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Yang Z, Zhang J, Wang M, Wang X, Liu H, Zhang F, Fan H. Prenatal endocrine-disrupting chemicals exposure and impact on offspring neurodevelopment: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurotoxicology 2024; 103:335-357. [PMID: 39013523 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2024.07.006] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Considering that endocrine disruptors have certain effects on fetal growth, we conducted a systematic review of epidemiological literature to elucidate the correlation between exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals during pregnancy and the neurodevelopment of offspring. METHOD We systematically explored PubMed, Web of Science, and CINAHL databases from inception to April 4, 2023. References from pertinent studies were reviewed, and data regarding the link between maternal prenatal EDC exposure and offspring neurological development were compiled. A domain-based approach was used to evaluate studies of neurodevelopmental effects in children ≤3 years old by two reviewers, including cognition, motor, behavior, language, and non-verbal ability. RESULTS A comprehensive search yielded 45,373 articles, from which 48 articles, involving 26,005 mother-child pairs, met the criteria and were subsequently included in our analysis. The results revealed that EDC exposure during pregnancy had a significant impact on offspring neurobehavior development, especially in cognition, motor, and language. Our findings indicated adverse associations between prenatal exposure to metals and offspring cognition (before 12 months: β coefficient: -0.28; 95 % CI, -0.50 to -0.06; 1-3 years old: β coefficient: -0.55; 95 % CI: -1.08 to -0.02). Furthermore, metals (β coefficient: -0.71; 95 % CI: -1.23 to -0.19) and phthalates (β coefficient: -0.69; 95 % CI: -1.05 to -0.33) exposure exhibited detrimental effects on motor development from1-3 years old, while poly-fluoroalkyl substances were linked to the disruption of offspring language development (β coefficient: -1.01; 95 % CI: -1.90 to -0.11) within this timeframe. Additionally, exposure to EDCs during pregnancy had a negative impact on cognition development among girls from 12 to 36 months of age (β coefficient: -0.53; 95 % CI: -1.01 to -0.06). CONCLUSION Prenatal exposure to EDCs, especially metals, phthalates and, poly-fluoroalkyl substances, was associated with disrupting the development of offspring neurobehavior in the short and long term. Additionally, cognitive development showed gender differences due to prenatal endocrine-disrupting chemicals exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyi Yang
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226007, China
| | - Mingbo Wang
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xin Wang
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huahua Liu
- Nantong Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226018, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Hong Fan
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China.
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Grunz EA, Anderson H, Ernst RM, Price S, Good D, Vieira-Potter V, Parrish AR. Lead Decreases Bone Morphogenetic Protein-7 (BMP-7) Expression and Increases Renal Cell Carcinoma Growth in a Sex-Divergent Manner. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6139. [PMID: 38892327 PMCID: PMC11172964 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Both tissue and blood lead levels are elevated in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients. These studies assessed the impact of the subchronic lead challenge on the progression of RCC in vitro and in vivo. Lead challenge of Renca cells with 0.5 μM lead acetate for 10 consecutive passages decreased E-cadherin expression and cell aggregation. Proliferation, colony formation, and wound healing were increased. When lead-challenged cells were injected into mice, tumor size at day 21 was increased; interestingly, this increase was seen in male but not female mice. When mice were challenged with 32 ppm lead in drinking water for 20 weeks prior to tumor cell injection, there was an increase in tumor size in male, but not female, mice at day 21. To investigate the mechanism underlying the sex differences, the expression of sex hormone receptors in Renca cells was examined. Control Renca cells expressed estrogen receptor (ER) alpha but not ER beta or androgen receptor (AR), as assessed by qPCR, and the expression of ERα was increased in tumors in both sexes. In tumor samples harvested from lead-challenged cells, both ERα and AR were detected by qPCR, yet there was a significant decrease in AR seen in lead-challenged tumor cells from male mice only. This was paralleled by a plate-based array demonstrating the same sex difference in BMP-7 gene expression, which was also significantly decreased in tumors harvested from male but not female mice; this finding was validated by immunohistochemistry. A similar expression pattern was seen in tumors harvested from the mice challenged with lead in the drinking water. These data suggest that lead promotes RCC progression in a sex-dependent via a mechanism that may involve sex-divergent changes in BMP-7 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Grunz
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
| | - Haley Anderson
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
| | - Rebecka M. Ernst
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
| | - Spencer Price
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
| | - D’Artanyan Good
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
| | - Victoria Vieira-Potter
- Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
| | - Alan R. Parrish
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
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3
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Oluyemi K, Rechtman E, Invernizzi A, Gennings C, Renzetti S, Patrono A, Cagna G, Reichenberg A, Smith DR, Lucchini RG, Wright RO, Placidi D, Horton MK. Sex-specific associations between co-exposure to multiple metals and externalizing symptoms in adolescence and young adulthood. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 250:118443. [PMID: 38365053 PMCID: PMC11102844 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Externalizing disorders, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), account for the majority of the child/adolescent referrals to mental health services and increase risk for later-life psychopathology. Although the expression of externalizing disorders is more common among males, few studies have addressed how sex modifies associations between metal exposure and adolescent externalizing symptoms. This study aimed to examine sex-specific associations between co-exposure to multiple metals and externalizing symptoms in adolescence and young adulthood. Among 150 adolescents and young adults (55% female, ages: 15-25 years) enrolled in the Public Health Impact of Metals Exposure (PHIME) study in Brescia, Italy, we measured five metals (manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni)) in four biological matrices (blood, urine, hair, and saliva). Externalizing symptoms were assessed using the Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment (ASEBA) Youth Self-Report (YSR) or Adult Self Report (ASR). Using generalized weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression, we investigated the moderating effect of sex (i.e., assigned at birth) on associations between the joint effect of exposure to the metal mixture and externalizing symptoms, adjusting for age and socioeconomic status. We observed that metal mixture exposure was differentially associated with aggressive behavior in males compared to females (β = -0.058, 95% CI [-0.126, -0.009]). In males, exposure was significantly associated with more externalizing problems, and aggressive and intrusive behaviors, driven by Pb, Cu and Cr. In females, exposure was not significantly associated with any externalizing symptoms. These findings suggest that the effect of metal exposure on externalizing symptoms differs in magnitude between the sexes, with males being more vulnerable to increased externalizing symptoms following metal exposure. Furthermore, our findings support the hypothesis that sex-specific vulnerabilities to mixed metal exposure during adolescence/young adulthood may play a role in sex disparities observed in mental health disorders, particularly those characterized by externalizing symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristie Oluyemi
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Nash Family Department of Neuroscience Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York NY, USA; The Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Elza Rechtman
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Azzurra Invernizzi
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chris Gennings
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stefano Renzetti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessandra Patrono
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giuseppa Cagna
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Abraham Reichenberg
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Donald R Smith
- Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Roberto G Lucchini
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Robert Stempel School of Public Health, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA; Department of Biomedical, Metabolic Sciences and Neurosciences, University of Modena, Italy
| | - Robert O Wright
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Donatella Placidi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Megan K Horton
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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Shvachiy L, Amaro-Leal Â, Machado F, Rocha I, Outeiro TF, Geraldes V. Gender-Specific Effects on the Cardiorespiratory System and Neurotoxicity of Intermittent and Permanent Low-Level Lead Exposures. Biomedicines 2024; 12:711. [PMID: 38672068 PMCID: PMC11048361 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Lead exposure is a significant health concern, ranking among the top 10 most harmful substances for humans. There are no safe levels of lead exposure, and it affects multiple body systems, especially the cardiovascular and neurological systems, leading to problems such as hypertension, heart disease, cognitive deficits, and developmental delays, particularly in children. Gender differences are a crucial factor, with women's reproductive systems being especially vulnerable, resulting in fertility issues, pregnancy complications, miscarriages, and premature births. The globalization of lead exposure presents new challenges in managing this issue. Therefore, understanding the gender-specific implications is essential for developing effective treatments and public health strategies to mitigate the impact of lead-related health problems. This study examined the effects of intermittent and permanent lead exposure on both male and female animals, assessing behaviours like anxiety, locomotor activity, and long-term memory, as well as molecular changes related to astrogliosis. Additionally, physiological and autonomic evaluations were performed, focusing on baro- and chemoreceptor reflexes. The study's findings revealed that permanent lead exposure has more severe health consequences, including hypertension, anxiety, and reactive astrogliosis, affecting both genders. However, males exhibit greater cognitive, behavioural, and respiratory changes, while females are more susceptible to chemoreflex hypersensitivity. In contrast, intermittent lead exposure leads to hypertension and reactive astrogliosis in both genders. Still, females are more vulnerable to cognitive impairment, increased respiratory frequency, and chemoreflex hypersensitivity, while males show more reactive astrocytes in the hippocampus. Overall, this research emphasizes the importance of not only investigating different types of lead exposure but also considering gender differences in toxicity when addressing this public health concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liana Shvachiy
- Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; (L.S.); (T.F.O.)
