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Zinia SS, Yang KH, Lee EJ, Lim MN, Kim J, Kim WJ. Effects of heavy metal exposure during pregnancy on birth outcomes. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18990. [PMID: 37923810 PMCID: PMC10624662 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46271-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury poses serious health risks to pregnant women because of their high toxicity. In this study, we investigated the associations of heavy metal exposure with birth outcomes of Korean infants. Data of 5,215 women between 2015 and 2019 were analyzed. This study was part of the Korean Children's Environmental Health (Ko-CHENS) study. Linear regression and logistic regression analyses were used to examine effects of concentrations of lead, cadmium, and mercury on birth weight, small for gestational age, and large for gestational age after adjusting for maternal age groups, parity, infant sex, education, income, smoking, drinking, body mass index, stillbirth, premature birth, diabetes, hypertension, and gestational diabetes. Besides adjusting for these covariates, each metal was mutually adjusted to estimate birth weight and large for gestational age status. Maternal cadmium concentrations during early pregnancy (β = - 39.96; 95% confidence interval (CI): - 63.76, - 16.17) and late pregnancy (β = - 37.24; 95% CI - 61.63, - 12.84) were significantly associated with birth weight. Cadmium levels during early pregnancy (adjusted OR = 0.637; 95% CI 0.444, 0.912) were also associated with large for gestational age status. Our findings suggest that prenatal cadmium exposure, even at a low level of exposure, is significantly associated with low birth weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Shafi Zinia
- Department of Internal Medicine and Environmental Health Center, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Hyeok Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine and Environmental Health Center, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Ju Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine and Environmental Health Center, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Myoung-Nam Lim
- Department of Internal Medicine and Environmental Health Center, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeeyoung Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine and Environmental Health Center, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo Jin Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine and Environmental Health Center, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea.
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2
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Bello TCS, Buralli RJ, Cunha MPL, Dórea JG, Diaz-Quijano FA, Guimarães JRD, Marques RC. Mercury Exposure in Women of Reproductive Age in Rondônia State, Amazon Region, Brazil. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5225. [PMID: 36982134 PMCID: PMC10049295 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20065225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Environmental contamination by mercury (Hg) is a problem of global scale that affects human health. This study's aim was to evaluate Hg exposure among women of reproductive age residing in the Madeira River basin, in the State of Rondônia, Brazilian Amazon. This longitudinal cohort study used linear regression models to assess the effects on Hg levels of breastfeeding duration at 6 months, and of breastfeeding duration and number of new children at 2-year and 5-year. Breastfeeding duration was significantly associated with maternal Hg levels in all regression models (6 months, 2 years and 5 years) and no significant association was observed between the number of children and the change in maternal Hg levels in the 2-year and 5-year models. This longitudinal cohort study evaluated Hg levels and contributing factors among pregnant women from different communities (riverine, rural, mining and urban) in Rondônia, Amazon Region, for 5 years. A well-coordinated and designed national biomonitoring program is urgently needed to better understand the current situation of Hg levels in Brazil and the Amazon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thayssa C. S. Bello
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais e Conservação, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Macaé 27965-045, Brazil;
| | - Rafael J. Buralli
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo 01246-903, Brazil;
| | - Mônica P. L. Cunha
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Desenvolvimento Regional e Meio Ambiente, Universidade Federal de Rondônia (UNIR), Porto Velho 76801-058, Brazil;
| | - José G. Dórea
- Departamento de Nutrição, Universidade de Brasília (UnB), Brasilia 70970-000, Brazil;
| | - Fredi A. Diaz-Quijano
- Departamento de Epidemiologia, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 01246-904, Brazil;
| | - Jean R. D. Guimarães
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-170, Brazil;
| | - Rejane C. Marques
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais e Conservação, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Macaé 27965-045, Brazil;
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Taniguchi Y, Yamazaki S, Nakayama SF, Sekiyama M, Michikawa T, Isobe T, Iwai-Shimada M, Kobayashi Y, Nitta H, Oba M, Kamijima M. Maternal Metals Exposure and Infant Weight Trajectory: The Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS). ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2022; 130:127005. [PMID: 36516017 PMCID: PMC9749893 DOI: 10.1289/ehp10321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To our knowledge, the association of maternal exposure to metallic elements with weight trajectory pattern from the neonatal period has not been investigated. OBJECTIVES The goals of this study were to identify infant growth trajectories in weight in the first 3 y of life and to determine the associations of maternal blood levels of lead, cadmium, mercury, selenium, and manganese with growth trajectory. METHODS This longitudinal study, part of the Japan Environment and Children Study, enrolled 103,099 pregnant women at 15 Regional Centres across Japan between 2011 and 2014. Lead, cadmium, mercury, selenium, and manganese levels were measured in blood samples collected in the second (14-27 wk gestational age) or third trimester (≥28wk). Growth trajectory of 99,014 children was followed until age 3 y. Raw weight values were transformed to age- and sex-specific weight standard deviation (SD) scores, and latent-class group-based trajectory models were estimated to determine weight trajectories. Associations between maternal metallic element levels and weight trajectory were examined using multinomial logistic regression models after confounder adjustment. RESULTS We identified 5 trajectory patterns based on weight SD score: 4.74% of infants were classified in Group I, very small to small; 31.26% in Group II, moderately small; 21.91% in Group III, moderately small to moderately large; 28.06% in Group IV, moderately large to normal; and 14.03% in Group V, moderately large to large. On multinomial logistic regression, higher maternal lead and selenium levels tended to be associated with increased odds ratios (ORs) of poor weight SD score trajectories (Groups I and II), in comparison with Group III. Higher levels of mercury were associated with decreased ORs, whereas higher levels of manganese were associated with increased ORs of "moderately large" trajectories (Groups IV and V). DISCUSSION Maternal lead, mercury, selenium, and manganese blood levels affect infant growth trajectory pattern in the first 3 y of life. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP10321.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Taniguchi
- Japan Environment and Children’s Study Programme Office, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Shin Yamazaki
- Japan Environment and Children’s Study Programme Office, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Shoji F. Nakayama
- Japan Environment and Children’s Study Programme Office, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Makiko Sekiyama
- Japan Environment and Children’s Study Programme Office, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Takehiro Michikawa
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Toho University School of Medicine, Ota, Japan
| | - Tomohiko Isobe
- Japan Environment and Children’s Study Programme Office, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Miyuki Iwai-Shimada
- Japan Environment and Children’s Study Programme Office, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Yayoi Kobayashi
- Japan Environment and Children’s Study Programme Office, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Nitta
- Japan Environment and Children’s Study Programme Office, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Mari Oba
- Department of Medical Statistics, Toho University School of Medicine, Ota, Japan
| | - Michihiro Kamijima
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
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Kumar S, Sharma A, Sedha S. Occupational and environmental mercury exposure and human reproductive health - a review. J Turk Ger Gynecol Assoc 2022; 23:199-210. [PMID: 36065987 PMCID: PMC9450922 DOI: 10.4274/jtgga.galenos.2022.2022-2-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Mercury is a toxic heavy metal. Humans are exposed to mercury through several sources including environmental, occupational, contaminated food and water and from mercury-containing dental amalgam. Mercury exposure is known to harm the nervous system profoundly, and have a negative impact on digestive and immune systems, and other organs. To review and discuss the effect of mercury exposure through environmental or occupational routes on human reproduction, pregnancy, and its outcome. Published information about the potential toxic effects of mercury on human reproduction were collected and summarized. Literature was identified by systematic search using relevant keywords. Literature review revealed a number of negative impacts of mercury on human reproduction. These included effects on semen quality, including reduced sperm count, motility, and changes in morphology that may reduce fertility potential. There may also be an effect in changing reproductive hormone levels. Mercury exposure might also affect pregnancy but the data concerning mercury effects on female reproduction are limited except for some data about mercury exposure and poor pregnancy outcomes. Available data indicate that mercury exposure may have a toxicity effect on reproductive potential, especially in males. Prenatal mercury exposure may affect pregnancy or its outcome and this appears to be dependent upon dose, duration, and timing of exposure. Nutritional status of exposed individual might also influence the impact of mercury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Kumar
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Gujarat, India
| | - Anupama Sharma
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Gujarat, India
| | - Sapna Sedha
- Department of Biotechnology, Dr. Hari Singh Gour University, Madhya Pradesh, India
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5
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Kobayashi S, Sata F, Kishi R. Gene-environment interactions related to maternal exposure to environmental and lifestyle-related chemicals during pregnancy and the resulting adverse fetal growth: a review. Environ Health Prev Med 2022; 27:24. [PMID: 35675978 PMCID: PMC9251623 DOI: 10.1265/ehpm.21-00033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There are only limited numbers of reviews on the association of maternal-child genetic polymorphisms and environmental and lifestyle-related chemical exposure during pregnancy with adverse fetal growth. Thus, this article aims to review: (1) the effect of associations between the above highlighted factors on adverse fetal growth and (2) recent birth cohort studies regarding environmental health risks. Methods Based on a search of the PubMed database through August 2021, 68 epidemiological studies on gene-environment interactions, focusing on the association between environmental and lifestyle-related chemical exposure and adverse fetal growth was identified. Moreover, we also reviewed recent worldwide birth cohort studies regarding environmental health risks. Results Thirty studies examined gene-smoking associations with adverse fetal growth. Sixteen maternal genes significantly modified the association between maternal smoking and adverse fetal growth. Two genes significantly related with this association were detected in infants. Moreover, the maternal genes that significantly interacted with maternal smoking during pregnancy were cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1), X-ray repair cross-complementing protein 3 (XRCC3), interleukin 6 (IL6), interleukin 1 beta (IL1B), human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DQ alpha 1 (HLA-DQA1), HLA DQ beta 1 (HLA-DQB1), and nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Fetal genes that had significant interactions with maternal smoking during pregnancy were glutathione S-transferase theta 1 (GSTT1) and fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO). Thirty-eight studies examined the association between chemical exposures and adverse fetal growth. In 62 of the 68 epidemiological studies (91.2%), a significant association was found with adverse fetal growth. Across the studies, there was a wide variation in the analytical methods used, especially with respect to the genetic polymorphisms of interest, environmental and lifestyle-related chemicals examined, and the study design used to estimate the gene-environment interactions. It was also found that a consistently increasing number of European and worldwide large-scale birth cohort studies on environmental health risks have been conducted since approximately 1996. Conclusion There is some evidence to suggest the importance of gene-environment interactions on adverse fetal growth. The current knowledge on gene-environment interactions will help guide future studies on the combined effects of maternal-child genetic polymorphisms and exposure to environmental and lifestyle-related chemicals during pregnancy. Supplementary information The online version contains supplementary material available at https://doi.org/10.1265/ehpm.21-00033.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fumihiro Sata
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University.,Health Center, Chuo University
| | - Reiko Kishi
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University
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Wang X, Pu Y, Ai S, Liu H, He S, Li Z, Dang Y. Associations of maternal blood mercury with preeclampsia and birth outcomes. Clin Chim Acta 2022; 531:361-367. [PMID: 35483441 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2022.04.991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mercury (Hg) is a highly toxic substance, and its harmful effects on maternal and infant health have been reported. Yet, the associations of Hg exposure with preeclampsia (PE) and adverse birth outcomes are not well understood. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the potential effects of maternal Hg exposure on PE and birth outcomes. METHODS We conducted a case-control study with 84 participants in China. Logistic models were used to estimate odds ratios for PE risk and birth outcomes according to maternal blood Hg levels, adjusting for potential confounding factors. RESULTS Elevated blood Hg levels were associated with increased risks of mild PE (aOR, 7.03; 95% CI, 1.61, 30.62; P < 0.01) and severe PE (aOR, 47.55; 95% CI, 5.27, 429.05; P < 0.05). We also found that increased blood Hg levels were associated with low birth weight (aOR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.00, 1.25; P < 0.05) and preterm birth (PTB) (aOR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.08, 1.38; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our study provided evidence that elevated blood Hg levels were significantly associated with an increased risk of PE. In addition, our findings support that increased blood Hg levels might be associated with low birth weight and PTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaxue Wang
- Institute of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| | - Yudong Pu
- Institute of the Songshan Lake (SSL) Central Hospital of Dongguan City, Dongguan 523326, China.
