Blood Cd Levels Research Articles

Is Cadmium a Risk Factor for Breast Cancer - Results from a Nested Case-Control Study Using Data from the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study.

Some studies have shown that cadmium (Cd) is associated with breast cancer risk. One hypothesis is that Cd has estrogen-like properties. This case-control study investigated the association between breast cancer risk and blood Cd (BCd) levels. All breast cancers in the Malmö Diet and Cancer cohort were identified through linkage to the Swedish Cancer Registry, baseline (1991-1996) through 2014. Two controls per case were selected from the same cohort. BCd was analyzed at baseline. Associations were analyzed using logistic regression. Mean BCd was 0.51 μg/L among 1,274 cases and 0.46 among 2,572 controls. There was an overall increased risk of breast cancer [OR, 1.18; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.05-1.36] per μg/L of BCd. An increased risk was, however, only found at high BCd [OR, 1.34 (95% CI, 1.05-1.73)] for BCd more than 1.20 μg/L. The group with the highest BCd was mainly smokers. A spline indicated that at BCd less than 1.0 μg/L, the OR was not increased. The association with BCd was stronger in current smokers and at body mass index (BMI) above 25, while no modification due to receptor status was found. The results indicated increased risk of breast cancer only for high Cd exposure, which occurred mainly among smokers. This made it difficult to disentangle the effects of smoking and Cd, despite inclusion of smoking habits in the models. This study provides support for reducing Cd exposure through smoking cessation and dietary choice. On the population level, preventive measures against Cd pollution are warranted.

Exposure to waterpipe smoke and blood heavy metal concentrations

Waterpipe (WP) smoking is a global phenomenon, with the most consumers in Middle East countries and China. Heavy metals exposure related to WP smoking has been associated with many adverse health effects. However, the association of lifestyle factors and smoking habits with blood heavy metals concentration in WP smokers is unclear yet. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the relationship of lifestyle factors (i.e., diet and physical activity) and smoking habits (i.e., duration of the use of WP and times of smoking WP per week) with blood concentrations of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd). This cross-sectional study was based on 86 WP smokers in Khalkhal, Iran (2018). Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) was used to measure heavy metals. The median (interquartile range (IQR)) of Pb and Cd concentrations were 39 (24) and 1.3 (1.2) μg/L. The blood Pb and Cd levels were significantly higher in participants with lower education level (P-value = 0.049 and 0.041, respectively). An IQR increase in physical activity per week was associated with −0.12 μg/L (95% confidence interval (CI): −0.23, −0.01, P-value = 0.04) decrease in Pb concentration. An increase in the times of consuming fruit per week was negatively associated with the concentration of Cd. Overall, our findings suggested that physical activity and healthy diet have been associated with lower blood heavy metal concentrations in WP smokers; however, further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Association of low-level environmental exposure to cadmium and lead with gout flare using a cohort study design

Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) are toxic heavy metals with endocrine-disrupting properties. We investigated the associations of low-level environmental exposure to Cd/Pb and gout status (intercritical gout, gout flare and combined gout) in a cohort study. We measured by ICP-MS the levels of Cd and Pb in blood (Cd–B and Pb–B) and urine (Cd–U and Pb–U) from 408 participants with blood and 346 participants with urine samples recruited from a hospital gout clinic. The median levels of Cd–B and Pb–B (in μg/L) in the gout flare group were 0.87 (range 0.41–2.49) and 31.54 (25.38–41.46), respectively, and the median levels of Cd–U and Pb–U in the gout flare group were 1.05 (0.69–1.91) and 3.86 (3.49–4.44), respectively. These medians were significantly higher than those in the control or intercritical groups (P < 0.05). For Cd–B in tertile 2 (T2) and Cd–U in tertile 3, Cd levels were significantly associated with gout flare status compared to the reference tertile 1 (OR = 4.3, P = 0.041 and OR = 25.1, P = 0.002, respectively) after adjustment under Model 3. For Pb–U, the risk of gout flare status was significantly higher in T2 (OR = 51.0, P = 0.002) compared to the T1 under Model 3. Our results show that median levels of Cd–B, Pb–B, Cd–U and Pb–U in the gout flare group were significantly higher than participants without gout or with gout but in the intercritical period. We provide evidence that the risk of gout flare status is associated with increased Cd levels, and that blood and urine levels of Cd are a risk factor for gout flare status.

