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Nyanza EC, Kapiga SH, Nsanya MK, Willkens M, Cichowitz C, Peck RN. Exposure to toxic chemical elements among people living with HIV/AIDS in Northern Tanzania. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 260:119645. [PMID: 39032621 PMCID: PMC11371493 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 07/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Environmental exposure to toxic chemicals including cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg), are known risk factors for cardiovascular (CVD) and kidney disease. In people living with HIV (PLWH), CVD and kidney disease are the leading cause of death. Neither traditional risk factors nor markers of HIV infection fully explain such an increased risk. It is of paramount importance to establish the epidemiology of toxic chemicals exposure in PLWH, to inform screening and prevention interventions in this vulnerable population. This cross-sectional study compares toxic chemical levels (T-Cd, T-Pb, and T-Hg) among PLWH and HIV-uninfected adults in Northwestern Tanzania. A total of 495 PLWH and 505 HIV-uninfected subjects were analyzed. Spearman's rank correlations were used to examine the relationship between toxic chemical elements by HIV status. Linear regression models were used to determine the association between exposures and outcomes of interest among study participants. In both PLWH and HIV-uninfected adults, blood T-Cd, T-Pb, and T-Hg levels were frequently found at levels above the reference value of 5, 50, and 20 μg/L, respectively. Overall, factors associated with blood toxic chemical levels included vegetable servings per week, obesity, untreated water sources, use of alcohol, and HIV. Among PLWH, weekly vegetable intake provided a protective effect against T-Cd (Coeff = -0.03, 95%CI = -0.06, -0.01) and T-Pb (Coeff = -0.05, 95%CI = -0.09, -0.01) exposure among PLWH. Alcohol intake (Coeff = 0.10, 95%CI = 0.06, 0.13), obesity (Coeff = 0.08, 95%CI = 0.02, 0.13), longer duration to indoor smoke exposure (Coeff = 0.003, 95%CI = 0.001, 0.004), and HIV infection (Coeff = 0.11, 95%CI = 0.07, 0.15) were associated with increased individuals blood T-Hg levels. Individuals in northwestern Tanzania, including PLWH, have high blood levels for T-Cd, T-Pb, and T-Hg. Factors associated with higher blood levels include water sources, obesity, use of alcohol, exposure to indoor smoke, and HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias C Nyanza
- Department of Environmental, Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 1464, Bugando, Mwanza, Tanzania; Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit & National Institute for Medical Research (MITU/NIMR), Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Saidi H Kapiga
- Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit & National Institute for Medical Research (MITU/NIMR), Mwanza, Tanzania; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, UK
| | - Mussa K Nsanya
- Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit & National Institute for Medical Research (MITU/NIMR), Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Megan Willkens
- Center for Global Health, Department of Internal Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Cody Cichowitz
- Division of Cardiology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Robert N Peck
- Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit & National Institute for Medical Research (MITU/NIMR), Mwanza, Tanzania; Center for Global Health, Department of Internal Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, USA.
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Olowoyo JO, Okoya AA, Adesiyan IM, Awe YT, Lion GN, Agboola OO, Oladeji OM. Environmental health science research: opportunities and challenges for some developing countries in Africa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2024:1-25. [PMID: 38909292 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2024.2370388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Due to ongoing developmental projects, there is a need for regular monitoring of the impact of pollutants on the environment. This review documented the challenges and opportunities in the field of environmental health sciences in some African countries. A systematic review was used to investigate opportunities and challenges in the field of environmental health science in Africa by examining published work with a specific focus on Africa. The reports showed that funding and infrastructure as the major problems. The study also highlighted recruiting study participants, retention, and compensation as a bane in the field in Africa. The absence of modern equipment also hinders research. The review, however, noted research collaboration from the region including studies on emerging pollutants such as pharmaceuticals, per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and microplastic (MPs) as great opportunities. The study concluded that collaboration with other continents, exchange programs and improved governmental interventions may help.
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Affiliation(s)
- J O Olowoyo
- Department of Health Sciences and The Water School, Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, FL, USA
- Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences, South Africa
| | - A A Okoya
- Institute of Ecology and Environmental Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | - I M Adesiyan
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | - Y T Awe
- Environmental Management Program, Pan African University of Life and Earth Sciences, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - G N Lion
- Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences, South Africa
| | - O O Agboola
- Department of Botany, University Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Health Sciences Otukpo, Benue State, Nigeria
| | - O M Oladeji
- Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences, South Africa
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Lumumba EA, Riederer AM, Onyatta JO, Benki-Nugent S, Karr CJ, Were FH. Maternal and Umbilical Cord Blood Lead Levels in Selected Informal Settlements in Nairobi, Kenya: A Cross-Sectional Study. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2024; 132:37704. [PMID: 38536883 PMCID: PMC10970993 DOI: 10.1289/ehp13567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Anne M. Riederer
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - John O. Onyatta
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sarah Benki-Nugent
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Catherine J. Karr
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Faridah H. Were
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
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Thomas DSK, Asori M, Nyanza EC. The role of geophagy and artisanal gold mining as risk factors for elevated blood lead levels in pregnant women in northwestern Tanzania. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0002958. [PMID: 38394051 PMCID: PMC10889643 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Neither artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) or geophagy practices have received substantial attention related to blood lead levels despite the well documented deleterious effects of lead. This cross-sectional analytical study aimed to document the risk of lead exposure from geophagy and mining-related occupational activities for pregnant women. The study recruited 1056 pregnant women (883 in an ASGM area and 173 in a non-ASGM area) between April 2015 -April 2017. Generalized Linear Model with an identity link function was used to model the association between blood lead levels (BLLs) and geophagy practices and involvement in gold mining. The prevalence of geophagy was 36.2% (95% CI: 33.6, 39.4%) and 6.3% engaged in mining as a primary occupation. Practicing geophagy increased BLLs by 22% (β = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.116, 1.309, p<0.0001). Living in a gold mining area increased BLLs by 33.4% (β = 1.334, 95% CI: 1.2, 1.483, p<0.0001). Having mining as a primary occupation increased BLLs by 1.3% β = 1.013, 95% CI: 0.872, 1.176, p = 0.869) even though the association was not statistically significant. Socioeconomic wealth quantile (β = 1.037, 95% CI: 1.021, 1.054, p<0.001) increased blood lead levels by 3.7%. Developing a comprehensive inventory capturing sources of community-level lead exposure is essential. Further, increasing public health campaigns and education are crucial to limit geophagy practices and to minimize work in gold mining activities during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah S K Thomas
