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Kuzukiran O, Yurdakok-Dikmen B, Uyar R, Turgut-Birer Y, Çelik HT, Simsek I, Karakas-Alkan K, Boztepe UG, Ozyuncu O, Kanca H, Ozdag H, Filazi A. Transcriptomic evaluation of metals detected in placenta. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 363:142929. [PMID: 39048050 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
This research aims to assess the concentration of metals in human and canine placentas from the same geographic area and to investigate how these metal levels influence gene expression within the placenta. Placentas of 25 dogs and 60 women who had recently given birth residing in Ankara, Turkey were collected and subjected to metal analysis using ICP-OES. Placentas with detectable metal levels underwent further examination including Next Generation Sequencing, transcriptional analysis, single nucleotide polymorphism investigation, and extensive scrutiny across various groups. For women, placentas with concurrent detection of aluminum (Al), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) underwent transcriptomic analysis based on metal analysis results. However, the metal load in dog placentas was insufficient for comparison. Paired-end sequencing with 100-base pair read lengths was conducted using the DNBseq platform. Sequencing quality control was evaluated using FastQC, fastq screen, and MultiQC. RNA-sequencing data is publicly available via PRJNA936158. Comparative analyses were performed between samples with detected metals and "golden" samples devoid of these metals, revealing significant gene lists and read counts. Normalization of read counts was based on estimated size factors. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to all genes using rlog-transformed count data. Results indicate that metal exposure significantly influences placental gene expression, impacting various biological processes and pathways, notably those related to protein synthesis, immune responses, and cellular structure. Upregulation of immune-related pathways and alterations in protein synthesis machinery suggest potential defense mechanisms against metal toxicity. Nonetheless, these changes may adversely affect placental function and fetal health, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and mitigating environmental exposure to metals during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozgur Kuzukiran
- Cankiri Karatekin University, Eldivan Vocational School of Health Sciences, Veterinary Department, Cankiri, Turkey.
| | - Begum Yurdakok-Dikmen
- Ankara University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 06070, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Recep Uyar
- Ankara University, The Stem Cell Institute, Ankara, Turkey; Ankara University, Graduate School of Health Sciences, 06070, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Yagmur Turgut-Birer
- Ankara University, Graduate School of Health Sciences, 06070, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Hasan Tolga Çelik
- Hacettepe University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Child Health and Diseases, Section of Neonatology, 06230, Altindag, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Ilker Simsek
- Cankiri Karatekin University, Eldivan Vocational School of Health Sciences, Cankiri, Turkey.
| | - Kubra Karakas-Alkan
- Selcuk University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Konya, Turkey.
| | - Ummu Gulsum Boztepe
- Ankara University, Graduate School of Health Sciences, 06070, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Ozgur Ozyuncu
- Hacettepe University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 06230, Altindag, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Halit Kanca
- Ankara University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Hilal Ozdag
- Ankara University Biotechnology Institute, 06135, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Ayhan Filazi
- Ankara University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 06070, Ankara, Turkey.