Metal exposure and bone remodeling during pregnancy: Results from the PROGRESS cohort study

Pregnancy is characterized by high bone remodeling and might be a window of susceptibility to the toxic effects of metals on bone tissue. The aim of this study was to assess associations between metals in blood [lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd)and arsenic (As)] and bone remodeling during pregnancy. We studied pregnant woman from the PROGRESS Cohort (Programming Research in Obesity, Growth, and Environment and Social Stress). We measured concentrations of metals in blood and obtained measures of bone remodeling by quantitative ultrasound (QUS) at the radius in the second and third trimester of pregnancy. To account for chronic lead exposure, we measured lead in tibia and patella one-month postpartum with K-shell X-ray fluorescence. We assessed cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between multiple-metal concentrations and QUS z-scores using linear regression models and linear mixed models adjusted for potential confounders. Third trimester blood Cd concentrations were marginal associated with lower QUS z-scores [-0.16 (95% CI: −0.33, 0.007); P-Value = 0.06]. Mixed models showed that blood Cd was longitudinally and marginally associated with an average of −0.10 z-score (95% CI: −0.21, 0.002; P-Value = 0.06) over the course of pregnancy. Associations for Pb and As were all inverse however none reached significance. Additionally, bone Pb concentrations in patella, an index of cumulative exposure, were significantly associated with −0.06 z-score at radius (95% CI: −0.10, −0.01; P-Value = 0.03) during pregnancy. Pb and Cd blood levels are associated with lower QUS distal radius z-scores in pregnant women. Bone Pb concentrations in patella were negatively associated with z-score at radius showing the long-term effects of Pb on bone tissue. However, we cannot exclude the possibility of reverse causality for patella Pb and radius z-score associations. Our results support the importance of reducing women’s metal exposure during pregnancy, as metals exposure during pregnancy may have consequences for bone strength later in life.The main finding of our study is the association between Cd blood levels and radius z-score during pregnancy. Bone lead in patella was also negatively associated with radius z-scores.

Cadmium, total mercury, and lead in blood and associations with diet, sociodemographic factors, and smoking in Swedish adolescents

BackgroundDespite their vulnerability to the toxic effects of certain metals, biomonitoring data on adolescents are limited. In the present study, we assessed blood concentrations of toxic metals (cadmium [Cd], total mercury [Hg], and lead [Pb] in a national representative sample of Swedish adolescents. We also examined the associations of Cd, total Hg and Pb with habitual intakes of major energy-providing food groups and other possible determinants such as age, sex, household education, Nordic or non-Nordic origin, and smoking. MethodsWe analysed blood concentrations of Cd, total Hg, and Pb in a sample of 1099 adolescents from the Riksmaten Adolescents 2016–17 study in three age groups (mean age of 12, 15, and 18 years) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The participants completed web-based questionnaires on food consumption frequency, sociodemographic factors and health status. Dietary data from two web-based 24-h dietary recalls were used to estimate the habitual intake of 10 major food groups. ResultsAlmost all participants had detectable concentrations of Cd, total Hg, and Pb in whole blood. The median blood concentrations were 0.12 μg/L for Cd, 0.72 μg/L for total Hg, and 7.1 μg/L for Pb. Higher blood concentrations of Cd were observed in girls than in boys, whereas concentrations of total Hg and Pb were higher in boys. We observed an inverse association between Cd and meat intake. Total Hg concentrations were positively associated with intakes of fish, eggs, meat, and vegetables, and Pb concentrations were inversely associated with intakes of dairy products. Furthermore, smokers had higher concentrations of Cd and Pb. ConclusionsWe found that fish was a potentially important source of exposure to total Hg in Swedish adolescents. No other food group was identified to have a strong impact on the blood levels of Cd, total Hg and Pb. Thirteen per cent of the adolescents had blood Pb concentrations above 12 μg/L, the reference point used in the risk assessment of Pb by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Elevated cadmium and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels in residents living near electroplating industries.