- Department of Geography and Earth Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Moses Asori
- Department of Geography and Earth Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Elias C Nyanza
- Department of Environmental, Occupational and Research GIS, School of Public Health, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Mwanza, Tanzania
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Kataba A, Yohannes YB, Nakata H, Yabe J, Toyomaki H, Muzandu K, Zyambo G, Ikenaka Y, Choongo K, Ishizuka M, Nakayama SMM. Association between Chronic Environmental Lead (Pb) Exposure and Cytokines in Males and Females of Reproductive Age from Kabwe, Zambia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20085596. [PMID: 37107878 PMCID: PMC10138795 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20085596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) poisoning remains a great public health challenge globally known to induce a wide range of ailments in both children and adults. The current study investigated the association of chronic environmental Pb exposure and immunomodulatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) in adult males and females living in Kabwe, Zambia. The standard human cytokine/chemokine Milliplex assay was used to quantify plasma cytokines from four groups categorized as low (<10 μg/dL) and high (>10 μg/dL) blood lead level (BLL) groups, namely, low BLL female (n = 47; BLL = 3.76 μg/dL), low BLL Male (n = 43; BLL = 4.13 μg/dL), high BLL female (n = 21; BLL = 23.5 μg/dL), and high BLL male (n = 18; BLL = 23.7 μg/dL), respectively. The low BLL group was associated with increased TNF-α levels, and the high BLL group was associated with reduced TNF-α levels in female subjects. No associations between BLL and the levels of IL-8 and TNF-α cytokines were observed in either females or males, respectively. A negative correlation between BLL and TNF-α was found in female subjects, suggesting that an increase in BLL accompanied by a reduction in TNF-α. The reduced levels of circulating TNF-α in female subjects suggest that chronic Pb exposure could predispose females to immune and inflammation-related disorders than their male counterparts. Further studies are recommended to ascertain the impact of chronic Pb exposure on immunomodulatory cytokines, especially in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Kataba
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
- School of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia
| | - Yared Beyene Yohannes
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural and Computational Science, University of Gondar, Gondar P.O. Box 196, Ethiopia
| | - Hokuto Nakata
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - John Yabe
- School of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia, Windhoek P/B. 13301, Namibia
| | - Haruya Toyomaki
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Kaampwe Muzandu
- School of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia
| | - Golden Zyambo
- School of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia
| | - Yoshinori Ikenaka
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
- Water Research Group, School of Environmental Sciences and Development, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa
- Translational Research Unit, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
- One Health Research Center, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Kennedy Choongo
- School of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia
| | - Mayumi Ishizuka
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
- Correspondence: (M.I.); or (S.M.M.N.); Tel.: +81-11-706-6949 (M.I.); +81-11-706-5105 (S.M.M.N.); Fax: +81-11-706-5105 (M.I. & S.M.M.N.)
| | - Shouta M. M. Nakayama
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
- School of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia
- Correspondence: (M.I.); or (S.M.M.N.); Tel.: +81-11-706-6949 (M.I.); +81-11-706-5105 (S.M.M.N.); Fax: +81-11-706-5105 (M.I. & S.M.M.N.)
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Obasi CN, Frazzoli C, Orisakwe OE. Heavy metals and metalloids exposure and in vitro fertilization: Critical concerns in human reproductive medicine. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2022; 4:1037379. [PMID: 36478891 PMCID: PMC9720145 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2022.1037379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposures to heavy metals and metalloids have been associated with decreased fecundity and fertility in couples conceiving via assisted reproduction. Heavy metals and metalloids can alter the homeostasis of critical hormones controlling sexual maturation by binding to critical hormones and receptors. This may disrupt the time course of sexual maturation directly or indirectly affecting reproductive competence in males and females. The present review aims to provide a summarized overview of associations between heavy metal exposure, reproductive concerns, and IVF outcomes. A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) in Google Scholar, Scopus, EMBASE and PubMed databases. Initial search produced 1,351 articles from which 30 articles were eligible to be included in the systematic review. From our results, 16 articles reported associations between selected heavy metals and IVF outcomes, while 14 articles summarized the role of heavy metals in reproductive concerns. For the studies on IVF outcomes, different human samples were examined for heavy metals. Heavy metals and metalloids (Pb, Hg, Cd, Cr, Mn, As) correlated negatively with oocyte fertilization/pregnancy rates in hair, follicular fluid, serum, urine and seminal plasma samples, while Cd and Hg in whole blood samples showed no associations. For the studies on reproductive concerns, high levels of heavy metals/metalloids were implicated in the following conditions: infertility (Cd, Pb, Ba, U), spontaneous abortion/miscarriage (Pb, Cd, Sb), congenital heart disease (Al, Mg, Cd), PCOS (As, Cd, Hg, Pb), endometriosis (Pb) and uterine leiomyomata (Hg). Taken together, the results of our study suggest that the impact of heavy metals and metalloids exposure on reproductive health may contribute to the failure rates of in vitro fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Nwadiuto Obasi
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
| | - Chiara Frazzoli
- Department for Cardiovascular, Dysmetabolic and Aging-Associated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Orish Ebere Orisakwe
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
- African Centre of Excellence for Public Health and Toxicological Research (ACE-PUTOR), University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
