (Se), and chromium (Cr)) and adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes, demonstrating diverse effects and potential interactions. CONCLUSION In conclusion, this review consistently establishes connections between metal exposure during pregnancy and adverse consequences for birth weight, gestational age, and other vital birth-related metrics. This review further demonstrates the need to apply mixture methods with caution but also shows that they can be superior to traditional approaches. Further research is warranted to deeper understand the underlying mechanisms and to develop effective strategies for mitigating the potential risks associated with metal mixture exposure during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Issah
- West Africa Center for Global Environmental & Occupational Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Department of Surgery, Tamale Teaching Hospital, Tamale, Ghana.
| | - Mabel S Duah
- West Africa Center for Global Environmental & Occupational Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Department of Biological, Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - John Arko-Mensah
- West Africa Center for Global Environmental & Occupational Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Department of Biological, Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Serwaa A Bawua
- West Africa Center for Global Environmental & Occupational Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Department of Biological, Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Thomas P Agyekum
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health and Safety, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi 00233, Ghana
| | - Julius N Fobil
- West Africa Center for Global Environmental & Occupational Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Department of Biological, Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
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Palir N, Stajnko A, Snoj Tratnik J, Mazej D, Briški AS, France-Štiglic A, Rosolen V, Mariuz M, Giordani E, Barbone F, Horvat M, Falnoga I. ALAD and APOE polymorphisms are associated with lead and mercury levels in Italian pregnant women and their newborns with adequate nutritional status of zinc and selenium. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 220:115226. [PMID: 36621546 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The impacts of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ALAD and VDR genes on Pb health effects and/or kinetics are inconclusive at low exposure levels, while studies including APOE SNPs are rare. In this study, we examined the associations of ALAD, VDR and APOE SNPs with exposure biomarkers of Pb and other trace elements (TEs) in Italian pregnant women (N = 873, aged 18-44 years) and their newborns (N = 619) with low-level mixed-element exposure through diet, the environment or endogenously. DNA from maternal peripheral venous blood (mB), sampled during the second and third trimesters, was genotyped for ALAD (rs1800435, rs1805313, rs1139488, rs818708), VDR (rs2228570, rs1544410, rs7975232, rs731236) and APOE (rs429358, rs7421) using TaqMan SNP assays. Personal and lifestyle data and TE levels (mB, maternal plasma, hair and mixed umbilical cord blood [CB]) from the PHIME project were used. Multiple linear regression models, controlling for confounding variables, were performed to test the associations between SNPs and TEs. The geometric means of mB-Pb, mB-Hg, mB-As and mB-Cd (11.0 ng/g, 2.16 ng/g, 1.38 ng/g and 0.31 ng/g, respectively) indicated low exposure levels, whereas maternal plasma Zn and Se (0.72 μg/mL and 78.6 ng/g, respectively) indicated adequate micronutritional status. Variant alleles of ALAD rs1800435 and rs1805313 were negatively associated with mB-Pb levels, whereas a positive association was observed for rs1139488. None of the VDR SNPs or their haplotypes had any association with Pb levels. Regarding APOE, the ϵ4 allele was associated with lower mB-Hg and CB-Hg, while a positive association was found with the ϵ2 allele and CB-Pb when the model included only newborn girls. The observed associations indicate possible modification effects of ALAD and APOE SNPs on Pb or Hg kinetics in women and their newborns with low exposure to non-essential TEs, as well as an adequate nutritional status of Zn and Se.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neža Palir
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Anja Stajnko
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janja Snoj Tratnik
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Darja Mazej
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alenka Sešek Briški
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alenka France-Štiglic
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Valentina Rosolen
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", 34137, Trieste, Italy
| | - Marika Mariuz
- Department of Medicine, University of Udine, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Elisa Giordani
- Department of Medicine, University of Udine, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Fabio Barbone
- Department of Medicine, University of Udine, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Milena Horvat
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ingrid Falnoga
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Satarug S, Vesey DA, Gobe GC, Phelps KR. Estimation of health risks associated with dietary cadmium exposure. Arch Toxicol 2023; 97:329-358. [PMID: 36592197 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-022-03432-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
In much of the world, currently employed upper limits of tolerable intake and acceptable excretion of cadmium (Cd) (ECd/Ecr) are 0.83 µg/kg body weight/day and 5.24 µg/g creatinine, respectively. These figures were derived from a risk assessment model that interpreted β2-microglobulin (β2MG) excretion > 300 μg/g creatinine as a "critical" endpoint. However, current evidence suggests that Cd accumulation reduces glomerular filtration rate at values of ECd/Ecr much lower than 5.24 µg/g creatinine. Low ECd/Ecr has also been associated with increased risks of kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, cancer, and other disorders. These associations have cast considerable doubt on conventional guidelines. The goals of this paper are to evaluate whether these guidelines are low enough to minimize associated health risks reliably, and indeed whether permissible intake of a cumulative toxin like Cd is a valid concept. We highlight sources and levels of Cd in the human diet and review absorption, distribution, kidney accumulation, and excretion of the metal. We present evidence for the following propositions: excreted Cd emanates from injured tubular epithelial cells of the kidney; Cd excretion is a manifestation of current tissue injury; reduction of present and future exposure to environmental Cd cannot mitigate injury in progress; and Cd excretion is optimally expressed as a function of creatinine clearance rather than creatinine excretion. We comprehensively review the adverse health effects of Cd and urine and blood Cd levels at which adverse effects have been observed. The cumulative nature of Cd toxicity and the susceptibility of multiple organs to toxicity at low body burdens raise serious doubt that guidelines concerning permissible intake of Cd can be meaningful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soisungwan Satarug
- Kidney Disease Research Collaborative, Level 5, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| | - David A Vesey
- Kidney Disease Research Collaborative, Level 5, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Department of Nephrology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Glenda C Gobe
- Kidney Disease Research Collaborative, Level 5, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence for CKD QLD, UQ Health Sciences, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Kenneth R Phelps
- Stratton Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
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Modulatory Role of Curcumin on Cobalt-Induced Memory Deficit, Hippocampal Oxidative Damage, Astrocytosis, and Nrf2 Expression. Neurotox Res 2023; 41:201-211. [PMID: 36692684 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-023-00635-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Chemical overexposure is a growing environmental risk factor for many medical issues. Cobalt toxicity from environmental, industrial, and medical exposure has previously been linked to neurological impairment. Hence, the current study looked into the neuroprotective potential of curcumin, a natural polyphenol contained in the spice turmeric, against cobalt-induced neurotoxicity. Adult rats were randomly divided into six groups as follows: control, 40 mg/kg cobalt chloride (CoCl2) only, 240 mg/kg curcumin only, 120 mg/kg or 240 mg/kg curcumin, or 100 mg/kg vitamin C co-administered with CoCl2. The administration was via oral route daily for 4 weeks. After that, neurobehavioral tests were undertaken to evaluate short-term spatial memory. Biochemical investigation was performed to determine the hippocampal levels of status via measures of SOD, CAT, GST, and LPO. Furthermore, immunohistochemical assessment of the expression of GFAP and Nrf2 in the hippocampus was carried out. In the CoCl2 group, the results showed altered behavioral responses, a decrease in antioxidant activities, increased expression of GFAP and the number of activated astrocytes, and decreased immunoexpression of Nrf2. These effects were mitigated in the curcumin- and vitamin C-treated groups. These results collectively imply that curcumin enhances memory functions in rats exposed to cobalt possibly by attenuating oxidative responses, mitigating astrocytosis, and modulating Nrf2 signaling.
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Dack K, Wootton RE, Taylor CM, Lewis SJ. Prenatal Mercury Exposure and Infant Weight Trajectories in a UK Observational Birth Cohort. TOXICS 2022; 11:10. [PMID: 36668736 PMCID: PMC9864311 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11010010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Mercury is highly toxic metal found in trace quantities in common foods. There is concern that exposure during pregnancy could impair infant development. Epidemiological evidence is mixed, but few studies have examined postnatal growth. Differences in nutrition, exposures, and the living environment after birth may make it easier to detect a negative impact from mercury toxicity on infant growth. This study includes 544 mother-child pairs from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. Blood mercury was measured in early pregnancy and infant weight at 10 intervals between 4 and 61 months. Mixed-effect models were used to estimate the change in infant weight associated with prenatal mercury exposure. The estimated difference in monthly weight gain was -0.02 kg per 1 standard deviation increase in Hg (95% confidence intervals: -0.10 to 0.06 kg). When restricted to the 10th decile of Hg, the association with weight at each age level was consistently negative but with wide confidence intervals. The lack of evidence for an association may indicate that at Hg levels in this cohort (median 1.9 µg/L) there is minimal biological impact, and the effect is too small to be either clinically relevant or detectable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Dack
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Robyn E. Wootton
- Nic Waals Institute, Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital, 0771 Oslo, Norway
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Caroline M. Taylor
- Centre for Academic Child Health, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1NU, UK
| | - Sarah J. Lewis
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
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How Can Pregnant Women Reduce the Teratogenicity of Air Pollution? JOURNAL OF INTERDISCIPLINARY MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.2478/jim-2022-0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
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Perinatal Metal and Metalloid Exposures and Offspring Cardiovascular Health Risk. Curr Environ Health Rep 2022; 9:714-734. [PMID: 35980568 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-022-00377-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Toxic metal exposures have been associated with cardiovascular disease in adults and growing evidence suggests metal exposures also adversely affect cardiovascular phenotypes in childhood and adolescence. However, to our knowledge, the influence of perinatal metals exposure, particularly metal mixtures, in relation to cardiovascular-related outcomes have not been comprehensively reviewed. RECENT FINDINGS We summarized 17 contemporary studies (2017-2021) that investigated the impact of perinatal metal exposures on measures of cardiovascular health in children. Accumulating evidence supports a potential adverse impact of perinatal Pb exposure on BP in children. Fewer recent studies have focused on perinatal As, Hg, and Cd; thus, the cardiovascular impacts of these metals are less clear. Studies of metal mixtures demonstrate that interactions between metals may be complex and have identified numerous understudied elements and essential metals, including Mo, Co, Ni, Se, Zn, and Mn, which may influence cardiovascular risk. A key question that remains is whether perinatal metals exposure influences cardiovascular health into adulthood. Comparisons across studies remain challenging due to several factors, including differences in the timing of exposure/outcome assessments and exposure biomarkers, as well as variability in exposure levels and mixture compositions across populations. Future studies longitudinally investigating trajectories of cardiovascular outcomes could help determine the influence of perinatal metals exposure on long-term effects of clinical relevance in later life and whether interventions, which reduce metals exposures during this key developmental window, could alter disease development.
