1
|
Armatussolikha HR, Winarni TI, Maharani N, Dewantiningrum J, Muniroh M. Impact of GSTT1 AND GSTM1 variants and hair mercury concentration in maternal blood pressure among coastal pregnant women in Central Java, Indonesia. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 125:108574. [PMID: 38462212 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
The GSTT1 and GSTM1 genes have a role in mercury metabolism and excretion, as well as blood pressure response, impacting birth outcomes. The present study assesses whether GSTT1 and GSTM1 deletion variants and maternal hair Hg concentration are associated with blood pressure and birth outcomes among the Indonesian coastal pregnant mother population. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 139 pregnant women in the Jepara coastal area of Central Java, Indonesia. Maternal characteristics during pregnancy, including blood pressure and birth outcomes, were collected. GSTT1 and GSTM1 gene variants were detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Hair Hg levels were measured using the reducing-vaporization mercury analyzer. The mean maternal hair Hg concentration was 0.727±0.558 μg/g. GSTT1 genotype homozygous deletion was found in 41.7% of subjects, while no GSTM1 deletion was found. No statistically significant difference was found between deletion and non-deletion groups for hair Hg. GSTT1 deletion genotype shows protection but is inconclusive toward diastolic hypertension (p=0.048, OR 0.285, CI 0.077-1.052) and insignificant with birth outcomes (all p>0.05). High hair Hg concentration and positive history of cardiovascular diseases increase the risk of systolic and diastolic hypertension during pregnancy with OR 6.871 (CI 95% 1.445-32.660) and 8.518 (CI 95% 2.126-34.125), respectively, while not in birth outcomes. Maternal Hg exposure and history of cardiovascular diseases are independent risk factors for pregnant hypertension, whereas the GSTT1 homozygous deletion genotype has no role in diastolic hypertension and birth outcomes among the Indonesian coastal pregnant mother population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Herna Rizkia Armatussolikha
- Magister Program of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang 50275, Indonesia
| | - Tri Indah Winarni
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang, Central Java 50275, Indonesia; Center for Biomedical Research (CEBIOR), Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang, Central Java 50275, Indonesia
| | - Nani Maharani
- Center for Biomedical Research (CEBIOR), Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang, Central Java 50275, Indonesia; Department of Pharmacology and Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang, Central Java 50275, Indonesia
| | - Julian Dewantiningrum
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang 50275, Indonesia
| | - Muflihatul Muniroh
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang 50275, Indonesia.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hoover JH, Coker ES, Erdei E, Luo L, Begay D, MacKenzie D, Lewis J. Preterm Birth and Metal Mixture Exposure among Pregnant Women from the Navajo Birth Cohort Study. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:127014. [PMID: 38109118 PMCID: PMC10727039 DOI: 10.1289/ehp10361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preterm birth (PTB), defined as birth before 37 wk gestation, is associated with hypertension, diabetes, inadequate prenatal care, unemployment or poverty, and metal exposure. Indigenous individuals are more likely to have maternal risk factors associated with PTB compared with other populations in the United States; however, the role of environmental metals on PTB among pregnant Indigenous women remains uncertain. Previous research identified associations between PTB and individual metals, but there is limited investigation on metal mixtures and this birth outcome. OBJECTIVES We used a mixtures analysis framework to investigate the association between metal mixtures and PTB among pregnant Indigenous women from the Navajo Birth Cohort Study (NBCS). METHODS Maternal urine and blood samples were collected at the time of study enrollment and analyzed for metals by inductively coupled plasma dynamic reaction cell mass spectrometry. Bayesian Profile Regression was used to identify subgroups (clusters) of individuals with similar patterns of coexposure and to model association with PTB. RESULTS Results indicated six subgroups of maternal participants with distinct exposure profiles, including one group with low exposure to all metals and one group with total arsenic, cadmium, lead, and uranium concentrations exceeding representative concentrations calculated from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Compared with the reference group (i.e., the lowest exposure subgroup), the subgroup with the highest overall exposure had a relative risk of PTB of 2.9 times (95% credible interval: 1.1, 6.1). Exposures in this subgroup were also higher overall than NHANES median values for women 14-45 years of age. DISCUSSION Given the wide range of exposures and elevated PTB risk for the most exposed subgroups in a relatively small study, follow-up investigation is recommended to evaluate associations between metal mixture profiles and other birth outcomes and to test hypothesized mechanisms of action for PTB and oxidative stress caused by environmental metals. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP10361.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph H. Hoover
- Community Environmental Health Program, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
- Department of Environmental Science, College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Eric S. Coker
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Esther Erdei
- Community Environmental Health Program, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Li Luo
- Department of Internal Medicine and Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - David Begay
- Community Environmental Health Program, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Debra MacKenzie
- Community Environmental Health Program, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - NBCS Study Team
- Community Environmental Health Program, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Johnnye Lewis
- Community Environmental Health Program, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Michael T, Kohn E, Daniel S, Hazan A, Berkovitch M, Brik A, Hochwald O, Borenstein-Levin L, Betser M, Moskovich M, Livne A, Keidar R, Rorman E, Groisman L, Weiner Z, Rabin AM, Solt I, Levy A. Prenatal exposure to heavy metal mixtures and anthropometric birth outcomes: a cross-sectional study. Environ Health 2022; 21:139. [PMID: 36581953 PMCID: PMC9798586 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-022-00950-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous studies have suggested significant associations between prenatal exposure to heavy metals and newborn anthropometric measures. However, little is known about the effect of various heavy metal mixtures at relatively low concentrations. Hence, this study aimed to investigate associations between prenatal exposures to a wide range of individual heavy metals and heavy metal mixtures with anthropometric measures of newborns. METHODS We recruited 975 mother-term infant pairs from two major hospitals in Israel. Associations between eight heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, chromium, mercury, nickel, lead, selenium, and thallium) detected in maternal urine samples on the day of delivery with weight, length, and head circumference at birth were estimated using linear and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models. RESULTS Most heavy metals examined in our study were observed in lower concentrations than in other studies, except for selenium. In the linear as well as the BKMR models, birth weight and length were negatively associated with levels of chromium. Birth weight was found to be negatively associated with thallium and positively associated with nickel. CONCLUSION By using a large sample size and advanced statistical models, we could examine the association between prenatal exposure to metals in relatively low concentrations and anthropometric measures of newborns. Chromium was suggested to be the most influential metal in the mixture, and its associations with birth weight and length were found negative. Head circumference was neither associated with any of the metals, yet the levels of metals detected in our sample were relatively low. The suggested associations should be further investigated and could shed light on complex biochemical processes involved in intrauterine fetal development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tal Michael
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Beer-Sheva, Beersheba, Israel
| | - Elkana Kohn
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Pediatric Division, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, and Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Sharon Daniel
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Beer-Sheva, Beersheba, Israel
- Clalit Health Services, Southern District, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Ariela Hazan
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Pediatric Division, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, and Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Matitiahu Berkovitch
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Pediatric Division, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, and Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Anna Brik
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Pediatric Division, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, and Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Ori Hochwald
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Rambam Health Care Campus, and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Liron Borenstein-Levin
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Rambam Health Care Campus, and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Moshe Betser
- Delivery Rooms and Maternity Ward, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, and Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Miki Moskovich
- Delivery Rooms and Maternity Ward, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, and Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Ayelet Livne
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Rimona Keidar
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Efrat Rorman
- National Public Health Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Luda Groisman
- National Public Health Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Zeev Weiner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rambam Health Care Campus and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, POB 9602, 31096, Haifa, Israel
| | - Adi Malkoff Rabin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rambam Health Care Campus and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, POB 9602, 31096, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ido Solt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rambam Health Care Campus and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, POB 9602, 31096, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Amalia Levy
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Beer-Sheva, Beersheba, Israel
- Environment and Health Epidemiology Research Center, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
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: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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.