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Champion WM, Buerck AM, Nenninger C, Yusuf K, Barrett LJP, Rakotoarisoa L, Rakotondrazaka R, Alfredo K, Cunningham J, Khaliq M, Mihelcic JR. Childhood blood lead levels and environmental risk factors in Madagascar. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:68652-68665. [PMID: 35545747 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-20586-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
One-third of children globally have blood lead levels (BLLs) exceeding the (former) US CDC reference value of 5 µg/dL; this value may be as high as one-half for children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Lead exposure occurs through a variety of routes (e.g., water, dust, air), and in LMICs specifically, informal economies (e.g., battery recycling) can drive lead exposures due, in part, to absent regulation. Previous work by our team identified a ubiquitous source of lead (Pb), in the form of Pb-containing components used in manually operated pumps, in Toamasina, Madagascar. Characterization of BLLs of children exposed to this drinking water, and identification of additional exposure routes were needed. BLLs were measured for 362 children (aged 6 months to 6 years) in parallel with surveying to assess 14 risk factors related to demographics/socioeconomics, diet, use of pitcher pumps, and parental occupations. BLL data were also compared against a recent meta-review of BLLs for LMICs. Median childhood BLL (7.1 µg/dL) was consistent with those of other Sub-Saharan African LMICs (6.8 µg/dL) and generally higher than LMICs in other continents. Risk factors significantly associated (p < 0.05, univariate logistic regression) with elevated BLL (at ≥ 5 µg/dL) included male gender, living near a railway or major roadway (owing potentially to legacy lead pollution), having lower-cost flooring, daily consumption of foods (beans, vegetables, rice) commonly cooked in recycled aluminum pots (a previously identified lead source for this community), and a maternal occupation (laundry-person) associated with lower socioeconomic status (SES). Findings were similar at the ≥ 10 µg/dL BLL status. Our methods and findings may be appropriate in identifying and reducing lead exposures for children in other urbanizing cities, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where lead exposure routes are complex and varied owing to informal economics and substantial legacy pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wyatt M Champion
- College of Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., ENG 030, Tampa, FL, 33620, USA.
| | - Adaline M Buerck
- College of Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., ENG 030, Tampa, FL, 33620, USA
| | - Christopher Nenninger
- College of Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., ENG 030, Tampa, FL, 33620, USA
| | - Korede Yusuf
- College of Nursing and Public Health, Adelphi University, One South Ave., Garden City, NY, 11530, USA
| | | | | | | | - Katherine Alfredo
- College of Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., ENG 030, Tampa, FL, 33620, USA
| | - Jeffrey Cunningham
- College of Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., ENG 030, Tampa, FL, 33620, USA
| | - Mahmooda Khaliq
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC 56, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - James R Mihelcic
- College of Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., ENG 030, Tampa, FL, 33620, USA
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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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9
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Yan LD, Rouzier V, Pierre JL, Lee MH, Muntner P, Parsons PJ, Apollon A, St-Preux S, Malebranche R, Pierre G, Emmanuel E, Nash D, Kingery J, Walsh KF, Smith CE, Metz M, Tymejczyk O, Deschamps M, Pape JW, Fitzgerald DW, McNairy ML. High Lead Exposure Associated With Higher Blood Pressure in Haiti: a Warning Sign for Low-Income Countries. Hypertension 2022; 79:283-290. [PMID: 34878898 PMCID: PMC8667279 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.121.18250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in lower-income countries including Haiti. Environmental lead exposure is associated with high blood pressure and cardiovascular mortality in high-income countries but has not been systematically measured and evaluated as a potential modifiable cardiovascular risk factor in lower-income countries where 6.5 billion people reside. We hypothesized lead exposure is high in urban Haiti and associated with higher blood pressure levels. Blood lead levels were measured in 2504 participants ≥18 years enrolled in a longitudinal population-based cohort study in Port-au-Prince. Lead screening was conducted using LeadCare II (detection limit ≥3.3 µg/dL). Levels below detection were imputed by dividing the level of detection by √2. Associations between lead (quartiles) and systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were assessed, adjusting for age, sex, obesity, smoking, alcohol, physical activity, income, and antihypertensive medication use. The median age of participants was 40 years and 60.1% were female. The geometric mean blood lead level was 4.73µg/dL, 71.1% had a detectable lead level and 42.3% had a blood lead level ≥5 µg/dL. After multivariable adjustment, lead levels in quartile four (≥6.5 µg/dL) compared with quartile 1 (<3.4 µg/dL) were associated with 2.42 mm Hg (95% CI, 0.36-4.49) higher systolic blood pressure and 1.96 mm Hg (95% CI, 0.56-3.37) higher diastolic blood pressure. In conclusion, widespread environmental lead exposure is evident in urban Haiti, with higher lead levels associated with higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Lead is a current and potentially modifiable pollutant in lower-income countries that warrants urgent public health remediation. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03892265.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily D Yan
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Center for Global Health, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Haitian Group for the Study of Kaposi’s Sarcoma and Opportunistic Infections (GHESKIO), Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Vanessa Rouzier
- Center for Global Health, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Haitian Group for the Study of Kaposi’s Sarcoma and Opportunistic Infections (GHESKIO), Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Jean Lookens Pierre
- Haitian Group for the Study of Kaposi’s Sarcoma and Opportunistic Infections (GHESKIO), Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Myung Hee Lee
- Center for Global Health, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Paul Muntner
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Patrick J Parsons
- Laboratory of Inorganic and Nuclear Chemistry, Division of Environmental Health Sciences, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany, Rensselaer, New York, USA
| | - Alexandra Apollon
- Haitian Group for the Study of Kaposi’s Sarcoma and Opportunistic Infections (GHESKIO), Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Stephano St-Preux
- Haitian Group for the Study of Kaposi’s Sarcoma and Opportunistic Infections (GHESKIO), Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Rodolphe Malebranche
- Collège Haïtien de Cardiologie, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
- Medicine and Pharmacology, Université d’État d’Haïti, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Gerard Pierre
- Collège Haïtien de Cardiologie, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Evens Emmanuel
- École doctorale Société et Environnement, Université Quisqueya, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Denis Nash
- City University of New York Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Justin Kingery
