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Ahmad N, Muhammad A, Zafar R, Afzal U, Aslam M. Assessment of lead, cadmium, and mercury levels in the breast milk in Pakistani women. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:85903-85909. [PMID: 37395883 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28517-6] [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: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
The concentrations of potentially toxic metals like lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) in healthy lactating mothers of Lahore city were estimated during 2020-2021 with the help of a flame atomic absorption spectrometer (FAAS). Seventy samples of breast milk were collected from two different age groups, namely, G-1 (25-30 years) and G-2 (31-40 years). The results showed that Cd contents were below the detection limit of the measuring instrument; however, the Pb and Hg contents were detected with great ease. The mean concentrations of Pb and Hg in the G-1 corresponding to the age between 25 and 30 years were observed to be 1.914 ± 0.493 μg/L and 10.432 ± 3.249 μg/L, respectively. For the G-2 with an age limit between 31 and 40 years, the concentrations of Pb and Hg were estimated to be 2.045 ± 0.502 μg/L and 11.527 ± 3.231 μg/L, respectively. The T-test analysis of concentrations of these toxic metals indicated a significant correlation between the content levels of Pb and Hg (p < 0.05). The observed values of toxic metals were significantly more frequent than those suggested by WHO (World Health Organization). An increase in the concentrations of Pb and Hg is directly associated with the location of the target population. As a result, it is turned out that the majority of the lactating woman with significantly high levels of Pb and Hg belongs to industrial areas of Lahore. To avoid such conditions, residential areas must be at larger distances, in addition, to strictly abiding by the environmental policies of the government.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naveed Ahmad
- Department of Physics, Division of Science and Technology, University of Education, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Abbas Muhammad
- Department of Physics, Division of Science and Technology, University of Education, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Ramna Zafar
- Department of Physics, Division of Science and Technology, University of Education, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Usama Afzal
- Department of Physics, Division of Science and Technology, University of Education, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan.
- School of Microelectronics, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
| | - Muhammad Aslam
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21551, Saudi Arabia
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Developmental Programming in Animal Models: Critical Evidence of Current Environmental Negative Changes. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:442-463. [PMID: 35697921 PMCID: PMC9191883 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-00999-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) approach answers questions surrounding the early events suffered by the mother during reproductive stages that can either partially or permanently influence the developmental programming of children, predisposing them to be either healthy or exhibit negative health outcomes in adulthood. Globally, vulnerable populations tend to present high obesity rates, including among school-age children and women of reproductive age. In addition, adults suffer from high rates of diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular, and other metabolic diseases. The increase in metabolic outcomes has been associated with the combination of maternal womb conditions and adult lifestyle-related factors such as malnutrition and obesity, smoking habits, and alcoholism. However, to date, "new environmental changes" have recently been considered negative factors of development, such as maternal sedentary lifestyle, lack of maternal attachment during lactation, overcrowding, smog, overurbanization, industrialization, noise pollution, and psychosocial stress experienced during the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Therefore, it is important to recognize how all these factors impact offspring development during pregnancy and lactation, a period in which the subject cannot protect itself from these mechanisms. This review aims to introduce the importance of studying DOHaD, discuss classical programming studies, and address the importance of studying new emerging programming mechanisms, known as actual lifestyle factors, during pregnancy and lactation.
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Stoltzfus AT, Campbell CJ, Worth MM, Hom K, Stemmler TL, Michel SLJ. Pb(II) coordination to the nonclassical zinc finger tristetraprolin: retained function with an altered fold. J Biol Inorg Chem 2023; 28:85-100. [PMID: 36478265 DOI: 10.1007/s00775-022-01980-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Tristetraprolin (TTP) is a nonclassical CCCH zinc finger (ZF) that plays a crucial role in regulating inflammation. TTP regulates cytokine mRNAs by specific binding of its two conserved ZF domains (CysX8CysX5CysX3His) to adenylate-uridylate-rich sequences (AREs) at the 3'-untranslated region, leading to degradation of the RNA. Dysregulation of TTP in animal models has demonstrated several cytokine-related syndromes, including chronic inflammation and autoimmune disorders. Exposure to Pb(II), a prevalent environmental toxin, is known to contribute to similar pathologies, in part by disruption of and/or competition with cysteine-rich metalloproteins. TTP's role during stress as a ubiquitous translational regulator of cell signaling (and dysfunction), which may underpin various phenotypes of Pb(II) toxicity, highlights the importance of understanding the interaction between TTP and Pb(II). The impact of Pb(II) binding on TTP's fold and RNA-binding function was analyzed via UV-Vis spectroscopy, circular dichroism, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and fluorescence anisotropy. A construct containing the two ZF domains of TTP (TTP-2D) bound to Pb(II) with nanomolar affinity and exhibited a different geometry and fold in comparison to Zn2-TTP-2D. Despite the altered secondary structure, Pb(II)-substituted TTP-2D bound a canonical ARE sequence more selectively than Zn2-TTP-2D. Taken together, these data suggest that Pb(II) may interfere with proper TTP regulation and hinder the cell's ability to respond to inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew T Stoltzfus
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Courtney J Campbell
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Madison M Worth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Kellie Hom
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Timothy L Stemmler
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Sarah L J Michel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
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Determination of toxic elemental levels in whey milk of different cattle and human using an innovative digestion method: risk assessment for children < 6.0 months to 5 years. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:41923-41936. [PMID: 36640239 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-25059-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
In present study, the toxic elements, arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb), were determined in whey milk samples obtained from various cattle (cow, goat, buffalo, sheep, camel) and human subjects of different areas of Sindh, Pakistan, based on consuming drinking water (exposed area) and surface water (control/non-exposed area). The whey milk was separated from casein by lowering the pH, and heating in an ultrasonic bath at 60 °C for 5 min and centrifuged. The whey milk samples were treated with deep eutectic solvent, prepared from choline chloride-oxalic acid (ChCl-Ox) at different mole ratio. Effects of different parameters on digestion efficiency of whey milk samples, including time and temperature of electric hot plate, mole ratio, and volumes of deep eutectic solvent were examined. The total levels of all selected toxic elements were also detected in whole milk samples of all exposed and nonexposed cattle and human, after acid digestion method. The validity of the proposed method was established by a conventional acid digestion method of selected whey milk samples and spiked certified standards in replicate real whey milk samples. The resulted elements obtained after proposed and conventional heating system were determined by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. The % of all three toxic elements found in whey milk samples were 24 to 50% of their total content in milk samples of different cattle and human. The As, Cd, and Pb contents in cattle and human milk consumed contaminated groundwater was significantly higher (2- to 3-fold) than those values observed for milk samples of cattle, who receive drinking water from fresh canal water (p < 0.01). Estimating the daily intake, hazard quotient and carcinogenic risk for <6 month to 5 years old children, based on the concentrations of toxic elements in milk samples of different cattle and human..
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Sakamoto M, Haraguchi K, Tatsuta N, Marumoto M, Yamamoto M, Nakamura M. Breast milk contribution to tissue mercury levels in rat pups examined by cross-fostering at birth. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 208:112772. [PMID: 35063428 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.112772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The developing perinatal brain is vulnerable to methylmercury (MeHg) exposure. The contribution of breast milk to tissue MeHg levels in offspring is a significant public health concern because breast milk contains a certain amount of MeHg. Here, the contribution of MeHg transferred via breast milk to the Hg levels in the tissues of pups (Wistar rats) was investigated. Mated maternal rats were fed a MeHg (2 ppm)-supplemented or a control diet during pregnancy. Following parturition, male neonates from each group were cross-fostered between exposed or control dams, and they were further raised by dams fed a MeHg-supplemented diet or a control diet during lactation. Consequently, we evaluated three pup groups, which were raised by dams exposed to MeHg during pregnancy (P pups), lactation (L pups), or pregnancy and lactation (PL pups). Total mercury (THg) concentrations in the tissues of the offspring were measured at birth (postnatal day 0 [PD0]), during lactation (PD6, PD12, and PD19), and after weaning (PD29 and PD36). Blood and brain THg levels in the P and PL pups declined dramatically during lactation, however, there were no considerable differences between the two groups at PD6 and PD12. In contrast, blood and brain THg levels in the L pups increased slightly during lactation. The increase in the THg levels in the blood and brain of L pups at PD12 were approximately 3.3% and 1.5%, respectively, compared to the corresponding THg levels in the neonates in the P and PL groups. Our results suggest that if the MeHg exposure level during pregnancy is not high enough to cause neuronal development defects in the fetus, the exposure via breast milk is not a significant concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mineshi Sakamoto
- National Institute for Minamata Disease, Minamata, Kumamoto, 867-0008, Japan.
| | - Koichi Haraguchi
- National Institute for Minamata Disease, Minamata, Kumamoto, 867-0008, Japan
| | - Nozomi Tatsuta
- Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, 880-2112, Japan
| | - Masumi Marumoto
- National Institute for Minamata Disease, Minamata, Kumamoto, 867-0008, Japan
| | - Megumi Yamamoto
- National Institute for Minamata Disease, Minamata, Kumamoto, 867-0008, Japan
| | - Masaaki Nakamura
- National Institute for Minamata Disease, Minamata, Kumamoto, 867-0008, Japan
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Bao QJ, Zhao K, Guo Y, Wu XT, Yang JC, Yang MF. Environmental toxic metal contaminants and risk of stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:32545-32565. [PMID: 35190994 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-18866-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The relationship between toxic metals in the environment and clinical stroke risk remains unclear, although their role as immunotoxicants and carcinogens has been well established. We conducted a systematic review of the relationship between five metals (arsenic, mercury, copper, cadmium, and lead) and stroke. First, we comprehensively searched 3 databases (Pubmed, EMBASE, and Cochrane) from inception until June 2021. Random-effects meta-analyses, pooled relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were applied to evaluate the effect value. We finally identified 38 studies involving 642,014 non-overlapping participants. Comparing the highest vs. lowest baseline levels, chronic exposure to lead (RR = 1.07; 95%CI,1.00-1.14), cadmium (RR = 1.30; 95%CI,1.13-1.48), and copper (RR = 1.19; 95%CI,1.04-1.36) were significantly associated with stroke risks. However, the other two metals (arsenic and mercury) had less effect on stroke risk. Further analysis indicated that the association was likely in a metal dose-dependent manner. The results may further support the possibility that environmental toxic metal contaminants in recent years are associated with the increased risk of stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang-Ji Bao
- Graduate School, Qinghai University, Xining, 810016, Qinghai, China
| | - Kai Zhao
- Graduate School, Qinghai University, Xining, 810016, Qinghai, China
| | - Yu Guo
- Graduate School, Qinghai University, Xining, 810016, Qinghai, China
| | - Xin-Ting Wu
- Graduate School, Qinghai University, Xining, 810016, Qinghai, China
| | - Jin-Cai Yang
- Graduate School, Qinghai University, Xining, 810016, Qinghai, China
| | - Ming-Fei Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital, Xining, 810007, Qinghai, China.
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Nazlıcan E, Arıca E, Gören İE, Kılınçlı B, Mete B, Daglioglu N. The risk estimation and assessment of heavy metal exposure by biomonitoring in the breast milk of mothers in the Cukurova Region, Turkey. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:13963-13970. [PMID: 34599714 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16602-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Toxic heavy metals released into the environment through various industrial processes have potential adverse effects on the environment and human health. In order to reveal these adverse health effects, it is vital to carry out toxicological studies by performing biomonitoring. This study aimed to assess the level of Cr, As, Cd, Hg, and Pb in the breast milk samples of mothers in the Cukurova region, Turkey, and its association with health risk to infants. Ten-milliliter postpartum milk samples were collected from 34 breast-feeding mothers in the first 2 months of their postpartum period and living in the Cukurova region, Adana. The measurement of target heavy metals levels was performed by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). The average breast milk levels of Cr, As, Cd, Hg, and Pb were 8.25, 1.64, 0.37, 2.60, and 12.12 μg/L, respectively. Evaluation of breast milk samples for these toxic heavy metals revealed the high exposure level for Cr and As. However, the mothers who participated in the study were not occupationally exposed to these metals. This study showed that Cr, As, Cd, Hg, and Pb cross the placenta and blood-brain barrier prenatally and accumulate in breast milk postnatally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ersin Nazlıcan
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health, Çukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Enes Arıca
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Forensic Medicine, Dicle University, Diyarbakir, Turkey
| | - İsmail Ethem Gören
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Forensic Medicine, Cukurova University, 01330, Adana, Turkey
| | - Betül Kılınçlı
- Department of Food Chemistry, Adana Alparslan Turkes Science and Technology University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Burak Mete
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health, Çukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Nebile Daglioglu
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Forensic Medicine, Cukurova University, 01330, Adana, Turkey.