- Cardiovascular Centre of the University of Lisbon, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal; (F.M.); (I.R.)
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Ângela Amaro-Leal
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal;
- Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEM), Egas Moniz School of Health & Science, 2829-511 Almada, Portugal
| | - Filipa Machado
- Cardiovascular Centre of the University of Lisbon, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal; (F.M.); (I.R.)
| | - Isabel Rocha
- Cardiovascular Centre of the University of Lisbon, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal; (F.M.); (I.R.)
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Tiago F. Outeiro
- Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; (L.S.); (T.F.O.)
- Max Planck Institute for Natural Science, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
- Scientific Employee with an Honorary Contract at Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Vera Geraldes
- Cardiovascular Centre of the University of Lisbon, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal; (F.M.); (I.R.)
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal;
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Stanek LW, Grokhowsky N, George BJ, Thomas KW. Assessing lead exposure in U.S. pregnant women using biological and residential measurements. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:167135. [PMID: 37739076 PMCID: PMC11351066 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
There is strong scientific evidence for multiple pathways of human exposure to lead (Pb) in residential settings, particularly for young children; however, less is known about maternal exposure during pregnancy and children's exposure during early lifestages. A robust, multi-faceted secondary analysis was conducted using data collected by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development in the 2009-2014 National Children's Study Vanguard Studies. Descriptive statistics summarized Pb concentrations of maternal blood, maternal urine, and house dust vacuum samples collected during pregnancy and residence surface wipes collected both during pregnancy and six months post-partum. The maternal blood Pb level geometric mean was 0.44 μg/dL (n = 426), with no women having values ≥ 5 μg/dL; creatinine-adjusted maternal urinary Pb geometric mean was 0.43 μg/g (n = 366). These blood and urine concentrations are similar to those observed for females in the general U.S. population in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010-2011 cycle. A modest correlation between maternal blood Pb and surface wipe measurements during pregnancy was observed (Spearman r = 0.35, p < 0.0001). Surface wipe Pb loadings obtained in mother's homes during pregnancy (n = 640) and from areas where children spent the most time at roughly 6 months of age (n = 99) ranged from 0.02 to 71.8 ng/cm2, with geometric means of 0.47 and 0.49 ng/cm2, respectively, which were relatively low compared to other national studies. Survey responses of demographic, lifestyle, and residence characteristics were assessed for associations with blood concentration and surface wipe loading. Demographic (e.g., race/ethnicity, income, education, marital status) and housing characteristics (e.g., year home built, paint condition, own or rent home, attached garage) were associated with both maternal blood and surface wipe loadings during pregnancy. The availability of residential environmental media and extensive survey data provided enhanced understanding of Pb exposure during pregnancy and early life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay W Stanek
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development (ORD), Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Nicholas Grokhowsky
- Formerly of Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Barbara J George
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development (ORD), Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Kent W Thomas
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development (ORD), Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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Janc M, Jankowska A, Weteska M, Brzozowska A, Hanke W, Jurewicz J, Garí M, Polańska K, Jerzyńska J. REPRO_PL-Polish Mother and Child Cohort-Exposure, Health Status, and Neurobehavioral Assessments in Adolescents-Design and Cohort Update. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14167. [PMID: 36361044 PMCID: PMC9656994 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114167] [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: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Early life is a crucial window of opportunity to improve health across the life course. The prospective cohort study design is the most adequate to evaluate the longitudinal effects of exposure, the notification of changes in the exposure level and evaluation of the simultaneous impact of various exposures, as well as the assessment of several health effects and trajectories throughout childhood and adolescence. This paper provides an overview of the Polish Mother and Child cohort (REPRO_PL), with particular emphasis on Phase IV of this study. REPRO_PL is conducted in central Europe, where such longitudinal studies are less frequently implemented. In this population-based prospective cohort, which was established in 2007, three phases covering pregnancy (I), early childhood (II), and early school age (III) periods have already been completed. Phase IV gives a uniform opportunity to follow-up children during adolescence in order to evaluate if the consequences of prenatal and early postnatal exposures still persist at the age of 14. Moreover, we will be able to investigate the associations between simultaneous exposures to a broad spectrum of environmental factors, adolescents' health and neurobehavioral outcomes, and their trajectories within life, which is a novel framework of high scientific, public health and clinical priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Janc
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Hazards, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine (NIOM), 91-348 Lodz, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Jankowska
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Hazards, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine (NIOM), 91-348 Lodz, Poland
| | - Monika Weteska
- Department of Pediatrics and Allergy, Copernicus Memorial Hospital, Medical University of Lodz (MUL), 90-329 Lodz, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Brzozowska
- Department of Pediatrics and Allergy, Copernicus Memorial Hospital, Medical University of Lodz (MUL), 90-329 Lodz, Poland
| | - Wojciech Hanke
- Department of Environmental Epidemiology, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine (NIOM), 91-348 Lodz, Poland
| | - Joanna Jurewicz
- Department of Toxicology, Medical University of Lodz (MUL), 90-151 Lodz, Poland
| | - Mercè Garí
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kinga Polańska
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Hazards, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine (NIOM), 91-348 Lodz, Poland
| | - Joanna Jerzyńska
- Department of Pediatrics and Allergy, Copernicus Memorial Hospital, Medical University of Lodz (MUL), 90-329 Lodz, Poland
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Jones N, Dannis J, O'Connell L, LaChance J, LeWinn K, Hanna‐Attisha M. Parent report of child behaviour: Findings from the Flint Registry cohort. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2022; 36:750-758. [PMID: 35570835 PMCID: PMC9402223 DOI: 10.1111/ppe.12888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children in Flint, Michigan, have multiple risk factors for behavioural challenges, including exposure to lead during the Flint water crisis. However, their behavioural health status is largely unknown. Robust data from the Flint Registry can help understand the burden of behavioural outcomes and inform the allocation of resources. OBJECTIVES This population-level evaluation of Flint children's behavioural outcomes aims to answer the question: What is the burden of parent-reported child behaviour problems in Flint Registry enrolled children? METHODS This cross-sectional study describes parent-reported behavioural outcomes of children 2-17 years old who enrolled in the Flint Registry between December 2018 and December 2020. Parents/guardians completed behavioural assessments including the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC-3) Parent Rating Scale and Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF2) Screening Parent Form. Demographics of enrolees were compared with census data. Composite BASC-3 T scores were compared with national norms. Distributions for clinically relevant categories of BASC-3 and BRIEF2 scores were examined across age and sex groups. RESULTS Of the 3579 children included in this study (mean age 9.73 ± 3.96 years), about half were female and 79.7% were eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. Almost half of the children were reported to have clinically concerning scores on the BASC-3 Parent Rating Scale (44.7%) and the BRIEF2 Screening Parent Form (46.7%). Across most age and sex groupings, the reported adaptive skills were relatively low and behaviour symptoms relatively high. CONCLUSIONS Results reveal a substantial burden of parent-reported behavioural problems in Flint Registry children. This is clinically significant and indicates that a large number of children may require comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation and potential medical and/or educational services. Recognising the potential for long-term manifestations of childhood exposures to environmental hazards, longitudinal surveillance is critical to continue to identify and support participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Jones
- Division of Public Health, Department of Pediatrics and Human DevelopmentMichigan State University and Hurley Children's Hospital Pediatric Public Health InitiativeFlintMichiganUSA
| | - Jacqueline Dannis
- Division of Public HealthMichigan State University and Hurley Children's Hospital Pediatric Public Health InitiativeFlintMichiganUSA
| | - Lauren O'Connell
- Division of Public Health, Department of Pediatrics and Human DevelopmentMichigan State University and Hurley Children's Hospital Pediatric Public Health InitiativeFlintMichiganUSA
| | - Jenny LaChance
- Division of Public HealthMichigan State University and Hurley Children's Hospital Pediatric Public Health InitiativeFlintMichiganUSA
| | - Kaja LeWinn
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Weill Institute for NeurosciencesUniversity of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Mona Hanna‐Attisha
- Division of Public Health, Department of Pediatrics and Human DevelopmentMichigan State University and Hurley Children's Hospital Pediatric Public Health InitiativeFlintMichiganUSA
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Wang Y, Wang Y, Yan C. Gender differences in trace element exposures with cognitive abilities of school-aged children: a cohort study in Wujiang city, China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:64807-64821. [PMID: 35474433 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-20353-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Trace elements persist in the environment, and their early exposure may adversely affect children's intellectual development. To clarify the influence of blood trace element levels in newborns and school-aged children, we used Wechsler Intelligence Scale for children (WISC-CR) to explore intellectual development level of 148 school-aged children based on a population cohort study. Lead (Pb), selenium (Se), arsenic (As), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn) and chromium (Cr) in cord blood and Pb, As, Cu in venous blood were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS). Our analysis of the correlation between children's mental development and trace element content found children's cognitive abilities negatively correlate with Pb (PIQ: β=-0.109, P=0.03737) and Cu (PIQ: β=-0.031, P=0.04431; FISQ: β=-0.031, P=0.02137) levels in cord blood. Prenatal low-level As exposure may negatively affect girls' performance intelligence quotient (PIQ) and verbal intelligence quotient (VIQ). There were differences in Se levels in cord blood and venous blood between boys and girls (P=0.010; P=0.073). High Se levels were associated with a lower VIQ in boys and a higher VIQ in girls. Prenatal exposure to Pb, As and Cu may weaken children's cognitive abilities at school age. Se exposure may have opposite effects on cognitive abilities affected by dose and gender.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihong Wang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.1665, Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yaqian Wang
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chonghuai Yan
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.1665, Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China.
