Blood Cd Levels Research Articles

Interaction between blood cadmium and lead concentration and physical activity on hypertension from the Korean national health and nutrition examination survey in 2008–2013

BackgroundPrevious studies have suggested that blood Cd, Pb exposure, and physical activity levels may influence the development of hypertension. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between blood Cd, Pb levels, and hypertension by the level of physical activity in Korean adults using The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES).MethodsWe used data from the KNHANES (2008–2013), a nationally representative, cross-sectional, population-based study. We included 8,510 participants who had records of blood Cd, Pb and, blood pressure measurements. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine the association between blood Cd and Pb exposure and the development of hypertension, as well as the modifying effects of physical activity levels. Additive interaction was estimated using relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI), attributable proportion due to interaction (AP) and synergy index (S).ResultsFollowing covariates adjustments, we found significant associations of blood Cd and Pb with higher hypertension prevalence. This association was more apparent in low physical activity while blood Cd and Pb concentrations were not significantly associated with hypertension in participants with more activity. Additionally, there was a significant interaction between blood Cd and physical activity on hypertension risk (RERI = 0.17, 95% CI: -0.36–0.7; AP = 0.12, 95% CI: -0.28–0.52; S = 1.75, 95% CI:1.36–2.14).ConclusionsOur results suggest that low physical activity may substantially amplify the adverse effects of blood Pb and Cd exposure on hypertension risk. However, interactions were only found for Cd. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Cadmium and lead implication in testis cancer; is there a connection?

Testis cancer (TC) is the most common malignancy of young men. Current evidence from studies, alongside genetics and hormonal status, suggests a significant role of toxic metals, cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb), in the origin and development of TC. Besides oxidative stress and endocrine disruption, interaction with bioelements is one of the critical mechanisms of Cd and Pb toxicity and malign transformation. This study aimed to investigate metal levels in blood, healthy, and tumor testis tissue and to reveal hormone, oxidative status, and bioelements levels in patients with TC. The study enrolled 52 patients with TC and 61 healthy volunteers. Toxic metals and bioelements levels were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) while electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) and spectrophotometry methods were used for hormone and oxidative parameters evaluation. Significantly higher blood Cd levels were depicted in TC cohort. Furthermore, blood Cd elevation was associated with a 1.98 higher probability of TC developing. However, a metal concentration between healthy and tumor testis tissue did not differ significantly. Lower levels of estradiol and testosterone, established in a cohort of TC patients, followed the significant role of hormones in TC development. At the same time, ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) has been recognized as a parameter with very good accuracy as a potential diagnostic marker for TC. The study revealed different distribution patterns of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in the three compartments of the patients, as well significant correlation between essential metals Cu/Zn and toxic metals Cd/Pb indicating metal-metal interactions as pivotal mechanisms of metals toxicity.

Relationship of blood heavy metals and osteoporosis among the middle-aged and elderly adults: A secondary analysis from NHANES 2013 to 2014 and 2017 to 2018.

This study aimed to assess the relationship between blood heavy metals and a higher prevalence of osteoporosis in middle-aged and elderly US adults using the National Health and Nutritional Examination Surveys (NHANES). The secondary data analysis was performed using the data of NHANES 2013-2014 and 2017-2018. We used the information, including physical examination, laboratory tests, questionnaires, and interviews, provided by participants in NHANES. Logistic regression and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression models were used to explore the relationships between levels of blood heavy metals and a higher prevalence of osteoporosis. A total of 1,777 middle-aged and elderly participants were analyzed in this study, comprising 115 participants with osteoporosis and 1,662 without osteoporosis. Adjusted model 1 showed a significant positive relationship between cadmium (Cd) levels and a higher prevalence of osteoporosis (quartile 2, OR = 7.62; 95% CI, 2.01-29.03; p = 0.003; quartile 3, OR = 12.38; 95% CI, 3.88-39.60; p < 0.001; and quartile 4, OR = 15.64; 95% CI, 3.22-76.08; p = 0.001). The fourth quartile of selenium (Se) level (OR = 0.34; 95% CI, 0.14-0.39; p < 0.001) led to a lower prevalence of osteoporosis and exerted a protective effect on model 1. Other models produced similar results to those of model 1. A subgroup analysis showed that Cd levels were positively related to a higher prevalence of osteoporosis in all three models in women, while this relationship was not found in men. The fourth quartile of the Se level was related to a lower prevalence of osteoporosis in both male and female analyses. A significant positive relationship was found between the blood Cd level and a higher prevalence of osteoporosis in the non-smoking subgroup. Blood Se level showed a protective effect on the fourth quartile in both the smoking and non-smoking subgroups. Blood Cd level aggravated the prevalence of osteoporosis, while blood Se level could be a protective factor in osteoporosis among the US middle-aged and older populations.