| | - Shiwei Ai
- Institute of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| | - Haixia Liu
- Institute of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| | - Shuzhen He
- Institute of the Songshan Lake (SSL) Central Hospital of Dongguan City, Dongguan 523326, China.
| | - Zhilan Li
- Institute of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| | - Yuhui Dang
- Institute of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
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Xu S, Hansen S, Sripada K, Aarsland T, Horvat M, Mazej D, Alvarez MV, Odland JØ. Maternal Blood Levels of Toxic and Essential Elements and Birth Outcomes in Argentina: The EMASAR Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19063643. [PMID: 35329330 PMCID: PMC8954125 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Pregnant women’s levels of toxic and essential minerals have been linked to birth outcomes yet have not been adequately investigated in South America. In Argentina, n = 696 maternal whole blood samples from Ushuaia (n = 198) and Salta (n = 498) were collected in 2011–2012 among singleton women at 36 ± 12 h postpartum and analyzed for blood concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn). This study examined the associations between maternal elements levels and birth outcomes, and sociodemographic factors contributing to elements levels. Maternal age, parity, body mass index, smoking, and education were linked to concentrations of some but not all elements. In adjusted models, one ln-unit increase in Pb levels was associated with increased gestational age (0.2 weeks, 95% CI = 0.01–0.48) and decreased birth weight (−88.90 g, 95% CI = −173.69 to −4.11) and birth length (−0.46 cm, 95% CI = −0.85 to −0.08) in the Salta sample. Toxic elements concentrations were not associated with birth outcomes in Ushuaia participants. Birth outcomes are multifactorial problems, and these findings provide a foundation for understanding how the body burden of toxic and essential elements, within the socioeconomic context, may influence birth outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Xu
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway;
- Center for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, 5009 Bergen, Norway
| | - Solrunn Hansen
- Department of Health and Care Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromso, Norway;
| | - Kam Sripada
- Centre for Global Health Inequalities Research (CHAIN), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway;
- Centre for Digital Life Norway, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Torbjørn Aarsland
- Research Department, Stavanger University Hospital, 4068 Stavanger, Norway;
| | - Milena Horvat
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.H.); (D.M.)
| | - Darja Mazej
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.H.); (D.M.)
| | - Marisa Viviana Alvarez
- Pediatric Department, Hospital Público Materno Infantil de Salta, Sarmiento 1301, Salta 4400, Argentina;
| | - Jon Øyvind Odland
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway;
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
- Correspondence:
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Methylmercury and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Mediterranean Seafood: A Molecular Anthropological Perspective. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app112311179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Eating seafood has numerous health benefits; however, it constitutes one of the main sources of exposure to several harmful environmental pollutants, both of anthropogenic and natural origin. Among these, methylmercury and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons give rise to concerns related to their possible effects on human biology. In the present review, we summarize the results of epidemiological investigations on the genetic component of individual susceptibility to methylmercury and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exposure in humans, and on the effects that these two pollutants have on human epigenetic profiles (DNA methylation). Then, we provide evidence that Mediterranean coastal communities represent an informative case study to investigate the potential impact of methylmercury and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on the human genome and epigenome, since they are characterized by a traditionally high local seafood consumption, and given the characteristics that render the Mediterranean Sea particularly polluted. Finally, we discuss the challenges of a molecular anthropological approach to this topic.
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Dack K, Fell M, Taylor CM, Havdahl A, Lewis SJ. Mercury and Prenatal Growth: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:7140. [PMID: 34281082 PMCID: PMC8297189 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18137140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The intrauterine environment is critical for healthy prenatal growth and affects neonatal survival and later health. Mercury is a toxic metal which can freely cross the placenta and disrupt a wide range of cellular processes. Many observational studies have investigated mercury exposure and prenatal growth, but no prior review has synthesised this evidence. Four relevant publication databases (Embase, MEDLINE/PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus) were systematically searched to identify studies of prenatal mercury exposure and birth weight, birth length, or head circumference. Study quality was assessed using the NIH Quality Assessment Tool, and results synthesised in a narrative review. Twenty-seven studies met the review criteria, these were in 17 countries and used 8 types of mercury biomarker. Studies of birth weight (total = 27) involving populations with high levels of mercury exposure, non-linear methods, or identified as high quality were more likely to report an association with mercury, but overall results were inconsistent. Most studies reported no strong evidence of association between mercury and birth length (n = 14) or head circumference (n = 14). Overall, our review did not identify strong evidence that mercury exposure leads to impaired prenatal growth, although there was some evidence of a negative association of mercury with birth weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Dack
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK;
| | - Matthew Fell
- Cleft Collective, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK;
| | - Caroline M. Taylor
- Centre for Academic Child Health, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1NU, UK;
| | - Alexandra Havdahl
- Department of Mental Disorders, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0456 Oslo, Norway;
- Nic Waals Institute, Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital, 0771 Oslo, Norway
| | - Sarah J. Lewis
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK;
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
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Gundacker C, Graf-Rohrmeister K, Gencik M, Hengstschläger M, Holoman K, Rosa P, Kroismayr R, Offenthaler I, Plichta V, Reischer T, Teufl I, Raffesberg W, Scharf S, Köhler-Vallant B, Delissen Z, Weiß S, Uhl M. Gene Variants Determine Placental Transfer of Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), Mercury (Hg) and Lead (Pb), and Birth Outcome: Findings From the UmMuKi Bratislava-Vienna Study. Front Genet 2021; 12:664946. [PMID: 34220941 PMCID: PMC8242356 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.664946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), bisphenol A (BPA), lead (Pb), total mercury (THg), and methylmercury (MeHg) can affect fetal development. Factors influencing placental transfer rate of these toxins are poorly investigated. Whether prenatal exposure to pollutants has an effect on birth weight is incompletely understood. We therefore aimed (1) to determine placental transfer rates of PFAS, BPA, Pb, THg, and MeHg, (2) to analyze relationships between fetal exposure and birth outcome and (3) to analyze gene variants as mediators of placental transfer rates and birth outcome. Two hundred healthy pregnant women and their newborns participated in the study. BPA, 16 PFAS, THg, MeHg, and Pb were determined using HPLCMS/MS (BPA, PFAS), HPLC-CV-ICPMS (MeHg), CV-AFS (THg), and GF-AAS (Pb). Questionnaires and medical records were used to survey exposure sources and birth outcome. 20 single nucleotide polymorphisms and two deletion polymorphisms were determined by real-time PCR from both maternal and newborn blood. Genotype-phenotype associations were analyzed by categorical regression and logistic regression analysis. Specific gene variants were associated with altered placental transfer of PFAS (ALAD Lys59Asn, ABCG2 Gln141Lys), THg (UGT Tyr85Asp, GSTT1del, ABCC1 rs246221) and Pb (GSTP1 Ala114Val). A certain combination of three gene polymorphisms (ABCC1 rs246221, GCLM rs41303970, HFE His63Asp) was over-represented in newborns small for gestational age. 36% of Austrian and 75% of Slovakian mothers had levels exceeding the HBM guidance value I (2 μg/L) of the German HBM Commission for PFOA. 13% of newborns and 39% of women had Ery-Pb levels above 24 μg/kg, an approximation for the BMDL01 of 12 μg/L set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Our findings point to the need to minimize perinatal exposures to protect fetal health, especially those genetically predisposed to increased transplacental exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Gundacker
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | | | - Karol Holoman
- University Hospital Bratislava-Ružinov, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Petra Rosa
- University Hospital Bratislava-Ružinov, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Renate Kroismayr
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien, Vienna, Austria.,Environment Agency Austria, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Veronika Plichta
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Agency for Food and Health Safety, Vienna, Austria
| | - Theresa Reischer
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Isabella Teufl
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | | | - Zoja Delissen
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Medgene, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | | | - Maria Uhl
- Environment Agency Austria, Vienna, Austria
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11
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Shin B, Kwon JA, Park EK, Kang S, Kim S, Park E, Kim B. Prenatal Exposure to Parabens Affects Birth Outcomes through Maternal Glutathione S-Transferase (GST) Polymorphisms: From the Mothers and Kids Environmental Health (MAKE) Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18063012. [PMID: 33804102 PMCID: PMC7998485 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18063012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Human exposure to parabens is very common in daily life, and prenatal exposure to these chemicals is associated with poor birth outcomes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of glutathione S-transferase (GST) polymorphisms on the association between prenatal exposure to parabens and birth outcomes. Methods: We conducted a multivariate analysis involving 177 subjects to determine the association between paraben concentrations and birth outcomes in mothers with GST mu 1 (GSTM1) and GST theta 1 (GSTT1) polymorphisms from 2017 to 2019. Furthermore, we determined the interactive effect between paraben levels and GSTM1/GSTT1 polymorphisms using regression analysis, in addition to a generalized linear model after stratifying GSTM1/GSTT1 genotype into three categories. Results: Methyl and propyl paraben concentrations were significantly and positively associated with birth weight (methyl, β = 116.525, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 22.460–210.590; propyl, β = 82.352, 95% CI = 9.147–155.557) in individuals with the GSTM1-null genotype. Moreover, the propyl paraben concentration was significantly associated with an increase in gestational age (β = 0.312, 95% CI = 0.085–0.539) in individuals with the GSTM1-null genotype. Conclusions: This study reported the association between prenatal paraben exposure and birth outcomes in individuals with GST polymorphisms. We found positive relationships of maternal exposure to methyl parabens with birth weight in both mothers with GSTM1 and GSTT1-null genotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohye Shin
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK;
| | - Jeoung A. Kwon
- Institute of Health Services Research, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea;
| | - Eun Kyo Park
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Ewha Medical Research Institute, Seoul 07804, Korea;
| | - Sora Kang
- Department of Medical Informatics, School of Medicine, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Korea;
| | - Seyoung Kim
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Early Detection, National Cancer Control Institute, Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, Korea; (S.K.); (E.P.)
| | - Eunyoung Park
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Early Detection, National Cancer Control Institute, Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, Korea; (S.K.); (E.P.)
| | - Byungmi Kim
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Early Detection, National Cancer Control Institute, Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, Korea; (S.K.); (E.P.)
- Correspondence:
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Paternal Exposure to Non-essential Heavy Metal Affects Embryo Cleavage and Implantation in Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) Cycles: Evidence for a Paradoxical Effect. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:2550-2561. [PMID: 33683670 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00510-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Although the adverse effects of non-essential heavy metals on semen quality have been demonstrated in experimental animal models and occupational human exposure studies, little is known about the reproductive efficiency of exposed sperm during the process of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Our study aims to evaluate the effect of paternal exposure to non-essential heavy metals on embryo efficiency outcomes (embryo cleavage, fragmentation, implantation, and live birth) in ICSI cycle. Ninety-five heterosexual couples who underwent 95 ICSI cycles and 78 fresh embryo transfers between January 2003 and December 2009 were evaluated. Men whose female partner was undergoing ICSI were asked to provide semen and blood samples. Heavy metal levels (Pb, Cd, As, Hg, Ba, and U) were analyzed using an ion-coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS; Agilent 7500 ce, Agilent Technologies, Germany) equipped with a cell dynamic range (CDR). Paternal exposure to trace heavy metals was found to influence intermediate reproductive endpoints in ICSI cycles. After adjusting for paternal and maternal confounders, paternal blood concentrations of Cd [-0.30(-0.11,-0.02)], As [-0.26(-0.16,-0.11)], and U [-0.22(-0.24,-0.02)] were inversely associated with embryo cell cleavage on day 3. Counterintuitively, paternal blood and semen Pb levels [0.26(0.01,0.22); 0.25(0.03,0.14)] as well as semen U levels [0.27(0.01,0.19)] were positively associated with the proportion of implanted embryos. There were no significant associations observed for clinical pregnancy and live birth rates with any paternal heavy metal concentrations in semen and blood. These findings highlight the importance of paternal health for embryo efficiency outcomes in ICSI treatment cycles and the need for more male partner inclusive counseling in fertility practice. They also underline a paradoxical positive association between some heavy metal pollutants at low exposure levels and reproductive outcomes.
