1
|
Hu JMY, Arbuckle TE, Janssen PA, Lanphear BP, Alampi JD, Braun JM, MacFarlane AJ, Chen A, McCandless LC. Gestational exposure to organochlorine compounds and metals and infant birth weight: effect modification by maternal hardships. Environ Health 2024; 23:60. [PMID: 38951908 PMCID: PMC11218229 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-024-01095-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gestational exposure to toxic environmental chemicals and maternal social hardships are individually associated with impaired fetal growth, but it is unclear whether the effects of environmental chemical exposure on infant birth weight are modified by maternal hardships. METHODS We used data from the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) Study, a pan-Canadian cohort of 1982 pregnant females enrolled between 2008 and 2011. We quantified eleven environmental chemical concentrations from two chemical classes - six organochlorine compounds (OCs) and five metals - that were detected in ≥ 70% of blood samples collected during the first trimester. We examined fetal growth using birth weight adjusted for gestational age and assessed nine maternal hardships by questionnaire. Each maternal hardship variable was dichotomized to indicate whether the females experienced the hardship. In our analysis, we used elastic net to select the environmental chemicals, maternal hardships, and 2-way interactions between maternal hardships and environmental chemicals that were most predictive of birth weight. Next, we obtained effect estimates using multiple linear regression, and plotted the relationships by hardship status for visual interpretation. RESULTS Elastic net selected trans-nonachlor, lead, low educational status, racially minoritized background, and low supplemental folic acid intake. All were inversely associated with birth weight. Elastic net also selected interaction terms. Among those with increasing environmental chemical exposures and reported hardships, we observed stronger negative associations and a few positive associations. For example, every two-fold increase in lead concentrations was more strongly associated with reduced infant birth weight among participants with low educational status (β = -100 g (g); 95% confidence interval (CI): -215, 16), than those with higher educational status (β = -34 g; 95% CI: -63, -3). In contrast, every two-fold increase in mercury concentrations was associated with slightly higher birth weight among participants with low educational status (β = 23 g; 95% CI: -25, 71) compared to those with higher educational status (β = -9 g; 95% CI: -24, 6). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that maternal hardships can modify the associations of gestational exposure to some OCs and metals with infant birth weight.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janice M Y Hu
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, 101 Tunney's Pasture Driveway, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada.
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada.
| | - Tye E Arbuckle
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, 101 Tunney's Pasture Driveway, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Patricia A Janssen
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Bruce P Lanphear
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Joshua D Alampi
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Joseph M Braun
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Amanda J MacFarlane
- Texas A&M Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Evidence Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Aimin Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Vejrup K, Brantsæter AL, Caspersen IH, Haug LS, Villanger GD, Aase H, Knutsen HK. Mercury exposure in the Norwegian Mother, Father, and Child Cohort Study - measured and predicted blood concentrations and associations with birth weight. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30246. [PMID: 38726118 PMCID: PMC11078626 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Blood total mercury concentration (BTHg) predominantly contains methyl Hg from seafood, and less inorganic Hg. Measured BTHg is often available only in a small proportion of large cohort study samples. Associations between estimated dietary intake of total Hg (THg) and lower birth weight within strata of maternal seafood intake was previously reported in the Norwegian Mother, Father, and Child Cohort Study (MoBa). However, maternal seafood consumption was associated with increased birth weight, indicating negative confounding by seafood in the association between THg intake and birth weight. Using predicted BTHg as a proxy for measured BTHg, we hypothesized that predicted BTHg would be associated with decreased birth weight. Objectives To develop and validate a prediction model for BTHg in MoBa and to examine the association between predicted BTHg and birth weight in the MoBa population. Methods Using linear regression, measured maternal BTHg (n = 1437) was used to build the best fitting model (highest R-squared value). Model validation (n = 1436) was based on correlation and weighted Kappa (Кw). Associations between predicted BTHg in the MoBa population (n = 86,775) or measured BTHg (n = 3590) and birth weight were assessed by multivariate linear regression models. Results The best fitting model had R-squared = 0.3 and showed strong correlation (r = 0.53, p < 0.001) between predicted and measured BTHg. Cross-classification (quintiles) showed 73 % correctly classified and 3.3 % grossly misclassified, with Кw of 0.37. Measured BTHg was not associated with birth weight. Predicted BTHg was significantly associated with higher birth weight. There were no trends in birth weight with increasing quintiles of measured or predicted BTHg after stratification into high or low seafood consumption. Conclusions The results indicate that prediction of BTHg did not overcome negative confounding of the association between Hg exposure and birth weight by seafood intake. Furthermore, effect on birth weight of toxicological concern is unexpected in our observed BTHg range.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristine Vejrup