This study aims to evaluate the body burdens of cadmium (Cd) associated with potential health impairment in residents living near electroplating industries. A total of 269 residents from exposure area and 106 from control area were recruited. We measured the blood and urinary Cd levels using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS); performed physical examinations; determined the urinary levels of β2-microglobulin (β2-MG), Nacetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG); and evaluated the associations between Cd and these biomarkers. Blood and urinary Cd levels in exposure group were statistically higher than in control group (1.712 vs. 1.159 μg/L; 1.980 vs. 1.740 μg/L, respectively, p < 0.05). Urinary β2-MG and 8-OHdG levels in exposure group were also statistically higher (0.448 vs. 0.090 mg/L; 12.759 vs. 12.115 μg/L, respectively, p < 0.05), but urinary NAG levels showed no significant difference between the two groups (13.614 vs. 8.246 IU/L, p > 0.05). The proportion of abnormal nasal symptoms occurring in exposed subjects (88.8%) was much higher than in control subjects (78.2%, p < 0.05). Urinary Cd levels were positively correlated with blood Cd levels, urinary 8-OHdG, and NAG levels (r = 0.307, r = 0.185, r = 0.150, p < 0.05), but not correlated with urinary β2-MG levels (p > 0.05). In conclusion, our study revealed that residents living in close proximity to electroplating industries had elevated body burdens of Cd levels, as well as slight renal dysfunction and DNA oxidation damage.

Blood cadmium and physical function limitations in older adults.

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic metal found in tobacco, air and food. Recent cross-sectional studies have suggested that Cd negatively impacts physical performance, but the prospective association is uncertain. We used data from 2548 older adults from the Seniors-ENRICA II cohort in Madrid, Spain. Whole blood Cd levels were measured at baseline using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. At baseline (2017) and follow-up (2019), overall physical function was evaluated using the physical component summary (PCS) of the SF 12-Item Health questionnaire, lower-extremity performance with the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), muscle weakness with a hand dynamometer, and frailty with a Deficit Accumulation index. Mobility limitations and disability in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) were ascertained with standardized questionnaires. Analyses were adjusted for relevant confounders, including tobacco smoke, number of cigarettes smoked per day and time since cessation in former smokers. In cross-sectional analyses, odds ratios (95% confidence interval) per two-fold increase in blood Cd were 1.16 (1.03; 1.31) for low PCS scores, 1.08 (0.97; 1.20) for impaired lower-extremity performance, 1.10 (0.98; 1.23) for low grip strength, 1.11 (1.02; 1.20) for mobility limitations, 1.16 (1.02; 1.31) for frailty, and 1.26 (1.08; 1.47) for IADL disability. In longitudinal analyses, corresponding hazard ratios were 1.25 (1.03; 1.51) for low PCS scores, 1.14 (1.03; 1.27) for impaired lower-extremity performance, 1.02 (0.92; 1.13) for low grip strength, 1.03 (0.91; 1.16) for mobility limitations, and 1.16 (1.00; 1.35) for frailty. All the associations where consistent when current smokers were excluded from the analyses. Our results support the role of Cd as a risk factor for physical function impairments in older adults.

Effects of Exposure to Lead and Cadmium on Health of Inhabitants of Abandoned Metal Mine Area in Korea.

People living near abandoned mines are at increased risk of exposure to toxic metals. We surveyed 4500 inhabitants with the mean age of 68.5years old (male: 1768, female: 2732) living near 104 abandoned metal mines from 2013 to 2017 (the 2nd phase health survey in Korea). We conducted personal interviews, blood and urine sampling, and analyzed the concentrations of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in whole blood and Cd in urine using a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer. The geometric means of blood Pb, blood Cd, and urine Cd were 2.27μg/dL, 1.42μg/L, and 1.66μg/g creatinine, respectively. The level of metal exposure was lower than that reported from the first phase health survey in Korea (2008‒2011) but was higher than in the general population of Korea. Blood Pb was higher in males while blood Cd and urine Cd were significantly higher in females. Blood Pb was highest in the 40‒59 age group, while blood and urine Cd levels continuously increased until age 80 or older. The Cd levels in blood and urine were affected by consumption of locally produced rice and duration of residence near abandoned mines. Furthermore, negative correlations were observed between blood Pb and blood and urine Cd levels. Additionally, 252 of the 4500 subjects exceeded the thresholds of blood Cd or urine Cd levels. Together, these findings suggest that Cd has more sustainable and adverse health effects on the abandoned mine inhabitants, who are mostly aged. Therefore, continuous biomonitoring and risk assessment to environmental health risks are necessary for environmental pollution control and health promotion.