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Kim B, Shah S, Park HS, Hong YC, Ha M, Kim Y, Kim BN, Kim Y, Ha EH. Adverse effects of prenatal mercury exposure on neurodevelopment during the first 3 years of life modified by early growth velocity and prenatal maternal folate level. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 191:109909. [PMID: 32871452 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Previous studies have suggested that mercury exposure and folate levels during pregnancy may influence early childhood neurodevelopment. Rapid catch-up growth in children is associated with an increased risk of pathological nervous system development. We evaluated whether the association between prenatal folate and mercury-related neuropsychological dysfunction was modified by growth velocity during childhood. METHODS The Mothers and Children's Environmental Health (MOCEH) birth cohort study began in 2006 and by 2010, 1751 women had been enrolled before the second trimester of their pregnancy along with their partners. Participants visited the research center at birth and 6, 12, 24, and 36 months. We measured mercury levels in maternal and cord blood and folate in maternal serum. Questionnaires to evaluate the environment and health of their child were administered and anthropometric factors including body weight and height were measured. Certified investigators used the Bayley test to measure neurobehavioral outcomes. We calculated postnatal growth change as the change in infant weight for-age z-score between birth and 3 years. Multiple linear regression and mixed models were used to examine the association between mercury exposure and children's neurodevelopment as well as the modifying effects of folate and growth velocity. RESULTS A total of 30.6% of children experienced rapid growth during the first 3 years of life. Median values of mercury in the low folate group were significantly higher in rapid growers (3.41 μg/L in maternal blood and 5.63 μg/L in cord blood) than in average/slow growers (3.05 μg/L in maternal blood and 5.19 μg/L in cord blood). Rapid growers were also significantly associated with decreased psychomotor development scores during the first 3 years of life and with having mothers who had low prenatal folate levels, even after adjusting for potential confounders. CONCLUSION Prenatal mercury exposure adversely affects infant neurodevelopment and is associated with rapid growth during the first 3 years of life. This effect was limited to children whose mothers had low prenatal folate levels, suggesting a protective effect of folate against developmental neurotoxicity due to mercury exposure and rapid catch-up growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byungmi Kim
- National Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Surabhi Shah
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, College of Medicine, Ewha Medical Research Center, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Sook Park
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Ewha Medical Research Center, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Chul Hong
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mina Ha
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Yangho Kim
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Boong-Nnyun Kim
- Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Institute of Human Behavioral Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeni Kim
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, National Center for Mental Health, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Hee Ha
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, College of Medicine, Ewha Medical Research Center, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Gustin K, Barman M, Stråvik M, Levi M, Englund-Ögge L, Murray F, Jacobsson B, Sandberg AS, Sandin A, Wold AE, Vahter M, Kippler M. Low-level maternal exposure to cadmium, lead, and mercury and birth outcomes in a Swedish prospective birth-cohort. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 265:114986. [PMID: 32585550 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Observational studies have indicated that low-to-moderate exposure to cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) adversely affects birth anthropometry, but results are inconclusive. The aim of this study was to elucidate potential impact on birth anthropometry of exposure to Cd, Pb, and Hg in pregnant women, and to identify the main dietary sources. In the NICE (Nutritional impact on Immunological maturation during Childhood in relation to the Environment) birth-cohort in northern Sweden, blood and urine were collected from pregnant women in early third trimester. Cd, Pb and Hg were measured in erythrocytes (n = 584), and Cd also in urine (n = 581), by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Dietary data were collected through a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire administered in mid-third trimester. Birth anthropometry data were extracted from hospital records. In multivariable-adjusted spline regression models, a doubling of maternal erythrocyte Cd (median: 0.29 μg/kg) above the spline knot of 0.50 μg/kg was associated with reduced birth weight (B: -191 g; 95% CI: -315, -68) and length (-0.67 cm; -1.2, -0.14). The association with birth weight remained when the analysis was restricted to never-smokers. Likewise, a doubling of erythrocyte Hg (median 1.5 μg/kg, mainly MeHg) above 1.0 μg/kg, was associated with decreased birth weight (-59 g; -115, -3.0), and length (-0.29 cm; -0.54, -0.047). Maternal Pb (median 11 μg/kg) was unrelated to birth weight and length. Erythrocyte Cd was primarily associated with intake of plant derived foods, Pb with game meat, tea and coffee, and Hg with fish. The results indicated that low-level maternal Cd and Hg exposure were associated with poorer birth anthropometry. Further prospective studies in low-level exposed populations are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klara Gustin
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Malin Barman
- Food and Nutrition Science, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mia Stråvik
- Food and Nutrition Science, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Michael Levi
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Linda Englund-Ögge
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Fiona Murray
- Odontology/Cariology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden; Sunderby Research Unit, Region Norrbotten, Luleå, Sweden
| | - Bo Jacobsson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Institute of Clinical Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Domain of Health Data and Digitalisation, Institute of Public Health Oslo, Norway
| | - Ann-Sofie Sandberg
- Food and Nutrition Science, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna Sandin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Unit of Pediatrics, Sunderby Research Unit, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Agnes E Wold
- Institute of Biomedicine, Dept, of Infectious Diseases, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marie Vahter
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Kippler
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Lee S, Hong YC, Park H, Kim Y, Ha M, Ha E. Combined effects of multiple prenatal exposure to pollutants on birth weight: The Mothers and Children's Environmental Health (MOCEH) study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 181:108832. [PMID: 31810591 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing evidence shows that prenatal environmental exposures is a risk factor for restricted intrauterine growth. However, only a few studies have examined the effects of multiple environmental exposures on fetal growth. OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of prenatal exposure on multiple environmental pollutants (heavy metals, bisphenol, phthalates, and air pollutants) on birth weight. METHODS The Mothers and Children's Environmental Health study is a prospective birth cohort comprising a total of 719 mother-child pairs, including 466 pairs undergoing early pregnancy exposure and 542 pairs of late pregnancy exposure. The concentrations of three heavy metals (mercury, lead, and cadmium) in the maternal blood samples were measured. The concentrations of three phthalate metabolites [mono(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate, mono(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate, and mono-n-butyl phthalate] and bisphenol A in maternal urine samples were measured. Daily exposure to ambient particulate matter (PM10) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exposure was estimated based on residence and averaged by gestational age. To assess the combined effect of multiple pollutants, principal components analysis (PCA) and supervised principal components analysis (SCPA) were conducted. RESULTS Based on PCA, the components representing PM10 and NO2 exposure during early pregnancy were significantly associated with birth weight of -32.68 g (95% CI: -64.45 g to -0.91 g) per unit increase of the corresponding component. In SCPA model, the components representing NO2 exposure during early pregnancy and the combined exposure to mercury and lead during late pregnancy were negatively associated with birth weight of -46.63 g (95% CI: -90.65 g to -2.62 g) and -55.32 g (95% CI: -99.01 g to -11.64 g), respectively, per unit increase of the corresponding component. CONCLUSION Based on our multi-pollutant model, PM10 and NO2 exposure in early pregnancy and the combined effect of Pb and Hg in late pregnancy were associated with reduced birth weight. Our results suggest that exposure to various pollutants during pregnancy has a significant cumulative effect on birth weight, even if each pollutant is at a level below the concentration required for direct effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seulbi Lee
- Department of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Chul Hong
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyesook Park
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yangho Kim
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Mina Ha
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunhee Ha
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Research Institute for Human Health Information, Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Ewha Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Environmental Exposures and Adverse Pregnancy-Related Outcomes. HEALTH IMPACTS OF DEVELOPMENTAL EXPOSURE TO ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICALS 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-0520-1_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Xiang H, Tao Y, Zhang B, Liang C, Li Z, Feng L, Qi J, Pan W, Tong J, Yan S, Tao F. Protective effect of high zinc levels on preterm birth induced by mercury exposure during pregnancy: A birth cohort study in China. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2019; 55:71-77. [PMID: 31345369 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2019.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2019] [Revised: 06/09/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aims of our study were to determine whether prenatal mercury levels are associated with the risk of preterm birth (PTB) and whether high maternal serum zinc (Zn) levels alleviate any negative effects of maternal mercury (Hg) exposure regarding PTB. METHODS Serum concentrations of Zn and Hg were measured in 3025 pregnant women from the Ma'anshan Birth Cohort. Before the collection of blood samples, they underwent examinations via the completion of questionnaires. The delivery records of the women were obtained from a series of medical records. We divided the study population into tertiles according to the participants' Hg levels: the low-Hg group (the first tertile, <0.30 μg/L), the medium-Hg group (the second tertile, 0.30-0.43 μg/L) and the high-Hg group (the third tertile, ≥0.43 μg/L). The associations of Hg exposure with both the risk of PTB and gestational age (weeks) at birth were estimated using a binary logistic regression model and multivariable linear regression analysis, respectively. Afterwards, we conducted a repeated analyses test after the participants were stratified according to their Zn levels, using the 75th percentile division method. RESULTS Overall, the medians and the interquartile ranges of Hg and Zn in the second trimester were 0.36 (0.27, 0.48) μg/L and 812.34 (731.26, 896.59) μg/L, respectively. Hg levels were associated with PTB [adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.91 (1.17, 3.12) for the third tertile vs. the first tertile of the serum Hg levels]. In the stratification analysis of the participants in the low-Zn group, the high-Hg group exhibited a significant odds ratio of PTB [adjusted OR (95% CI): 1.87 (1.08, 3.24)], compared to the low-Hg group. However, in the participants from the high-Zn group, the high-Hg group exhibited a non-significant OR of PTB [adjusted OR (95% CI): 2.32 (0.73, 7.42)]. In the multivariate linear regression analysis, gestational age (weeks) at delivery was significantly and inversely associated with the ln-transformed Hg concentrations [adjusted β (95% CI): -0.16 (-0.26, -0.06)]. Similarly, after the stratification analysis in the high-Zn group, there were no significant associations between PTB and the Hg levels [adjusted β (95% CI): -0.12 (-0.33, 0.09)]. CONCLUSION Prenatal Hg exposure adversely affected PTB, and high Zn levels alleviate this effect, which indicates that a more stringent control of Hg and a sufficient intake of Zn are necessary to help birth outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyun Xiang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yiran Tao
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Baoli Zhang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chunmei Liang
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health & Aristogenics, Hefei, China
| | - Zhijuan Li
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Lanlan Feng
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Juan Qi
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Wan Pan
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Juan Tong
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Shuangqin Yan
- Ma'anshan Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Center, Ma'anshan, China
| | - Fangbiao Tao
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health & Aristogenics, Hefei, China.
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Joneidi Z, Mortazavi Y, Memari F, Roointan A, Chahardouli B, Rostami S. The impact of genetic variation on metabolism of heavy metals: Genetic predisposition? Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 113:108642. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.108642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
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Lee M, Ha M, Hong YC, Park H, Kim Y, Kim EJ, Kim Y, Ha E. Exposure to prenatal secondhand smoke and early neurodevelopment: Mothers and Children's Environmental Health (MOCEH) study. Environ Health 2019; 18:22. [PMID: 30894196 PMCID: PMC6425627 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-019-0463-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association between exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) during pregnancy and a child's neurodevelopment has not been established yet. We explored the association between prenatal exposure to SHS and neurodevelopment at 24 months of age considering genetic polymorphism and breastfeeding in 720 mothers and their offspring enrolled in the Korean multicenter birth cohort study (Mothers and Children Environmental Health, MOCEH). METHODS We quantified urine cotinine concentrations in mothers once from 12th to 20th gestational weeks and excluded those whose urine cotinine levels exceeded 42.7 ng/ml to represent SHS exposure in early pregnancy. Mental developmental index (MDI) and psychomotor developmental index (PDI) values were measured using the Korean version of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development II (K-BSID-II) at 24 months of age. A general linear model was used to assess the relationship between maternal urinary cotinine level and neurodevelopment. RESULTS MDI scores were inversely associated with cotinine [β = - 2.73; 95% confidence interval (CI): - 5.32 to - 0.15] in children whose mothers had early pregnancy urinary cotinine levels >1.90 ng/ml. No association was evident in children whose mothers had cotinine levels ≤1.90 ng/ml. This negative association was more pronounced in children whose mothers had both Glutathione S-transferases mu 1 (GSTM1) and theta 1 (GSTT1) null type [β = - 5.78; 95% CI: -10.69 to - 0.87], but not in children whose mothers had any present type of GSTM1/GSTT1 [β = - 1.64; 95% CI: -4.79 to 1.52]. The association was no longer significant when children received breast milk exclusively for up to 6 months [β = - 0.24; 95% CI: -4.69 to 4.20] compared to others [β = - 3.75; 95% CI: -7.51 to 0.00]. No significant association was found for PDI. CONCLUSIONS Maternal exposure to SHS during pregnancy may result in delayed MDI in early childhood. This effect might be modified by genetic polymorphism and breastfeeding behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myeongjee Lee
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mina Ha
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Chul Hong
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyesook Park
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yangho Kim
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Eui-Jung Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeni Kim
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, National Center for Mental Health, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunhee Ha
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Ewha Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Ou L, Wang H, Chen C, Chen L, Zhang W, Wang X. Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling of human lactational transfer of methylmercury in China. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 115:180-187. [PMID: 29574338 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Revised: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury can readily cross the human placental barrier and the blood-brain barrier and cause damage to the vulnerable developing brains of the fetus and infants. Most of the previous studies on the maternal transfer of methylmercury to the next generation have focused on the prenatal period. In this study, human physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models of methylmercury were established for breastfeeding mothers and suckling infants based on the existing model prototypes of previous studies. Relevant parameters of the models were modified, and the validation was conducted based on measured data in North China. The models could effectively describe the human lactational transfer of methylmercury, including the time-dependent methylmercury levels in different tissues and organs of the breastfeeding mothers and suckling infants. The results indicated that 77.2% and 14.9% of methylmercury were excreted via hair and breast milk, respectively, from breastfeeding mothers during the first year after delivery. Meanwhile, 79.2% was excreted from the suckling infants during the first year after delivery via hair. Lactational transfer of methylmercury was considered an important pathway of methylmercury exposure for the breastfeeding infants, which accounted for approximately 80% of the accumulated adverse impacts at the early stages of human development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Langbo Ou
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Huanhuan Wang
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Cen Chen
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Long Chen
- School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- School of Environment and Natural Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China.