- Institute of Military Epidemiology, Norwegian Armed Forces Joint Medical Serviced, Norway
| | - Anne Lise Brantsæter
- Department of Food Safety and Centre for Sustainable Diets, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Norway
| | - Ida H. Caspersen
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Norway
| | - Line S. Haug
- Department of Food Safety and Centre for Sustainable Diets, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Norway
| | - Gro D. Villanger
- Department of Child Health and Development, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Norway
| | - Heidi Aase
- Department of Child Health and Development, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Norway
| | - Helle K. Knutsen
- Department of Food Safety and Centre for Sustainable Diets, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kinjo Y, Shibata E, Askew DJ, Tanaka R, Suga R, Shimono M, Sakuragi T, Morokuma S, Ogawa M, Sanefuji M, Hamada N, Ochiai M, Ohga S, Tsuji M, Kusuhara K, Yoshino K. Association of placental weight at birth with maternal whole blood concentration of heavy metals (cadmium, lead, mercury, selenium, and manganese): The Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS). ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 188:108725. [PMID: 38759546 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lifelong health is dependent on prenatal growth and development, influenced by the placental intrauterine environment. Charged with dual functions--exchange of oxygen and nutrients as well as a barrier against toxins--the placenta itself is susceptible to environmental exposure to heavy metals. OBJECTIVE To examine the use of placenta weight as a biomarker for heavy metal exposure using a large Japanese cohort of pregnant women. METHODS The placenta weight, as a biomarker of exposure to heavy metals (cadmium, lead, and mercury), was investigated using data from the Japan Environment and Children's Study (2011-2014). Selenium and manganese were included as factors directly affecting fetal growth or heavy metal toxicity. Maternal blood samples collected in the second or third trimester were used to measure heavy metal concentrations. The association between maternal blood metal concentrations and placenta weight was explored by applying Z scores and multivariable logistic regression analysis and classifying participants into quartiles (Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4) according to metal concentrations. RESULTS This study included a total of 73,005 singleton pregnant women who delivered via live births and met the inclusion criteria. The median heavy metal concentrations in the maternal whole blood were 0.662 ng/g cadmium, 5.85 ng/g lead, 3.61 ng/g mercury, 168 ng/g selenium, and 15.3 ng/g manganese. Regression analysis revealed a significant correlation between placenta weight Z scores and maternal blood metal concentrations: cadmium, 0.0660 (standard error = 0.0074, p < 0.001); selenium, -0.3137 (standard error = 0.0276, p < 0.001); and manganese, 0.1483 (standard error = 0.0110, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION This study provides a robust examination of the association between heavy metal exposure and placenta weight. Cadmium and manganese showed a positive correlation with significant differences, whereas selenium showed a negative correlation. Essential elements notably affect placenta weight differently. No significant association was noted between lead or mercury and placenta weight.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasuyuki Kinjo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakushu 807-8555, Japan.
| | - Eiji Shibata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakushu 807-8555, Japan.
| | - David J Askew
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakushu 807-8555, Japan.
| | - Rie Tanaka
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakushu 807-8555, Japan.
| | - Reiko Suga
- Regional Center for Japan Environment and Children's Study, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakushu, Fukuoka 807-8555, Japan.
| | - Masayuki Shimono
- Regional Center for Japan Environment and Children's Study, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakushu, Fukuoka 807-8555, Japan.
| | - Toshihide Sakuragi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakushu 807-8555, Japan; Department of Environmental Health, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakushu 807-8555, Japan.
| | - Seiichi Morokuma
- Department of Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan.
| | - Masanobu Ogawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan.
| | - Masafumi Sanefuji
- Research Center for Environmental and Developmental Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, 5-1-1 Nabeshima, Saga 849-8501, Japan.
| | - Norio Hamada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; Research Center for Environmental and Developmental Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan.
| | - Masayuki Ochiai
- Research Center for Environmental and Developmental Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan.
| | - Shouichi Ohga
- Research Center for Environmental and Developmental Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan.
| | - Mayumi Tsuji
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakushu 807-8555, Japan; Regional Center for Japan Environment and Children's Study, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakushu, Fukuoka 807-8555, Japan.
| | - Koichi Kusuhara
- Regional Center for Japan Environment and Children's Study, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakushu, Fukuoka 807-8555, Japan; Department of Pediatrics, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakushu 807-8555, Japan.