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Center for Global Health, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kathleen F Walsh
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Center for Global Health, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Caleigh E Smith
- Center for Global Health, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Miranda Metz
- Center for Global Health, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Olga Tymejczyk
- City University of New York Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marie Deschamps
- Haitian Group for the Study of Kaposi’s Sarcoma and Opportunistic Infections (GHESKIO), Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Jean W Pape
- Center for Global Health, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Haitian Group for the Study of Kaposi’s Sarcoma and Opportunistic Infections (GHESKIO), Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Daniel W Fitzgerald
- Center for Global Health, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Margaret L McNairy
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Center for Global Health, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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10
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Shawahna R. Breast milk to blood lead ratios among women from the West Bank of Palestine: a cross-sectional study of associated factors. Int Breastfeed J 2021; 16:61. [PMID: 34425844 PMCID: PMC8381486 DOI: 10.1186/s13006-021-00410-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Infants fed contaminated breast milk are at an increased risk of exposure to lead. Breast milk to blood (M/B) ratios have not been investigated among women in Palestine. The aim of this study was to assess blood, breast milk, and M/B lead ratios in samples collected from Palestinian breastfeeding women. Associations between sociodemographic characteristics with breast milk lead levels and M/B lead ratios were also investigated. Methods This study was conducted in a cross-sectional design in the period between October 2017 and April 2018. Breastfeeding women visiting maternity care centers in different regions of the West Bank of Palestine were recruited to the study by the nurses in the maternity care centers. Sociodemographic characteristics, venous blood, and breast milk samples were collected from each participant. Lead concentrations were analyzed using a validated inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometric method. Mann–Whitney U test, Pearson’s Chi-square, Fisher’s exact, and Spearman’s correlations were used to analyze the data. Odds ratios (OR) were computed using a multivariate logistic regression model. Results Matching blood and milk samples were collected from 80 women. Lead concentrations in 11 (13.8%) of the breast milk samples were above the World Health Organization’s recommended levels. Breast milk lead levels were more likely to be ≥5 μg/L in breastfeeding women who lived in urban areas (aOR 4.96; 95% CI 1.10, 22.38) compared to those who lived in rural areas. Breast milk to blood lead ratios were more likely to be ≥25% in breastfeeding women who lived in urban areas (aOR 7.06; 95% CI 1.68, 29.77), used eye kohl (aOR 14.29; 95% CI 1.32, 155.06), and used hair dye (aOR 5.33; 95% CI 1.58, 18.00) compared to those who lived in rural areas, did not use eye kohl, and did not use hair dye, respectively. Conclusions Higher M/B lead ratios were predicted by living in urban areas, using eye kohl, and using hair dye. Decision makers in health authorities should address sources of exposure to lead in urban areas. Cosmetics containing lead should be assessed and regulated for lead content. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13006-021-00410-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramzi Shawahna
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine. .,An-Najah BioSciences Unit, Centre for Poisons Control, Chemical and Biological Analyses, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine.
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11
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Bede-Ojimadu O, Orish CN, Bocca B, Ruggieri F, Frazzoli C, Orisakwe OE. Trace elements exposure and risk in age-related eye diseases: a systematic review of epidemiological evidence. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART C, TOXICOLOGY AND CARCINOGENESIS 2021; 39:293-339. [PMID: 34114934 DOI: 10.1080/26896583.2021.1916331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This systematic review aimed to evaluate existing evidence on the associations between trace elements exposure and age-related eye diseases. PubMed and Google scholar databases were searched for epidemiological and postmortem studies on the relationship between exposure to trace elements and Age-related eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataract, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy (DR), in population groups aged 40 years and above. Available evidence suggests that cadmium (Cd) exposure may be positively associated with the risks of AMD and cataract. There is also evidence that exposure to lead (Pb) may be positively associated with higher risk of cataract and glaucoma. There is limited number of relevant studies and lack of prospective studies for most of the investigated associations. Evidence for other trace elements is weak and inconsistent, and the number of available studies is small. Likewise, there are very few relevant studies on the role of trace elements in DR. Chemical elements that affect the distribution and absorption of other trace elements have never been investigated. The suggestive but limited evidence motivates large and quality prospective studies to fully characterize the impact of exposure to trace (toxic and essential) elements on age-related eye diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onyinyechi Bede-Ojimadu
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi, Nigeria
| | - Chinna N Orish
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Choba, Nigeria
| | - Beatrice Bocca
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Flavia Ruggieri
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Frazzoli
- Department of Cardiovascular and Endocrine-Metabolic Diseases, and Ageing, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Orish E Orisakwe
- African Centre of Excellence for Public Health and Toxicological Research (ACE-PUTOR), University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
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12
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Dórea JG. Neurodevelopment and exposure to neurotoxic metal(loid)s in environments polluted by mining, metal scrapping and smelters, and e-waste recycling in low and middle-income countries. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 197:111124. [PMID: 33861977 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This review covers a wide body of literature to gain an understanding of the impacts of informal activities related to metal extraction (primary mining and recycling) on early life exposure to neurotoxicants and on neurodevelopment. In primary mining, gold extraction with Hg amalgamation is the main environmental cause of Hg pollution in most artisanal small-scale gold mining (ASGM) activities around the world. Nevertheless, in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), Pb disrupted from gold-related ores, mining, and artisanal cookware production are an important neurotoxicant that seriously contaminates the affected population, with devastating effects on children. In e-waste recycling settings, the range of neurotoxic substances that contaminate mothers and children is wider than in primary mining environments. Thus, Hg and Pb are major pre- and postnatal neurotoxicants affecting children in the informal metal extraction activities and SSA countries show the highest record of human contamination and of neurotoxic effects on children. There are additional sources of neurotoxic contamination from mining and metal processing activities (cyanide tailing in South America and SSA) and/or co-exposure to Hg-containing products such as cosmetics (soaps and Hg-based skin lightning creams in Africa) and pediatric Thimerosal-containing vaccines (TCVs, that breaks down to ethyl-mercury) in current use in middle and low income countries. However, the action of these neurotoxicants (per se or in combination) on children needs more attention and research. Studies show a negative association between biomarkers of all environmental metal(loid)s (As, Cd, Hg, Mn, and Pb) studied and neurodevelopment in young children. Sadly, in many unregulated activities, child labor is widely employed, thus presenting an additional occupational exposure. Children living in polluted environments related to metal processing are disproportionately exposed to a wide range of co-occurring neurotoxic substances. The review showed compelling evidence from highly representative parts of the world (Africa, Asia, and Latin America) that the studied neurotoxic substances negatively affected areas of the brain associated with language, memory and executive function, as well as psychosocial behavior. Protecting the environment and children from unregulated and highly polluting metal extraction and processing are inextricably intertwined and deserve urgent attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- José G Dórea
- Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, 70919-970, DF, Brazil.
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13
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Sex-Specific Alterations in Cardiac DNA Methylation in Adult Mice by Perinatal Lead Exposure. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18020577. [PMID: 33445541 PMCID: PMC7826866 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18020577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Environmental factors play an important role in the etiology of cardiovascular diseases. Cardiovascular diseases exhibit marked sexual dimorphism; however, the sex-specific effects of environmental exposures on cardiac health are incompletely understood. Perinatal and adult exposures to the metal lead (Pb) are linked to several adverse cardiovascular outcomes, but the sex-specific effects of this toxicant on the heart have received little attention. Perinatal environmental exposures can lead to disease through disruption of the normal epigenetic programming that occurs during early development. Using a mouse model of human-relevant perinatal environmental exposure, we investigated the effects of exposure to Pb during gestation and lactation on DNA methylation in the hearts of adult offspring mice (n = 6 per sex). Two weeks prior to mating, dams were assigned to control or Pb acetate (32 ppm) water, and exposure continued until offspring were weaned at three weeks of age. Enhanced reduced-representation bisulfite sequencing was used to measure DNA methylation in the hearts of offspring at five months of age. Although Pb exposure stopped at three weeks of age, we discovered hundreds of differentially methylated cytosines (DMCs) and regions (DMRs) in males and females at five months of age. DMCs/DMRs and their associated genes were sex-specific, with a small, but statistically significant subset overlapping between sexes. Pathway analysis revealed altered methylation of genes important for cardiac and other tissue development in males, and histone demethylation in females. Together, these data demonstrate that perinatal exposure to Pb induces sex-specific changes in cardiac DNA methylation that are present long after cessation of exposure, and highlight the importance of considering sex in environmental epigenetics and mechanistic toxicology studies.
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14
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Nakata H, Nakayama SMM, Yabe J, Muzandu K, Toyomaki H, Yohannes YB, Kataba A, Zyambo G, Ikenaka Y, Choongo K, Ishizuka M. Clinical biochemical parameters associated with the exposure to multiple environmental metals in residents from Kabwe, Zambia. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 262:127788. [PMID: 33182082 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) interferes with various bodily functions. Although high blood Pb (Pb-B) levels in residents from Kabwe, Zambia have been reported, the accumulation pattern of other metals remains unknown. The study was designed to determine the Pb-B, blood cadmium (Cd-B), and zinc (Zn-B) values of 504 representative samples from Kabwe, as well as the potential associated adverse health effects. The Pb-B level ranged from 0.79 to 154.75 μg/dL and generally increased in areas near the mine. A significant elevation of Cd-B was observed in two areas (0.37 ± 0.26 and 0.32 ± 0.30 μg/L) where the two highest mean Pb-B levels were recorded. By contrast, the Zn-B values did not differ greatly with respect to area. Some blood biochemical parameters relating to hepatic and renal functions were out of the normal range in approximately 20-50% of studied adult participants. The δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALAD) activity was significantly inhibited in the two areas contaminated by Pb and Cd. A significant negative relationship was observed between metal levels and clinical parameters, e.g., between Pb-B and δ-ALAD for all the age categories and between Cd-B and the estimated glomerular filtration rate for all the age categories except 0-4 years. The elevated Cd-B in areas near the mine relative to the other areas suggested the potential adverse health effects of Cd and/or the interaction of Pb and Cd. A significant association of metal levels with clinical parameters also indicated the effects of metal exposure on hematopoietic, hepatic, and renal systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hokuto Nakata
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18 Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Shouta M M Nakayama
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18 Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - John Yabe
- The University of Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Kaampwe Muzandu
- The University of Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Haruya Toyomaki
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18 Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Yared Beyene Yohannes
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18 Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan; Department of Chemistry, College of Natural and Computational Science, University of Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Andrew Kataba
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18 Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan; The University of Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Golden Zyambo
- The University of Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Yoshinori Ikenaka
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18 Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan; Water Research Group, School of Environmental Sciences and Development, North-West University, South Africa
| | - Kennedy Choongo
- The University of Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia; Fiji National University, College of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Koronivia Campus, Suva, Fiji
| | - Mayumi Ishizuka
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18 Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan.
