Blood Cd Levels Research Articles

Effects of multi-metal exposure on the risk of diabetes mellitus among people aged 40-75 years in rural areas in southwest China.

Aims/IntroductionMetals play an important role in diabetes mellitus. This cross‐sectional study aimed to evaluate the overall, individual and interactive effects of multi‐metal exposure on the prevalence of diabetes mellitus, impaired fasting glucose (IFG) rate and fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels.Materials and MethodsThe FBG levels of a study population from a cadmium (Cd)‐polluted area (n = 250) and an unpolluted area (n = 204), and the metal levels, including magnesium, calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), Cd, copper and lead (Pb) in blood and urine were detected. The study population was divided into a normal fasting glucose group, an IFG group and a diabetes mellitus group on the basis of FBG levels.ResultsThe IFG rate and diabetes mellitus prevalence were negatively associated with blood Cd and urine Zn levels (IFG rate: odds ratio [OR] 0.780, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.655–0.928; OR 0.622, 95% CI 0.465–0.831. Diabetes mellitus prevalence: OR 0.506, 95% CI 0.288–0.888; OR 0.609, 95% CI 0.395–0.939), the IFG rate was positively associated with urine Fe levels (OR 1.876, 95% CI 1.290–2.778), and diabetes mellitus prevalence was positively associated with urine Pb and blood Fe levels (OR 1.185, 95% CI 1.022–1.376; OR 1.008, 95% CI 1.001–1.014). A linear negative correlation was observed between FBG levels and blood Cd, and non‐linear inverted U‐shaped associations were found between FBG levels and Zn, Pb and copper in urine.ConclusionsThis research suggests that multi‐metal exposure, especially Cd, Fe, Zn, copper and Pb, is linked to diabetes mellitus, and the interactive effects of multiple metals require further exploration.

IDF21-0483 Trends in blood and urine cadmium levels by cardiometabolic risk among US adults: 1999-2018

Background: Cadmium (Cd), a toxic heavy metal distributed in the environment, is linked to cardiometabolic diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), hypertension, and chronic kidney diseases (CKD). Understanding population-wide trends in levels of both blood and urinary Cd levels is critical to explore the associations of exposure to Cd and the risk of cardiometabolic diseases.

The association between environmental cadmium exposure, blood pressure, and hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

We performed a systematic and meta-analysis study to find the association between cadmium (Cd) exposure and blood pressure (BP)/hypertension (HTN) in exposed general populations. We searched main databases for literature published between year 2000 and April 15, 2021. Qualityassessmentwasperformedwiththe Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools.Heterogeneity between studies was determined by I-squared (I2) statistic. The random effects model was used todeterminethe association between blood and urine Cd levels with hypertension.The overall standard differences in mean for Cd level in hypertensive and control groups were 3.34, 1.79, and 8.09 based on samples from blood, urine, and hair, respectively. The overall standard differences in mean for Cd level in the low and high exposure groups were - 0.795 and - 1.036 based on blood and urinary samples, respectively. Our findings indicate a positive relationship between blood and hair Cd levels and hypertension. We also found that hair is the optimal biological sample to find the relationship between Cd exposure and hypertension for both genders. However, more studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Environmental Cadmium Exposure Promotes the Development, Progression and Chemoradioresistance of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Cadmium (Cd) exposure has been implicated in the etiology of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), albeit with inconsistent results from epidemiologic studies and without causal evidence. In this study, we explore the relationship of Cd exposure and the development, progression and therapeutic resistance of ESCC. A total of 150 ESCC patients and 177 matched controls from a coastal region with a high incidence of ESCC in China were included in the study. It was found that the median blood Cd level (BCL) was significantly higher in ESCC patients than that in the controls. Odds ratios for ESCC risk were 3.12 (95% CI 1.54-6.30) and 3.71 (95% CI 1.84-7.48) in the third and fourth quartiles of Cd distribution, respectively. Notably, BCL above 4.71 μg/L was strongly associated with shorter progression-free survival time compared to that below 1.60 μg/L (p < 0.001). The chronic Cd-treated ESCC cells (CCT-ESCC) CCT-EC109 and CCT-EC9706 exhibited increased cell proliferation and tumorigenesis, enhanced migration and invasion, and upregulated EMT biomarkers following 12 weeks of exposure to 5 μM cadmium chloride. Furthermore, Cd treatment attenuated the efficacy of 5-fluorouracil, cisplatin and irradiation treatment in CCT-ESCC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we revealed that Cd stimulated the cancer cell stemness and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in the CCT-ESCC cells. Additionally, 5-aza-2-deoxy-cytidine treatment resulted in suppression of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and rescue of the Cd-induced cell radioresistance. These results offer new insights into the role of environmental Cd exposure in the development, progression and chemoradioresistance of ESCC.