| | - Kiyoshi Yoshino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakushu 807-8555, Japan; Regional Center for Japan Environment and Children's Study, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakushu, Fukuoka 807-8555, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Armatussolikha HR, Winarni TI, Maharani N, Dewantiningrum J, Muniroh M. Impact of GSTT1 AND GSTM1 variants and hair mercury concentration in maternal blood pressure among coastal pregnant women in Central Java, Indonesia. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 125:108574. [PMID: 38462212 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
The GSTT1 and GSTM1 genes have a role in mercury metabolism and excretion, as well as blood pressure response, impacting birth outcomes. The present study assesses whether GSTT1 and GSTM1 deletion variants and maternal hair Hg concentration are associated with blood pressure and birth outcomes among the Indonesian coastal pregnant mother population. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 139 pregnant women in the Jepara coastal area of Central Java, Indonesia. Maternal characteristics during pregnancy, including blood pressure and birth outcomes, were collected. GSTT1 and GSTM1 gene variants were detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Hair Hg levels were measured using the reducing-vaporization mercury analyzer. The mean maternal hair Hg concentration was 0.727±0.558 μg/g. GSTT1 genotype homozygous deletion was found in 41.7% of subjects, while no GSTM1 deletion was found. No statistically significant difference was found between deletion and non-deletion groups for hair Hg. GSTT1 deletion genotype shows protection but is inconclusive toward diastolic hypertension (p=0.048, OR 0.285, CI 0.077-1.052) and insignificant with birth outcomes (all p>0.05). High hair Hg concentration and positive history of cardiovascular diseases increase the risk of systolic and diastolic hypertension during pregnancy with OR 6.871 (CI 95% 1.445-32.660) and 8.518 (CI 95% 2.126-34.125), respectively, while not in birth outcomes. Maternal Hg exposure and history of cardiovascular diseases are independent risk factors for pregnant hypertension, whereas the GSTT1 homozygous deletion genotype has no role in diastolic hypertension and birth outcomes among the Indonesian coastal pregnant mother population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Herna Rizkia Armatussolikha
- Magister Program of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang 50275, Indonesia
| | - Tri Indah Winarni
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang, Central Java 50275, Indonesia; Center for Biomedical Research (CEBIOR), Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang, Central Java 50275, Indonesia
| | - Nani Maharani
- Center for Biomedical Research (CEBIOR), Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang, Central Java 50275, Indonesia; Department of Pharmacology and Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang, Central Java 50275, Indonesia
| | - Julian Dewantiningrum
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang 50275, Indonesia
| | - Muflihatul Muniroh
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang 50275, Indonesia.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Dack K, Huang P, Taylor CM, Rai D, Lewis SJ. Environmental and genetic predictors of whole blood mercury and selenium concentrations in pregnant women in a UK birth cohort. ENVIRONMENTAL ADVANCES 2024; 15:100469. [PMID: 38562418 PMCID: PMC10951965 DOI: 10.1016/j.envadv.2023.100469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
There is evidence that tissue concentrations of mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se) are predicted by numerous dietary, sociodemographic, environmental, and genetic factors. This study aimed to estimate the relative importance of predictors of Hg and Se concentrations in blood samples taken from pregnant women. The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) in the UK measured whole blood Hg and Se concentrations in 3,972 pregnant women. We identified 30 potential predictors of Hg and 24 of Se, which were evaluated using cross-validated random forests to identify the optimal models for predictive power. The relative importance of individual variables was estimated by averaging the added-R2 per predictor. Linkage disequilibrium score regression was used to estimate the variance explained by genotype. A multivariable model of 14 predictors explained 22.4% of Hg variance (95% CI: 13.0 to 37.1), including 6.9% from blood Se and 3.2% from white fish consumption. There were 11 predictors which explained 15.3% of Se variance (CI: 8.9 to 25.9), including 6.4% from blood Hg, 1.3% from blood lead, and 1.3% from oily fish. Measured genetic variation explained 30% of Hg variance (CI: 8.4 to 51.5) and 37.5% of Se (CI: 10.4 to 64.5). A high proportion of Hg and Se variance could be explained from dietary, sociodemographic, metabolic, and genetic factors. Seafood consumption was less predictive of Hg than may be expected and other factors should be considered when determining risk of exposure. There was tentative evidence that genotype is a major contributor to Hg and Se variation, possibly by modifying the efficacy of internal metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Dack
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Peiyuan Huang
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Caroline M Taylor
- Centre for Academic Child Health, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Dheeraj Rai
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Sarah J Lewis