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15
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Mahdi AA, Ansari JA, Agarwal A, Ahmad MK, Siddiqui SS, Jafar T, Venkatesh T. Case of Lead Poisoning Associated with Herbal Health Supplements. J Health Pollut 2020; 10:201214. [PMID: 33324511 PMCID: PMC7731492 DOI: 10.5696/2156-9614-10.28.201214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lead poisoning is a chronic health condition arising from prolonged ingestion and exposure to lead above permissible limits. Although reported globally, developing countries like India and neighboring countries are amongst the most affected by lead. OBJECTIVES The aim of the present study was to evaluate lead poisoning associated with herbal health supplements in a suspected case. MATERIALS AND METHODS A 31-year-old male reported consuming sixteen different herbal health supplements. The case and supplements were assessed for lead levels. The patient came from one of the metro cities of Uttar Pradesh state, India. RESULTS The blood lead level of the case was found to be 78.40 μg/dL, which was much higher than the permissible limit of ≤5 μg/dL. Moreover, one of the supplements was found to have a very high lead content. CONCLUSIONS The present study demonstrated a case of lead poisoning which was very likely due to high lead content present in one of the supplements. The case had typical neurological signs of lead toxicity such as irritability, frequent headache, mental dullness, generalized pain, muscle weakness, numbness and tingling, and twitching and shaking of the legs while sleeping. PATIENT CONSENT Obtained. COMPETING INTERESTS The authors declare no competing financial interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Ali Mahdi
- Department of Biochemistry, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India
| | - Jamal Akhtar Ansari
- Department of Biochemistry, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India
- Department of Chemistry, Shibli National PG College, Azamgarh, India
| | - Avinash Agarwal
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India
| | - M. Kaleem Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India
| | | | - Tabrez Jafar
- Department of Personalized and Molecular Medicine, Era University, Lucknow, India
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16
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Upson K, Harmon QE, Heffron R, Hall JE, Wise LA, Wegienka G, Tokar EJ, Baird DD. Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Use and Blood Lead Levels in a Cohort of Young Women. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2020; 128:117004. [PMID: 33206002 PMCID: PMC7673223 DOI: 10.1289/ehp7017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Injectable contraceptive use is common, with 74 million users worldwide. Use of the injectable contraceptive depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) is associated with bone mineral density loss. We hypothesize that increased bone resorption with DMPA use allows for mobilization of the toxic metal lead stored in bone to blood, presenting users with increased systemic exposure to lead. OBJECTIVE The objective of our study was to investigate the association between current DMPA use and blood lead concentrations. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using enrollment data from the Study of Environment, Lifestyle & Fibroids (SELF), a cohort of 1,693 African-American women who were 23-35 years of age. Data on DMPA use were collected by computer-assisted telephone interview. Blood lead concentrations were measured in whole blood samples among 1,548 participants (91% of cohort). We estimated the adjusted percent difference in blood lead concentrations and 95% confidence intervals (CI) between current DMPA users and nonusers using multivariable linear regression. RESULTS Geometric mean blood lead concentration was 0.69 μ g / dL (95% CI: 0.67, 0.71). After adjustment, current DMPA users (7% of cohort) had blood lead concentrations that were 18% higher than those of nonusers (95% CI: 8%, 29%). Similar associations were observed with additional analyses to assess for potential bias from smoking, DMPA-induced amenorrhea, use of estrogen-containing contraceptives, having given birth in the prior year, and history of medical conditions or current medication use associated with bone loss. DISCUSSION Our results indicate that current DMPA use is associated with increased blood lead concentrations. Further research, particularly in populations highly exposed to lead, is warranted to consider tradeoffs between the adverse effects of lead on human health and the importance of DMPA as a contraceptive option to prevent unintended pregnancy. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP7017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Upson
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Quaker E. Harmon
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Renee Heffron
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Janet E. Hall
- Clinical Research Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lauren A. Wise
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ganesa Wegienka
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Erik J. Tokar
- Stem Cells Toxicology Group, National Toxicology Program Laboratory, Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Donna D. Baird
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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17
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Orisakwe OE, Amadi CN, Frazzoli C, Dokubo A. Nigerian foods of probiotics relevance and chronic metal exposure: a systematic review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:19285-19297. [PMID: 32270460 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-08537-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Probiotics are functional foods with a wide armamentarium of health benefits in man including metal chelation. Given the unacceptable blood lead levels and the near ignorance or negligence of heavy metals in both diagnoses and management of diseases in Nigeria, it is feared that these metals are involved in the aetiogenesis of several ailments from preeclampsia, metabolic syndrome, cancer, etc. This is an insight on Nigerian fermented foods and their possible role as metal chelators in the management of the chronic heavy metal exposure in Nigeria. One hundred and five articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Google scholar, PubMed and SCOPUS were searched for articles reporting fermented foods and probiotics in Nigeria. Only studies published in English Language were included, but there was no limitation in year of study. One hundred and five articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Studies from some African countries suggest that fermented foods of probiotics relevance have effectively shown metal chelation properties. Consumption of Nigerian fermented foods may hold a promise in checking the high body burden of heavy metals in Nigeria. Graphic abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orish Ebere Orisakwe
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Port Harcourt Rivers State, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