Collapse
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
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Muniroh M, Bakri S, Gumay AR, Dewantiningrum J, Mulyono M, Hardian H, Yamamoto M, Koriyama C. The First Exposure Assessment of Mercury Levels in Hair among Pregnant Women and Its Effects on Birth Weight and Length in Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10684. [PMID: 36078404 PMCID: PMC9518431 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710684] [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: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: Methylmercury (MeHg) exposure during pregnancy is an important issue due to its possible adverse health effects on fetus. To contribute the development of assessment system of Hg exposure through fish consumption and health effects on children, we examined the hair Hg levels in pregnant women and birth weight and length. (2) Methods: In 2018, a cohort study was conducted on 118 pregnant women-infant pairs from six community health centers in the northern coastal area in Central Java Indonesia. Data on mothers' characteristics during pregnancy, birth outcomes, and fish consumption were collected. Total Hg concentrations were determined from hair samples. (3) Results: The median (min-max) of the maternal hair Hg level was 0.434 (0.146-8.105) µg/g. Pregnant women living in lowland areas, near the sea, showed higher hair Hg concentration and fish consumption than those in highland areas {[0.465 (0.146-8.105) vs. 0.385 (0.150-1.956) µg/g; p = 0.043] and [(85.71 (0-500.0) vs. 49.76 (0.0-428.57) g/day; p < 0.01], respectively}. The maternal hair Hg level had no association with baby's birth weight and length. (4) Conclusions: The median maternal hair Hg is at a low level and had no association with infant birth weight and length in this study subjects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muflihatul Muniroh
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University, Semarang 50275, Indonesia
| | - Saekhol Bakri
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University, Semarang 50275, Indonesia
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-8520, Japan
| | - Ainun Rahmasari Gumay
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University, Semarang 50275, Indonesia
| | - Julian Dewantiningrum
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University, Semarang 50275, Indonesia
| | - Mulyono Mulyono
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University, Semarang 50275, Indonesia
| | - Hardian Hardian
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University, Semarang 50275, Indonesia
| | - Megumi Yamamoto
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-8520, Japan
- Department of Environment and Public Health, National Institute for Minamata Disease, Minamata, Kumamoto 867-0008, Japan
| | - Chihaya Koriyama
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-8520, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mercury and Prenatal Growth: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18137140. [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] [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.
Collapse
|
8
|
Stone J, Sutrave P, Gascoigne E, Givens MB, Fry RC, Manuck TA. Exposure to toxic metals and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and the risk of preeclampsia and preterm birth in the United States: a review. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2021; 3:100308. [PMID: 33444805 PMCID: PMC8144061 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2021.100308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia and preterm birth are among the most common pregnancy complications and are the leading causes of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality in the United States. Adverse pregnancy outcomes are multifactorial in nature and increasing evidence suggests that the pathophysiology behind preterm birth and preeclampsia may be similar-specifically, both of these disorders may involve abnormalities in placental vasculature. A growing body of literature supports that exposure to environmental contaminants in the air, water, soil, and consumer and household products serves as a key factor influencing the development of adverse pregnancy outcomes. In pregnant women, toxic metals have been detected in urine, peripheral blood, nail clippings, and amniotic fluid. The placenta serves as a "gatekeeper" between maternal and fetal exposures, because it can reduce or enhance fetal exposure to various toxicants. Proposed mechanisms underlying toxicant-mediated damage include disrupted placental vasculogenesis, an up-regulated proinflammatory state, oxidative stressors contributing to prostaglandin production and consequent cervical ripening, uterine contractions, and ruptured membranes and epigenetic changes that contribute to disrupted regulation of endocrine and immune system signaling. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of studies examining the relationships between environmental contaminants in the US setting, specifically inorganic (eg, cadmium, arsenic, lead, and mercury) and organic (eg, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) toxicants, and the development of preeclampsia and preterm birth among women in the United States.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Stone
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Pragna Sutrave
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Emily Gascoigne
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Matthew B Givens
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Rebecca C Fry
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC; Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Tracy A Manuck
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC; Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Chapel Hill, NC.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Khanam R, Kumar I, Oladapo-Shittu O, Twose C, Islam ASMDA, Biswal SS, Raqib R, Baqui AH. Prenatal Environmental Metal Exposure and Preterm Birth: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18020573. [PMID: 33445519 PMCID: PMC7827269 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18020573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Preterm birth (PTB) and its complications are the leading causes of under-five year old child deaths, accounting worldwide for an estimated one million deaths annually. The etiology of PTB is complex and multifactorial. Exposures to environmental metals or metalloids are pervasive and prenatal exposures to them are considered important in the etiology of PTB. We conducted a scoping review to determine the extent of prenatal exposures to four metals/metalloids (lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic) and their association with PTB. We reviewed original research studies published in PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, POPLINE and the WHO regional indexes from 2000 to 2019; 36 articles were retained for full text review. We documented a higher incidence of PTB with lead and cadmium exposures. The findings for mercury and arsenic exposures were inconclusive. Metal-induced oxidative stress in the placenta, epigenetic modification, inflammation, and endocrine disruptions are the most common pathways through which heavy metals and metalloids affect placental functions leading to PTB. Most of the studies were from the high-income countries, reflecting the need for additional data from low-middle-income countries, where PTB rates are higher and prenatal exposure to metals are likely to be just as high, if not higher.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rasheda Khanam
- International Center for Maternal and Newborn Health, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (R.K.); (O.O.-S.)
