Betanzos‐Robledo L, Téllez‐Rojo MM, Lamadrid‐Figueroa H, Roldan‐Valadez E, Peterson KE, Jansen EC, Basu N, Cantoral A. Differential fat accumulation in early adulthood according to adolescent-BMI and heavy metal exposure.
New Dir Child Adolesc Dev 2022;
2022:37-51. [PMID:
35583253 PMCID:
PMC9790480 DOI:
10.1002/cad.20463]
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Heavy metals such as Lead (Pb) and Mercury (Hg) can affect adipose tissue mass and function. Considering the high prevalence of exposure to heavy metals and obesity in Mexico, we aim to examine if exposure to Pb and Hg in adolescence can modify how fat is accumulated in early adulthood.
METHODS
This study included 100 participants from the ELEMENT cohort in Mexico. Adolescent Pb and Hg blood levels were determined at 14-16 years. Age- and sex-specific adolescent BMI Z-scores were calculated. At early adulthood (21-22 years), fat accumulation measurements were performed (abdominal, subcutaneous, visceral, hepatic, and pancreatic fat). Linear regression models with an interaction between adolescent BMI Z-score and Pb or Hg levels were run for each adulthood fat accumulation outcome with normal BMI as reference.
RESULTS
In adolescents with obesity compared to normal BMI, as Pb exposure increased, subcutaneous (p-interaction = 0.088) and visceral (p-interaction < 0.0001) fat accumulation increases. Meanwhile, Hg was associated with subcutaneous (p-interaction = 0.027) and abdominal (p-interaction = 0.022) fat deposition among adolescents with obesity.
CONCLUSIONS
Heavy metal exposure in adolescence may alter how fat is accumulated in later periods of life.
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