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Margolis ET, Gabard-Durnam LJ. Prenatal influences on postnatal neuroplasticity: Integrating DOHaD and sensitive/critical period frameworks to understand biological embedding in early development. INFANCY 2024. [PMID: 38449347 DOI: 10.1111/infa.12588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Early environments can have significant and lasting effects on brain, body, and behavior across the lifecourse. Here, we address current research efforts to understand how experiences impact neurodevelopment with a new perspective integrating two well-known conceptual frameworks - the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) and sensitive/critical period frameworks. Specifically, we consider how prenatal experiences characterized in the DOHaD model impact two key neurobiological mechanisms of sensitive/critical periods for adapting to and learning from the postnatal environment. We draw from both animal and human research to summarize the current state of knowledge on how particular prenatal substance exposures (psychoactive substances and heavy metals) and nutritional profiles (protein-energy malnutrition and iron deficiency) each differentially impact brain circuits' excitation/GABAergic inhibition balance and myelination. Finally, we highlight new research directions that emerge from this integrated framework, including testing how prenatal environments alter sensitive/critical period timing and learning and identifying potential promotional/buffering prenatal exposures to impact postnatal sensitive/critical periods. We hope this integrative framework considering prenatal influences on postnatal neuroplasticity will stimulate new research to understand how early environments have lasting consequences on our brains, behavior, and health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma T Margolis
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Issah I, Duah MS, Arko-Mensah J, Bawua SA, Agyekum TP, Fobil JN. Exposure to metal mixtures and adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes: A systematic review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:168380. [PMID: 37963536 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168380] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal exposure to metal mixtures is associated with adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes like low birth weight, preterm birth, and small for gestational age. However, prior studies have used individual metal analysis, lacking real-life exposure scenarios. OBJECTIVES This systematic review aims to evaluate the strength and consistency of the association between metal mixtures and pregnancy and birth outcomes, identify research gaps, and inform future studies and policies in this area. METHODS The review adhered to the updated Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) checklist, along with the guidelines for conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses of observational studies of etiology (COSMOS-E). Our data collection involved searching the PubMed, MEDLINE, and SCOPUS databases. We utilized inclusion criteria to identify relevant studies. These chosen studies underwent thorough screening and data extraction procedures. Methodological quality evaluations were conducted using the NOS framework for cohort and case-control studies, and the AXIS tool for cross-sectional studies. RESULTS The review included 34 epidemiological studies, half of which focused on birth weight, and the others investigated neonate size, preterm birth, small for gestational age, miscarriage, and placental characteristics. The findings revealed significant associations between metal mixtures (including mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), barium (Ba), cesium (Cs), copper (Cu), selenium (Se), and chromium (Cr)) and adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes, demonstrating diverse effects and potential interactions. CONCLUSION In conclusion, this review consistently establishes connections between metal exposure during pregnancy and adverse consequences for birth weight, gestational age, and other vital birth-related metrics. This review further demonstrates the need to apply mixture methods with caution but also shows that they can be superior to traditional approaches. Further research is warranted to deeper understand the underlying mechanisms and to develop effective strategies for mitigating the potential risks associated with metal mixture exposure during pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Issah
- West Africa Center for Global Environmental & Occupational Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Department of Surgery, Tamale Teaching Hospital, Tamale, Ghana.
| | - Mabel S Duah
- West Africa Center for Global Environmental & Occupational Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Department of Biological, Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - John Arko-Mensah
- West Africa Center for Global Environmental & Occupational Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Department of Biological, Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Serwaa A Bawua
- West Africa Center for Global Environmental & Occupational Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Department of Biological, Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Thomas P Agyekum
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health and Safety, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi 00233, Ghana
| | - Julius N Fobil
- West Africa Center for Global Environmental & Occupational Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Department of Biological, Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Howe CG, Armstrong DA, Muse ME, Gilbert-Diamond D, Gui J, Hoen AG, Palys TJ, Barnaby RL, Stanton BA, Jackson BP, Christensen BC, Karagas MR. Periconceptional and Prenatal Exposure to Metals and Extracellular Vesicle and Particle miRNAs in Human Milk: A Pilot Study. EXPOSURE AND HEALTH 2023; 15:731-743. [PMID: 38074282 PMCID: PMC10707483 DOI: 10.1007/s12403-022-00520-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Human milk is a rich source of microRNAs (miRNAs), which can be transported by extracellular vesicles and particles (EVPs) and are hypothesized to contribute to maternal-offspring communication and child development. Environmental contaminant impacts on EVP miRNAs in human milk are largely unknown. In a pilot study of 54 mother-child pairs from the New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study, we examined relationships between five metals (arsenic, lead, manganese, mercury, and selenium) measured in maternal toenail clippings, reflecting exposures during the periconceptional and prenatal periods, and EVP miRNA levels in human milk. 798 miRNAs were profiled using the NanoString nCounter platform; 200 miRNAs were widely detectable and retained for downstream analyses. Metal-miRNA associations were evaluated using covariate-adjusted robust linear regression models. Arsenic exposure during the periconceptional and prenatal periods was associated with lower total miRNA content in human milk EVPs (PBonferroni < 0.05). When evaluating miRNAs individually, 13 miRNAs were inversely associated with arsenic exposure, two in the periconceptional period and 11 in the prenatal period (PBonferroni < 0.05). Other metal-miRNA associations were not statistically significant after multiple testing correction (PBonferroni ≥ 0.05). Many of the arsenic-associated miRNAs are involved in lactation and have anti-inflammatory properties in the intestine and tumor suppressive functions in breast cells. Our findings raise the possibility that periconceptional and prenatal arsenic exposure may reduce levels of multiple miRNAs in human milk EVPs. However, larger confirmatory studies, which can apply environmental mixture approaches, evaluate potential effect modifiers of these relationships, and examine possible downstream consequences for maternal and child health and breastfeeding outcomes, are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin G. Howe