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Gu T, Jia X, Shi H, Gong X, Ma J, Gan Z, Yu Z, Li Z, Wei Y. An Evaluation of Exposure to 18 Toxic and/or Essential Trace Elements Exposure in Maternal and Cord Plasma during Pregnancy at Advanced Maternal Age. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14485. [PMID: 36361359 PMCID: PMC9659256 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Pregnant women of advanced maternal age (AMA) are vulnerable to exposure to the surrounding environment. Assessment of trace elements in pregnant women living in specific areas is important for biomonitoring. However, exposure levels and variation patterns during pregnancy remains controversial and attracts extensive public concern. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate exposure of 18 toxic and/or essential trace elements in maternal plasma and in paired cord plasma during pregnancy at AMA. A total of 48 pregnant women of AMA were recruited in Peking University Third Hospital from 2018 to 2021. Eighteen elements found in maternal plasma during the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd trimester of pregnancy and paired cord plasma were measured by 7700x ICP-MS (Agilent Technologies, Palo Alto, CA, USA) and Elan DRC type II ICP-MS (The Perkin-Elmer Corporation, Waltham, MA USA). Concentrations of Pb, Se, Fe, Zn, and Mo all decreased during pregnancy, while Cu increased. Interestingly, concentrations of Rb decreased initially but then increased. Elements as Al, Co, Se, Cu, and Ni showed significantly lower levels in cord than in maternal plasma, while elements as Sr, Fe, Rb, Mn and Zn displayed significantly higher levels in cord than in maternal plasma. Moreover, positively- interacted clusters were found in Ni-Co-Cu-Al-Rb-Zn and Zn-Mn-Al-Pb in maternal blood. Similar positively-interacted clusters were found in Zn-Ni-Co, Zn-Ni-Fe, Mn-Al-Pb, Fe-Pb-Mn, Fe-Ni-Cu, and Rb-Cu-Sb-Fe-Mn in cord plasma. Furthermore, correlations between paired maternal and cord blood samples for As, Sr, and Mo were statistically significant, indicating that the fetus burden may reflect maternal exposure to some extent. Admittedly, levels of toxic and essential elements in our cohort study were comparatively lower than those in the scientific literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingfei Gu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xiaoqian Jia
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing 100191, China
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Huifeng Shi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- National Center for Healthcare Quality Management in Obstetrics, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xiaoli Gong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- National Center for Healthcare Quality Management in Obstetrics, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jinxi Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zhihang Gan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zhixin Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zhiwen Li
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing 100191, China
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yuan Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- National Center for Healthcare Quality Management in Obstetrics, Beijing 100191, China
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12
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Stojsavljević A, Perović M, Nešić A, Miković Ž, Manojlović D. Levels of non-essential trace metals and their impact on placental health: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:43662-43674. [PMID: 35426027 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-20205-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
According to recent research, even low levels of environmental chemicals, particularly heavy metals, can considerably disrupt placental homeostasis. This review aims to explore the profile of non-essential trace metals in placental tissues across the globe and to specify trace metal(s) that can be candidates for impaired placental health. Accordingly, we conducted an extensive survey on relevant databases of peer-reviewed papers published in the last two decades. Among a considerable number of non-essential trace metals, arsenic (As), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) were identified as the most detrimental to placental health. Comparative analysis showed remarkable differences in placental levels of these trace metals worldwide. Based on current data reported across the globe, a median (min-max) range from 0.55 to 15 ng/g for placental As levels could be deemed safe. The placental Cd and Pb levels were markedly higher in smokers than in non-smokers. Occupationally exposed pregnant women had several orders of magnitude higher Cd, Pb, and Hg levels in placental tissues than non-occupationally exposed women. Also, we concluded that even low-level exposure to As, Cd, Pb, and Hg could be deleterious to proper fetal development. This review implies the need to reduce exposure to non-essential trace metals to preserve placental health and prevent numerous poor pregnancy outcomes. Overall, the information presented is expected to help plan future fundamental and applied investigations on the placental toxicity of As, Cd, Pb, and Hg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandar Stojsavljević
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 12-16, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia.
- Innovation Center of the Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 12-16, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Milan Perović
- Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics Narodni Front, Kraljice Natalije 62, Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, dr Subotića starijeg 8, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Andrijana Nešić
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 12-16, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Željko Miković
- Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics Narodni Front, Kraljice Natalije 62, Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, dr Subotića starijeg 8, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dragan Manojlović
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 12-16, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
- South Ural State University, Lenin prospect 76, Chelyabinsk, Russia
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13
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Dack K, Fell M, Taylor CM, Havdahl A, Lewis SJ. Prenatal Mercury Exposure and Neurodevelopment up to the Age of 5 Years: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19041976. [PMID: 35206164 PMCID: PMC8871549 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19041976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental delays can interfere with children’s engagement with the world and further development, and may have negative consequences into adulthood. Mercury is highly toxic and may negatively influence neurodevelopment because it can freely cross the placenta and accumulate in the fetal brain. We searched four publication databases (Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus) for studies examining the relationship between early life mercury exposure and scores on neurodevelopmental performance measures in children aged 0 to 5 years old. Study quality was assessed using the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Quality Assessment Tool. Thirty-two prospective studies were included in the review. Neurodevelopmental performance was measured using 23 different scales, most commonly the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (BSID). In most cases, the evidence for an association between mercury and neurodevelopment was weak. There did not appear to be exceptions for particular childhood ages, outcome scales, or mercury levels. The small number of results to the contrary were more likely to be studies which did not meet our high-quality criteria, and could be a consequence of multiple testing, selection bias, or incomplete confounder adjustment. Based on current evidence, dietary mercury exposure during pregnancy is unlikely to be a risk factor for low neurodevelopmental functioning in early childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Dack
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TH, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Matthew Fell
- Cleft Collective, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TH, UK;
| | - Caroline M. Taylor
- Centre for Academic Child Health, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TH, UK;
| | - Alexandra Havdahl
- Department of Mental Disorders, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0213 Oslo, Norway;
- Nic Waals Institute, Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital, 0853 Oslo, Norway
| | - Sarah J. Lewis
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TH, UK;
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14
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Stratakis N, Golden-Mason L, Margetaki K, Zhao Y, Valvi D, Garcia E, Maitre L, Andrusaityte S, Basagana X, Borràs E, Bustamante M, Casas M, Fossati S, Grazuleviciene R, Haug LS, Heude B, McEachan RR, Meltzer HM, Papadopoulou E, Roumeliotaki T, Robinson O, Sabidó E, Urquiza J, Vafeiadi M, Varo N, Wright J, Vos MB, Hu H, Vrijheid M, Berhane KT, Conti DV, McConnell R, Rosen HR, Chatzi L. In Utero Exposure to Mercury Is Associated With Increased Susceptibility to Liver Injury and Inflammation in Childhood. Hepatology 2021; 74:1546-1559. [PMID: 33730435 PMCID: PMC8446089 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent cause of liver disease in children. Mercury (Hg), a ubiquitous toxic metal, has been proposed as an environmental factor contributing to toxicant-associated fatty liver disease. APPROACH AND RESULTS We investigated the effect of prenatal exposure to Hg on childhood liver injury by combining epidemiological results from a multicenter mother-child cohort with complementary in vitro experiments on monocyte cells that are known to play a key role in liver immune homeostasis and NAFLD. We used data from 872 mothers and their children (median age, 8.1 years; interquartile range [IQR], 6.5-8.7) from the European Human Early-Life Exposome cohort. We measured Hg concentration in maternal blood during pregnancy (median, 2.0 μg/L; IQR, 1.1-3.6). We also assessed serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), a common screening tool for pediatric NAFLD, and plasma concentrations of inflammation-related cytokines in children. We found that prenatal Hg exposure was associated with a phenotype in children that was characterized by elevated ALT (≥22.1 U/L for females and ≥25.8 U/L for males) and increased concentrations of circulating IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α. Consistently, inflammatory monocytes exposed in vitro to a physiologically relevant dose of Hg demonstrated significant up-regulation of genes encoding these four cytokines and increased concentrations of IL-8 and TNF-α in the supernatants. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that developmental exposure to Hg can contribute to inflammation and increased NAFLD risk in early life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikos Stratakis
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Lucy Golden-Mason
- Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Katerina Margetaki
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Yinqi Zhao
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Damaskini Valvi
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Erika Garcia
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Léa Maitre
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY,Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain,Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sandra Andrusaityte
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Xavier Basagana
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY,Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain,Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva Borràs
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain,Proteomics Unit, Centre de Regulació Genòmica, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mariona Bustamante
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY,Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain,Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maribel Casas
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY,Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain,Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Serena Fossati
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY,Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain,Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Barbara Heude
- Université de Paris, Centre for Research in Epidemiology and Statistics (CRESS), INSERM, INRAE, Paris, France
| | - Rosemary R.C. McEachan
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford, UK
| | | | | | - Theano Roumeliotaki
- Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Oliver Robinson
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Eduard Sabidó
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain,Proteomics Unit, Centre de Regulació Genòmica, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jose Urquiza
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY,Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain,Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marina Vafeiadi
- Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Nerea Varo
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - John Wright
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford, UK
| | - Miriam B. Vos
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Nutrition Health Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA,Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
| | - Howard Hu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Martine Vrijheid
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY,Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain,Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Kiros T. Berhane
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - David V. Conti
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Rob McConnell
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Hugo R. Rosen
- Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Lida Chatzi
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
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15
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Amegah AK, Sewor C, Jaakkola JJK. Cadmium exposure and risk of adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of cohort and cohort-based case-control studies. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2021; 31:299-317. [PMID: 33510430 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-021-00289-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are several inconsistencies in the epidemiological literature on the strength of the association between cadmium exposure and adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes, and the threshold dose of adverse effect. OBJECTIVES We therefore conducted a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis to evaluate the available evidence to influence clinical decision making and better tailor public health interventions. METHODS PubMed and Scopus databases were searched up to January, 2019. Eighteen prospective studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. Random effects model was used to compute summary-effect estimates. RESULTS Cadmium exposure resulted in 42.11 g (95% confidence interval [CI]: -69.03, -15.18) reduction in birth weight, and 0.105 cm (95% CI: -0.181, -0.029) reduction in head circumference per 1 µg/l increment in blood/urine cadmium levels. Cadmium exposure also resulted in 21% (RR = 1.21; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.43), 32% (RR = 1.32; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.67) and 10% (RR = 1.10; 95% CI: 0.96, 1.27) increased risk of low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth (PTB), and small-for-gestational age (SGA), respectively. Risk for all outcomes decreased with decreasing exposure. In fixed effects dose-response meta-regression analyses, we found no evidence of association of cadmium exposure with LBW and SGA. For PTB, a 1 µg/l increment in cadmium exposure corresponded to 0.5% (OR = 1.005, 95% CI: 1.003, 1.007) increase in PTB risk. CONCLUSIONS Cadmium exposure was associated with risk of adverse birth outcomes. Regarding PTB, the formal dose-response meta-analyses suggests a causal association.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kofi Amegah
- Public Health Research Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.