Association of microRNA expression with changes in immune markers in workers with cadmium exposure

Human exposure to cadmium (Cd) is known to produce severe health effects. Recently, molecular mechanism of Cd toxicity has revealed the role of Cd in causing epigenetic alterations. miRNAs are small, non-coding RNAs which are involved in translational repression of genes. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the alterations in expression of miRNAs associated with inflammation, carcinogenesis and, further, study their possible correlation with immune profile, in occupationally Cd exposed workers of Jodhpur. 106 workers from metal handicraft and welding factories were recruited as subjects, while, 80 apparently healthy non-exposed individuals served as control for this study. Blood Cd levels (BCd) were determined by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (GFAAS). Lymphocyte cell subset were measured by flow cytometry, serum interleukins were assessed by ELISA and miRNA expression was determined by Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). BCd levels were significantly higher in the exposed individuals when compared to the non-exposed, with welders reporting the highest amongst all. Among the lymphocyte subset, exposed group showed significantly higher percentage of Th17 and lower percentage of Treg population. Cytokine profile expressed by exposed workers were predominantly pro-inflammatory in nature. Among, the studied miRNAs, miR-221 was significantly higher in exposed group with a fold change of 3.05. Additionally, miR-221 and miR-155 showed significant positive correlation with Th17 cell %. Regression analysis showed duration of exposure and IL-17 to have significant effect on miR-221 in exposed group. In conclusion, miR-221 was significantly upregulated in exposed and was correlated with immune alteration making it a potential candidate for further exploration of mechanism underlying Cd toxicity.

Influence of lifestyle factors on reproductive hormones and micronutrients in workers occupationally exposed to heavy metals

Context: Unhealthy lifestyles or social habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption in addition to heavy metals exposure may enhance alterations in micronutrients and fertility hormones. Aim: The aim of the study was to examine the influence of smoking and alcohol consumption on reproductive hormones and micronutrients in workers exposed to heavy metals. Materials and Methods: Fifty workers from auto repair workshops and 44 occupationally unexposed control participants were recruited for the study. The occupationally exposed workers and control were further grouped into alcohol drinking smokers (ADS) and abstainers. The occupationally exposed workers comprised 28 ADS and 22 abstainers, while the control comprised 24 ADS and 20 abstainers. Blood samples were analyzed for lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn); testosterone (Tt), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH); and statistical significance set at P&lt; 0.05. Results: Pb, Cd, FSH, and LH levels were significantly higher, while Se, Zn, and Tt levels were significantly lower in the occupationally exposed workers compared to the control. Blood Pb and Cd levels in the exposed ADS were significantly higher compared to exposed abstainers and the control groups. Blood Se level was significantly lower in the exposed ADS compared to the exposed abstainers and control groups (P &lt; 0.05). Blood Zn level in the exposed ADS was significantly lower compared to the exposed abstainers and abstainers in the control group. Serum Tt level was significantly lower in the exposed ADS compared to the exposed abstainers and control groups (P &lt; 0.05). The serum FSH and LH were significantly higher in the exposed ADS compared to the control groups (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Smoking and alcohol consumption may exacerbate the adverse effect of heavy metal exposure on reproductive health and fertility. Hence, these workers should be enlightened on the imminent dangers of such unhealthy habits.