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Al-Saleh I. Health Risk Assessment of Trace Metals Through Breast Milk Consumption in Saudi Arabia. Biol Trace Elem Res 2021; 199:4535-4545. [PMID: 33544311 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-021-02607-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
We previously measured the levels of inorganic mercury, methylmercury, lead, cadmium, and manganese in the breast milk of 203 healthy Saudi mothers who participated in a cross-sectional study between 2011 and 2013. The current study aimed to (1) calculate reference values (RVs) for these metals in breast milk based on the 95th percentile of the metal and the corresponding 95% confidence interval following the approach of the German Human Biomonitoring Commission, and (2) assess the health risk associated with these metals (except lead) by determining the hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) for breastfed infants. The risk characterization for the lead was applied using the margin of exposure (MOE) approach. Moreover, the cancer risk (CR) associated with lead was calculated. The RV95s (percentage of samples for which the value was higher than the set value) for inorganic mercury, methylmercury, total mercury, cadmium, lead, and manganese in breast milk (μg/L) were 1.5 (7.9%), 1.5 (5.4%), 2.8 (8.9%), 2.5 (8.4%), 53 (11.3%), and 22.3 (11.8%) μg/L, respectively. The methylmercury, lead, and manganese levels in the present study were higher than those reported previously. The HQ for methylmercury greater than 1 was found in 68.5% of the samples, indicating there may be a potential non-carcinogenic health risk of infant exposure to the toxic metal via breast milk consumption. Despite the high cadmium and manganese levels in breast milk, our results suggested no health risk (HQ < 1). The HI representing the combined non-carcinogenic health risk of four metals was > 1, with methylmercury (74%) being the major contributor. The estimated MOE mean value of 0.134, less than 1, indicates that our breastfed infants may be at increased risk of neurodevelopmental impairments. The CR for lead in two infants was higher than the acceptable level of 1 × 10-4. Although our results may suggest potential carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks of infant exposure to toxic metals through breast milk consumption, the benefits of breastfeeding are well recognized and outweigh the potential risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman Al-Saleh
- Environmental Health Program, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia.
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Cherkani-Hassani A, Slaoui M, Ghanname I, Mojemmi B, Belhaj A, Kers B, Flayou M, Mouane N. Levels of mercury in Moroccan breast milk and the affecting factors: CONTAMILK study. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2021; 127:105065. [PMID: 34687771 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2021.105065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the level of mercury in the breast milk of Moroccan mothers and its association with several maternal parameters and habits, and to estimate the daily intake of the newborns. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to determine the concentrations of mercury in 70 colostrum samples. Indeed, a structured questionnaire was administrated during milk collection to report data concerning the maternal socioeconomic and anthropometric parameters, as well as dietary habits and smoking habits in the family, etc. The median of mercury in breast milk was 3,56 μg/L (range 1.64-124 μg/L) and exceeded normal levels of 1.7 μg/l, suggested by the World health organization in 99% of milk samples. Significant associations were found between mercury levels and the occurrence of previous miscarriages, anemia before pregnancy and vitamin & mineral supplementation during pregnancy, as well the frequency of consumption of cereals and the use of lipstick. The estimated daily intake was higher than the tolerable daily intake of the World health organization and the European food safety authority in 30% of newborns. These results need to be confirmed by multicenter studies to investigate the levels of mercury in the breast milk of the Moroccan population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abha Cherkani-Hassani
- Unit of Training and Research in Nutrition and Food Science, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Mohammed V, Rabat, Morocco; Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Mohammed V Rabat, Morocco.
| | | | - Imane Ghanname
- Faculty of Health Sciences, International University of Casablanca, Morocco.
| | - Brahim Mojemmi
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Mohammed V Rabat, Morocco.
| | - Abdelilah Belhaj
- Laboratory of Quality Control of Waters, National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE), Rabat, Morocco.
| | - Brahim Kers
- Laboratory of Quality Control of Waters, National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE), Rabat, Morocco.
| | - Majda Flayou
- Laboratory of Quality Control of Waters, National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE), Rabat, Morocco.
| | - Nezha Mouane
- Unit of Training and Research in Nutrition and Food Science, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Mohammed V, Rabat, Morocco; Department of Pediatric, Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Nutrition PIII-Children's Hospital, Rabat, Morocco.
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Basta PC, Viana PVDS, de Vasconcellos ACS, Périssé ARS, Hofer CB, Paiva NS, Kempton JW, Ciampi de Andrade D, de Oliveira RAA, Achatz RW, Perini JA, Meneses HDNDM, Hallwass G, Lima MDO, de Jesus IM, dos Santos CCR, Hacon SDS. Mercury Exposure in Munduruku Indigenous Communities from Brazilian Amazon: Methodological Background and an Overview of the Principal Results. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:9222. [PMID: 34501811 PMCID: PMC8430525 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18179222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The Amazonian indigenous peoples depend on natural resources to live, but human activities' growing impacts threaten their health and livelihoods. Our objectives were to present the principal results of an integrated and multidisciplinary analysis of the health parameters and assess the mercury (Hg) exposure levels in indigenous populations in the Brazilian Amazon. We carried out a cross-sectional study based on a census of three Munduruku indigenous villages (Sawré Muybu, Poxo Muybu, and Sawré Aboy), located in the Sawré Muybu Indigenous Land, between 29 October and 9 November 2019. The investigation included: (i) sociodemographic characterization of the participants; (ii) health assessment; (iii) genetic polymorphism analysis; (iv) hair mercury determination; and (v) fish mercury determination. We used the logistic regression model with conditional Prevalence Ratio (PR), with the respective 95% confidence intervals (CI95%) to explore factors associated with mercury exposure levels ≥6.0 µg/g. A total of 200 participants were interviewed. Mercury levels (197 hair samples) ranged from 1.4 to 23.9 μg/g, with significant differences between the villages (Kruskal-Wallis test: 19.9; p-value < 0.001). On average, the general prevalence of Hg exposure ≥ 6.0 µg/g was 57.9%. For participants ≥12 years old, the Hg exposure ≥6.0 µg/g showed associated with no regular income (PR: 1.3; CI95%: 1.0-1.8), high blood pressure (PR: 1.6; CI95%: 1.3-2.1) and was more prominent in Sawré Aboy village (PR: 1.8; CI95%: 1.3-2.3). For women of childbearing age, the Hg exposure ≥6.0 µg/g was associated with high blood pressure (PR: 1.9; CI95%: 1.2-2.3), with pregnancy (PR: 1.5; CI95%: 1.0-2.1) and was more prominent among residents in Poxo Muybu (PR: 1.9; CI95%: 1.0-3.4) and Sawré Aboy (PR: 2.5; CI95%: 1.4-4.4) villages. Our findings suggest that chronic mercury exposure causes harmful effects to the studied indigenous communities, especially considering vulnerable groups of the population, such as women of childbearing age. Lastly, we propose to stop the illegal mining in these areas and develop a risk management plan that aims to ensure the health, livelihoods, and human rights of the indigenous people from Amazon Basin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Cesar Basta
- Departamento de Endemias Samuel Pessoa, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (ENSP/Fiocruz), Rua Leopoldo Bulhões, 1480-Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, Brazil; (A.R.S.P.); (S.d.S.H.)
| | - Paulo Victor de Sousa Viana
- Centro de Referência Professor Hélio Fraga, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (CRPHF/ENSP/Fiocruz), Estrada de Curicica, 2000-Curicica, Rio de Janeiro 22780-195, Brazil;
| | - Ana Claudia Santiago de Vasconcellos
- Laboratório de Educação Profissional em Vigilância em Saúde, Escola Politécnica de Saúde Joaquim Venâncio, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (EPSJV/Fiocruz), Av. Brazil, 4365-Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil;
| | - André Reynaldo Santos Périssé
- Departamento de Endemias Samuel Pessoa, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (ENSP/Fiocruz), Rua Leopoldo Bulhões, 1480-Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, Brazil; (A.R.S.P.); (S.d.S.H.)
| | - Cristina Barroso Hofer
- Instituto de Pediatria e Puericultura Martagão Gesteira, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rua Bruno Lobo, 50-Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-912, Brazil;
| | - Natalia Santana Paiva
- Instituto de Estudos em Saúde Coletiva (IESC), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Avenida Horácio Macedo, s/n, Ilha do Fundão-Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-598, Brazil;
| | - Joseph William Kempton
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Medical School Building, St Mary’s Hospital, Norfolk Place, London W2 1PG, UK;
| | - Daniel Ciampi de Andrade
- Centro de Dor, Departamento de Neurologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Av. Dr. Enéas Carvalho de Aguiar, 255-Cerqueira César, São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil; (D.C.d.A.); (R.A.A.d.O.)
| | - Rogério Adas Ayres de Oliveira
- Centro de Dor, Departamento de Neurologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Av. Dr. Enéas Carvalho de Aguiar, 255-Cerqueira César, São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil; (D.C.d.A.); (R.A.A.d.O.)
| | - Rafaela Waddington Achatz
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psicologia Clínica do Instituto de Psicologia da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Av. Professor Mello Moraes, 1721-Butantã, São Paulo 05508-030, Brazil;
| | - Jamila Alessandra Perini
- Laboratório de Pesquisa de Ciências Farmacêuticas (LAPESF), Centro Universitário Estadual da Zona Oeste (UEZO), Av. Manuel Caldeira de Alvarenga, 1.203, Rio de Janeiro 23070-200, Brazil;
| | - Heloísa do Nascimento de Moura Meneses
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde (PPGCSA), Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará, Rua Vera Paz Av. Vera Paz, s/n, Bairro Salé, 1° Pavimento, Bloco Modular Tapajós, Unidade Tapajós, Santarém, Pará 68035-110, Brazil;
| | - Gustavo Hallwass
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biociências (PPGBio), Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará, Rua Vera Paz, s/n, Bairro Salé, Santarém 68035-110, Brazil;
| | - Marcelo de Oliveira Lima
- Seção de Meio Ambiente, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde, Ministério da Saúde (SEAMB/IEC/SVS/MS), Rodovia BR-316 km 7, s/n, Levilândia 67030-000, Brazil; (M.d.O.L.); (I.M.d.J.)
| | - Iracina Maura de Jesus
- Seção de Meio Ambiente, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde, Ministério da Saúde (SEAMB/IEC/SVS/MS), Rodovia BR-316 km 7, s/n, Levilândia 67030-000, Brazil; (M.d.O.L.); (I.M.d.J.)
| | - Cleidiane Carvalho Ribeiro dos Santos
- Distrito Sanitário Especial Indígena Rio Tapajós (DSEI), Secretaria Especial de Saúde Indígena Tapajós (Sesai), Av. Santa Catarina, 10° Rua, nº 96, Bairro Bela Vista, Itaituba 68180-210, Brazil;
| | - Sandra de Souza Hacon
- Departamento de Endemias Samuel Pessoa, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (ENSP/Fiocruz), Rua Leopoldo Bulhões, 1480-Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, Brazil; (A.R.S.P.); (S.d.S.H.)
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11
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Dórea JG. Neurodevelopment and exposure to neurotoxic metal(loid)s in environments polluted by mining, metal scrapping and smelters, and e-waste recycling in low and middle-income countries. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 197:111124. [PMID: 33861977 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This review covers a wide body of literature to gain an understanding of the impacts of informal activities related to metal extraction (primary mining and recycling) on early life exposure to neurotoxicants and on neurodevelopment. In primary mining, gold extraction with Hg amalgamation is the main environmental cause of Hg pollution in most artisanal small-scale gold mining (ASGM) activities around the world. Nevertheless, in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), Pb disrupted from gold-related ores, mining, and artisanal cookware production are an important neurotoxicant that seriously contaminates the affected population, with devastating effects on children. In e-waste recycling settings, the range of neurotoxic substances that contaminate mothers and children is wider than in primary mining environments. Thus, Hg and Pb are major pre- and postnatal neurotoxicants affecting children in the informal metal extraction activities and SSA countries show the highest record of human contamination and of neurotoxic effects on children. There are additional sources of neurotoxic contamination from mining and metal processing activities (cyanide tailing in South America and SSA) and/or co-exposure to Hg-containing products such as cosmetics (soaps and Hg-based skin lightning creams in Africa) and pediatric Thimerosal-containing vaccines (TCVs, that breaks down to ethyl-mercury) in current use in middle and low income countries. However, the action of these neurotoxicants (per se or in combination) on children needs more attention and research. Studies show a negative association between biomarkers of all environmental metal(loid)s (As, Cd, Hg, Mn, and Pb) studied and neurodevelopment in young children. Sadly, in many unregulated activities, child labor is widely employed, thus presenting an additional occupational exposure. Children living in polluted environments related to metal processing are disproportionately exposed to a wide range of co-occurring neurotoxic substances. The review showed compelling evidence from highly representative parts of the world (Africa, Asia, and Latin America) that the studied neurotoxic substances negatively affected areas of the brain associated with language, memory and executive function, as well as psychosocial behavior. Protecting the environment and children from unregulated and highly polluting metal extraction and processing are inextricably intertwined and deserve urgent attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- José G Dórea
- Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, 70919-970, DF, Brazil.
