Analyses of maternal plasma cadmium, lead, and vanadium levels in the diagnosis and severity of late-onset preeclampsia: a prospective and comparative study

Newborn metabolomic signatures of maternal vanadium exposure and reduced birth size

Prenatal exposure to vanadium has been associated with reduced birth size, however, the specific molecular mechanism underlying this effect remains largely unexplored. We measured vanadium in maternal plasma during early pregnancy, and characterized metabolomics profiling in cord blood among 1020 mother-infant pairs from the Wuhan Healthy Baby Cohort, China. After adjusting for potential confounders, a 2-fold increase in maternal plasma vanadium concentration was associated with a decrease of 25.1 g (95 % CI: -45.1, -5.1) and 0.429 g/cm (95 % CI -0.758 to -0.101) in birth weight and weight-for-length (WFL), respectively. Of the 423 metabolites detected, 42 metabolites and 10 metabolic pathways were significantly linked to both vanadium and birth size. The effect of vanadium on reduced birth weight and WFL was significantly mediated by 14 metabolites, including 2 hormones (cortisol and corticosterone), 1 amino acid (lysine), and 11 lipids, with a mediating effect range of 7 % to 17 %. In addition, the lysine degradation pathway significantly mediated a 19 % change in the association between vanadium exposure and both lower birth weight and WFL. Higher maternal vanadium exposure was linked to reduced birth size, and the perturbed metabolites and pathways involved in hormones, amino acids, oxidative stress, and lipid peroxidation may explain the mechanism.

Cadmium levels in maternal blood, placenta, and cord blood in relation to preeclampsia and fetal growth: a case-control study in China

This study aims to delineate the levels of Cd exposure in maternal blood, placenta, and cord blood, and to explore the association between Cd levels and the risk of preeclampsia (PE), as well as its potential impact on fetal growth among affected individuals. A case-control study was performed at the First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, involving 373 pregnant women diagnosed with PE and 485 controls. Cd was measured in maternal blood, placenta, and cord blood using ICP-MS. The association between Cd and birth weight z-score was analyzed by multivariate linear regression. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the relationships between Cd and the risk of PE, and Cd and the risk of fetal growth. The concentration of Cd in the placenta was higher than that in maternal blood and cord blood. The highest tertile of placental Cd was identified as a risk factor for PE (OR = 2.704, 95% CI: 1.865, 3.921). Among pregnant women with PE, higher levels of Cd exposure in the placenta were negatively associated with birth weight z-scores (per doubling: β = -0.134, 95% CI: -0.264, -0.004), and the highest tertile of placental Cd was associated with an elevated risk of SGA (OR = 2.103, 95% CI: 1.164, 3.801). Furthermore, an interaction between Cd and PE was identified. In conclusion, Cd can accumulate in the placenta of pregnant women, and high placental Cd exposure not only increases the risk of PE but also exacerbates the risk of SGA outcome in PE pregnant women.

Environmental exposure to metal(loid)s and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Environmental exposure to metal(loid)s has been associated with adverse effects on human health, but the systemic repercussion of these elements on the development of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) is still poorly understood.

OBJECTIVE

To summarize evidence published about the influence of environmental exposure to aluminum, arsenic, barium, cadmium, lead, strontium and mercury on the development of HDP.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic literature review according to the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The search strategy was validated by the Peer Review of Electronic Search Strategies. We searched for articles published up to February 2023 in seven databases without language restriction. Two researchers conducted the steps for selection, data extraction and evaluation of the methodological quality of the instruments for epidemiological studies of the Joanna Briggs Institute. Any disagreements were resolved by a third researcher.

RESULTS

We obtained 5076 records, of which 37 articles met the inclusion criteria moderate to high methodological quality. Single exposure to metal(loid)s was predominant, and the leading biological matrix analyzed to detect the concentrations from exposure was maternal blood. Lead was the metal investigated the most, and had the largest number of studies showing positive association with HDP. In relation to the other metal(loid)s, higher levels were found in women with HDP in comparison with healthy women, but the finding of a cause-effect relationship was inconsistent.

CONCLUSIONS

Although we found evidence of harmful effects of the metal(loid)s studied on human health, the results were inconclusive with regard to HDP. Longitudinal studies that consider prospective investigation, adjustment of confounding factors and the interference of other contaminants in the exacerbation of oxidative stress in women from the preconception phase to the puerperal period should be encouraged.