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
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9
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Maternal blood metal concentrations are associated with C-reactive protein and cell adhesion molecules among pregnant women in Puerto Rico. Environ Epidemiol 2022; 6:e214. [PMID: 35975168 PMCID: PMC9374188 DOI: 10.1097/ee9.0000000000000214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies have revealed a link between aberrant levels of maternal C-reactive protein (CRP) and cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) with adverse birth outcomes. Some epidemiologic studies have indicated that long-term metal exposures can modulate the levels of CRP and CAMs, but the associations between prenatal metal exposures and the levels of CRP and CAMs have yet to be studied more extensively. In this study, we assessed associations between maternal blood metal levels and CRP/CAMs among 617 pregnant women in the Puerto Rico PROTECT birth cohort.
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Dinçkol Ö, Fuentes B, Tartaglione AM, Pino A, Calamandrei G, Ricceri L. Low-Level Lead Exposure During Development Differentially Affects Neurobehavioral responses in Male and Female Mouse Offspring: A Longitudinal Study. Neurotoxicology 2022; 91:188-199. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2022.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
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11
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Garí M, Grzesiak M, Krekora M, Kaczmarek P, Jankowska A, Król A, Kaleta D, Jerzyńska J, Janasik B, Kuraś R, Tartaglione AM, Calamandrei G, Hanke W, Polańska K. Prenatal exposure to neurotoxic metals and micronutrients and neurodevelopmental outcomes in early school age children from Poland. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 204:112049. [PMID: 34520749 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to environmental factors, such as neurotoxic metals and micronutrients, during critical periods of development can contribute to long-term consequences in offspring's health, including neurodevelopmental outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between simultaneous prenatal exposure to metals [lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg)] and micronutrients [selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu)] and neurodevelopmental outcomes in school-age children from the Polish Mother and Child Cohort (REPRO_PL). Metals and micronutrients concentrations were measured in cord blood (Pb, Cd, Se, Zn, Cu) and in maternal hair (Hg) collected during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. Behavioral and emotional problems, as well as children's cognitive and psychomotor development, were assessed in 436 school-age children using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ, filled in by the mothers) and the Polish adaptation of the Intelligence and Development Scales (IDS, administered by trained psychologists). Multivariate regression models were applied after imputation of missing values, using two approaches: (i) a joint analysis taking into account all metals and micronutrients simultaneously, and (ii) an ExWAS study (single-exposure model). In the SDQ, Hyperactivity/Inattention problems and Total difficulties were associated with higher Hg concentrations in maternal hair (0.18, 95% CI: 0.05; 0.3; and 0.14, 95% CI: 0.01; 0.3, respectively), whereas Emotional symptoms were inversely associated with Se and Zn levels in cord blood (-0.13, 95% CI: -0.3; 0.004; and -0.10, 95% CI: -0.2; 0.02, respectively). In the IDS, cord blood Pb levels were found to be negatively associated with Fluid and Crystallized IQ (-0.12, 95% CI: -0.3; 0.02; and -0.14, 95% CI: -0.3; 0.007, respectively) as well as Mathematical skills (-0.15, 95% CI: -0.3; 0.01). The current research has been able to simultaneously assess the exposure to various interacting chemicals during the prenatal period. We demonstrate that prenatal co-exposures to Pb, Hg, Zn and Se have long-term influences on the neuropsychological outcome of school-age children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercè Garí
- Institute of Computational Biology, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany.
| | - Mariusz Grzesiak
- Department of Perinatology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, "Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital" Research Institute, Lodz, Poland; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, IInd Chair of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical University of Lodz, Poland.
| | - Michał Krekora
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, IInd Chair of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical University of Lodz, Poland; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital" Research Institute, Lodz, Poland.
| | - Piotr Kaczmarek
- Department of Perinatology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, "Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital" Research Institute, Lodz, Poland.
| | - Agnieszka Jankowska
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Hazards, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lodz, Poland.
| | - Anna Król
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Hazards, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lodz, Poland.
| | - Dorota Kaleta
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Medical University of Lodz, Poland.
| | - Joanna Jerzyńska
- Department of Paediatrics and Allergy, Copernicus Memorial Hospital, Medical University of Lodz, Poland.
| | - Beata Janasik
- Department of Biological and Environmental Monitoring, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lodz, Poland.
| | - Renata Kuraś
- Department of Biological and Environmental Monitoring, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lodz, Poland.
| | - Anna Maria Tartaglione
- Centre for Behavioural Sciences and Mental Health, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy.
| | - Gemma Calamandrei
- Centre for Behavioural Sciences and Mental Health, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy.
| | - Wojciech Hanke
- Department of Environmental Epidemiology, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lodz, Poland.
| | - Kinga Polańska
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Hazards, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lodz, Poland; Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Medical University of Lodz, Poland.
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12
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Lead (Pb) and neurodevelopment: A review on exposure and biomarkers of effect (BDNF, HDL) and susceptibility. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2021; 238:113855. [PMID: 34655857 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant and a potent toxic compound. Humans are exposed to Pb through inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact via food, water, tobacco smoke, air, dust, and soil. Pb accumulates in bones, brain, liver and kidney. Fetal exposure occurs via transplacental transmission. The most critical health effects are developmental neurotoxicity in infants and cardiovascular effects and nephrotoxicity in adults. Pb exposure has been steadily decreasing over the past decades, but there are few recent exposure data from the general European population; moreover, no safe Pb limit has been set. Sensitive biomarkers of exposure, effect and susceptibility, that reliably and timely indicate Pb-associated toxicity are required to assess human exposure-health relationships in a situation of low to moderate exposure. Therefore, a systematic literature review based on PubMed entries published before July 2019 that addressed Pb exposure and biomarkers of effect and susceptibility, neurodevelopmental toxicity, epigenetic modifications, and transcriptomics was conducted. Finally included were 58 original papers on Pb exposure and 17 studies on biomarkers. The biomarkers that are linked to Pb exposure and neurodevelopment were grouped into effect biomarkers (serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and serum/saliva cortisol), susceptibility markers (epigenetic markers and gene sequence variants) and other biomarkers (serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL), maternal iron (Fe) and calcium (Ca) status). Serum BDNF and plasma HDL are potential candidates to be further validated as effect markers for routine use in HBM studies of Pb, complemented by markers of Fe and Ca status to also address nutritional interactions related to neurodevelopmental disorders. For several markers, a causal relationship with Pb-induced neurodevelopmental toxicity is likely. Results on BDNF are discussed in relation to Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) 13 ("Chronic binding of antagonist to N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) during brain development induces impairment of learning and memory abilities") of the AOP-Wiki. Further studies are needed to validate sensitive, reliable, and timely effect biomarkers, especially for low to moderate Pb exposure scenarios.
