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Heuer RM, Falagan-Lotsch P, Okutsu J, Deperalto M, Koop RR, Umeh OG, Guevara GA, Noor MI, Covington MA, Shelton DS. Therapeutic Efficacy of Selenium Pre-treatment in Mitigating Cadmium-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Zebrafish (Danio rerio). Cardiovasc Toxicol 2024; 24:1287-1300. [PMID: 39212842 DOI: 10.1007/s12012-024-09910-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are a rampant public health threat. Environmental contaminants, such as Cadmium (Cd), a toxic metal, are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Given that human exposure to Cd is increasing, there is a need for therapies to ameliorate Cd toxicity. Selenium (Se), an essential trace element, has been proposed to rescue the effects of Cd toxicity, with mixed effects. Se's narrow therapeutic window necessitates precise dosing to avoid toxicity. Here, we assessed the effects of various waterborne Cd and Se concentrations and sequences on cardiac function using zebrafish (Danio rerio). We showed that Cd induced pericardial edemas and modified heart rates in zebrafish larvae in a concentration-dependent manner. To identify the therapeutic range of Se for Cd-induced cardiotoxicity, zebrafish embryos were treated with 0, 10, 50, 100, 150, or 200 μg/L Se for 1-4 days prior to exposure to 2.5 and 5 μg/L Cd. We found that a 50 µg/L Se pre-treatment before 2.5 μg/L Cd, but not 5 μg/L Cd, reduced the prevalence of pericardial edemas and ameliorated Cd-induced bradycardia in zebrafish. Zebrafish exposed to 10 and 50 μg/L of Se for up to 4 days showed typical heart morphology, whereas other Se-exposed and control fish presented pericardial edemas. Longer Se pre-treatment durations led to fewer incidences of pericardial edemas. Overall, this study highlights the importance of optimizing Se concentrations and pre-treatment periods to harness its protective effects against Cd-induced cardiotoxicity. These findings provide insights into potential therapeutic strategies for reducing Cd-related cardiovascular damage in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael M Heuer
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33149, USA
| | - Priscila Falagan-Lotsch
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Rouse Life Sciences Building, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Jessica Okutsu
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, 1301 Memorial Dr., Coral Gables, FL, 33134, USA
| | - Madison Deperalto
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33149, USA
| | - Rebekka R Koop
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33149, USA
| | - Olaedo G Umeh
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, 1301 Memorial Dr., Coral Gables, FL, 33134, USA
| | - Gabriella A Guevara
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, 1301 Memorial Dr., Coral Gables, FL, 33134, USA
| | - Md Imran Noor
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, 1301 Memorial Dr., Coral Gables, FL, 33134, USA
| | - Myles A Covington
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, 1301 Memorial Dr., Coral Gables, FL, 33134, USA
| | - Delia S Shelton
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, 1301 Memorial Dr., Coral Gables, FL, 33134, USA.
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Heuer RM, Falagan-Lotsch P, Okutsu J, Deperalto M, Koop RR, Umeh OG, Guevara GA, Noor MI, Covington MA, Shelton DS. Therapeutic Efficacy of Selenium Pre-treatment in Mitigating Cadmium-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Zebrafish (Danio rerio). RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4583781. [PMID: 39011097 PMCID: PMC11247922 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4583781/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are a rampant public health threat. Environmental contaminants, such as Cadmium (Cd), a toxic metal, have been linked to increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. Given that human exposure to Cd is increasing overtime, there is a need to develop new therapies to ameliorate Cd toxicity. Selenium (Se), an essential trace element, has been proposed to rescue the effects of Cd toxicity, with mixed effects. Se's narrow therapeutic window necessitates precise dosing to avoid toxicity. Here, we assessed the effects of various waterborne Cd and Se concentrations and sequences on cardiac function using zebrafish (Danio rerio). We showed that Cd induced pericardial edemas and modified heart rates in a concentration-dependent manner. To identify the therapeutic range of Se for Cd-induced cardiotoxicity, zebrafish embryos were treated with 0, 10, 50, 100, 150, or 200 μg/L Se for 1-4 days prior to exposure to Cd at 2.5, and 5 μg/L. We found that a 50 μg/L Se pre-treatment prior to Cd at 2.5 μg/L, but not at 5 μg/L, reduced the prevalence of pericardial edemas and ameliorated Cd-induced bradycardia in zebrafish. Embryos exposed to 10 and 50 μg/L of Se showed typical heart morphology, whereas other Se-exposed and Se-deficient fish presented pericardial edemas. Longer Se pre-treatment durations led to fewer incidences of pericardial edemas. Overall, this study highlights the importance of optimizing Se concentration and pre-treatment periods to harness its protective effects against Cd-induced cardiotoxicity. These findings provide insights into potential therapeutic strategies for reducing Cd-related cardiovascular damage in humans.