An exploratory study on the association of multiple metals in serum with preeclampsia

Background

Individual metal levels are potential risk factors for the development of preeclampsia (PE). However, understanding of relationship between multiple metals and PE remains elusive.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore whether eight metals [zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg)] in serum had a certain relationship with PE.

Methods

A study was conducted in Dongguan, China. The concentrations of metals in maternal serum were assessed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Data on various factors were collected through a face-to-face interview and hospital electronic medical records. The unconditional logistic regression model, principal component analysis (PCA) and Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) were applied in our study.

Results

The logistic regression model revealed that the elevated levels of Cu, Pb, and Hg were associated with an increased risk of PE. According to PCA, principal component 1 (PC1) was predominated by Hg, Pb, Mn, Ni, Cu, and As, and PC1 was associated with an increased risk of PE, while PC2 was predominated by Cd and Zn. The results of BKMR indicated a significant positive cumulative effect of serum metals on PE risk, with Ni and Cu exhibiting a significant positive effect. Moreover, BKMR results also revealed the nonlinear effects of Ni and Cd.

Conclusion

The investigation suggests a potential positive cumulative impact of serum metals on the occurrence of PE, with a particular emphasis on Cu as a potential risk factor for the onset and exacerbation of PE. These findings offer valuable insights for guiding future studies on this concern.

The relationship between cadmium exposure and preeclampsia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal associated with several human disorders. Preeclampsia is a major cause of maternal mortality worldwide. The association between maternal Cd exposure and preeclampsia remains elusive.

Methods

To better understand this relationship, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of eligible studies from five databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and CNKI) from their inception to September 10, 2022. The quality of these studies was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale (NOS). We use random-effects models to calculate overall standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of our results. We also evaluated publication bias using Egger's and Begg's tests. Additionally, we conducted meta-regression and sub-group analyses to identify potential sources of heterogeneity between studies.

Results

Our analysis included a total of 17 studies with 10,373 participants. We found a significant association between maternal cadmium exposure and the risk of preeclampsia (SMD 0.27, 95% CI 0.09-0.44, p < 0.01). No significant publication bias was detected in Begg's or Egger's tests. Meta-regression suggested that geographical location, year of publication, cadmium samples, sample size, and measurement methods did not contribute to heterogeneity between studies.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that maternal blood cadmium levels are associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia. In contrast, the pregnant women's urine or placental levels of cadmium may not suggest preeclamptic risk during pregnancy. Further high-quality clinical studies and animal experiments are needed to understand this association better.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=361291, identifier: CRD42022361291.

Reference intervals for cd, hg, Mn and Pb in the general children population (3-14 years) of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) between June 2019 and June 2020

The reference intervals (RIs), proposed by the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) and the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), were derived for Cd, Hg, Mn and Pb in the blood and urine of the children population living in Kinshasa (n = 200, aged 3-14 years with 97 girls). Levels of metals were measured using coupled plasma mass (ICP-MS). In blood, the proposed RIs [P5-P95 (GM)] were 0.022-1.112 μg/L (0.074), 35.69-144.50 μg/L (71.43), 0.060 to 1.161 μg/L (0.208) and 6.597-15.740 μg/L (9.882) for Cd, Pb, Hg and Mn, respectively. Urinary levels [(P5-P95 (GM)] were 0.082-1.530 μg/L (0.366) for Cd, 1.827-18.500 μg/L (5.458) for Pb, 0.323-1.953 μg/L (0.709) for Hg and 0.070 to 1.703 μg/L (0.186) for Mn. As compared to the CDC updated blood Pb reference value (35 μg/L), Pb levels remain higher of public health concern. Cd and Mn levels were similar to those found in the same city in 2015 and databases involving non-occupationally exposed populations from other countries. Hg levels significantly lower than those found in the same city in 2015, probably due to exclusion criteria of metal exposure applying in the present survey (occupationally exposed to the studied metals, smoking habits, amalgam tooth fillings, fish consumption habit more than one time per week, etc.). These background metal exposures will be useful for future occupational and/or environmental surveys as well as undertaking a reliable regulation of chemical exposure in Kinshasa via a national HBM program.

A global perspective of correlation between maternal blood lead levels and risks of preeclampsia: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Preeclampsia (PE) is a specific hypertensive disorder in pregnancy. Lead (Pb) is a heavy metal that affects women's reproductive health. However, it is unclear whether lead exposure during can predispose maternal risk of developing preeclampsia. This systematic review and meta-analysis study aimed to explore the association.