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13
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Gade M, Comfort N, Re DB. Sex-specific neurotoxic effects of heavy metal pollutants: Epidemiological, experimental evidence and candidate mechanisms. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 201:111558. [PMID: 34224706 PMCID: PMC8478794 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The heavy metals lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants and are known to exert severe adverse impacts on the nervous system even at low concentrations. In contrast, the heavy metal manganese (Mn) is first and foremost an essential nutrient, but it becomes neurotoxic at high levels. Neurotoxic metals also include the less prevalent metalloid arsenic (As) which is found in excessive concentrations in drinking water and food sources in many regions of the world. Males and females often differ in how they respond to environmental exposures and adverse effects on their nervous systems are no exception. Here, we review the different types of sex-specific neurotoxic effects, such as cognitive and motor impairments, that have been attributed to Pb, Hg, Mn, Cd, and As exposure throughout the life course in epidemiological as well as in experimental toxicological studies. We also discuss differential vulnerability to these metals such as distinctions in behaviors and occupations across the sexes. Finally, we explore the different mechanisms hypothesized to account for sex-based differential susceptibility including hormonal, genetic, metabolic, anatomical, neurochemical, and epigenetic perturbations. An understanding of the sex-specific effects of environmental heavy metal neurotoxicity can aid in the development of more efficient systematic approaches in risk assessment and better exposure mitigation strategies with regard to sex-linked susceptibilities and vulnerabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meethila Gade
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nicole Comfort
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Diane B Re
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; NIEHS Center of Northern Manhattan, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Motor Neuron Center for Biology and Disease, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
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Jackson DB, Testa A. Environmental Tobacco Smoke and Early Language Difficulties among U.S. Children. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:6489. [PMID: 34208503 PMCID: PMC8296409 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18126489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) is a serious public health concern with the potential to interfere with various components of healthy child development. Even so, there has been limited nationally representative research investigating these connections. The current study examines the relationship between ETS and language difficulties among toddlers and preschool-aged children in the United States. Method: Data are derived from the 2018 National Survey of Children's Health and facilitate strategic comparisons between different forms of ETS-namely, children who live with family members who smoke vs. children whose family members smoke inside the housing unit. Results: The findings reveal a robust association between family members smoking inside the housing unit and both receptive and expressive language difficulties, but only among male children. After adjusting for covariates, smoking inside the housing unit is associated with a 182% increase in the rate of early composite language difficulties among male children. These associations persist even when compared to male children who live with smoking family members who do not smoke inside the housing unit. Conclusions: The findings suggest a need for interventions designed to reduce ETS in households with young children and increase targeted language skill training for vulnerable children in an effort to enhance child development and well-being. To maximize this effort, we advocate for interdisciplinary teams, including medical and public health practitioners, educators, and researchers, to work together to develop and implement evidence-based strategies to limit ETS in homes and facilitate healthy language development among young children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan B. Jackson
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Alexander Testa
- Department of Criminology & Criminal Justice, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA;
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15
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Differential impact of heavy metals on neurotoxicity during development and in aging central nervous system. CURRENT OPINION IN TOXICOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cotox.2021.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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16
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Cowell W, Colicino E, Levin-Schwartz Y, Enlow MB, Amarasiriwardena C, Andra SS, Gennings C, Wright RO, Wright RJ. Prenatal metal mixtures and sex-specific infant negative affectivity. Environ Epidemiol 2021; 5:e147. [PMID: 33870019 PMCID: PMC8043734 DOI: 10.1097/ee9.0000000000000147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to metals has been associated with a range of adverse neurocognitive outcomes; however, associations with early behavioral development are less well understood. We examined joint exposure to multiple co-occurring metals in relation to infant negative affect, a stable temperamental trait linked to psychopathology among children and adults. METHODS Analyses included 308 mother-infant pairs enrolled in the PRISM pregnancy cohort. We measured As, Ba, Cd, Cs, Cr, Pb, and Sb in urine, collected on average during late pregnancy, by ICP-MS. At age 6 months, we assessed negative affect using the Infant Behavior Questionnaire-Revised. We used Weighted Quantile Sum (WQS) regression with repeated holdout validation to estimate the joint association between the metals and global negative affectivity, as well as four subdomains (Fear, Sadness, Distress to Limitations, and Falling Reactivity). We also tested for a sex interaction with estimated stratified weights. RESULTS In adjusted models, urinary metals were associated with higher scores on the Fear scale (βWQS = 0.20, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.09, 0.30), which captures behavioral inhibition, characterized by startle or distress to sudden changes in the environment and inhibited approach to novelty. We observed a significant sex interaction (95% CI for the cross-product term: -0.19, -0.01), and stratified weights showed girls (61.6%) contributed substantially more to the mixture effect compared with boys (38.4%). Overall, Ba contributed the greatest mixture weight (22.5%), followed by Cs (14.9%) and As (14.6%). CONCLUSIONS Prenatal exposure to metals was associated with increased infant scores on the temperamental domain of fear, with girls showing particular sensitivity.Key words: Prenatal; Metals; Mixtures; Temperament; Infancy; Negative affect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney Cowell
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Elena Colicino
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Yuri Levin-Schwartz
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Michelle Bosquet Enlow
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Chitra Amarasiriwardena
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Syam S. Andra
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Chris Gennings
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
- Institute for Exposomic Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Robert O. Wright
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
- Institute for Exposomic Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Rosalind J. Wright
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
- Institute for Exposomic Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
- Kravis Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
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17
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Huhn S, Escher BI, Krauss M, Scholz S, Hackermüller J, Altenburger R. Unravelling the chemical exposome in cohort studies: routes explored and steps to become comprehensive. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES EUROPE 2021; 33:17. [PMID: 33614387 PMCID: PMC7877320 DOI: 10.1186/s12302-020-00444-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Environmental factors contribute to the risk for adverse health outcomes against a background of genetic predisposition. Among these factors, chemical exposures may substantially contribute to disease risk and adverse outcomes. In fact, epidemiological cohort studies have established associations between exposure against individual chemicals and adverse health effects. Yet, in daily life individuals are exposed to complex mixtures in varying compositions. To capture the totality of environmental exposures the concept of the exposome has been developed. Here, we undertake an overview of major exposome projects, which pioneered the field of exposomics and explored the links between chemical exposure and health outcomes using cohort studies. We seek to reflect their achievements with regard to (i) capturing a comprehensive picture of the environmental chemical exposome, (ii) aggregating internal exposures using chemical and bioanalytical means of detection, and (iii) identifying associations that provide novel options for risk assessment and intervention. Various complementary approaches can be distinguished in addressing relevant exposure routes and it emerges that individual exposure histories may not easily be grouped. The number of chemicals for which human exposure can be detected is substantial and highlights the reality of mixture exposures. Yet, to a large extent it depends on targeted chemical analysis with the specific challenges to capture all relevant exposure routes and assess the chemical concentrations occurring in humans. The currently used approaches imply prior knowledge or hypotheses about relevant exposures. Typically, the number of chemicals considered in exposome projects is counted in dozens-in contrast to the several thousands of chemicals for which occurrence have been reported in human serum and urine. Furthermore, health outcomes are often still compared to single chemicals only. Moreover, explicit consideration of mixture effects and the interrelations between different outcomes to support causal relationships and identify risk drivers in complex mixtures remain underdeveloped and call for specifically designed exposome-cohort studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Huhn
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH – UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- Pediatric Epidemiology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Beate I. Escher
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH – UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- Environmental Toxicology, Center for Applied Geosciences, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Martin Krauss
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH – UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stefan Scholz
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH – UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jörg Hackermüller
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH – UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Rolf Altenburger
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH – UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Bioanalytical Ecotoxicology, RWTH-Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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18
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(Ascorb)ing Pb Neurotoxicity in the Developing Brain. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9121311. [PMID: 33371438 PMCID: PMC7767447 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9121311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Lead (Pb) neurotoxicity is a major concern, particularly in children. Developmental exposure to Pb can alter neurodevelopmental trajectory and has permanent neuropathological consequences, including an increased vulnerability to further stressors. Ascorbic acid is among most researched antioxidant nutrients and has a special role in maintaining redox homeostasis in physiological and physio-pathological brain states. Furthermore, because of its capacity to chelate metal ions, ascorbic acid may particularly serve as a potent therapeutic agent in Pb poisoning. The present review first discusses the major consequences of Pb exposure in children and then proceeds to present evidence from human and animal studies for ascorbic acid as an efficient ameliorative supplemental nutrient in Pb poisoning, with a particular focus on developmental Pb neurotoxicity. In doing so, it is hoped that there is a revitalization for further research on understanding the brain functions of this essential, safe, and readily available vitamin in physiological states, as well to justify and establish it as an effective neuroprotective and modulatory factor in the pathologies of the nervous system, including developmental neuropathologies.
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19
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Sitarik AR, Arora M, Austin C, Bielak LF, Eggers S, Johnson CC, Lynch SV, Kyun Park S, Hank Wu KH, Yong GJM, Cassidy-Bushrow AE. Fetal and early postnatal lead exposure measured in teeth associates with infant gut microbiota. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 144:106062. [PMID: 32871381 PMCID: PMC7572588 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lead (Pb) is an environmentally ubiquitous heavy metal associated with a wide range of adverse health effects in children. Both lead exposure and the early life microbiome- which plays a critical role in human development-have been linked to similar health outcomes, but it is unclear if the adverse effects of lead are partially driven by early life gut microbiota dysbiosis. The objective of this study was to examine the association between in utero and postnatal lead levels (measured in deciduous baby teeth) and early life bacterial and fungal gut microbiota in the first year of life. METHODS Data from the Wayne County Health, Environment, Allergy and Asthma Longitudinal Study (WHEALS) birth cohort were analyzed. Tooth lead levels during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters and postnatally (<1 year of age) were quantified using high-resolution microspatial mapping of dentin growth rings. Early life microbiota were measured in stool samples collected at approximately 1 and 6 months of age, using both 16S rRNA (bacterial) and ITS2 (fungal) sequencing. Of the 1,258 maternal-child pairs in WHEALS, 146 had data on both tooth metals and early life microbiome. RESULTS In utero tooth lead levels were significantly associated with gut fungal community composition at 1-month of age, where higher levels of 2nd trimester tooth lead was associated with lower abundances of Candida and Aspergillus and higher abundances of Malassezia and Saccharomyces; 3rd trimester lead was also associated with lower abundances of Candida. Though lead did not significantly associate with the overall structure of the infant gut bacterial community, it associated with the abundance of some specific bacterial taxa, including the increased abundance of Collinsella and Bilophila and a decreased abundance of Bacteroides taxa. CONCLUSIONS The observed associations between lead exposure and infant gut microbiota could play a role in the impact of lead on childhood development. Given the paucity of research examining these associations in humans-particularly for fungal microbiota-further investigation is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra R Sitarik
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, USA.
| | - Manish Arora
- Senator Frank R Lautenberg Environmental Health Sciences Laboratory, Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, USA.
| | - Christine Austin
- Senator Frank R Lautenberg Environmental Health Sciences Laboratory, Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, USA.
| | | | - Shoshannah Eggers
- Senator Frank R Lautenberg Environmental Health Sciences Laboratory, Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, USA.
| | - Christine C Johnson
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, USA.
| | - Susan V Lynch
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA.
| | - Sung Kyun Park
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA.
| | - Kuan-Han Hank Wu
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, USA.
| | - Germaine J M Yong
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA.