- World Bank Africa Centre of Excellence in Public Health and Toxicological Research (PUTOR), University of Port Harcourt, PMB 5323, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
| | - Cecilia Nwadiuto Amadi
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Port Harcourt Rivers State, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
| | - Chiara Frazzoli
- Department for Cardiovascular, Dysmetabolic and Aging Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Awolayeofori Dokubo
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
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18
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Yabe J, Nakayama SM, Nakata H, Toyomaki H, Yohannes YB, Muzandu K, Kataba A, Zyambo G, Hiwatari M, Narita D, Yamada D, Hangoma P, Munyinda NS, Mufune T, Ikenaka Y, Choongo K, Ishizuka M. Current trends of blood lead levels, distribution patterns and exposure variations among household members in Kabwe, Zambia. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 243:125412. [PMID: 31995873 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Childhood lead (Pb) poisoning has devastating effects on neurodevelopment and causes overt clinical signs including convulsions and coma. Health effects including hypertension and various reproductive problems have been reported in adults. Historical Pb mining in Zambia's Kabwe town left a legacy of environmental pollution and childhood Pb poisoning. The current study aimed at establishing the extent of Pb poisoning and exposure differences among family members in Kabwe as well as determining populations at risk and identify children eligible for chelation therapy. Blood samples were collected in July and August 2017 from 1190 household members and Pb was measured using a portable LeadCare-II analyser. Participants included 291 younger children (3-months to 3-years-old), 271 older children (4-9-years-old), 412 mothers and 216 fathers from 13 townships with diverse levels of Pb contamination. The Blood Lead Levels (BLL) ranged from 1.65 to 162 μg/dL, with residents from Kasanda (mean 45.7 μg/dL) recording the highest BLL while Hamududu residents recorded the lowest (mean 3.3 μg/dL). Of the total number of children sampled (n = 562), 23% exceeded the 45 μg/dL, the threshold required for chelation therapy. A few children (5) exceeded the 100 μg/dL whereas none of the parents exceeded the 100 μg/dL value. Children had higher BLL than parents, with peak BLL-recorded at the age of 2-years-old. Lead exposure differences in Kabwe were attributed to distance and direction from the mine, with younger children at highest risk. Exposure levels in parents were equally alarming. For prompt diagnosis and treatment, a portable point-of-care devise such as a LeadCare-II would be preferable in Kabwe.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Yabe
- The University of Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Shouta Mm Nakayama
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Hokuto Nakata
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Haruya Toyomaki
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Yared B Yohannes
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Kaampwe Muzandu
- The University of Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Andrew Kataba
- The University of Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Golden Zyambo
- The University of Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Masato Hiwatari
- Faculty of Economics & Business, Hokkaido University, Kita 9, Nishi 7, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0809, Japan
| | - Daiju Narita
- Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 153-8902, Japan
| | - Daichi Yamada
- Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 153-8902, Japan
| | - Peter Hangoma
- The University of Zambia, School of Public Health, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Tiza Mufune
- Ministry of Health, District Health Office, P.O. Box 80735, Kabwe, Zambia
| | - Yoshinori Ikenaka
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Kennedy Choongo
- The University of Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Mayumi Ishizuka
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan.
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Ettinger AS, Egan KB, Homa DM, Brown MJ. Blood Lead Levels in U.S. Women of Childbearing Age, 1976-2016. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2020; 128:17012. [PMID: 31944143 DOI: 10.1289/ehp5926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lead can adversely affect maternal and child health across a wide range of exposures; developing fetuses and breastfeeding infants may be particularly vulnerable. We describe the distribution of blood lead levels (BLLs) in U.S. women of childbearing age and associations with sociodemographic, reproductive, smoking, and housing characteristics over a 40-y period. METHODS Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) II, NHANES III Phase I and Phase II, and 1999-2016 continuous NHANES were used to describe the distribution of BLLs (given in micrograms per deciliter; 1μg/dL=0.0483μmol/L) in U.S. women 15-49 years of age between 1976 and 2016. For all women with valid BLLs (n=22,408), geometric mean (GM) BLLs and estimated prevalence of BLLs ≥5μg/dL were calculated overall and by selected demographic characteristics. For NHANES II, estimated prevalence of BLLs ≥10 and ≥20μg/dL were also calculated. RESULTS The most recent GM BLLs (2007-2010 and 2011-2016, respectively) were 0.81μg/dL [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.79, 0.84] and 0.61μg/dL (95% CI: 0.59, 0.64). In comparison, GM BLLs in earlier periods (1976-1980, 1988-1991, and 1991-1994) were 10.37μg/dL (95% CI: 9.95, 10.79), 1.85μg/dL (95% CI: 1.75, 1.94), and 1.53μg/dL (95% CI: 1.45, 1.60), respectively. In 2011-2016, 0.7% of women of childbearing age had BLLs ≥5μg/dL, and higher BLLs were associated with older age, other race/ethnicity, birthplace outside the United States, four or more live births, exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke, and ever pregnant or not currently pregnant. DISCUSSION Lead exposure in U.S. women of childbearing age is generally low and has substantially decreased over this 40-y period. However, based on these estimates, there are still at least 500,000 U.S. women being exposed to lead at levels that may harm developing fetuses or breastfeeding infants. Identifying high-risk women who are or intend to become pregnant remains an important public health issue. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP5925.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne S Ettinger
- Lead Poisoning Prevention and Environmental Health Tracking Branch, Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kathryn B Egan
- Lead Poisoning Prevention and Environmental Health Tracking Branch, Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - David M Homa
- Office on Smoking and Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Mary Jean Brown
