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Zhang C, Luo Y, Sun S, Tian T, Zhu M, Ahmad Z, Yang J, Jin J, Zhang H, Chen J, Geng N. Accumulation characteristics of metals in human breast milk and association with dietary intake in northeastern China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:168515. [PMID: 37977390 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
The trace elements present in breast milk play a vital role in the growth and development of infants. Nevertheless, numerous studies have reported the presence of toxic metal contamination in breast milk from various countries and regions, which poses potential risks to breastfed infants. This article aimed to investigate the characteristics of trace elements in breast milk and explore the relationship between breast milk and diet in Dalian, a coastal city in northeastern China. Breast milk samples and representative local food samples were collected from Dalian for research. The results revealed that 57 % of breast milk samples significantly exceeded the WHO safety limit (0.6 μg/L) for arsenic, with a measured mean value of 0.96 μg/L. Moreover, the levels of chromium (mean value: 2.63 μg/L) in 34 % of breast milk samples exceed the WHO recommended safety level (chromium: 1.5 μg/L). Aquatic foods accounted for 60 % to 90 % of the total intake of arsenic, cadmium, vanadium, mercury, and lead. The Spearman correlation analysis demonstrated strong positive correlations among breast milk metal elements, including copper-zinc (r = 0.68) and nickel‑chromium (r = 0.89). Furthermore, the food-to-milk accumulation factors (FMAF) of strontium, nickel, arsenic, vanadium, cadmium, and mercury were relatively low (median values <0.005). While the FMAF values for chromium and lead were higher, with median values of 0.038 and 0.07, respectively. The results indicated potential risks of the toxic metal arsenic in breast milk from Dalian, China for breastfed infants. Therefore, continuous monitoring of breast milk for toxic metals and foodborne contamination is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengbin Zhang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China
| | - Yun Luo
- College of Medicine, Linyi University, Linyi 276005, China
| | - Shuai Sun
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Tian Tian
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China
| | - Meiwen Zhu
- Chongqing Academy of Metrology and Quality Inspection, Chongqing 401123, China
| | - Zia Ahmad
- Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Jiajia Yang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China.
| | - Jing Jin
- Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Haijun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Jiping Chen
- Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Ningbo Geng
- Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China.
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Dutton J. Relationship between trace element concentrations and body length in dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) in the northwest Atlantic Ocean. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:87757-87767. [PMID: 37432573 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28465-1] [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: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) is a popular seafood choice worldwide, however, except for mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se), little is known about the concentration of other trace elements in dolphinfish muscle tissue, especially in the northwest Atlantic Ocean. This study investigated the relationship between body length (61 to 94 cm fork length) and trace element [silver (Ag), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), Hg, manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), Se, and zinc (Zn)] concentrations in muscle tissue of dolphinfish caught off Long Island, New York (n = 16). There was a positive relationship with body length for As and Hg, a negative relationship with body length for Cu and Zn, and no relationship with body length for Cd, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Se. A negative relationship between the Se:Hg molar ratio and body length and Se:Hg molar ratio and Hg concentration was observed. Dolphinfish were low in Hg with only 18.9% (n = 3) of individuals exceeding the U.S. EPA human health criterion of 0.3 µg/g wet weight, making this species a suitable seafood choice to reduce dietary intake of Hg at the investigated body length. All fish had a Se:Hg molar ratio > 1:1 indicating that Se may have a protective effect against Hg toxicity. The selenium health benefit value (HBVSe) for all individuals was > 1, indicating there may be health benefits from consuming dolphinfish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Dutton
- Environmental Studies Program, Adelphi University, Garden City, NY, 11530, USA.
- Department of Biology, Texas State University, Aquatic Station, San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA.