| | - Xuejun Wang
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
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Lamichhane DK, Leem JH, Park CS, Ha M, Ha EH, Kim HC, Lee JY, Ko JK, Kim Y, Hong YC. Associations between prenatal lead exposure and birth outcomes: Modification by sex and GSTM1/GSTT1 polymorphism. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 619-620:176-184. [PMID: 29145054 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.09.159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/16/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Maternal lead exposure is associated with poor birth outcomes. However, modifying effects of polymorphism in glutathione S-transferases (GST) gene and infant sex remain unexplored. Our aim was to evaluate whether associations between prenatal lead and birth outcomes differed by maternal GST genes and infant sex. Prospective data of 782 mother-child pairs from Mothers and Children's Environmental Health (MOCEH) study were used. The genotyping of GST-mu 1 (GSTM1) and theta-1 (GSTT1) polymorphisms was carried out using polymerase chain reaction. Multivariable linear regression was used to examine whether the association between blood lead (BPb) level and birth outcomes (birthweight, length, and head circumference) varied by maternal GST genes and sex. We did not find a statistically significant association between prenatal BPb levels and birth outcomes; in stratified analyses, the association between higher BPb level during early pregnancy and lower birthweight (β=-224 per square root increase in BPb; 95% confidence interval (CI): -426, -21; false discovery rate p=0.036) was significant in males of mothers with GSTM1 null. Results were similar for head circumference model (β=-0.78 per square root increase in BPb; 95% CI: -1.69, 0.14, p=0.095), but the level of significance was borderline. Head circumference model showed a significant three-way interaction among BPb during early pregnancy, GSTM1, and sex (p=0.046). For combined analysis with GSTM1 and GSTT1, GSTM1 null and GSTT1 present group showed a significant inverse association of BPb with birthweight and head circumference in males. Our findings of the most evident effects of BPb on the reduced birthweight and head circumference in male born to the mother with GSTM1 null may suggest a biological interaction among lead, GST genes and sex in detoxification process during fetal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirga Kumar Lamichhane
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Han Leem
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon, Republic of Korea; Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Inha University Hospital, Incheon, Republic of Korea.
| | - Chang-Shin Park
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Mina Ha
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Hee Ha
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwan-Cheol Kim
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon, Republic of Korea; Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Inha University Hospital, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Young Lee
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Keun Ko
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yangho Kim
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Ulsan, College of Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Chul Hong
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Prince LM, Rand MD. Methylmercury exposure causes a persistent inhibition of myogenin expression and C2C12 myoblast differentiation. Toxicology 2018; 393:113-122. [PMID: 29104120 PMCID: PMC5757876 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2017.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a ubiquitous environmental toxicant, best known for its selective targeting of the developing nervous system. MeHg exposure has been shown to cause motor deficits such as impaired gait and coordination, muscle weakness, and muscle atrophy, which have been associated with disruption of motor neurons. However, recent studies have suggested that muscle may also be a target of MeHg toxicity, both in the context of developmental myogenic events and of low-level chronic exposures affecting muscle wasting in aging. We therefore investigated the effects of MeHg on myotube formation, using the C2C12 mouse myoblast model. We found that MeHg inhibits both differentiation and fusion, in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, MeHg specifically and persistently inhibits myogenin (MyoG), a transcription factor involved in myocyte differentiation, within the first six hours of exposure. MeHg-induced reduction in MyoG expression is contemporaneous with a reduction of a number of factors involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and mtDNA transcription and translation, which may implicate a role for mitochondria in mediating MeHg-induced change in the differentiation program. Unexpectedly, inhibition of myoblast differentiation with MeHg parallels inhibition of Notch receptor signaling. Our research establishes muscle cell differentiation as a target for MeHg toxicity, which may contribute to the underlying etiology of motor deficits with MeHg toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Prince
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Department of Environmental Medicine, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA.
| | - Matthew D Rand
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Department of Environmental Medicine, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA.
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Mǎrginean CO, Mǎrginean C, Meliţ LE. New Insights Regarding Genetic Aspects of Childhood Obesity: A Minireview. Front Pediatr 2018; 6:271. [PMID: 30338250 PMCID: PMC6180186 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2018.00271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Childhood obesity is occurring at alarming rates in both developed and developing countries. "Obesogenic" environmental factors must be associated with variants of different risk alleles to determine polygenic or common obesity, and their impact depends on different developmental stages.The interaction between obesogenic environment and genetic susceptibility results in the so-called polygenic forms of obesity. In contrast, monogenic and syndromic obesity are not influenced by environmental events. Therefore, this review aimed to underline the roles of some of the most studied genes in the development of monogenic and polygenic obesity in children. Results: Among the most common obesity related genes, we chose the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene, leptin gene and its receptor, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), the melanocortin 4 receptor gene (MC4R), Ectoenzyme nucleotide pyrophosphate phosphodiesterase 1 (ENPP1), and others, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) genes. The roles of these genes are complex and interdependent, being linked to different cornerstones in obesity development, such as appetite behavior, control of food intake and energy balance, insulin signaling, lipid and glucose metabolism, metabolic disorders, adipocyte differentiation, and so on. Conclusions: Genetic predisposition is mandatory, but not enough to trigger obesity.Dietary interventions and proper lifestyle changes can prevent obesity development in genetically predisposed children. Further studies are needed to identify the precise role of both genetic and obesogenic factors in the development of childhood obesity in order to design effective preventive methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Oana Mǎrginean
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Târgu Mureş, Târgu Mureş, Romania
| | - Claudiu Mǎrginean
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Târgu Mureş, Târgu Mureş, Romania
| | - Lorena Elena Meliţ
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Târgu Mureş, Târgu Mureş, Romania
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Tsai MS, Chen MH, Lin CC, Ng S, Hsieh CJ, Liu CY, Hsieh WS, Chen PC. Children's environmental health based on birth cohort studies of Asia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 609:396-409. [PMID: 28755589 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.07.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Revised: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Numerous studies have explored the associations between environmental pollutants and pediatric health. Recent studies have investigated the issue in Asia, but no systematic review has been published to date. This study aims to elucidate the issue by summarizing relevant epidemiologic evidence for cohorts in Asia, using information from the Birth Cohort Consortium of Asia (BiCCA). Environmental pollutants include mercury, environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and phthalates. This study sought to classify the effects of such compounds on fetal growth and pregnancy outcomes, neurodevelopment and behavioral problems, allergic disease and immune function and the endocrine system and puberty. These evidences showed ETS has been associated with infant birth weight, children's neurodevelopment and allergy disease; mercury and PCB have been shown to affect children's neurodevelopment; phthalate has effects on endocrine function; PFAS alters children's neurodevelopment, the endocrine system, and the allergic response. However, more consistent and coordinated research is necessary to understand the whole picture of single environmental and/or co-exposure and children's health. Therefore, harmonization and international collaboration are also needed in Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Shan Tsai
- Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, National Taiwan University College of Public Health, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Huei Chen
- Institute of Population Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan; Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Chun Lin
- Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, National Taiwan University College of Public Health, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sharon Ng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Chia-Jung Hsieh
- Department of Public Health, Tzu Chi University, Hualian County, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Yu Liu
- Institute of Environmental Health, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Public Health, National Taiwan University College of Public Health, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wu-Shiun Hsieh
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Pediatrics, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pau-Chung Chen
- Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, National Taiwan University College of Public Health, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Public Health, National Taiwan University College of Public Health, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Kim BM, Chen MH, Chen PC, Park H, Ha M, Kim Y, Hong YC, Kim YJ, Ha EH. Path analysis of prenatal mercury levels and birth weights in Korean and Taiwanese birth cohorts. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 605-606:1003-1010. [PMID: 28693105 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.06.151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Revised: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Prospective cohort studies of the effect of mercury (Hg) exposure on birth weight have shown conflicting results. We combined data from Taiwanese and Korean birth cohorts, and assessed the effects of Hg exposure on birth weight. The first cohort was drawn from the Mothers and Children's Environmental Health (MOCEH) study performed in Korea from 2006 to 2010. The second cohort was enrolled from 2004 to 2005 and included singleton term births from the Taiwan Birth Panel Study (TBPS). In total, 1147 pregnant women were included in this study. A pooled analysis was performed to obtain combined estimates of the association between prenatal total Hg exposure and birth weight. A significant negative association between maternal and cord blood Hg and birth weight in the high-Hg group (Hg level>25th percentile) was detected (maternal blood: β=-0.056; 95% CI, -0.100 to -0.013, cord blood: β=-0.075; 95% CI, -0.121 to -0.028). Hg level showed a negative coefficient in the path analysis, indicating an adverse effect on birth weight (total effects: β=-0.177, P=0.01 in MOCEH, β=-0.204, P=0.03 in TBPS), but fish consumption exhibited a strong positive coefficient. In addition, fish consumption exerted a significant indirect effect on birth weight through exposure to cord blood Hg. Exposure to hazardous contaminants and beneficial nutrients may be highly correlated in those who frequently consume fish. Moreover, Hg in cord blood may adversely affect birth weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byung-Mi Kim
- Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Mei-Huei Chen
- Institute of Population Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan; Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital Yun-Lin Branch, Yunlin County, Taiwan; Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pau-Chung Chen
- Occupational Health Section, Environmental Protection Center, National Taiwan University, Taiwan
| | - Hyesook Park
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Ewha Medical Research Center, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mina Ha
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Yangho Kim
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Chul Hong
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Ju Kim
- Department of Obstetrics Medicine, School of Medicine, Ewha Medical Research Center, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Hee Ha
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Ewha Medical Research Center, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Sabra S, Malmqvist E, Saborit A, Gratacós E, Gomez Roig MD. Heavy metals exposure levels and their correlation with different clinical forms of fetal growth restriction. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0185645. [PMID: 28985223 PMCID: PMC5630121 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0185645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Prenatal heavy metals exposure has shown a negative impact on birth weight. However, their influence on different clinical forms of fetal smallness was never assessed. Objectives To investigate whether there is a differential association between heavy metals exposure and fetal smallness subclassification into intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and small-for-gestational age (SGA). Method In this prospective case-control study, we included 178 mother–infant pairs; 96 of appropriate for gestational age (AGA) and 82 of small fetuses diagnosed in third trimester. The small ones were further subclassified into IUGR, n = 49 and SGA, n = 33. Cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), arsenic (As) and zinc (Zn) levels were measured in the maternal and cord serum, and in the placentas of the three groups. Results Maternal serum level of Cd (p<0.001) was higher in the small fetuses compared to AGA. Fetal serum level of Cd (p<0.001) was increased in the small fetuses compared to AGA. Fetal serum level of Hg (p<0.05) showed an increase in SGA compared to both IUGR and AGA. Fetal serum level of Zn was increased in the AGA (p < 0.001) compared to each of the small fetuses groups. Only differences in the levels between the small fetuses’ subgroups were detected in the fetal serum levels of Cd and Hg. Fetal birth weight was negatively correlated with the fetal serum level of Cd (p < 0.001). No differences in the placental heavy metal levels were observed among the groups. Conclusion Fetal serum levels of Cd showed differential correlation between small fetuses' clinical subclassification, which together with the increased Cd levels in both maternal and fetal serum of the small fetuses reinforce the negative influence of heavy metals on birth weight. These findings provide more opportunities to verify the role of heavy metals exposure in relation to small fetuses’ subclassification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Sabra