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, 1 Medical Center Dr, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - David A. Armstrong
- Department of Dermatology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, 1 Medical Center Dr, Lebanon, NH, USA
- Research Service, VA Medical Center, 215 N Main St, White River Junction, VT, USA
| | - Meghan E. Muse
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, 1 Medical Center Dr, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Diane Gilbert-Diamond
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, 1 Medical Center Dr, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Jiang Gui
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, 1 Medical Center Dr, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Anne G. Hoen
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, 1 Medical Center Dr, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Thomas J. Palys
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, 1 Medical Center Dr, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Roxanna L. Barnaby
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, 66 College St, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Bruce A. Stanton
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, 66 College St, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Brian P. Jackson
- Department of Earth Sciences, Dartmouth College, 6105 Sherman Fairchild Hall, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Brock C. Christensen
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, 1 Medical Center Dr, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Margaret R. Karagas
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, 1 Medical Center Dr, Lebanon, NH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Dack K, Bustamante M, Taylor CM, Llop S, Lozano M, Yousefi P, Gražulevičienė R, Gutzkow KB, Brantsæter AL, Mason D, Escaramís G, Lewis SJ. Genome-Wide Association Study of Blood Mercury in European Pregnant Women and Children. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:2123. [PMID: 38136945 PMCID: PMC10742428 DOI: 10.3390/genes14122123] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Mercury has high industrial utility and is present in many products, and environmental contamination and occupational exposure are widespread. There are numerous biological systems involved in the absorption, metabolism, and excretion of Hg, and it is possible that some systems may be impacted by genetic variation. If so, genotype may affect tissue concentrations of Hg and subsequent toxic effects. Genome-wide association testing was performed on blood Hg samples from pregnant women of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (n = 2893) and children of the Human Early Life Exposome (n = 1042). Directly-genotyped single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were imputed to the Haplotype Reference Consortium r1.1 panel of whole genotypes and modelled againstlog-transformed Hg. Heritability was estimated using linkage disequilibrium score regression. The heritability of Hg was estimated as 24.0% (95% CI: 16.9% to 46.4%) in pregnant women, but could not be determined in children. There were 16 SNPs associated with Hg in pregnant women above a suggestive p-value threshold (p < 1 × 10-5), and 21 for children. However, no SNP passed this threshold in both studies, and none were genome-wide significant (p < 5 × 10-8). SNP-Hg associations were highly discordant between women and children, and this may reflect differences in metabolism, a gene-age interaction, or dose-response effects. Several suggestive variants had plausible links to Hg metabolism, such as rs146099921 in metal transporter SLC39A14, and two variants (rs28618224, rs7154700) in potassium voltage-gated channel genes. The findings would benefit from external validation, as suggestive results may contain both true associations and false positives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Dack
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TH, UK; (K.D.)
| | - Mariona Bustamante
- ISGlobal, Institute for Global Health, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), 08018 Barcelona, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain (G.E.)
| | - Caroline M. Taylor
- Centre for Academic Child Health, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2PS, UK;
| | - Sabrina Llop
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain (G.E.)
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO- Universitat Jaume I - Universitat de València, 46020 Valencia, Spain
| | - Manuel Lozano
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO- Universitat Jaume I - Universitat de València, 46020 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Preventative Medicine, Food Sciences, Toxicology and Forensic Medicine Department, Universitat de València, 46100 Valencia, Spain
| | - Paul Yousefi
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TH, UK; (K.D.)
| | - Regina Gražulevičienė
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, 53361 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Kristine Bjerve Gutzkow
- Department of Air Quality and Noise, Division of Climate and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 222 Skoyen, NO-0213 Oslo, Norway;
| | - Anne Lise Brantsæter
- Department of Food Safety, Division of Climate and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 222 Skoyen, NO-0213 Oslo, Norway
| | - Dan Mason
- Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Duckworth Lane, Bradford BD9 6RJ, UK
| | - Georgia Escaramís
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain (G.E.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sarah J. Lewis
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TH, UK; (K.D.)