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Naccari C, Ferrantelli V, Cammilleri G, Galluzzo FG, Macaluso A, Riolo P, Lo Dico GM, Bava R, Palma E. Metal Levels in Striped Dolphins ( Stenella coeruleoalba) and Common Dolphins ( Delphinus delphis) Stranded along the Sicilian Coastlines of the Mediterranean Sea. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:2063. [PMID: 39061525 PMCID: PMC11274124 DOI: 10.3390/ani14142063] [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: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Dolphins, top predators of the aquatic food chain, are used as sentinel species of marine pollution as they are sensitive to environmental changes and able to accumulate a large content of contaminants. Several EU directives promote study of marine mammalians as bio-indicators to evaluate the presence of contaminants in the aquatic environment, such as the Mediterranean Sea, which is rich in environmental pollutants due to its geographic and geo-morphological characteristics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the content of toxic and essential metals and metalloids (Hg, Pb, Cd, As, Se and Zn), through ICP-MS analysis, in organs/tissues (liver, muscle, lung, kidney and skin) of striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) and common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) stranded along the Sicilian coastlines of the Mediterranean Sea. The results confirm the exposure of dolphins to toxic metals and metalloids, with the highest Hg levels observed in skin and liver, although a low Metal Pollution Index (MPI) was found in all samples of both dolphin species. From a comparative analysis of trace metals and metalloids according to sex and state of development, the highest levels of Cd and As were found in females vs. males and adults vs. juveniles, except for Pb in both species, and significant differences were observed between the two species, size of specimens, and organs/tissues analyzed. The highest Hg levels were correlated to those of essential metals Se and Zn, expressed as molar ratios, to evaluate the potential synergic effect of these detoxifying elements against Hg toxicity. This study confirms the rule of Stenella coeruleoalba and Delphinus delphis as valid sentinel species of the Mediterranean Sea, to verify the trend of metals pollution in this aquatic environment and, consequently, the health of these marine species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Naccari
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (E.P.)
| | - Vincenzo Ferrantelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia “A. Mirri”, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (V.F.); (G.C.); (F.G.G.); (A.M.); (P.R.); (G.M.L.D.)
| | - Gaetano Cammilleri
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia “A. Mirri”, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (V.F.); (G.C.); (F.G.G.); (A.M.); (P.R.); (G.M.L.D.)
| | - Francesco Giuseppe Galluzzo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia “A. Mirri”, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (V.F.); (G.C.); (F.G.G.); (A.M.); (P.R.); (G.M.L.D.)
| | - Andrea Macaluso
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia “A. Mirri”, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (V.F.); (G.C.); (F.G.G.); (A.M.); (P.R.); (G.M.L.D.)
| | - Pietro Riolo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia “A. Mirri”, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (V.F.); (G.C.); (F.G.G.); (A.M.); (P.R.); (G.M.L.D.)
| | - Gianluigi Maria Lo Dico
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia “A. Mirri”, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (V.F.); (G.C.); (F.G.G.); (A.M.); (P.R.); (G.M.L.D.)
| | - Roberto Bava
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (E.P.)
| | - Ernesto Palma
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (E.P.)
- Interdepartmental Service Center—Center for Pharmacological Research, Food Safety, High Tech and Health (CIS-IRC-FSH) University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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Stojsavljević A, Marković K, Lukač A, Ristanović A, Marić N, Marković S, Šarac I, Ščančar J. Quantitative profiling and baseline intervals of trace elements in healthy lung tissues. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2024; 84:127440. [PMID: 38522290 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2024.127440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human lung tissue, as an interface with the environment, is susceptible to various environmental pollutants, including trace metals. However, quantitative data on trace metals in human lung tissues remain poorly described. METHODS This study aimed to characterize the elemental composition of histologically healthy, unaffected parts of human lung tissues, associated with non-infective, non-infiltrative, and non-malignant diseases (n = 60) for essential (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, and Se) and toxic trace elements (Sr, Ni, As, Cd, and Pb). Additionally, we investigated the influence of personal factors (sex, age, and smoking habits) on the examined trace element profiles, as well as between the trace elements correlations in the healthy human lungs. RESULTS Among the analyzed trace elements, Fe was the most prevalent, while As was the least prevalent in healthy lung tissues. Stratifying by age revealed significantly higher Cr and Co (less Sr, Ni, and Pb) and lower Se levels in