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Byun G, Kim S, Kim SY, Park D, Shin MJ, Oh H, Lee JT. Blood Lead Concentrations and Mortality in Korean Adults: the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey with Mortality Follow-Up. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17186898. [PMID: 32967243 PMCID: PMC7557382 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17186898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have consistently reported an increase in mortality risk, even at low levels of blood lead. The average blood lead concentration in the Korean population has steadily decreased but is still higher than that of developed countries. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between mortality and blood lead concentrations for adults in Korea. We used the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2008–2013) linked Cause of Death data, which are followed by 2018. A total of 7308 subjects who aged over 30 at the baseline examination were included in the analyses. Cox proportional hazard model was used to estimate the hazard ratios of mortality from non-accidental causes and cancer mortality. The estimated hazard ratios (95% CI) for comparison of the second and third tertile group with the lowest tertile group were 2.01 (1.20, 3.40) and 1.91 (1.13, 3.23) for non-accidental mortality and 3.42 (95% CI: 1.65, 7.08) and 2.27 (95% CI: 1.09, 4.70) for cancer mortality, respectively. The dose–response relationship also showed significant increase in the risk of mortality at blood lead level between 1.5 and 6.0 μg/dL. Our findings suggest that potent policies to lower lead exposure are required for the general Korean population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garam Byun
- Department of Public Health Science, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (G.B.); (S.-Y.K.)
| | - Sera Kim
- Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (S.K.); (D.P.); (M.-J.S.); (H.O.)
| | - Soo-Yeon Kim
- Department of Public Health Science, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (G.B.); (S.-Y.K.)
| | - Dahyun Park
- Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (S.K.); (D.P.); (M.-J.S.); (H.O.)
| | - Min-Jeong Shin
- Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (S.K.); (D.P.); (M.-J.S.); (H.O.)
- School of Biosystems and Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Science Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Hannah Oh
- Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (S.K.); (D.P.); (M.-J.S.); (H.O.)
- School of Health Policy and Management, College of Health Science, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Jong-Tae Lee
- Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (S.K.); (D.P.); (M.-J.S.); (H.O.)
- School of Health Policy and Management, College of Health Science, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
- Correspondence:
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Kim M, Yun SM, Jeong J, Jo C, Koh YH. Association between blood lead level and risk of stroke in Korean adults: a cross-sectional study in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008-2013. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e035725. [PMID: 32907895 PMCID: PMC7482501 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-035725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Although lead is a potential risk factor for cardiovascular diseases such as stroke, research on this association in the Korean population remains limited. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association between lead level and stroke in Korean adults. DESIGN A population-based cross-sectional study. SETTING The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008-2013, which enrolled a representative sample of the Korean population. PARTICIPANTS We excluded participants younger than 20 years, missing weight data, pregnant or lactating, and missing blood lead and stroke data. A total of 11 510 participants were included in this analysis. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASUREMENT The participants were classified by blood lead concentration into the low-level (≤2.189 µg/dL, n=5756) and high-level (>2.189 µg/dL, n=5754) groups. The main outcome, stroke, was assessed by information from physician diagnosis, prevalence of stroke or treatment for stroke. The ORs and 95% CIs were calculated to evaluate the association between blood lead level and stroke using multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Although blood lead level was not significantly associated with stroke (OR: 1.30, 95% CI: 0.66-2.58) in the multivariate-adjusted model, in individuals with hypertension, the high-level group was 2.36-fold higher odds of stroke (OR: 2.36, 95% CI: 1.02-5.44) compared to that in the low-level group. No association was observed in individuals with normotension (OR: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.13-1.38, p for interaction=0.007). CONCLUSION The association between blood lead concentration and stroke may be influenced by hypertension status. Our findings suggest the need for closer attention to lead exposure in patients with hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minkyeong Kim
- Division of Brain Diseases, Korea National Institute of Health, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Sang-Moon Yun
- Division of Brain Diseases, Korea National Institute of Health, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Jihyun Jeong
- Division of Brain Diseases, Korea National Institute of Health, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Chulman Jo
- Division of Brain Diseases, Korea National Institute of Health, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Young Ho Koh
- Division of Brain Diseases, Korea National Institute of Health, Cheongju, South Korea
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Association of Blood Cadmium with Cardiovascular Disease in Korea: From the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008-2013 and 2016. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17176288. [PMID: 32872339 PMCID: PMC7503499 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17176288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally, although the mortality rate has declined with improved technology and risk factor control. The incidence rate of stroke, one of the CVDs, is increasing in young adults, whereas it is decreasing in the elderly. The risk factors for CVD may differ between young adults and the elderly. Previous studies have suggested that cadmium was a potential CVD risk factor in the overall and middle-aged to elderly populations. We assessed the associations between cadmium and CVD events in the Korean population aged 20-59 years using the 2008-2013 and 2016 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), a population-based cross-sectional study. Among 10,626 participants aged 20-59 years, those with high blood cadmium (BCd) level (>1.874 µg/L, 90th percentile) were higher associated with stroke and hypertension (stroke: odds ratio (OR), 2.39; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.03-5.56; hypertension: OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.20-1.76). The strongest association between high blood cadmium concentrations and hypertension was among current smokers. Ischemic heart disease (IHD) was not associated with high blood cadmium level. These findings suggest that high blood cadmium levels may be associated with prevalent stroke and hypertension in the Korean population under 60 years of age.