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TH, UK
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Aly SM, Elfiky S, Mohamed YG, Soliman RAM, Shalaby N, Beauval N, Gaulier JM, Allorge D, Omran A. Lead, Mercury, and Cadmium Concentrations in Blood Products Transfused to Neonates: Elimination Not Just Mitigation. TOXICS 2023; 11:712. [PMID: 37624217 PMCID: PMC10458708 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11080712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd) are identified as potent developmental neurotoxicants. Neonates are the main group receiving multiple blood transfusions. The exposure of neonates to these heavy metals (HMs) can occur through blood transfusions. This study aimed to determine the concentrations of lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd) in various blood products (plasma, platelets, packed red blood cells (pRBCs), and whole blood (WB)) to explore the probability of concurrent exposure of these HMs and to identify the metal load per transfusion with risk assessment. Residual bloods from blood bank bags were collected after neonatal transfusion. Pb, Hg, and Cd concentrations were determined in 120 samples of blood products by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Pb and Cd levels were over the normal levels in 19.2 and 5.9% of all blood units, respectively. In 35 and 0.8% of blood units, the Pb and Cd concentrations, respectively, were higher than that recommended for transfusions in premature neonates. The anticipated safe value was surpassed by 2.5% for Cd of all transfusions, primarily because of WB. However, Hg was detected only in 5.8% of all samples and their concentrations were within the normal range. The concurrent neonatal exposure to Pb, Hg, and Cd was statistically significant. Hazard quotients of Hg and Cr were >1 and Pb cancer risk was 2.41 × 10-4. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first report examining Pb, Hg, and Cd in blood products other than WB and pRBCs using ICP-MS. This study demonstrated the exposure of neonates to Pb, Hg, and Cd during transfusion with a considerable amount of Pb. It confirms the significant concurrent exposure to the three HMs, which maximize their potential developmental neurotoxicity with a high probability of developing non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanaa M. Aly
- Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
- CHU Lille, Service de Toxicologie-Génopathies, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Samar Elfiky
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | - Yasmine G. Mohamed
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | - Radwa A. M. Soliman
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | - Nancy Shalaby
- Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Damietta University, New Damietta 34517, Egypt
| | - Nicolas Beauval
- CHU Lille, Service de Toxicologie-Génopathies, F-59000 Lille, France
- Université de Lille, ULR 4483—IMPECS—IMPact de l’Environnement Chimique sur la Santé Humaine, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Jean-Michel Gaulier
- CHU Lille, Service de Toxicologie-Génopathies, F-59000 Lille, France
- Université de Lille, ULR 4483—IMPECS—IMPact de l’Environnement Chimique sur la Santé Humaine, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Delphine Allorge
- CHU Lille, Service de Toxicologie-Génopathies, F-59000 Lille, France
- Université de Lille, ULR 4483—IMPECS—IMPact de l’Environnement Chimique sur la Santé Humaine, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Ahmed Omran
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Dettwiler M, Flynn AC, Rigutto-Farebrother J. Effects of Non-Essential "Toxic" Trace Elements on Pregnancy Outcomes: A Narrative Overview of Recent Literature Syntheses. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5536. [PMID: 37107818 PMCID: PMC10139051 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20085536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Adverse pregnancy outcomes and their complications cause increased maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality and contribute considerably to the global burden of disease. In the last two decades, numerous narrative and systematic reviews have emerged assessing non-essential, potentially harmful, trace element exposure as a potential risk factor. This narrative review summarizes the recent literature covering associations between exposure to cadmium, lead, arsenic, and mercury and pregnancy outcomes and highlights common limitations of existing evidence that may hinder decision-making within public health. Several initial scoping searches informed our review, and we searched PubMed (latest date July 2022) for the literature published within the last five years reporting on cadmium, lead, arsenic, or mercury and pre-eclampsia, preterm birth, or prenatal growth. Pre-eclampsia may be associated with cadmium and strongly associated with lead exposure, and exposure to these metals may increase risk of preterm birth. Many reviews have observed cadmium to be negatively associated with birth weight. Additionally, lead and arsenic exposure may be negatively associated with birth weight, with arsenic exposure also adversely affecting birth length and head circumference. These findings should be interpreted with caution due to the limitations of the reviews summarized in this paper, including high heterogeneity due to different exposure assessment methods, study designs, and timing of sampling. Other common limitations were the low quality of the included studies, differences in confounding variables, the low number of studies, and small sample sizes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Dettwiler
- Human Nutrition Laboratory, Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Angela C. Flynn
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, King’s College London, London SE1 9NH, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Dantas ADO, Castro TDSDSD, Câmara VDM, Santos ADSE, Asmus CIRF, Vianna ADS. Maternal Mercury Exposure and Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: A Systematic Review. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE GINECOLOGIA E OBSTETRICIA : REVISTA DA FEDERACAO BRASILEIRA DAS SOCIEDADES DE GINECOLOGIA E OBSTETRICIA 2022; 44:1126-1133. [PMID: 36580940 PMCID: PMC9800149 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1760215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present review aimed to synthesize the evidence regarding mercury (Hg) exposure and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP). DATA SOURCES The PubMed, BVS/LILACS, SciELO and UFRJ's Pantheon Digital Library databases were systematically searched through June 2021. STUDY SELECTION Observational analytical articles, written in English, Spanish, or Portuguese, without time restriction. DATA COLLECTION We followed the PICOS strategy, and the methodological quality was assessed using the Downs and Black checklist. DATA SYNTHESIS We retrieved 77 articles, of which 6 met the review criteria. They comprised 4,848 participants, of which 809 (16.7%) had HDP and 4,724 (97.4%) were environmentally exposed to Hg (fish consumption and dental amalgam). Mercury biomarkers evaluated were blood (four studies) and urine (two studies). Two studies found a positive association between Hg and HDP in the group with more exposure, and the other four did not present it. The quality assessment revealed three satisfactory and three good-rated studies (mean: 19.3 ± 1.6 out 28 points). The absence or no proper adjustment for negative confounding factor, such as fish consumption, was observed in five studies. CONCLUSION We retrieved only six studies, although Hg is a widespread toxic metal and pregnancy is a period of heightened susceptibility to environmental threats and cardiovascular risk. Overall, our review showed mixed results, with two studies reporting a positive association in the group with more exposure. However, due to the importance of the subject, additional studies are needed to elucidate the effects of Hg on HDP, with particular attention to adjusting negative confounding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aline de Oliveira Dantas