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Pierezan MD, Dalla Nora FM, Verruck S. Correlation between As, Cd, Hg, Pb and Sn concentration in human milk and breastfeeding mothers' food consumption: a systematic review and infants' health risk assessment. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2022; 63:8261-8274. [PMID: 35352976 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2056869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Mothers' food and water consumption appear to be determining factors for infants' potentially toxic elements exposure through human milk. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to assess correlations between As, Cd, Hg, Pb and/or Sn concentration in human milk and breastfeeding mothers' food consumption, with later infants' health risk assessment. Estimated Daily Intakes of such elements by infants were also calculated and compared with reference values (RfD or BMDL01). Among 5.663 identified studies, 23 papers remained for analysis. Potentially toxic elements concentration in human milk presented positive correlation with seafood (As, Hg), fresh vegetables (Hg, Cd), cereals (Hg, Cd), cheese, rice, potatoes, private and well-water supply (Pb), wild meat (Pb, Cd) and milk, dairy products, dried fruits and oilseeds (Cd) mothers' consumption. Red meat, caffeinated drinks, and dairy products consume presented negative correlations (Pb). No correlations were found for Sn. Infants from three studies presented high Hg exposition through human milk (> 0. 1 μg/kg PC-1 day-1), as well as observed for Pb in one study (> 0. 5 μg/kg PC-1 day-1). Potentially toxic elements can damage infants' health when they are present in mothers' diet due to the infants' high vulnerability. Therefore, these results raise important issues for public health.Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2022.2056869 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Dutra Pierezan
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | | | - Silvani Verruck
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
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Concentrations and determinants of lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic in pooled donor breast milk in Spain. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2021; 240:113914. [PMID: 34974272 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
AIM To measure concentrations of lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As) in longitudinally collected donor breast milk samples and to determine associated factors. METHODS Pb, Hg, Cd, and As concentrations were measured in 242 pooled breast milk samples from 83 donors to a Human Milk Bank in Spain, in 2015-2018, determining their association with the donors' sociodemographic profile, dietary and lifestyle habits, and post-partum time, among other factors, and with the nutritional characteristics of samples. Mixed-effect linear regression was used to identify predictors of Hg and As concentrations in breast milk and mixed-effect logistic regression to identify predictors of the presence of Pb and Cd. RESULTS As was the element most frequently detected in milk samples (97.1%), followed by Hg (81.2%), Pb (50.6%), and Cd (38.0%). Their median breast milk concentrations were 1.49 μg/L, 0.26 μg/L, 0.14 μg/L, and <0.04 μg/L, respectively. Concentrations of As were higher in breast milk from primiparous donors, while Hg was higher in donors with a greater intake of fatty fish and meat and lower in samples collected after a longer post-partum time and with higher lactose content. Detection of Pb was higher among multiparous donors, those gaining weight since before pregnancy, and ex-smokers and was lower in samples collected more recently and from donors with greater intake of red meat and eggs. Cd detection was higher for donors with university education and those with greater intake of fried and canned food and more frequent use of hand cream and was lower for donors with greater bread intake. CONCLUSIONS These findings reveal relatively high As concentrations, moderate Hg concentrations, and low Pb and Cd concentrations in pooled donor breast milk. Several factors including post-partum time, parity, smoking habit, and the intake of certain food items were associated with the metal content of milk samples.