Methods

We searched studies from three databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase). Only case-control, cross-sectional, and cohort studies reporting maternal blood lead levels (BLL) and PE were included from database inception to 31st July 2022. Pregnant women with blood lead levels measured were eligible. Those healthy pregnant women who did not develop preeclampsia were assessed as comparators. Letters, comments, case reports, and reviews were excluded. Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and its adaptive form were applied for assessment. The random-effects method (REM) was applied to calculate the standardized mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Stata 16.0 and RevMan 5.3 were the software used for data extraction and analysis.

Results

25 studies out of 1,808 articles made the finalist for systematic reviews, of which 21 underwent further quantity analysis. A total of 1,533 preeclamptic women and 10,998 healthy pregnant controls were included in the meta-analysis. The overall result revealed that maternal lead exposure was significantly higher in women with preeclampsia (SMD: 1.06, 95% CI 0.69, 1.43); (I ² = 96.40%; P = 0.000).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that maternal lead exposure is associated with preeclampsia during pregnancy. The association is present even in low blood lead levels. The conclusion should be taken seriously and women should avoid unexpected exposure to a lead-containing environment as much as possible.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=347220, identifier: CRD42022347220.

Prediction and prevention of preeclampsia by physicians in Brazil: An original study

Background

Considering the worldwide importance of preeclampsia, especially in Brazil, the screening of pregnant women at greater risk of developing the disease and the application of preventive measures are essential. This study aimed to assess the medical performance in this context in Brazil.

Methods

A survey was developed to quantify the number of physicians who prescribe acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and/or calcium for preeclampsia prevention. The survey was sent to all Brazilian obstetricians affiliated to the Brazilian Federation of OBGYN by email and WhatsApp. The survey remained opened for 6 months and included questions about the use of ASA and calcium, as well as about the use of a complementary test to predict preeclampsia.

Results

The sample consisted of 360 responding physicians and 100% coverage of responses from physicians from the five different regions of Brazil was obtained. The vast majority of respondents (94.72%) prescribe ASA to prevent preeclampsia, with 80.3% prescribing a dose of 100 mg/day. Calcium is prescribed by 83.9% of the respondents. The majority of the interviewed sample (58.6%) requests uterine artery Doppler imaging to predict preeclampsia and 31.7% do not request any additional test. When the analysis was performed by region, only the northern region differed from the other Brazilian regions regarding the use of ASA and calcium for preeclampsia prevention. While more than 90% of physicians in the other regions prescribe ASA, 40% in the northern region do not use it (p < 0.0001). Regarding calcium, 30% of physicians in northern Brazil do not use the drug for preeclampsia prevention, a percentage that also differs from the other regions where the medication is prescribed by 80 to 90% of physicians (p = 0.021).

Conclusions

The vast majority of Brazilian physicians prescribe low-dose aspirin and calcium carbonate to prevent preeclampsia in high-risk pregnant women. In addition to the identification of clinical risk factors, most doctors use Doppler of the uterine arteries as a predictive method. In the northern region of Brazil, physicians use aspirin and calcium less frequently for preventing preeclampsia compared to the rest of the country.

Measuring the status of maternal serum thiol/disulfide couples in the diagnosis and/or the determination of the severity of late-onset preeclampsia

OBJECTIVE

Preeclampsia (PrE) is a pregnancy-related disorder. PrE affects the health of the mother and/or the fetus binomial with short and/or long-term consequences. The role of oxidant/antioxidant molecules and aberrant maternal inflammation in PrE has been documented. However, the importance of antioxidant molecules such as thiols has been poorly documented. In this research, a possible link between serum thiols levels and the diagnosis/severity of late-onset PrE (L-PrE) was investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We examined maternal serum native thiols, disulfide, total thiols levels, and their ratios in pregnant women with (n = 51) and without L-PrE (n = 50). The levels of these three markers were measured using spectrophotometric assays and compared.

RESULTS

There were significant differences in terms of serum native and total thiols levels between patients with L-PrE and healthy pregnant women (p = .001, p = .008, respectively). Disulfide levels were not different in either group (p = 0.729). There was no difference between total thiols, native thiols, disulfide concentrations, and their ratios in patients with mild (23 patients) and severe (27 patients) preeclampsia in L-PrE (p ≥ .05). A significant discriminative role of native and total thiols for the presence of L-PrE, with cutoff values of 175.86 μmol/L and 296.73 μmol/L, respectively, were revealed in ROC curve analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower concentrations of total/native thiols were linked with the development of L-PrE. However, there is still a need for more clinically useful biomarkers/molecules and management strategies in PrE.