Serum lead and cadmium exposure is an independent risk factor for acute ischemic stroke in a south Taiwan population

Abstract

BackgroundAcute ischemic stroke (AIS) is among the major causes of disability and death worldwide. It is caused by thrombotic or embolic occlusion of a cerebral artery and has a higher prevalence than hemorrhagic stroke. Environmental exposure to heavy metals has been associated with AIS risk; however, this association is yet to be well established. We aimed to assess the effect of accumulation of heavy metals (e.g. arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury) in patients with AIS.MethodsWe enrolled 33 pairs of newly diagnosed patients with AIS. We used inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to measure heavy metal levels. We used Pearson’s correlation coefficient to assess the association between heavy metal levels and the variables. Between‐group differences in the heavy metal levels and variables were analyzed using an independent t‐test.ResultsSerum cadmium levels were significantly higher in patients with AIS who were smokers (mean ± SD: 1.0 ± 0.5 mg/L versus 0.6 ± 0.2 mg/L; P < 0.003). Similarly, serum lead levels were significantly higher in smokers (mean ± SD: 25.3 ± 8.5 mg/L versus 17.5 ± 6.3 mg/L; P < 0.006). Further, serum cadmium levels were significantly higher in alcohol drinking patients with AIS (mean ± SD: 1.2 ± 0.6 mg/L versus 0.6 ± 0.3 mg/L; P < 0.003). Similarly, serum lead levels were significantly higher in alcohol drinkers (mean ± SD: 29.5 ± 8.6 mg/L versus 18.5 ± 6.1 mg/L; P < 0.003).ConclusionsSerum cadmium and lead levels were associated with the incidence of AIS both independently and in association with smoking and drinking. This supports the hypothesis that smoking and drinking increases cadmium and lead exposure, and therefore increases the AIS risk.Support or Funding Information107‐2320‐B‐075B‐002‐MY2、107‐2320‐B‐075B‐001