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Lakshmi D, Akhil D, Kartik A, Gopinath KP, Arun J, Bhatnagar A, Rinklebe J, Kim W, Muthusamy G. Artificial intelligence (AI) applications in adsorption of heavy metals using modified biochar. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 801:149623. [PMID: 34425447 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The process of removal of heavy metals is important due to their toxic effects on living organisms and undesirable anthropogenic effects. Conventional methods possess many irreconcilable disadvantages pertaining to cost and efficiency. As a result, the usage of biochar, which is produced as a by-product of biomass pyrolysis, has gained sizable traction in recent times for the removal of heavy metals. This review elucidates some widely recognized harmful heavy metals and their removal using biochar. It also highlights and compares the variety of feedstock available for preparation of biochar, pyrolysis variables involved and efficiency of biochar. Various adsorption kinetics and isotherms are also discussed along with the process of desorption to recycle biochar for reuse as adsorbent. Furthermore, this review elucidates the advancements in remediation of heavy metals using biochar by emphasizing the importance and advantages in the usage of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) for the optimization of adsorption variables and biochar feedstock properties. The usage of AI and ML is cost and time-effective and allows an interdisciplinary approach to remove heavy metals by biochar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Lakshmi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Kalavakkam, 603110 Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Dilipkumar Akhil
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Kalavakkam, 603110 Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ashokkumar Kartik
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Kalavakkam, 603110 Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Kannappan Panchamoorthy Gopinath
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Kalavakkam, 603110 Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jayaseelan Arun
- Centre for Waste Management, International Research Centre, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Jeppiaar Nagar (OMR), Chennai 600119, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Amit Bhatnagar
- Department of Separation Science, LUT School of Engineering Science, LUT University, Sammonkatu 12, FI-50130 Mikkeli, Finland
| | - Jörg Rinklebe
- University of Wuppertal, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Institute of Foundation Engineering, Water and Waste Management, Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Management, Pauluskirchstraße 7, 42285 Wuppertal, Germany; Department of Environment, Energy and Geoinformatics, Sejong University, 98 Gunja-Dong, Guangjin-Gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Woong Kim
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea.
| | - Govarthanan Muthusamy
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea.
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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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Mahmoudi N, Jonidi Jafari A, Moradi Y, Esrafili A. The mercury level in hair and breast milk of lactating mothers in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCE & ENGINEERING 2020; 18:355-366. [PMID: 32399246 PMCID: PMC7203362 DOI: 10.1007/s40201-020-00460-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to mercury is one of the major global health concerns due to its stability, bioaccumulation and high toxicity. Therefore, the present study was conducted to assess the mean mercury level in hair and breast milk (BM) of Iranian lactating mothers (ILMs) through meta-analysis technique. We conducted a systematic literature search in online electronic databases included main domestic databases (SID, Magiran, Iran medex, Medlib and ISC) and international databases (Embase, Scopus and PubMed) for studies published between 2000 up 2018. Each process of research and evaluation of articles based on inclusion and exclusion criteria is done by two researchers, individually. From10 studies entered to meta-analysis process including 556 ILM, the mean hair mercury level (HML) and mean milk mercury level (MML) was estimated to be 0.15 μg/g (95 CI: 0.11-0.19, I2: 47.6%, P: 0.028) and 0.51 μg/l (95 CI: 0.28-0.74, I2: 1.9%, P: 0.421), respectively. In this meta-analysis, the mean HML and mean MML were estimated to be lower than the standard of World Health Organization (WHO). Although the mean mercury level in hair and BM of ILMs was lower than the WHO standard, but due to toxicity and serious concern of health, management and Periodic monitor are recommended in different cities of the country for evaluate the mercury levels in hair and BM of ILMs and to estimate the infant's exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norouz Mahmoudi
- Research Center for Environmental Health Technology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Health Research Center, Life style Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Jonidi Jafari
- Research Center for Environmental Health Technology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yousef Moradi
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Esrafili
- Research Center for Environmental Health Technology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Xing Y, Wang J, Shaheen SM, Feng X, Chen Z, Zhang H, Rinklebe J. Mitigation of mercury accumulation in rice using rice hull-derived biochar as soil amendment: A field investigation. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 388:121747. [PMID: 32001101 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.121747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Effect of application of 24 t ha-1 and 72 t ha-1 rice hull-derived biochar (RHB) on total Hg (THg) and methylHg (MeHg) immobilization and their accumulations by rice plants were studied in a field experiment (Wanshan Hg mine, China). The addition of two doses of RHB significantly increased the biomass of rice plants, and decreased the MeHg concentration in the pore water, as compared to the control. The RHB promoted the partitioning of pore water MeHg to the soil solid phase throughout rice growing season, and pore water THg partitioning only at rice filling stage. Mercury methylation potential was weakly affected by the RHB addition to the soil. Mercury might be immobilized through binding of thiols (e.g., cysteine) presented in the RHB or in the soil induced by RHB addition. Biochar addition decreased MeHg and THg contents in the tissues of rice plants, particularly in the polished rice. We attributed the reduction of THg in the rice to the bio-dilution effect, and of MeHg content in the rice to the decreased MeHg availability in the soil by RHB addition. Results suggest that RHB might be suitable for managing Hg transfer in soil-rice plants at Hg contaminated mining regions in China and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xing
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, 550002, PR China; University of Wuppertal, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Institute of Foundation Engineering, Water- and Waste-Management, Laboratory of Soil- and Groundwater-Management, Pauluskirchstraße 7, 42285, Wuppertal, Germany.