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12
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Dórea JG. Neurotoxic effects of combined exposures to aluminum and mercury in early life (infancy). ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 188:109734. [PMID: 32544722 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Aluminum and mercury are environmentally ubiquitous. Individually they are both neurotoxic elements with shared neuro-pathogenic pathways: oxidative stress, altered neurotransmission, and disruption of the neuroendocrine and immune systems. In the infant, Al and Hg differ in type of exposure, absorption, distribution (brain access), and metabolism. In environmentally associated exposure (breast milk and infant formulas) their co-occurrences fluctuate randomly, but in Thimerosal-containing vaccines (TCVs) they occur combined in a proprietary ratio; in these cases, low-doses of Thimerosal-ethylmercury (EtHg) and adjuvant-Al present the most widespread binary mixture in less developed countries. Although experimental studies at low doses of the binary Hg and Al mixture are rare, when studied individually they have been shown to affect neurological outcomes negatively. In invitro systems, comparative neurotoxicity between Al and Hg varies in relation to the measured parameters but seems less for Al than for Hg. While neurotoxicity of environmental Hg (mainly fish methyl-Hg, MeHg) is associated with neurobehavioral outcomes in children, environmental Al is not associated, except in certain clinical conditions. Therefore, the issues of their neurotoxic effects (singly or combined) are discussed. In the infant (up to six months) the organic-Hg and Al body burdens from a full TCV schedule are estimated to reach levels higher than that originating from breastfeeding or from high aluminum soy-based formulas. Despite worldwide exposure to both Al and Hg (inorganic Hg, MeHg, and Thimerosal/EtHg), our knowledge on this combined exposure is insufficient to predict their combined neurotoxic effects (and with other co-occurring neurotoxicants).
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Affiliation(s)
- José G Dórea
- Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, 70919-970, DF, Brazil.
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13
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López-Costas O, Kylander M, Mattielli N, Álvarez-Fernández N, Pérez-Rodríguez M, Mighall T, Bindler R, Martínez Cortizas A. Human bones tell the story of atmospheric mercury and lead exposure at the edge of Roman World. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 710:136319. [PMID: 31926414 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.136319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Atmospheric metal pollution is a major health concern whose roots pre-date industrialization. This study pertains the analyses of ancient human skeletons and compares them with natural archives to trace historical environmental exposure at the edge of the Roman Empire in NW Iberia. The novelty of our approach relies on the combination of mercury, lead and lead isotopes. We found over a 700-year period that rural Romans incorporated two times more mercury and lead into their bones than post-Romans inhabiting the same site, independent of sex or age. Atmospheric pollution sources contributed on average 57% (peaking at 85%) of the total lead incorporated into the bones in Roman times, which decreased to 24% after the decline of Rome. These values and accompanying changes in lead isotopic composition mirror changes in atmospheric Pb deposition recorded in local peatlands. Thus, skeletons are a time-transgressive archive reflecting contaminant exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olalla López-Costas
- EcoPast (GI-1553), Facultade de Bioloxía, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Spain; Archaeological Research Laboratory, Stockholm University, Wallenberglaboratoriet, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden; Laboratorio de Antropología Física, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Granada, Granada 18012, Spain.
| | - Malin Kylander
- Dept. Geological Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden; The Bolin Centre for Climate Research, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nadine Mattielli
- Laboratoire G-Time, DGES, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 50 (CP 160/02), Av FD Roosevelt, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Noemi Álvarez-Fernández
- EcoPast (GI-1553), Facultade de Bioloxía, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Spain
| | - Marta Pérez-Rodríguez
- Institut für Geoökologie, Abt. Umweltgeochemie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Langer Kamp, 19C, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Tim Mighall
- School of Geosciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Richard Bindler
- Dept. Ecology and Environmental Science, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
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14
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Dórea JG. Environmental exposure to low-level lead (Pb) co-occurring with other neurotoxicants in early life and neurodevelopment of children. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 177:108641. [PMID: 31421445 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) is a worldwide environmental contaminant that even at low levels influences brain development and affects neurobehavior later in life; nevertheless it is only a small fraction of the neurotoxicant (NT) exposome. Exposure to environmental Pb concurrent with other NT substances is often the norm, but their joint effects are challenging to study during early life. The aim of this review is to integrate studies of Pb-containing NT mixtures during the early life and neurodevelopment outcomes of children. The Pb-containing NT mixtures that have been most studied involve other metals (Mn, Al, Hg, Cd), metalloids (As), halogen (F), and organo-halogen pollutants. Co-occurring Pb-associated exposures during pregnancy and lactation depend on the environmental sources and the metabolism and half-life of the specific NT contaminant; but offspring neurobehavioral outcomes are also influenced by social stressors. Nevertheless, Pb-associated effects from prenatal exposure portend a continued burden on measurable neurodevelopment; they thus favor increased neurological health issues, decrements in neurobehavioral tests and reductions in the quality of life. Neurobehavioral test outcomes measured in the first 1000 days showed Pb-associated negative outcomes were frequently noticed in infants (<6 months). In older (preschool and school) children studies showed more variations in NT mixtures, children's age, and sensitivity and/or specificity of neurobehavioral tests; these variations and choice of statistical model (individual NT stressor or collective effect of mixture) may explain inconsistencies. Multiple exposures to NT mixtures in children diagnosed with 'autism spectrum disorders' (ASD) and 'attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders' (ADHD), strongly suggest a Pb-associated effect. Mixture potency (number or associated NT components and respective concentrations) and time (duration and developmental stage) of exposure often showed a measurable impact on neurodevelopment; however, net effects, reversibility and/or predictability of delays are insufficiently studied and need urgent attention. Nevertheless, neurodevelopment delays can be prevented and/or attenuated if public health policies are implemented to protect the unborn and the young child.
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Affiliation(s)
- José G Dórea
- Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, 70919-970, DF, Brazil.
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15
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Al-Saleh I, Al-Mohawes S, Al-Rouqi R, Elkhatib R. Selenium status in lactating mothers-infants and its potential protective role against the neurotoxicity of methylmercury, lead, manganese, and DDT. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 176:108562. [PMID: 31280027 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
A total of 206 lactating mothers and their infants (3-12 months) were included in this study to evaluate postnatal exposure to neurotoxic pollutants such as methylmercury (MeHg), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites [dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (DDD), and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE)] and their association with delayed neurological development and to explore the protective role of selenium (Se) against chemical neurotoxicity. Neurodevelopmental performance was evaluated using Denver Developmental Screening Test II and Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS). Multivariate log-binomial regression modeling was applied for both single and multiple exposures to chemicals using a principal component analysis that generated six principal components. Both mothers and their infants had been exposed to metals and DDT metabolites, with some exceeding the accepted permissible limits. The geometric means of MeHg, Pb, Mn, DDD, DDE and DDT levels in breast milk were 1.333, 45.327, 15.576, 0.069, 0.542 and 1.08 μg/l, respectively. A single-exposure model identified a high risk of reduced PEDS performance significantly associated with DDD in breast milk [relative risk (RR) = 1.484; 95% confidence interval (95%CI) = 1.091-2.019] and marginally significantly associated with Pb in the mothers' blood (RR = 2.164; 95%CI = 0.87-5.382). We did not find a protective role of Se in neurodevelopment due to its high levels in the mothers. Models of multi-chemical exposure indicated that Mn in blood and breast milk, Se in blood and Pb in the mothers' urine were marginally significantly associated with a high risk of reduced PEDS performance (RR = 0.424; 95%CI = 0.176-1.022). The use of multi-chemical exposure approach in early life risk assessments is important because it indicates real-world exposure. Our results were not conclusive because the sample size was small, so future studies examining the implications to health of the impact of prenatal/postnatal exposure to a mixture of chemicals in the Saudi population are merited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman Al-Saleh
- Environmental Health Program, Research Centre, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia.
| | | | - Reem Al-Rouqi
- Environmental Health Program, Research Centre, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rola Elkhatib
- Environmental Health Program, Research Centre, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
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16
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Johnston JE, Franklin M, Roh H, Austin C, Arora M. Lead and Arsenic in Shed Deciduous Teeth of Children Living Near a Lead-Acid Battery Smelter. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:6000-6006. [PMID: 31056909 PMCID: PMC6996839 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b00429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) is a potent neurotoxicant with no safe level of exposure. Elevated levels of Pb and arsenic (As) are found in the air and soil near facilities that recycle lead-acid batteries in the United States. In urban Los Angeles County, California, a facility processed ∼11 million batteries per year and operated for decades without proper environmental review. Measuring Pb and As in shed deciduous teeth is a promising technique to assess prenatal and early life exposure. In this pilot study coined the "Truth Fairy" Project, 50 shed deciduous teeth from 43 children living their entire lives within 2 miles of the smelter were analyzed to understand retrospective exposure to toxic metals using a community-driven research approach. Concentrations of Pb and As in teeth were assessed using laser-ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Soil Pb concentrations were determined using spatial kriging of surface soil measurements. The mean prenatal calcium normalized Pb levels in teeth samples (reported as a ratio 208Pb:43Ca) was 4.104 × 10-4 (SD 4.123 × 10-4), and the mean postnatal 208Pb:43Ca level was 4.109 × 10-4 (SD 3.369 × 10-4). Adjusted for maternal education and batch, we observe positive significant relationship between prenatal teeth Pb per 100 ppm increase in soil Pb (β = 3.48, 95% CI 1.11, 5.86). The Truth Fairy study suggests prenatal and early life exposure to toxic metals is associated with legacy soil contamination in an urban community near a smelter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill E Johnston
- Department of Preventive Medicine , University of Southern California , Los Angeles California 90032 , United States
| | - Meredith Franklin
- Department of Preventive Medicine , University of Southern California , Los Angeles California 90032 , United States
| | - Hannah Roh
- Department of Preventive Medicine , University of Southern California , Los Angeles California 90032 , United States
| | - Christine Austin
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York , New York 10029 , United States
| | - Manish Arora
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York , New York 10029 , United States
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17
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Kim K, Park Y, Je HW, Seong M, Damusaru JH, Kim S, Jung JY, Bai SC. Tuna byproducts as a fish-meal in tilapia aquaculture. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2019; 172:364-372. [PMID: 30731267 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.01.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Potentiality of the use of tuna byproducts as a fish-meal replacement on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) was examined for 84 weeks by tracking the concentrations of cadmium and mercury in the internal organs, muscles and fish whole body through generation including their immature eggs and their larvae. The results confirmed that the tuna byproducts can be used as a fish-meal substitute in tilapia aquaculture, because their acceptable ranges for cadmium and mercury consequently did not exceed the food safety values (both < 0.5 mg kg-1), despite their proportional increases in the fish body. The use of tuna byproducts as a protein source is expected to reduce the cost of feed with other fishmeal substitutes in tilapia aquaculture. However, fish (flounder) indiscriminately consuming tuna byproduct feed were prohibited and recalls of sales were issued by the government (July 2018, Republic of Korea), as the threshold for mercury in the fish bodies had been exceeded (0.6-0.8 mg kg-1). Further study of the use of tuna byproducts as fishmeal replacements for other species in aquaculture is needed, as concentration ratios can vary depending on the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyochan Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, KAIST, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngjin Park
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Universitetsalléen 11, 8049 Bodø, Norway
| | - Hyeong-Woo Je
- Department of Marine Bio-materials and Aquaculture / Feeds & Foods Nutrition Research Center, Pukyong National University, 365 Sinseon-ro, Nam-gu, Busan 48547, Republic of Korea
| | - Minji Seong
- Department of Marine Bio-materials and Aquaculture / Feeds & Foods Nutrition Research Center, Pukyong National University, 365 Sinseon-ro, Nam-gu, Busan 48547, Republic of Korea
| | - Jim Hyacinth Damusaru
- Department of Fisheries, School of Maritime Studies & Technology, Solomon Islands National University, PO. Box R113, Honiara, Solomon Islands
| | - Soohwan Kim
- Department of Marine Life Science, Jeju National University, 102 Jejudaehak-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju Island 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - Joo-Young Jung
- Department of Marine Bio-materials and Aquaculture / Feeds & Foods Nutrition Research Center, Pukyong National University, 365 Sinseon-ro, Nam-gu, Busan 48547, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sungchul C Bai
- Department of Marine Bio-materials and Aquaculture / Feeds & Foods Nutrition Research Center, Pukyong National University, 365 Sinseon-ro, Nam-gu, Busan 48547, Republic of Korea.