older individuals (above 65 years) compared to their younger counterparts. Sex-based differences were also notable, with Cu and Co 1.2- and 2.3-fold higher levels in females than in males. Exploring the impact of smoking habits revealed a striking 10-fold increase in Cd levels in the lung tissues of smokers compared to non-smokers. Correlation analyses showed significant positive associations between concentrations of certain toxic and essential trace elements in healthy lung tissues. CONCLUSIONS This study could contribute to the establishment of baseline intervals for essential and toxic trace elements, valuable for toxicological and clinical assessment, in healthy, unaffected human lungs, and indicates the influence of sex, age, and smoking. However, further larger-scale studies are needed to make more stable conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katarina Marković
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Aleksandar Lukač
- Military Medical Academy Medical Faculty, University of Defence, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Nebojša Marić
- Military Medical Academy Medical Faculty, University of Defence, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Stefan Marković
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ivana Šarac
- Centre of Research Excellence in Nutrition and Metabolism, Group for Nutrition and Metabolism, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Janez Ščančar
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Long J, Huang H, Tang P, Liang J, Liao Q, Chen J, Pang L, Yang K, Wei H, Chen M, Wu X, Huang D, Pan D, Liu S, Zeng X, Qiu X. Associations between maternal exposure to multiple metals and metalloids and blood pressure in preschool children: A mixture-based approach. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2024; 84:127460. [PMID: 38703538 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2024.127460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to metals during pregnancy can potentially influence blood pressure (BP) in children, but few studies have examined the mixed effects of prenatal metal exposure on childhood BP. We aimed to assess the individual and combined effects of prenatal metal and metalloid exposure on BP in preschool children. METHODS A total of 217 mother-child pairs were selected from the Zhuang Birth Cohort in Guangxi, China. The maternal plasma concentrations of 20 metals [e.g. lead (Pb), rubidium (Rb), cesium (Cs), and zinc (Zn)] in early pregnancy were measured by inductively coupled plasmamass spectrometry. Childhood BP was measured in August 2021. The effects of prenatal metal exposure on childhood BP were explored by generalized linear models, restricted cubic spline and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models. RESULTS In total children, each unit increase in the log10-transformed maternal Rb concentration was associated with a 10.82-mmHg decrease (95% CI: -19.40, -2.24) in childhood diastolic BP (DBP), and each unit increase in the log10-transformed maternal Cs and Zn concentrations was associated with a 9.67-mmHg (95% CI: -16.72, -2.61) and 4.37-mmHg (95% CI: -8.68, -0.062) decrease in childhood pulse pressure (PP), respectively. The log10-transformed Rb and Cs concentrations were linearly related to DBP (P nonlinear=0.603) and PP (P nonlinear=0.962), respectively. Furthermore, an inverse association was observed between the log10-transformed Cs concentration and PP (β =-12.18; 95% CI: -22.82, -1.54) in girls, and between the log10-transformed Rb concentration and DBP (β =-12.54; 95% CI: -23.87, -1.21) in boys, while there was an increasing association between the log10-transformed Pb concentration and DBP there was an increasing in boys (β =6.06; 95% CI: 0.36, 11.77). Additionally, a U-shaped relationship was observed between the log10-transformed Pb concentration and SBP (P nonlinear=0.015) and DBP (P nonlinear=0.041) in boys. Although there was no statistically signiffcant difference, there was an inverse trend in the combined effect of maternal metal mixture exposure on childhood BP among both the total children and girls in BKMR. CONCLUSIONS Prenatal exposure to both individual and mixtures of metals and metalloids influences BP in preschool children, potentially leading to nonlinear and sex-specific effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghua Long
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China; Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Huishen Huang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Peng Tang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Jun Liang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Qian Liao
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Jiehua Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Lixiang Pang
- Department of Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Kaiqi Yang
- Department of Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Huanni Wei
- Department of Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Manlin Chen
- Department of Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Xiaolin Wu
- Department of Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Dongping Huang
- Department of Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Dongxiang Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Shun Liu
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Xiaoyun Zeng
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Qiu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China.