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20
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Rechtman E, Curtin P, Papazaharias DM, Renzetti S, Cagna G, Peli M, Levin-Schwartz Y, Placidi D, Smith DR, Lucchini RG, Wright RO, Horton MK. Sex-specific associations between co-exposure to multiple metals and visuospatial learning in early adolescence. Transl Psychiatry 2020; 10:358. [PMID: 33087698 PMCID: PMC7578810 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-01041-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The predisposition, severity, and progression of many diseases differ between males and females. Sex-related differences in susceptibility to neurotoxicant exposures may provide insight into the cause of the observed discrepancy. Early adolescence, a period of substantial structural and functional brain changes, may present a critical window of vulnerability to environmental exposures. This study aimed to examine sex-specific associations between co-exposure to multiple metals and visuospatial memory in early adolescence. Manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), and copper (Cu) were measured in blood, urine, hair, nails, and saliva of 188 participants (88 girls; 10-14 years of age). Visuospatial memory skills were assessed using a computerized maze task, the virtual radial arm maze (VRAM). Using generalized weighted quantile sum regression, we investigated sex-specific associations between the combined effect of exposure to the metal mixture and visuospatial working memory and determined the contribution of each component to the outcome. The results suggest that sex moderates the association between the metal mixture and visuospatial learning for all outcomes measured. In girls, exposure was associated with slower visuospatial learning and driven by Mn and Cu. In boys, exposure was associated with faster visuospatial learning, and driven by Cr. These results suggest that (a) the effect of metal co-exposure on learning differs in magnitude, and in the direction between sexes, and (b) early adolescence may be a sensitive developmental period for metal exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elza Rechtman
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Paul Curtin
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Demetrios M Papazaharias
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stefano Renzetti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, Università degli Studi di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppa Cagna
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, Università degli Studi di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marco Peli
- Department of Civil, Environmental, Architectural Engineering and Mathematics, Università degli Studi di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Yuri Levin-Schwartz
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Donatella Placidi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, Università degli Studi di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Donald R Smith
- Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Roberto G Lucchini
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, Università degli Studi di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- School of Public Health, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Robert O Wright
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Megan K Horton
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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21
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Guo J, Wu C, Zhang J, Qi X, Lv S, Jiang S, Zhou T, Lu D, Feng C, Chang X, Zhang Y, Cao Y, Wang G, Zhou Z. Prenatal exposure to mixture of heavy metals, pesticides and phenols and IQ in children at 7 years of age: The SMBCS study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 139:105692. [PMID: 32251899 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Prenatal exposure to heavy metals, pesticides and phenols has been suggested to interfere with neurodevelopment, but the neurotoxicity of their mixtures is still unclear. We aimed to elucidate the associations of maternal urinary concentrations of selected chemical mixtures with intelligence quotient (IQ) in children. METHODS Maternal urinary concentrations of selected heavy metals, pesticide metabolites, and phenols were quantified in pregnant women who participated in the Sheyang Mini Birth Cohort Study (SMBCS) from June 2009 to January 2010. At age 7 years, child's IQ score was assessed using the Chinese version of Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (C-WISC) by trained pediatricians. Generalized linear regression models (GLM), Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models and elastic net regression (ENR) models were used to assess the associations of urinary concentrations individual chemicals and their mixtures with IQ scores of the 7-year-old children. RESULTS Of 326 mother-child pairs, single-chemical models indicated that prenatal urinary concentrations of lead (Pb) and bisphenol A (BPA) were significantly negatively associated with full intelligence quotient (FIQ) among children aged 7 years [β = -2.31, 95% confidence interval (CI): -4.13, -0.48; p = 0.013, sex interaction p-value = 0.076; β = -1.18, 95% CI: -2.21, -0.15; p = 0.025; sex interaction p-value = 0.296, for Pb and BPA, respectively]. Stratified analysis by sex indicated that the associations were only statistically significant in boys. In multi-chemical BKMR and ENR models, statistically significant inverse association was found between prenatal urinary Pb level and boy's FIQ scores at 7 years. Furthermore, BKMR analysis indicated that the overall mixture was associated with decreases in boy's IQ when all the chemicals' concentrations were at their 75th percentiles or higher, compared to at their 50th percentiles. ENR models revealed that maternal urinary Pb levels were statistically significantly associated with lower FIQ scores (β = -2.20, 95% CI: -4.20, -0.20; p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS Prenatal exposure to selected chemical mixtures may affect intellectual performance at 7 years of age, particularly in boys. Pb and BPA were suspected as primary chemicals associated with child neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianqiu Guo
- School of Public Health/Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education/Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Fudan University, No. 130 Dong'an Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Chunhua Wu
- School of Public Health/Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education/Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Fudan University, No. 130 Dong'an Road, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Jiming Zhang
- School of Public Health/Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education/Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Fudan University, No. 130 Dong'an Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiaojuan Qi
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 3399 Binsheng Road, Hangzhou 310051, China
| | - Shenliang Lv
- School of Public Health/Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education/Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Fudan University, No. 130 Dong'an Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Shuai Jiang
- School of Public Health/Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education/Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Fudan University, No. 130 Dong'an Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Tong Zhou
- School of Public Health/Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education/Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Fudan University, No. 130 Dong'an Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Dasheng Lu
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 1380 Zhongshan West Road, Shanghai 200336, China
| | - Chao Feng
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 1380 Zhongshan West Road, Shanghai 200336, China
| | - Xiuli Chang
- School of Public Health/Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education/Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Fudan University, No. 130 Dong'an Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yubin Zhang
- School of Public Health/Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education/Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Fudan University, No. 130 Dong'an Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yang Cao
- Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro 70182, Sweden
| | - Guoquan Wang
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 1380 Zhongshan West Road, Shanghai 200336, China
| | - Zhijun Zhou
- School of Public Health/Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education/Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Fudan University, No. 130 Dong'an Road, Shanghai 200032, China.
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Stajnko A, Tuhvatshin R, Suranova G, Mazej D, Šlejkovec Z, Falnoga I, Krušič Ž, Lespukh E, Stegnar P. Trace elements and ALAD gene polymorphisms in general population from three uranium legacy sites - A case study in Kyrgyzstan. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 719:134427. [PMID: 31859063 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
At three uranium (U) legacy sites in Kyrgyzstan, namely, Kadji Sai, Mailuu-Suu and Sumsar, an initial human bio-monitoring programme was introduced as a complementary activity to environmental impact studies in these areas. The aim was to assess trace element (TE) contents in blood and genetic susceptibility for Pb as one of the contaminants. The programme included the determination of 9 TE in blood samples from 123 residents living permanently in this environment. The analyses included U and the potentially toxic TE, lead (Pb), cadmium, mercury (Hg), and arsenic (As), together with essential elements iron (Fe), copper, selenium (Se) and manganese (Mn). TE were analysed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) and genetic background effect by three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD; rs1805313, rs818708, rs1800435) genotyped by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The obtained results were generally similar to literature reference values obtained from the U non-exposed environments. However, some significant findings indicated elevated levels of certain contaminants typical of the studied environment (U, Pb). Several essential (Se, Mn) and toxic TE (Pb, Hg, As, U) in blood showed statistically significant differences among the studied areas. All areas showed diminished Fe blood levels. Altogether, this indicated specific and different environmental conditions at three industrial legacy sites for U milling and processing along with the accompanying chemical (pollutant) elements. Blood U concentrations were slightly higher at Mailuu-Suu, known for elevated technogenic and naturally occurring U. At Sumsar, the distribution of elevated blood Pb concentrations indicated an airborne source of pollution that was different from the anticipated aqueous exposure pathway. Pb blood variability was found associated with ALAD polymorphisms (SNPs rs1805313, rs1800435). Results are confirming that human data will be a useful and scientifically important additional tool for environmental impact assessment studies at industrial legacy sites in Kyrgyzstan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Stajnko
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Žiga Krušič
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Elena Lespukh
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Peter Stegnar
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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The Impact of Mother's Living Environment Exposure on Genome Damage, Immunological Status, and Sex Hormone Levels in Newborns. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17103402. [PMID: 32414150 PMCID: PMC7277460 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17103402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to compare for the first time IL-6 (Interleukin 6), testosterone (T) and estradiol (E) levels, their ratio (E/T), micronucleus (MN), and nuclear bridge (NB) frequency between newborns with regard to their mother’s residency and diet. Our results should enable an assessment of the possible environmental endocrine effects and interaction between biomarkers, pointing to possible associated health risks. Methods: Fifty full-term newborns of both sexes, whose mothers were healthy and not occupationally exposed to any known carcinogen, were analyzed. All of the mothers filled in a detailed questionnaire. Results: The results showed significantly higher levels of E in newborns of mothers with agricultural residency than those born by mothers with urban residency. Significantly, lower levels of E were measured in newborns of mothers who drank milk and carbonated beverages more frequently. Testosterone was significantly higher in boys of mothers with agricultural residency than from mothers with urban residency. Residence and other parameters had no impact on the difference in MN frequency. IL-6 levels were higher in newborns of mothers with agricultural residency. NB levels were significantly associated with E. A significant association between E levels and IL-6 was found. Conclusion: Our results were the first to show a significant impact of the mother’s agricultural residency and diet on their newborns’ sex hormone and IL-6 levels and their association.