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil,Address for correspondence Aline de Oliveira Dantas, medical student Universidade Federal do Rio de JaneiroAv. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, 2° andar, Sala 49, 21044-020, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJBrazil
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Dack K, Wootton RE, Taylor CM, Lewis SJ. Prenatal Mercury Exposure and Infant Weight Trajectories in a UK Observational Birth Cohort. TOXICS 2022; 11:10. [PMID: 36668736 PMCID: PMC9864311 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11010010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Mercury is highly toxic metal found in trace quantities in common foods. There is concern that exposure during pregnancy could impair infant development. Epidemiological evidence is mixed, but few studies have examined postnatal growth. Differences in nutrition, exposures, and the living environment after birth may make it easier to detect a negative impact from mercury toxicity on infant growth. This study includes 544 mother-child pairs from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. Blood mercury was measured in early pregnancy and infant weight at 10 intervals between 4 and 61 months. Mixed-effect models were used to estimate the change in infant weight associated with prenatal mercury exposure. The estimated difference in monthly weight gain was -0.02 kg per 1 standard deviation increase in Hg (95% confidence intervals: -0.10 to 0.06 kg). When restricted to the 10th decile of Hg, the association with weight at each age level was consistently negative but with wide confidence intervals. The lack of evidence for an association may indicate that at Hg levels in this cohort (median 1.9 µg/L) there is minimal biological impact, and the effect is too small to be either clinically relevant or detectable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Dack
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Robyn E. Wootton
- Nic Waals Institute, Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital, 0771 Oslo, Norway
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Caroline M. Taylor
- Centre for Academic Child Health, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1NU, UK
| | - Sarah J. Lewis
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Bloom MS, Varde M, Newman RB. Environmental toxicants and placental function. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2022; 85:105-120. [PMID: 36274037 PMCID: PMC11184919 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2022.09.003] [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: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The placenta is a temporary endocrine organ that facilitates gas, nutrient, and waste exchange between maternal and fetal compartments, partially shielding the fetus from potentially hazardous environmental toxicants. However, rather than being "opaque", the placenta is translucent or even transparent to some potential fetal developmental hazards, including toxic trace elements (TEs), perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and environmental phenols (EPs) to which women with pregnancy are frequently exposed. These agents are both passively and actively transferred to the fetal compartment, where endocrine disruption, oxidative stress, and epigenetic changes may occur. These pathologies may directly impact the fetus or deposit and accumulate in the placenta to indirectly impact fetal development. Thus, it is critical for clinicians to understand the potential placental toxicity and transfer of widely distributed environmental agents ubiquitous during pregnancy. With such knowledge, targeted interventions and clinical recommendations can be developed to limit those risks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Bloom
- Department of Global and Community Health, George Mason University, 4400 University Dr., MS 5B7, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA.
| | - Meghana Varde
- Department of Global and Community Health, George Mason University, 4400 University Dr., MS 5B7, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA.
| | - Roger B Newman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, Rm 634, Clinical Science Bldg., 96 Jonathan Lucas St., Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ventre S, Desai G, Roberson R, Kordas K. Toxic metal exposures from infant diets: Risk prevention strategies for caregivers and health care professionals. Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care 2022; 52:101276. [PMID: 36266220 DOI: 10.1016/j.cppeds.2022.101276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Concerns are growing regarding the presence of toxic elements such as arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) in the ingredients and prepared foods for infants and young children. There are few clear, evidence-based, guidelines on the maximum tolerable limits of toxicants in foods and little understanding of toxicant exposure or adverse health effects attributable to dietary exposure. Caregivers are faced with the burden of making decisions about which foods to select, how often to feed them to their children, and what foods to limit. This article reviews the current literature and existing recommendations on dietary exposure to toxic elements in children under 2 years of age, and their health effects in early childhood-focusing on growth, neurodevelopment, and immune function. The article also outlines best practices for healthcare providers to address the concerns of toxic element exposure through the diet in young children. Several foods consistently appear in the literature as potential sources of toxic element exposure. Contaminated drinking and cooking water, including water used to prepare infant formula, could also be a major exposure source. In the absence of stronger evidence on effects of dietary modification, exclusive breastfeeding until six months of age, followed by a diverse diet are some strategies to reduce dietary toxic element exposure while ensuring an adequate and balanced nutrient intake. Healthcare providers can support families by sharing information and encouraging blood Pb testing, the only element for which such testing is currently recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Ventre
- Department of Pediatrics, University at Buffalo, USA; New York State Children's Environmental Health Center, USA.