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18
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Samiee F, Vahidinia A, Taravati Javad M, Leili M. Exposure to heavy metals released to the environment through breastfeeding: A probabilistic risk estimation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 650:3075-3083. [PMID: 30373084 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.10.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Toxic heavy metals released into the environment through various anthropogenic activities, raising concerns over their potential adverse effects on human health and the environment. Biological monitoring studies are of great value in toxicological research for estimation of such health effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and chromium (Cr) in the breast milk of urban mothers in Hamadan city, Iran and the accompanying health risk to infants. A total of 100 lactating mothers were recruited from public health care centers in Hamadan city and breast milk samples were collected at 2, 6, 8, and 12 months postpartum. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) has been used to measure target heavy metal concentrations. The median breast milk concentrations of Pb, As, and Cr were 41.90, 0.50, and 3.95 μg/L, respectively. The highest levels of Pb were observed after two months of delivery (with the mean of 96.69 μg/L and median of 45.70 μg/L). Up to 94% of the breast milk samples exceeded the WHO limit suggested for lead contamination of breast milk (<5 μg/L). The breast milk As and Cr contents were above the limit of detection (LOD) in 19% and 76% of samples, respectively. Unacceptable non-cancer health risk levels or hazard quotient (HQ) were found for Pb and As in 61% and 10% of the samples, respectively. Nevertheless, HQ from Cr was <1.0 for 100% of breastfeeding infants. Finally, our results indicated that there may be a potential risk of toxic metals, especially lead, for infants in Hamadan via the consumption of mothers' breast milk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fateme Samiee
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Research Center for Health Sciences, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Aliasghar Vahidinia
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, Nutrition Health Research Center, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
| | | | - Mostafa Leili
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Research Center for Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
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19
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Peterson SH, Ackerman JT, Crocker DE, Costa DP. Foraging and fasting can influence contaminant concentrations in animals: an example with mercury contamination in a free-ranging marine mammal. Proc Biol Sci 2019; 285:rspb.2017.2782. [PMID: 29436501 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.2782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Large fluctuations in animal body mass in relation to life-history events can influence contaminant concentrations and toxicological risk. We quantified mercury concentrations in adult northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) before and after lengthy at sea foraging trips (n = 89) or fasting periods on land (n = 27), and showed that mercury concentrations in blood and muscle changed in response to these events. The highest blood mercury concentrations were observed after the breeding fast, whereas the highest muscle mercury concentrations were observed when seals returned to land to moult. Mean female blood mercury concentrations decreased by 30% across each of the two annual foraging trips, demonstrating a foraging-associated dilution of mercury concentrations as seals gained mass. Blood mercury concentrations increased by 103% and 24% across the breeding and moulting fasts, respectively, demonstrating a fasting-associated concentration of mercury as seals lost mass. In contrast to blood, mercury concentrations in female's muscle increased by 19% during the post-breeding foraging trip and did not change during the post-moulting foraging trip. While fasting, female muscle mercury concentrations increased 26% during breeding, but decreased 14% during moulting. Consequently, regardless of exposure, an animal's contaminant concentration can be markedly influenced by their annual life-history events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah H Peterson
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA .,Institute of Marine Science, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA.,US Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon Field Station, Dixon, CA, USA
| | - Joshua T Ackerman
- US Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon Field Station, Dixon, CA, USA
| | - Daniel E Crocker
- Department of Biology, Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, CA, USA
| | - Daniel P Costa
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
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20
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Vahidinia A, Samiee F, Faradmal J, Rahmani A, Taravati Javad M, Leili M. Mercury, Lead, Cadmium, and Barium Levels in Human Breast Milk and Factors Affecting Their Concentrations in Hamadan, Iran. Biol Trace Elem Res 2019; 187:32-40. [PMID: 29700700 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-018-1355-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Breast milk is considered the best source of nutrition for all infants. However, exposure of newborns to toxic metals is of special interest due to their potential harmful effects. Thus, the primary aims of this study were to determine the concentration of toxic heavy metals including lead, mercury, cadmium, and barium in breast milk samples from Hamadan, Iran, in relation to some sociodemographic variables. A total of 100 breast milk samples were collected and their heavy metal contents were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). The median breast milk concentrations of Pb, Hg, and Ba were 41.9, 2.8, and 1.95 μg/L, respectively. Cd levels were < 1 μg/L in all samples. The Pb level in 94% of the samples was higher than the recommended Pb limit of < 5 μg/L in breast milk suggested by World Health Organization (WHO). Hg levels in 54% of the breast milk samples were higher than the normal mean concentration (1.7 μg/L) suggested by WHO. We found no correlation between Hg levels in breast milk and sociodemographic factors. Ba levels in all the breast milk samples were lower than the WHO's proposed health-based drinking water guideline (0.7 mg/L). Considering the results of the present study and the vulnerability of infants, along with the well-known toxicity of these metals, further studies are warranted to identify the main sources of exposure that contribute their concentration in breast milk, establish harmless intake values of toxic metals in breast milk, and develop preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliasghar Vahidinia
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, Nutrition Health Research Center, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Fateme Samiee
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Research Center for Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Javad Faradmal
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Modeling of Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Alireza Rahmani
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Research Center for Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Taravati Javad
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mostafa Leili
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Research Center for Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
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21
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Bede-Ojimadu O, Amadi CN, Orisakwe OE. Blood Lead Levels in Women of Child-Bearing Age in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review. Front Public Health 2018; 6:367. [PMID: 30619808 PMCID: PMC6305709 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2018.00367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper reported available studies on blood lead level of childbearing age in Sub-Saharan African women. PubMed and Google scholar databases were searched for original articles reporting blood lead levels of women of childbearing age in Sub-Saharan Africa. Searches were not limited to year of study but limited to studies published in English Language. Data were extracted and synthesized by estimating the weighted mean of the reported blood lead levels. Fifteen papers fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Mean blood lead levels of women in the studies ranged from 0.83 to 99 μg/dl. The overall weighted mean of blood lead levels was 24.73 μg/dl. The weighted mean from analyses of data on blood lead levels of pregnant women alone was 26.24 μg/dl. Identified sources of lead exposure included lead mine, informal lead-acid battery recycling, leaded gasoline and piped water. Elevated BLLs were associated with incidence of preeclampsia, hypertension, and malaria. Important contributing factors for elevated blood lead levels (BLL) in these women include poverty, high environmental lead burden, low awareness on lead exposure hazards and lack of regulation for lead in consumer products. BLLs of women of childbearing age in SSA are unacceptably high. There is need therefore, for aggressive programs to address lead exposure in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onyinyechi Bede-Ojimadu
- Department of Chemical pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
| | - Cecilia Nwadiuto Amadi
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Port-Harcourt, Port-Harcourt, Nigeria
| | - Orish Ebere Orisakwe
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Port-Harcourt, Port-Harcourt, Nigeria
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Taravati Javad M, Vahidinia A, Samiee F, Elaridi J, Leili M, Faradmal J, Rahmani A. Analysis of aluminum, minerals and trace elements in the milk samples from lactating mothers in Hamadan, Iran. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2018; 50:8-15. [PMID: 30262320 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2018.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Revised: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The present cross-sectional study is aimed at analyzing the breast milk of lactating mothers in Hamadan, Iran for aluminum and several minerals and trace elements. Ten governmental health care centers were utilized to facilitate collection of breast milk samples. The breast milk samples were collected at 1, 2, 6, 7, and 12 months postpartum from one hundred healthy lactating women, who delivered full-term newborns. Detection of sodium (Na), zinc (Zn), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg) and aluminum (Al) levels was conducted with the use of Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). This method has shown high accuracy, precision, sensitivity, and linearity for the wide range of concentrations. The accumulated data were not normally distributed; thus, the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test was used in the statistical analysis of the results. Mean concentrations of Fe, Zn, Cu, Ca, Mg, and Na were 0.75, 1.38, 0.35, 255, 34.58, and 155.72 μg/mL, respectively. The mean level of Al, a well-known neurotoxic metal, was determined to be an alarming 0.191 μg/mL. Moreover, 95% of participants contained very harmful concentrations of Al in their milk. This study also revealed Zn deficiency in about 50% of milk samples. Further investigation is needed to elucidate sources of exposure and factors that may influence maternal and fetal exposure to aluminum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoumeh Taravati Javad
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
| | - Aliasghar Vahidinia
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, Nutrition Health Research Center, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
| | - Fateme Samiee
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Research Center for Health Sciences, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
| | - Jomana Elaridi
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Mostafa Leili
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Research Center for Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
| | - Javad Faradmal
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Modeling of Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
| | - Alireza Rahmani
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Research Center for Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
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Dórea JG. Multiple low-level exposures: Hg interactions with co-occurring neurotoxic substances in early life. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2018; 1863:129243. [PMID: 30385391 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2018.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
All chemical forms of Hg can affect neurodevelopment; however, low levels of organic Hg (methylmercury-MeHg and ethylmercury-EtHg in Thimerosal-containing vaccines, hereafter 'TCV') exposures during early life (pregnancy and lactation) co-occur with other environmental neurotoxic substances. These neurotoxicants may act in parallel, synergistically, or antagonistically to Hg. Nevertheless, the risks of neurotoxicity associated with multiple neuro-toxicants depend on type, time, combinations of exposure, and environmental and/or genetic-associated factors. Neurological developmental disorders, delays in cognition and behavioral outcomes associated with multiple exposures (which include Hg) may show transient or lasting outcomes depending on constitutional and/or environmental factors that can interact to neutralize, aggravate or attenuate these effects; often these studies are challenging to interpret. During pregnancy and lactation, fish-MeHg exposure is frequently confounded with the opposing effects of neuroactive nutrients (in fish) that lead to positive, negative, or no effects on neurobehavioral tests. In infancy, exposures to acute binary mixtures (TCV- EtHg and Al-adjuvants in infant immunizations) are associated with increased risks of tics and other developmental disorders. Despite the certitude that promulgates single environmental neurotoxicants, empirical comparisons of combined exposures indicate that Hg-related outcome is uneven. Hg in combination with other neurotoxic mixtures may elevate risks of neurotoxicity, but these risks arise in circumstances that are not yet predictable. Therefore, to achieve the goals of the Minamata treaty and to safeguard the health of children, low levels of mercury exposure (in any chemical form) needs to be further reduced whether the source is environmental (air- and food-borne) or iatrogenic (pediatric TCVs).
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Affiliation(s)
- José G Dórea
- Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 70919-970, DF, Brazil..