| | - Christian Sewor
- Public Health Research Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Jouni J K Jaakkola
- Center for Environmental and Respiratory Health Research (CERH), University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
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16
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Kim B, Shah S, Park HS, Hong YC, Ha M, Kim Y, Kim BN, Kim Y, Ha EH. Adverse effects of prenatal mercury exposure on neurodevelopment during the first 3 years of life modified by early growth velocity and prenatal maternal folate level. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 191:109909. [PMID: 32871452 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109909] [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: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Previous studies have suggested that mercury exposure and folate levels during pregnancy may influence early childhood neurodevelopment. Rapid catch-up growth in children is associated with an increased risk of pathological nervous system development. We evaluated whether the association between prenatal folate and mercury-related neuropsychological dysfunction was modified by growth velocity during childhood. METHODS The Mothers and Children's Environmental Health (MOCEH) birth cohort study began in 2006 and by 2010, 1751 women had been enrolled before the second trimester of their pregnancy along with their partners. Participants visited the research center at birth and 6, 12, 24, and 36 months. We measured mercury levels in maternal and cord blood and folate in maternal serum. Questionnaires to evaluate the environment and health of their child were administered and anthropometric factors including body weight and height were measured. Certified investigators used the Bayley test to measure neurobehavioral outcomes. We calculated postnatal growth change as the change in infant weight for-age z-score between birth and 3 years. Multiple linear regression and mixed models were used to examine the association between mercury exposure and children's neurodevelopment as well as the modifying effects of folate and growth velocity. RESULTS A total of 30.6% of children experienced rapid growth during the first 3 years of life. Median values of mercury in the low folate group were significantly higher in rapid growers (3.41 μg/L in maternal blood and 5.63 μg/L in cord blood) than in average/slow growers (3.05 μg/L in maternal blood and 5.19 μg/L in cord blood). Rapid growers were also significantly associated with decreased psychomotor development scores during the first 3 years of life and with having mothers who had low prenatal folate levels, even after adjusting for potential confounders. CONCLUSION Prenatal mercury exposure adversely affects infant neurodevelopment and is associated with rapid growth during the first 3 years of life. This effect was limited to children whose mothers had low prenatal folate levels, suggesting a protective effect of folate against developmental neurotoxicity due to mercury exposure and rapid catch-up growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byungmi Kim
- National Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Surabhi Shah
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, College of Medicine, Ewha Medical Research Center, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Sook Park
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Ewha Medical Research Center, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Chul Hong
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mina Ha
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Yangho Kim
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Boong-Nnyun Kim
- Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Institute of Human Behavioral Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeni Kim
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, National Center for Mental Health, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Hee Ha
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, College of Medicine, Ewha Medical Research Center, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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17
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Trdin A, Snoj Tratnik J, Stajnko A, Marc J, Mazej D, Sešek Briški A, Kastelec D, Prpić I, Petrović O, Špirić Z, Horvat M, Falnoga I. Trace elements and APOE polymorphisms in pregnant women and their new-borns. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 143:105626. [PMID: 32622117 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the relationship between lipid binding glycoprotein apolipoprotein E (apoE; gene APOE) polymorphisms (ε4 allele carriers versus no carriers = ε4+/ε4-) and trace elements (TEs) (e.g., (methyl)mercury, arsenic, lead, cadmium, selenium, manganese, copper, and zinc) in mothers (N = 223) and their new-borns (N = 213) exposed to potentially toxic metal(loid)s from seafood consumption. The apoE isoform encoded by the ε4 allele is believed to have beneficial effects in early life but represents a risk factor for age-associated diseases. Under certain conditions ε4 carriers are more susceptible to oxidative stress and metal(loid) toxicity. DNA from Croatian pregnant women (N = 223, third trimester) and their new-borns (N = 176), was genotyped for APOE by TaqMan® SNP assay - rs429358 and rs7412. Seafood intake data and TE levels in maternal urine, milk, hair, peripheral venous blood, mixed cord blood, and new-borns' urine were available from previous studies. We compared TEs between ε4+ and ε4- carriers using Mann-Whitney U tests and applied multiple linear regression models to analyse the TE's dependence on the presence of allele ε4 (genotypes ε3/ε4, ε4/ε4) in combination with other explanatory variables. We identified 17% (n = 37) and 20% (n = 35) ε4 allele carriers in mothers and new-borns, respectively. The Mann-Whitney U test showed that mothers with the ε4 allele had significantly higher mean levels of (methyl)mercury in peripheral venous blood, cord blood, and hair; arsenic in urine and cord blood; and selenium in peripheral venous blood and plasma. However, taking confounders into account, only the maternal plasma selenium remained statistically significant in the linear regression models (ε4 carriers vs non-carriers: 62.6 vs 54.9 ng/mL, p < 0.001). Literature suggestions of possible ε4 allele impact on Hg levels were not observed, while superior selenium status observed in healthy pregnant women carrying allele ε4 could be linked to the proposed APOE ε4 beneficial effects early in life.
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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
| | - Anja Stajnko
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janja Marc
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Darja Mazej
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alenka Sešek Briški
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Igor Prpić
- Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital Centre Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Oleg Petrović
- 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
| | - Ingrid Falnoga
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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18
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Young JL, Cai L. Implications for prenatal cadmium exposure and adverse health outcomes in adulthood. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2020; 403:115161. [PMID: 32721433 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2020.115161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium is a ubiquitous, non-essential metal that has earned a spot on the World Health Organizations top 10 chemicals of major public health concern. The mechanisms of cadmium-induced adverse health outcomes, such as cardiovascular disease, renal toxicity and cancer, are well studied in adults. However, the implications for early life exposures to low-level cadmium leading to increased risk of developing diseases in adulthood remains elusive. Epidemiological investigation of the long term implications of cadmium-associated adverse birth outcomes are limited and studies do not extend into adulthood. This review will summarize the literature on the non-lethal, adverse health effects associated with prenatal and early life exposure to cadmium and the implications of these exposures in the development of diseases later in life. In addition, this review will highlight possible mechanisms responsible for these outcomes as well as address the inconsistencies in the literature. More recent studies have addressed sex as a biological variable, showing prenatal cadmium exposure elicits sex-specific outcomes that would otherwise be masked by pooling male and female data. Furthermore, researchers have begun to investigate the role of prenatal and early life cadmium exposures in the development of diet-induced diseases with evidence of altered essential metal homeostasis as a likely mechanism for cadmium-enhanced, diet-induced diseases. Although novel experimental models are beginning to be established to study the association between prenatal cadmium exposure and adverse health outcomes in adulthood, the studies are few, highlighting a major need for further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie L Young
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
| | - Lu Cai
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; Departments of Pediatrics and Radiation Oncology, Pediatric Research Institute, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
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19
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Association between blood lead exposure and mental health in pregnant women: Results from the Japan environment and children's study. Neurotoxicology 2020; 79:191-199. [PMID: 32526257 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2020.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although environmental lead exposure has decreased, several studies have shown that low-level lead exposure can result in adverse psychological symptoms. However, few studies have examined lead neurotoxicity in pregnant women. We investigated the association between lead exposure and psychological symptoms in pregnant women, and between socio-economic status and blood lead levels. METHODS Blood lead levels were measured in 17,267 pregnant women in the Japan Environment and Children's Study. Odds ratios (ORs) for high blood lead levels were calculated using multinomial logistic regression. Psychological symptoms were assessed using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6). ORs for depression (K6 ≥ 13 or ≥5) were calculated using logistic regression with adjustment for potential confounders. RESULTS The geometric mean of whole blood lead levels was 0.58 μg/dl (range 0.14-6.75 μg/dl). Higher blood lead levels were associated with older age (OR 1.79, 9 5% confidence interval [CI] 1.46-2.19), unmarried status (OR 1.75, 95 % CI 1.31-2.33), lower household income (OR 1.76, 95 % CI 1.38-2.24), and lower educational attainment (OR 1.34, 95 % CI 1.20-1.48). The percentage of women with K6 scores ≥13 and ≥5 was 3 % and 28.2 %, respectively. There was no significant association between lead exposure and K6 score (K6 ≥ 13: OR 1.00, 95 % CI 0.76-1.32; K6 ≥ 5: OR 0.98, 95 % CI 0.88-1.09). CONCLUSION Our results indicate a small but significant association between higher blood lead levels and lower socio-economic status in a population with low blood lead levels, but no association between low-level lead exposure and psychological symptoms.
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Taylor CM, Doerner R, Northstone K, Kordas K. Maternal Diet During Pregnancy and Blood Cadmium Concentrations in an Observational Cohort of British Women. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12040904. [PMID: 32224907 PMCID: PMC7230298 DOI: 10.3390/nu12040904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Few studies have investigated the extent to which diet predicts body Cd concentrations among women of reproductive age, and pregnant women in particular. The aim of this study was to examine diet as a predictor of blood Cd concentrations in pregnant women participating in the UK Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Whole blood samples were analysed for Cd (median 0.26 (IQR 0.14–0.54) µg/L). Dietary pattern scores were derived from principal components analysis of data from a food frequency questionnaire. Associations between dietary pattern scores and foods/food groups with blood Cd ≥ median value were identified using adjusted logistic regression (n = 2169 complete cases). A health conscious dietary pattern was associated with a reduced likelihood of B-Cd ≥0.26 µg/l (OR 0.56 (95% CI 0.39–0.81)). There were similarly reduced likelihoods for all leafy green and green vegetables (0.72 (0.56–0.92) when consumed ≥4 times/week vs ≤1 to ≥3 times/week) and with all meats (0.66 (0.46–0.95) when consumed ≥4 times/week vs ≤ once in 2 weeks). Sensitivity analysis excluding smokers showed similar results. The evidence from this study provides continued support for a healthy and varied diet in pregnancy, incorporating foods from all food groups in accordance with national recommendations, without the need for specific guidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline M. Taylor
- Centre for Academic Child Health, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, 1–5 Whiteladies Road, Bristol BS8 2NU, UK
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44(0)117-428-3099
| | - Rita Doerner
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Oakfield Grove, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK; (R.D.); (K.N.)
| | - Kate Northstone
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Oakfield Grove, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK; (R.D.); (K.N.)
| | - Katarzyna Kordas
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA;
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21
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Polevoy C, Arbuckle TE, Oulhote Y, Lanphear BP, Cockell KA, Muckle G, Saint-Amour D. Prenatal exposure to legacy contaminants and visual acuity in Canadian infants: a maternal-infant research on environmental chemicals study (MIREC-ID). Environ Health 2020; 19:14. [PMID: 32028962 PMCID: PMC7006412 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-020-0567-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal exposure to environmental contaminants can have deleterious effects on child development. While psychomotor, cognitive and behavioural outcomes have been investigated in relation to chronic exposure, the associations with visual functions remains unclear. The present study's aim was to assess the associations of prenatal exposure to legacy persistent organic pollutants and heavy metals with visual acuity in Canadian infants. The potential protective effects of selenium against mercury toxicity were also examined. METHODS Participants (mean corrected age = 6.6 months) were part of the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) study. Concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), lead and mercury were measured in maternal blood during pregnancy, as well as in the cord blood. The Teller acuity card test (TAC) (n = 429) and the visual evoked potentials in a sub-group (n = 63) were used to estimate behavioural and electrophysiological visual acuity, respectively. Multivariable linear regression models were used to investigate the relationship between exposure to each contaminant and visual acuity measures, while controlling for potential confounders. Breastmilk selenium, which was available for about half of the TAC and VEP samples, was also taken into account in the mercury models as exploratory analyses. RESULTS We observed no significant associations between exposure to any contaminants and TAC. Analyses revealed a negative trend (p values < 0.1) between cord blood lead and mercury and electrophysiological visual acuity, whereas PCB and PBDE showed no association. When adding breastmilk selenium concentration to the mercury models, this association became statistically significant for cord concentrations (β = - 3.41, 95% CI = - 5.96,-0.86), but also for blood levels at 1st and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy (β = - 3.29, 95% CI = - 5.69,-0.88). However, further regression models suggested that this change in estimates might not be due to adjustment for selenium, but instead to a change in the study sample. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that subtle, but detectable alterations of infant electrophysiological visual acuity can be identified in a population prenatally exposed to low mercury concentrations. Compared to behavioural visual acuity testing, electrophysiological assessment may more sensitive in detecting visual neurotoxicity in relation with prenatal exposure to mercury.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Polevoy
- Centre de recherche, CHU Sainte-Justine, QC, Montréal, Canada
- Département de psychologie, Université du Québec à Montréal, QC, Montréal, Canada
| | - T E Arbuckle
- Population Studies Division, Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Y Oulhote
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public health and health Sciences, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - B P Lanphear
- BC Children's Hospital, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
| | - K A Cockell
- Nutrition Research Division, Food Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - G Muckle
- École de psychologie, Université Laval and Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - D Saint-Amour
- Centre de recherche, CHU Sainte-Justine, QC, Montréal, Canada.