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Irerhievwie O, Ichipi-Ifukor PC, Asagba SO. Hepatocellular degeneration in mice co-exposed to in-utero aluminium and cadmium: Implication of a disordered antioxidant and energy homeostatic response in the liver. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 106:104375. [PMID: 38262495 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2024.104375] [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: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
The current study comprised four groups of pregnant animals viz; Control (CTR) received 10 ml/kg of normal saline, Al:10 mg/kg of AlCl3, Cd: 1.5 mg/Kg of CdCl2 Al+Cd; 10 mg/kg of AlCl3 and 1.5 mg/Kg of CdCl2. Treatment was done from pregnancy days (PNT) 7-20. After delivery, male animals were weaned on PSD 21 and sacrificed on PSD 78. From the study significant increases on serum liver enzymes in the group exposed to Cd and that exposed to Al+Cd were observed. The study further showed altered serum and hepatic antioxidant balance for the Cd, Al and Al+Cd groups compared to control. Similarly, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activities in the liver were elevated in Cd and Al+Cd groups while an altered liver histological feature in treated groups were also observed. it was concluded that in utero co-exposure to Al and Cd had the ability to alter hepatic functional indices.
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Köse BG, Pekmezci H, Basaran B. Bread Consumption-Induced Heavy Metal Exposures and Health Risk Assessment of Pregnant Women: Turkey. Biol Trace Elem Res 2024; 202:473-480. [PMID: 37231318 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-023-03711-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Affordable, nutritious, and easily available bread has a significant place in the nutrition of pregnant women. This study aims to determine bread consumption-induced heavy metal exposure in pregnant women with different sociodemographic characteristics living in Turkey and to evaluate it for non-carcinogenic health risks. Bread consumption data of pregnant women covered a retrospective 24-h period. Heavy metal exposure was calculated according to the deterministic model. Non-carcinogenic health risk assessment was evaluated by target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI). Bread consumption-induced Mn, Al, Cu, Ni, Pb, As, Cr, Co, Cd, and Hg exposures of all pregnant women (n = 446) were 44.0, 25.0, 6.62, 0.69, 0.15, 0.06, 0.04, 0.03, 0.03, and < 0.00 µg/kg bw/day, respectively. Bread consumption-induced Mn exposure was higher than the tolerable daily intake level. The HI (1.37 [Formula: see text] 1.71) related to bread consumption is greater than 1 in all pregnant women in different age groups and trimesters and bread consumption may cause some health concerns in terms of non-carcinogenic health risks for pregnant women. The bread consumption can be limited, but bread consumption should not be abandoned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burcu Genç Köse
- Department of Medical Services and Techniques, Health Services Vocational School, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Rize, 53100, Turkey.
| | - Hilal Pekmezci
- Department of Health Care Services, Health Services Vocational School, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Rize, 53100, Turkey
| | - Burhan Basaran
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Rize, 53100, Turkey
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Stojsavljević A, Lakićević N, Pavlović S. Mercury and Autism Spectrum Disorder: Exploring the Link through Comprehensive Review and Meta-Analysis. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3344. [PMID: 38137565 PMCID: PMC10741416 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123344] [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: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a non-essential trace metal with unique neurochemical properties and harmful effects on the central nervous system. In this study, we present a comprehensive review and meta-analysis of peer-reviewed research encompassing five crucial clinical matrices: hair, whole blood, plasma, red blood cells (RBCs), and urine. We assess the disparities in Hg levels between gender- and age-matched neurotypical children (controls) and children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (cases). After applying rigorous selection criteria, we incorporated a total of 60 case-control studies into our meta-analysis. These studies comprised 25 investigations of Hg levels in hair (controls/cases: 1134/1361), 15 in whole blood (controls/cases: 1019/1345), 6 in plasma (controls/cases: 224/263), 5 in RBCs (controls/cases: 215/293), and 9 in urine (controls/cases: 399/623). This meta-analysis did not include the data of ASD children who received chelation therapy. Our meta-analysis revealed no statistically significant differences in Hg levels in hair and urine between ASD cases and controls. In whole blood, plasma, and RBCs, Hg levels were significantly higher in ASD cases compared to their neurotypical counterparts. This indicates that ASD children could exhibit reduced detoxification capacity for Hg and impaired mechanisms for Hg excretion from their bodies. This underscores the detrimental role of Hg in ASD and underscores the critical importance of monitoring Hg levels in ASD children, particularly in early childhood. These findings emphasize the pressing need for global initiatives aimed at minimizing Hg exposure, thus highlighting the critical intersection of human-environment interaction and neurodevelopment health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandar Stojsavljević