Environmental and human health risks of potentially harmful elements in mining-impacted soils: A case study of the Angouran Zn–Pb Mine, Iran

The soil pollution status, levels of exposure, and potential ecological and health risks to workers and residents by potentially harmful elements (PHEs) in the Angouran mining area (Iran), the biggest Zn–Pb mine in the Middle East, were studied. To this aim, topsoil (0–5 cm) samples (n = 63) from different land-uses were analyzed for their total PHEs concentrations. Mine worker's blood analysis and in vitro digestion extractions were applied in conjunction with human health risk assessment (HHRA) to assess the potential health impacts by exposure to PHEs. The maximum PHEs total concentrations were found in the soils near the waste rock dumps. HHRA indicated that ingestion of soils may induce a non-carcinogenic risk due to As and Pb (for both age groups of children and adults), while dermal contact for children may induce the same type of risk due to Cd, and Pb. The carcinogenic risks (CRs) of As, Cd, Cr, and Ni through ingestion route were above the acceptable value of 1 × 10−4, and children may face greater health risks. The average blood Zn, Pb, and Cd levels in the mine workers largely exceeded the safe concentration for adults, while 30% of the workers were tested positive for As in blood. In vitro digestion extractions indicated that the highest bioaccessible contents of As, Cd, Pb, Ni and Zn were found for the industrial-residential and mine soils in the area, while those of Cr and Cu were observed in the agricultural use soils. This study illustrates that a combination of techniques, including geochemical analysis, in vitro bioaccessibility extractions, HHRA, and blood analysis, is a workable integrated approach for evaluating pollution and health risks in mining districts.

Determinants of Exposure to Potentially Toxic Metals in Pregnant Women of the DSAN-12M Cohort in the Recôncavo Baiano, Brazil.

Exposure to potentially toxic metals (PTM) threatens maternal and child health. We investigated the determinants of exposure to lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and manganese (Mn) in 163 pregnant women from the Recôncavo Baiano, Brazil, enrolled in the DSAN-12M cohort. We measured these metals in biological samples (blood, toenails, and hair) and the Pb dust loading rates (RtPb) at their homes by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry (GFAAS). Questionnaires were applied to collect sociodemographic and general habits data. Only 2.91% (n = 4) of the pregnant women had As levels above the detection limit. Few participants had levels above the recommended reference values for blood Pb (5.1; 95% CI: 2.1-10.1%), and Mn in hair or toenails (4.3; 95% CI: 2.3-10.1%). On the other hand, 61.1 (95% CI: 52.4-69.3%) had elevated blood Cd levels. After binary logistic regression, low socioeconomic status, domestic waste burning, being a passive smoker, multiparity, and renovating the house significantly increased the chances of having high levels of Mn, Pb, and Cd. We detected a worrying situation related to exposure to Cd, showing the urgency of implementing human biomonitoring in the general population, especially in situations of social vulnerability.