- Département de psychologie, Université du Québec à Montréal, QC, Montréal, Canada.
- Département d'ophtalmologie, Université de Montréal, QC, Montréal, Canada.
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22
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Barn P, Gombojav E, Ochir C, Boldbaatar B, Beejin B, Naidan G, Galsuren J, Legtseg B, Byambaa T, Hutcheon JA, Janes C, Janssen PA, Lanphear BP, McCandless LC, Takaro TK, Venners SA, Webster GM, Palmer CD, Parsons PJ, Allen RW. Coal smoke, gestational cadmium exposure, and fetal growth. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 179:108830. [PMID: 31678728 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gestational cadmium exposure may impair fetal growth. Coal smoke has largely been unexplored as a source of cadmium exposure. We investigated the relationship between gestational cadmium exposure and fetal growth, and assessed coal smoke as a potential source of airborne cadmium, among non-smoking pregnant women in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, where coal combustion in home heating stoves is a major source of outdoor and indoor air pollution. METHODS This observational study was nested within the Ulaanbaatar Gestation and Air Pollution Research (UGAAR) study, a randomized controlled trial of portable high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter air cleaner use during pregnancy, fetal growth, and early childhood development. We measured third trimester blood cadmium concentrations in 374 out of 465 participants who had a live birth. We used multiple linear and logistic regression to assess the relationships between log2-transformed maternal blood cadmium concentrations and birth weight, length, head circumference, ponderal index, low birth weight, small for gestational age, and preterm birth in crude and adjusted models. We also evaluated the relationships between log2-transformed blood cadmium concentrations and the density of coal-burning stoves within 5000 m of each participant's apartment as a proxy of coal smoke emissions from home heating stoves. RESULTS The median (25th,75th percentile) blood cadmium concentration was 0.20 (0.15, 0.29) μg/L. A doubling of blood cadmium was associated with a 95 g (95% CI: 34, 155 g) reduction in birth weight in adjusted models. An interquartile range increase in coal stove density (from 3.4 to 4.9 gers/hectare) surrounding participants' apartments was associated with a 12.2% (95% CI: 0.3, 25.6%) increase in blood cadmium concentrations. CONCLUSIONS Gestational cadmium exposure was associated with reduced birth weight. In settings where coal is a widely used fuel, cadmium may play a role in the putative association between air pollution and impaired fetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prabjit Barn
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Enkhjargal Gombojav
- School of Public Health, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Zorig Street, Ulaanbaatar, 14210, Mongolia
| | - Chimedsuren Ochir
- School of Public Health, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Zorig Street, Ulaanbaatar, 14210, Mongolia
| | - Buyantushig Boldbaatar
- School of Public Health, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Zorig Street, Ulaanbaatar, 14210, Mongolia
| | - Bolor Beejin
- Ministry of Health of Mongolia, Olympic Street-2, Government Building VIII, Sukhbaatar District, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Gerel Naidan
- School of Public Health, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Zorig Street, Ulaanbaatar, 14210, Mongolia
| | - Jargalsaikhan Galsuren
- School of Public Health, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Zorig Street, Ulaanbaatar, 14210, Mongolia
| | - Bayarkhuu Legtseg
- Sukhbaatar District Health Center, 11 Horoo, Tsagdaagiin Gudamj, Sukhbaatar District, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Tsogtbaatar Byambaa
- Ministry of Health of Mongolia, Olympic Street-2, Government Building VIII, Sukhbaatar District, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Jennifer A Hutcheon
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, 4500 Oak Street, Vancouver, V6H 2N1, Canada
| | - Craig Janes
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Patricia A Janssen
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Bruce P Lanphear
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Lawrence C McCandless
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Tim K Takaro
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Scott A Venners
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Glenys M Webster
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Christopher D Palmer
- New York State Department of Health, Wadsworth Center, Albany, NY, PO Box 509, 12201, USA; School of Public Health, University at Albany, State University of New York, One University Place, Rensselaer, NY, 12144, USA
| | - Patrick J Parsons
- New York State Department of Health, Wadsworth Center, Albany, NY, PO Box 509, 12201, USA; School of Public Health, University at Albany, State University of New York, One University Place, Rensselaer, NY, 12144, USA
| | - Ryan W Allen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, V5A 1S6, Canada.
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Bocca B, Ruggieri F, Pino A, Rovira J, Calamandrei G, Martínez MÁ, Domingo JL, Alimonti A, Schuhmacher M. Human biomonitoring to evaluate exposure to toxic and essential trace elements during pregnancy. Part A. concentrations in maternal blood, urine and cord blood. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 177:108599. [PMID: 31374401 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Exposures to toxic elements or deficiencies of essential elements during pregnancy may be associated to various birth complications or even diseases in early life. The aim of this paper was to assess the concentrations of selected toxic (As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb) and essential trace elements (Co, Cu, Mn, Se and Zn) in blood and urine samples of delivering women at different periods of gestation and cord blood, as well as to evaluate the placental permeability for these elements. A total of 53 women participating in the HEALS-EXHES study were enrolled. In particular, 48 blood samples from 1st trimester of pregnancy, 40 blood samples at delivery, and 31 cord blood at delivery were collected. Moreover, mothers' urine were sampled at the 1st (53 samples), 2nd (53 samples) and 3rd trimester (49 samples) of pregnancy. Results showed that Hg and Mn levels in cord blood were about 2.0 times higher than in maternal blood, suggesting that these elements may be transferred from mother to fetus. The cord blood levels of As and Pb were lower (ca. the 65%) than those in maternal blood, showing that the placenta modulates the rate of transfer for these elements. Essential elements as Cu and Zn showed significantly lower levels in cord than in maternal blood suggesting that the transplacental transfer of these nutrients was very limited. In addition, correlation between paired maternal and cord blood samples for As, Hg and Pb was statistically significant indicating that the fetal body burden may reflect the maternal exposure. Cadmium, Co, Cr, Ni and Se levels did not show significant correlations between maternal and cord blood. Maternal urinary concentrations of trace elements, including As, Cr, Cu, Hg, Se and Zn decreased along pregnancy, which may cause variations in fetal exposure. The levels of toxic and essential elements in maternal blood and urine, as well as in cord blood, were for most elements at the lower end of the ranges found in the scientific literature not being of special concern for pregnant women and the unborn.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anna Pino
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Joaquim Rovira
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira I Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Departament D'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira I Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26, 43007, Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain
| | | | - María Ángeles Martínez
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Departament D'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira I Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26, 43007, Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - José L Domingo
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira I Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | | | - Marta Schuhmacher
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira I Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Departament D'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira I Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26, 43007, Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain
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24
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Yıldırım E, Derici MK, Demir E, Apaydın H, Koçak Ö, Kan Ö, Görkem Ü. Is the Concentration of Cadmium, Lead, Mercury, and Selenium Related to Preterm Birth? Biol Trace Elem Res 2019; 191:306-312. [PMID: 30600504 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-018-1625-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Environmental pollution and exposure of people to heavy metals cause many bad obstetric outcomes. Our aim is to demonstrate the role of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and selenium (Se) in preterm labor etiology with a case-control study. In this study, between November 2017 and April 2018, preterm delivery mothers and term delivery mothers were compared in Çorum, Turkey. All deliveries were performed with cesarean sections and there were 30 mothers in the control group and 20 in the study group. The maternal blood, maternal urine, umbilical cord blood, and heavy metal levels in the amnion fluid in both groups were studied. Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry was used to determine the blood concentration of Cd, Pb, Hg, and Se. We found lower levels of selenium in blood and urine of preterm delivery mothers and umbilical cord and amnion fluids of preterm infants (p < 0.01). We found a statistically significant positive correlation at selenium levels between mother's blood and umbilical cord blood (r (50) = 0.896, p < 0.001) and between maternal urine and amniotic fluid (r (50) = 0.841, p < 0.001). We have not found a similar correlation between mother and fetus of other metals (p > 0.05). We found that selenium levels were lower in mothers who were preterm birth in the light of the data in our study. We could not determine the positive or negative correlation of Cd, Pb, and Hg levels in blood, urine, and amniotic fluid samples with preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Engin Yıldırım
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Hitit University, Corum, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Kürşat Derici
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Kirikkale University, Yahsihan, Kirikkale, Turkey.
| | - Emre Demir
- Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, Hitit University, Corum, Turkey
| | - Hakan Apaydın
- HUBTUAM Research Center, Hitit University, Corum, Turkey
| | - Özgür Koçak
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Hitit University, Corum, Turkey
| | - Özgür Kan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Hitit University, Corum, Turkey
| | - Ümit Görkem
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Hitit University, Corum, Turkey
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25
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Schofield K. An Important Need to Monitor from an Early Age the Neurotoxins in the Blood or by an Equivalent Biomarker. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16183425. [PMID: 31527390 PMCID: PMC6766009 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16183425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
An overwhelming amount of evidence now suggests that some people are becoming overloaded with neurotoxins. This is mainly from changes in their living environment and style, coupled with the fact that all people are different and display a broad distribution of genetic susceptibilities. It is important for individuals to know where they lie concerning their ability to either reject or retain toxins. Everyone is contaminated with a certain baseline of toxins that are alien to the body, namely aluminum, arsenic, lead, and mercury. Major societal changes have modified their intake, such as vaccines in enhanced inoculation procedures and the addition of sushi into diets, coupled with the ever-present lead, arsenic, and traces of manganese. It is now apparent that no single toxin is responsible for the current neurological epidemics, but rather a collaborative interaction with possible synergistic components. Selenium, although also a neurotoxin if in an excessive amount, is always present and is generally more present than other toxins. It performs as the body’s natural chelator. However, it is possible that the formation rates of active selenium proteins may become overburdened by other toxins. Every person is different and it now appears imperative that the medical profession establish an individual’s neurotoxicity baseline. Moreover, young women should certainly establish their baselines long before pregnancy in order to identify possible risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith Schofield
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-5121, USA.