| | - Jianxu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, PR China; University of Wuppertal, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Institute of Foundation Engineering, Water- and Waste-Management, Laboratory of Soil- and Groundwater-Management, Pauluskirchstraße 7, 42285, Wuppertal, Germany; CAS Center for Excellence in Quaternary Science and Global Change, Xi'an, 710061, PR China.
| | - Sabry M Shaheen
- University of Wuppertal, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Institute of Foundation Engineering, Water- and Waste-Management, Laboratory of Soil- and Groundwater-Management, Pauluskirchstraße 7, 42285, Wuppertal, Germany; King Abdulaziz University, Faculty of Meteorology, Environment, and Arid Land Agriculture, Department of Arid Land Agriculture, 21589, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; University of Kafrelsheikh, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Soil and Water Sciences, 33516, Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt.
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, PR China.
| | - Zhuo Chen
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, 550002, PR China
| | - Hua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, PR China.
| | - Jörg Rinklebe
- University of Wuppertal, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Institute of Foundation Engineering, Water- and Waste-Management, Laboratory of Soil- and Groundwater-Management, Pauluskirchstraße 7, 42285, Wuppertal, Germany; University of Sejong, Department of Environment, Energy and Geoinformatics, 98 Gunja-Dong, Guangjin-Gu, Seoul, South Korea.
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Pamphlett R, Satgunaseelan L, Kum Jew S, Doble PA, Bishop DP. Elemental bioimaging shows mercury and other toxic metals in normal breast tissue and in breast cancers. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228226. [PMID: 32004334 PMCID: PMC6993973 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Exposure to toxic metals such as mercury has been proposed to be a risk factor for the development of breast cancer since some metals can promote genetic mutations and epigenetic changes. We sought to find what toxic metals are present in normal breast tissue and in the tumours of women who had mastectomies for invasive ductal breast carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded blocks from mastectomies for breast carcinoma were examined from 50 women aged 34-69 years. Paraffin blocks selected for elemental analysis were from breast tissue not involved by carcinoma and from the carcinoma itself. Seven micrometer-thick sections were stained with autometallography to demonstrate the presence of mercury, and subjected to laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) to confirm the presence of mercury and to detect other toxic metals. RESULTS Autometallography-detected mercury was seen in intraductal secretions and some luminal epithelial cells of normal breast lobules in 26 (55%) of the 47 samples where lobules were present, and in 10 (23%) of carcinomas from the 44 samples where carcinoma was present. In eight samples ductal carcinoma in situ was present and one of these contained mercury. LA-ICP-MS confirmed the presence of mercury in samples that stained with autometallography, and detected lead, iron, nickel, aluminium, chromium and cadmium in some samples. CONCLUSIONS Mercury was present in normal breast lobules in more than half of mastectomy samples that contained an invasive carcinoma, and in a smaller proportion of carcinomas and ductal carcinomas in situ. Other toxic metals that may interact synergistically with mercury could be detected in some samples. These findings do not provide direct evidence that toxic metals such as mercury play a role in the pathogenesis of breast cancer, but suggest that future molecular biological investigations on the role of toxic metals in breast cancer are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Pamphlett
- Discipline of Pathology, Sydney Medical School, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Neuropathology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Laveniya Satgunaseelan
- Department of Tissue Pathology and Diagnostic Oncology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stephen Kum Jew
- Discipline of Pathology, Sydney Medical School, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Philip A. Doble
- Elemental Bio-Imaging Facility, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David P. Bishop
- Elemental Bio-Imaging Facility, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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