- Innovative Centre, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Studentski Trg 12–16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Novak Lakićević
- Clinical Centre of Montenegro, Clinic for Neurosurgery, Ljubljanska bb, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro;
| | - Slađan Pavlović
- Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia;
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8
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Rivera-Núñez Z, Hansel M, Capurro C, Kozlosky D, Wang C, Doherty CL, Buckley B, Ohman-Strickland P, Miller RK, O’Connor TG, Aleksunes LM, Barrett ES. Prenatal Cadmium Exposure and Maternal Sex Steroid Hormone Concentrations across Pregnancy. TOXICS 2023; 11:589. [PMID: 37505555 PMCID: PMC10384739 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11070589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium exposure has been associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. One possible mechanism is endocrine disruption. Studies of non-pregnant adults suggest that cadmium impacts androgen production; here, we examined these associations during pregnancy. Participants in the Understanding Pregnancy Signals and Infant Development (UPSIDE) cohort provided biospecimens and questionnaire data in each trimester (n = 272). We quantified urinary cadmium, serum total testosterone (TT), estrone, estradiol, and estriol and serum free testosterone (fT). In adjusted longitudinal models, we examined sex steroid concentrations across pregnancy in relation to specific gravity-adjusted, ln-transformed cadmium concentrations. Additionally, we examined trimester-specific associations and stratified models by fetal sex. Results are presented as percent change (%∆) in hormone concentrations. In longitudinal models, higher cadmium concentrations were associated with lower fT across pregnancy (%∆ = -5.19, 95%CI: -8.33, -1.93), with no differences in other hormones observed. In trimester-specific models, higher cadmium concentrations were associated with lower TT in trimester 2 (%∆ = -15.26, 95%CI: -25.15, -4.06) and lower fT in trimester 3 (%∆ = -14.35, 95%CI: -19.75, -8.59). Associations with TT were stronger in pregnancies carrying female fetuses. Maternal cadmium exposure may be associated with reduced testosterone in pregnancy. Additional work is necessary to understand how alterations in gestational testosterone activity may impact pregnancy and child health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zorimar Rivera-Núñez
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (M.H.); (C.C.); (P.O.-S.); (E.S.B.)
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (D.K.); (C.L.D.); (B.B.); (L.M.A.)
| | - Megan Hansel
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (M.H.); (C.C.); (P.O.-S.); (E.S.B.)
| | - Camila Capurro
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (M.H.); (C.C.); (P.O.-S.); (E.S.B.)
| | - Danielle Kozlosky
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (D.K.); (C.L.D.); (B.B.); (L.M.A.)
| | - Christina Wang
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA;
| | - Cathleen L. Doherty
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (D.K.); (C.L.D.); (B.B.); (L.M.A.)
| | - Brian Buckley
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (D.K.); (C.L.D.); (B.B.); (L.M.A.)
| | - Pamela Ohman-Strickland
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (M.H.); (C.C.); (P.O.-S.); (E.S.B.)
| | - Richard K. Miller
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; (R.K.M.); (T.G.O.)
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Pediatrics and Pathology, University of Rochester, New York, NY 14642, USA
| | - Thomas G. O’Connor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; (R.K.M.); (T.G.O.)
- Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology, Neuroscience, University of Rochester, New York, NY 14620, USA
| | - Lauren M. Aleksunes
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (D.K.); (C.L.D.); (B.B.); (L.M.A.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Emily S. Barrett
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (M.H.); (C.C.); (P.O.-S.); (E.S.B.)
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (D.K.); (C.L.D.); (B.B.); (L.M.A.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; (R.K.M.); (T.G.O.)