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26
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Caspersen IH, Thomsen C, Haug LS, Knutsen HK, Brantsæter AL, Papadopoulou E, Erlund I, Lundh T, Alexander J, Meltzer HM. Patterns and dietary determinants of essential and toxic elements in blood measured in mid-pregnancy: The Norwegian Environmental Biobank. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 671:299-308. [PMID: 30928759 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.03.291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inadequate stores or intakes of essential minerals in pregnancy, or too high exposure to both toxic and essential elements, can have adverse effects on mother and child. The main aims of this study were to 1) describe the concentrations and patterns of essential and toxic elements measured in maternal whole blood during pregnancy; 2) identify dietary, lifestyle and sociodemographic determinants of element status; and 3) explore the impact of iron deficiency on blood element concentrations. METHODS This study is based on blood samples collected from 2982 women in gestational week 18 in The Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort study (MoBa) which were analyzed as part of the Norwegian Environmental Biobank. We derived blood element patterns by exploratory factor analysis, and associations between blood element patterns and diet were explored using sparse partial least squares (sPLS) regression. RESULTS Blood concentrations were determined for the essential elements (in the order of most abundant) Zn > Cu > Se > Mn > Mo > Co, and the toxic metals Pb > As > Hg > Cd > Tl. The concentrations were in ranges that were similar to or sometimes more favorable than in other pregnant and non-pregnant European women. We identified two blood element patterns; one including Zn, Se and Mn and another including Hg and As. For the Zn-Se-Mn pattern, use of multimineral supplements was the most important dietary determinant, while a high score in the Hg-As pattern was mainly determined by seafood consumption. Concentrations of Mn, Cd and Co were significantly higher in women with iron deficiency (plasma ferritin < 12 μg/L) than in women with plasma ferritin ≥ 12 μg/L. CONCLUSION Our study illustrates complex relationships and coexistence of essential and toxic elements. Their potential interplay adds to the challenges of studies investigating health effects related to either diet or toxicants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Henriette Caspersen
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Cathrine Thomsen
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Line Småstuen Haug
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Helle K Knutsen
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Lise Brantsæter
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Eleni Papadopoulou
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Iris Erlund
- Genomics and Biomarkers Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Thomas Lundh
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Institution of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jan Alexander
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Helle Margrete Meltzer
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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27
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Taylor CM, Doerner R, Northstone K, Kordas K. Dietary Patterns Are Not Consistently Associated with Variability in Blood Lead Concentrations in Pregnant British Women. J Nutr 2019; 149:1027-1036. [PMID: 31149708 PMCID: PMC6543203 DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxz023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During pregnancy lead crosses the placenta freely and can have adverse effects on the fetus, with the potential for lifelong impact on the child. Identification of dietary patterns and food groups in relation to measures of lead status could provide a more useful alternative to nutrient-specific advice to minimize fetal lead exposure. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate whether dietary patterns and food groups are associated with blood lead concentration (B-Pb) in pregnancy. DESIGN Whole blood samples were collected at a median of 11 wk gestation (IQR 9-13 wk) from women enrolled in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children birth cohort study, and analyzed for lead. Dietary pattern scores were derived from principal components analysis of a food-frequency questionnaire (32 wk gestation). Associations of dietary pattern scores (quartiles), and of food groups (frequency of consumption), with the likelihood of B-Pb ≥5 µg/dL identified with adjusted logistic regression (n = 2167 complete cases). RESULTS There was a negative association between the "confectionery" dietary pattern and the likelihood of B-Pb ≥5 µg/dL (OR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.41, 0.94) in an adjusted model. There were no associations with other dietary patterns. There was a positive association between the food group "all leafy green and green vegetables" and the likelihood of B-Pb ≥5 µg/dL (OR 1.45; 95% CI: 1.04, 2.01). Conversely, the food group "cakes and biscuits" was negatively associated (OR 0.63; 95% CI: 0.43, 0.93). After multiple imputation, there was a positive association of the "healthy" diet pattern and no association of the "confectionery" pattern. CONCLUSIONS We found limited evidence of an association between women's typical diet and B-Pb during pregnancy. Our findings do not indicate need to revise dietary guidance for pregnant women, who are advised to adopt a healthy diet in pregnancy, with a variety of foods consumed in moderation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline M Taylor
- Centre for Academic Child Health, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, UK
| | - Rita Doerner
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, UK
| | | | - Katarzyna Kordas
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
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28
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Abstract
Recent interest in seaweeds as a source of macronutrients, micronutrients, and bioactive components has highlighted prospective applications within the functional food and nutraceutical industries, with impetus toward the alleviation of risk factors associated with noncommunicable diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. This narrative review summarizes the nutritional composition of edible seaweeds; evaluates the evidence regarding the health benefits of whole seaweeds, extracted bioactive components, and seaweed-based food products in humans; and assesses the potential adverse effects of edible seaweeds, including those related to ingestion of excess iodine and arsenic. If the potential functional food and nutraceutical applications of seaweeds are to be realized, more evidence from human intervention studies is needed to evaluate the nutritional benefits of seaweeds and the efficacy of their purported bioactive components. Mechanistic evidence, in particular, is imperative to substantiate health claims.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Cherry
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, United Kingdom
| | | | - Pamela J Magee
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, United Kingdom
| | - Emeir M McSorley
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, United Kingdom
| | - Philip J Allsopp
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, United Kingdom
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29
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Famurewa AC, Ugwu-Ejezie CS, Iyare EE, Folawiyo AM, Maduagwuna EK, Ejezie FE. Hepatoprotective effect of polyphenols isolated from virgin coconut oil against sub-chronic cadmium hepatotoxicity in rats is associated with improvement in antioxidant defense system. Drug Chem Toxicol 2019; 44:418-426. [PMID: 31020860 DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2019.1598428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is a ubiquitous non-essential environmental and industrial toxicant that affects various organs in humans and experimental animals. Robust evidence confirms the contribution of oxidative stress to the pathogenesis of Cd-induced hepatic damage. Potent polyphenols found in virgin coconut oil (VCO) are free radical scavengers that may be beneficial against Cd hepatotoxicity. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the possible protective effect of polyphenols isolated from VCO on Cd-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats. Rats were pretreated with polyphenols isolated from VCO (10, 20, and 50 mg/kg, orally) 2 weeks prior to concurrent Cd administration (5 mg/kg, orally) for 5 weeks. Subsequently, liver damage, hepatic oxidative stress, and histopathological alterations were evaluated. In vitro antioxidant assays (DPPH and FRAP) were carried out on VCO polyphenols. Cadmium induced liver damage demonstrated by significant alterations in serum markers of liver damage, as well as pronounced decrease in albumin and total protein compared to control. Further, Cd remarkably depressed hepatic activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione (GSH) content. Hepatic lipid peroxidation was markedly increased as highlighted by malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Sub-chronic administration of VCO polyphenols to Cd-treated rats produced a significant hepatoprotective effect and restored hepatic oxidative stress markers comparable to control. The prominent improvement in histopathology of rat liver confirmed the biochemical findings. The findings suggest potential beneficial effect of VCO polyphenols on Cd-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats; the mechanism underlying this action is associated with improvement in antioxidant defense system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ademola C Famurewa
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Chioma S Ugwu-Ejezie
- Department of Haematology/Immunology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Eghosa E Iyare
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Abiola M Folawiyo
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Ekenechukwu K Maduagwuna
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Fidelis E Ejezie
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria
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Results of the first national human biomonitoring in Slovenia: Trace elements in men and lactating women, predictors of exposure and reference values. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2019; 222:563-582. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2019.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Wiseman CLS, Parnia A, Chakravartty D, Archbold J, Copes R, Cole D. Total, methyl and inorganic mercury concentrations in blood and environmental exposure sources in newcomer women in Toronto, Canada. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 169:261-271. [PMID: 30481602 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2018] [Revised: 10/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Measurements of total blood Hg (tHg), often used as a proxy for methyl Hg (MeHg) concentrations, are most commonly the focus of population-based studies. Data on Hg species in biomarkers can allow for a more nuanced characterization of environmental exposure sources and risk but their availability is limited, especially for newcomer populations. The purpose of the Metals in Newcomer Women (MNW) study was to address existing data gaps on metal concentrations and exposure sources in newcomer women (19-45 years) and to examine tHg, MeHg and inorganic Hg (iHg) in the blood of East and South Asian women recently arrived to Toronto. Study participants were recruited in 2015 (n = 211). Total Hg concentrations were determined using both ICP-Q-MS and isotope dilution (ID)-SPME-GC-ICP-MS. A sample subset (n = 76) was chosen for the analysis of blood MeHg and iHg concentrations (also using ID-SPME-GC-ICP-MS). Hierarchical regression models were used to assess associations between blood tHg concentrations and environmental exposure factors for MNW participants. For the sample subset, a log-linear model was used to examine associations between blood iHg and MeHg concentrations and fish consumption patterns. The geometric mean (GM) blood tHg concentration was 1.05 µg/L (95% CI: 0.88-1.25), which was elevated compared to Canadian-born women (GM: 0.57 µg/L; 95% CI: 0.49-0.66), in a specialized data analysis of the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS). GM concentrations for iHg and MeHg were 0.21 µg/L (95% CI: 0.16-0.28) and 2.66 µg/L (95% CI: 2.00-3.55), respectively. Significant distal determinants associated with blood tHg concentrations were: level of educational attainment, having lived in a coastal/fishing community prior to arrival, and global region of origin. Use of iron supplements and consumption of higher mercury fish species were also associated with tHg concentrations in the fully adjusted model. The study results demonstrate that blood Hg concentrations in newcomer women are slightly elevated, with some individuals in exceedance of recommended concentrations for women of reproductive age. The consumption of fish species low in Hg is recommended for newcomer women, especially those who consume fish frequently.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L S Wiseman
- School of the Environment, University of Toronto, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Canada.
| | - A Parnia
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - D Chakravartty
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Canada
| | | | - R Copes
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Canada; Public Health Ontario, Canada
| | - D Cole
- School of the Environment, University of Toronto, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Canada
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Barn P, Gombojav E, Ochir C, Laagan B, Beejin B, Naidan G, Boldbaatar B, Galsuren J, Byambaa T, Janes C, Janssen PA, Lanphear BP, Takaro TK, Venners SA, Webster GM, Yuchi W, Palmer CD, Parsons PJ, Roh YM, Allen RW. The effect of portable HEPA filter air cleaners on indoor PM 2.5 concentrations and second hand tobacco smoke exposure among pregnant women in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia: The UGAAR randomized controlled trial. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 615:1379-1389. [PMID: 29751442 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.09.291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2017] [Revised: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Portable HEPA filter air cleaners can reduce indoor fine particulate matter (PM2.5), but their use has not been adequately evaluated in high pollution settings. We assessed air cleaner effectiveness in reducing indoor residential PM2.5 and second hand smoke (SHS) exposures among non-smoking pregnant women in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. METHODS We randomized 540 participants to an intervention group receiving 1 or 2 HEPA filter air cleaners or a control group receiving no air cleaners. We followed 259 intervention and 253 control participants to the end of pregnancy. We measured one-week indoor residential PM2.5 concentrations in early (~11weeks gestation) and late (~31weeks gestation) pregnancy and collected outdoor PM2.5 data from centrally-located government monitors. We assessed blood cadmium in late pregnancy. Hair nicotine was quantified in a subset (n=125) to evaluate blood cadmium as a biomarker of SHS exposure. We evaluated air cleaner effectiveness using mixed effects and multiple linear regression models and used stratified models and interaction terms to evaluate potential modifiers of effectiveness. RESULTS The overall geometric mean (GM) one-week outdoor PM2.5 concentration was 47.9μg/m3 (95% CI: 44.6, 51.6μg/m3), with highest concentrations in winter (118.0μg/m3; 110.4, 126.2μg/m3). One-week indoor and outdoor PM2.5 concentrations were correlated (r=0.69). Indoor PM2.5 concentrations were 29% (21, 37%) lower in intervention versus control apartments, with GMs of 17.3μg/m3 (15.8, 18.8μg/m3) and 24.5μg/m3 (22.2, 27.0μg/m3), respectively. Air cleaner effectiveness was greater when air cleaners were first deployed (40%; 31, 48%) than after approximately five months of use (15%; 0, 27%). Blood cadmium concentrations were 14% (4, 23%) lower among intervention participants, likely due to reduced SHS exposure. CONCLUSIONS Portable HEPA filter air cleaners can lower indoor PM2.5 concentrations and SHS exposures in highly polluted settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prabjit Barn
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby V5A 1S6, Canada.