Human biomonitoring initiative (HBM4EU): Human biomonitoring guidance values (HBM-GVs) derived for cadmium and its compounds

AimsThe methodology agreed within the framework of the HBM4EU project is used in this work to derive HBM-GVs for the general population (HBM-GVGenPop) and for workers (HBM-GVWorker) exposed to cadmium (Cd) and its compounds. MethodsFor Cd, a significant number of epidemiological studies with dose–response relationships are available, in particular for kidney effects. These effects are described in terms of a relation between urinary Cd (U-Cd) or blood Cd (B-Cd) levels and low molecular weight proteinuria (LMWP) markers like beta-2-microglobulin (β2M) and retinol-binding protein (RBP). In order to derive HBM-GVs for the general population and workers, an assessment of data from evaluations conducted by national or international organisations was undertaken. In this work, it appeared relevant to select renal effects as the critical effect for the both groups, however, differences between general population (including sensitive people) and workers (considered as an homogenous population of adults who should not be exposed to Cd if they suffer from renal diseases) required the selection of different key studies (i.e. conducted in general population for HBM-GVGenPop and at workplace for HBM-GVWorker). Results and conclusionsFor U-Cd, a HBM-GVGenPop of 1 µg/g creatinine (creat) is recommended for adults older than 50 years, based on a robust meta-analysis performed by EFSA (EFSA, 2009a). To take into account the accumulation of Cd in the human body throughout life, threshold or ‘alert’ values according to age were estimated for U-Cd. At workplace, a HBM-GVWorker of 2 μg/g creat is derived from the study of Chaumont et al., (2011) for U-Cd, and in addition to this recommendation a HBM-GVworker for B-Cd of 5 µg/L is also proposed. The HBM-GVWorker for U-Cd is similar to the biological limit value (BLV) set by the new amendment of the European Carcinogens and Mutagens Directive in June 2019 (2 µg/g creat for U-Cd).

Cadmium, lead and mercury in the blood of psoriatic and vitiligo patients and their possible associations with dietary habits

BackgroundPsoriasis and vitiligo are common, autoimmune skin diseases, their etiology is still unclear. The relationship between environmental factors including diet and various skin diseases has been studied. The general mechanism of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) toxicity is through the production of reactive oxygen species which are known to play a role in etiopathogenesis of skin disorders. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to estimate the influence of dietary habits on the concentration of Cd, Pb and Hg in the peripheral blood samples of patients with psoriasis and vitiligo. MethodsIn this case-control study, sixty patients with psoriasis, fifty patients with vitiligo and fifty eight healthy people were examined. Blood levels of Cd, Pb and Hg were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Food-frequency questionnaires were implemented to collect the dietary data. ResultsSignificant differences (p < 0.05) of Cd levels were found between women and men with psoriasis and women and men in the control group. The concentration of Pb was significantly higher among vitiligo patients (50.04 ± 26.54 μg/L) than in healthy controls (36.04 ± 27.35 μg/L). Significantly lower ratio of Se/Pb, Zn/Pb and Cu/Pb was found among psoriatic men. Significantly (p < 0.05) lower values of Se/Hg ratio were observed among vitiligo patients compared to controls. ConclusionsThe elevated levels of toxic elements could increase oxidative stress which may partly contribute to inflammation in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and vitiligo, which requires further research. Analysis of the influence of frequent consumption of food products on toxic metals concentration showed that the dietary habits have impact on the content of examined toxic metals in the blood of patients. The obtained results may be useful for composing the diet and could be helpful in prevention of psoriasis and vitiligo.

An updated systematic review on the association between Cd exposure, blood pressure and hypertension

BackgroundSince the first report by Perry et al. (1955), most studies affirmed the hypertensive effects of cadmium (Cd) in humans. Nonetheless, conclusions between studies remain inconsistent. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to reevaluate the evidence for a potential relationship between Cd exposure and altered blood pressure and/or hypertension, focusing on studies published between January 2010 and March 2020. MethodsWe reviewed all observational studies from database searches (PubMed and SCOPUS) on Cd exposure and blood pressure or hypertension. We extracted information from studies that provided sufficient data on population characteristics, smoking status, exposure, outcomes, and design. ResultsThirty-eight studies met our inclusion criteria; of those, twenty-nine were cross sectional, three case control, five cohort and one interventional study. Blood or urinary Cd levels were the most commonly used biomarkers. ConclusionsA positive association between blood Cd levels and blood pressure and/or hypertension was identified in numerous studies at different settings. Limited number of representative population-based studies of never-smokers was observed, which may have confounded our conclusions. The association between urinary Cd and blood pressure and/or hypertension remains uncertain due to conflicting results, including inverse relationships with lack of strong mechanistic support. We point to the urgent need for additional longitudinal studies to confirm our findings.