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Huang W, Fu J, Yuan Z, Gu H. Impact of prenatal exposure to metallic elements on neural tube defects: Insights from human investigations. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 255:114815. [PMID: 36948008 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114815] [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: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Metallic elements play a pivotal role in maternal and fetal health. Metals can cross the placental barrier and be absorbed by fetuses, where they may affect closure of the neural tube during embryonic development. Neural tube defects (NTDs), which result from aberrant closure of the neural tube three to four weeks post-conception, have a multifactorial and complex etiology that combines genetic variants and environmental exposure. Recent advances in population-level association studies have investigated the link between maternal environmental exposure and NTDs, particularly the influence of metals on the incidence of NTDs. Herein, we present a broad and qualitative review of current literature on the association between maternal and prenatal metal exposure via the maternal peripheral blood, amniotic fluid, placenta, umbilical cord, and maternal hair, and the risk of developing NTDs. Specifically, we identify the various aggravating or attenuating effects of metallic exposure on the risk of NTD formation. This review provides novel insights into the association between environmental metals and NTDs and has important applications for NTD prevention and mitigating environmental exposure to metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanqi Huang
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jialin Fu
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhengwei Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Hui Gu
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
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Dong X, Ding A, Hu H, Xu F, Liu L, Wu M. Placental Barrier on Cadmium Transfer from Mother to Fetus in Related to Pregnancy Complications. Int J Womens Health 2023; 15:179-190. [PMID: 36798790 PMCID: PMC9926993 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s393067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose As two of the most severe and common medical disorders during pregnancy, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy (HDCP) cause adverse effects on placental barrier function and thus may lead to a high risk of intrauterine exposure to toxic metals from mother to fetus. This study investigates the impact of the placental barrier on the transfer of cadmium (Cd) from mother to fetus and the relationship between pregnancy complications. Methods A total of 107 pairs of samples were collected in Kunming, China; 29 were from healthy pregnant women, and 78 were from patients with pregnancy complications. Cd was measured in each mother's placenta and maternal and umbilical cord blood. The expressions of MT and Cd-MT complex in blood and placental tissue samples were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results The cesarean section rate in the whole pathological group (60.7%) was higher than that in the normal group (20.7%), and the ratio of the effective barrier (ratio of maternal blood to umbilical cord blood>1) in the pathological group (74%) was lower than that in the normal group (79%). In addition, the proportion of practical placental barriers in women aged 20-25 years was 83.3%, 76.3% in women aged 26-30 years, 74.3% in women aged 31-35 years, 70% in women aged 36-40 years, and 71% in women aged 40-45 years. The Cd content in the placenta of the three pathological groups was significantly higher than that in maternal and umbilical cord blood (P<0.05), and the distribution of Cd was the same as that in the normal group. However, there was no significant difference between maternal and umbilical cord blood Cd concentrations in the pathological group. The Cd concentration in the normal group's maternal blood was significantly higher than that in cord blood (P<0.05). In addition, the expression levels of both metallothionein (MT) and Cd-MT complex in placenta is much higher than in maternal and umbilical blood, and which in normal group are significantly higher than those in pathological group. Conclusion Both mothers and fetuses are at increased health risk for pregnancy disorders when maternal age, BMI, or body weight increases. Increased maternal age increases the likelihood of Cd transfer from the mother to the fetus. Pregnancy complications may induce lower expression of MT, thus reducing the Cd-MT complex in the placenta, weakening the placental barrier, and increasing the risk of Cd transfer and exposure to the fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Dong
- The Obstetrical Department of the First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, People’s Republic of China,Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science & Technology, Kunming, 650500, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ailing Ding
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science & Technology, Kunming, 650500, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong Hu
- The Obstetrical Department of the First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fanping Xu
- The Obstetrical Department of the First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lingyan Liu
- The Obstetrical Department of the First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, People’s Republic of China
| | - Min Wu
- The Obstetrical Department of the First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, People’s Republic of China,Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carbon Sequestration and Pollution Control in Soils, Faculty of Environmental Science & Engineering, Kunming University of Science & Technology, Kunming, 650500, People’s Republic of China,Correspondence: Min Wu, Email
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