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Ettinger AS, Egan KB, Homa DM, Brown MJ. Blood Lead Levels in U.S. Women of Childbearing Age, 1976-2016. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2020; 128:17012. [PMID: 31944143 PMCID: PMC7015629 DOI: 10.1289/ehp5925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lead can adversely affect maternal and child health across a wide range of exposures; developing fetuses and breastfeeding infants may be particularly vulnerable. We describe the distribution of blood lead levels (BLLs) in U.S. women of childbearing age and associations with sociodemographic, reproductive, smoking, and housing characteristics over a 40-y period. METHODS Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) II, NHANES III Phase I and Phase II, and 1999-2016 continuous NHANES were used to describe the distribution of BLLs (given in micrograms per deciliter; 1μg/dL=0.0483μmol/L) in U.S. women 15-49 years of age between 1976 and 2016. For all women with valid BLLs (n=22,408), geometric mean (GM) BLLs and estimated prevalence of BLLs ≥5μg/dL were calculated overall and by selected demographic characteristics. For NHANES II, estimated prevalence of BLLs ≥10 and ≥20μg/dL were also calculated. RESULTS The most recent GM BLLs (2007-2010 and 2011-2016, respectively) were 0.81μg/dL [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.79, 0.84] and 0.61μg/dL (95% CI: 0.59, 0.64). In comparison, GM BLLs in earlier periods (1976-1980, 1988-1991, and 1991-1994) were 10.37μg/dL (95% CI: 9.95, 10.79), 1.85μg/dL (95% CI: 1.75, 1.94), and 1.53μg/dL (95% CI: 1.45, 1.60), respectively. In 2011-2016, 0.7% of women of childbearing age had BLLs ≥5μg/dL, and higher BLLs were associated with older age, other race/ethnicity, birthplace outside the United States, four or more live births, exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke, and ever pregnant or not currently pregnant. DISCUSSION Lead exposure in U.S. women of childbearing age is generally low and has substantially decreased over this 40-y period. However, based on these estimates, there are still at least 500,000 U.S. women being exposed to lead at levels that may harm developing fetuses or breastfeeding infants. Identifying high-risk women who are or intend to become pregnant remains an important public health issue. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP5925.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne S. Ettinger
- Lead Poisoning Prevention and Environmental Health Tracking Branch, Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kathryn B. Egan
- Lead Poisoning Prevention and Environmental Health Tracking Branch, Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - David M. Homa
- Office on Smoking and Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Mary Jean Brown
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Orisakwe OE, Frazzoli C, Ilo CE, Oritsemuelebi B. Public Health Burden of E-waste in Africa. J Health Pollut 2019; 9:190610. [PMID: 31259086 PMCID: PMC6555250 DOI: 10.5696/2156-9614-9.22.190610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Environmental impacts from informal e-waste recycling are increasing in Africa. E-waste handling and disposal exposes people to highly toxic cocktails of heavy metals, brominated flame retardants, non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PBDF) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCB). Most of these compounds are endocrine disrupters, and most are neuro- and immune-toxic as well. OBJECTIVES Informal e-waste recycling in African countries is a serious public health threat. The present paper reviews the extent of e-waste exposure in Africa and related impacts on people, animals and the environment. METHODS Four electronic databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Google Scholar) were searched for publications related to e-waste and human health in Africa. Search terms included 'e-waste in Africa', 'e-waste in developing nations', 'public health and e-waste', 'environment and e-waste', and 'e-waste and health'. DISCUSSION Elevated levels of e-waste pollutants in water, air, soil, dust, fish, vegetable, and human matrices (blood, urine, breast milk) indicate that not only are e-waste workers at risk from exposure to e-waste, but the general population and future generations as well. Headache, cough and chest pain, stomach discomfort, miscarriage, abnormal thyroid and reproductive function, reduction of gonadal hormone, and cancer are common complaints of those involved with the processing of e-waste. CONCLUSIONS The evidence presented from the reviewed studies illustrates the extent of the human health and environmental risks posed by e-waste in Africa. There is a need for a regulatory framework including specific legislation, infrastructure and protocols to safely recycle and dispose of e-waste in sub-Saharan African countries. COMPETING INTERESTS The authors declare no competing financial interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orish Ebere Orisakwe
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
| | - Chiara Frazzoli
- Department for Cardiovascular, Dysmetabolic and Aging-Associated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Cajetan Elochukwu Ilo
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nnewi, Nigeria
| | - Benjamin Oritsemuelebi
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
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Amadi CN, Offor SJ, Frazzoli C, Orisakwe OE. Natural antidotes and management of metal toxicity. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:18032-18052. [PMID: 31079302 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-05104-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The global burden of heavy metal especially mercury, arsenic, lead, and cadmium toxicities remains a significant public health challenge. Developing nations are particularly at high risk and carry the highest burden of this hazard. Chelation therapy has been the mainstay for treatment of heavy metal poisoning where the chelating agent binds metal ions to form complex ring-like structures called "chelates" to enhance their elimination from the body. Metal chelators have some drawbacks such as redistribution of some heavy metals from other tissues to the brain thereby increasing its neurotoxicity, causing loss of essential metals such as copper and zinc as well as some serious adverse effects, e.g., hepatotoxicity. The use of natural antidotes, which are easily available, affordable, and with little or no side effects compared to the classic metal chelators, is the focus of this review and suggested as cheaper options for developing nations in the treatment of heavy metal poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Nwadiuto Amadi
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Port-Harcourt, Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
| | - Samuel James Offor
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
| | - Chiara Frazzoli
- Department of Cardiovascular and Endocrine-Metabolic Diseases, and Ageing, Istituto Superiore di Sanità (Italian National Institute of Health), Rome, Italy
| | - Orish Ebere Orisakwe
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Port-Harcourt, Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
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