Gestational Cd Exposure in the CD-1 Mouse Induces Sex-Specific Hepatic Insulin Insensitivity, Obesity, and Metabolic Syndrome in Adult Female Offspring.

There is compelling evidence that developmental exposure to toxic metals increases risk for obesity and obesity-related morbidity including cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. To explore the hypothesis that developmental Cd exposure increases risk of obesity later in life, male, and female CD-1 mice were maternally exposed to 500 ppb CdCl2 in drinking water during a human gestational equivalent period (gestational day 0-postnatal day 10 [GD0-PND10]). Hallmark indicators of metabolic disruption, hepatic steatosis, and metabolic syndrome were evaluated prior to birth through adulthood. Maternal blood Cd levels were similar to those observed in human pregnancy cohorts, and Cd was undetected in adult offspring. There were no observed impacts of exposure on dams or pregnancy-related outcomes. Results of glucose and insulin tolerance testing revealed that Cd exposure impaired offspring glucose homeostasis on PND42. Exposure-related increases in circulating triglycerides and hepatic steatosis were apparent only in females. By PND120, Cd-exposed females were 30% heavier with 700% more perigonadal fat than unexposed control females. There was no evidence of dyslipidemia, steatosis, increased weight gain, nor increased adiposity in Cd-exposed male offspring. Hepatic transcriptome analysis on PND1, PND21, and PND42 revealed evidence for female-specific increases in oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction with significant early disruption of retinoic acid signaling and altered insulin receptor signaling consistent with hepatic insulin sensitivity in adult females. The observed steatosis and metabolic syndrome-like phenotypes resulting from exposure to 500 ppb CdCl2 during the pre- and perinatal period of development equivalent to human gestation indicate that Cd acts developmentally as a sex-specific delayed obesogen.

Renoprotective Effects of Lycopene in Tomato Extracts on Rat Exposed to Cadmium

Cadmium is a heavy metal widely used in human life. When it enters the body, cadmium might bind to metallothionein protein and impair renal function. The renal function decrease usually is characterized by raise of β2-microglobulin, creatinine, ureum and uric acid levels, which possibly be cured by lycopene, and antioxidant found in tomato. The objective of the study was to determine the effective lycopene dose as a renoprotective of Cd exposure. Twenty four Wistar rats used in this study were divided into six groups (four individuals in each group). Group I was the negative control, Group II was given 5.6 mg/kgBW CdSO4 as a positive control. Group III, IV and V were given 5.6 mg/kgBW CdSO4 and tomato extract of 0.36, 0.72 and 1.08 mg/kgBW/day respectively. Group VI exposed to CdSO4, and after seven days an additional 0.3 mg/kgBW/day of dimercaprol was administered for 14 days as a comparison to tomato. The parameters observed were levels of Cd, creatinine, and β2-microglobulin in blood level. Observations were made on day 0 and day 22. The data were analyzed by ANOVA (F-test), followed by the Duncan test. The results showed that all treatments and dimercaprol could reduce the levels of Cd, creatinine, ureum, uric acid, and β2-Microglobulin. The optimal decrease was observed in the rats administered with 1.08 mg/kgBW/day. Tomato extract dose 1.08 mg/kgBW was the highest in lowering levels of blood Cd, β2-M, creatinine, urea, and uric acid levels.