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24
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Arnold OM, Liu J. Blood lead levels ≤10 micrograms/deciliter and executive functioning across childhood development: A systematic review. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2020; 80:106888. [PMID: 32387536 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2020.106888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
At low levels, the effects of lead on specific neurocognitive processes, such as executive functioning, is not well understood. The aim of this systematic review is to synthesize the empirical literature examining the relationship between prenatal and postnatal low blood lead levels and executive function across childhood development. This review considers the unity and diversity model of executive functioning by assessing the domains of working memory, cognitive flexibility, inhibition, attention, and unitary executive function separately. Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were synthesized in the review. The results suggest an inverse association between postnatal lead exposure and executive function processes across childhood. The inverse relationship between postnatal lead exposure and working memory and cognitive flexibility in middle childhood is most strongly represented. Additionally, a marginal inverse relationship between postnatal lead exposure and unitary executive functioning and attention in middle childhood is suggested. The evidence does not support a relationship between postnatal lead and inhibition in middle childhood. Although there is support for the inverse relationship between low level lead exposure and executive function, lack of repeated exposure and outcome measures limit firm conclusions. Furthermore, the long-term impact of lead exposure on executive function outcomes is relatively unknown given lack of studies on adolescent populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia M Arnold
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America.
| | - Jianghong Liu
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America; Center for Public Health Initiatives, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
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25
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Ashrap P, Watkins DJ, Mukherjee B, Boss J, Richards MJ, Rosario Z, Vélez-Vega CM, Alshawabkeh A, Cordero JF, Meeker JD. Maternal blood metal and metalloid concentrations in association with birth outcomes in Northern Puerto Rico. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 138:105606. [PMID: 32179314 PMCID: PMC7198231 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In previous studies, exposures to heavy metals such as Pb and Cd have been associated with adverse birth outcomes; however, knowledge on effects at low levels of exposure and of other elements remain limited. METHOD We examined individual and mixture effects of metals and metalloids on birth outcomes among 812 pregnant women in the Puerto Rico Testsite for Exploring Contamination Threats (PROTECT) cohort. We measured 16 essential and non-essential metal(loid)s in maternal blood collected at 16-20 and 24-28 weeks gestation. We used linear and logistic regression to independently examine associations between geometric mean (GM) concentrations of each metal across visits and gestational age, birthweight z-scores, preterm birth, small for gestational age (SGA), and large for gestational age (LGA). We evaluated effect modification with infant sex*metal interaction terms. To identify critical windows of susceptibility, birth outcomes were regressed on visit-specific metal concentrations. Furthermore, average metal concentrations were divided into tertiles to examine the potential for non-linear relationships. We used elastic net (ENET) regularization to construct Environmental Risk Score (ERS) as a metal risk score and Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) to identify individual metals most critical to each outcome, accounting for correlated exposures. RESULTS In adjusted models, an interquartile range (IQR) increase in GM lead (Pb) was associated with 1.63 higher odds of preterm birth (95%CI = 1.17, 2.28) and 2 days shorter gestational age (95% CI = -3.1, -0.5). Manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) were also associated with higher odds of preterm birth and shorter gestational age; the associations were strongest among the highest tertile for Mn and among females for Zn. Mercury (Hg) was associated with higher risk of preterm birth at the later window of pregnancy. Ni measured later in pregnancy was associated with lower odds of SGA. ENET and BKMR models selected similar metals as "important" predictors of birth outcomes. The association between ERS and preterm birth was assessed and the third tertile of ERS was significantly associated with an elevated odds ratio of 2.13 (95% CI = 1.12, 5.49) for preterm birth compared to the first tertile. CONCLUSION As the PROTECT cohort has lower Pb concentrations (GM = 0.33 μg/dL) compared to the mainland US, our findings suggest that low-level prenatal lead exposure, as well as elevated Mn and Zn exposure, may adversely affect birth outcomes. Improved understanding on environmental factors contributing to preterm birth, together with sustainable technologies to remove contamination, will have a direct impact in Puerto Rico and elsewhere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pahriya Ashrap
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Deborah J Watkins
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Bhramar Mukherjee
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Jonathan Boss
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | | | - Zaira Rosario
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Carmen M Vélez-Vega
- University of Puerto Rico Graduate School of Public Health, UPR Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico, United States
| | - Akram Alshawabkeh
- College of Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - José F Cordero
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - John D Meeker
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
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26
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Drago G, Ruggieri S, Bianchi F, Sampino S, Cibella F. Birth Cohorts in Highly Contaminated Sites: A Tool for Monitoring the Relationships Between Environmental Pollutants and Children's Health. Front Public Health 2020; 8:125. [PMID: 32411642 PMCID: PMC7198735 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.00125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Industrial areas are characterized by the dispersion of environmental stressors that could possibly have long-term detrimental effects on both human health and the environment. Environmental contamination has been indicated to be one of the major risks for reproductive health. In this context, the effects of environmental pollution on pregnant women living in heavily polluted areas is of special interest. In fact, fetal development is a crucial phase due to the dynamic interaction between the maternal/external environments and the developing organs and tissues. Moreover, following Barker's postulate of the intrauterine origin of health and disease, the events occurring in this time window could affect future health. Birth cohorts provide the most suitable design for assessing the association between early-life and possible long-term health outcomes in highly contaminated sites. By providing an assessment of the early life environment throughout the collection of biological samples, birth cohorts offer the opportunity to study in-depth several possible confounders and outcomes by means of questionnaires and follow-ups based on clinical evaluations and bio-specimen samplings. The exposome comprises the totality of exposures from conception onwards; the birth cohort approach allows the integration of the exposures as a whole, including those related to socioeconomic status, with "omics" data from biological samples collected at birth and throughout life. In the characterization of the "fetal exposome," the placenta represents a highly informative and scarcely considered organ. For this purpose, the "Neonatal Environment and Health Outcomes" (NEHO) birth cohort has been established by enrolling pregnant women residing in contaminated sites and in surrounding areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaspare Drago
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, Palermo, Italy
| | - Silvia Ruggieri
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, Palermo, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Bianchi
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Clinical Physiology, Pisa, Italy
| | - Silvestre Sampino
- Department of Experimental Embryology, Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzebiec, Poland
| | - Fabio Cibella
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, Palermo, Italy
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27
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Sex-Dependent Effects of Developmental Lead Exposure in Wistar Rats: Evidence from Behavioral and Molecular Correlates. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21082664. [PMID: 32290408 PMCID: PMC7216048 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Lead (Pb) exposure in early life affects brain development resulting in cognitive and behavioral deficits. Epidemiologic and experimental evidence of sex as an effect modifier of developmental Pb exposure is emerging. In the present study, we investigated Pb effects on behavior and mechanisms of neuroplasticity in the hippocampus and potential sex differences. To this aim, dams were exposed, from one month pre-mating to offspring weaning, to Pb via drinking water at 5 mg/kg body weight per day. In the offspring of both sexes, the longitudinal assessment of motor, emotional, and cognitive end points was performed. We also evaluated the expression and synaptic distribution of N-methyl-D-Aspartate receptor (NMDA) and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor subunits at post-natal day (pnd) 23 and 70 in the hippocampus. Neonatal motor patterns and explorative behavior in offspring were affected in both sexes. Pb effects in emotional response and memory retention were observed in adult females only, preceded by increased levels of GluN2A and GluA1 subunits at the post-synapse at pnd 23. These data suggest that Pb exposure during development affects glutamatergic receptors distribution at the post-synaptic spine in females. These effects may contribute to alterations in selected behavioral domains.
