Geographic differences in exposures to metals and essential elements in pregnant women living in Suriname

BACKGROUND

In Suriname, 20% of pregnancies end in adverse birth outcomes. While prenatal exposure to metals may lead to adverse health outcomes, exposure assessments in Suriname are scant. Environmental contamination from mercury (Hg) used in artisanal goldmining in the Amazonian Interior, and the uncontrolled use of pesticides in suburban regions are of particular concern.

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed geographic differences in exposures to metals and essential elements in pregnant Surinamese women.

METHODS

This study is a subset (n = 400) of the Caribbean Consortium for Research in Environmental and Occupational Health (CCREOH) cohort study. Sector-field inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to determine concentrations of lead (Pb), Hg, selenium (Se), cadmium (Cd), manganese (Mn) and tin (Sn) in whole blood of the pregnant women. High vs. low exposures to Pb and Hg were determined and were based respectively on CDC (3.5 ug/dL) and USEPA (3.5 ug/L) action levels. Differences in geographic exposures were tested with the Mann-Whitney U-test, and differences between blood elemental concentrations and action levels for Pb and Hg with the Wilcoxon signed rank test. The association between demographics and high exposures of Pb and Hg was examined with multivariate logistic regression models.

RESULTS

The median concentrations of Pb, Hg and Se (5.08 μg/dL, 7.87 μg/L, and 228.26 μg/L respectively) in Interior women, were higher than the Urban and Suburban regions (p < 0.001), and higher than internationally accepted action levels (p < 0.001). The median concentrations of Mn and Sn found in Suburban women (17.55 and 0.97 ug/L respectively) were higher than Urban and Interior regions (p < 0.02).

SIGNIFICANCE

Pregnant women living in Suriname's Amazonian Interior are exposed to Hg and Pb at levels of public health concern. Urgently needed is a comprehensive source characterization assessment and the development, implementation and monitoring of environmental health policies, specifically addressing the chemicals of concern.

IMPACT

In a subset of participants enrolled in the CCREOH environmental epidemiology cohort study elevated levels of Hg and Pb were identified. This is the first comprehensive exposure assessment in the Surinamese population. Health concerns include adverse birth- and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Geographic differences require a tailored approach to health intervention and comprehensive source characterization. Future research should ascertain the role of Se as a potential protective factor. Environmental policy development, implementation and monitoring is pivotal to mitigate exposures to these neurotoxicants.

Naphthaleneoxypropargyl-Containing Piperazine as a Regulator of Effector Immune Cell Populations upon an Aseptic Inflammation

This study investigated the effects of aseptic inflammation and heavy metal exposure on immune responses, as well as the potential immunomodulatory properties of the newly synthesized 1-[1-(2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-4-(naphthalene-1-yloxy)but-2-ynyl]-4-methylpiperazine complexed with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD). Aseptic inflammation was induced by a subcutaneous injection of turpentine in rats, while heavy metal exposure was achieved through a daily administration of cadmium chloride and lead acetate. The levels of immune cell populations, including cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), monocytes, and granulocytes, were assessed in the spleen. The results showed that aseptic inflammation led to decreased levels of CTL, monocytes, and granulocytes on the 14th day, indicating an inflammatory response accompanied by a migration of effector cells to the inflamed tissues. The exposure to cadmium chloride and lead acetate resulted in systemic immunotoxic effects, with reduced levels of B cells, CD4+ Th cells, monocytes, and granulocytes in the spleen. Notably, piperazine complexed with β-CD (the complex) exhibited significant stimulatory effects on CD4+, CD8+, and myeloid cell populations during aseptic inflammation, even in the presence of heavy metal exposure. These findings suggest the potential immunomodulatory properties of the complex in the context of aseptic inflammation and heavy metal exposure.

Cadmium Exposure Affects Serum Metabolites and Proteins in the Male Guizhou Black Goat

Food safety and environmental pollution are the hotspots of general concern globally. Notably, long-term accumulation of trace toxic heavy metals, such as cadmium (Cd), in animals may endanger human health via the food chain. The mechanism of Cd toxicity in the goat, a popular farmed animal, has not been extensively investigated to date. Therefore, in this study, ten male goats (Nubian black goat × native black goat) were exposed to Cd via drinking water containing CdCl2 (20 mg Cd·kg-1·BW) for 30 days (five male goats per group). In this study, we used an integrated approach combining proteomics and metabolomics to profile proteins and metabolites in the serum of Cd-exposed goats. It was found that Cd exposure impacted the levels of 30 serum metabolites and 108 proteins. The combined proteomic and metabolomic analysis revealed that Cd exposure affected arginine and proline metabolism, beta-alanine metabolism, and glutathione metabolism. Further, antioxidant capacity in the serum of goats exposed to Cd was reduced. We identified CKM and spermidine as potential protein and metabolic markers, respectively, of early Cd toxicity in the goat. This study details approaches for the early diagnosis and prevention of Cd-poisoned goats.