| | - Ishaan Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA;
| | - Opeyemi Oladapo-Shittu
- International Center for Maternal and Newborn Health, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (R.K.); (O.O.-S.)
| | - Claire Twose
- Welch Medical Library, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
| | | | - Shyam S. Biswal
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
| | - Rubhana Raqib
- International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Mohakhali, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh;
| | - Abdullah H. Baqui
- International Center for Maternal and Newborn Health, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (R.K.); (O.O.-S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-410-955-3850
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gokoel AR, Zijlmans WCWR, Covert HH, Abdoel Wahid F, Shankar A, MacDonald-Ottevanger MS, Hindori-Mohangoo AD, Wickliffe JK, Lichtveld MY, Harville EW. Influence of Prenatal Exposure to Mercury, Perceived Stress, and Depression on Birth Outcomes in Suriname: Results from the MeKiTamara Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17124444. [PMID: 32575788 PMCID: PMC7344838 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17124444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to mercury, stress, and depression may have adverse effects on birth outcomes. Little is known on the influence of chemical and non-chemical stressors on birth outcomes in the country of Suriname. We assessed the influence of prenatal exposure to mercury, perceived stress, and depression on adverse birth outcomes in 1143 pregnant Surinamese women who participated in the Caribbean Consortium for Research in Environmental and Occupational Health-MeKiTamara prospective cohort study. Associations between mercury (≥1.1 μg/g hair, USEPA action level/top versus bottom quartile), probable depression (Edinburgh Depression Scale ≥12), high perceived stress (Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale ≥20), and adverse birth outcomes (low birthweight (<2500 g), preterm birth (<37 completed weeks of gestation), and low Apgar score (<7 at 5 min)) were assessed using bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions. Prevalence of elevated mercury levels, high perceived stress, and probable depression were 37.5%, 27.2%, and 22.4%, respectively. Mercury exposure was significantly associated with preterm birth in the overall study cohort (OR 2.47; 95% CI 1.05-5.83) and perceived stress with a low Apgar score (OR 9.73; 95% CI 2.03-46.70). Depression was not associated with any birth outcomes. These findings can inform policy- and practice-oriented solutions to improve maternal and child health in Suriname.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anisma R. Gokoel
- Scientific Research Center Suriname, Academic Hospital Paramaribo, Paramaribo, Suriname; (W.C.W.R.Z.); (F.A.W.); (M.S.M.-O.)
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Anton de Kom University of Suriname, Paramaribo, Suriname
- Correspondence: (A.R.G.); (H.H.C.)
| | - Wilco C. W. R. Zijlmans
- Scientific Research Center Suriname, Academic Hospital Paramaribo, Paramaribo, Suriname; (W.C.W.R.Z.); (F.A.W.); (M.S.M.-O.)
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Anton de Kom University of Suriname, Paramaribo, Suriname
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (A.D.H.-M.); (J.K.W.); (M.Y.L.)
| | - Hannah H. Covert
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (A.D.H.-M.); (J.K.W.); (M.Y.L.)
- Correspondence: (A.R.G.); (H.H.C.)
| | - Firoz Abdoel Wahid
- Scientific Research Center Suriname, Academic Hospital Paramaribo, Paramaribo, Suriname; (W.C.W.R.Z.); (F.A.W.); (M.S.M.-O.)
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (A.D.H.-M.); (J.K.W.); (M.Y.L.)
| | - Arti Shankar
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | - M. Sigrid MacDonald-Ottevanger
- Scientific Research Center Suriname, Academic Hospital Paramaribo, Paramaribo, Suriname; (W.C.W.R.Z.); (F.A.W.); (M.S.M.-O.)
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Academic University Medical Center, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ashna D. Hindori-Mohangoo
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (A.D.H.-M.); (J.K.W.); (M.Y.L.)
- Foundation for Perinatal Interventions and Research in Suriname (Perisur), Paramaribo, Suriname
| | - Jeffrey K. Wickliffe
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (A.D.H.-M.); (J.K.W.); (M.Y.L.)
| | - Maureen Y. Lichtveld
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (A.D.H.-M.); (J.K.W.); (M.Y.L.)
| | - Emily W. Harville
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Baldewsingh GK, Wickliffe JK, van Eer ED, Shankar A, Hindori-Mohangoo AD, Harville EW, Covert HH, Shi L, Lichtveld MY, Zijlmans WC. Prenatal Mercury Exposure in Pregnant Women from Suriname's Interior and Its Effects on Birth Outcomes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17114032. [PMID: 32517037 PMCID: PMC7312160 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17114032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal mercury (Hg) exposure was determined in a sub-cohort of the Caribbean Consortium for Environmental and Occupational Health’s environmental epidemiologic prospective cohort study of pregnant women living in Suriname’s interior. The associations between Hg exposure, low birth weight (LBW, <2500 g) and preterm birth (PTB, <37 weeks) were explored. Correlation analysis, Fisher’s exact test and logistic regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the associations between maternal hair Hg levels and birth weight, LBW and PTB, and between potential confounders, LBW and PTB, respectively. Among 204 singleton births were 198 live births, five stillbirths and one miscarriage. The mean participant age was 26 years; 15.7% of participants had PTBs and 8.1% delivered a child with a LBW. The median hair Hg level was 3.48 μg/g hair. Low hair Hg exposure, based on lowest tertile < 2.34 μg/g, was associated with LBW (OR = 7.2; 95% CI 1.5–35.6; p = 0.015); this association was independent of maternal age, ethnic background, household income and village location, and no correlation was found between hair Hg and PTB. Young maternal age was associated with PTB (RR = 5.09, 95% CI: 1.92–13.85; p = 0.0004) while maternal age was not associated with hair Hg or LBW. The impact of prenatal Hg exposure on pediatric neurodevelopment is currently being evaluated in the infant sub-cohort.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaitree K. Baldewsingh
- Medical Mission Primary Health Care Suriname, Paramaribo, Suriname;
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Anton de Kom University of Suriname, Paramaribo, Suriname;
- Correspondence:
| | - Jeffrey K. Wickliffe
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (J.K.W.); (A.S.); (A.D.H.-M.); (E.W.H.); (H.H.C.); (L.S.); (M.Y.L.)
| | | | - Arti Shankar
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (J.K.W.); (A.S.); (A.D.H.-M.); (E.W.H.); (H.H.C.); (L.S.); (M.Y.L.)
| | - Ashna D. Hindori-Mohangoo
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (J.K.W.); (A.S.); (A.D.H.-M.); (E.W.H.); (H.H.C.); (L.S.); (M.Y.L.)