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The association between mercury concentrations and lipid profiles in the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) cycle 3. Ann Occup Environ Med 2020; 32:e19. [PMID: 32676197 PMCID: PMC7332352 DOI: 10.35371/aoem.2020.32.e19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background High concentrations of mercury intake from seafood are known to cause various side effects in humans, including on the nervous system. Various studies have reported the effects of mercury concentrations in humans; however, the association between dyslipidemia, a cardiovascular disease risk factor, and mercury remains controversial. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between mercury accumulation and cholesterol concentrations in a Korean population. Methods We analyzed data of a sample of 3,228 respondents obtained from the Korean National Environmental Health Survey cycle 3, surveyed between 2015 and 2017, to determine how lipid profiles changed according to the blood mercury concentrations (BHg) and urine mercury concentrations (UHg). Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the effects of mercury concentrations among various factors affecting blood cholesterol levels. Results The arithmetic mean (AM) of BHg was 2.91 (2.81–3.02) μg/L, and the geometric mean (GM) was 2.71 (2.59–2.85) μg/L. The AM of UHg was 0.52 (0.48–0.56) μg/L, and the GM was 0.35 (0.33–0.38) μg/L. Lipid profiles were more related to the BHg than to the UHg. Total cholesterol (total-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels increased significantly as BHg increased in males, and total-C, triglyceride, and LDL-C levels increased significantly in females. Multiple regression analysis indicated that BHg were significantly associated with total-C, HDL-C, and LDL-C levels. Conclusions We found an association between mercury exposure and the risk of dyslipidemia; however, further studies are required to elucidate a causal association.
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KIM JONGGYU, KIM JOONGSOON, KIM JEONGGYOO. Trends of Food Supply and Nutrient Intake in South Korea Over the Past 30 Years. CURRENT RESEARCH IN NUTRITION AND FOOD SCIENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.12944/crnfsj.7.1.09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: This study was conducted to investigate food supply and consumption trends in South Korea over the past 30 years (1980 to 2010). Methods: We used time series data on Food Balance Sheets of Korea and the National Health and Nutrition Survey from Korea Statistics. Regression analysis was performed for trends of food supply and demand, and t-test for the gender difference in nutrient intake. Results: The annual supply of cereals, rice and starch roots per person has decreased, while that of meat, fish and shellfish, eggs, milk, and fats and oils has increased
(p < 0.05), respectively. These changes effect on nutrient intake: rice consumption has declined to one-third of total energy intake, however, the energy intake from lipid sources has increased up to 20% in the 2000s.The nutrient intake levels are mostly sufficient to meet the recommended intake, but calcium intake is below the recommended level and sodium is three times above the recommended level. These problems are found in both genders, and males take in more calories and sodium than females (p < 0.05). Conclusion: These changes in food consumption and supply resulted in lowering both quantities based food self-sufficiency rate and self-sufficiency of nutrition supply. It is therefore suggested that the supply of agricultural products should be stable and quality competitiveness in supply should be improved. Also, measures and strategies in promoting rice consumption are required, such as promoting healthy diet via nutrition education and disseminating healthy traditional Korean food.