Effects of Environmental Cadmium Exposure on the Liver in Korean Adults: Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Studies

Cadmium (Cd) is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant with an exceptionally long biological half-life. The liver is a major organ for Cd metabolism, but the toxicity of Cd is unclear. This study sought to determine whether blood Cd (BCd) level (representing recent exposure [months] to Cd) was associated with liver function in Korean adults, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. The baseline cross-sectional study involved 2,086 adults (male: 908, female: 1,178) in 2010 - 2011, and 503 of them (male: 207, female: 296) were followed up in 2014 - 2015. BCd was measured by graphite-furnace atomic absorption spectrometry, and liver function indices (aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alanine aminotransferase [ALT], and γ-glutamyltransferase [GGT]) were determined. Liver damage was defined as an abnormal elevation of more than one liver function index. The geometric mean of BCd (1.07μg/L) was higher in females than in males (1.16 vs. 0.96μg/L). Liver function indices increased significantly in a dose-dependent manner according to the BCd levels, except for ALT in males, and were higher in males than in females. BCd level was also associated with the risk of liver damage in both sexes. No significant changes in BCd were observed between baseline and follow-up. The liver function indices in 2014 - 2015 were comparable to those in 2010 - 2011 in males, while ALT and GGT were significantly increased in 2014 - 2015 compared to 2010 - 2011 in females with relatively high BCd. These findings suggest that even a low level of environmental Cd exposure, short- and long-term, may affect liver function, and females appear more susceptible than males.

Effects of cadmium and lead co-exposure on glucocorticoid levels in rural residents of northwest China

Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) are important environmental endocrine disruptors that are associated with adverse health problems. However, the effects of co-exposure to Cd and Pb on glucocorticoids (GCs) in the body at environmental levels are limited. A total of 468 subjects from the Dongdagou-Xinglong cohort (DDG-XL) were included in this study. We measured the serum levels of two representative endogenous GCs [cortisol (CRL) and cortisone (CRN)], and whole blood levels of Cd and Pb. Multiple linear regression models were constructed to explore the associations of single or combined Cd and Pb exposure with serum CRL and CRN levels. The interactive effects of Cd and Pb on GCs were further assessed using mediation analysis and moderation analysis. Single-heavy metal exposure analysis with adjustment for potential confounders showed that the serum CRL level decreased when the blood Cd or Pb concentration gradually increased (P trend <0.01). Additionally, subjects with high Cd or Pb exposure (Q4) had significantly reduced serum CRN levels compared to those with low Cd or Pb exposure (Q1) (P < 0.05). In Cd and Pb co-exposure analysis, significant negative dose-response relationships were observed between co-exposure to Cd and Pb and serum CRL and CRN levels. Furthermore, mediation analysis showed that Cd completely mediated the relationship between Pb and GCs, and moderation analysis suggested that Pb might weaken the negative relationship between Cd and GCs. These findings suggest that single or combined exposure to Cd and Pb interferes with the homeostasis of serum CRL and CRN levels. Furthermore, we innovatively propose that Cd and Pb may have interactive effects on GCs levels, and Pb can antagonize the negative relationship between Cd and GCs, which may provide clues for further studies on endocrine and metabolic disorders related to these heavy metals.

Estimation of health risks associated with dietary cadmium exposure.

In much of the world, currently employed upper limits of tolerable intake and acceptable excretion of cadmium (Cd) (ECd/Ecr) are 0.83µg/kg body weight/day and 5.24µg/g creatinine, respectively. These figures were derived from a risk assessment model that interpreted β2-microglobulin (β2MG) excretion > 300μg/g creatinine as a "critical" endpoint. However, current evidence suggests that Cd accumulation reduces glomerular filtration rate at values of ECd/Ecr much lower than 5.24µg/g creatinine. Low ECd/Ecr has also been associated with increased risks of kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, cancer, and other disorders. These associations have cast considerable doubt on conventional guidelines. The goals of this paper are to evaluate whether these guidelines are low enough to minimize associated health risks reliably, and indeed whether permissible intake of a cumulative toxin like Cd is a valid concept. We highlight sources and levels of Cd in the human diet and review absorption, distribution, kidney accumulation, and excretion of the metal. We present evidence for the following propositions: excreted Cd emanates from injured tubular epithelial cells of the kidney; Cd excretion is a manifestation of current tissue injury; reduction of present and future exposure to environmental Cd cannot mitigate injury in progress; and Cd excretion is optimally expressed as a function of creatinine clearance rather than creatinine excretion. We comprehensively review the adverse health effects of Cd and urine and blood Cd levels at which adverse effects have been observed. The cumulative nature of Cd toxicity and the susceptibility of multiple organs to toxicity at low body burdens raise serious doubt that guidelines concerning permissible intake of Cd can be meaningful.