- Foundation for Perinatal Interventions and Research in Suriname (Perisur), Paramaribo, Suriname
| | - Emily W. Harville
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (J.K.W.); (A.S.); (A.D.H.-M.); (E.W.H.); (H.H.C.); (L.S.); (M.Y.L.)
| | - Hannah H. Covert
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (J.K.W.); (A.S.); (A.D.H.-M.); (E.W.H.); (H.H.C.); (L.S.); (M.Y.L.)
| | - Lizheng Shi
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (J.K.W.); (A.S.); (A.D.H.-M.); (E.W.H.); (H.H.C.); (L.S.); (M.Y.L.)
| | - Maureen Y. Lichtveld
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (J.K.W.); (A.S.); (A.D.H.-M.); (E.W.H.); (H.H.C.); (L.S.); (M.Y.L.)
- Scientific Research Center Suriname/Academic Hospital Paramaribo, Paramaribo, Suriname
| | - Wilco C.W.R. Zijlmans
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Anton de Kom University of Suriname, Paramaribo, Suriname;
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (J.K.W.); (A.S.); (A.D.H.-M.); (E.W.H.); (H.H.C.); (L.S.); (M.Y.L.)
- Scientific Research Center Suriname/Academic Hospital Paramaribo, Paramaribo, Suriname
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wang X, Sun X, Zhang Y, Chen M, Dehli Villanger G, Aase H, Xia Y. Identifying a critical window of maternal metal exposure for maternal and neonatal thyroid function in China: A cohort study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 139:105696. [PMID: 32259758 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND China, a developing country, has a particularly serious problem with metal pollution. We evaluated the association of metal exposure during pregnancy with maternal and neonatal thyroid function, and identified the critical window for maternal metal exposure effects on maternal and neonatal thyroid functions. METHODS The maternal urinary concentrations of mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As) and cesium (Cs) were determined in pregnant women during their first (n = 389) or third (n = 257) trimesters in a prospective cohort from 2014 to 2015 in Nanjing, China, using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) instrument. Maternal serum-free thyroxine (FT4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were measured by electrochemiluminescent microparticle immunoassays in the second and third trimesters. Neonatal TSH levels were detected 72 h after birth. RESULTS Hg (>0.162 µg/L), Cd (>0.084 µg/L), As (>0.348 µg/L) and Cs (>0.093 µg/L) were detectable in 76.9%, 90.1%, 100% and 100% of maternal urine samples from women in the first trimester of pregnancy. In the multiple adjusted linear regression models, maternal exposures to Hg and Cd in the first trimester were positively associated with maternal TSH levels in the second trimester (P < 0.01, P = 0.02). Moreover, maternal exposures to Cd and Cs in the first trimester were positively associated with neonatal TSH levels (P = 0.04, P = 0.02). In the Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) model, the results were stable and consistent with the linear regression model. CONCLUSIONS Maternal exposure to Hg, Cd and Cs in the first trimester was related to TSH levels in mothers and newborns. Efforts to identify maternal and neonatal thyroid disruptors should carefully consider the effects of exposure to these metals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, No. 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing 211166, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, No. 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Xian Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, No. 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing 211166, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, No. 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yuqing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, No. 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing 211166, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, No. 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Minjian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, No. 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing 211166, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, No. 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Gro Dehli Villanger
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Department of Child Health and Development, PO Box 222 Skøyen, N-0213 Oslo, Norway
| | - Heidi Aase
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Department of Child Health and Development, PO Box 222 Skøyen, N-0213 Oslo, Norway
| | - Yankai Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, No. 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing 211166, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, No. 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing 211166, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Nyanza EC, Dewey D, Manyama M, Martin JW, Hatfield J, Bernier FP. Maternal exposure to arsenic and mercury and associated risk of adverse birth outcomes in small-scale gold mining communities in Northern Tanzania. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 137:105450. [PMID: 32014788 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.105450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to arsenic and mercury in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) communities is an issue that predominantly affects low and middle-income countries. Large epidemiology studies in these communities are rare, and the impact of such exposures on reproductive outcomes are not well understood. OBJECTIVE To examine associations between prenatal maternal arsenic and mercury exposure and birth outcomes in both ASGM and non-ASGM communities in Northern Tanzania. METHODS This longitudinal prospective study included 961 women (ASGM = 788, non-ASGM = 173) of the original cohort of 1056 who were followed until a pregnancy outcome was registered. Maternal spot urine samples and dried blood spots were used to measure total arsenic (T-As) and total mercury (T-Hg) in the second trimester of pregnancy. Data on adverse birth outcomes were collected in 5 categories: spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, preterm birth, low birth weight, and visible congenital anomalies. Mann-Whitney U-tests were used to test for differences between median T-As and T-Hg by area of residence. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds of stillbirth and visible congenital anomalies given maternal T-As and T-Hg levels. Modified Poisson regressions were used to estimate relative risk ratios between maternal T-As and T-Hg levels and composite adverse birth outcome, spontaneous abortion, low birth weight, and preterm birth. RESULTS Statistically significant differences were found in median T-As (9.6 vs. 6.3 µg/L, Mann-Whitney U-tests, Z = -3.50, p < 0.001) and median T-Hg blood concentrations (1.2 vs. 0.70 µg/L, Z = -9.88, p-value < 0.001) between women living in ASGM and non-ASGM areas respectively. In ASGM areas, the adjusted relative risk (aRR) of a composite adverse birth outcome increased with increasing T-As (aRR 1.23, 95%CI: 1.14-1.33, p < 0.0001) and T-Hg (aRR 1.17, 95%CI: 1.1-1.25, p < 0.0001) exposure. Spontaneous abortion (aRR 1.53, 95%CI: 1.28-1.83), stillbirth (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.97, 95%CI: 1.45-2.66) and preterm birth (1.17, 95%CI: 1.01-1.36) were significantly associated with elevated T-As, whereas elevated T-Hg was significantly associated with stillbirth (aOR 2.49, 95%CI: 1.88-3.29) and visible congenital anomalies (aOR 2.24, 95%CI: 1.3-3.87). CONCLUSION Over half (54.7%) of women in ASGM areas of Northern Tanzania had adverse birth outcomes and the risk of adverse birth outcomes was significantly associated with increased prenatal exposure to arsenic and mercury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elias C Nyanza
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada; Department of Environmental, Occupational Health and GIS, School of Public Health, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 1464, Bugando, Mwanza, Tanzania; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Room 294, Heritage Medical Research Building, 3330 Hospital Drive, NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Deborah Dewey
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Room 294, Heritage Medical Research Building, 3330 Hospital Drive, NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, #397 Child Development Centre, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Mange Manyama
- Division of Medical Education, Weill-Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Jonathan W Martin
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences and Analytical Chemistry, Stockholm University, Stockholm 114 18, Sweden
| | - Jennifer Hatfield
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Francois P Bernier