Lead Levels in Spices From Market Basket and Home Lead Investigation Samples in North Carolina

OBJECTIVES

Lead investigators in North Carolina found evidence that contaminated spices may contribute to children's elevated blood lead levels. We compared lead levels in samples of spices and other consumable products by country of purchase to inform consumer safety interventions and regulations.

METHODS

From February 1, 2011, through October 22, 2020, North Carolina lead investigators sampled spices and other consumable products from 103 homes of children with confirmed elevated blood lead levels. In 2017, the study team purchased 50 products frequently sampled during lead investigations, as a "market basket" sample, from local stores in or near Raleigh, North Carolina. The State Laboratory of Public Health analyzed 423 product samples using mass spectrometry. We extracted environmental sample results from lead investigations from the North Carolina Electronic Lead Surveillance System.

RESULTS

The median market basket lead result was 0.07 mg/kg (SD = 0.17); the maximum lead result was 0.88 mg/kg. The median home lead investigation sample result was 0.26 mg/kg (SD = 489.44); the maximum lead result was 6504.00 mg/kg in turmeric purchased in India. Among all samples, products purchased in India had more than triple the median lead levels (0.71 mg/kg) of those purchased in the United States (0.19 mg/kg).

CONCLUSIONS

Purchasing spices in the United States is an action that consumers can take that may reduce their lead poisoning risk. Regulatory agencies should consider a lead limit of <1 mg/kg as attainable for spices sold in US stores and for ingredients of any foods that may be consumed by children.

Plasma Lead Concentration and Risk of Late Kidney Allograft Failure: Findings From the TransplantLines Biobank and Cohort Studies

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE

Heavy metals are known to induce kidney damage, and recent studies have linked minor exposures to cadmium and arsenic with increased risk of kidney allograft failure, yet the potential association of lead with late graft failure in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) remains unknown.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective cohort study in The Netherlands.

SETTING & PARTICIPANTS

We studied outpatient KTRs (n = 670) with a functioning graft for ≥1 year recruited at a university setting (2008-2011) and followed for a median of 4.9 (interquartile range, 3.4-5.5) years. Additionally, patients with chronic kidney disease (n = 46) enrolled in the ongoing TransplantLines Cohort and Biobank Study (2016-2017, ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03272841) were studied at admission for transplant and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after transplant.

EXPOSURE

Plasma lead concentration was log₂-transformed to estimate the association with outcomes per doubling of plasma lead concentration and also considered categorically as tertiles of lead distribution.

OUTCOME

Kidney graft failure (restart of dialysis or repeat transplant) with the competing event of death with a functioning graft.

ANALYTICAL APPROACH

Multivariable-adjusted cause-specific hazards models in which follow-up of KTRs who died with a functioning graft was censored.

RESULTS

Median baseline plasma lead concentration was 0.31 (interquartile range, 0.22-0.45) μg/L among all KTRs. During follow-up, 78 (12%) KTRs experienced graft failure. Higher plasma lead concentration was associated with increased risk of graft failure (hazard ratio, 1.59 [95% CI, 1.14-2.21] per doubling; P = 0.006) independent of age, sex, transplant characteristics, estimated glomerular filtration rate, proteinuria, smoking status, alcohol intake, and plasma concentrations of cadmium and arsenic. These findings remained materially unchanged after additional adjustment for dietary intake and were consistent with those of analyses examining lead categorically. In serial measurements, plasma lead concentration was significantly higher at admission for transplant than at 3 months after transplant (P = 0.001), after which it remained stable over 2 years of follow-up (P = 0.2).

LIMITATIONS

Observational study design.

CONCLUSIONS

Pretransplant plasma lead concentrations, which decrease after transplant, are associated with increased risk of late kidney allograft failure. These findings warrant further studies to evaluate whether preventive or therapeutic interventions to decrease plasma lead concentration may represent novel risk-management strategies to decrease the rate of kidney allograft failure.

