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Poudel K, Ikeda A, Fukunaga H, Brune Drisse MN, Onyon LJ, Gorman J, Laborde A, Kishi R. How does formal and informal industry contribute to lead exposure? A narrative review from Vietnam, Uruguay, and Malaysia. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2024; 39:371-388. [PMID: 36735953 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2022-0224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lead industries are one of the major sources of environmental pollution and can affect human through different activities, including industrial processes, metal plating, mining, battery recycling, etc. Although different studies have documented the various sources of lead exposure, studies highlighting different types of industries as sources of environmental contamination are limited. Therefore, this narrative review aims to focus mainly on lead industries as significant sources of environmental and human contamination. CONTENT Based on the keywords searched in bibliographic databases we found 44 relevant articles that provided information on lead present in soil, water, and blood or all components among participants living near high-risk areas. We presented three case scenarios to highlight how lead industries have affected the health of citizens in Vietnam, Uruguay, and Malaysia. SUMMARY AND OUTLOOK Factories conducting mining, e-waste processing, used lead-acid battery recycling, electronic repair, and toxic waste sites were the primary industries for lead exposure. Our study has shown lead exposure due to industrial activities in Vietnam, Uruguay, Malaysia and calls for attention to the gaps in strategic and epidemiologic efforts to understand sources of environmental exposure to lead fully. Developing strategies and guidelines to regulate industrial activities, finding alternatives to reduce lead toxicity and exposure, and empowering the public through various community awareness programs can play a crucial role in controlling exposure to lead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kritika Poudel
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- WHO Collaborating Center for Environmental Health and Prevention of Chemical Hazards, Sapporo, Japan
- Centre for Health Equity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Atsuko Ikeda
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- WHO Collaborating Center for Environmental Health and Prevention of Chemical Hazards, Sapporo, Japan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | | | - Marie-Noel Brune Drisse
- Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Lesley Jayne Onyon
- Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Julia Gorman
- Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Amalia Laborde
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Republic University of Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Reiko Kishi
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- WHO Collaborating Center for Environmental Health and Prevention of Chemical Hazards, Sapporo, Japan
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Shibeeb S, Abdallah A, Shi Z. Blood Homocysteine Levels Mediate the Association Between Blood Lead Levels and Cardiovascular Mortality. Cardiovasc Toxicol 2024; 24:62-70. [PMID: 38231351 PMCID: PMC10838245 DOI: 10.1007/s12012-023-09819-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Lead is a heavy, toxic metal and its exposure to humans can lead to increased risk of cardiovascular disease development and mortality. Lead exposure has been shown to induce hyperhomocysteinemia (HHCy) which may be a major pathogenic risk for the risk of CVDs. The aim of this study was to investigate whether homocysteine (Hcy) mediates the effect of lead on cardiovascular mortality. A total of 17,915 adults aged ≥ 20 who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999 to 2006). Information on mortality was ascertained via probabilistic matching to the death certificates from the National Death Index recorded up to December 31, 2015. Cox proportional hazards regression was performed to assess the association between blood lead levels and mortality. Mediation via Hcy was examined using a logit model. During a mean follow-up of 11.6 years, the incidences of CVD mortality were 0.73, 2.18, 3.03 and 4.94 per 1000 person-years across quarterlies of blood lead levels from low to high. Following multivariable adjustment, blood lead levels were strongly associated with CVD mortality in all mortality models (p-trend < 0.001). This association remained statistically significant after further adjusting for quartiles of homocysteine (model 3; HR 1.38 (95% CI 1.01-1.89) p-trend < 0.001). Furthermore, blood lead levels increased the odds of CVD mortality via homocysteine (indirect effect) (OR 1.42 (95% CI 1.30-1.55)), demonstrating the mediatory effect of homocysteine. This the first study that demonstrates that increased homocysteine mediates nearly half of CVD mortality related to blood lead levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sapha Shibeeb
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, PO Box 71, Bundoora, Melbourne, VIC, 3083, Australia.