- BCNatal | Barcelona Center for Maternal Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (Hospital Sant Joan de Déu and Hospital Clínic), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ebba Malmqvist
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Alicia Saborit
- BCNatal | Barcelona Center for Maternal Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (Hospital Sant Joan de Déu and Hospital Clínic), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduard Gratacós
- BCNatal | Barcelona Center for Maternal Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (Hospital Sant Joan de Déu and Hospital Clínic), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, and Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Dolores Gomez Roig
- BCNatal | Barcelona Center for Maternal Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (Hospital Sant Joan de Déu and Hospital Clínic), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Spanish Maternal and Child Health and Development Network Retics Red SAMID, Health Research Institute Carlos III, Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, Madrid, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Santa Rosa 39–57, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
- * E-mail:
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Branco V, Caito S, Farina M, Teixeira da Rocha J, Aschner M, Carvalho C. Biomarkers of mercury toxicity: Past, present, and future trends. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2017; 20:119-154. [PMID: 28379072 PMCID: PMC6317349 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2017.1289834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) toxicity continues to represent a global health concern. Given that human populations are mostly exposed to low chronic levels of mercurial compounds (methylmercury through fish, mercury vapor from dental amalgams, and ethylmercury from vaccines), the need for more sensitive and refined tools to assess the effects and/or susceptibility to adverse metal-mediated health risks remains. Traditional biomarkers, such as hair or blood Hg levels, are practical and provide a reliable measure of exposure, but given intra-population variability, it is difficult to establish accurate cause-effect relationships. It is therefore important to identify and validate biomarkers that are predictive of early adverse effects prior to adverse health outcomes becoming irreversible. This review describes the predominant biomarkers used by toxicologists and epidemiologists to evaluate exposure, effect and susceptibility to Hg compounds, weighing on their advantages and disadvantages. Most importantly, and in light of recent findings on the molecular mechanisms underlying Hg-mediated toxicity, potential novel biomarkers that might be predictive of toxic effect are presented, and the applicability of these parameters in risk assessment is examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasco Branco
- a Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia , Universidade de Lisboa , Lisboa , Portugal
| | - Sam Caito
- b Department of Molecular Pharmacology , Albert Einstein College of Medicine , Bronx , New York , USA
| | - Marcelo Farina
- c Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Ciências Biológicas , Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina , Florianópolis , Brazil
| | - João Teixeira da Rocha
- d Departamento Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular , Universidade Federal de Santa Maria , Santa Maria , RS , Brazil
| | - Michael Aschner
- b Department of Molecular Pharmacology , Albert Einstein College of Medicine , Bronx , New York , USA
| | - Cristina Carvalho
- a Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia , Universidade de Lisboa , Lisboa , Portugal
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Genetic Aspects of Susceptibility to Mercury Toxicity: An Overview. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14010093. [PMID: 28106810 PMCID: PMC5295343 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14010093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Revised: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Human exposure to mercury is still a major public health concern. In this context, children have a higher susceptibility to adverse neurological mercury effects, compared to adults with similar exposures. Moreover, there exists a marked variability of personal response to detrimental mercury action, in particular among population groups with significant mercury exposure. New scientific evidence on genetic backgrounds has raised the issue of whether candidate susceptibility genes can make certain individuals more or less vulnerable to mercury toxicity. In this review, the aim is to evaluate a new genetic dimension and its involvement in mercury risk assessment, focusing on the important role played by relevant polymorphisms, located in attractive gene targets for mercury toxicity. Existing original articles on epidemiologic research which report a direct link between the genetic basis of personal vulnerability and different mercury repercussions on human health will be reviewed. Based on this evidence, a careful evaluation of the significant markers of susceptibility will be suggested, in order to obtain a powerful positive “feedback” to improve the quality of life. Large consortia of studies with clear phenotypic assessments will help clarify the “window of susceptibility” in the human health risks due to mercury exposure.
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Lovely C, Rampersad M, Fernandes Y, Eberhart J. Gene-environment interactions in development and disease. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2017; 6:10.1002/wdev.247. [PMID: 27626243 PMCID: PMC5191946 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Revised: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Developmental geneticists continue to make substantial jumps in our understanding of the genetic pathways that regulate development. This understanding stems predominantly from analyses of genetically tractable model organisms developing in laboratory environments. This environment is vastly different from that in which human development occurs. As such, most causes of developmental defects in humans are thought to involve multifactorial gene-gene and gene-environment interactions. In this review, we discuss how gene-environment interactions with environmental teratogens may predispose embryos to structural malformations. We elaborate on the growing number of gene-ethanol interactions that might underlie susceptibility to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. WIREs Dev Biol 2017, 6:e247. doi: 10.1002/wdev.247 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Lovely
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Mindy Rampersad
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Yohaan Fernandes
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Johann Eberhart
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
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Rocha AV, Rita Cardoso B, Zavarize B, Almondes K, Bordon I, Hare DJ, Teixeira Favaro DI, Franciscato Cozzolino SM. GPX1 Pro198Leu polymorphism and GSTM1 deletion do not affect selenium and mercury status in mildly exposed Amazonian women in an urban population. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 571:801-808. [PMID: 27450956 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.07.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Revised: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/08/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Mercury is potent toxicant element, but its toxicity can be reduced by forming a complex with selenium for safe excretion. Considering the impact of mercury exposure in the Amazon region and the possible interaction between these two elements, we aimed to assess the effects of Pro198Leu polymorphism to GPX1 and GSTM1 deletion, on mercury levels in a population from Porto Velho, an urban locality in the Brazilian Amazon region. Two hundred women from the capital city of Rondônia state were recruited for this study with 149 deemed suitable to participate. We assessed dietary intake using 24-hour recall. Selenium levels in plasma and erythrocytes were measured using hydride generation quartz tube atomic absorption spectroscopy and total hair mercury using cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry. Oxidative stress parameters (GPx activity, oxygen radical absorbency capacity [ORAC] and malondialdehyde [MDA]) were also analyzed. All participants were genotyped for Pro198Leu polymorphism and GSTM1 deletion. We observed that this population presented high prevalence of selenium deficiency, and also low levels of mercury, likely due to food habits that did not include selenium-rich food sources or significant consumption of fish (mercury biomagnifiers) regularly. Univariate statistical analysis showed that Pro198Leu and GSTM1 genotypes did not affect selenium and mercury levels in this population. Pro198Leu polymorphism and GSTM1 deletion had no effect on mercury levels in mildly exposed people, suggesting these genetic variants impact mercury levels only in highly exposed populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariana V Rocha
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bárbara Rita Cardoso
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
| | - Bruna Zavarize
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Kaluce Almondes
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Isabella Bordon
- Laboratory of Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA), Research Reactor Centre, IPEN - Nuclear and Energy Research Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Dominic J Hare
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia; Elemental Bio-Imaging Facility, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Déborah Inês Teixeira Favaro
- Laboratory of Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA), Research Reactor Centre, IPEN - Nuclear and Energy Research Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
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Genetics of the human placenta: implications for toxicokinetics. Arch Toxicol 2016; 90:2563-2581. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-016-1816-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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32
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Taylor CM, Golding J, Emond AM. Blood mercury levels and fish consumption in pregnancy: Risks and benefits for birth outcomes in a prospective observational birth cohort. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2016; 219:513-20. [PMID: 27252152 PMCID: PMC4970655 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2016.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Revised: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Background To avoid exposure to mercury, government advice on fish consumption during pregnancy includes information on fish species to avoid and to limit, while encouraging consumption of least two portions of fish per week. Some women may, however, chose to avoid fish completely during pregnancy despite potential benefits to the fetus. Objectives Our aims were to evaluate the effects of blood mercury levels in pregnant women on birth outcomes in the UK, and to compare outcomes in those who ate fish with those who did not. Methods Pregnant women were enrolled in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Whole blood samples for singleton pregnancies with a live birth were analysed for Hg by inductively coupled plasma dynamic reaction cell mass spectrometry (n = 4044). Fish intake was determined by a food frequency questionnaire during pregnancy. Data collected on the infants included anthropometric variables and gestational age at delivery. Regression models were adjusted for covariates using SPSS v23. Results There were no significant associations of maternal blood Hg level with birthweight, head circumference or crown–heel length in adjusted linear regression models. Similarly, there were no increased odds of low birthweight or preterm delivery in adjusted logistic regression models. When the models were repeated after stratification into fish-eaters and there were no associations except for a negative association with birthweight in non-fish-eaters (unstandardised B coefficient −58.4 (95% confidence interval −113.8, −3.0) g, p = 0.039). Conclusion Moderate mercury levels in pregnancy were not associated with anthropometric variables, or on the odds of low birthweight or preterm birth. Fish consumption may have a protective effect on birthweight. Consumption of fish in line with government guidelines during pregnancy should be encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline M Taylor
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
| | - Jean Golding
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Alan M Emond
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Karimi R, Vacchi-Suzzi C, Meliker JR. Mercury exposure and a shift toward oxidative stress in avid seafood consumers. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2016; 146:100-107. [PMID: 26745733 PMCID: PMC6191849 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2015.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Revised: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/19/2015] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Mechanisms of mercury (Hg) toxicity at low doses from seafood consumption, the most common exposure route, are not well understood. We tested the hypothesis that seafood Hg exposure is related to a shift in redox status, indicated by a decrease in the ratio of reduced to oxidized glutathione (GSH:GSSG) in blood, or increase in redox potential (Eh). We also examined whether key seafood nutrients (selenium (Se), omega-3 fatty acids) confound or modify this shift. We measured blood concentrations of total Hg, Se, GSH, GSSG, and the Omega-3 Index (% omega-3s of total fatty acids in red blood cell membranes) in seafood consumers in Long Island, NY. We examined relationships between Hg, GSH:GSSG ratio and Eh. Elevated blood Hg (>5.8µgL(-1)) was associated with lower GSH:GSSG (β=-116.73, p=0.01), with no evidence of confounding by Se or Omega-3 Index. However, in models stratified by Omega-3 Index levels, Hg-GSH:GSSG associations were weakened among those with high Omega-3 Index levels (>6% of fatty acids, β=-63.46, p=0.28), and heightened among those with low Omega-3 Index (β=-182.53, p<0.01). We observed comparable patterns for Eh in relation to Hg. These results support the hypothesis that Hg exposure from seafood is linked to a shift in redox status toward oxidative stress, modified by omega-3 fatty acids in this population. Further work should examine the role of different seafood nutrients and Hg-induced shifts in redox status in the diverse health effects associated with elevated Hg exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxanne Karimi
- Stony Brook University, School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5000, USA.