Insights into the health status of the general population living near an electroplating industry zone: metal elevations and renal impairment.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2016 in Zhejiang Province, China, to evaluate the body burdens of metals and metalloids associated with renal dysfunction in populations living near electroplating industries. We recruited 236 subjects and performed physical examinations, determined the blood and urinary levels of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), antimony (Sb), and selenium (Se) by an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS), and measured three renal impairment biomarkers, namely nacetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), retinol-binding protein (RBP), and β2-microglobulin (BMG). The proportion of abnormal nasal symptoms in the exposure group (10.1%) was much higher than in the control group (0; p < 0.05). The blood and urinary levels of As, Cd, and Se in the exposure group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05). The blood levels of Mn and Pb, as well as the urinary levels of Cr and Ni, were significantly higher in the exposure group than in the control group (p < 0.05). The exposure group demonstrated higher levels of NAG, RBP, and BMG than the control group (0.51 vs. 0.14mg/g creatinine, 12.79 vs. 9.26IU/g creatinine, and 1.39 vs. 0.78mg/g creatinine, respectively; p < 0.05). Urinary BMG was positively correlated with urinary Cd levels (r = 0.223, p < 0.05), while urinary RBP was correlated with blood Cd levels (r = 0.151, p < 0.05) and urinary Cd, Cr, Ni, and Se levels (r = 0.220, 0.303, 0.162, and 0.306, respectively; p < 0.05). In conclusion, our study indicated that a population living in the vicinity of electroplating industries had high body burdens of certain metals and metalloids associated with non-negligible renal dysfunction.

Plasma microRNA expression and immunoregulatory cytokines in an Indian population occupationally exposed to cadmium.

Following its accumulation in the body, cadmium (Cd) exposure is associated with devastating effects on multiple organ system of the human body. The immune system is one of the sensitive targets for Cd-inducedtoxicity. Recently, studies have demonstrated a significant role of Cd in inducing epigenetic alterations. With this background, the present study was planned to study the changes in candidate microRNA(miRNA) expression associated with immune regulation in occupationally Cd-exposedworkers. One hundred individuals involved in welding and metal handicraft manufacturing, while 80 apparently healthy subjects without any prior history of occupational exposure were recruited for the study. Blood Cd level was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Serum cytokine levels were measured using anenzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and serum miRNA expression of candidate miRNAs (miR-146a, miR-210, and miR-222) were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction.The median Cd level (2.40 μg/L) in the occupationally exposed workers was significantly higher than the nonexposed subjects (0.90 μg/L). Among the cytokines, interleukin-4 (IL-4), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)were significantly higher whileIL-2 and IL-10 were significantly lower in the exposed. The expression level of miR-146a and miR-222 were significantly different between the groups with the former showing downregulation and later showing upregulation. Correlation analysis revealed a positive and negative association of miR-222 and miR-146a with blood cadmium level, IL-17 as well as TNF-α, respectively. Furthermore, the in-silico analysis revealed a significant role of the studied miRNAs in various cellular and genetic pathways. The findings of the present study demonstrate significant involvement of Cd-inducedalteration in miRNAs in varied immune regulatory changes in exposed individuals.

Biochemical and Hematological Markers in Workers with Chronical Exposure to Lead and Cadmium in Colombia.