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Lazarus M, Sekovanić A, Orct T, Reljić S, Jurasović J, Huber Đ. Sexual Maturity and Life Stage Influences Toxic Metal Accumulation in Croatian Brown Bears. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2018; 74:339-348. [PMID: 29230529 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-017-0487-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The influence of reproductive and (early) life stages on toxic metal levels was investigated in the brown bear (Ursus arctos), the largest mammalian predator species in Croatia. The purpose was to examine critical clusters in a population that might be at a higher risk of adverse health effects caused by metals as environmental contaminants. Levels of cadmium, mercury and lead in muscle, liver and kidney cortex of 325 male and 139 female bears, quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, were analysed according to distinct bear life stages (young: cub, yearling, subadult; mature: adult). Metal levels did not differ among sexes in young animals (< 4 years), except for mercury in muscles (higher in females), and adult females had higher cadmium and mercury. A trend of renal cadmium accumulation with age in immature male animals disappeared once they reached maturity, whereas for females this trend has only slowly declined in mature compared to immature bears. In early life stage (< 1 year), bear cubs had lower cadmium, comparable mercury, and higher lead in the kidneys than the bears of the following age category (yearlings). Due to a higher proportion of renal lead transfer from the mother to the cub compared with cadmium, it may be that the high burden of cadmium found in kidneys of older females has lower toxicological concern for their cubs than the lead content. Sex, reproductive, and life stages of bears were confirmed as important in assessing toxic metal burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Lazarus
- Analytical Toxicology and Mineral Metabolism Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, P.O. Box 291, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Ankica Sekovanić
- Analytical Toxicology and Mineral Metabolism Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, P.O. Box 291, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tatjana Orct
- Analytical Toxicology and Mineral Metabolism Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, P.O. Box 291, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Slaven Reljić
- Department of Biology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Jasna Jurasović
- Analytical Toxicology and Mineral Metabolism Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, P.O. Box 291, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Đuro Huber
- Department of Biology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
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Park Y, Lee A, Choi K, Kim HJ, Lee JJ, Choi G, Kim S, Kim SY, Cho GJ, Suh E, Kim SK, Eun SH, Eom S, Kim S, Kim GH, Moon HB, Kim S, Choi S, Kim YD, Kim J, Park J. Exposure to lead and mercury through breastfeeding during the first month of life: A CHECK cohort study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 612:876-883. [PMID: 28886539 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.08.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Mercury and lead are naturally occurring toxicants and are responsible for various health issues including neurobehavioral and developmental disorders. Because of crucial synchronized developmental processes occurring at the early stage of life, infancy and childhood are considered as among the most susceptible windows to the exposure to these metals. Breastmilk is often the only source of nutrition during the first months of life. As breastmilk can be contaminated with these metals, breastfeeding may serve as a significant route of heavy metal exposure among infants. In order to understand current levels of exposure to mercury and lead through breastfeeding, and their associated risks, a total of 157 lactating mothers were recruited from Children's Health and Environmental Chemicals of Korea (CHECK) cohort, and breastmilk samples were collected at 15 and 30days after delivery (n=207). Mercury was detected from 100% of breastmilk with a median concentration of 0.59μg/L, and lead was detected in 77% of the samples with a median at 4.71μg/L. Higher concentrations of lead were found in the 30- day breastmilk than in the 15-day. Up to 45% of the breastmilk samples exceeded the normal range of the breastmilk lead suggested by WHO. Based on Monte Carlo simulation, about 71% of 15days old infants and 56% of 30days old infants were estimated at risk due to lead exposure through breastfeeding. Considering vulnerability of infants and well-known neurological toxicity of these metals, further studies to identify major exposure sources that contribute the lead concentration in breastmilk and health implication of early life stage exposure to lead among the breastfed infants are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yelim Park
- College of Natural Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Republic of Korea; Chemtopia, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Aram Lee
- College of Natural Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungho Choi
- School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hai-Joong Kim
- College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Jae Lee
- College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyuyeon Choi
- College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungjoo Kim
- College of Medicine, Hallym University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Su Young Kim
- College of Medicine, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Geum Joon Cho
- College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunsook Suh
- College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Koo Kim
- College of Medicine, Hallym University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - So-Hee Eun
- College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soyong Eom
- College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seunghyo Kim
- College of Medicine, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Gun-Ha Kim
- College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Bang Moon
- Department of Marine Sciences and Convergent Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungkyoon Kim
- School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sooran Choi
- College of Medicine, Inha University, Inchoen, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Don Kim
- School of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University, Changwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinho Kim
- Hankook General Hospital, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeongim Park
- College of Natural Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Republic of Korea.
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Bassil M, Daou F, Hassan H, Yamani O, Kharma JA, Attieh Z, Elaridi J. Lead, cadmium and arsenic in human milk and their socio-demographic and lifestyle determinants in Lebanon. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 191:911-921. [PMID: 29145136 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.10.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Revised: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Exposure of newborns to toxic metals is of special interest due to their reported contamination in breast milk and potential harm. The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence and factors associated with lead, cadmium and arsenic contamination in breast milk collected from lactating mothers in Lebanon. METHODS A total of 74 breast milk samples were collected from primaparas according to guidelines set by the World Health Organization. A survey was administered to determine the demographic and anthropometric characteristics of participating lactating mothers. Dietary habits were assessed using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. The milk samples were analyzed for the presence of arsenic, cadmium and lead using microwave-assisted digestion and atomic absorption spectrophotometry. RESULTS Arsenic contamination was found in 63.51% of breast milk samples (mean 2.36 ± 1.95 μg/L) whereas cadmium and lead were detected in 40.54% and 67.61% of samples respectively (means 0.87 ± 1.18 μg/L and 18.18 ± 13.31 μg/L). Regression analysis indicated that arsenic contamination was associated with cereal and fish intake (p = 0.013 and p = 0.042 respectively). Residence near cultivation activities (p = 0.008), smoking status before pregnancy (p = 0.046), potato consumption (p = 0.046) and education level (p = 0.041) were associated with lead contamination. Cadmium contamination was significantly associated with random smoke exposure (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION Our study is the first in Lebanon to report toxic metal contamination in breast milk. Although estimated weekly infant intake of these metals from breast milk was found to be lower than the limit set by international guidelines, our results highlight the need for developing strategies to protect infants from exposure to these hazardous substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Bassil
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, 1102-2801, Lebanon
| | - Farah Daou
- Department of Laboratory Science and Technology, American University of Science and Technology, Achrafieh, 16-6452, Lebanon
| | - Hussein Hassan
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, 1102-2801, Lebanon
| | - Osama Yamani
- Department of Laboratory Science and Technology, American University of Science and Technology, Achrafieh, 16-6452, Lebanon
| | - Joelle Abi Kharma
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, 1102-2801, Lebanon
| | - Zouheir Attieh
- Department of Laboratory Science and Technology, American University of Science and Technology, Achrafieh, 16-6452, Lebanon
| | - Jomana Elaridi
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, 1102-2801, Lebanon.
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Bansa DK, Awua AK, Boatin R, Adom T, Brown-Appiah EC, Amewosina KK, Diaba A, Datoghe D, Okwabi W. Cross-sectional assessment of infants' exposure to toxic metals through breast milk in a prospective cohort study of mining communities in Ghana. BMC Public Health 2017; 17:505. [PMID: 28545513 PMCID: PMC5445457 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-017-4403-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although breastfeeding of infants is recommended globally, the fact that maternal toxic metal stores are mobilised into breast milk implies infants, whose mothers live and work in mining communities, are at risk of multiple exposure to mining related toxic metals, such as Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg), Cadmium (Cd) and Arsenic (As), through breast milk intake, in addition to in utero exposure. Method A total of 114 mother-baby pairs, recruited from two community hospitals servicing mining communities in two different regions in Ghana (57 each), were involved in this study. When the babies were 3 months old, the amount of breast milk intake, concentrations of selected toxic metals in the breast milk and therefore the amount of toxic metals exposure through breast milk were determined. The study also, determined the amount of these toxic metals in the hair and urine of each mother-baby pair at 3 months postpartum. Results Based on the amounts of milk intake and non-milk oral intakes (geometric mean of 0.701 (95% CL 0.59–0.81) Kg/day and median of 0.22 Kg/day respectively), 90% of the babies were determined to have been exclusively breastfed. The amounts of most of the toxic metals in breast milk were higher than the WHO set limits and for 46.4%, 33.3% and 4.4% of the babies, their intake of As, Hg and Pb respectively were above the WHO provisional tolerable daily intake (PTDI) values. Conclusion An appreciable proportion of babies living within the communities served by the Mangoasi Community Hospital in the Obuasi Municipality of the Ashanti Region and the Dompime Health Centre in the Tarkwa Municipality of the Western Region were exposed to Hg, As and Pb through breast milk in excess of what they should and these may have health implication for the infants and therefore calls for interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Kwaku Bansa
- Nutrition Research Centre, Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Accra, Ghana
| | - Adolf Kofi Awua
- Cellular and Clinical Research Centre, Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Rose Boatin
- Nutrition Research Centre, Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Accra, Ghana
| | - Theodosia Adom
- Nutrition Research Centre, Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Accra, Ghana
| | - Edward Christian Brown-Appiah
- Nutrition Research Centre, Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kennedy Kwame Amewosina
- Nutrition Research Centre, Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Accra, Ghana
| | - Akusika Diaba
- Nutrition Research Centre, Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Accra, Ghana
| | - Dominic Datoghe
- Nutrition Research Centre, Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Accra, Ghana
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Cangelosi V, Ruckthong L, Pecoraro VL. Lead(II) Binding in Natural and Artificial Proteins. Met Ions Life Sci 2017; 17:/books/9783110434330/9783110434330-010/9783110434330-010.xml. [PMID: 28731303 PMCID: PMC5771651 DOI: 10.1515/9783110434330-010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
This article describes recent attempts to understand the biological chemistry of lead using a synthetic biology approach. Lead binds to a variety of different biomolecules ranging from enzymes to regulatory and signaling proteins to bone matrix. We have focused on the interactions of this element in thiolate-rich sites that are found in metalloregulatory proteins such as Pbr, Znt, and CadC and in enzymes such as δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD). In these proteins, Pb(II) is often found as a homoleptic and hemidirectic Pb(II)(SR)3- complex. Using first principles of biophysics, we have developed relatively short peptides that can associate into three-stranded coiled coils (3SCCs), in which a cysteine group is incorporated into the hydrophobic core to generate a (cysteine)3 binding site. We describe how lead may be sequestered into these sites, the characteristic spectral features may be observed for such systems and we provide crystallographic insight on metal binding. The Pb(II)(SR)3- that is revealed within these α-helical assemblies forms a trigonal pyramidal structure (having an endo orientation) with distinct conformations than are also found in natural proteins (having an exo conformation). This structural insight, combined with 207Pb NMR spectroscopy, suggests that while Pb(II) prefers hemidirected Pb(II)(SR)3- scaffolds regardless of the protein fold, the way this is achieved within α-helical systems is different than in β-sheet or loop regions of proteins. These interactions between metal coordination preference and protein structural preference undoubtedly are exploited in natural systems to allow for protein conformation changes that define function. Thus, using a design approach that separates the numerous factors that lead to stable natural proteins allows us to extract fundamental concepts on how metals behave in biological systems.
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29
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Jones AL. Emerging aspects of assessing lead poisoning in childhood. EMERGING HEALTH THREATS JOURNAL 2017. [DOI: 10.3402/ehtj.v2i0.7080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- AL Jones
- Discipline of Clinical Pharmacology and Clinical Toxicology, School of Medicine and Public Health and Calvary Mater Hospital, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
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30
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Ha E, Basu N, Bose-O'Reilly S, Dórea JG, McSorley E, Sakamoto M, Chan HM. Current progress on understanding the impact of mercury on human health. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 152:419-433. [PMID: 27444821 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.06.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Revised: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 06/25/2016] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Mercury pollution and its impacts on human health is of global concern. The authors of this paper were members of the Plenary Panel on Human Health in the 12th International Conference on Mercury as a Global Pollutant held in Korea in June 2015. The Panel was asked by the conference organizers to address two questions: what is the current understanding of the impacts of mercury exposure on human health and what information is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Minamata Convention in lowering exposure and preventing adverse effects. The authors conducted a critical review of the literature published since January 2012 and discussed the current state-of-knowledge in the following areas: environmental exposure and/or risk assessment; kinetics and biomonitoring; effects on children development; effects on adult general populations; effects on artisanal and small-scale gold miners (ASGM); effects on dental workers; risk of ethylmercury in thimerosal-containing vaccines; interactions with nutrients; genetic determinants and; risk communication and management. Knowledge gaps in each area were identified and recommendations for future research were made. The Panel concluded that more knowledge synthesis efforts are needed to translate the research results into management tools for health professionals and policy makers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunhee Ha
- Ewha Womans University, College of Medicine, Department of Preventive Medicine, South Korea
| | - Niladri Basu
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Canada
| | - Stephan Bose-O'Reilly
- University Hospital Munich, Institute and Outpatient Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Occupational Health, Germany; University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology (UMIT), Department of Public Health, Health Services Research and Health Technology Assessment, Austria
| | - José G Dórea
- Department of Nutrition, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Emeir McSorley
- Northern Ireland Centre for Food and Health, Ulster University, United Kingdom
| | - Mineshi Sakamoto
- Department of Epidemiology, National Institute for Minamata Disease, Japan
| | - Hing Man Chan
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Canada.