| | - Atiyeh Abdallah
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Zumin Shi
- Human Nutrition Department, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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Shi L, Zhou J, Dong J, Gao F, Zhao W. Association of low-level blood lead with plasma homocysteine in US children and adolescents. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2023:10.1007/s10653-023-01526-7. [PMID: 37029846 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-023-01526-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Although research in adults has revealed a positive relationship between blood lead levels (BLLs) and homocysteine (Hcy) levels in adults, few studies have investigated this relationship in children and adolescents. We evaluated the relationship between lowlevel blood lead and Hcy levels in US children and adolescents. A total of 8,313 children and adolescents aged 8-19 participated in this study via the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2006. Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to examine the association between continuous BLLs and Hcy levels. The dose-dependent relationship between continuous BLLs and Hcy levels was analyzed using smooth curve fitting. The average age of participants was 14.1 ± 3.3 years (50.3% male). The mean values of BLLs and Hcy levels were 1.45 μg/dL and 5.77 μmol/L, respectively. In a multivariable adjusted model, an increase in 1.0 μg/dL of BLLs was associated with an elevation of 0.06 μmol/L in Hcy levels (β = 0.06, 95%CI:0.02-0.10, P = 0.001). A linear relationship between BLLs and Hcy levels was discovered using smooth curve fitting (P non-linearity = 0.464). The relationship between low-level blood lead and Hcy levels was stronger on participants with lower serum folate levels (P for interaction = 0.002). Low BLLs were positively associated with plasma Hcy levels in children and adolescents, which varies depending on the levels of folate, vitamin B, and dietary supplements involved in Hcy metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingfei Shi
- Department of Geriatrics and Psychiatry, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jia Zhou
- Cancer Center, Gamma Knife Treatment Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jinjiang Dong
- Department of Neurosurgery, First People's Hospital of Chun'an City, Hangzhou, 311700, Zhejiang, China
| | - Faliang Gao
- Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China.
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Wenyan Zhao
- Center for General Practice Medicine, Department of General Practice Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China.
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Chen Z, Huo X, Chen G, Luo X, Xu X. Lead (Pb) exposure and heart failure risk. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:28833-28847. [PMID: 33840028 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-13725-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) is a heavy metal with widespread industrial use, but it is also a widespread environmental contaminant with serious toxicological consequences to many species. Pb exposure adversely impacts the cardiovascular system in humans, leading to cardiac dysfunction, but its effects on heart failure risk remain poorly elucidated. To better understand the pathophysiological effects of Pb, we review potential mechanisms by which Pb exposure leads to cardiac dysfunction. Adverse effects of Pb exposure on cardiac function include heart failure risk, pressure overload, arrhythmia, myocardial ischemia, and cardiotoxicity. The data reviewed clearly establish that Pb exposure can play an important role in the occurrence and development of heart failure. Future epidemiological and mechanistic studies should be developed to better understand the involvement of Pb exposure in heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihan Chen
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xinling Rd, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Xia Huo
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, Guangdong, China
| | - Guangcan Chen
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xinling Rd, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiuli Luo
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xinling Rd, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Xijin Xu
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xinling Rd, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, China.
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, China.
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Wei J, Ji JS. Modification of vitamin B6 on the associations of blood lead levels and cardiovascular diseases in the US adults. BMJ Nutr Prev Health 2021; 3:180-187. [PMID: 33521527 PMCID: PMC7841818 DOI: 10.1136/bmjnph-2020-000088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death in the US population. Lead exposure is an important risk factor of CVDs, as is associated with elevated homocysteine level and oxidative stress. We aim to examine whether vitamin B6, which has been shown to reduce homocysteine level, can modify the relationship between blood lead and the risk of CVDs. Methods Cross-sectional data on ever-report CVDs (congestive heart failure, coronary heart disease, angina pectoris, heart attack and stroke), blood lead level (BLL) and vitamin B6 in the form of plasma pyridoxal 5'-phosphate were obtained from US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005–2006 for adults≥20 years old. The association between CVDs and quartiles of BLL was estimated using multivariate logistic regression models adjusted for demographics factors, lifestyle variables, stress variables, comorbidities and CVD biomarkers (C reactive protein, homocysteine, cholesterol) and was stratified by vitamin B6 deficiency level (<20 nmol/L) and median value of vitamin B6 (42.5 nmol/L). Results Positive associations between BLL and CVDs only appeared in the vitamin B6 deficiency group, with quartile 2 to quartile 4 of BLL showing higher risk of CVDs (OR=3.1, 95% CI 0.9 to 10.6; OR=6.5, 95% CI 1.4 to 30.8; OR=5.5, 95% CI 1.4 to 21.7) compared with quartile 1. When stratified by median value of vitamin B6, a significant association between higher CVD risk with higher BLL was only observed in subjects with low vitamin B6 (p trend=0.004). Conclusions Vitamin B6 could modify the association between BLL and CVDs, which suggests a potential value of vitamin B6 in influencing the effects of lead exposure on the cardiovascular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Wei
- Environmental Research Center, Duke Kunshan University, Kunshan, China
| | - John S Ji
- Environmental Research Center, Duke Kunshan University, Kunshan, China.,Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Nonlinear association between blood lead and hyperhomocysteinemia among adults in the United States. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17166. [PMID: 33051568 PMCID: PMC7553908 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74268-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence regarding the association between blood lead levels (BLL) and hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) in US adults was limited. We aimed to investigate the association of BLL with the risk of HHcy, and to examine possible effect modifiers using US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database. We performed a cross-sectional study using data from up to 9,331 participants aged ≥ 20 years of NHANES from 2001 to 2006. BLL was measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. HHcy was defined as plasma homocysteine level > 15 µmol/L. The weighted prevalence of HHcy was 6.87%. The overall mean BLL was 1.9 μg/dL. Overall, there was a nonlinear positive association between Ln-transformed BLL (LnBLL) and the risk of HHcy. The Odds ratios (95% CI) for participants in the second (0.04–0.49 μg/dL), third (0.5–0.95 μg/dL) and fourth quartiles (> 0.95 μg/dL) were 1.12 (95% CI: 0.71, 1.76), 1.13 (95% CI: 0.73, 1.77), and 1.67 (95% CI: 1.07, 2.61), respectively, compared with those in quartile 1. Consistently, a significantly higher risk of HHcy (OR: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.19, 1.88) was found in participants in quartile 4 compared with those in quartiles 1–3. Furthermore, a strongly positive association between LnBLL and HHcy was observed in participants with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min−1/1.73 m−2. Our results suggested that a higher level of BLL (LnBLL > 0.95 μg/dL) was associated with increased risk of HHcy compared with a lower level of BLL (LnBLL ≤ 0.95 μg/dL) among U.S. adults, and the association was modified by the eGFR.