| | - Enkhjargal Gombojav
- School of Public Health, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Zorig Street, Ulaanbaatar 14210, Mongolia.
| | - Chimedsuren Ochir
- School of Public Health, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Zorig Street, Ulaanbaatar 14210, Mongolia.
| | - Bayarkhuu Laagan
- Sukhbaatar District Health Center, 11 Horoo, Tsagdaagiin Gudamj, Sukhbaatar District, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Bolor Beejin
- Mongolian National Center for Public Health, Olympic Street 2, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
| | - Gerel Naidan
- School of Public Health, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Zorig Street, Ulaanbaatar 14210, Mongolia
| | - Buyantushig Boldbaatar
- School of Public Health, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Zorig Street, Ulaanbaatar 14210, Mongolia
| | - Jargalsaikhan Galsuren
- School of Public Health, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Zorig Street, Ulaanbaatar 14210, Mongolia
| | - Tsogtbaatar Byambaa
- Mongolian National Center for Public Health, Olympic Street 2, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
| | - Craig Janes
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo N2L 3G1, Canada.
| | - Patricia A Janssen
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, Canada.
| | - Bruce P Lanphear
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby V5A 1S6, Canada.
| | - Tim K Takaro
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby V5A 1S6, Canada.
| | - Scott A Venners
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby V5A 1S6, Canada.
| | - Glenys M Webster
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby V5A 1S6, Canada.
| | - Weiran Yuchi
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby V5A 1S6, Canada.
| | - Christopher D Palmer
- New York State Department of Health, Wadsworth Center, Albany, NY, PO Box 509, 12201, USA; School of Public Health, University at Albany, State University of New York, One University Place, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA.
| | - Patrick J Parsons
- New York State Department of Health, Wadsworth Center, Albany, NY, PO Box 509, 12201, USA; School of Public Health, University at Albany, State University of New York, One University Place, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA.
| | - Young Man Roh
- College of Health Sciences, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Ryan W Allen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby V5A 1S6, Canada.
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Vejrup K, Brandlistuen RE, Brantsæter AL, Knutsen HK, Caspersen IH, Alexander J, Lundh T, Meltzer HM, Magnus P, Haugen M. Prenatal mercury exposure, maternal seafood consumption and associations with child language at five years. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 110:71-79. [PMID: 29089166 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2017.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Revised: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methyl mercury (MeHg) is a well-known neurotoxin and evidence suggests that also low level exposure may affect prenatal neurodevelopment. Uncertainty exists as to whether the maternal MeHg burden in Norway might affect child neurodevelopment. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association between prenatal mercury exposure, maternal seafood consumption and child language and communication skills at age five. METHODS The study sample comprised 38,581 mother-child pairs in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study. Maternal mercury blood concentration in gestational week 17 was analysed in a sub-sample of 2239 women. Prenatal mercury exposure from maternal diet was calculated from a validated FFQ answered in mid-pregnancy. Mothers reported children's language and communications skills at age five by a questionnaire including questions from the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ), the Speech and Language Assessment Scale (SLAS) and the Twenty Statements about Language-Related Difficulties (language 20). We performed linear regression analyses adjusting for maternal characteristics, nutritional status and socioeconomic factors. RESULTS Median maternal blood mercury concentration was 1.03μg/L, dietary mercury exposure was 0.15μg/kgbw/wk, and seafood intake was 217g/wk. Blood mercury concentrations were not associated with any language and communication scales. Increased dietary mercury exposure was significantly associated with improved SLAS scores when mothers had a seafood intake below 400g/wk in the adjusted analysis. Sibling matched analysis showed a small significant adverse association between those above the 90th percentile dietary mercury exposure and the SLAS scores. Maternal seafood intake during pregnancy was positively associated with the language and communication scales. CONCLUSION Low levels of prenatal mercury exposure were positively associated with language and communication skills at five years. However, the matched sibling analyses suggested an adverse association between mercury and child language skills in the highest exposure group. This indicates that prenatal low level mercury exposure still needs our attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine Vejrup
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Postbox 4404, Nydalen, NO 0403 Oslo, Norway.
| | | | - Anne Lise Brantsæter
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Postbox 4404, Nydalen, NO 0403 Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | - Jan Alexander
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Postbox 4404, Nydalen, NO 0403 Oslo, Norway
| | - Thomas Lundh
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, SE, 221 85 Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Per Magnus
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Postbox 4404, Nydalen, NO 0403 Oslo, Norway
| | - Margaretha Haugen
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Postbox 4404, Nydalen, NO 0403 Oslo, Norway
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Predictors of mercury, lead, cadmium and antimony status in Norwegian never-pregnant women of fertile age. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0189169. [PMID: 29206878 PMCID: PMC5716542 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0189169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The toxic trace elements mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and antimony (Sb) are transferred over the placenta to the fetus and secreted into the breastmilk. All four elements bioaccumulate in the body and as maternal age at delivery is increasing in industrialized countries, the burden of toxic trace elements in never-pregnant women of fertile age is of concern. Methods Healthy, never-pregnant women aged 18 to 40 years (n = 158) were recruited between June 2012 and March 2015 in Bergen, Norway. Clinical data were collected and non-fasting venous blood samples were analyzed for whole blood Hg, Pb and Cd and serum Sb by ICP-MS and related to diet and life style factors. Results In a multiple linear regression model, increasing age was associated with higher levels of Hg and Sb, but diet and life style factors were more important predictors. Median whole blood Hg was increased by a factor of 70 in women who had fish for dinner ≥1/week, compared to women who rarely or never ate fish (p<0.001). Alcohol intake was the strongest predictor for whole blood Pb, while use of tobacco was the strongest predictor for whole blood Cd. Being a vegetarian was associated with lower levels of both Hg and Sb. Conclusions As toxic trace elements tend to bioaccumulate in the body, increasing maternal age at delivery may represent a threat to the next generation. In a group of healthy Norwegian never-pregnant women, age contributed to Hg and Sb levels, but diet and life style factors were stronger determinants of whole blood Hg, Pb, Cd and serum Sb levels. Continuous public actions are needed to reduce modifiable and preventable sources of potentially deleterious toxins to minimize the exposure in children and fertile women.
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Schofield K. The Metal Neurotoxins: An Important Role in Current Human Neural Epidemics? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:E1511. [PMID: 29206191 PMCID: PMC5750929 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14121511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Revised: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Many published studies have illustrated that several of the present day neurological epidemics (autism, attention deficit disorder, Alzheimer's) cannot be correlated to any single neurotoxicant. However, the present scientific examination of the numerous global blood monitoring databases for adults that include the concentrations of the neurotoxic elements, aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), mercury (Hg), and selenium (Se) clearly indicate that, when considered in combination, for some, the human body may become easily over-burdened. This can be explained by changes in modern lifestyles. Similar data, solely for pregnant women, have been examined confirming this. All these elements are seen to be present in the human body and at not insignificant magnitudes. Currently suggested minimum risk levels (MRL) for humans are discussed and listed together with averages of the reported distributions, together with their spread and maximum values. One observation is that many distributions for pregnant women are not too dissimilar from those of general populations. Women obviously have their individual baseline of neurotoxin values before pregnancy and any efforts to modify this to any significant degree is not yet clearly apparent. For any element, distribution shapes are reasonably similar showing broad distributions with extended tails with numerous outlier values. There are a certain fraction of people that lie well above the MRL values and may be at risk, especially if genetically susceptible. Additionally, synergistic effects between neurotoxins and with other trace metals are now also being reported. It appears prudent for women of child-bearing age to establish their baseline values well before pregnancy. Those at risk then can be better identified. Adequate instrumental testing now is commercially available for this. In addition, directives are necessary for vaccination programs to use only non-neurotoxic adjuvants, especially for young children and all women of child-bearing ages. Additionally, clearer directives concerning fish consumption must now be reappraised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith Schofield
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-5121, USA.
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Taylor CM, Kordas K, Golding J, Emond AM. WITHDRAWN: Data relating to prenatal lead exposure and child IQ at 4 and 8 years old in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. Data Brief 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2017.08.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Data relating to prenatal lead exposure and child IQ at 4 and 8 years old in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. Neurotoxicology 2017; 62:224-230. [PMID: 28765090 PMCID: PMC5630198 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2017.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
As part of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), measures of child IQ were collected by trained psychologists. The Wechsler Pre-school and Primary Scale of Intelligence – Revised UK edition (WPPSI) was used at age 4 years in a subsample of children enrolled in ALSPAC (the Children in Focus cohort), chosen at random from the last 6 months of ALSPAC births (about 10% of the participants). At age 8 years all children enrolled in the main cohort were invited to complete a short form of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC)-III UK. Prenatal blood lead (B-Pb) concentrations were measured by inductively-couple plasma mass spectrometry in samples from women at a median gestation age of 11 weeks. Child blood lead was measured by atomic absorption spectrometry in samples from children attending the Children in Focus clinic at age 30 months. Maternal reports at 32 weeks’ gestation were used to generate data on a range of potential confounders. The data were used to determine the associations between prenatal exposure to lead and child IQ at 4 and 8 years. The effect of child B-Pb at 3 years as a moderator of these associations was tested. (For results, please see doi:10.1016/j.neuro.2017.07.003 Taylor et al., (2017)).
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Golding J, Hibbeln JR, Gregory SM, Iles-Caven Y, Emond A, Taylor CM. Maternal prenatal blood mercury is not adversely associated with offspring IQ at 8 years provided the mother eats fish: A British prebirth cohort study. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2017; 220:1161-1167. [PMID: 28754500 PMCID: PMC5584731 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2017.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Revised: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Conflicting evidence concerning possible harm from mercury (Hg) in regard to offspring cognition if the woman eats fish has prompted this study to examine evidence from a British pre-birth cohort to investigate the relationship between the two. Methods Pregnant women (median prenatal blood mercury 1.86 μg/L) resident in the study area with delivery between April 1991 and December 1992 were followed up and verbal, performance and total intelligence quotient (IQ) of 2062 offspring were measured at age 8. Analysis treated IQ as (a) continuous and (b) the lowest 25% of the distribution. Multiple and logistic regression analyses took account of social and demographic variables. Stratification considered children of fish eaters separately. Results Before adjustment, mean full-scale IQ increased with increasing Hg (change with 1SD of Hg = +2.02; 95%CI +1.40,+2.64 IQ points; P < 0.0001); after adjustment effect size was reduced although still positive (+0.61;95%CI -0.06,+1.29 IQ points; P = 0.073). The adjusted positive relationship was stronger when fish-eating mothers were considered separately (+0.84:95%CI +0.13,+1.56 IQ points; P = 0.021) in comparison with the outcomes for non-fish eaters, where the adjusted relationship was negative (-2.22;95%CI -5.00,+0.56 IQ points; P = 0.117). The binary outcome showed a similar pattern with the adjusted OR for non-fish-eaters 1.79 (95%CI 1.10,2.93; P = 0.019) per SD of Hg, significantly different from that for fish consumers (0.94;95%CI:0.82,1.08)(Pinteraction<0.05). There were no differences between the sexes in the associations, nor did the level of the mother’s blood selenium change the effect sizes. Conclusion The relationship between intrauterine exposure to mercury and offspring IQ appears to be benign provided the mother consumes fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Golding
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, School of Social & Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK.
| | - Joseph R Hibbeln
- Section on Nutritional Neurosciences, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health,5625 Fishers Lane, Rm 3N-07, MSC 9410 Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Steven M Gregory
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, School of Social & Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK.
| | - Yasmin Iles-Caven
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, School of Social & Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK.
| | - Alan Emond
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, School of Social & Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK.
| | - Caroline M Taylor
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, School of Social & Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK.