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Affiliation(s)
- JONG-GYU KIM
- Faculty of Food and Health Sciences, Daegu, Keimyung University, Republic of Korea
| | - JOONG-SOON KIM
- Department of Industrial and Management Engineering, Daegu, Keimyung University, Republic of Korea
| | - JEONG - GYOO KIM
- School of Games (Software), Sejong, Hongik University, Republic of Korea
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Baek K, Chung I. Cadmium Exposure Is Associated with Monocyte Count and Monocyte to HDL Ratio, a Marker of Inflammation and Future Cardiovascular Disease in the Male Population. J Korean Med Sci 2017; 32:1415-1422. [PMID: 28776335 PMCID: PMC5546959 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2017.32.9.1415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 06/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cadmium is a heavy metal that humans can be exposed to the in environment and occupation, and its relationship with cardiovascular diseases has been reported. in various reports. Epidemiological studies have also been associated with various inflammatory markers of cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we examined the relationship between monocyte count and monocyte to high density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio (MHR) and blood cadmium, which are one of the inflammatory markers of cardiovascular diseases. Data from a total of 733 male fire officers who received a health checkup at a hospital for one year in 2016 were analyzed. Populations were classified into 4 groups according to the quartile of blood cadmium and general characteristics were described. The relationship between monocyte count, MHR and cadmium in blood was statistically analyzed by linear regression analysis. In the univariate analysis and multivariate analysis, monocyte count was significantly higher in the second, third and fourth quartile groups than in the first quartile of cadmium, and the linear trend was significant. In univariate and multivariate analysis, MHR was significantly higher in the third and fourth quartile groups than in the first quartile group, and the linear trend was also significant. This study showed the significant relationship between blood cadmium and monocyte count and MHR among male fire officers. This was also statistically significant in the model adjusted for possible confounders and other cardiovascular risk factors and showed a linear trend.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiook Baek
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center, Daegu, Korea
| | - Insung Chung
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center, Daegu, Korea
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Preventive Medicine, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea.
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Lee S, Tan YM, Phillips MB, Sobus JR, Kim S. Estimating Methylmercury Intake for the General Population of South Korea Using Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling. Toxicol Sci 2017; 159:6-15. [PMID: 28903490 PMCID: PMC6145084 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfx111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS 2009-2011) tracks levels of environmental pollutants in biological samples from the adult Korean population (age 19-88). Recent survey results for blood mercury (Hg) suggest some exceedance above existing blood Hg reference levels. Because total blood Hg represents both organic and inorganic forms, and methylmercury (MeHg) has been specifically linked to several adverse health outcomes, a need exists to quantify MeHg intake for this population. Gender, age, and frequency of fish consumption were first identified as important predictors of KoNEHS blood Hg levels using generalized linear models. Stratified distributions of total blood Hg were then used to estimate distributions of blood MeHg using fractions of MeHg to total Hg from the literature. Next, a published physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model was used to predict distributions of blood MeHg as a function of MeHg intake; ratios of MeHg intake to model-predicted blood MeHg were then combined with KoNEHS-based blood MeHg values to produce MeHg intake estimates. These intake estimates were ultimately compared with the Reference Dose (RfD) for MeHg (0.1 µg/kg/day) and reported as margin of exposure (MOE) estimates for specific KoNEHS subgroups. The derived MOEs across all subgroups, based on estimated geometric mean intake, ranged from 1.6 to 4.1. These results suggest MeHg exposures approaching the RfD for several subgroups of the Korean population, and not just for specific subgroups (eg, those who eat fish very frequently).
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Affiliation(s)
- Seungho Lee
- Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Yu-Mei Tan
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
| | - Martin B Phillips
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) Participant, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
| | - Jon R Sobus
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
| | - Sungkyoon Kim
- Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, South Korea
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Lee O, Moon JH, Kim SH, Chung YS, Sun GM. Toenail elemental analysis of Korean young adults by instrumental neutron activation analysis. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-015-4638-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Lei HL, Wei HJ, Ho HY, Liao KW, Chien LC. Relationship between risk factors for infertility in women and lead, cadmium, and arsenic blood levels: a cross-sectional study from Taiwan. BMC Public Health 2015; 15:1220. [PMID: 26653029 PMCID: PMC4673771 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-015-2564-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The World Health Organization reported that more than 10 % of women are severely affected by infertility, making the condition a major worldwide public health problem. Lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As) are environmental pollutants that may contribute to reproductive disorders. This cross-sectional study investigated the association between blood concentrations of Pb, Cd, and As and risk factors for infertility in women. Methods Women who were infertile (N = 310) or pregnant (N = 57) were recruited from the gynecology and obstetrics department of a hospital. The participants were interviewed to obtain their sociodemographic, reproductive, and lifestyle information. The concentrations of Pb, Cd, and As in their blood samples were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results Our findings suggested that the concentrations of Pb and As, but not Cd, were significantly higher in the blood of infertile women than in that of pregnant women. A higher percentage of the infertile women consumed more alcohol, used Chinese herbal medicine more frequently, and lacked physical activity compared with the pregnant women. After accounting for potentially relevant predictors, we observed that blood Pb levels might be elevated by using Chinese herbal medicine 1–6 times per week (aOR = 2.82, p = 0.05). In addition, engaging in physical activity 1–2 times per week (aOR = 0.37, p = 0.05) might assist in reducing Pb accumulation in infertile women, though the p value was borderline. Conclusions Lack of physical activity and frequent use of Chinese herbal medicine may be associated with elevated blood Pb levels in infertile women. Chinese herbal medicine use was observed to increase the Pb body burden of both infertile and pregnant women in this study. The risk–benefit for Chinese herbal medicine intake should be evaluated by women of childbearing age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiao-Ling Lei
- School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, No. 250, Wuxing St., Taipei City, 110, Taiwan.