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Room 294, Heritage Medical Research Building, 3330 Hospital Drive, NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, #397 Child Development Centre, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Han I, Whitworth KW, Zhang X, Afshar M, Berens PD, Symanski E. Characterization of urinary concentrations of heavy metals among socioeconomically disadvantaged black pregnant women. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2020; 192:200. [PMID: 32107644 PMCID: PMC7046578 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-020-8163-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to characterize exposures to metals using biological samples collected on socioeconomically disadvantaged black pregnant women. We obtained 131 anonymous urine samples provided by black pregnant women visiting a Medicaid-serving prenatal clinic in Houston, TX, from March 27, 2017 to April 11, 2017. We analyzed urine samples for 15 metals including cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and nickel (Ni) and for creatinine and cotinine. We found that median concentrations of zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), and aluminum (Al) among black pregnant women in this study were 1.5 to 3 times higher than levels reported among a cohort of well-educated non-Hispanic white pregnancy planners. We also observed elevated levels of urinary Cd and antimony (Sb) as compared with those reported for a nationally representative sample of adult women in the USA. Based on the results of an exploratory factor analysis, potential sources of metal exposures in this population may arise in home environments or be due to diet, industrial and natural sources, or traffic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Inkyu Han
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, UTHealth School of Public Health, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Kristina W Whitworth
- Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, UTHealth School of Public Health in San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 77829, USA
| | - Xueying Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, UTHealth School of Public Health, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Masoud Afshar
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, UTHealth School of Public Health, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Pamela D Berens
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, UTHealth McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Elaine Symanski
- Center for Precision Environmental Health and Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Yu Y, Gao M, Wang X, Guo Y, Pang Y, Yan H, Hao Y, Zhang Y, Zhang L, Ye R, Wang B, Li Z. Recommended acceptable levels of maternal serum typical toxic metals from the perspective of spontaneous preterm birth in Shanxi Province, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 686:599-605. [PMID: 31185407 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.05.413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2019] [Revised: 05/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Preterm birth is an important issue of public reproductive health worldwide. The effects of the toxic metals on the likelihood of spontaneous preterm birth (SPB) are still under discussion. Our study aimed to investigate the association between maternal exposure to the five typical toxic metals or metalloid (i.e. arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb)) and the SPB likelihood. The mothers delivering fetus with SPB (cases) and those with term healthy birth (controls) were chosen from a prospective birth cohort of 3201 women carried out in Shanxi Province, China. A total of 147 SPB cases and 381 controls were included in our nested case-control study. We collected maternal general information by questionnaire and collected their blood sample during recruitment. The serum concentrations of the five toxic metals were measured by inductively coupled-plasma mass spectrometry. We found that the demographic information between the cases and controls were well balanced. The participants in our study had relatively higher serum As concentration. For the other toxic metals (i.e. Cd, Cr, Hg, and Pb), their serum concentrations were overall in the middle range of those from general population. There were no significant associations of the serum concentrations of the five concerned toxic metals with the SPB likelihood. Our study results overall did not support that maternal exposure to As or Cd significantly contribute to the SPB risk in the current exposure level, as well as the other three toxic metals. We further proposed their upper concentration limits in maternal serum from the perspective of SPB likelihood during the early pregnant period, i.e. 18.2 ng/mL of As, 1.05 ng/mL of Cd, 0.96 ng/mL of Cr, 1.07 ng/mL of Hg, and 1.54 ng/mL of Pb.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanxin Yu
- School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, PR China
| | - Miaomiao Gao
- School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, PR China
| | - Xuepeng Wang
- School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, PR China
| | - Yunhe Guo
- School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, PR China
| | - Yiming Pang
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, Peking University, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing 100191, PR China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Huina Yan
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, Peking University, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing 100191, PR China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Yongxiu Hao
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, Peking University, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing 100191, PR China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Yali Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, Peking University, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing 100191, PR China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Le Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, Peking University, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing 100191, PR China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Rongwei Ye
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, Peking University, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing 100191, PR China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Bin Wang
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, Peking University, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing 100191, PR China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, PR China.
| | - Zhiwen Li
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, Peking University, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing 100191, PR China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Placental metal concentrations and birth outcomes: The Environment and Childhood (INMA) project. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2019; 222:468-478. [PMID: 30638867 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2018.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2018] [Revised: 12/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the association of placental levels of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), and chromium (Cr) with birth outcomes (birth weight, length, and head circumference, low birth weight [LBW], gestational age, preterm delivery, and small for gestational age [SGA]) in mother-child pairs from the Environment and Childhood (INMA) Project in Spain. METHODS Metal concentrations were measured in placenta tissue samples randomly selected from five INMA cohorts. Data on birth outcomes were obtained from medical records. Associations were assessed in a sub-sample of 327 mother-infant pairs by regression models adjusted for confounding factors and for all metals simultaneously. Effect modification by sex was also evaluated. RESULTS Elevated placental Cd levels (>5.79 vs. <3.30 ng/g) were associated with reduced birth weight (-111.8 g, 95%CI = -215.6; -8.06, p-trend = 0.01) and length (-0.62 cm, 95%CI = -1.20; -0.04, p-trend = 0.02), while a 10% increase in Cd was associated with 1.21-fold increased odds (95%CI = 1.01; 1.43) of LBW in the global sample but with 14% lower odds (95%CI = 0.78; 0.96) of preterm delivery in males (Pinteraction = 0.10). Detected (vs. undetected) Hg was associated with reduced head circumference (-0.49 cm, 95%CI = -1.00; 0.03) in females (Pinteraction = 0.03). A 10% increase in placental Mn was associated with slight increases in gestational age (0.04 weeks, 95%CI = 0.01; 0.07) in the global sample and in head circumference (0.05 cm, 95%CI = -0.01; 0.10) in females (Pinteraction = 0.03). Elevated Cr levels (>99.6 vs. <56.1 ng/g) were associated with reduced birth length (-0.68 cm, 95%CI = -1.33; -0.04, p-trend = 0.02) and slightly increased gestational age (0.35 weeks, 95%CI = -0.07; 0.77, p-trend = 0.08) in the global sample. As and Pb were detected in few placentas (27% and 13%, respectively) and were not associated with any studied birth outcome. CONCLUSIONS Data suggest that in utero exposure to Cd, Hg, and Cr could adversely affect fetal growth, whereas Mn and Cr appear to have a positive effect on gestational age. Given the relatively small number of subjects, sex-specific associations should be interpreted with caution.