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Meyer DN, Crofts EJ, Akemann C, Gurdziel K, Farr R, Baker BB, Weber D, Baker TR. Developmental exposure to Pb 2+ induces transgenerational changes to zebrafish brain transcriptome. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 244:125527. [PMID: 31816550 PMCID: PMC7015790 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/30/2019] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb2+) is a major public health hazard for urban children, with profound and well-characterized developmental and behavioral implications across the lifespan. The ability of early Pb2+ exposure to induce epigenetic changes is well-established, suggesting that Pb2+-induced neurobehavioral deficits may be heritable across generations. Understanding the long-term and multigenerational repercussions of lead exposure is crucial for clarifying both the genotypic alterations behind these behavioral outcomes and the potential mechanism of heritability. To study this, zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos (<2 h post fertilization; EK strain) were exposed for 24 h to waterborne Pb2+ at a concentration of 10 μM. This exposed F0 generation was raised to adulthood and spawned to produce the F1 generation, which was subsequently spawned to produce the F2 generation. Previous avoidance conditioning studies determined that a 10 μM Pb2+ dose resulted in learning impairments persisting through the F2 generation. RNA was extracted from control- and 10 μM Pb2+-lineage F2 brains, (n = 10 for each group), sequenced, and transcript expression was quantified utilizing Quant-Seq. 648 genes were differentially expressed in the brains of F2 lead-lineage fish versus F2 control-lineage fish. Pathway analysis revealed altered genes in processes including synaptic function and plasticity, neurogenesis, endocrine homeostasis, and epigenetic modification, all of which are implicated in lead-induced neurobehavioral deficits and/or their inheritance. These data will inform future investigations to elucidate the mechanism of adult-onset and transgenerational health effects of developmental lead exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle N Meyer
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA; Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Emily J Crofts
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Camille Akemann
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA; Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Katherine Gurdziel
- Applied Genome Technology Center, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Rebecca Farr
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Bridget B Baker
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA; Division of Laboratory Animal Resources, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Daniel Weber
- Children's Environmental Health Sciences Core Center, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Tracie R Baker
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA; Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA.
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29
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Ashrap P, Watkins DJ, Mukherjee B, Boss J, Richards MJ, Rosario Z, Vélez-Vega CM, Alshawabkeh A, Cordero JF, Meeker JD. Predictors of urinary and blood Metal(loid) concentrations among pregnant women in Northern Puerto Rico. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 183:109178. [PMID: 32007748 PMCID: PMC7167342 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Given the potential adverse health effects related to toxic trace metal exposure and insufficient or excessive levels of essential trace metals in pregnant women and their fetuses, the present study characterizes biomarkers of metal and metalloid exposure at repeated time points during pregnancy among women in Puerto Rico. We recruited 1040 pregnant women from prenatal clinics and collected urine, blood, and questionnaire data on demographics, product use, food consumption, and water usage at up to three visits. All samples were analyzed for 16 metal(loid)s: arsenic (As), barium (Ba), beryllium (Be), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), cesium (Cs), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), titanium (Ti), uranium (U), vanadium (V), and zinc (Zn). Urine samples were additionally analyzed for molybdenum (Mo), platinum (Pt), antimony (Sb), tin (Sn), and tungsten (W). Mean concentrations of most metal(loid)s were higher among participants compared to the general US female population. We found weak to moderate correlations for inter-matrix comparisons, and moderate to strong correlations between several metal(loid)s measured within each biological matrix. Blood concentrations of Cu, Zn, Mn, Hg, and Pb were shown to reflect reliable biomarkers of exposure. For other metals, repeated samples are recommended for exposure assessment in epidemiology studies. Predictors of metal(loid) biomarkers included fish and rice consumption (urinary As), fish and canned food (blood Hg), drinking public water (blood Pb), smoking (blood Cd), and iron/folic acid supplement use (urinary Cs, Mo, and Sb). Characterization of metal(loid) biomarker variation over time and between matrices, and identification of important exposure sources, may inform future epidemiology studies and exposure reduction strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pahriya Ashrap
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Deborah J Watkins
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Bhramar Mukherjee
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Jonathan Boss
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | | | - Zaira Rosario
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Carmen M Vélez-Vega
- University of Puerto Rico Graduate School of Public Health, UPR Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR, United States
| | - Akram Alshawabkeh
- College of Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - José F Cordero
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - John D Meeker
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
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Röllin HB, Channa K, Olutola B, Nogueira C, Odland JØ. In Utero Exposure to Aluminium and Other Neurotoxic Elements in Urban Coastal South African Women at Delivery: An Emerging Concern. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17051724. [PMID: 32155754 PMCID: PMC7084550 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17051724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Aluminium (Al) is a non-essential neurotoxicant and there is limited information regarding exposure to Al in utero. This study sought to evaluate the in utero exposure to Al in urban South African women, its effects on birth outcomes and possible synergistic effects between Al, essential and neurotoxic elements such as lead (Pb), mercury (Hg) and arsenic (As), as well as a a potential sex-dependent response to these elements in neonates. This study has found elevated levels of Al in urban women at delivery. The Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients (p-value) of the association between maternal serum Al and birth outcomes (gestational age and parity), and between maternal serum Al and Cu, Zn and Se, were statistically significant. However, in the general and the stratified models, no association was found between any of the birth outcomes and maternal serum Al. The association between maternal serum Al and neurotoxic elements at delivery showed a significant positive correlation for Pb only (rho = 0.361; p < 0.001) which was found to be sex-dependent in neonates (males, rho = 0.285; p < 0.004 and females, rho = 0.444, p < 0.001). Our preliminary findings indicate that in utero exposure to Al is an emerging concern requiring further research and directives from public health authorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halina B. Röllin
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; (B.O.); (C.N.); (J.Ø.O.)
- Environment and Health Research Unit, Medical Research Council, Johannesburg 2094, South Africa
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +27-12-356-3261
| | - Kalavati Channa
- Lancet Laboratories, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Johannesburg 2090, South Africa;
| | - Bukola Olutola
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; (B.O.); (C.N.); (J.Ø.O.)
| | - Claudina Nogueira
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; (B.O.); (C.N.); (J.Ø.O.)
| | - Jon Ø. Odland
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; (B.O.); (C.N.); (J.Ø.O.)
- Department of Community Medicine and Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, N-7491 Trondheim, Norway
- Higher School of Economics, National Research University, 107078 Moscow, Russia
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31
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Calamandrei G, Ricceri L, Meccia E, Tartaglione AM, Horvat M, Tratnik JS, Mazej D, Špirić Z, Prpić I, Vlašić-Cicvarić I, Neubauer D, Kodrič J, Stropnik S, Janasik B, Kuraś R, Mirabella F, Polańska K, Chiarotti F. Pregnancy exposome and child psychomotor development in three European birth cohorts. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 181:108856. [PMID: 31706595 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Characterization of the exposome, the totality of all environmental factors that one is exposed to from conception onwards, has been recommended to better evaluate the role of environmental influences on developmental programming and life-course vulnerability to major chronic diseases. In the framework of the Health and Environment-wide Associations based on Large population Surveys (HEALS) project we considered the pregnancy exposome exploiting two databases (PHIME and REPRO_PL) that include birth cohorts from three EU countries (Croatia, Slovenia and Poland). The databases contained information on several chemical exposures, socio-demographic, lifestyle and health related factors from conception to child birth, and neuropsychological scores assessed by the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development in the first two years of life. Our main goal was to assess consistency of environmental influences on neurodevelopment, if any, across European countries differing for geographical, socio-demographic characteristics and levels of chemical exposures to metals such as lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd) and trace elements, including micronutrients such as zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se). To this aim, we first selected variables common to the different databases, then applied univariate and multivariate regression analyses to identify factors linked to neurodevelopment, and finally performed meta-analysis to detect potential heterogeneity among cohorts and pooled estimates. Significant differences in exposure levels among the three sub-cohorts were observed as for Hg and Se; exposure levels under study were relatively low and within the range described in existing EU biomonitoring studies. The univariate analyses did not show any common pattern of association as only in the Polish cohort chemical exposure had an impact on neuropsychological outcome. In the meta-analysis, some consistent trends were evident, relative to the adverse influence of Pb on children's language and cognition and the positive influence of Se on language abilities. The effects of the neurotoxic metal Hg positively influenced the motor scores in the Polish cohorts, while it decreased the motor scores in the Slovenia and Croatian sub-cohorts. The only socio-demographic factor consistently associated to the outcome among cohorts was child's sex, with females performing better than males on cognitive and language scores. These findings point to the need of harmonizing existing cohorts or creating prospective study designs that facilitate comparisons in the exposome over time, places and kind of environmental exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Calamandrei
- Centre for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, National Institute of Health (ISS), Rome, Italy.