The aim of the present study was to find if workers chronically exposed to lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) presented changes in their general health and in the clinical parameters of the population under study. We carried out a cross-sectional survey in a sample of informal workers in Cartagena, Colombia. The population under study was composed of male informal workers (≥18 years of age), with experience in their job, selected from occupational settings with potential exposure to Pb and Cd (i.e., mechanics, battery and garbage recyclers, and welders). The median age was 45 years (interquartile range (IQR), 33–53). The median blood Pb level (BLL) was 2 μg/dL (IQR, 0.76–6.22), and the median of blood Cd level (BCL) was 1.22 μg/L (IQR, 0.33–2.01). The study found that 33% of high exposure jobs with BLL > 5 μg/dL (n = 57), whereas in ‘control’ workers, this was 15.3% (n = 9). The highest BLLs were found in battery recyclers (82.1%; n = 23), followed by mechanics (37.3%, n = 22). In the logistic regression model adjusted by age, time on the job, smoking and elevated BCL and BLL increased 3.2 times (95% CI, 1.1–9.7) in mechanics and 29.6 times (95% CI, 7.2–145.6) in battery recyclers. This study found negative changes in the health of workers with higher chronic exposure to lead in Cartagena, Colombia.

Estimation of trace elements in workers at electrical substations and communication towers in Baghdad City

The works on pollution in developing countries indicate a prevalence of trace elements in environment. Electrical stations and cellular communication towers are important sources of pollution that affects the quality of human health. While the electric power generating stations constructed away from cities, the substations are located near the consumers. Because of the lack in information on the effects of electric substations on human health and the abundance of cellular towers in Baghdad we aimed to evaluate the trace elements in the workers at these two facilities since they are on continuous exposure to the underlying pollution. Lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) were evaluated in the blood, while copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) were evaluated in the serum of forty workers at electrical substations and forty workers at communication towers and compared with forty healthy people with no attachments to these two facilities. The effect of trace elements on renal and liver function was estimated. The levels of blood Pb, Cd, and Cu were significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in workers at electrical substations and communication towers compared to control. On the other hand, Zn level was significantly (P&lt;0.05) reduced in electrical substation and communication towers workers compared to control.

Exposure to multiple toxic metals and polycystic ovary syndrome risk: Endocrine disrupting effect from As, Pb and Ba

BackgroundPolycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) affects 5 % ~ 20 % of women of reproductive age and is a serious health problem. Whether exposure to lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), barium (Ba) or (cadmium) Cd is associated with an increased risk of PCOS, particularly their joint effect as well as their association with the clinical phenotype of PCOS is limited and unclear. ObjectivesWe aimed to explore the associations of the blood Pb, Hg, As, Ba and Cd levels and risk of PCOS in Chinese women of reproductive age. MethodsA case–control study was used and included 369 women with PCOS and 441 controls. The levels of Pb, Hg, As, Ba and Cd were measured in fasting blood samples collected on the 2nd or 3rd day of menstruation or vaginal bleeding after drug withdrawal; basal sex hormone levels, fasting glucose and fasting insulin were measured simultaneously. Unconditional logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship of the blood Pb, Hg, As, Ba or Cd levels with PCOS risk. Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) was used to assess the joint effect of Pb, Hg, As, Ba and Cd on PCOS risk and estimate which metal or metals contributed most to the association. Multiple linear regression models were used to investigate the relationships between the levels of selected metals and parameters of the clinical PCOS phenotype. ResultsThe mean ± SD ages of women in the case and control groups were 28.80 ± 3.39 and 28.97 ± 2.39 years, respectively; their mean ± SD BMIs were 23.86 ± 3.51 kg/m2 and 22.08 ± 3.14 kg/m2, respectively. The blood levels of three metals (Pb, As and Ba) were statistically associated with PCOS risk based on single-metal models. With each natural logarithm transformed (ln) unit increase in blood concentrations of Pb, higher likelihood of PCOS can be found, the adjusted odd ratio (aOR) and 95 % confidence interval (CI) was 1.83 (1.35–2.48), and these for As and Ba were 2.49 (1.86–3.33) and 1.20 (1.04–1.39), respectively. Compared with women at the first tertile group, higher likelihoods of PCOS among women in the second and third tertiles of the Pb group were observed, aORs and 95 % CIs were 1.81 (1.22–2.68) and 2.08 (1.42–3.04), respectively; and higher likelihoods of PCOS among women in the third tertiles of As and Ba group were also observed, the aORs and 95%CIs were 2.83 (1.93–4.15) and 1.89 (1.32–2.72), respectively. BKMR analysis also showed a statistically significant and positive joint effect of five metals on PCOS risk when the blood levels of five metals were all above the 55th percentile compared with their median levels, and As (100 %) and Pb (67.44 %) were the major contributors to the association. The blood As levels were positively associated with the luteinizing hormone (LH) levels and LH/FSH (follicle–stimulating hormone) ratio values, the blood Ba levels were negatively associated with the FSH levels, and the blood Pb levels were positively associated with the fasting insulin levels and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA–IR) values. ConclusionsOur results suggest a positive association between exposure to multiple toxic metals (Pb, Hg, As, Ba and Cd) and PCOS risk. As and Pb were the major contributors, evaluated either as a single agent or metal mixture; and Pb, As, and Ba were associated with different parameters of the clinical PCOS phenotype. Additional studies are warranted to confirm these associations, particularly regarding the synergistic effect of toxic metals.