Blood cadmium is not a predictor of carotid intima-media thickness in young adults from Padang, Indonesia

Background: Cd exposure is a non-traditional risk factor of cardiovascular disease and mortality by promoting the development of atherosclerosis. There are many studies showings that environmental Cd exposure is associated with atherosclerosis in developed countries, however, there are still limited studies in developing countries. The development of atherosclerosis can be monitored non-invasively by measuring carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT). This study aimed to measure the level of blood Cd and other factors known to be associated with CIMT, measured at the segment of the common and the internal carotid artery (CCA and ICA, respectively), in young adults from Padang, West Sumatera, Indonesia, and we analyzed whether blood Cd is a predictor of CIMT. Methods: The participants were 156 young adults, aged 18-24. Blood Cd was analyzed by using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). CIMT was measured by ultrasonography of the left and right carotid artery. Multiple regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of CIMT. Results: The median blood Cd level was 0.61 μg/L (range 0.01-5.96 μg/L), with no difference in male compared to female subjects (Mann-Whitney U test, p=0.60). To identify factors associated with CIMT, we performed a multivariable model including all relevant variables. Our model predicted 21.9% variation in CCA IMT, with sex as the best predictor (β=-0.438 [95% confidence interval (CI): -0.009 - -0.003]; p&lt;0.001). The model for predicting ICA IMT, where 16.5% variation was accounted for, showed that sex was the best predictor (β=-0.529 [95% CI: -0.010 - -0.004]; p&lt;0.001). Blood Cd was not a predictor of CCA IMT (adjusted R2=0.219; β=-0.101 [95% CI: -0.001-0.000]; p=0.203) and ICA IMT (adjusted R2=0.165; β=-0.055 [95% CI: -0.001-0.001]; p=0.503). Conclusion: Blood Cd level is not a predictor of CIMT in young adults from Padang, Indonesia.

Cadmium dietary intake and blood levels in early childhood

Background: Low level cadmium (Cd) exposure during childhood is common and may contribute to poorer children’s health. Diet is the main source of Cd exposure in this population, however information on dietary Cd intake in children is limited. The aim of this study was to estimate the dietary Cd (DCd) intake from 1 to 6 years of age and its association with blood Cd levels (BCd).Methods: Diet was assessed longitudinally in children from the Programming Research in Obesity GRowth Environment and Social Stressors (PROGRESS) cohort in Mexico City, using a semi-quantitative food frequency past week questionnaire (FFQ) at 1 (n=558), 2 (n=452), 4 (n=593) and 6 (n=595) years of age. DCd was estimated using food composition tables from the US, European Food Safety Authority, Australia, Hong Kong, Canada and 5 food items from Mexico. Cd levels from the reports were averaged and standardized to mg/kg. We matched reported levels with the FFQ and estimated the individual DCd in grams at each time point. BCd was analyzed using ICP-QQQ. We modeled 4 year-old BCd and the arithmetic mean of 1, 2 and 4 year old DCd in tertiles, adjusted for child’s sex, age, BMI z-score and environmental tobacco exposure.Results: The mean weekly DCd intake was 0.0033±0.0027g, 0.0042±0.0024g, 0.0058±0.0029g and 0.0066±0.0029g at 1, 2, 4 and 6 years old respectively. The most Cd-containing consumed food items changed across age of assessment, however milk, sweets, potatoes, rice and bread were consistently identified Cd sources in all stages. Compared to the 1st tertile, DCd 2nd tertile was associated with increased BCd and DCd 3rd tertile with decreased BCd. Conclusion: Our results show that children’s Cd consumption increases with age and suggest a non-linear association between diet and blood Cd. Future studies will assess the relationship between DCd and children’s renal health.

High serum IgG subclass concentrations in children with e-waste Pb and Cd exposure

Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is the predominant component of the humoral immune system. Epidemiological studies have shown that lead (Pb) or cadmium (Cd) exposure is associated with changes in human IgG levels, and alteration of IgG subclass production can be induced by differential modulation of Th1 and Th2 cytokines caused by Pb or Cd exposure. However, no study has focused on the adverse effects of Pb and Cd co-exposure on IgG subclass production by regulating Th1/Th2 cytokines in children living in electronic waste (e-waste) areas. This study aims to analyze the associations among Pb and Cd in blood, Th1/Th2 cytokines, and IgG subclasses in serum from children. A total of 181 healthy, 2- to 7-year-old children were examined. Of them, 104 were from Guiyu (e-waste exposed group), and the rest were from Haojiang (reference group) in China. Pb and Cd levels in whole blood, cytokines, and IgG subclasses in serum were determined. Exposed children had higher levels of blood Pb and Cd, serum IgG1, IgG1 + IgG2, serum Th1 cytokine interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and lower levels of the Th2 cytokine interleukin (IL)-13. Increased blood Pb levels were positively associated with serum levels of IFN-γ, and negatively associated with serum levels of IL-13. Adjusted linear regression analysis showed that serum levels of IL-13 were negatively associated with serum levels of IgG1 and IgG1 + IgG2. Mediation models indicated that IL-13 had significant mediating effects on the relationships between blood Pb levels and serum IgG1, as well as between blood Pb levels and serum IgG1 + IgG2. Increased blood Cd levels were positively associated with serum levels of IgG1. Our results show heavy metal (particularly Pb) exposure may affect IgG subclass production by regulating Th1/Th2 cytokines in exposed children, thus providing new evidence for a relationship between humoral immune function and environmental exposure.

Relationship between ambient PM2.5 exposure and blood cadmium level in children under 14 years in Beijing, China

Ambient PM2.5 pollution is a global environmental problem. PM2.5 can act as a carrier of heavy metals. However, the relationship between PM2.5 exposure and blood cadmium (Cd) level in children was less understood. Based on the data of hourly collected PM2.5 and blood Cd level of 13,626 children aged 0–14 years from Apr. 2008 to Feb. 2013 in Beijing of China, we investigated the short-term effects of PM2.5 exposure on blood Cd level. Generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) were utilized to explore the potential association between PM2.5 exposure and blood Cd level of children. The results showed that the mean blood Cd level was 0.64 μg/L. There was a significant association between PM2.5 exposure and blood Cd level (P < 0.05). Age was negatively associated with blood Cd level (P < 0.05), and the younger children were more sensitive to Cd from PM2.5 exposure. There wasn’t a significant difference in PM2.5 concentration between heating and non-heating seasons in winter (P > 0.05); there was also no gender difference of children on blood Cd level (P > 0.05). The present study demonstrates the importance of controlling the PM2.5 bound Cd exposure, and environmental countermeasures should be implemented stringently to reduce their impact on children’s health.

Association of blood cadmium levels in pregnant women with infant birth size and small for gestational age infants: The Japan Environment and Children's study

BackgroundThere is growing evidence of an association between cadmium (Cd) and unfavorable birth outcomes. The effect of Cd exposure on anthropometric measures at birth or small for gestational age (SGA) infants in a large, nationwide Japanese cohort remains to be clarified. ObjectivesTo analyze the association between maternal blood Cd levels at different sampling times and sex-dependent infant birth size, weight, body length, chest, and head circumferences, in addition to SGA. MethodsData of 17,584 pregnant women in the Japan Environment and Children's Study were analyzed for anthropometric measurements. For SGA determination, 13,969 cases of vaginal delivery were analyzed after excluding infants born by cesarean section. Maternal blood Cd levels were categorized into quartiles (Q1–Q4), and the Q1 was used as a reference. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed for anthropometric measurements, and multiple logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association of maternal blood Cd levels with the risk of SGA. ResultsBirth weight tended to decrease according to the increase in quartiles of blood Cd levels (15.63 g decrease [95% confidence level (CI): −33.26, 2.01] for Q4). The overall analysis revealed no decreases in body length and head and chest circumference, but subgroup analysis revealed that chest circumference tended to decrease according to the increase in quartiles in the female sex/third-trimester stratification (0.16 cm decrease [95% CI: −0.32, 0.00] for Q4). SGA risk was also higher and paralleled the increase in blood Cd levels associated with the female sex/third-trimester group (Odds Ratio 1.90 [95% CI: 1.23, 2.94] for Q4). ConclusionOur results provide further evidence of sex-specific health risks associated with Cd exposure in early life in a large Japanese pregnancy cohort.