Trends in Urinary and Blood Cadmium Levels in U.S. Adults with or without Comorbidities, 1999-2018.

Although cadmium (Cd) exposure has been declining in the United States (U.S.) over the years, the level of exposure for people with pre-existing comorbidities is unclear. This study characterized the trends of blood Cd levels (bCd) (n = 44,498) and urinary Cd levels (uCd) (n = 15,107) by pre-existing comorbidities among adults participating in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We calculated age- and sex-standardized annual geometric mean (GM) levels, and used aJoinpoint regression model to examine the trends over time. The GM levels of bCd declined from 1999–2000 to 2017–2018 survey cycles (from 0.49 to 0.33 μg/L), while women and current smokers had higher levels. Participants with comorbidities had higher bCd and declined over time: cardiovascular disease (CVD) (0.50 to 0.42 μg/L), hypertension (0.49 to 0.35 μg/L), chronic kidney disease (CKD) (0.54 to 0.37 μg), and cancer (0.57 to 0.38 μg) versus those without these comorbidities. We observed the similar pattern of changes for uCd and participants with CVD, CKD, and cancer had higher levels. To conclude, the trend in urinary and blood Cd levels in U.S adults decreased in the past 20 years, and the levels varied by sex, smoking status, and comorbidities.

Screening and validation of biomarkers for cadmium-induced liver injury based on targeted bile acid metabolomics

Although cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal that reportedly causes liver injury, few studies have investigated biomarkers of Cd-induced liver injury. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of bile acid (BA) in Cd-induced liver injury and determine reliable and sensitive biochemical parameters for the diagnosis of Cd-induced liver injury. In this study, 48 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups and administered either normal saline or 2.5, 5, 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg/d cadmium chloride for 12 weeks. A total of 403 subjects living in either a control area (n = 135) or Cd polluted area (n = 268) of Dongdagou-Xinglong (DDGXL) cohort were included, a population with long-term low Cd exposure. The BA profiles in rats' liver, serum, caecal contents, faeces, and subjects' serum were detected using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS/MS). Changes in rats' and subjects' liver injury indices, rats' liver pathological degeneration, and rats' liver and subjects’ blood Cd levels were also measured. Cadmium exposure caused cholestasis and an increase in toxic BAs, leading to liver injury in rats. Among them, glycoursodeoxycholic acid (GUDCA), glycolithocholic acid (GLCA), taurolithocholic acid (TLCA), and taurodeoxycholate acid (TDCA) are expected to be potential biomarkers for the early detect of Cd-induced liver injury. Serum BAs can be used to assess Cd-induced liver injury as a simple, feasible, and suitable method in rats. Serum GUDCA, GLCA, TDCA, and TLCA were verified to be of value to evaluate Cd-induced liver injury and Cd exposure in humans. These findings provided evidence for screening and validation of additional biomarkers for Cd-induced liver injury based on targeted BA metabolomics.

Toxic Metal Concentrations in Drinking Water and Possible Effect on Sex Hormones among Men in Sabongida-Ora, Edo State, Nigeria.

Drinking water can be a potential source of toxic metals, which are a known leading cause of infertility in men. This study determines the concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) in drinking water (borehole, hand-dug well and treated water) and sex hormone levels (serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PROL), estradiol (E2), progesterone (PROG), and testosterone (T) in males who drink water mainly from these sources. The concentrations of Cd, and Pb in hand-dug wells were higher than the permissible limit recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) while Zn and Cu were within the permissible levels in drinking water. Blood Cd and Pb levels were significantly higher (p < 0.001) among subjects who consumed hand-dug and borehole water than treated water, while serum Zn was significantly lower (p < 0.001) in hand-dug well and borehole water consumers than in control subjects. Also, serum FSH (p < 0.001), LH (p < 0.001), E2 (p < 0.002), PROG (p < 0.04) and T (p < 0.001) were significantly lower among hand-dug well and borehole water consumers than controls, while PROL (p < 0.001) was significantly higher in hand-dug well and borehole water consumers than controls. Blood Cd and Pb levels were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in hand-dug well water consumers than borehole water consumers. The consumption of water from hand-dug wells may have adverse reproductive sequelae among consumers.

Cadmium inhibits forskolin-induced differentiation of human placental BeWo cells.

Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental pollutant. Blood Cd levels in pregnant women have been associated with premature births, infant birth size, placenta previa, and placenta accreta. There have been concerns on the reproductive developmental toxicity of Cd. The choriocarcinoma cell line BeWo, a cellular in vitro model for studying syncytial fusion, has been widely used to study the reproductive and developmental toxic effects of pollutants. Here, we examine the inhibitory effect of Cd against forskolin (FSK)-induced BeWo differentiation. Results showed that Cd exposure inhibited the FSK-induced expression of syncytiotrophoblast-related genes LGALS13, ERVFRD1, SDC1, and CGB3. Inhibition of LGALS13 expression was due to the inhibition of the PKA pathway, whereas the inhibition of the other three genes could be due to the inhibition of the other pathways. These findings could help clarify the reproductive and developmental toxicity of Cd.

Effect of some toxic metals in drinking water on male reproductive hormones

Objective: Drinking water contaminated with toxic metals can be a leading cause of infertility in males. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of some toxic metals and trace elements in drinking water and reproductive hormone levels in males who drink water from these sources in Sabongida-Ora , Edo State, Nigeria. Material and Methods: A total of 90 subjects consisting of 30 subjects who drink borehole water, 30 subjects who drink water from hand-dug well, and 30 subjects who drink table water, aged between 18 and 45 years, were recruited for this study. Serum reproductive hormones were analyzed using ELISA method. Blood lead, cadmium, serum zinc, and copper were analyzed using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. Results: Blood Cd and Pb levels were significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) in hand-dug, borehole and treated water consumers while serum Zn level was significantly lower P&lt;0.05) in hand-dug well and borehole water consumers than treated table water consumers. The serum Cu level was not significantly different between the groups. The reproductive hormones were significantly lower among hand-dug well and borehole water consumers than treated table water consumers (p&lt;0.05), while PROL(P&lt;0.05) was significantly higher among hand-dug well, borehole water consumers than treated water consumers. Serum PROL correlated positively with Pb (r=0.443; P&lt;0.05) and negatively with serum Zn (r=-0.404; P&lt;0.05) while T correlated positively (r=0.542; P&lt;0.005) with Zn. Similarly, FSH correlated negatively with Pb (r=-0.398; P&lt;0.05) and positively with Zn (r=0.422;P&lt;0.05), while LH correlated inversely with Cd (r=-0.622;P&lt;0.05) and positively with Zn (r=0.745; P&lt;0.05). Expectedly, Cd and Pb were higher while Cu and Zn were lower in hand-dug well water consumers than borehole water consumers. Conclusion: Water consumption from hand-dug wells may have adverse reproductive sequelae among consumers.

Heavy metals exposure is associated with early liver dysfunction among rural residents aged 40-75 years in southwest China.

Heavy metals exposure has been associated with liver dysfunction in recent reports, while the hepatoxicity of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) has been well established. However, the combined effects of multi-metal in real-world scenario on liver dysfunction are still unclear. This cross-sectional study examined associations between 10 biomarkers of early liver injury and multiple heavy metals levels. The levels of heavy metals/metalloid (magnesium [Mg], calcium [Ca], iron [Fe], zinc [Zn], arsenic [As], Cd, copper [Cu], and Pb) were measured in blood and urinary sample collected from 725 participants in a Cd-polluted area and an unpolluted area in southwest China. The early liver dysfunction biomarkers included the liver enzymes (ALT, ALP, AST, and GGT), proteins (TP, ALB, and GLO), and bilirubin (TBIL, DBIL, and IBIL). Confounder-adjusted beta coefficients were determined using multiple linear regression model analysis for the group-classified and gender-classified samples. Our results showed that blood Fe, Cd, and Cu levels were found to be positively related to elevated ALT levels and blood Cu was positively associated with AST levels in the Cd-polluted area, while the highest blood Zn quartile in the polluted area and blood Mg quartile in the unpolluted area were associated with lower ALT levels. Our finding implies that industrial pollution results in heavy metals of Cd and Pb exposure and effects of Fe, Cd, Cu, and Pb in the Cd-polluted area may be the main contributors to increase the risk of liver dysfunction while Zn in the Cd-polluted area and Mg in the unpolluted area may be the protective factors.

Effect of occupational co-exposure to lead and cadmium on selected immunomodulatory cytokines.