| | - Laura Ricceri
- Centre for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, National Institute of Health (ISS), Rome, Italy
| | - Ettore Meccia
- Department of Environment and Primary Prevention, National Institute of Health (ISS), Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Tartaglione
- Centre for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, National Institute of Health (ISS), Rome, Italy
| | - Milena Horvat
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute (JSI), Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janja Snoj Tratnik
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute (JSI), Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Darja Mazej
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute (JSI), Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Igor Prpić
- University Hospital Centre Rijeka, Centre for Clinical, Health and Organizational Psychology, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Inge Vlašić-Cicvarić
- University Hospital Centre Rijeka, Centre for Clinical, Health and Organizational Psychology, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - David Neubauer
- Division of Paediatrics, Department of Child, Adolescent and Developmental Neurology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jana Kodrič
- Division of Paediatrics, Department of Child, Adolescent and Developmental Neurology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Staša Stropnik
- Division of Paediatrics, Department of Child, Adolescent and Developmental Neurology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Beata Janasik
- Department of Biological and Environmental Monitoring, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine (NIOM), Lodz, Poland
| | - Renata Kuraś
- Department of Biological and Environmental Monitoring, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine (NIOM), Lodz, Poland
| | - Fiorino Mirabella
- Centre for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, National Institute of Health (ISS), Rome, Italy
| | - Kinga Polańska
- Department of Environmental Epidemiology, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine (NIOM), Lodz, Poland
| | - Flavia Chiarotti
- Centre for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, National Institute of Health (ISS), Rome, Italy
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32
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Aelion CM, Davis HT. Blood lead levels in children in urban and rural areas: Using multilevel modeling to investigate impacts of gender, race, poverty, and the environment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 694:133783. [PMID: 31756823 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.133783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/04/2019] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Many studies of children's exposure to lead (Pb) are carried out in urban and industrialized environments. This study analyzed blood lead level (BLL) data collected from 2011 to 2016 from approximately 140,000 children ages <1 to 6 years across South Carolina (SC), including urban and rural areas. Individual-level characteristics included children's age, and race/ethnicity. Block group variables examined included population by race and ethnicity, households below the poverty level, median year homes built, urban/rural classification, and percent road coverage. BLL were higher in urban compared to rural children but increased to a greater extent in rural children from age < 1 year to 2 years. Road coverage was strongly associated with higher BLL in urban areas, and with home age more weakly, but neither road coverage nor home age was associated with BLL in rural areas. Young urban children may receive greater exposure to Pb from house dust and outdoor legacy Pb contamination, and young rural children through diet and drinking water. Black children had higher BLL in urban areas than white children, and the converse was true in rural areas. Population data indicated that rural areas had more poverty than urban areas, but strong associations between increased children's BLL and either ethnicity or socio-economic status (SES) at the block group level was not observed, likely due to distinct characteristics of poverty and geographic distribution by ethnicity in urban as compared to rural areas of SC. Individual demographics and environmental characteristics may be more closely associated with BLL than geographically aggregated SES and race/ethnicity characteristics. Interventions to reduce children's exposure to Pb should occur at as early an age as possible, and differences between rural and urban areas should be considered as interventions are developed to reduce children's BLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Aelion
- University of Massachusetts Amherst, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - H T Davis
- South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Bureau of Health Improvement and Equity, Columbia, SC, USA.
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33
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Bocca B, Ruggieri F, Pino A, Rovira J, Calamandrei G, Martínez MÁ, Domingo JL, Alimonti A, Schuhmacher M. Human biomonitoring to evaluate exposure to toxic and essential trace elements during pregnancy. Part A. concentrations in maternal blood, urine and cord blood. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 177:108599. [PMID: 31374401 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Exposures to toxic elements or deficiencies of essential elements during pregnancy may be associated to various birth complications or even diseases in early life. The aim of this paper was to assess the concentrations of selected toxic (As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb) and essential trace elements (Co, Cu, Mn, Se and Zn) in blood and urine samples of delivering women at different periods of gestation and cord blood, as well as to evaluate the placental permeability for these elements. A total of 53 women participating in the HEALS-EXHES study were enrolled. In particular, 48 blood samples from 1st trimester of pregnancy, 40 blood samples at delivery, and 31 cord blood at delivery were collected. Moreover, mothers' urine were sampled at the 1st (53 samples), 2nd (53 samples) and 3rd trimester (49 samples) of pregnancy. Results showed that Hg and Mn levels in cord blood were about 2.0 times higher than in maternal blood, suggesting that these elements may be transferred from mother to fetus. The cord blood levels of As and Pb were lower (ca. the 65%) than those in maternal blood, showing that the placenta modulates the rate of transfer for these elements. Essential elements as Cu and Zn showed significantly lower levels in cord than in maternal blood suggesting that the transplacental transfer of these nutrients was very limited. In addition, correlation between paired maternal and cord blood samples for As, Hg and Pb was statistically significant indicating that the fetal body burden may reflect the maternal exposure. Cadmium, Co, Cr, Ni and Se levels did not show significant correlations between maternal and cord blood. Maternal urinary concentrations of trace elements, including As, Cr, Cu, Hg, Se and Zn decreased along pregnancy, which may cause variations in fetal exposure. The levels of toxic and essential elements in maternal blood and urine, as well as in cord blood, were for most elements at the lower end of the ranges found in the scientific literature not being of special concern for pregnant women and the unborn.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anna Pino
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Joaquim Rovira
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira I Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Departament D'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira I Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26, 43007, Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain
| | | | - María Ángeles Martínez
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Departament D'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira I Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26, 43007, Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - José L Domingo
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira I Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | | | - Marta Schuhmacher
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira I Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Departament D'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira I Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26, 43007, Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain
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34
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Khalid M, Abdollahi M. Epigenetic modifications associated with pathophysiological effects of lead exposure. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART C, ENVIRONMENTAL CARCINOGENESIS & ECOTOXICOLOGY REVIEWS 2019; 37:235-287. [PMID: 31402779 DOI: 10.1080/10590501.2019.1640581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) exposure during different stages of development has demonstrated dose, duration, sex, and tissue-specific pathophysiological outcomes due to altered epigenetic regulation via (a) DNA methylation, (b) histone modifications, (c) miRNAs, and (d) chromatin accessibility. Pb-induced alteration of epigenetic regulation causes neurotoxic and extra-neurotoxic pathophysiological outcomes. Neurotoxic effects of Pb include dysfunction of memory and learning, behavioral disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, aging, Alzheimer's disease, tauopathy, and neurodegeneration. Extra-neurotoxic effects of Pb include altered body weight, metabolic disorder, cardiovascular disorders, hematopoietic disorder, and reproductive impairment. Pb exposure either early in life or at any stage of development results in undesirable pathophysiological outcomes that tends to sustain and maintain for a lifetime.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madiha Khalid
- Toxicology and Diseases Group, Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center (PSRC), The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Abdollahi
- Toxicology and Diseases Group, Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center (PSRC), The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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35
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Zielinska MA, Hamulka J, Grabowicz-Chądrzyńska I, Bryś J, Wesolowska A. Association between Breastmilk LC PUFA, Carotenoids and Psychomotor Development of Exclusively Breastfed Infants. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16071144. [PMID: 30935000 PMCID: PMC6479893 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16071144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The first months of infant life are crucial for proper neurodevelopment, which may be influenced by several factors, including nutrition and nutrients (e.g., long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC PUFA) and carotenoids) of which the concentration in breastmilk is diet-dependent. This study analysed the relationship between the average concentrations of selected LC PUFA and carotenoids in breastmilk samples from the first and third months of lactation and the psychomotor development of exclusively breastfed infants at the sixth month of life. Infant psychomotor development was assessed using the Children Development Scale (DSR). The average age of infants during the assessment was 6.6 ± 0.2 months and 30.9 ± 3.8 years for mothers (n = 39 mother⁻infant pairs). The average concentration of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was 0.50% of fatty acids. The average concentration of carotenoids was 33.3 nmol/L for β-carotene, 121 nmol/L for lycopene and 33.3 nmol/L for lutein + zeaxanthin. The total results of the Performance scale and Motor subscale were 39 centiles and 4.1 points, respectively. Adjusted multivariate regression models revealed associations between breastmilk DHA and motor development (β = 0.275; p ≤ 0.05), α-linolenic acid (ALA; β = 0.432; p ≤ 0.05), n-3 LC PUFA (β = 0.423; p ≤ 0.05) and β-carotene (β = 0.359; p ≤ 0.05). In addition, an association between the Perception subscale and DHA was observed (β = 0.316; p ≤ 0.05; model 2). There were no significant associations between the overall Performance scale scores. Due to the positive association between concentrations of n-3 LC PUFA (ALA and DHA) and β-carotene in breastmilk and infant motor development, it is important to provide these nutrients with breastmilk. According to the diet-dependent concentration of these compounds in breastmilk, breastfeeding mothers should have a diet abundant in dietary sources of these nutrients, e.g., fish, nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, vegetables and fruits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika A Zielinska
- Department of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Human Nutrition and Consumer Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, 159 Nowoursynowska St., 02-776 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Jadwiga Hamulka
- Department of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Human Nutrition and Consumer Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, 159 Nowoursynowska St., 02-776 Warsaw, Poland.
| | | | - Joanna Bryś
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Food Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Nowoursynowska St. 166, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Aleksandra Wesolowska
- Laboratory of Human Milk and Lactation Research at Regional Human Milk Bank in Holy Family Hospital, Department of Neonatology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Warsaw, 63A Zwirki i Wigury St., 02-091 Warsaw, Poland.
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