| | | | - Jaymie R Meliker
- Stony Brook University, Department of Preventive Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA; Stony Brook University, Program in Public Health, Stony Brook, NY, USA
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Singh A, Prasad KN, Singh AK, Singh SK, Gupta KK, Paliwal VK, Pandey CM, Gupta RK. Human Glutathione S-Transferase Enzyme Gene Polymorphisms and Their Association With Neurocysticercosis. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:2843-2851. [PMID: 27021019 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-9779-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Neurocysticercosis (NCC), caused by cysticerci of Taenia solium is the most common helminthic infection of the central nervous system. Some individuals harboring different stages of cysticerci in the brain remain asymptomatic, while others with similar cysticerci lesions develop symptoms and the reasons remain largely unknown. Inflammatory response to antigens of dying parasite is said to be responsible for symptomatic disease. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are generated in inflammatory conditions can damage cellular macromolecules such as lipids, DNA, and proteins. The glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are critical for the protection of cells from ROS. A total of 250 individuals were included in the study: symptomatic NCC = 75, asymptomatic NCC = 75, and healthy controls = 100. The individuals carrying the deletions of GSTM1 and GSTT1 were at risk for NCC (OR = 2.99, 95 %CI = 1.31-6.82, p = 0.0073 and OR = 1.94, 95 %CI = 0.98-3.82, p = 0.0550 respectively). Further, the individuals with these deletions were more likely to develop symptomatic disease (OR = 5.08, 95 % CI = 2.12-12.18, p = 0.0001 for GSTM1 and OR = 3.25, 95 %CI = 1.55-6.82, p = 0.0018 for GSTT1). Genetic variants of GSTM3 and GSTP1 were not associated with NCC. The total GST activity and levels of GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTM3 were significantly higher in asymptomatic subjects than in symptomatic and healthy controls. Lower GST activity was observed in individuals with GSTM1 and GSTT1 deletions. The present study suggests that the individuals with GSTM1 and GSTT1 deletions are at higher risk to develop symptomatic disease. The higher GST activity and levels of GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTM3 are likely to play role in maintaining asymptomatic condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrita Singh
- Department of Microbiology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, U.P, 226014, India
| | - Kashi N Prasad
- Department of Microbiology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, U.P, 226014, India.
| | - Aloukick K Singh
- Department of Microbiology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, U.P, 226014, India
| | - Satyendra K Singh
- Department of Microbiology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, U.P, 226014, India
| | - Kamlesh K Gupta
- Department of Microbiology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, U.P, 226014, India
| | - Vimal K Paliwal
- Department of Neurology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, U.P, 226014, India
| | - Chandra M Pandey
- Department of Biostatistics, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, U.P, 226014, India
| | - Rakesh K Gupta
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, U.P, 226014, India
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Wells EM, Herbstman JB, Lin YH, Jarrett J, Verdon CP, Ward C, Caldwell KL, Hibbeln JR, Witter FR, Halden RU, Goldman LR. Cord Blood Methylmercury and Fetal Growth Outcomes in Baltimore Newborns: Potential Confounding and Effect Modification by Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Selenium, and Sex. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2016; 124:373-9. [PMID: 26115160 PMCID: PMC4786979 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1408596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Accepted: 06/24/2015] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methylmercury (MeHg) may affect fetal growth; however, prior research often lacked assessment of mercury speciation, confounders, and interactions. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to assess the relationship between MeHg and fetal growth as well as the potential for confounding or interaction of this relationship from speciated mercury, fatty acids, selenium, and sex. METHODS This cross-sectional study includes 271 singletons born in Baltimore, Maryland, 2004-2005. Umbilical cord blood was analyzed for speciated mercury, serum omega-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids (n-3 HUFAs), and selenium. Multivariable linear regression models controlled for gestational age, birth weight, maternal age, parity, prepregnancy body mass index, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, selenium, n-3 HUFAs, and inorganic mercury (IHg). RESULTS Geometric mean cord blood MeHg was 0.94 μg/L (95% CI: 0.84, 1.07). In adjusted models for ponderal index, βln(MeHg) = -0.045 (g/cm(3)) × 100 (95% CI: -0.084, -0.005). There was no evidence of a MeHg × sex interaction with ponderal index. Contrastingly, there was evidence of a MeHg × n-3 HUFAs interaction with birth length [among low n-3 HUFAs, βln(MeHg) = 0.40 cm, 95% CI: -0.02, 0.81; among high n-3 HUFAs, βln(MeHg) = -0.15, 95% CI: -0.54, 0.25; p-interaction = 0.048] and head circumference [among low n-3 HUFAs, βln(MeHg) = 0.01 cm, 95% CI: -0.27, 0.29; among high n-3 HUFAs, βln(MeHg) = -0.37, 95% CI: -0.63, -0.10; p-interaction = 0.042]. The association of MeHg with birth weight and ponderal index was affected by n-3 HUFAs, selenium, and IHg. For birth weight, βln(MeHg) without these variables was -16.8 g (95% CI: -75.0, 41.3) versus -29.7 (95% CI: -93.9, 34.6) with all covariates. Corresponding values for ponderal index were -0.030 (g/cm(3)) × 100 (95% CI: -0.065, 0.005) and -0.045 (95% CI: -0.084, -0005). CONCLUSION We observed an association of increased MeHg with decreased ponderal index. There is evidence for interaction between MeHg and n-3 HUFAs; infants with higher MeHg and n-3 HUFAs had lower birth length and head circumference. These results should be verified with additional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen M. Wells
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- Address correspondence to E.M. Wells, Purdue University, School of Health Sciences; Hampton Hall of Civil Engineering 1269; 550 Stadium Mall Dr.; West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA. Telephone: (765) 496-3535. E-mail:
| | - Julie B. Herbstman
- Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Yu Hong Lin
- Laboratory of Membrane Biochemistry and Biophysics, National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Jeffery Jarrett
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Carl P. Verdon
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Cynthia Ward
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kathleen L. Caldwell
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Joseph R. Hibbeln
- Laboratory of Membrane Biochemistry and Biophysics, National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Frank R. Witter
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Rolf U. Halden
- Center for Environmental Security, Biodesign Institute, Global Security Initiative, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Lynn R. Goldman
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
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Zheng T, Zhang J, Sommer K, Bassig BA, Zhang X, Braun J, Xu S, Boyle P, Zhang B, Shi K, Buka S, Liu S, Li Y, Qian Z, Dai M, Romano M, Zou A, Kelsey K. Effects of Environmental Exposures on Fetal and Childhood Growth Trajectories. Ann Glob Health 2016; 82:41-99. [PMID: 27325067 PMCID: PMC5967632 DOI: 10.1016/j.aogh.2016.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Delayed fetal growth and adverse birth outcomes are some of the greatest public health threats to this generation of children worldwide because these conditions are major determinants of mortality, morbidity, and disability in infancy and childhood and are also associated with diseases in adult life. A number of studies have investigated the impacts of a range of environmental conditions during pregnancy (including air pollution, endocrine disruptors, persistent organic pollutants, heavy metals) on fetal and child development. The results, while provocative, have been largely inconsistent. This review summarizes up to date epidemiologic studies linking major environmental pollutants to fetal and child development and suggested future directions for further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongzhang Zheng
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown School of Public Health, Providence, RI.
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown School of Public Health, Providence, RI
| | | | - Bryan A Bassig
- National Cancer Institute, Division of Cancer Epidemiology & Genetics, Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Bethesda, MD
| | - Xichi Zhang
- George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Jospeh Braun
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown School of Public Health, Providence, RI
| | - Shuangqing Xu
- Tongji School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Peter Boyle
- International Prevention Research Institute, Lyon, France
| | - Bin Zhang
- Wuhan Medical & Health Center for Women and Children, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Kunchong Shi
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown School of Public Health, Providence, RI
| | - Stephen Buka
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown School of Public Health, Providence, RI
| | - Siming Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown School of Public Health, Providence, RI
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown School of Public Health, Providence, RI; Tongji School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Zengmin Qian
- College for Public Health & Social Justice, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO
| | - Min Dai
- China National Cancer Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Megan Romano
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown School of Public Health, Providence, RI
| | - Aifen Zou
- Wuhan Medical & Health Center for Women and Children, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Karl Kelsey
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown School of Public Health, Providence, RI
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Mercury Exposure in Healthy Korean Weaning-Age Infants: Association with Growth, Feeding and Fish Intake. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2015; 12:14669-89. [PMID: 26593931 PMCID: PMC4661673 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph121114669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Revised: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Low-level mercury (Hg) exposure in infancy might be harmful to the physical growth as well as neurodevelopment of children. The aim of this study was to investigate postnatal Hg exposure and its relationship with anthropometry and dietary factors in late infancy. We recruited 252 healthy Korean infants between six and 24 months of age from an outpatient clinic during the 2009/2010 and 2013/2014 seasons. We measured the weight and height of the infants and collected dietary information using questionnaires. The Hg content of the hair and blood was assessed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy. The geometric mean Hg concentration in the hair and blood was 0.22 (95% confidence interval: 0.20–0.24) µg/g and 0.94 (n = 109, 95% confidence interval: 0.89–0.99) µg/L, respectively. The hair Hg concentration showed a good correlation with the blood Hg concentration (median hair-to-blood Hg ratio: 202.7, r = 0.462, p < 0.001) and was >1 µg/g in five infants. The hair Hg concentration showed significant correlations with weight gain after birth (Z-score of the weight for age—Z-score of the birthweight; r = −0.156, p = 0.015), the duration (months) of breastfeeding as the dominant method of feeding (r = 0.274, p < 0.001), and the duration of fish intake more than once per week (r = 0.138, p = 0.033). In an ordinal logistic regression analysis with categorical hair Hg content (quartiles), dietary factors, including breastfeeding as the dominant method of feeding in late infancy (cumulative odds ratio: 6.235, 95% confidence interval: 3.086–12.597, p < 0.001) and the monthly duration of fish intake more than once per week (cumulative odds ratio: 1.203, 95% confidence interval: 1.034–1.401; p = 0.017), were significantly associated with higher hair Hg content. Weight gain after birth was not, however, significantly associated with hair Hg content after adjustment for the duration of breastfeeding as the dominant method of feeding. Low-level Hg exposure through breastfeeding and fish intake as a complementary food did not directly affect anthropometry in this population. If prolonged breastfeeding is expected, however, the Hg exposure through fish intake may need to be monitored for both mothers and infants.
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González-Estecha M, Bodas-Pinedo A, Guillén-Pérez JJ, Rubio-Herrera MÁ, Martínez-Álvarez JR, Herráiz-Martínez MÁ, Martell-Claros N, Ordóñez-Iriarte JM, Sáinz-Martín M, Farré-Rovira R, Martínez-Astorquiza T, García-Donaire JA, Calvo-Manuel E, Bretón-Lesmes I, Prieto-Menchero S, Llorente-Ballesteros MT, Martínez-García MJ, Moreno-Rojas R, Salas-Salvadó J, Bermejo-Barrera P, Cuadrado-Cenzual MÁ, Gallardo-Pino C, Fuentes MB, Torres-Moreno M, Trasobares-Iglesias EM, Martín BB, Arroyo-Fernández M, Calle-Pascual A. Consensus document on the prevention of methylmercury exposure in Spain: Study group for the prevention of Me-Hg exposure in Spain (GEPREM-Hg). J Trace Elem Med Biol 2015; 32:122-34. [PMID: 26302920 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2015.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The beneficial effects of fish consumption in both children and adults are well known. However, the intake of methylmercury, mainly from contaminated fish and shellfish, can have adverse health effects. The study group on the prevention of exposure to methylmercury (GEPREM-Hg), made up of representatives from different Spanish scientific societies, has prepared a consensus document in a question and answer format, containing the group's main conclusions, recommendations and proposals. The objective of the document is to provide broader knowledge of factors associated with methylmercury exposure, its possible effects on health amongst the Spanish population, methods of analysis, interpretation of the results and economic costs, and to then set recommendations for fish and shellfish consumption. The group sees the merit of all initiatives aimed at reducing or prohibiting the use of mercury as well as the need to be aware of the results of contaminant analyses performed on fish and shellfish marketed in Spain. In addition, the group believes that biomonitoring systems should be set up in order to follow the evolution of methylmercury exposure in children and adults and perform studies designed to learn more about the possible health effects of concentrations found in the Spanish population, taking into account the lifestyle, eating patterns and the Mediterranean diet.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jordi Salas-Salvadó
- Spanish Federation of Nutrition, Food and Dietetics Societies (FESNAD), Spain
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Ou L, Chen C, Chen L, Wang H, Yang T, Xie H, Tong Y, Hu D, Zhang W, Wang X. Low-level prenatal mercury exposure in north China: an exploratory study of anthropometric effects. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2015; 49:6899-908. [PMID: 25936461 DOI: 10.1021/es5055868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
In order to investigate anthropometric effects of mercury (Hg) exposure, we examined the status of human prenatal exposure to Hg species, including total mercury (THg), methylmercury (MeHg) and inorganic mercury (IHg), in North China, as well as their potential effects on fetal and infant growth. Hg concentrations in various bioindicators were measured from 50 Chinese women and newborns in 2011. The participants were followed for 12 months to collect anthropometric information. Linear and two-level regression analyses were performed to determine the associations between Hg levels and body growth. The geometric mean levels of THg in the placenta, cord blood, fetal hair, and maternal blood, hair, and urine were 25.88 μg/kg dry wt, 2.73 μg/L, 572.98 μg/kg, 2.29 μg/L, 576.54 μg/kg, and 0.58 μg/g creatinine, respectively. Nearly 100% of Hg presented as IHg in urine, and the percentage of IHg in other bioindicators was 14.86-48.73%. We observed significantly negative associations between Hg levels in some matrixes and anthropometry of neonates (weight and height) and infants (height) (p < 0.05). THg levels in maternal hair were also negatively associated with infant growth rate of weight during 12 months after delivery (p = 0.017). This study suggests that low-level prenatal Hg exposure could play a role in attenuating fetal and infant growth, and the effects of MeHg and IHg are different.