| | - Gauri Desai
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University at Buffalo, USA
| | | | - Katarzyna Kordas
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University at Buffalo, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Żmudzińska A, Puścion-Jakubik A, Bielecka J, Grabia M, Soroczyńska J, Mielcarek K, Socha K. Health Safety Assessment of Ready-to-Eat Products Consumed by Children Aged 0.5-3 Years on the Polish Market. Nutrients 2022; 14:2325. [PMID: 35684125 PMCID: PMC9183086 DOI: 10.3390/nu14112325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxic elements have a negative impact on health, especially among infants and young children. Even low levels of exposure can impair the normal growth and development of children. In young children, all organs and metabolic processes are insufficiently developed, making them particularly vulnerable to the effects of toxic elements. The aim of this study is to estimate the concentration of toxic elements in products consumed by infants and young children. The health risk of young children due to consumption of ready-made products potentially contaminated with As (arsenic), Cd (cadmium), Hg (mercury), and Pb (lead) was also assessed. A total of 397 samples (dinners, porridges, mousses, snacks "for the handle", baby drinks, dairy) were analyzed for the content of toxic elements. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to assess As, Cd, and Pb concentration. The determination of Hg was performed by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). In order to estimate children's exposure to toxic elements, the content of indicators was also assessed: estimated daily intake (EDI), estimated weekly intake (EWI), provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI), provisional tolerable monthly intake (PTMI), the benchmark dose lower confidence limit (BMDL), target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI), and cancer risk (CR). The average content of As, Cd, Hg, and Pb for all ready-made products for children is: 1.411 ± 0.248 µg/kg, 2.077 ± 0.154 µg/kg, 3.161 ± 0.159 µg/kg, and 9.265 ± 0.443 µg/kg, respectively. The highest content As was found in wafer/crisps (84.71 µg/kg); in the case of Cd, dinners with fish (20.15 µg/kg); for Hg, dinners with poultry (37.25 µg/kg); and for Pb, fruit mousse (138.99 µg/kg). The results showed that 4.53% of the samples attempted to exceed Pb, and 1.5% exceeded levels of Hg. The highest value of THQ was made in the case of drinks, for Cd and Pb in mousses for children, and Hg for dairy products. The THQ, BMDL, and PTWI ratios were not exceeded. The analyzed ready-to-eat products for children aged 0.5-3 years may contain toxic elements, but most of them appear to be harmless to health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anita Żmudzińska
- Department of Bromatology, Faculty of Pharmacy with the Division of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2D Street, 15-222 Białystok, Poland; (A.P.-J.); (J.B.); (M.G.); (J.S.); (K.M.); (K.S.)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Free Cortisol Mediates Associations of Maternal Urinary Heavy Metals with Neonatal Anthropometric Measures: A Cross-Sectional Study. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10040167. [PMID: 35448428 PMCID: PMC9032588 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10040167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to heavy metals is known to be associated with adverse birth outcomes and oxidative stress biomarkers. In this study, we examined whether maternal free cortisol or 8-Hydroxy-2-Deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) could mediate associations between maternal heavy metal exposure and birth outcomes. A total of 182 healthy pregnant women were recruited. Heavy metals (including Pb, Hg, and Cd), free-cortisol, and 8-OHdG were analyzed in urine at delivery. Birth outcomes including birth weight, length, Ponderal index, and head circumference were measured. To examine associations of maternal urinary heavy metals with biomarkers and birth outcomes, generalized linear models were employed. Birth length was positively associated with Pb (β = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.09−1.46) and Hg (β = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.23−1.45) (both p < 0.05). The Ponderal index, a measure of a newborn’s leanness, was negatively associated with maternal urinary Pb (β = −0.23, 95% CI: −0.46−−0.07) and Hg (β = −0.26, 95% CI: −0.44−−0.08) (both p < 0.05). No association between maternal Cd and birth outcomes was observed. Most heavy metals showed positive associations with free cortisol and 8-OHdG. Free cortisol was identified as a mediator underlying the observed relationship between Hg and birth length or Ponderal index. This study observed adverse birth outcomes from maternal exposures to Pb and Hg. Increased free cortisol related to Hg exposure was suggested as a possible causal pathway from Hg exposure to birth outcomes such as the Ponderal index.
Collapse
|