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Grzunov Letinić J, Matek Sarić M, Piasek M, Jurasović J, Varnai VM, Sulimanec Grgec A, Orct T. Use of human milk in the assessment of toxic metal exposure and essential element status in breastfeeding women and their infants in coastal Croatia. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2016; 38:117-125. [PMID: 27522529 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2016.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Revised: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Pregnant and lactating women and infants are vulnerable population groups for adverse effects of toxic metals due to their high nutritional needs and the resultant increased gastrointestinal absorption of both, essential and toxic elements. Although breastfeeding is recommended for infants worldwide, as human milk is the best source of nutrients and other required bioactive factors, it is also a pathway of maternal excretion of toxic substances including toxic metals and thus a source of infant exposure. The aim of this research was to assess health risks in breastfeeding women in the coastal area of the Republic of Croatia and their infants (N=107) due to maternal exposure to Cd and Pb via cigarette smoking, and Hg via seafood and dental amalgam fillings, and their interaction with essential elements. Biological markers of exposure were the concentrations of main toxic metals Pb, Cd and Hg in maternal blood and three types of breast milk throughout lactation stages. Biological markers of effects were the levels of essential elements Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn and Se in maternal serum and breast milk. With regard to cigarette smoking as a source of exposure to Cd and Pb, there were effects of smoking on Cd concentration in blood and correlations between the smoking index and Cd concentrations in maternal blood (ρ=0.593; P<0.001) and mature milk (ρ=0.271; P=0.011) and Pb concentration in transitional milk (ρ=0.280; P=0.042). Regarding fish, we found correlations between weekly consumption frequency and total Hg concentrations in maternal blood (ρ=0.292; P=0.003) and mature milk (ρ=0.303; P=0.003). The number of dental amalgam fillings correlated with total Hg concentrations in colostrum (ρ=0.489; P=0.005) and transitional milk (ρ=0.309; P=0.018). As for the essential element status, only Se levels in maternal serum decreased by 10% in persons who continued smoking during pregnancy compared to non-smokers. In conclusion, the levels of main toxic metals Cd, Pb and Hg and essential elements Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn and Se in maternal blood and three types of breast milk samples in the studied area of coastal Croatia showed no risk of disrupted essential element levels with regard of toxic metal exposure in both breastfeeding women and their infants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marijana Matek Sarić
- University of Zadar, Department for Health Studies, Splitska 1, HR-23000 Zadar, Croatia
| | - Martina Piasek
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, PO Box 291, HR-10001 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Jasna Jurasović
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, PO Box 291, HR-10001 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Veda Marija Varnai
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, PO Box 291, HR-10001 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Antonija Sulimanec Grgec
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, PO Box 291, HR-10001 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tatjana Orct
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, PO Box 291, HR-10001 Zagreb, Croatia
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Al-Saleh I, Elkhatib R, Al-Rouqi R, Abduljabbar M, Eltabache C, Al-Rajudi T, Nester M. Alterations in biochemical markers due to mercury (Hg) exposure and its influence on infant's neurodevelopment. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2016; 219:898-914. [PMID: 27453562 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2016.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Revised: 06/26/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the role of oxidative stress due to mercury (Hg) exposure on infant's neurodevelopmental performance. A total of 944 healthy Saudi mothers and their respective infants (aged 3-12 months) were recruited from 57 Primary Health Care Centers in Riyadh City. Total mercury (Hg) was measured in mothers and infants urine and hair samples, as well as mother's blood and breast milk. Methylmercury (MeHg) was determined in the mothers and infants' hair and mother's blood. Urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), malondialdehyde (MDA), and porphyrins were used to assess oxidative stress. The infant's neurodevelopment was evaluated using Denver Developmental Screening Test II (DDST-II) and Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status. The median total Hg levels in mother's urine, infant's urine, mother's hair, infant's hair, and mother's blood and breast milk were 0.995μg/l, 0.716μg/l, 0.118μg/g dw, 0.101μg/g dw, 0.635μg/l, and 0.884μg/l respectively. The median MeHg levels in mother's hair, infant's hair, and mother's blood were 0.132μg/g dw, 0.091μg/g dw, and 2.341μg/l respectively. A significant interrelationship between mothers and infants Hg measures in various matrices was noted. This suggests that mother's exposure to different forms of Hg (total and/or MeHg) from various sources contributed significantly to the metal body burden of their respective infants. Even though Hg exposure was low, it induced high oxidative stress in mothers and infants. The influence of multiplicative interaction terms between Hg measures and oxidative stress biomarkers was tested using multiple regression analysis. Significant interactions between the urinary Hg levels in mothers and infants and oxidative stress biomarkers (8-OHdG and MDA) were noted. The MeHg levels in mother-infant hair revealed similar interaction patterns. The p-values for both were below 0.001. These observations suggest that the exposure of our infants to Hg via mothers either during pregnancy and/or neonatal life, promoted oxidative stress that might have played a role in infant neurodevelopmental delays that we reported previously. The results confirmed that the interaction between infant's MeHg in hair and 8-OHdG and MDA levels was significantly associated with a delay in DDST-II performance (ß=-0.188, p=0.028). This finding provides an insight into the potential consequences of Hg-induced oxidative stress to infant's cognitive neurodevelopment for the first time. This observation still needs future studies to be validated. Given the low MeHg levels in our population, these findings are of particular importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman Al-Saleh
- Environmental Health Program, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Rola Elkhatib
- Environmental Health Program, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reem Al-Rouqi
- Environmental Health Program, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mai Abduljabbar
- Environmental Health Program, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Chafica Eltabache
- Environmental Health Program, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tahreer Al-Rajudi
- Environmental Health Program, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Michael Nester
- Department of Neurosciences, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
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Kim KH, Kabir E, Jahan SA. A review on the distribution of Hg in the environment and its human health impacts. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2016; 306:376-385. [PMID: 26826963 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2015.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 218] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Revised: 11/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/17/2015] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to mercury is a silent threat to the environment and human life. It has the potential to harm almost every organ and body system. Mercury compounds are classified in different chemical types such as elemental, inorganic, and organic forms. The most significant source of ingestion-related mercury exposure in humans and animals is the consumption of fish. Long-term exposure to mercury compounds from different sources (e.g., water, food, soil, and air) can lead to toxic effects on skin, cardiovascular, pulmonary, urinary, gastrointestinal, and neurological systems. Mercury toxicity is found to pose more significant health hazards to certain occupational groups (e.g., goldminers and dental personnel). Because continuous exposure to mercury can be dangerous, it is desirable to re-evaluate the current reference (risk-free) values. This paper reviews the route of Hg exposure to humans, its human health impacts, the associated risk assessment, and treatment based on the recent findings from various studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki-Hyun Kim
- Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ehsanul Kabir
- Dept. of Farm, Power & Machinery, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
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Abdulmajeed WI, Sulieman HB, Zubayr MO, Imam A, Amin A, Biliaminu SA, Oyewole LA, Owoyele BV. Honey prevents neurobehavioural deficit and oxidative stress induced by lead acetate exposure in male Wistar rats- a preliminary study. Metab Brain Dis 2016; 31:37-44. [PMID: 26435406 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-015-9733-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [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: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
This research sought to investigate the possible neuroprotective effects of honey against lead (Pb)-induced neurotoxicity. Twenty four male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Control group that received 1 ml/kg distilled orally for 28 days; while groups II-IV received 0.2% lead in drinking water and 1 ml/kg of distilled water, 1 ml/kg of honey, 1.5 ml/kg of honey respectively for 28 days. Anxiety and exploratory activities were determined in the open field test. Memory function was determined using Morris water maze after which the animals were sacrificed. The brains were then excised, homogenized and Lipid peroxidation (MDA), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase, Glutathione (GSH) and Glutathione -S- Transferase (GST) activities were determined in the brains. Results showed that lead exposure causes decrease in locomotor and exploratory activities; increase anxiety, memory impairment, lipid peroxidation and decrease antioxidant activities. However, co-administration of honey with lead inhibited neurotoxicity as indicated by the improvement in memory function as evidenced by decreased latency period and increased in time spent in target quadrant in honey-fed rats compared to the lead-exposed animals. Furthermore, honey increased locomotion, exploration and decreased anxiety in lead-exposed rats as indicated by the frequency of rearing, freezing duration and the number of line crossed by animals. Also administration of honey improves antioxidant activities as shown by increased brain SOD, GST and GSH activities compared to the lead-treated groups but no significant effect on MDA level. It can be concluded that honey has neuroprotective effects against lead-induced cognitive deficit probably by enhancing antioxidant activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wahab Imam Abdulmajeed
- Department of Physiology Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.
| | - Habeeb Bolakale Sulieman
- Department of Physiology Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | | | - Aminu Imam
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Abdulbasit Amin
- Department of Physiology Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Sikiru Abayomi Biliaminu
- Department of Chemical Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Lukuman Aboyeji Oyewole
- Department of Physiology Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Bamidele Victor Owoyele
- Department of Physiology Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
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Dórea JG. Maternal risk factors associated with lead, mercury and cadmium. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2015; 29:3187-8. [DOI: 10.3109/14767058.2015.1118042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- José G. Dórea
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidade De Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
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González-Estecha M, Bodas-Pinedo A, Guillén-Pérez JJ, Rubio-Herrera MÁ, Martínez-Álvarez JR, Herráiz-Martínez MÁ, Martell-Claros N, Ordóñez-Iriarte JM, Sáinz-Martín M, Farré-Rovira R, Martínez-Astorquiza T, García-Donaire JA, Calvo-Manuel E, Bretón-Lesmes I, Prieto-Menchero S, Llorente-Ballesteros MT, Martínez-García MJ, Moreno-Rojas R, Salas-Salvadó J, Bermejo-Barrera P, Cuadrado-Cenzual MÁ, Gallardo-Pino C, Fuentes MB, Torres-Moreno M, Trasobares-Iglesias EM, Martín BB, Arroyo-Fernández M, Calle-Pascual A. Consensus document on the prevention of methylmercury exposure in Spain: Study group for the prevention of Me-Hg exposure in Spain (GEPREM-Hg). J Trace Elem Med Biol 2015; 32:122-34. [PMID: 26302920 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2015.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The beneficial effects of fish consumption in both children and adults are well known. However, the intake of methylmercury, mainly from contaminated fish and shellfish, can have adverse health effects. The study group on the prevention of exposure to methylmercury (GEPREM-Hg), made up of representatives from different Spanish scientific societies, has prepared a consensus document in a question and answer format, containing the group's main conclusions, recommendations and proposals. The objective of the document is to provide broader knowledge of factors associated with methylmercury exposure, its possible effects on health amongst the Spanish population, methods of analysis, interpretation of the results and economic costs, and to then set recommendations for fish and shellfish consumption. The group sees the merit of all initiatives aimed at reducing or prohibiting the use of mercury as well as the need to be aware of the results of contaminant analyses performed on fish and shellfish marketed in Spain. In addition, the group believes that biomonitoring systems should be set up in order to follow the evolution of methylmercury exposure in children and adults and perform studies designed to learn more about the possible health effects of concentrations found in the Spanish population, taking into account the lifestyle, eating patterns and the Mediterranean diet.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jordi Salas-Salvadó
- Spanish Federation of Nutrition, Food and Dietetics Societies (FESNAD), Spain
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Kayaalti Z, Kaya-Akyüzlü D, Söylemez E, Söylemezoğlu T. Maternal hemochromatosis gene H63D single-nucleotide polymorphism and lead levels of placental tissue, maternal and umbilical cord blood. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2015; 140:456-461. [PMID: 25981872 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2015.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Revised: 04/30/2015] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Human hemochromatosis protein (HFE), a major histocompatibility complex class I-like integral membrane protein, participates in the down regulation of intestinal iron absorption by binding to transferrin receptor (TR). HFE competes with transferrin-bound iron for the TR and thus reduces uptake of iron into cells. On the other hand, a lack of HFE increases the intestinal absorption of iron similarly to iron deficiency associated with increasing in absorption and deposition of lead. During pregnancy, placenta cannot prevent transfer lead to the fetus; even low-level lead poisoning causes neurodevelopmental toxicity in children. The aim of this study was to determine the association between the maternal HFE H63D single-nucleotide polymorphism and lead levels in placental tissue, maternal blood and umbilical cord bloods. The study population comprised 93 mother-placenta pairs. Venous blood from mother was collected to investigate lead levels and HFE polymorphism that was detected by standard PCR-RFLP technique. Cord bloods and placentas were collected for lead levels which were analyzed by dual atomic absorption spectrometer system. The HFE H63D genotype frequencies of mothers were found as 75.3% homozygote typical (HH), 23.6% heterozygote (HD) and 1.1% homozygote atypical (DD). Our study results showed that the placental tissue, umbilical cord and maternal blood lead levels of mothers with HD+DD genotypes were significantly higher than those with HH genotype (p<0.05). The present study indicated for the first time that mothers with H63D gene variants have higher lead levels of their newborn's placentas and umbilical cord bloods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeliha Kayaalti
- Ankara University, Institute of Forensic Sciences, Ankara, Turkey.