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Tran BX, Vu GT, Latkin CA, Pham HQ, Phan HT, Le HT, Ho RC. Characterize health and economic vulnerabilities of workers to control the emergence of COVID-19 in an industrial zone in Vietnam. SAFETY SCIENCE 2020; 129:104811. [PMID: 32398902 PMCID: PMC7214303 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssci.2020.104811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The detection of first COVID-19 infected industrial worker in Vietnam on 13 April 2020 prompted timely effort to examine the health problems, behaviors, and health services access of industrial workers to inform effective and appropriate COVID-19 control measures, minimizing the risk of industrial sites becoming the next disease cluster. A search strategy involving search terms corresponding to 'health', 'industrial worker', and 'Vietnam' was applied to search for related papers published in English on Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Duplicates were removed, and relevant data were extracted from the full text of remaining publications. Results showed that underlying health problems, including respiratory system problems, were common among industrial workers. Many suffered occupational diseases and/or work-related injuries. Self-treatment (without medication) was the most used method when having health problems (by 28.2-51% of participants), followed by visiting commune health centers (24%) and self-medication (20.3%). Findings suggest a high risk of disease spreading among industrial workers and of them suffering more severe conditions when infected. Economic vulnerabilities may be the reason for workers' reluctance to taking time off work to attend hospital/clinic. These imply a need for involving local pharmacies, commune health centers, traditional health providers or village health collaborators as local health gatekeepers who are the first point of detecting and reporting of suspected COVID-19 cases, as well as a channel where accurate information regarding COVID-19, protective equipment, and intervention packages can be delivered. Having COVID-19 testing centers at or near industrial sites are also recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bach Xuan Tran
- Institute for Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi 100000, Viet Nam
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
- Corresponding author at: Institute for Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, 1 Ton That Tung, Hanoi 100000, Viet Nam.
| | - Giang Thu Vu
- Center of Excellence in Evidence-based Medicine, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam
| | - Carl A. Latkin
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
| | - Hai Quang Pham
- Institute for Global Health Innovations, Duy Tan University, Da Nang 550000, Viet Nam
- Faculty of Medicine, Duy Tan University, Da Nang 550000, Viet Nam
| | - Hai Thanh Phan
- Institute for Global Health Innovations, Duy Tan University, Da Nang 550000, Viet Nam
- Faculty of Medicine, Duy Tan University, Da Nang 550000, Viet Nam
| | - Huong Thi Le
- Institute for Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi 100000, Viet Nam
| | - Roger C.M. Ho
- Center of Excellence in Behavioral Medicine, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam
- Institute for Health Innovation and Technology (iHealthtech), National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
- Department of Psychological Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore 119074, Singapore
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Exposure to Toxic Heavy Metals Can Influence Homocysteine Metabolism? Antioxidants (Basel) 2019; 9:antiox9010030. [PMID: 31905706 PMCID: PMC7022705 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9010030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Homocysteine is a sulfur amino acid whose metabolism is activated in two pathways: remethylation to methionine, which requires folate and vitamin B12, and transsulfuration to cystathionine, which needs pyridoxal-5'-phosphate. High homocysteine level increases the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, peripheral vascular diseases, and cognitive impairment. Some evidence showed that exposure to these metals increased plasma homocysteine levels. METHODS A systematic review was carried out to clarify the relationship between homocysteine blood levels and exposure to toxic heavy metals (Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, and Chromium). RESULTS The results of this systematic review indicate that exposure to Pb, Cr, Cd, and Hg is connected with nonphysiological homocysteine levels or vitamin B12 and folate serum concentrations. CONCLUSIONS These findings reinforce the importance of involvement in exposure to heavy metals in homocysteine metabolism. This supports the role of blood metals as potential upstream modifiable risk factors to prevent the development of other established risk factors as hyperhomocysteinemia.