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Kim JH, Park Y, Kim SK, Moon HB, Park J, Choi K, Kim S. Timing of an accelerated body mass increase in children exposed to lead in early life: A longitudinal study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 584-585:72-77. [PMID: 28135615 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.01.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Revised: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In utero exposure to lead is known to cause various adverse health outcomes and early life obesity can affect permanent metabolic alterations leading to adverse health outcomes. To examine the relation between perinatal lead exposure and childhood obesity, lead level in cord bloods and growth- and obesity-related markers at birth were measured from 280 mother-child pairs. The weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) of children were measured at birth and followed up several times up to 27months of age. The relations between lead level and growth- and obesity-related markers were evaluated using a generalized linear model after adjustment for maternal age, maternal BMI, gestational period, cesarean section, and smoking status. The changes of child weight, height, and BMI z-scores at followed-up months of age after birth by lead exposure were evaluated using a generalized linear model after adjustment for covariates used in the analyses for growth- and obesity-related markers and child's gender. The lead level was positively associated with an increase of birth height (p=0.019) and a decrease of ponderal index at birth (p=0.027) in boys, but not in girls. Moreover, the lead level was positively associated with increases of BMI z-score after 18months of age (p=0.070 at 18months of age; p=0.003 at 24months of age; and p=0.002 at 27months of age). Perinatal lead exposure affected accelerated body mass increases at specific times of the children' development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Hee Kim
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Integrative Bioscience & Biotechnology, Sejong University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yelim Park
- College of Natural Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Koo Kim
- College of Medicine, Hallym University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Bang Moon
- Department of Marine Sciences and Convergent Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeongim Park
- College of Natural Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungho Choi
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Institute of Health and Environment, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungkyoon Kim
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Institute of Health and Environment, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Arbuckle TE, Liang CL, Morisset AS, Fisher M, Weiler H, Cirtiu CM, Legrand M, Davis K, Ettinger AS, Fraser WD. Maternal and fetal exposure to cadmium, lead, manganese and mercury: The MIREC study. CHEMOSPHERE 2016; 163:270-282. [PMID: 27540762 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Revised: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Given the susceptibility of the fetus to toxicants, it is important to estimate their exposure. Approximately 2000 pregnant women were recruited in 2008-2011 from 10 cities across Canada. Cd, Pb, Mn and total Hg were measured in maternal blood from the 1st and 3rd trimesters, umbilical cord blood, and infant meconium. Nutrient intakes of vitamin D, iron, and calcium (Ca) were assessed using a food frequency questionnaire and a dietary supplement questionnaire. Median concentrations in 1st trimester maternal blood (n = 1938) were 0.20, 8.79 and 0.70 μg/L for Cd, Mn and Hg, respectively, and 0.60 μg/dL for Pb. While the median difference between the paired 1st and 3rd trimester concentrations of Cd was 0, there was a significant decrease in Pb (0.04 μg/dL) and Hg (0.12 μg/L) and an increase in Mn (3.30 μg/L) concentrations over the course of the pregnancy. While Cd was rarely detected in cord blood (19%) or meconium (3%), median Pb (0.77 μg/dL), Mn (31.87 μg/L) and Hg (0.80 μg/L) concentrations in cord blood were significantly higher than in maternal blood. Significant negative associations were observed between estimated Ca intake and maternal Cd, Pb, Mn and Hg, as well as cord blood Pb. Vitamin D intake was associated with lower maternal Cd, Pb, and Mn as well as Pb in cord blood. Even at current metal exposure levels, increasing dietary Ca and vitamin D intake during pregnancy may be associated with lower maternal blood Pb and Cd concentrations and lower Pb in cord blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tye E Arbuckle
- Population Studies Division, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - Chun Lei Liang
- Population Studies Division, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Anne-Sophie Morisset
- Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada; Sainte Justine University Hospital Research Center, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mandy Fisher
- Population Studies Division, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Hope Weiler
- School of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Ciprian Mihai Cirtiu
- Centre de toxicologie du Québec, Institut national de santé publique Québec, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Melissa Legrand
- Chemicals Surveillance Division, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Karelyn Davis
- Population Studies Division, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Adrienne S Ettinger
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - William D Fraser
- Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada; Sainte Justine University Hospital Research Center, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Skröder H, Hawkesworth S, Moore SE, Wagatsuma Y, Kippler M, Vahter M. Prenatal lead exposure and childhood blood pressure and kidney function. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2016; 151:628-634. [PMID: 27611993 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Revised: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to lead, a common environmental pollutant, is known to cause cardiovascular and nephrotoxic effects in adults. Potential effects of early-life lead exposure on these functions are, however, less well characterized. OBJECTIVES To assess blood pressure and kidney function in preschool-aged children in relation to prenatal lead exposure. METHODS This prospective study in rural Bangladesh measured children's systolic and diastolic blood pressure in triplicate at the follow-up at 4.5±0.11 years. Their kidney function was assessed by the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), calculated based on serum cystatin C concentrations, and by kidney volume, measured by sonography. Exposure to lead was assessed by concentrations in the mothers' blood (erythrocyte fraction; Ery-Pb) in gestational weeks (GW) 14 and 30, the effects of which were evaluated separately in multivariable-adjusted linear regression analyses. RESULTS We found no associations between maternal exposure to lead [n~1500 for GW14 and 700 for GW30] and children's blood pressure or eGFR. However, we found an inverse association between late gestation lead and kidney volume, although the sample size was limited (n=117), but not with early gestation lead (n=573). An increase of 85µg/kg in Ery-Pb (median concentration at GW30) was associated with a 6.0cm3/m2 decrease in kidney volume (=0.4SD; p=0.041). After stratifying on gender, there seemed to be a somewhat stronger association in girls. CONCLUSIONS Prenatal lead exposure may cause long-lasting effects on the kidney. This warrants follow-up studies in older children, as well as additional studies in other populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Skröder
- Unit of Metals and Health, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | - Yukiko Wagatsuma
- Department of Clinical Trial and Clinical Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Maria Kippler
- Unit of Metals and Health, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marie Vahter
- Unit of Metals and Health, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Taylor CM, Golding J, Emond AM. Moderate Prenatal Cadmium Exposure and Adverse Birth Outcomes: a Role for Sex-Specific Differences? Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2016; 30:603-611. [PMID: 27778365 PMCID: PMC5111596 DOI: 10.1111/ppe.12318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Studies on the effects of moderate prenatal exposure to cadmium (Cd) on birth outcomes have been contradictory and it has been suggested that effects may be partly masked by sex-specific effects. Our aim was to examine the association of Cd exposure in a large group of pregnant women with birth outcomes in the whole group of participants and by sex. METHODS Pregnant women were enrolled in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Whole blood samples for singleton pregnancies with a live birth were analysed for Cd (n = 4191). Data collected on the infants included anthropometric variables and gestational age at delivery. Data were analysed using SPSS v18. RESULTS There were adverse associations of maternal blood Cd level with birthweight (unstandardized B coefficient -62.7 g, 95% CI -107.0, -18.4) and crown-heel length (-0.28 cm, 95% CI -0.48, -0.07) in adjusted regression models. On stratification by sex, maternal blood Cd level was adversely associated with birthweight (-87.1 g, 95% CI -144.8, -29.4), head circumference (-0.22 cm, 95% CI -0.39, -0.04), and crown-heel length (-0.44 cm, 95% CI -0.71, -0.18) in girls but not in boys in adjusted regression models. CONCLUSION In these pregnant women with moderate prenatal Cd exposure there evidence of adverse associations with birth anthropometry variables in the whole group. However, there was evidence of associations with anthropometric variables in girls that were not evident in boys. Sex-specific effects require further investigation in large cohorts as a possible contributor to the lack of associations generally found in mixed-sex studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline M. Taylor
- Centre for Child and Adolescent HealthSchool of Social and Community MedicineUniversity of BristolBristolUK
| | - Jean Golding
- Centre for Child and Adolescent HealthSchool of Social and Community MedicineUniversity of BristolBristolUK
| | - Alan M. Emond
- Centre for Child and Adolescent HealthSchool of Social and Community MedicineUniversity of BristolBristolUK
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Gregory S, Iles-Caven Y, Hibbeln JR, Taylor CM, Golding J. Are prenatal mercury levels associated with subsequent blood pressure in childhood and adolescence? The Avon prebirth cohort study. BMJ Open 2016; 6:e012425. [PMID: 27742626 PMCID: PMC5073590 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-012425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES There have been conflicting data suggesting that prenatal mercury exposure is associated with adverse cardiovascular measures in children. We therefore analysed a large prospective population study to investigate whether prenatal mercury exposure might influence offspring blood pressure (BP) and heart rate adversely. DESIGN Prospective birth cohort. SETTING The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). PARTICIPANTS Maternal whole blood collected in the first half of pregnancy was assayed for mercury and selenium. The offspring were followed throughout childhood and adolescence. OUTCOME MEASURES Offspring resting BP and heart rates measured under standard conditions on six occasions between ages 7 and 17 years (numbers analysed: 1754 at 7 years to 1102 at 17). RESULTS Statistical analyses took account of various factors present in pregnancy, including family adversity, maternal age, parity, smoking and alcohol intake. Unadjusted and adjusted regression analyses assessed the relationship between maternal prenatal mercury levels and offspring resting systolic and diastolic BP, and heart rates. A final set of analyses took account of selenium. Each analysis was carried out for all offspring, those whose mothers had, and those that had not, consumed fish during pregnancy. Further analysis for all offspring ascertained whether there were significant interaction effects between the sexes. There was little evidence to suggest that prenatal mercury exposure resulted in a clinically important increase in offspring BP in the whole group, since no effect size for an increase of 1 SD of blood mercury level was >0.3 mm Hg. Only 1 association was significant at p<0.05 and therefore likely due to chance. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals no evidence to support the hypothesis that prenatal mercury exposure has adverse long-term effects on offspring BP or heart rates during childhood or adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve Gregory
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Yasmin Iles-Caven
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Joseph R Hibbeln
- Department of Nutritional Neurosciences, LMBB, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Caroline M Taylor
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Jean Golding
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Wang A, Padula A, Sirota M, Woodruff TJ. Environmental influences on reproductive health: the importance of chemical exposures. Fertil Steril 2016; 106:905-29. [PMID: 27513554 PMCID: PMC5158104 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.07.1076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Revised: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Chemical exposures during pregnancy can have a profound and life-long impact on human health. Because of the omnipresence of chemicals in our daily life, there is continuous contact with chemicals in food, water, air, and consumer products. Consequently, human biomonitoring studies show that pregnant women around the globe are exposed to a variety of chemicals. In this review we provide a summary of current data on maternal and fetal exposure, as well as health consequences from these exposures. We review several chemical classes, including polychlorinated biphenyls, perfluoroalkyl substances, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, phenols, phthalates, pesticides, and metals. Additionally, we discuss environmental disparities and vulnerable populations, and future research directions. We conclude by providing some recommendations for prevention of chemical exposure and its adverse reproductive health consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aolin Wang
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California; Institute for Computational Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Amy Padula
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Marina Sirota
- Institute for Computational Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Tracey J Woodruff
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California.