Do trace elements play a role in coronary artery calcification in hemodialysis patients?

Abnormalities of trace elements have previously been linked to inflammatory processes in hemodialysis (HD) patients. We aimed to establish the trace element status of maintenance HD patients, to investigate the relationship between coronary artery calcification scores (CACs) and whole blood levels of trace elements. Patients undergoing HD in three times a week for > 6months and age-and sex-matched controls were included from October 2015 to June 2016. Data were collected from patient files. All subjects' whole blood levels of trace elements were measured by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). CACs for patients were assessed by multi-detector computed tomography. The 35 patients (male, 60%) with a mean age of 45.7 ± 10.4years and 35 controls were included. HD patients showed significantly lower levels of selenium and uranium and higher cadmium (Cd), cobalt, lithium, manganese, nickel, lead, platinum, tin, strontium, and thallium levels compared to controls. Coronary artery calcification (CAC) was present in 21 patients (60%), and median CACs were 14.2 (IQR 0-149). Patients with CACs > median were significantly older, had a higher prevalence of hypertension and lower ALP levels than patients with CACs ≤ median. No significant differences in whole blood levels of trace elements were found between patients with CACs > median and patients with CACs ≤ median. A near significance was noted in median whole blood levels of Cd between these groups (P = 0.096). According to multivariate analysis, age was the only independent determinant for CAC development. Age is independently associated with coronary vascular calcification. High Cd levels might play a role in CAC development in HD patients.

Cadmium and cobalt pollution and their effect on behavior in children and adolescents and its social dimensions

Karbala provides, theoretical assistance for Cadmium and Cobalt pollution prevention, by determining blood, levels and identifying relevant risk, factors among adolescents. Blood Cd and Co levels determine by Graphite Furnace .Atomic Absorb, piton Spectrometry (GFAAS) ) result. Methods blood samples were taken from both males and females. A total of 100 subjects (average age of 13-17 years, 8 females, and 92 males) were included. The arithmetic means Cadmium concentration were patients their number 50 and control also 50 Mean ± SE( 25.38± 0.92 ),( 11.88± 0.89) resp. while Samples Patients and control (T=10.55)In addition to Cobalt concentration were patients their number patients and control Mean ±SE(64.00 ± 3.1),( 30.71± 2.27) resp. and value(T=8.69) Conclusions”. The levels of Cadmium and Cobalt in the” blood of adolescents 13 to 17 years in Karbala governorate were higher than in other areas due to leaving schools” and working in different” professions at an early “age and living in unhealthy families.

The Time Trend of Blood Lead and Cadmium Levels in Rural Chinese Children: China Nutrition and Health Survey 2002 and 2012.