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Liu SY, Huang Q, Gu X, Zhang B, Shen W, Tian P, Zeng Y, Qin LZ, Ye LX, Ni ZM, Wang Q. Association of Bone Turnover Levels with MTHFR Gene Polymorphisms among Pregnant Women in Wuhan, China. Curr Med Sci 2018; 38:602-609. [PMID: 30128868 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-018-1920-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Revised: 01/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy is a critical stimulator of bone mineral resorption. We used to find the MTHFR gene polymorphisms are related with blood lead levels among pregnant women. Pregnancy-stimulated bone turnover may be associated with MTHFR gene polymorphisms too. In this article, we aimed to determine the relationship between MTHFR gene polymorphisms and bone turnover rates among the pregnant women. The participants including pregnant and non-pregnant women were selected and recruited during their routine prenatal or physical examination from July to October in 2012. A total of 1000 participants, including 250 pregnant women in the first, second, and third trimesters and 250 non-pregnant women, were enrolled in the study. Finally, after excluding 27 participants unable to provide blood samples, 973 eligible participants (i.e., 234,249, and 248 pregnant women in the first, second, and third trimesters, respectively, and 242 non-pregnant women) were included in the research. The MTHFR gene 1298CC homozygote carriers were more susceptible to yield higher plasma homocysteine levels than the 1298AA/AC carriers, with standardized coefficients of 0.086 (P<0.05) and 0.104 (P<0.01) of all the participants and the pregnant women, respectively. The MTHFR gene 1793AA homozygote carriers more likely showed higher plasma osteocalcin levels (standardized β=0.091,P<0.01) than the 1793GG/GA carriers among all the subjects. Plasma homocysteine levels were positively correlated with blood lead levels among the participants and the pregnant women with standardized coefficients of 0.320 (P<0.01) and 0.179 (P<0.01), respectively. Plasma osteocalcin levels were positively associated with blood lead levels among pregnant and non-pregnant women with standardized coefficients of 0.084 (P<0.05) and 0.125 (P<0.01), respectively. In conclusion, homocysteine and osteocalcin contents in plasma are associated with the MTHFR gene A1298C polymorphism and blood lead levels among pregnant women. The MTHFR gene A1298C polymorphism-related homocysteine is a possible risk factor for increased blood lead levels among Chinese women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Yun Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, MOE Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Qin Huang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Xue Gu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, MOE Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Wuhan Women and Children Medical Care Center, Wuhan, 430016, China
| | - Wei Shen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Ping Tian
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yun Zeng
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, MOE Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Ling-Zhi Qin
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Lin-Xiang Ye
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, MOE Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Ze-Min Ni
- Women and Children Medical Center of Jiang-an District, Wuhan, 430017, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, MOE Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Pollack AZ, Mumford SL, Sjaarda L, Perkins NJ, Malik F, Wactawski-Wende J, Schisterman EF. Blood lead, cadmium and mercury in relation to homocysteine and C-reactive protein in women of reproductive age: a panel study. Environ Health 2017; 16:84. [PMID: 28789684 PMCID: PMC5549434 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-017-0293-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To examine the relationship between cadmium, lead, and mercury concentrations with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and homocysteine in women. METHODS Metals were measured at enrollment in whole blood. Homocysteine and hs-CRP were measured in one (N = 9) or two (N = 250) menstrual cycles up to 3 and 8 times per cycle, respectively. Linear mixed models with inverse probability of exposure weights to account for time varying confounding were used and models were stratified by dietary and serum vitamin status (dietary: vitamin B6, B12, folate; serum: folate). RESULTS Geometric mean (95% confidence interval (CI)) concentrations for cadmium, lead, and mercury were 0.29 (0.26-0.31) μg/L, 0.91 (0.86-0.96) μg/dL, and 1.05 (0.93-1.18) μg/L, respectively. Lead was associated with increased homocysteine (0.08; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.15) and this persisted among those in the lower three quartiles of consumption of vitamin B6, B12, folate, and serum folate but was not significant among those in the upper quartile. No associations were observed between metals and hs-CRP. CONCLUSIONS Blood lead was associated with increased homocysteine in a cohort of healthy, premenopausal women but these associations did not persist among those consuming ≥75th percentile of essential micronutrients. Cadmium, lead, and mercury were not associated with hs-CRP concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Z. Pollack
- Department of Global and Community Health, College of Health and Human Services, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive MS5B7, Fairfax, VA 22030 USA
| | - Sunni L. Mumford
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Lindsey Sjaarda
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Neil J. Perkins
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Farah Malik
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Jean Wactawski-Wende
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY USA
| | - Enrique F. Schisterman
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