Prenatal heavy metal exposure, total immunoglobulin E, trajectory, and atopic diseases: A 15-year follow-up study of a Taiwanese birth cohort

Prenatal exposure to heavy metals may cause atopic diseases. Little association between cord blood total immunoglobulin E (CB-tIgE) levels and the occurrence of atopic diseases has been found. This study investigated the atopic status and tIgE trajectory trend in a Taiwanese birth cohort over 15 years. We also assessed the effect of maternal heavy metal exposure on maternal serum cytokine and CB-tIgE levels. We recruited 430 pregnant women during their third trimester in 2000-2001. Maternal urinary heavy metal concentrations and serum cytokine levels were measured. The CB-tIgE and serum tIgE levels of the women's children when they were aged 5, 8, 11, and 14 years were measured. The upper quartile of the maternal urinary arsenic concentration was associated with an increased risk of a CB-tIgE level higher than 1 IU/mL (odds ratio, 1.845; 95% confidence interval, 1.003-3.395). Serum tIgE trajectory levels were the highest in children with asthma, followed by those with atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis at the age of 5-14 years. Serum tIgE levels tended to peak at the age of 11 years in the atopic children but were stable from the age of 8 years in the non-atopic children. We first demonstrated that serum tIgE levels reached a trajectory peak in the atopic children aged 11 years. Prenatal exposure to arsenic may increase the risk of elevated CB-tIgE levels. Further investigation is warranted to elucidate the mechanism through which maternal serum cytokines affect the occurrence of atopic diseases in children.

Health symptoms among adults living near a coal-burning power plant

Coal ash is a waste product generated when coal is burned for energy. The purpose of this study was to assess health symptoms in adults living near a coal-burning power plant and compare the symptoms to a non-exposed population. A community-based mixed methods study was conducted with four neighborhoods adjacent to a coal-burning power plant. The comparison population was not exposed to coal ash and did not live near a coal-burning power plant. Adults who lived near the coal-burning power plant were significantly more likely to suffer from respiratory (AOR = 5.27, 95% CI = 2.16-12.0), gingiva (AOR = 2.46, 95% CI = 1.46-4.15), and skin symptoms (AOR = 3.37, 95% CI = 2.09-5.43). Results suggest that health symptoms may develop in people living near coal-burning power plants.

Heavy metals, organic solvents, and multiple sclerosis: An exploratory look at gene-environment interactions

Exposure to heavy metals and organic solvents are potential etiologic factors for multiple sclerosis (MS), but their interaction with MS-associated genes is under-studied. The authors explored the relationship between environmental exposure to lead, mercury, and solvents and 58 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in MS-associated genes. Data from a population-based case-control study of 217 prevalent MS cases and 496 age-, race-, gender-, and geographically matched controls were used to fit conditional logistic regression models of the association between the chemical, gene, and MS, adjusting for education and ancestry. MS cases were more likely than controls to report lead (odds ratio [OR] = 2.03; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07, 3.86) and mercury exposure (OR = 2.06; 95% CI: 1.08, 3.91). Findings of potential gene-environment interactions between SNPs in TNF-α, TNF-β, TCA-β, VDR, MBP, and APOE, and lead, mercury, or solvents should be considered cautiously due to limited sample size.

The effects of cadmium or zinc multigenerational exposure on metal tolerance of Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The effects of ten generational zinc or cadmium pre-exposure on metal tolerance among beet armyworm Spodoptera exigua individuals were compared. These effects were assessed in animals from the 11th generation, reared on a diet either uncontaminated or contaminated with metal (cadmium or zinc). The survival rate of larvae and the degree of metal accumulation (in larvae, pupae and moths; among larval organs: gut and fat body) were analysed. Catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione transferase activity in larval organs of individuals subjected to different metal treatments were also measured. Animals transferred from control rearing to metals (cadmium or zinc) in the 11th generation, as well as those from multigenerational zinc treatment, but not from multigenerational cadmium treatment, had a significantly lower survival rate than control animals. Insects from the groups with the high metal treatment had high bioaccumulation factors (above 3.7 and 2.3 following cadmium and zinc, respectively). Cadmium (but not zinc) pre-exposure had a significant effect on metal accumulation in larvae. Multigenerational metal pre-exposure seemed to have mainly a negative effect on glutathione transferase activity in the gut of larvae from the 11th generation, in the case of the individuals exposed to metal other than that used in pre-exposure treatment or kept in control conditions. However, in the case of zinc pre-exposure, such effect was only apparent when zinc was replaced by cadmium. The long-term effect of cadmium on catalase activity in larvae was found.