This study was to investigate blood lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) levels and time trend in rural Chinese children derived from the China Nutrition and Health Survey 2002 and 2012 (CNHS 2002, CNHS 2012). In total, 1698 and 1581 of rural Chinese children were selected from the CNHS 2002 and the CNHS 2012 databases, respectively. The blood Pb and Cd levels were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS), whilst the prevalence of blood Pb levels >5 µg/dL and blood Cd levels >0.5 µg/L and the corresponding reference values (RV95s: the upper limit of 95% confidence interval of 95th percentile) were together calculated. From the CNHS 2002 to the CNHS 2012, median concentrations in blood were severally decreased from 6.3 to 3.1 µg/dL for Pb and from 0.64 to 0.39 µg/L for Cd. The prevalence of blood Pb levels >5 µg/dL had decreased from 63.6 to 14.2%, together with blood Cd levels >0.5 µg/L prevalence from 62.7 to 33.5%, respectively. The RV95s of blood Pb and Cd levels were 15.2 µg/dL and 1.54 µg/L in the CNHS 2002, as well as 6.3 µg/dL and 1.12 µg/L in the CNHS 2012. In conclusion, blood Pb and Cd levels had been obviously improved in rural Chinese children during the past 10 years. However, the risks of Pb and Cd exposure are still serious and required to have continuous health monitoring and evaluation, even call for greater collaboration of the government and society.

The Effect of Smoking Habits on Blood Cadmium and Lead Levels in Residents Living Near a Mining and Smelting Area in Northwest China: a Cross-Sectional Study.

Few studies have focused on environmental cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) exposure while exploring the effect of smoking on blood Cd (BCd) and blood Pb (BPb) levels. Moreover, essential trace elements affect the absorption, accumulation, and toxicity of Cd and Pb. To investigate the effect of smoking on BCd and BPb levels under high Cd and Pb exposure and the influence of essential trace elements on the effect, 301 residents living near a mining and smelting area in Northwest China were included in our study. After collecting health information and measuring BCd, BPb, serum iron, magnesium, and total calcium levels, we analyzed the association between smoking and BCd and BPb levels and the influence of the essential trace elements on the association. The results showed that BCd and BPb levels in smokers were significantly higher than those in non-smokers. There was a dose-response association between pack-years and the odds ratios (ORs) of high BCd and BPb levels in all participants compared with non-smokers. Serum iron, magnesium, and calcium had a negative effect on the elevations of the ORs of high BCd and BPb levels. In addition, smoking-related elevations of BCd and BPb levels vary by sex, age, BMI, and age of smoking initiation. Our findings present evidence for the effect of smoking on BCd and BPb levels under high Cd and Pb exposure and may provide guidance for the prevention and control of BCd and BPb elevations in residents living in Cd- and Pb-polluted areas.

Association between cadmium and lead co-exposure, blood pressure, and hypertension: a cross-sectional study from northwest China

Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) co-exposure have been inconsistently associated with blood pressure (BP) and hypertension (HTN). This cross-sectional study included 309 participants who completed a health examination and had blood Cd (Cd-B) and Pb (Pb-B) levels measured. The association between Cd, Pb, and their combined exposure levels, with systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and HTN was evaluated using models which were stratified according to sex, age, BMI, and smoking habit categories. The results found both increasing Cd-B and Pb-B were associated with elevated SBP and DBP in the overall population. In addition, increases in Cd-B and Pb-B were also associated with increased risk of HTN in overall and stratified models. Moreover, compared with the low exposure group, co-exposure to high levels of Cd and Pb was associated with increased SBP (β = 10.95, 95% CI: 5.69, 16.21), increased DBP (β = 5.09, 95% CI: 1.53, 8.66), and increased HTN risk (OR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.15, 5.21) in the overall model, and above results were different in the stratified model. This study provides evidence of an association between Cd and/or Pb exposure levels, BP, and HTN. However, the significance of this association differed according to sex, age, BMI, and smoking habit. Highlights Cadmium/lead exposure is associated with elevated blood pressure and hypertension. Cadmium and lead co-exposure increased blood pressure in a dose-dependent manner. Results revealed differences according to sex, age, BMI, and smoking habit category. Health oversight should be implemented for residents with high heavy metal exposure.