| | | | - Esma Söylemez
- Ankara University, Institute of Forensic Sciences, Ankara, Turkey; Middle Black Sea Passage Generation of Agricultural Research Station Director, Tokat, Turkey
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Iwai-Shimada M, Satoh H, Nakai K, Tatsuta N, Murata K, Akagi H. Methylmercury in the breast milk of Japanese mothers and lactational exposure of their infants. CHEMOSPHERE 2015; 126:67-72. [PMID: 25723533 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.12.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2014] [Revised: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 12/26/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The human fetus is known to be exposed to methylmercury (MeHg), but little is known about the risk of infant exposure via breast milk. To evaluate the lactational exposure to MeHg via breast milk in Japanese infants, the levels of total mercury (THg) and MeHg were determined in breast milk and maternal blood using samples from a birth cohort study at the Tohoku Study of Child Development. Maternal blood and breast milk were collected one day postpartum and one month after delivery, respectively. The median THg (and MeHg) concentrations in maternal RBCs, plasma and breast milk were 17.8 ng g(-1) (17.8 ng g(-1)), 1.51 ng g(-1) (1.33 ng g(-1)) and 0.81 ng g(-1) (0.45 ng g(-1)), respectively (n=27). The median percentage of MeHg in THg was 54% in breast milk. Breast milk contained substantial amounts of MeHg, which was strongly associated with the internal accumulation of MeHg and the lipid content of the milk (r=0.684). The range of lipid contents in milk varied widely from 0.50 to 6.60 g/100 g of milk, with a median of 3.60 g/100 g. The median (range) weekly average intake of MeHg via breast milk was estimated to be 0.63 μg kg(-1) (0.08-1.68 μg kg(-1)) BW/week. Because the MeHg and lipid contents in milk substantially fluctuate, an investigation of the variations of MeHg and lipid content in breast milk may be required for a more precise risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miyuki Iwai-Shimada
- Environmental Health Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan; Research Fellow of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Satoh
- Environmental Health Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Kunihiko Nakai
- Department of Development and Environmental Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Nozomi Tatsuta
- Department of Development and Environmental Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Katsuyuki Murata
- Environmental Health Sciences, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Hirokatsu Akagi
- International Mercury Laboratory Inc., Minamata, Kumamoto, Japan
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Dursun A, Yurdakok K, Yalcin SS, Tekinalp G, Aykut O, Orhan G, Morgil GK. Maternal risk factors associated with lead, mercury and cadmium levels in umbilical cord blood, breast milk and newborn hair. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2015; 29:954-61. [PMID: 25835381 DOI: 10.3109/14767058.2015.1026255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Lead (Pb), mercury (Hg) and cadmium (Cd) are environmental pollutants that are wide spread throughout the world. The present study aimed to investigate the level of exposure to Pb, Hg and Cd during the prenatal period, and the possible routes of maternal exposure to these toxic heavy metals. PARTICIPANTS The study included 123 mothers and their newborns. Umbilical cord blood samples were collected immediately after delivery, and breast milk and newborn hair samples were collected between postpartum d 3 and 10. RESULTS Among the 121 cord blood samples that were analyzed, Pb was present in 120 (99.2%) and the mean level was 1.66 ± 1.60 µg dL(-1) (range: <detection limit-12.50 µg dL(-1)), whereas Hg was noted in only 2 (1.7%) (15.74 and 33.20 µgL(-1)) and Cd was detected in 24 (19.8%) (range: < detection limit-6.71 µgL(-1)). The level of Pb in cord blood was ≥2 µg dL(-1) in 29% of the samples. Pb, Hg and Cd were detectable in all the newborn hair samples. DISCUSSION Among the 107 breast milk samples analyzed, 89 (83.2%) had a detectable level of Pb and the mean level was 14.56 ± 12.13 µgL(-1). Detection rate of Cd in breast milk was higher in women who resided near to city waste disposal site. Detection rate of Cd in cord blood was significantly higher in the women who consumed ≥2 servings of fish weekly. Maternal exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) resulted in elevated levels of Pb and Cd in newborn hair samples. CONCLUSION Most of the study samples had detectable levels of Pb, Hg and Cd, indicating that there was long-term maternal exposure prior to and during pregnancy, and a considerable number of the cord and breast milk samples had levels that exceeded the present accepted safety level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arzu Dursun
- a Unit of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics , Dr. Sami Ulus Maternity and Children's Health and Diseases Training and Research Hospital , Ankara , Turkey
| | | | | | - Gulsevin Tekinalp
- c Unit of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics , Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine , Ankara , Turkey , and
| | - Osman Aykut
- d Analytic Toxicology Laboratory , Refik Saydam National Public Health Agency , Ankara , Turkey
| | - Gunnur Orhan
- d Analytic Toxicology Laboratory , Refik Saydam National Public Health Agency , Ankara , Turkey
| | - Goksel Koc Morgil
- d Analytic Toxicology Laboratory , Refik Saydam National Public Health Agency , Ankara , Turkey
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Gil F, Hernández AF. Toxicological importance of human biomonitoring of metallic and metalloid elements in different biological samples. Food Chem Toxicol 2015; 80:287-297. [PMID: 25837421 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2015.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2014] [Revised: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Human biomonitoring has become an important tool for the assessment of internal doses of metallic and metalloid elements. These elements are of great significance because of their toxic properties and wide distribution in environmental compartments. Although blood and urine are the most used and accepted matrices for human biomonitoring, other non-conventional samples (saliva, placenta, meconium, hair, nails, teeth, breast milk) may have practical advantages and would provide additional information on health risk. Nevertheless, the analysis of these compounds in biological matrices other than blood and urine has not yet been accepted as a useful tool for biomonitoring. The validation of analytical procedures is absolutely necessary for a proper implementation of non-conventional samples in biomonitoring programs. However, the lack of reliable and useful analytical methodologies to assess exposure to metallic elements, and the potential interference of external contamination and variation in biological features of non-conventional samples are important limitations for setting health-based reference values. The influence of potential confounding factors on metallic concentration should always be considered. More research is needed to ascertain whether or not non-conventional matrices offer definitive advantages over the traditional samples and to broaden the available database for establishing worldwide accepted reference values in non-exposed populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Gil
- Department of Legal Medicine and Toxicology. School of Medicine, University of Granada, Spain.
| | - A F Hernández
- Department of Legal Medicine and Toxicology. School of Medicine, University of Granada, Spain
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Khodamoradi N, Komaki A, Salehi I, Shahidi S, Sarihi A. Effect of vitamin E on lead exposure-induced learning and memory impairment in rats. Physiol Behav 2015; 144:90-4. [PMID: 25777497 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2015.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2014] [Revised: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Chronic lead (Pb(2+)) exposure has been associated with learning and memory impairments, whereas vitamin E improves cognitive deficits. In this study, using a passive avoidance learning model in rats, we investigated the effects of vitamin E on Pb(2+) exposure-induced learning and memory impairments in rats. In the present study, 56 Wistar male rats (weighting 230-250g) were divided into eight groups (n=7). The Pb(2+) exposure involved gavages of lead acetate solution using three different doses (0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.2%) and the vitamin E consisted of three different doses (10, 25, 50μg/rat) for 30days. After the 30-day period, the rats were tested using a passive avoidance task (acquisition test). In a retrieval test conducted 48h after the training, step through latency (STL) and time in the dark compartment (TDC) were recorded. The statistical analysis of data was performed using ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc analysis. In all cases, differences were considered significant if p<0.05. The results of the present study showed that chronic exposure to high doses of Pb(2+) significantly increased both the number of trails required for learning and the TDC, whereas it decreased the STL in the passive avoidance test. Administration of vitamin E ameliorated the effects of Pb(2+) on animal behavior in the passive avoidance learning and memory task. Our results indicate that impairments of learning and memory in Pb(2+)-exposed rats are dose dependent and can be inhibited by antioxidants such as vitamin E.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasrin Khodamoradi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran; Department of Biology, Islamic Azad University of Hamadan, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Alireza Komaki
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
| | - Iraj Salehi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Siamak Shahidi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Abdolrahman Sarihi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
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Wang X, Wang L, Liu S. Heme-Regulated eIF2α Kinase Plays a Crucial Role in Protecting Erythroid Cells against Pb-Induced Hemolytic Stress. Chem Res Toxicol 2014; 28:460-9. [DOI: 10.1021/tx500422q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental
Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental
Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Lixin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental
Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental
Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Sijin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental
Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental
Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
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Chen LW, Low YL, Fok D, Han WM, Chong YS, Gluckman P, Godfrey K, Kwek K, Saw SM, Soh SE, Tan KH, Chong MFF, van Dam RM. Dietary changes during pregnancy and the postpartum period in Singaporean Chinese, Malay and Indian women: the GUSTO birth cohort study. Public Health Nutr 2014; 17:1930-8. [PMID: 23806144 PMCID: PMC11108683 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980013001730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2012] [Revised: 05/16/2013] [Accepted: 05/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine changes in food consumption during pregnancy and the postpartum period in women of major Asian ethnic groups. DESIGN Using interviewer-administered questionnaires, we assessed changes in food consumption during pregnancy (26-28 weeks' gestation) and the postpartum period (3 weeks after delivery) as compared with the usual pre-pregnancy diet. SETTING Singapore. SUBJECTS Pregnant women (n 1027) of Chinese, Malay and Indian ethnicity (mean age 30·4 (SD 5·2) years) who participated in the Growing Up in Singapore Towards healthy Outcomes (GUSTO) study. RESULTS During pregnancy, participants tended to increase their consumption of milk, fruit and vegetables and decrease their consumption of tea, coffee, soft drinks and seafood (all P < 0·001). Most participants reported adherence to traditional restrictions ('confinement') during the early postpartum period (Chinese: 94·8 %, Malay: 91·6 %, Indian: 79·6 %). During the postpartum period, participants tended to increase their consumption of fish and milk-based drinks and decrease their consumption of noodles, seafood, and chocolates and sweets (all P < 0·001). Ethnic differences in food consumption were pronounced during the postpartum period. For example, most Chinese participants (87·2 %) increased their ginger consumption during the postpartum period as compared with smaller percentages of Malays (31·8 %) and Indians (40·8 %; P for ethnic difference <0·001). Similar ethnic differences were observed for cooking wine/alcohol, herbs and spices, and herbal tea consumption. CONCLUSIONS Marked changes in food consumption that reflect both modern dietary recommendations and the persistence of traditional beliefs were observed in Singaporean women during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Traditional beliefs should be considered in interventions to improve dietary intakes during these periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Wei Chen
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Block MD3, 16 Medical Drive, Singapore 117597
| | - Yen Ling Low
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Block MD3, 16 Medical Drive, Singapore 117597
| | - Doris Fok
- National University Health System, Singapore
| | | | - Yap Seng Chong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Peter Gluckman
- Growth, Development and Metabolism Program, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, A*STAR, Singapore
| | - Keith Godfrey
- Medical Research Council Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit and NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Seang-Mei Saw
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Block MD3, 16 Medical Drive, Singapore 117597
| | - Shu E Soh
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Block MD3, 16 Medical Drive, Singapore 117597
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Mary Foong Fong Chong
- Clinical Nutrition Research Centre, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, 14 Medical Drive, #07-02, Singapore 117599
| | - Rob M van Dam
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Block MD3, 16 Medical Drive, Singapore 117597
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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Dórea JG. Comments on "probabilistic mercury multimedia exposure assessment in small children and risk assessment". ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2014; 69:213. [PMID: 24045097 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2013.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2013] [Accepted: 08/20/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- José G Dórea
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidade de Brasilia, 70919-970 Brasilia, DF, Brazil.