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45
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Kim JH, Lee SJ, Kim SY, Choi G, Lee JJ, Kim HJ, Kim S, Park J, Moon HB, Choi K, Kim S, Choi SR. Association of food consumption during pregnancy with mercury and lead levels in cord blood. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 563-564:118-124. [PMID: 27135573 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.04.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Revised: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
In utero exposure to mercury and lead has been linked to various adverse health effects related to growth and development. However, there was no evidence on the relationship between food consumption during pregnancy and mercury or lead level in cord blood. Therefore we measured mercury and lead levels in bloods, urines, and cord bloods obtained from 302 pregnant women and estimated relationships between food consumption during pregnancy and mercury or lead level in cord blood to identify perinatal mercury and lead exposures originated from foods during pregnancy. Relationship between food consumption and mercury or lead level was estimated using a generalized linear model after adjustment for body mass index (BMI), delivery experience, income, recruitment year, and other dietary factors for mercury and age, BMI, cesarean section, delivery experience, recruitment year, and other dietary factors for lead. Fish consumption was positively associated with mercury level in cord blood (p=0.0135), while cereal and vegetable consumptions were positively associated with lead level in cord blood (p=0.0517 for cereal and p=0.0504 for vegetable). Furthermore, tea consumption restrained increase of lead level in cord blood (p=0.0014). Our findings support that mercury or lead exposure in Korean pregnant women may come from frequent fish and cereal or vegetable consumption while tea consumption may decrease lead exposure in pregnant women. Therefore, careful intervention through food consumption should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Hee Kim
- Department of Integrative Bioscience & Biotechnology, Sejong University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Su Jin Lee
- Department of Environmental Health, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Su Young Kim
- Jeju National University School of Medicine, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyuyeon Choi
- College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Jae Lee
- College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hai-Joong Kim
- College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungjoo Kim
- College of Medicine, Hallym University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeongim Park
- College of Natural Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Bang Moon
- Department of Marine Sciences and Convergent Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungho Choi
- Department of Environmental Health, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungkyoon Kim
- Department of Environmental Health, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Ran Choi
- College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon, Republic of Korea.
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46
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Taylor CM, Tilling K, Golding J, Emond AM. Low level lead exposure and pregnancy outcomes in an observational birth cohort study: dose-response relationships. BMC Res Notes 2016; 9:291. [PMID: 27260491 PMCID: PMC4893212 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-016-2092-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background National and international guidelines on safe levels for blood Pb in pregnancy focus on a threshold above which exposure is of concern. However, it has recently been suggested that the decrease in birth weight per unit increase in blood Pb is actually greater at lower than at higher concentrations of Pb without evidence of a lower threshold of effect. Our aim was to investigate whether there was evidence for a differential effect of maternal Pb levels on birth outcomes and/or a threshold value for effects. Methods Blood samples from pregnant women enrolled in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) were analysed. Data collected on the infants included anthropometric variables. We fitted adjusted multivariable fractional polynomial models for birth outcomes. Results Adjusted models that assumed a linear relationship between untransformed blood Pb and the outcomes provided the best fit: an increase of 1 µg/dl was associated with changes in birth weight of −9.93 (95 % CI −20.27, 0.41) g, head circumference −0.03 (95 % CI −0.06, 0.00) cm and crown–heel length −0.05 (95 % CI −0.10, 0.00) cm. Conclusion There was no evidence in this study to suggest a supralinear dose–response relationship or a lower threshold for the effect of maternal blood Pb on birth outcomes. This has implications for consideration of national and international guidelines on levels of concern in pregnancy. Exposure to Pb should be kept as low as possible during pregnancy to minimise adverse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline M Taylor
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK.
| | - Kate Tilling
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Jean Golding
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Alan M Emond
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
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Motawei SM, Gouda HE. Screening of Blood Levels of Mercury, Cadmium, and Copper in Pregnant Women in Dakahlia, Egypt: New Attention to an Old Problem. Biol Trace Elem Res 2016; 171:308-314. [PMID: 26521060 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-015-0525-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metals toxicity is a prevalent health problem particularly in developing countries. Mercury and cadmium are toxic elements that have no physiologic functions in human body. They should not be present in the human body by any concentration. Copper, on the other hand, is one of the elements that are essential for normal cell functions and a deficiency as well as an excess of which can cause adverse health effects. To test blood levels of mercury, cadmium, and copper in pregnant women in Dakahlia, Egypt. Using atomic absorption spectrophotometry, blood levels of cadmium, mercury, and copper were measured in 150 pregnant women attending to the antenatal care in Mansoura University Hospital in Dakahlia governorate, Egypt. The mean ± SD of blood mercury, cadmium, and copper levels were found to be far from their levels in the population surveys carried in developed countries like United States of America (USA) and Canada. Heavy metal intoxication and accumulation is a major health hazard. Developing countries, including Egypt, still lack many of the regulatory policies and legislations to control sources of pollution exposure. This should be dealt with in order to solve this problem and limit its health consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimaa M Motawei
- Forensic Medicine & Clinical Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
| | - Hossam E Gouda
- Obstetrics & Gynaecology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
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48
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Taylor CM, Golding J, Emond AM. Blood mercury levels and fish consumption in pregnancy: Risks and benefits for birth outcomes in a prospective observational birth cohort. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2016; 219:513-20. [PMID: 27252152 PMCID: PMC4970655 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2016.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Revised: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Background To avoid exposure to mercury, government advice on fish consumption during pregnancy includes information on fish species to avoid and to limit, while encouraging consumption of least two portions of fish per week. Some women may, however, chose to avoid fish completely during pregnancy despite potential benefits to the fetus. Objectives Our aims were to evaluate the effects of blood mercury levels in pregnant women on birth outcomes in the UK, and to compare outcomes in those who ate fish with those who did not. Methods Pregnant women were enrolled in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Whole blood samples for singleton pregnancies with a live birth were analysed for Hg by inductively coupled plasma dynamic reaction cell mass spectrometry (n = 4044). Fish intake was determined by a food frequency questionnaire during pregnancy. Data collected on the infants included anthropometric variables and gestational age at delivery. Regression models were adjusted for covariates using SPSS v23. Results There were no significant associations of maternal blood Hg level with birthweight, head circumference or crown–heel length in adjusted linear regression models. Similarly, there were no increased odds of low birthweight or preterm delivery in adjusted logistic regression models. When the models were repeated after stratification into fish-eaters and there were no associations except for a negative association with birthweight in non-fish-eaters (unstandardised B coefficient −58.4 (95% confidence interval −113.8, −3.0) g, p = 0.039). Conclusion Moderate mercury levels in pregnancy were not associated with anthropometric variables, or on the odds of low birthweight or preterm birth. Fish consumption may have a protective effect on birthweight. Consumption of fish in line with government guidelines during pregnancy should be encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline M Taylor
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
| | - Jean Golding
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Alan M Emond
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Golding J, Gregory S, Iles-Caven Y, Hibbeln J, Emond A, Taylor CM. Associations between prenatal mercury exposure and early child development in the ALSPAC study. Neurotoxicology 2016; 53:215-222. [PMID: 26880023 PMCID: PMC4819890 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2016.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Revised: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is evidence that high levels of mercury exposure to the pregnant woman can result in damage to the brain of the developing fetus. However there is uncertainty as to whether lower levels of the metal have adverse effects on the development of the infant and whether components of fish consumption and/or the selenium status of the woman is protective. METHODS In this study we analysed data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) (n=2875-3264) to determine whether levels of total blood mercury of pregnant women collected in the first half of pregnancy are associated with the development of the offspring at ages 6, 18, 30 and 42 months. The developmental measures used maternal self-reported scales for individual types of development (fine and gross motor, social and communication skills) and total scores. Multiple and logistic regression analyses treated the outcomes both as continuous and as suboptimal (the lowest 15th centile). The statistical analyses first examined the association of prenatal mercury exposure with these developmental endpoints and then adjusted each for a number of social and maternal lifestyle factors; finally this model was adjusted for the blood selenium level. RESULTS Total maternal prenatal blood mercury and selenium ranged from 0.17 to 12.76 and 17.0 to 324μg/L respectively. We found no evidence to suggest that prenatal levels of maternal blood mercury were associated with adverse development of the child, even when the mother had consumed no fish during pregnancy. In general, the higher the mercury level the more advanced the development of the child within the range of exposure studied. For example, the fully adjusted effect sizes for total development at 6 and 42 months were +0.51 [95%CI +0.05, +1.00] and +0.43 [95%CI +0.08, +0.78] points per SD of mercury. For the risk of suboptimal development the ORs at these ages were 0.90 [95%CI 0.80, 1.02] and 0.88 [95%CI 0.77, 1.02]. In regard to the associations between blood mercury and child development there were no differences between the mothers who ate fish and those who did not, thus implying that the benefits were not solely due to the beneficial nutrients in fish. CONCLUSIONS We found no evidence of adverse associations between maternal prenatal blood mercury and child development between 6 and 42 months of age. The significant associations that were present were all in the beneficial direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Golding
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, School of Social & Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
| | - Steven Gregory
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, School of Social & Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
| | - Yasmin Iles-Caven
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, School of Social & Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
| | - Joseph Hibbeln
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Alan Emond
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, School of Social & Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
| | - Caroline M Taylor
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, School of Social & Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
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Perinatal and Childhood Exposure to Cadmium, Manganese, and Metal Mixtures and Effects on Cognition and Behavior: A Review of Recent Literature. Curr Environ Health Rep 2016; 2:284-94. [PMID: 26231505 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-015-0058-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) neurotoxicity is well established. In recent years, a growing body of evidence suggests that environmental exposure to other metals including arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and manganese (Mn) and their mixtures also poses public health threats. In this paper, we summarize the recent literature examining the relationship of prenatal and childhood environmental metal exposures with cognitive and behavioral outcomes in children. We conducted a literature search to identify epidemiologic studies that examined the relationship of Cd, Mn, and metal mixtures with children's neurodevelopmental/cognitive and behavioral outcomes. We restricted the search to peer-reviewed studies published in English between January 2009 and March 2015. We identified a total of 31 articles of which 16, 17, and 16 studies examined the effects of Cd, Mn, or metal mixtures, respectively. Based on our review, there is suggestive evidence that prenatal/childhood Cd exposure may be associated with poorer cognition, but additional research is clearly needed. We found little evidence of behavioral effects of early life Cd exposure, and no studies found a significant relationship with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Studies of early life Mn exposure consistently reported negative impacts on both cognition and behavior. There is also growing evidence that co-exposure to multiple metals can result in increased neurotoxicity compared to single-metal exposure, in particular during early life. Few studies have evaluated behavioral effects related to metal co-exposure.
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