Effect of Tea and Coffee Consumption on Blood Levels of Some Heavy Metals and Trace Metals

In the present study, the content of Cd, Pb, Hg, Zn, Cu, and Se in blood following extended consumption of tea and coffee was determined. By random sampling method, sixty participants were selected for this study and grouped into 20 tea consumers, 20 coffee consumers and 20 controls. They were administered tea and coffee beverages respectively daily for 30 days, after which venous blood samples were collected from each participant into lithium heparin container. Blood Pb, Cd, Hg, Cu, Zn and Se were determined by employing Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. All data generated were used to perform statistical analysis employing SPSS version 21. Blood Cd, Pb, Hg and Se were significantly higher (p=0.005, p=0.003, p=0.001 and p=0.048, respectively) in tea Consumers compared with controls, while there were no significant difference in blood levels of Cu and Zn (p=0.923 and p= 0.784 respectively) in tea Consumers compared with controls. Blood Cd, Pb, Hg, Zn and Se were significantly higher (p=0.001, p=0.000, p=0.012, p=0.037 and p=0.006 respectively) in Coffee Consumers compared with Controls. There was no significant difference in blood Cu (p=0.222) in Coffee Consumers compared with Controls. There were no significant differences in blood levels of Cd, Pb, Hg, Cu, Zn and Se (p=0.154, p=0.459, p=0.662, p=0.226, p=0.080 and p=0.705 respectively) in Tea Consumers compared with Coffee Consumers. There were significant negative correlations of blood Pb with Hg and Cu(r=-0.451, p=0.046 and r=-0.697, p=0.001 respectively) in Tea Consumers. There were significant negative correlations of blood Pb with blood Cu and Zn (r=-0.656, p=0.002 and r=-0.690, p=0.001 respectively) and significant positive correlation of Pb with Hg (r=0.538, p=0.017) in Coffee Consumers. These findings have shown that Tea and Coffee Consumption may be associated with higher blood levels of Pb, Cd, Hg and Se; hence, caution should be applied considering the deleterious effects of heavy metals.

Prolonged Cadmium Exposure Alters Migration Dynamics and Increases Heterogeneity of Human Uterine Fibroid Cells-Insights from Time Lapse Analysis.

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most prevalent environmental heavy metal contaminants and is considered an endocrine disruptor and carcinogen. In women with uterine fibroids, there is a correlation between blood Cd levels and fibroid tumor size. In this study, fibroid cells were exposed to 10 µM CdCl2 for 6 months and a fast-growing Cd-Resistant Leiomyoma culture, termed CR-LM6, was recovered. To characterize the morphological and mechanodynamic features of uterine fibroid cells associated with prolonged Cd exposure, we conducted time lapse imaging using a Zeiss confocal microscope and analyzed data by Imaris and RStudio. Our experiments recorded more than 64,000 trackable nuclear surface objects, with each having multiple parameters such as nuclear size and shape, speed, location, orientation, track length, and track straightness. Quantitative analysis revealed that prolonged Cd exposure significantly altered cell migration behavior, such as increased track length and reduced track straightness. Cd exposure also significantly increased the heterogeneity in nuclear size. Additionally, Cd significantly increased the median and variance of instantaneous speed, indicating that Cd exposure results in higher speed and greater variation in motility. Profiling of mRNA by NanoString analysis and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) strongly suggested that the direction of gene expression changes due to Cd exposure enhanced cell movement and invasion. The altered expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) genes such as collagens, matrix metallopeptidases (MMPs), secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1), which are important for migration contact guidance, may be responsible for the greater heterogeneity. The significantly increased heterogeneity of nuclear size, speed, and altered migration patterns may be a prerequisite for fibroid cells to attain characteristics favorable for cancer progression, invasion, and metastasis.