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Affiliation(s)
- Langbo Ou
- †Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Cen Chen
- †Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Long Chen
- †Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Huanhuan Wang
- †Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Tianjun Yang
- †Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Han Xie
- †Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Yindong Tong
- †Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Dan Hu
- †Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- ‡School of Environment and Natural Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing, 100872, China
| | - Xuejun Wang
- †Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
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Cardenas A, Koestler DC, Houseman EA, Jackson BP, Kile ML, Karagas MR, Marsit CJ. Differential DNA methylation in umbilical cord blood of infants exposed to mercury and arsenic in utero. Epigenetics 2015; 10:508-15. [PMID: 25923418 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2015.1046026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Mercury and arsenic are known developmental toxicants. Prenatal exposures are associated with adverse childhood health outcomes that could be in part mediated by epigenetic alterations that may also contribute to altered immune profiles. In this study, we examined the association between prenatal mercury exposure on both DNA methylation and white blood cell composition of cord blood, and evaluated the interaction with prenatal arsenic exposure. A total of 138 mother-infant pairs with postpartum maternal toenail mercury, prenatal urinary arsenic concentrations, and newborn cord blood were assessed using the Illumina Infinium Methylation450 array. White blood cell composition was inferred from DNA methylation measurements. A doubling in toenail mercury concentration was associated with a 2.5% decrease (95% CI: 5.0%, 1.0%) in the estimated monocyte proportion. An increase of 3.5% (95% CI: 1.0, 7.0) in B-cell proportion was observed for females only. Among the top 100 CpGs associated with toenail mercury levels (ranked on P-value), there was a significant enrichment of loci located in North shore regions of CpG islands (P = 0.049), and the majority of these loci were hypermethylated (85%). Among the top 100 CpGs for the interaction between arsenic and mercury, there was a greater than expected proportion of loci located in CpG islands (P = 0.045) and in South shore regions (P = 0.009) and all of these loci were hypermethylated. This work supports the hypothesis that mercury may be contributing to epigenetic variability and immune cell proportion changes, and suggests that in utero exposure to mercury and arsenic, even at low levels, may interact to impact the epigenome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres Cardenas
- a School of Biological and Population Health Sciences; College of Public Health and Human Sciences; Oregon State University ; Corvallis , OR , USA
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Llop S, Ballester F, Broberg K. Effect of Gene-Mercury Interactions on Mercury Toxicokinetics and Neurotoxicity. Curr Environ Health Rep 2015; 2:179-94. [DOI: 10.1007/s40572-015-0047-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Bloom MS, Buck Louis GM, Sundaram R, Maisog JM, Steuerwald AJ, Parsons PJ. Birth outcomes and background exposures to select elements, the Longitudinal Investigation of Fertility and the Environment (LIFE). ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2015; 138:118-29. [PMID: 25707016 PMCID: PMC4385418 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2015.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2014] [Revised: 01/07/2015] [Accepted: 01/08/2015] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Evidence suggests that trace exposures to select elements may increase the risk for adverse birth outcomes. To investigate further, we used multiple regression to assess associations between preconception parental exposures to Pb, Cd, and total Hg in blood, and 21 elements in urine, with n=235 singleton birth outcomes, adjusted for confounders and partner's exposure. Earlier gestational age at delivery (GA) was associated with higher tertiles of urine maternal W (-1.22 days) and paternal U (-1.07 days), but GA was later for higher tertiles of maternal (+1.11 days) and paternal (+1.30 days) blood Hg. Additional analysis indicated shorter GA associated with higher paternal urine Ba, W, and U, and with higher maternal blood Pb for boys, but GA was longer in association with higher maternal urine Cr. Birth weight (BW) was lower for higher tertiles of paternal urine Cs (-237.85g), U (-187.34g), and Zn (-209.08g), and for higher continuous Cr (P=0.021). In contrast, BW was higher for higher tertiles of paternal urine As (+194.71g) and counterintuitively for maternal blood Cd (+178.52g). Birth length (BL) was shorter for higher tertiles of urine maternal W (-1.22cm) and paternal U (-1.10cm). Yet, higher tertiles of maternal (+1.11cm) and paternal (+1.30) blood Hg were associated with longer BL. Head circumference at delivery was lower for higher tertiles of paternal urine U (-0.83cm), and for higher continuous Mo in boys (-0.57cm). Overall, associations were most consistently indicated for GA and measures of birth size with urine W and U, and paternal exposures were more frequently associated than maternal. Though limited by several factors, ours is the largest multi-element investigation of prospective couple-level trace exposures and birth outcomes to date; the novel observations for W and U merit further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Bloom
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany School of Public Health, State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY, USA; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University at Albany School of Public Health, State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY, USA.
| | - Germaine M Buck Louis
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Rajeshwari Sundaram
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Jose M Maisog
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Rockville, MD, USA; Glotech, Incorporated, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Amy J Steuerwald
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany School of Public Health, State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY, USA; Laboratory of Inorganic and Nuclear Chemistry, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Patrick J Parsons
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany School of Public Health, State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY, USA; Laboratory of Inorganic and Nuclear Chemistry, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, USA
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Protective effects of the flavonoid chrysin against methylmercury-induced genotoxicity and alterations of antioxidant status, in vivo. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2015; 2015:602360. [PMID: 25810809 PMCID: PMC4355113 DOI: 10.1155/2015/602360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2014] [Revised: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The use of phytochemicals has been widely used as inexpensive approach for prevention of diseases related to oxidative damage due to its antioxidant properties. One of dietary flavonoids is chrysin (CR), found mainly in passion fruit, honey, and propolis. Methylmercury (MeHg) is a toxic metal whose main toxic mechanism is oxidative damage. Thus, the study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant effects of CR against oxidative damage induced by MeHg in Wistar rats. Animals were treated with MeHg (30 µg/kg/bw) in presence and absence of CR (0.10, 1.0, and 10 mg/kg/bw) by gavage for 45 days. Glutathione (GSH) in blood was quantified spectrophotometrically and for monitoring of DNA damage, comet assay was used in leukocytes and hepatocytes. MeHg led to a significant increase in the formation of comets; when the animals were exposed to the metal in the presence of CR, higher concentrations of CR showed protective effects. Moreover, exposure to MeHg decreased the levels of GSH and GSH levels were restored in the animals that received CR plus MeHg. Taken together the findings of the present work indicate that consumption of flavonoids such as CR may protect humans against the adverse health effects caused by MeHg.
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Basu N, Tutino R, Zhang Z, Cantonwine DE, Goodrich JM, Somers EC, Rodriguez L, Schnaas L, Solano M, Mercado A, Peterson K, Sánchez BN, Hernández-Avila M, Hu H, Maria Téllez-Rojo M. Mercury levels in pregnant women, children, and seafood from Mexico City. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2014; 135:63-9. [PMID: 25262076 PMCID: PMC4262596 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2014.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2014] [Revised: 08/09/2014] [Accepted: 08/13/2014] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mercury is a global contaminant of concern though little is known about exposures in México. OBJECTIVES To characterize mercury levels in pregnant women, children, and commonly consumed seafood samples. METHODS Use resources of the Early Life Exposures in Mexico to Environmental Toxicants (ELEMENT) birth cohorts to measure total mercury levels in archived samples from 348 pregnant women (blood from three trimesters and cord blood), 825 offspring (blood, hair, and urine) and their mothers (hair), and 91 seafood and canned tuna samples from Mexico City. RESULTS Maternal blood mercury levels correlated across three trimesters and averaged 3.4 μg/L. Cord blood mercury averaged 4.7 μg/L and correlated with maternal blood from trimester 3 (but not trimesters 1 and 2). In children, blood, hair and urine mercury levels correlated and averaged 1.8 μg/L, 0.6 μg/g, and 0.9 μg/L, respectively. Hair mercury was 0.5 μg/g in mothers and correlated with child's hair. Mean consumption of canned tuna, fresh fish, canned sardine, and shellfish was 3.1, 2.2, 0.5, and 1.0 times per month respectively in pregnant women. Mean mercury content in 7 of 23 seafood species and 5 of 9 canned tuna brands purchased exceeded the U.S. EPA guidance value of 0.3 μg/g. CONCLUSIONS Mercury exposures in pregnant women and children from Mexico City, via biomarker studies, are generally 3-5 times greater than values reported in population surveys from the U.S., Canada, and elsewhere. In particular, mercury levels in 29-39% of the maternal participants exceeded the biomonitoring guideline associated with the U.S. EPA reference dose for mercury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niladri Basu
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H9X 2T9.
| | - Rebecca Tutino
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Zhenzhen Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - David E Cantonwine
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Brigham & Women׳s Hospital, Harvard School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jaclyn M Goodrich
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Emily C Somers
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lauren Rodriguez
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lourdes Schnaas
- Division of Public Health, National Institute of Perinatology, Mexico, D.F., Mexico
| | - Maritsa Solano
- Division of Statistics, Center for Evaluation Research and Surveys, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Adriana Mercado
- Division of Statistics, Center for Evaluation Research and Surveys, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Karen Peterson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Brisa N Sánchez
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Howard Hu
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Martha Maria Téllez-Rojo
- Division of Statistics, Center for Evaluation Research and Surveys, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
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Montgomery SL, Vorojeikina D, Huang W, Mackay TFC, Anholt RRH, Rand MD. Genome-wide association analysis of tolerance to methylmercury toxicity in Drosophila implicates myogenic and neuromuscular developmental pathways. PLoS One 2014; 9:e110375. [PMID: 25360876 PMCID: PMC4215868 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0110375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2014] [Accepted: 09/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a persistent environmental toxin present in seafood that can compromise the developing nervous system in humans. The effects of MeHg toxicity varies among individuals, despite similar levels of exposure, indicating that genetic differences contribute to MeHg susceptibility. To examine how genetic variation impacts MeHg tolerance, we assessed developmental tolerance to MeHg using the sequenced, inbred lines of the Drosophila melanogaster Genetic Reference Panel (DGRP). We found significant genetic variation in the effects of MeHg on development, measured by eclosion rate, giving a broad sense heritability of 0.86. To investigate the influence of dietary factors, we measured MeHg toxicity with caffeine supplementation in the DGRP lines. We found that caffeine counteracts the deleterious effects of MeHg in the majority of lines, and there is significant genetic variance in the magnitude of this effect, with a broad sense heritability of 0.80. We performed genome-wide association (GWA) analysis for both traits, and identified candidate genes that fall into several gene ontology categories, with enrichment for genes involved in muscle and neuromuscular development. Overexpression of glutamate-cysteine ligase, a MeHg protective enzyme, in a muscle-specific manner leads to a robust rescue of eclosion of flies reared on MeHg food. Conversely, mutations in kirre, a pivotal myogenic gene identified in our GWA analyses, modulate tolerance to MeHg during development in accordance with kirre expression levels. Finally, we observe disruptions of indirect flight muscle morphogenesis in MeHg-exposed pupae. Since the pathways for muscle development are evolutionarily conserved, it is likely that the effects of MeHg observed in Drosophila can be generalized across phyla, implicating muscle as an additional hitherto unrecognized target for MeHg toxicity. Furthermore, our observations that caffeine can ameliorate the toxic effects of MeHg show that nutritional factors and dietary manipulations may offer protection against the deleterious effects of MeHg exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara L. Montgomery
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, United States of America
| | - Daria Vorojeikina
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, United States of America
| | - Wen Huang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Genetics Program, and W. M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Trudy F. C. Mackay
- Department of Biological Sciences, Genetics Program, and W. M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Robert R. H. Anholt
- Department of Biological Sciences, Genetics Program, and W. M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Matthew D. Rand
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, United States of America
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Bashore CJ, Geer LA, He X, Puett R, Parsons PJ, Palmer CD, Steuerwald AJ, Abulafia O, Dalloul M, Sapkota A. Maternal mercury exposure, season of conception and adverse birth outcomes in an urban immigrant community in Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2014; 11:8414-42. [PMID: 25153469 PMCID: PMC4143869 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph110808414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2014] [Revised: 07/23/2014] [Accepted: 08/04/2014] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Adverse birth outcomes including preterm birth (PTB: <37 weeks gestation) and low birth weight (LBW: <2500 g) can result in severe infant morbidity and mortality. In the United States, there are racial and ethnic differences in the prevalence of PTB and LBW. We investigated the association between PTB and LBW with prenatal mercury (Hg) exposure and season of conception in an urban immigrant community in Brooklyn, New York. We recruited 191 pregnant women aged 18-45 in a Brooklyn Prenatal Clinic and followed them until delivery. Urine specimens were collected from the participants during the 6th to 9th month of pregnancy. Cord blood specimens and neonate anthropometric data were collected at birth. We used multivariate logistic regression models to investigate the odds of LBW or PTB with either maternal urinary mercury or neonate cord blood mercury. We used linear regression models to investigate the association between continuous anthropometric outcomes and maternal urinary mercury or neonate cord blood mercury. We also examined the association between LBW and PTB and the season that pregnancy began. Results showed higher rates of PTB and LBW in this cohort of women compared to other studies. Pregnancies beginning in winter (December, January, February) were at increased odds of LBW births compared with births from pregnancies that began in all other months (OR7.52 [95% CI 1.65, 34.29]). We observed no association between maternal exposure to Hg, and either LBW or PTB. The apparent lack of association is consistent with other studies. Further examination of seasonal association with LBW is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia J Bashore
- Maryland Institute for Applied Environmental Health, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, Room 2234F, College Park, MD 20742-2611, USA.