| | - Hsiao-Jui Wei
- Infertility Center, Taiwan Adventist Hospital, No. 424, Sec. 2, Bade Rd., Taipei City, 105, Taiwan. .,Xiamen EMBO Hospital, No. 117-119, Hubin South Road, Xiamen City, 361000, Fujian Province, China.
| | - Hsin-Yi Ho
- Infertility Center, Taiwan Adventist Hospital, No. 424, Sec. 2, Bade Rd., Taipei City, 105, Taiwan. .,Xiamen EMBO Hospital, No. 117-119, Hubin South Road, Xiamen City, 361000, Fujian Province, China.
| | - Kai-Wei Liao
- School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, No. 250, Wuxing St., Taipei City, 110, Taiwan.
| | - Ling-Chu Chien
- School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, No. 250, Wuxing St., Taipei City, 110, Taiwan.
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Choi J, Aarøe Mørck T, Polcher A, Knudsen LE, Joas A. Review of the state of the art of human biomonitoring for chemical substances and its application to human exposure assessment for food safety. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.2903/sp.efsa.2015.en-724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Judy Choi
- Judy Choi Alexandra Polcher Anke Joas
| | | | | | | | - Anke Joas
- Judy Choi Alexandra Polcher Anke Joas
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Kim RB, Kim BG, Kim YM, Hong YS, You CH, Kim DS. Association between Low-level Mercury Exposure and Neurobehavioral Functions in Korean Adults Living in a Coastal City. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND TOXICOLOGY 2013; 28:e2013015. [PMID: 24303351 PMCID: PMC3842449 DOI: 10.5620/eht.2013.28.e2013015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2013] [Accepted: 10/31/2013] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine the association between low-level mercury exposure and neurobehavioral functions in adults living in coastal regions of Korea. METHODS We selected 172 adults aged 20-65 years living in a city in the coastal region of Korea. A sociodemographic survey was conducted, mercury levels in the blood, urine, and hair were measured, and the associations according to computerized neurobehavioral tests were determined using univariate analysis. After adjustment for associated variables, a multivariate linear regression analysis was performed. RESULTS The geometric mean mercury levels in the blood, urine, and hair were 5.41 µg/L (range, 0.00-15.84 µg/L), 1.17 µg/g-creatinine (range, 0.00-32.86 µg/g-creatinine), and 1.37 mg/kg (range, 0.42-6.56 mg/kg), respectively. Variables that were associated with simple reaction time according to the neurobehavioral test results were age and urine mercury level. Variables associated with choice reaction time were the recent use of Korean traditional medicine and urine mercury level. Variables associated with the right-hand finger tapping speed test were age, gender, smoking behavior, education level, monthly household income, and urine mercury level. Variables associated with the left-hand finger tapping speed test were age, gender, education level, and urine mercury level. After adjustment for associated variables, there was no significant association between urine mercury level and simple reaction time (β=25.96; p=0.47), choice reaction time (β=50.37; p=0.32), or the number of left-hand finger taps (β=-1.54; p=0.21). However, urine mercury level was significantly associated with the number of right-hand finger taps (β=-3.86; p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS We found no evidence that low-level mercury exposure in adults is associated with deficits in neurobehavioral functions. A longer follow-up study is required to confirm this conclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rock Bum Kim
- Department of Preventive Medicine & Environmental Health Center, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Byoung-Gwon Kim
- Department of Preventive Medicine & Environmental Health Center, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Yu-Mi Kim
- Department of Preventive Medicine & Environmental Health Center, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Young-Seoub Hong
- Department of Preventive Medicine & Environmental Health Center, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Chang-Hun You
- Department of Preventive Medicine & Environmental Health Center, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Dae-Seon Kim
- Environmental Health Research Division, National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon, Korea
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