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Kim KN, Lee MR, Lim YH, Hong YC. Blood lead levels, iron metabolism gene polymorphisms and homocysteine: a gene-environment interaction study. Occup Environ Med 2017; 74:899-904. [DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2017-104375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Revised: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Abd Allah ESH, Badary DM. Folic acid protects against lead acetate-induced hepatotoxicity by decreasing NF-κB, IL-1β production and lipid peroxidation mediataed cell injury. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 24:39-44. [PMID: 28214085 DOI: 10.1016/j.pathophys.2017.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Revised: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 02/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Folic acid plays an important role in cellular metabolic activities. The present study was designed to investigate the protective effect of folic acid against lead acetate-induced hepatotoxicity. Twenty four male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into four groups, six animals each. Negative control group received the vehicle, positive control group received 1mg/kg folic acid for five consecutive days/week for 4 weeks orally, lead-exposed group received 10mg/kg lead acetate intraperitoneally (IP) for five consecutive days/week for 4 weeks, and lead-treated group received 10mg/kg lead acetate IP and 1mg/kg folic acid orally for five consecutive days/week for 4 weeks concurrently. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and γ- glutamyltransferase (GGT) were measured. Hepatic total peroxide and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were also investigated. Histopathological studies using hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and periodic acid shiff's (PAS) were carried out. The expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) was evaluated using immunohistochemistry. Serum AST, ALT and GGT and hepatic total peroxide and IL-1β were significantly increased in lead-exposed group and were positively correlated with hepatic lead level. Moreover, lead-exposed rats showed hydropic degeneration, nuclear vesiculation, high lymphocytic infiltration, depletion of glycogen content and NF-κB expression. Concomitant folic acid administration resulted in a significant alleviation of biochemical and structural alteration-induced by lead. This was associated with reduction of hepatic total peroxide and IL-1β and reduction of NF-κB expression. In conclusion, folic acid protects against lead acetate-induced hepatotoxicity by decreasing NF-κB, IL-1β production and lipid peroxidation mediataed cell injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman S H Abd Allah
- Medical Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.
| | - Dalia M Badary
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
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Prokopowicz A, Sobczak A, Szuła-Chraplewska M, Zaciera M, Kurek J, Szołtysek-Bołdys I. Effect of occupational exposure to lead on new risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Occup Environ Med 2016; 74:366-373. [DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2016-103996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Revised: 11/12/2016] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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14
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Kasperczyk S, Dobrakowski M, Kasperczyk A, Romuk E, Rykaczewska-Czerwińska M, Pawlas N, Birkner E. Effect of N-acetylcysteine administration on homocysteine level, oxidative damage to proteins, and levels of iron (Fe) and Fe-related proteins in lead-exposed workers. Toxicol Ind Health 2015; 32:1607-18. [PMID: 25731901 DOI: 10.1177/0748233715571152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) could be included in protocols designed for the treatment of lead toxicity. Therefore, in this study, we decided to investigate the influence of NAC administration on homocysteine (Hcy) levels, oxidative damage to proteins, and the levels of iron (Fe), transferrin (TRF), and haptoglobin (HPG) in lead (Pb)-exposed workers. The examined population (n = 171) was composed of male employees who worked with Pb. They were randomized into four groups. Workers who were not administered any antioxidants, drugs, vitamins, or dietary supplements were classified as the reference group (n = 49). The remaining three groups consisted of workers who were treated orally with NAC at three different doses (1 × 200, 2 × 200, or 2 × 400 mg) for 12 weeks. After the treatment, blood Pb levels significantly decreased in the groups receiving NAC compared with the reference group. The protein concentration was not affected by NAC administration. In contrast, Hcy levels significantly decreased or showed a strong tendency toward lower values depending on the NAC dose. Levels of the protein carbonyl groups were significantly decreased in all of the groups receiving NAC. Conversely, glutamate dehydrogenase activity was significantly elevated in all of the groups receiving NAC, while the level of protein thiol groups was significantly elevated only in the group receiving 200 mg of NAC. Treatment with NAC did not significantly affect Fe and TRF levels, whereas HPG levels showed a tendency toward lower values. Treatment with NAC normalized the level of Hcy and decreased oxidative stress as measured by the protein carbonyl content; this effect occurred in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, small doses of NAC elevated the levels of protein thiol groups. Therefore, NAC could be introduced as an alternative therapy for chronic Pb toxicity in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sławomir Kasperczyk
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Zabrze, Poland
| | - Michał Dobrakowski
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Zabrze, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Kasperczyk
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Zabrze, Poland
| | - Ewa Romuk
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Zabrze, Poland
| | - Monika Rykaczewska-Czerwińska
- Department of Toxicology and Occupational Health Protection, Public Health Faculty, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Natalia Pawlas
- Department of Chemical Hazards and Genetic Toxicology, Institute of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health in Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Ewa Birkner
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Zabrze, Poland