| | - Laura A Geer
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, Downstate School of Public Health, State University of New York, Box 43,450 Clarkson Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11203-2533, USA.
| | - Xin He
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Maryland College Park School of Public Health, 2234H SPH Building, College Park, MD 20742-2611, USA.
| | - Robin Puett
- Maryland Institute for Applied Environmental Health, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, Room 2234F, College Park, MD 20742-2611, USA.
| | - Patrick J Parsons
- Laboratory of Inorganic and Nuclear Chemistry, Wadsworth Center, Department of Health, New York State University, Albany, NY 12201-0509, USA.
| | - Christopher D Palmer
- Laboratory of Inorganic and Nuclear Chemistry, Wadsworth Center, Department of Health, New York State University, Albany, NY 12201-0509, USA.
| | - Amy J Steuerwald
- Laboratory of Inorganic and Nuclear Chemistry, Wadsworth Center, Department of Health, New York State University, Albany, NY 12201-0509, USA.
| | - Ovadia Abulafia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, 445 Lenox Road, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA.
| | - Mudar Dalloul
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, 445 Lenox Road, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA.
| | - Amir Sapkota
- Maryland Institute for Applied Environmental Health, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, Room 2234F, College Park, MD 20742-2611, USA.
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Burch JB, Wagner Robb S, Puett R, Cai B, Wilkerson R, Karmaus W, Vena J, Svendsen E. Mercury in fish and adverse reproductive outcomes: results from South Carolina. Int J Health Geogr 2014; 13:30. [PMID: 25127892 PMCID: PMC4154616 DOI: 10.1186/1476-072x-13-30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2014] [Accepted: 07/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mercury is a metal with widespread distribution in aquatic ecosystems and significant neurodevelopmental toxicity in humans. Fish biomonitoring for total mercury has been conducted in South Carolina (SC) since 1976, and consumption advisories have been posted for many SC waterways. However, there is limited information on the potential reproductive impacts of mercury due to recreational or subsistence fish consumption. Methods To address this issue, geocoded residential locations for live births from the Vital Statistics Registry (1995–2005, N = 362,625) were linked with spatially interpolated total mercury concentrations in fish to estimate potential mercury exposure from consumption of locally caught fish. Generalized estimating equations were used to test the hypothesis that risk of low birth weight (LBW, <2,500 grams) or preterm birth (PTB, <37 weeks clinical gestation) was greater among women living in areas with elevated total mercury in fish, after adjustment for confounding. Separate analyses estimated term LBW and PTB risks using residential proximity to rivers with fish consumption advisories to characterize exposure. Results Term LBW was more likely among women residing in areas in the upper quartile of predicted total mercury in fish (odds ratio [OR] = 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00-1.09) or within 8 kilometers of a river with a ‘do not eat’ fish advisory (1.05; 1.00-1.11) compared to the lowest quartile, or rivers without fish consumption restrictions, respectively. When stratified by race, risks for term LBW or PTB were 10-18% more likely among African-American (AA) mothers living in areas with the highest total fish mercury concentrations. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the relationship between fish total mercury concentrations and adverse reproductive outcomes in a large population-based sample that included AA women. The ecologic nature of exposure assessment in this study precludes causal inference. However, the results suggest a need for more detailed investigations to characterize patterns of local fish consumption and potential dose–response relationships between mercury exposure and adverse reproductive outcomes, particularly among AA mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- James B Burch
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA.
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48
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Llop S, Engström K, Ballester F, Franforte E, Alhamdow A, Pisa F, Tratnik JS, Mazej D, Murcia M, Rebagliato M, Bustamante M, Sunyer J, Sofianou-Katsoulis Α, Prasouli A, Antonopoulou E, Antoniadou I, Nakou S, Barbone F, Horvat M, Broberg K. Polymorphisms in ABC transporter genes and concentrations of mercury in newborns--evidence from two Mediterranean birth cohorts. PLoS One 2014; 9:e97172. [PMID: 24831289 PMCID: PMC4022503 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0097172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2013] [Accepted: 04/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The genetic background may influence methylmercury (MeHg) metabolism and neurotoxicity. ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters actively transport various xenobiotics across biological membranes. Objective To investigate the role of ABC polymorphisms as modifiers of prenatal exposure to MeHg. Methods The study population consisted of participants (n = 1651) in two birth cohorts, one in Italy and Greece (PHIME) and the other in Spain (INMA). Women were recruited during pregnancy in Italy and Spain, and during the perinatal period in Greece. Total mercury concentrations were measured in cord blood samples by atomic absorption spectrometry. Maternal fish intake during pregnancy was determined from questionnaires. Polymorphisms (n = 5) in the ABC genes ABCA1, ABCB1, ABCC1 and ABCC2 were analysed in both cohorts. Results ABCB1 rs2032582, ABCC1 rs11075290, and ABCC2 rs2273697 modified the associations between maternal fish intake and cord blood mercury concentrations. The overall interaction coefficient between rs2032582 and log2-transformed fish intake was negative for carriers of GT (β = −0.29, 95%CI −0.47, −0.12) and TT (β = −0.49, 95%CI −0.71, −0.26) versus GG, meaning that for a doubling in fish intake of the mothers, children with the rs2032582 GG genotype accumulated 35% more mercury than children with TT. For rs11075290, the interaction coefficient was negative for carriers of TC (β = −0.12, 95%CI −0.33, 0.09), and TT (β = −0.28, 95%CI −0.51, −0.06) versus CC. For rs2273697, the interaction coefficient was positive when combining GA+AA (β = 0.16, 95%CI 0.01, 0.32) versus GG. Conclusion The ABC transporters appear to play a role in accumulation of MeHg during early development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Llop
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region, FISABIO, Valencia, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Karin Engström
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ferran Ballester
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region, FISABIO, Valencia, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- School of Nursing, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Elisa Franforte
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ayman Alhamdow
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Federica Pisa
- Unit of Hygiene and Epidemiology, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Janja Snoj Tratnik
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Datja Mazej
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mario Murcia
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region, FISABIO, Valencia, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marisa Rebagliato
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Medicine Department, Jaume I University, Castelló de la Plana, Spain
| | - Mariona Bustamante
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain
- Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
- Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Sunyer
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain
- Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
- Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Alexia Prasouli
- Department of Social and Developmental Paediatrics Institute of Child Health, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Antonopoulou
- Department of Social and Developmental Paediatrics Institute of Child Health, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioanna Antoniadou
- Department of Social and Developmental Paediatrics Institute of Child Health, Athens, Greece
| | - Sheena Nakou
- Department of Social and Developmental Paediatrics Institute of Child Health, Athens, Greece
| | - Fabio Barbone
- Unit of Hygiene and Epidemiology, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Milena Horvat
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Karin Broberg
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- * E-mail:
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Sheehan MC, Burke TA, Navas-Acien A, Breysse PN, McGready J, Fox MA. Global methylmercury exposure from seafood consumption and risk of developmental neurotoxicity: a systematic review. Bull World Health Organ 2014; 92:254-269F. [PMID: 24700993 PMCID: PMC3967569 DOI: 10.2471/blt.12.116152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2012] [Revised: 10/15/2013] [Accepted: 11/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine biomarkers of methylmercury (MeHg) intake in women and infants from seafood-consuming populations globally and characterize the comparative risk of fetal developmental neurotoxicity. METHODS A search was conducted of the published literature reporting total mercury (Hg) in hair and blood in women and infants. These biomarkers are validated proxy measures of MeHg, a neurotoxin found primarily in seafood. Average and high-end biomarkers were extracted, stratified by seafood consumption context, and pooled by category. Medians for average and high-end pooled distributions were compared with the reference level established by a joint expert committee of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). FINDINGS Selection criteria were met by 164 studies of women and infants from 43 countries. Pooled average biomarkers suggest an intake of MeHg several times over the FAO/WHO reference in fish-consuming riparians living near small-scale gold mining and well over the reference in consumers of marine mammals in Arctic regions. In coastal regions of south-eastern Asia, the western Pacific and the Mediterranean, average biomarkers approach the reference. Although the two former groups have a higher risk of neurotoxicity than the latter, coastal regions are home to the largest number at risk. High-end biomarkers across all categories indicate MeHg intake is in excess of the reference value. CONCLUSION There is a need for policies to reduce Hg exposure among women and infants and for surveillance in high-risk populations, the majority of which live in low-and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary C Sheehan
- Risk Sciences and Public Policy Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States of America (USA)
| | - Thomas A Burke
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Ana Navas-Acien
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Patrick N Breysse
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - John McGready
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Mary A Fox
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
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50
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Genetic polymorphisms in glutathione (GSH-) related genes affect the plasmatic Hg/whole blood Hg partitioning and the distribution between inorganic and methylmercury levels in plasma collected from a fish-eating population. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:940952. [PMID: 24696865 PMCID: PMC3947838 DOI: 10.1155/2014/940952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2013] [Accepted: 01/08/2014] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the effects of polymorphisms in glutathione (GSH-) related genes (GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTP1, GCLM, and GCLC) in the distribution of Hg in the blood compartments in humans exposed to methylmercury (MeHg). Subjects (n = 88), exposed to MeHg from fish consumption, were enrolled in the study. Hg species in the plasma compartment were determined by LC-ICP-MS, whereas genotyping was performed by PCR assays. Mean total Hg levels in plasma (THgP) and whole blood (THgB) were 10 ± 4.2 and 37 ± 21, whereas mean levels of plasmatic MeHg (MeHgP), inorganic Hg (IHgP), and HgP/HgB were 4.3 ± 2.9, 5.8 ± 2.3 µg/L, and 0.33 ± 0.15, respectively. GSTM1 and GCLC polymorphisms influence THgP and MeHgP (multivariate analyses, P < 0.050). Null homozygotes for GSTM1 showed higher THgP and MeHgP levels compared to subjects with GSTM1 (THgP β = 0.22, P = 0.035; MeHgP β = 0.30, P = 0.050) and persons carrying at least one T allele for GCLC had significant higher MeHgP (β = 0.59, P = 0.046). Also, polymorphic GCLM subjects had lower THgP/THgB than those with the nonvariant genotype. Taken together, data of this study suggest that GSH-related polymorphisms may change the metabolism of MeHg by modifying the distribution of mercury species iin plasma compartment and the HgP/HgB partitioning.
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