Collapse
|
17
|
Ling C, Liew Z, von Ehrenstein OS, Heck JE, Park AS, Cui X, Cockburn M, Wu J, Ritz B. Prenatal Exposure to Ambient Pesticides and Preterm Birth and Term Low Birthweight in Agricultural Regions of California. TOXICS 2018; 6:E41. [PMID: 30037110 PMCID: PMC6160921 DOI: 10.3390/toxics6030041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2018] [Revised: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Findings from studies of prenatal exposure to pesticides and adverse birth outcomes have been equivocal so far. We examined prenatal exposure to agricultural pesticides in relation to preterm birth and term low birthweight, respectively, in children born between 1998 and 2010, randomly selected from California birth records. We estimated residential exposure to agriculturally applied pesticides within 2 km of residential addresses at birth by pregnancy trimester for 17 individual pesticides and three chemical classes (organophosphates, pyrethroids, and carbamates). Among maternal addresses located within 2 km of any agricultural pesticide application, we identified 24,693 preterm and 220,297 term births, and 4412 term low birthweight and 194,732 term normal birthweight infants. First or second trimester exposure to individual pesticides (e.g., glyphosates, paraquat, imidacloprid) or exposure to 2 or more pesticides in the three chemical classes were associated with a small increase (3⁻7%) in risk for preterm birth; associations were stronger for female offspring. We did not find associations between term low birthweight and exposure to pesticides other than myclobutanil (OR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.04⁻1.20) and possibly the pyrethroids class. Our improved exposure assessment revealed that first and second trimester exposure to pesticides is associated with preterm delivery but is rarely linked with term low birthweight.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenxiao Ling
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Zeyan Liew
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Ondine S von Ehrenstein
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Fielding School of Public Health, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Julia E Heck
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Andrew S Park
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Xin Cui
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Myles Cockburn
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
- Colorado Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
| | - Jun Wu
- Program in Public Health, Susan and Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
| | - Beate Ritz
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Vigeh M, Nishioka E, Ohtani K, Omori Y, Matsukawa T, Koda S, Yokoyama K. Prenatal mercury exposure and birth weight. Reprod Toxicol 2018; 76:78-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2018.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
19
|
Al-Saleh I, Al-Rouqi R, Elkhatib R, Abduljabbar M, Al-Rajudi T. Risk assessment of environmental exposure to heavy metals in mothers and their respective infants. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2017; 220:1252-1278. [PMID: 28869188 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2017.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Revised: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to heavy metals can cause renal injury, which has been well documented in occupational exposure. Studies of low exposure in the general population, however, are still scarce, particularly for vulnerable populations such as mothers and young children. This study evaluated exposure to heavy metals, and biomarkers of renal function and oxidative stress in 944 lactating mothers and their infants and investigated the role of the interaction between heavy metals and oxidative stress in altering renal function. Mother and infant urine samples were analyzed to measure mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) concentrations for determining body-burden exposure; N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase (NAG), α1-microglobulin (α1-MG), albumin (ALB), and creatinine (Cr) concentrations for determining early renal injury; and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations for determining oxidative stress. The median concentrclearlyations in mothers presented as μg/g Cr (infants as μg/l) for Hg, Cd, and Pb were 0.695 (0.716), 0.322 (0.343), and 3.97 (5.306) respectively. The mothers and their infants had clearly been exposed to heavy metals and had levels higher than the reference values reported for the general populations of USA, Germany, and Canada. Multiple regression analyses clearly demonstrated associations between urinary heavy metals in quartiles and several renal and oxidative biomarkers in mothers and to a lesser extent their infants. ß coefficients for urinary excretions of MDA, 8-OHdG, ALB, α1-MG, NAG, and Cr in mothers were high in the highest quartile of Hg (1.183-51.29μg/g Cr or 1.732-106.95μg/l), Cd (0.565-765.776μg/g Cr or 0.785-1347.0μg/l), and Pb (6.606-83.937μg/g Cr or 9.459-80.826μg/l), except Pb was not associated with ALB. Infants in the highest Pb quartile (9.293-263.098μg/l) had the highest ß coefficients of urinary excretion of MDA, 8-OHdG, ALB, NAG, and Cr. Significant increasing trend in biomarkers across the quartiles of the three metals was seen in both mothers and infants (ptrend <0.001). A receiver operating characteristic analysis supported the predictive abilities of the four renal biomarkers in discriminating between low versus high metal quartiles. The interaction between heavy metals and oxidative stress contributed to the high excretions of renal biomarkers, but the mechanism remains unclear. These findings add to the limited evidence that low exposure to heavy metals in the general population is associated with alterations in renal function that could eventually progress to renal damage if exposure continues and that children are more susceptible due to the immaturity of their body organs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iman Al-Saleh
- Environmental Health Program, Research Centre, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, P.O. Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Reem Al-Rouqi
- Environmental Health Program, Research Centre, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, P.O. Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rola Elkhatib
- Environmental Health Program, Research Centre, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, P.O. Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mai Abduljabbar
- Environmental Health Program, Research Centre, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, P.O. Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tahreer Al-Rajudi
- Environmental Health Program, Research Centre, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, P.O. Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Rattan S, Zhou C, Chiang C, Mahalingam S, Brehm E, Flaws JA. Exposure to endocrine disruptors during adulthood: consequences for female fertility. J Endocrinol 2017; 233:R109-R129. [PMID: 28356401 PMCID: PMC5479690 DOI: 10.1530/joe-17-0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine disrupting chemicals are ubiquitous chemicals that exhibit endocrine disrupting properties in both humans and animals. Female reproduction is an important process, which is regulated by hormones and is susceptible to the effects of exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals. Disruptions in female reproductive functions by endocrine disrupting chemicals may result in subfertility, infertility, improper hormone production, estrous and menstrual cycle abnormalities, anovulation, and early reproductive senescence. This review summarizes the effects of a variety of synthetic endocrine disrupting chemicals on fertility during adult life. The chemicals covered in this review are pesticides (organochlorines, organophosphates, carbamates, pyrethroids, and triazines), heavy metals (arsenic, lead, and mercury), diethylstilbesterol, plasticizer alternatives (di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and bisphenol A alternatives), 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, nonylphenol, polychlorinated biphenyls, triclosan, and parabens. This review focuses on the hypothalamus, pituitary, ovary, and uterus because together they regulate normal female fertility and the onset of reproductive senescence. The literature shows that several endocrine disrupting chemicals have endocrine disrupting abilities in females during adult life, causing fertility abnormalities in both humans and animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saniya Rattan
- Department of Comparative BiosciencesUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Changqing Zhou
- Department of Comparative BiosciencesUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Catheryne Chiang
- Department of Comparative BiosciencesUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Sharada Mahalingam
- Department of Comparative BiosciencesUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Emily Brehm