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Shen W, Zhang B, Liu S, Wu H, Gu X, Qin L, Tian P, Zeng Y, Ye L, Ni Z, Wang Q. Association of blood lead levels with methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphisms among Chinese pregnant women in Wuhan city. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0117366. [PMID: 25723397 PMCID: PMC4344240 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0117366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2014] [Accepted: 12/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnancy is an important stimulus of bone lead release. Elevated blood lead levels (BLLs) may cause adverse pregnancy outcomes for mothers and harmful lead effects on fetuses. However, the reports about maternal BLL changes during pregnancy are conflicting to some extent. This article is to explore the variations in BLLs among pregnant women. The relationships of BLLs with methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene C677T, A1298C, and G1793A polymorphisms, which are associated with bone resorption, were also studied. A total of 973 women, including 234, 249, and 248 women in their first, second, and third trimesters, respectively, and 242 non-pregnant women, were recruited at the Wuhan Women and Children Medical Health Center. METHODS BLLs were determined using a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms of MTHFR were identified with the TaqMan probe method. RESULTS The geometric mean (geometric standard deviation) of BLLs was 16.2 (1.78) μg/L for all participants. All the studied MTHFR alleles were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Multiple-linear regression analysis revealed the following results. Among the pregnant women, those that carried MTHFR 677CC (i.e. wild-genotype homozygote) and 1298CC (i.e. mutant-genotype homozygote) exhibited higher BLLs than those that carried 677CT/TT (standardized β = 0.074, P = 0.042) and 1298AC/AA (standardized β = 0.077, P = 0.035) when other covariates (e.g., age, no. of children, education and income, etc.) were adjusted. The BLLs of pregnant women consistently decreased during the pregnancy and these levels positively correlated with BMI (standard β = 0.086-0.096, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The 1298CC mutant-type homozygote in the MTHFR gene is a risk factor for high BLLs among low-level environmental lead-exposed Chinese pregnant women, whose BLLs consistently decreased during gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Shen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, MOE Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Wuhan Women and Children Medical Care Center, Wuhan 430016, China
| | - Shuyun Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, MOE Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Hongling Wu
- Wuhan Women and Children Medical Care Center, Wuhan 430016, China
| | - Xue Gu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, MOE Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Lingzhi Qin
- Wuhan Women and Children Medical Care Center, Wuhan 430016, China
| | - Ping Tian
- Wuhan Women and Children Medical Care Center, Wuhan 430016, China
| | - Yun Zeng
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, MOE Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Linxiang Ye
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, MOE Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Zemin Ni
- Women and Children Medical Center of Jiang-an District, Wuhan 430017, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, MOE Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
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Bakulski KM, Park SK, Weisskopf MG, Tucker KL, Sparrow D, Spiro A, Vokonas PS, Nie LH, Hu H, Weuve J. Lead exposure, B vitamins, and plasma homocysteine in men 55 years of age and older: the VA normative aging study. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2014; 122:1066-74. [PMID: 24905780 PMCID: PMC4181916 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1306931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2013] [Accepted: 06/04/2014] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lead (Pb) exposure may influence the plasma concentration of homocysteine, a one-carbon metabolite associated with cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Little is known about the associations between Pb and homocysteine over time, or the potential influence of dietary factors. OBJECTIVES We examined the longitudinal association of recent and cumulative Pb exposure with homocysteine concentrations and the potential modifying effect of dietary nutrients involved in one-carbon metabolism. METHODS In a subcohort of the Veterans Affairs (VA) Normative Aging Study (1,056 men with 2,301 total observations between 1993 and 2011), we used mixed-effects models to estimate differences in repeated measures of total plasma homocysteine across concentrations of Pb in blood and tibia bone, assessing recent and cumulative Pb exposure, respectively. We also assessed effect modification by dietary intake and plasma concentrations of folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. RESULTS An interquartile range (IQR) increment in blood Pb (3 μg/dL) was associated with a 6.3% higher homocysteine concentration (95% CI: 4.8, 7.8%). An IQR increment in tibia bone Pb (14 μg/g) was associated with a 3.7% higher homocysteine (95% CI: 1.6, 5.6%), which was attenuated to 1.5% (95% CI: -0.5, 3.6%) after adjusting for blood Pb. For comparison, a 5-year increase in time from baseline was associated with a 5.7% increase in homocysteine (95% CI: 4.3, 7.1%). The association between blood Pb and homocysteine was significantly stronger among participants with estimated dietary intakes of vitamin B6 and folate below (vs. above) the study population medians, which were similar to the U.S. recommended dietary allowance intakes. CONCLUSIONS Pb exposure was positively associated with plasma homocysteine concentration. This association was stronger among men with below-median dietary intakes of vitamins B6 and folate. These findings suggest that increasing intake of folate and B6 might reduce Pb-associated increases in homocysteine, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and neurodegeneration.