Occupational exposure to heavy metals like lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) is associated with the development of several diseases. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of occupational co-exposure to Pb and Cd on the blood levels of selected immune-modulatory cytokines related to T helper (Th), that is, Th1, interleukin-2 (IL-2), Th2, (IL-4 and IL-10), and Th17, (IL-17) cells. The study comprised 207 individuals divided into two groups: exposed (n = 110) and nonexposed (n = 97). Blood Pb and Cd were determined using Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, and serum levels of cytokines were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The study revealed significantly higher blood Pb and Cd levels in the exposed group. A significant decrease in Th1 cytokine-IL-2 and Th2 cytokine-IL-10 was found, while IL-4 (Th2 cytokine) and IL-17 (Th17) levels were higher in the exposed group. In the mixed exposure analysis, among all the selected cytokines, IL-4 levels were significantly different between individuals having higher levels of both Pb and Cd versus lower levels of Pb and Cd. While IL-2 levels were highest among the low Pb and Cd group, the IL-17 levels were highest among individuals with higher Cd levels. The study demonstrated that co-exposure to low levels of Pb and Cd might have an immune-modulatory effect. The data suggested a metal-induced pro-inflammatory immune response.

Gene expression and oxidative stress markers profile associated with toxic metals in patients with renal cell carcinoma.

Toxic metals are associated with cancer progression. Studies have reported the relation between some toxic metals and renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Blood levels of Cd and Pb were determined in 94 RCC patients (RCC group) and 91 matched controls as well as blood level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase (CAT) activity as markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant, respectively. Gene expression of MAP kinase pathway (P38 and JNK), hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF1α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), cytochrome C oxidase subunit 6 (COX6), metallothionein (MT2A), and heat shock protein (HSP90AA1) were evaluated in the obtained tissue specimens. Blood Cd and Pb levels were significantly higher in RCC group comparing to control group with preferential significant increase of Cd in chromophobe RCC (chRCC) sub-type. MDA level was significantly higher and CAT activity was lower in the RCC compared to controls. The difference was evident only in chRCC. The expressions of genes were significantly increased in the cancer tissues than in non-cancerous tissues in RCC sub-types and there was a significant correlation between Cd levels and expression of genes VEGF, MT2A, P38 and JNK in chRCC group. Immunohistochemical staining of clear cell RCC tissues shows a marked expression of VEGF and HIF-1α.While COX6 staining show marked expression in chRCC. There is a positive correlation between Cd toxicity and the development of RCC, especially chRCC sub-type. Cd is strongly incriminated in the pathogenesis of chRCC through the effort on some genes and oxidative stress markers.

Non-linear associations between metabolic syndrome and four typical heavy metals: Data from NHANES 2011–2018

Previous studies have found that heavy metals are associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS), although findings are inconsistent. Further, investigations into potential associations that consider age- or gender-specific effects and dose-response associations for metal exposure and MetS are rare. In this study, we explore the associations between blood levels of typical heavy metals [lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg) and manganese (Mn)] and MetS among adults using logistic regression analysis and restricted cubic splines (RCS) logistic analysis using data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011–2018. After adjusting for covariates, higher levels of blood Pb, Cd and Hg were associated with lower risks of MetS in participants overall, and in all subgroup analyses, by logistic regression analysis (all P-values <0.05); in contrast, higher levels of blood Mn had a higher risk of MetS only in the age group of 30–49 years (P-values <0.05). We also found non-linear associations of heavy metal levels in blood with risk of MetS in participants overall, in specific age groups and in both genders, using RCS logistic regressions (all P-values <0.05). In addition, the non-linear associations of Pb and Hg we observed in different subgroups differed. In conclusion, blood levels of four heavy metals were associated with the risk of MetS through a variety of non-linear patterns.

Cadmium exposure and growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) levels in non-smoking older adults

BackgroundCadmium (Cd) exposure is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, understanding the effects of Cd at the cellular level remains incomplete. Since growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) is a cytokine produced in many cell types in response to tissue injury and inflammation that may capture several pathways between Cd and CVD, this study examined the relationship between blood Cd levels and serum GDF-15 concentrations in community-dwelling older adults. MethodsCd and GDF-15 were measured in 1942 non-smoking individuals aged 65+ with no previous history of CVD. The association of Cd with GDF-15 was evaluated in linear regression models that adjusted for sociodemographic, lifestyle and biological risk factors, inflammatory biomarkers (IL-6, C-reactive protein and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio), and markers of vascular damage (NTproBNP and cTnT-hs). ResultsGeometric mean Cd exposure was 0.11 μg/L (0.09 in never- and 0.15 in former-smokers) and geometric mean GDF-15 was 1186.21 pg/mL (1182.67 in never- and 1191.66 in former-smokers). In multivariable analyses, we found a dose-response association between Cd levels and GDF-15: adjusted mean percentage differences in GDF-15 (95% confidence interval) per 2-fold increase in Cd concentrations in the overall non-smoking population and in never smokers were, respectively, 2.54% (1.01, 4.06) and 2.50% (0.47, 4.54). In spline regression, the dose-response relationship was progressive over the range of Cd concentrations with no significant departures from linearity. ConclusionsCd exposure may be related to enhanced GDF-15 expression. Future studies with repeated GDF-15 measurements should confirm the present findings to better understand the biological mechanisms underlying this association.