- Department of Comparative BiosciencesUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Jodi A Flaws
- Department of Comparative BiosciencesUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Ferguson KK, Chin HB. Environmental chemicals and preterm birth: Biological mechanisms and the state of the science. CURR EPIDEMIOL REP 2017; 4:56-71. [PMID: 28944158 PMCID: PMC5608103 DOI: 10.1007/s40471-017-0099-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Preterm birth is a significant worldwide health problem of uncertain origins. The extant body of literature examining environmental contaminant exposures in relation to preterm birth is extensive but results remain ambiguous for most organic pollutants, metals and metalloids, and air pollutants. In the present review we examine recent epidemiologic studies investigating these associations, and identify recent advances and the state of the science. Additionally, we highlight biological mechanisms of action in the pathway between chemical exposures and preterm birth, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and endocrine disruption, that deserve more attention in this context. RECENT FINDINGS Important advances have been made in the study of the environment and preterm birth, particularly in regard to exposure assessment methods, exploration of effect modification by co-morbidities and exposures, and in identification of windows of vulnerability during gestation. There is strong evidence for an association between maternal exposure to some persistent pesticides, lead, and fine particulate matter, but data on other contaminants is sparse and only suggestive trends can be noted with the current data. SUMMARY Beyond replicating current findings, further work must be done to improve understanding of mechanisms underlying the associations observed between environmental chemical exposures and preterm birth. By examining windows of vulnerability, disaggregating preterm birth by phenotypes, and measuring biomarkers of mechanistic pathways in these epidemiologic studies we can improve our ability to detect associations with exposure, provide additional evidence for causality in an observational setting, and identify opportunities for intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelly K. Ferguson
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Helen B. Chin
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Murcia M, Ballester F, Enning AM, Iñiguez C, Valvi D, Basterrechea M, Rebagliato M, Vioque J, Maruri M, Tardon A, Riaño-Galán I, Vrijheid M, Llop S. Prenatal mercury exposure and birth outcomes. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2016; 151:11-20. [PMID: 27448728 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Revised: 06/10/2016] [Accepted: 07/03/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Results regarding the association between mercury exposure and anthropometry at birth, gestational length and placental weight are inconsistent, as is the role of seafood intake in these associations. OBJECTIVE We assessed whether prenatal mercury exposure is associated with anthropometry at birth, placental weight and gestational length in a population with a relatively high exposure to mercury from seafood consumption. METHODS Total mercury (T-Hg) was determined in cord blood from 1869 newborns with birth outcome measures, within the Spanish multicenter INMA cohort from 2004 to 2008. We adjusted cohort specific linear and Cox regression models to evaluate the association between T-Hg and birth anthropometry (weight, length, and head circumference), placental weight and gestational length. Non-spontaneous labor was taken to be censoring in the survival analysis. Final estimates were obtained using meta-analysis. RESULTS Geometric mean T-Hg was 8.2μg/L. A doubling of T-Hg was associated with a 7.7g decrease in placental weight (95% CI: -13.6, -1.8) and marginally with head circumference (beta: -0.052cm, 95% CI: -0.109, 0.005). T-Hg was also inversely related to weight and length, although with weaker estimates. Mercury exposure was not associated with the length of gestation. The inverse relation between T-Hg and growth was enhanced when the intake of different seafood groups was adjusted for in the models. CONCLUSIONS Prenatal mercury exposure may be associated with reduced placental and fetal growth. Confounding by fish intake should be considered when assessing these relationships.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mario Murcia
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain; Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Ferran Ballester
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain; Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Nursing Department, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ashley Michel Enning
- ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmen Iñiguez
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain; Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Damaskini Valvi
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain; ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | - Mikel Basterrechea
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain; Public Health Division of Gipuzkoa, San Sebastián, Spain; Health Research Institute (BIODONOSTIA), San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Marisa Rebagliato
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain; Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Medicine Department, Universitat Jaume I, Castelló de la Plana, Spain
| | - Jesús Vioque
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain; Universidad Miguel Hernández, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
| | - Maite Maruri
- OSI Goierri-Alto Urola, Centro de Salud de Azkoitia, Spain
| | - Adonina Tardon
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain; IUOPA-Universidad de Oviedo, Spain
| | - Isolina Riaño-Galán
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain; Pediatric Unit, Hospital San Agustin, Aviles, Spain
| | - Martine Vrijheid
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain; ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sabrina Llop
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain; Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Callan AC, Hinwood AL, Heyworth J, Phi DT, Odland JØ. Sex specific influence on the relationship between maternal exposures to persistent chemicals and birth outcomes. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2016; 219:734-741. [PMID: 27720132 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2016.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2016] [Revised: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to persistent pollutants has been associated with adverse birth outcomes, although few studies have investigated the influence of the sex of the infant. Sex specific differences have been associated with neurobehavioural impacts from environmental exposures with limited and contrary findings in relation to persistent pollutants. This study investigated the relationships between maternal exposure to a range of metals, polychlorinated biphenyls and pesticides measured in biological samples and birth outcomes with a specific focus on the sex of the infant. Outcome measures used included birth weight, birth length and head circumference, proportion of optimal birth weight (POBW), proportion of optimal birth length, proportion of optimal head circumference (POHC) and ponderal index. In general maternal urinary and blood metals, plasma polychlorinated biphenyl and pesticide concentrations were low. In adjusted regression models, a ln-unit increase in plasma β-hexachlorocyclohexane concentrations was associated with decreased birth weight (-76g, 95% CI -149, -33), ponderal index (-0.048, 95% CI 0.102, 0.007) and proportion of optimal birth weight (-1.5%, 95% CI -3.6, 0.5) in the whole study population, with stronger associations observed for male infants. Maternal p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene concentrations were associated with reduced ponderal index in male infants (β=-0.171, 95% CI -0.269, -0.074). A ln-unit increase in plasma hexachlorobenzene concentrations was associated with a 5% increase in POBW in male infants (95% CI 0.67, 9.5). Increased urinary barium was associated with increased birth length and POBL and decreased ponderal index in boys. Conversely, urinary concentrations of caesium and rubidium were found to be associated with decreased foetal growth in female infants. This study supports the growing body of evidence regarding the reductions in foetal growth associated with β-hexachlorocyclohexane and p,p'-Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene as well as reporting new relationships between metals exposures and birth outcomes. The finding that maternal exposure to barium, strontium, rubidium and caesium was associated with birth outcomes requires confirmation in larger studies. Similarly the apparent differences in susceptibility based on sex of the infant requires further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Carita Callan
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia; Centre for Ecosystem Management, School of Science, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia.