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Lee YM, Lee MK, Bae SG, Lee SH, Kim SY, Lee DH. Association of homocysteine levels with blood lead levels and micronutrients in the US general population. J Prev Med Public Health 2012; 45:387-93. [PMID: 23230469 PMCID: PMC3514469 DOI: 10.3961/jpmph.2012.45.6.387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2012] [Accepted: 10/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Even though several epidemiological studies have observed positive associations between blood lead levels and homocysteine, no study has examined whether this association differs by the levels of micronutrients, such as folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12, which are involved in the metabolism of homocysteine. In this study, we examined the interactions between micronutrients and blood lead on homocysteine levels. Methods This study was performed with 4089 adults aged ≥20 years old in the US general population using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2004. Results There were significant or marginally significant interactions between micronutrients and blood lead levels on mean homocysteine levels. Positive associations between blood lead and homocysteine were clearly observed among subjects with low levels of folate or low vitamin B6 (p-trend <0.01, respectively). However, in the case of vitamin B12, there was a stronger positive association between blood lead and homocysteine among subjects with high levels of vitamin B12, compared to those with low levels of vitamin B12. In fact, the levels of homocysteine were already high among subjects low in vitamin B12, irrespective of blood lead levels. When we used hyperhomocysteinemia (homocysteine>15 µmol/L) as the outcome, there were similar patterns of interaction, though p-values for each interaction failed to reach statistical significance. Conclusions In the current study, the association between blood lead and homocysteine differed based on the levels of folate, vitamin B6, or vitamin B12 present in the blood. It may be important to keep sufficient levels of these micronutrients to prevent the possible harmful effects of lead exposure on homocysteine levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Mi Lee
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
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Gottesfeld P, Pokhrel AK. Review: Lead exposure in battery manufacturing and recycling in developing countries and among children in nearby communities. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2011; 8:520-32. [PMID: 21793732 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2011.601710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The battery industry is the largest consumer of lead, using an estimated 80% of the global lead production. The industry is also rapidly expanding in emerging market countries. A review of published literature on exposures from lead-acid battery manufacturing and recycling plants in developing countries was conducted. The review included studies from 37 countries published from 1993 to 2010 and excluded facilities in developed countries, such as the United States and those in Western Europe, except for providing comparisons to reported findings. The average worker blood lead level (BLL) in developing countries was 47 μg/dL in battery manufacturing plants and 64 μg/dL in recycling facilities. Airborne lead concentrations reported in battery plants in developing countries averaged 367 μg/m3, which is 7-fold greater than the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's 50 μg/m3 permissible exposure limit. The geometric mean BLL of children residing near battery plants in developing countries was 19 μg/dL, which is about 13-fold greater than the levels observed among children in the United States. The blood lead and airborne lead exposure concentrations for battery workers were substantially higher in developing countries than in the United States. This disparity may worsen due to rapid growth in lead-acid battery manufacturing and recycling operations worldwide. Given the lack of regulatory and enforcement capacity in most developing countries, third-party certification programs may be the only viable option to improve conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perry Gottesfeld
- Occupational Knowledge International, San Francisco, California 94118, USA.