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De Felip E, Bianchi F, Bove C, Cori L, D'Argenzio A, D'Orsi G, Fusco M, Miniero R, Ortolani R, Palombino R, Parlato A, Pelliccia MG, Peluso F, Piscopo G, Pizzuti R, Porpora MG, Protano D, Senofonte O, Spena SR, Simonetti A, di Domenico A. Priority persistent contaminants in people dwelling in critical areas of Campania Region, Italy (SEBIOREC biomonitoring study). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 487:420-435. [PMID: 24797738 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2013] [Revised: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 04/04/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
To investigate if protracted living in degraded environments of the Caserta and Naples provinces (Campania Region, Italy) had an impact on exposure of local people, highly toxic persistent contaminants were measured in blood, blood serum, and human milk of a large number of healthy donors. Sampling was carried out from 2008 to 2009. Blood was collected from over 850 20-64-year old donors; by pooling, 84 blood and 84 serum samples were obtained. Milk was donated by 52 mothers: specimens were pooled into six samples. Polychlorodibenzodioxins (PCDDs), polychlorodibenzofurans (PCDFs), and polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs, dioxin-like (DL) and non-dioxin-like (Σ6PCBs)), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) were measured in serum (organic biomarkers) and blood (metals); these chemicals and polybromobiphenyl ethers (Σ9PBDEs) were analyzed in milk. PCDD+PCDF, DL-PCB, TEQTOT, and Σ6PCB concentration ranges (medians) in serum were 6.26-23.1 (12.4), 3.42-31.7 (11.5), 10.0-52.8 (23.9) pgTEQ97/g fat, and 55.5-647 (219) ng/g fat, respectively, while in milk concentration ranges were 5.99-8.77, 4.02-6.15, 10.0-14.2 pgTEQ97/g fat, and 48.7-74.2 ng/g fat. Likewise, As, Cd, Hg, and Pb findings in blood spanned 2.34-13.4 (5.83), 0.180-0.930 (0.475), 1.09-7.60 (2.60), 10.2-55.9 (28.8) μg/L, respectively; only Pb could be measured in milk (2.78-5.99 μg/L). Σ9PBDE levels in milk samples were 0.965-6.05 ng/g fat. Biomarkers' concentrations were found to be compatible with their current values in European countries and in Italy, and consistent with an exposure primarily determined by consumption of commercial food from the large distribution system. Based on relatively higher biomarker values within the hematic biomonitoring database, the following municipalities were flagged as possibly deserving attention for health-oriented interventions: Brusciano and Caivano (As), Giugliano (Hg), Pianura (PCDDs+PCDFs), and Qualiano-Villaricca (As, Hg). The analysis of samples' qualitative variability indicated that biomarker composition was sensitive at municipality level, a feature that can potentially drive interventions for future local risk assessment and/or management measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena De Felip
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Dipartimento Ambiente e connessa Prevenzione Primaria, Rome, Italy.
| | - Fabrizio Bianchi
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Fisiologia Clinica, Pisa and Rome, Italy
| | - Crescenzo Bove
- ASL CE, Servizio di Epidemiologia e Prevenzione, Caserta, Italy
| | - Liliana Cori
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Fisiologia Clinica, Pisa and Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giancarlo D'Orsi
- ASL NA2 Nord, Servizio di Epidemiologia e Prevenzione, Naples, Italy
| | - Mario Fusco
- Registro Tumori della Regione Campania, ASL NA3 Sud, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberto Miniero
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Dipartimento Ambiente e connessa Prevenzione Primaria, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosanna Ortolani
- ASL NA1 Centro, Servizio di Epidemiologia e Prevenzione, Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaele Palombino
- ASL NA3 Sud, Servizio di Epidemiologia e Prevenzione, Distretto Sanitario 69, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonino Parlato
- ASL NA2 Nord, Servizio di Epidemiologia e Prevenzione, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Filomena Peluso
- ASL NA2 Nord, Servizio di Epidemiologia e Prevenzione, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Piscopo
- ASL NA3 Sud, Servizio di Epidemiologia e Prevenzione, Distretto Sanitario 69, Naples, Italy
| | - Renato Pizzuti
- Regione Campania, Assessorato alla Sanità, Osservatorio Epidemiologico, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Porpora
- Dipartimento di Ginecologia e Ostetricia, Dipartimento di Scienze Ginecologiche, Perinatologia, e Puericultura, Policlinico Umberto I, Università "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | | | - Oreste Senofonte
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Dipartimento Ambiente e connessa Prevenzione Primaria, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvana Russo Spena
- ASL NA3 Sud, Servizio di Epidemiologia e Prevenzione, Distretto Sanitario 69, Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Simonetti
- ASL NA1 Centro, Servizio di Epidemiologia e Prevenzione, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro di Domenico
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Dipartimento Ambiente e connessa Prevenzione Primaria, Rome, Italy
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Body burden of Hg in different bio-samples of mothers in Shenyang city, China. PLoS One 2014; 9:e98121. [PMID: 24858815 PMCID: PMC4032259 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0098121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2014] [Accepted: 04/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hg is an accumulative and neuro-toxic heavy metal which has a wide range of adverse effects in human health. However, few studies are available on body burden of Hg level in different bio-samples of pregnant women in Chinese population. Therefore, this study evaluated Hg levels in different maternal bio-samples in Shenyang city, China and investigated the correlation of Hg levels in different bio-samples. From October to December 2008, 200 pregnant women about to deliver their babies at ShengJing Hospital (Shenyang city, northeast of China) participated in this study. The geometric mean (GM) of Hg levels in cord blood, maternal venous blood, breast milk, and maternal urine were 2.18 µg/L, 1.17 µg/L, 1.14 µg/L, and 0.73 µg/L, respectively, and the GM of maternal hair Hg level was 404.45 µg/kg. There was a strong correlation between cord blood and maternal blood total Hg level (r = 0.713, P<0.001). Frequency of fish consumption more than or equal to 3 times per week during pregnancy was suggested as a significant risk factor of prenatal Hg exposure (unadjusted OR 3.5, adjusted OR 2.94, P<0.05). This study provides evidence about Hg burden of mothers and the risk factors of prenatal Hg exposure in Shenyang city, China.
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Marques RC, Bernardi JVE, Dórea JG, de Fatima R Moreira M, Malm O. Perinatal multiple exposure to neurotoxic (lead, methylmercury, ethylmercury, and aluminum) substances and neurodevelopment at six and 24 months of age. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2014; 187:130-135. [PMID: 24486466 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2014.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2013] [Revised: 01/03/2014] [Accepted: 01/04/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
We studied neurodevelopment in infants from two communities. Children living in the vicinity of tin-ore kilns and smelters - TOKS; n = 51) were compared to children from a fishing village (Itapuã; n = 45). Mean hair-Hg (HHg) concentrations were significantly higher in Itapuã children which received significantly (p = 0.0000001) less mean ethylmercury (88.6 μg) from Thimerosal-containing vaccines (TCV) than the TOKS children (120 μg). Breast-milk Pb concentrations were significantly higher in the TOKS mothers (p = 0.000017; 10.04 vs. 3.9 μg L(-1)). Bayley mental development index (MDI) and psychomotor development index (PDI) were statistically significant (respectively p < 0.0000001, p = 0.000007) lower for the TOKS children only at 24 months of age. Multivariate regression analysis showed that MDI was negatively affected by breast-milk Pb and by HHg. PDI was positively affected by breastfeeding and negatively affected by ethylmercury. Milestone achievements were negatively affected by breast-milk Pb (age of walking) and by HHg (age of talking).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rejane C Marques
- Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Campus Macaé, CEP 27930-560 RJ, Brazil
| | | | - José G Dórea
- University of Brasília, Brasília, 70919-970 DF, Brasil.
| | | | - Olaf Malm
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, CEP 21941-902 RJ, Brazil
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Arsenic, cadmium, lead, and aluminium concentrations in human milk at early stages of lactation. Pediatr Neonatol 2014; 55:127-34. [PMID: 24231114 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedneo.2013.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2010] [Revised: 10/12/2012] [Accepted: 08/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human milk is considered to be the best nutrition for all infants because it provides the optimal source of nutritional, immunological, developmental, psychological, economic, practical, and environmental benefits in both the short and long terms. To the best of our knowledge, few studies in Taiwan have examined the toxicant levels in breast milk and associated factors. METHODS The research was carried out over a 6-month period. Forty-five healthy lactating women, who delivered full-term newborns at our maternity ward, were recruited, and all participants had been living in coastal urban areas of mid-Taiwan for at least 3 years. One hundred and eighty human milk samples were collected on four occasions, which were classified into four lactation stages as follows: colostrums, transitional milk, early mature milk, and mature milk. RESULTS We found that lead, cadmium, aluminium, and arsenic concentrations were the highest in colostrums: 13.22 ± 3.58 ng/mL, 1.37 ± 0.94 ng/mL, 56.45 ± 22.77 ng/mL, and 1.50 ± 1.50 ng/mL, respectively. The results of lead, cadmium, aluminium, and arsenic determination in human milk samples demonstrated a trend of decline of microelement concentrations with advancing stages of lactation. We found that the infants of smoking mothers were exposed to more cadmium than infants of nonsmoking mothers (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION According to our findings, frequent routine sampling of breast milk is worthwhile. Prevention strategies including behavior modification and education on proper nutrition should be provided to women who are at high risk of toxicant exposure. In summary, breastfeeding is still generally encouraged and recommended.
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Counter SA, Buchanan LH, Ortega F, Chiriboga R, Correa R, Collaguaso MA. Lead levels in the breast milk of nursing andean mothers living in a lead-contaminated environment. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2014; 77:993-1003. [PMID: 25072821 PMCID: PMC4373535 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2014.897281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of lead (Pb) in breast milk (PbM) and blood (PbB) were measured in a current cohort of lactating mothers living in Andean communities where women of childbearing age engage in the occupational use of Pb, and compared to results obtained in earlier studies. Mean PbM concentration in the current group of breastfeeding mothers tested in 2012/2013 was 3.73 μg/L (SD: 7.3; range: 0.049-28.04), and significantly lower than the 9.83 μg/L (SD: 12.75; range: 0.2-49) previously observed in breastfeeding mothers in the study area from 1999 to 2007. Breastfeeding women in the current cohort showed an average PbM/PbB ratio of 3.6%, which is in agreement with other studies. The mean PbB level obtained for the current cohort was 7.8 μg/dl (SD: 5.2; range: 1.4-21), and significantly lower than the mean PbB level of 20.8 μg/dl (SD: 16.4; range: 4-73) obtained for the comparison group of breastfeeding mothers tested between 1999 and 2007. A correlation of .687 between paired PbM and maternal PbB was found, indicating that maternal PbB level is a significant predictor of PbM. Current PbM levels remain higher than international averages, but indicate that maternal Pb exposure has declined over time in the environmentally Pb-contaminated study area. The current reduction in Pb in milk and blood of breastfeeding mothers may be due to adherence to a Pb-exposure education and prevention program initiated by the authors in the study area years earlier, as well as recent improvements in local health care delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Allen Counter
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School/The Biological Laboratories, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Neurophysiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Leo H. Buchanan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School/Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, Harvard University Health Services, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Fernando Ortega
- Colegio Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela de Medicina, Escuela de Salud Pública, Colegio de Artes Liberales y Galapagos Institute of Arts and Sciences GAIAS; Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | - Rommy Correa
- Subcentro de Salud, La Victoria, Pujilí, Cotopaxi, Ecuador
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Marques RC, Moreira MDFR, Bernardi JVE, Dórea JG. Breast milk lead concentrations of mothers living near tin smelters. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2013; 91:549-54. [PMID: 24068462 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-013-1093-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2013] [Accepted: 09/02/2013] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
We compared Pb concentration in human milk from 37 mothers living in a neighborhood of tin-ore smelters to that from 45 mothers living in a fishing community. The median breast-milk-Pb (BM-Pb) concentration was significantly (p = 0.0000001) higher (11.3 μg L(-1); ≤0.96-29.4 μg L(-1)) in mothers living in the vicinity of smelters than that of rural mothers (1.9 μg L(-1); ≤0.96-20.0 μg L(-1)). These mothers also showed a statistically significant correlation between length of residence and BM-Pb concentration (Spearman r = 0.6864; p < 0.0001). The estimated median exposure (for infants <6 months) was 3.0 μg kg(-1) b.w. for rural infants compared to 7.5 μg kg(-1) b.w. for infants in the vicinity of metal smelters. Overall, most BM-Pb concentrations (79 %) in the metal smelter area were above the critical limit of 5.0 μg L(-1) set by the WHO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rejane C Marques
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Campus Macaé, Macaé, RJ, Brazil
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