| | - Andrea Lee Hinwood
- Centre for Ecosystem Management, School of Science, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
| | - Jane Heyworth
- School of Population Health, University of Western Australia, Australia
| | | | - Jon Ø Odland
- Department of Community Medicine, The Arctic University of Norway, N-9037 Tromsø, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Al-Saleh I, Elkhatib R, Al-Rouqi R, Abduljabbar M, Eltabache C, Al-Rajudi T, Nester M. Alterations in biochemical markers due to mercury (Hg) exposure and its influence on infant's neurodevelopment. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2016; 219:898-914. [PMID: 27453562 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2016.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Revised: 06/26/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the role of oxidative stress due to mercury (Hg) exposure on infant's neurodevelopmental performance. A total of 944 healthy Saudi mothers and their respective infants (aged 3-12 months) were recruited from 57 Primary Health Care Centers in Riyadh City. Total mercury (Hg) was measured in mothers and infants urine and hair samples, as well as mother's blood and breast milk. Methylmercury (MeHg) was determined in the mothers and infants' hair and mother's blood. Urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), malondialdehyde (MDA), and porphyrins were used to assess oxidative stress. The infant's neurodevelopment was evaluated using Denver Developmental Screening Test II (DDST-II) and Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status. The median total Hg levels in mother's urine, infant's urine, mother's hair, infant's hair, and mother's blood and breast milk were 0.995μg/l, 0.716μg/l, 0.118μg/g dw, 0.101μg/g dw, 0.635μg/l, and 0.884μg/l respectively. The median MeHg levels in mother's hair, infant's hair, and mother's blood were 0.132μg/g dw, 0.091μg/g dw, and 2.341μg/l respectively. A significant interrelationship between mothers and infants Hg measures in various matrices was noted. This suggests that mother's exposure to different forms of Hg (total and/or MeHg) from various sources contributed significantly to the metal body burden of their respective infants. Even though Hg exposure was low, it induced high oxidative stress in mothers and infants. The influence of multiplicative interaction terms between Hg measures and oxidative stress biomarkers was tested using multiple regression analysis. Significant interactions between the urinary Hg levels in mothers and infants and oxidative stress biomarkers (8-OHdG and MDA) were noted. The MeHg levels in mother-infant hair revealed similar interaction patterns. The p-values for both were below 0.001. These observations suggest that the exposure of our infants to Hg via mothers either during pregnancy and/or neonatal life, promoted oxidative stress that might have played a role in infant neurodevelopmental delays that we reported previously. The results confirmed that the interaction between infant's MeHg in hair and 8-OHdG and MDA levels was significantly associated with a delay in DDST-II performance (ß=-0.188, p=0.028). This finding provides an insight into the potential consequences of Hg-induced oxidative stress to infant's cognitive neurodevelopment for the first time. This observation still needs future studies to be validated. Given the low MeHg levels in our population, these findings are of particular importance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iman Al-Saleh
- Environmental Health Program, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Rola Elkhatib
- Environmental Health Program, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reem Al-Rouqi
- Environmental Health Program, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mai Abduljabbar
- Environmental Health Program, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Chafica Eltabache
- Environmental Health Program, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tahreer Al-Rajudi
- Environmental Health Program, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Michael Nester
- Department of Neurosciences, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Al-Saleh I, Nester M, Abduljabbar M, Al-Rouqi R, Eltabache C, Al-Rajudi T, Elkhatib R. Mercury (Hg) exposure and its effects on Saudi breastfed infant's neurodevelopment. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2016; 219:129-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2015.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Revised: 10/18/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
|
27
|
Al-Saleh I, Abduljabbar M, Al-Rouqi R, Eltabache C, Al-Rajudi T, Elkhatib R, Nester M. The extent of mercury (Hg) exposure among Saudi mothers and their respective infants. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2015; 187:678. [PMID: 26450688 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-015-4858-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
A total of 1016 healthy Saudi mothers and their respective infants (aged 3-12 months) were recruited from 57 Primary Health Care Centers (PHCCs) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to evaluate the extent of mercury (Hg) exposure and predict its sources in the healthy Saudi population. Total Hg levels were measured in maternal urine, breast milk, blood, and hair and in the infants' urine and hair. Only 1.9% of the mothers had urinary Hg (UHg)>10 μg/l, the limit for asymptomatic adults recommended by the World Health Organization, but the median (0.99 μg/l) was higher than in other countries. Also, 49.3% of the mothers had UHg>1 μg/l, the German reference value for adults. Median infant UHg was 0.729 μg/l, and 77 and 93 % of the infants had levels higher than 0.4 and 0.1 μg/l, the reference values of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and for Germany, respectively. The median Hg level in breast milk was 0.884 μg/l. Even though 43.2% of the milk samples were above the background level for Hg in human milk (1 μg/l), our results were lower than those reported from other countries. Median maternal total Hg in blood was 0.637 μg/l, and only 0.4 and 6.9% of samples were higher than the Hg reference levels of 5.8 μg/l of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and of 2 μg/l for Germany, respectively. Total Hg levels in hair (HHg) varied widely among mothers and infants, but only 3.9% of the mothers and 2.8% of the infants had HHg>1 μg/g (the EPA reference level). Median HHg values were 0.117 μg/g dry weight in mothers and 0.1 μg/g dry weight in infants; both were lower than in other countries. The Hg levels in mothers and their respective infants were relatively low, but our results were consistent with other studies indicating that dental amalgam fillings and fish consumption were the main predictors of maternal Hg exposure. Among the several biomarkers of Hg exposure, Hg levels in maternal hair and urine were the strongest predictors of infant exposure. The lack of an association between Hg in breast milk and Hg in infant urine and hair suggested that the infants were exposed to Hg predominately during pregnancy rather than during breastfeeding. We expect that our data can serve as a baseline for further biomonitoring and follow-up studies, particularly of the long-term impact of Hg on childhood neurodevelopment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iman Al-Saleh
- Environmental Health Section, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mai Abduljabbar
- Environmental Health Section, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reem Al-Rouqi
- Environmental Health Section, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Chafica Eltabache
- Environmental Health Section, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tahreer Al-Rajudi
- Environmental Health Section, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rola Elkhatib
- Environmental Health Section, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Michael Nester
- Department of Neurosciences, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
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: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|