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Bellinger DC. The protean toxicities of lead: new chapters in a familiar story. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2011; 8:2593-628. [PMID: 21845148 PMCID: PMC3155319 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph8072593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2011] [Revised: 06/17/2011] [Accepted: 06/20/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Many times in the history of lead toxicology the view that "the problem" has been solved and is no longer a major health concern has prevailed, only to have further research demonstrate the prematurity of this judgment. In the last decade, an extraordinary amount of new research on lead has illustrated, all too clearly, that "the problem" has not disappeared, and that, in fact, it has dimensions never before considered. Recent risk assessments have concluded that research has yet to identify a threshold level below which lead can be considered "safe." Although children's intelligence has traditionally been considered to be the most sensitive endpoint, and used as the basis for risk assessment and standard setting, increased lead exposure has been associated with a wide variety of other morbidities both in children and adults, in some cases at biomarker levels comparable to those associated with IQ deficits in children. In adults, these endpoints include all-cause mortality and dysfunctions in the renal, cardiovascular, reproductive, central nervous systems. In children, IQ deficits are observed at blood lead levels well below 10 μg/dL, and the dose-effect relationship appears to be supra-linear. Other health endpoints associated with greater early-life lead exposure in children include ADHD, conduct disorder, aggression and delinquency, impaired dental health, and delayed sexual maturation. Studies employing neuroimaging modalities such as volumetric, diffusion tensor, and functional MRI are providing insights into the neural bases of the cognitive impairments associated with greater lead exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Bellinger
- Children's Hospital Boston, Farley Basement Box 127, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Yakub M, Iqbal MP. Association of blood lead (Pb) and plasma homocysteine: a cross sectional survey in Karachi, Pakistan. PLoS One 2010; 5:e11706. [PMID: 20657730 PMCID: PMC2908140 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0011706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2010] [Accepted: 06/28/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High blood lead (Pb) and hyperhomocysteinemia have been found to be associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Mean blood Pb and mean plasma homocysteine levels have been reported to be high in Pakistani population. The objective of the present study was to assess the relationship of blood Pb to the risk of hyperhomocysteinemia in a low income urban population of Karachi, Pakistan. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS In a cross sectional survey, 872 healthy adults (355 males, 517 females; age 18-60 years) were recruited from a low income urban population of Karachi. Fasting venous blood was obtained and assessed for blood Pb and plasma/serum homocysteine, folate, pyridoxal phosphate (PLP, a coenzymic form of vitamin B6) and vitamin B12. The study population had median (IQR) blood Pb of 10.82 microg/dL (8.29-13.60). Prevalence of high blood Pb (levels>10 microg/dL) was higher in males compared to females (62.5% males vs 56% females; p value=0.05). Mean+/-SD/median (IQR) value of plasma homocysteine was significantly higher in the highest quartile of blood Pb compared to the lowest quartile 16.13+/-11.2 micromol/L vs 13.28+/-9.7micromol/L/13.15 (10.33-17.81) micromol/L vs 11.09 (8.65 14.31) micromol/L (p value<0.001). Daily consumption of fruit juice had a positive influence on both levels of plasma homocysteine and blood Pb. Compared with the lowest quartile of blood Pb, the OR for hyperhomocysteinemia was 1.69 (95% CI, 1.00 to 2.85) for the fourth quartile when the model was adjusted for age, gender, folate and vitamin B12. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE This study showed a relationship between blood Pb and hyperhomocysteinemia in a general population of Karachi, Pakistan. The harmful effect of Pb on cardiovascular system could be due to its association with hyperhomocysteinemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsin Yakub
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
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Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase ( MTHFR) C677T, A1298C and G1793A genotypes, and the relationship between maternal folate intake, tibia lead and infant size at birth. Br J Nutr 2009; 102:907-14. [PMID: 19338708 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114509318280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Small size at birth continues to be a problem worldwide and many factors, including reduced folate intake and Pb exposure, are associated with it. However, single factors rarely explain the variability in birth weight, suggesting a need for more complex explanatory models. We investigated environment-gene interactions to understand whether folate intake and maternal Pb exposure were associated with smaller newborn size in 474 women with uncomplicated pregnancies delivering term infants in Mexico City. We examined if folate intake modified the negative effects of maternal Pb burden on birth size. We also asked if maternal and infant methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) genotypes (C677T, A1298C and G1793A) modified the effects of folate intake or Pb exposure on birth size. Women were aged 24.6 (sd 5.1) years; 43.5 % were primiparous. Maternal blood Pb at delivery was 86 (sd 42) microg/l, with 26.7 % having levels > or = 100 microg/l. Tibia Pb level was 9.9 (SD 9.8) microg/g. Of the women, 35.3 % had folate intakes < 400 microg/d. Birth weight was 3170 (SD 422) g. In covariate-adjusted regressions, higher folate intake was associated with higher birth weight (beta 0.04; P < 0.05). Higher bone Pb was associated with lower birth weight (beta - 4.9; P < 0.05). Folate intake did not modify the effects of Pb on birth size, nor did MTHFR modify the association between Pb or folate intake on birth size. Although modest, the relationship between maternal nutrition, Pb burden and birth size does underscore the importance of environmental exposures to child health because patterns of fetal growth may affect health outcomes well into adulthood.
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Ravasini JA, Mossop P, McLachlan CS. Homocysteine and heavy metal interactions in atrial fibrillation and ablation treatments. Europace 2008; 10:1458; author reply 1458-7. [PMID: 18974207 DOI: 10.1093/europace/eun291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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