Influence of serum ferritin combined with blood cadmium concentrations on blood pressure and hypertension: From the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

BackgroundPrevious studies have suggested that cadmium (Cd) exposure and serum ferritin levels may influence the development of hypertension. ObjectiveWe evaluated whether the association between blood Cd levels and the development of hypertension could be modified by serum ferritin levels in a representative sample of the adult population of South Korea. MethodsWe used data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2008–2012), a nationally representative, cross-sectional, population-based study. We included 5752 adults aged 19 years and older who had records of blood Cd and ferritin levels and blood pressure measurements. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine the association between Cd exposure and the development of hypertension, as well as the modifying effects of serum ferritin. ResultsMen had higher levels of serum ferritin, and women had higher levels of Cd. Smoking in men was significantly associated with high blood pressure and risk of hypertension. Significantly fewer women were smokers, and the combination of abnormal serum ferritin levels and high Cd levels was significantly associated with high systolic blood pressure [odds ratio (OR) = 2.11; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04–4.28], high diastolic blood pressure (OR = 2.07; 95% CI = 1.04–4.12), and increased hypertension risk (OR = 1.83; 95% CI = 1.03–3.25) in women who never smoked. ConclusionsOur results provide further evidence that individuals with abnormal serum ferritin levels should limit their exposure to Cd to prevent hypertension.

Association between lead and cadmium co-exposure and systemic immune inflammation in residents living near a mining and smelting area in NW China

Exposure to both cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) can promote systemic inflammation. However, the effects of combined exposure to environmental levels of Cd and Pb on systemic immune inflammation have not been fully clarified. A total of 486 subjects (313 women and 173 men) living in either a control area or heavy metal-polluted area were included. Blood Cd and Pb and immune inflammation biomarkers were determined, including the eosinophil-lymphocyte ratio (ELR), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII); moreover, the associations between exposure markers and systemic inflammation markers were analysed. The exposure levels in the polluted area were significantly higher than those in the control area. The NLR, PLR, and SII of subjects in the polluted area were higher and the LMR was lower than in the control area. Blood Pb and Cd levels are associated with elevated or decreased immune inflammation biomarkers in subjects from the exposed and control areas. Furthermore, co-exposure to both Cd and Pb was divided into high, middle, and low exposure groups. The subjects in the high co-exposure group displayed higher levels of ELR, NLR, and SII compared with the middle and low co-exposure group, and LMR levels displayed the opposite trend. Our data demonstrate that Cd and Pb co-exposure is associated with systemic immune inflammation, and the immune inflammatory response is aggravated with an increased co-exposure to Cd and Pb.

Influence of Serum Ferritin Combined with Blood Cadmium on Blood Pressure, and Hypertension: from the KNHNES

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Previous studies have suggested that cadmium (Cd) exposure and serum ferritin levels may influence the development of hypertension. We evaluated whether the association between blood Cd levels and the development of hypertension could be modified by serum ferritin levels in a representative sample of the adult population of South Korea. METHODS: We used data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2008–2012), a nationally representative, cross-sectional, population-based study. We included 6,816 adults aged 19 years and older who had records of blood Cd and ferritin levels and blood pressure measurements. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine the association between Cd exposure and the development of hypertension, as well as the modifying effects of serum ferritin. RESULTS:Men had higher levels of serum ferritin, and women had higher levels of Cd. Smoking in men was significantly associated with high blood pressure and risk of hypertension. Significantly less women were smokers, and the combination of abnormal serum ferritin levels and high Cd levels was significantly associated with high systolic blood pressure (OR = 3.05; 95% CI = 1.45–6.39) in women who never smoked. CONCLUSIONS:Our results provide further evidence that individuals with abnormal serum ferritin levels should limit their exposure to Cd to prevent hypertension. KEYWORDS: Heavy metals, Obesity and metabolic disorders

Relationship between blood cadmium and iron status among Korean population

BACKGROUND AND AIM: In recent studies for the association between blood Cd and iron deficiency (ID), it was found that ID elevates blood cadmium levels in children, adolescents or adults. But, the previous studies almost only used either serum ferritin or Hemoglobin (Hb) for evaluating ID or iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Blood Cd level according to actual iron status have not been studied. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between Cd and Iron status(normal, negative iron balance, iron deficiency erythropoiesis, IDA) and the risk for high cadmium level depending each iron status using a large-scale nationwide representative sample of the Korean. METHODS: A nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the relationship between iron status and blood Cd level in 3,366 men and 3,443 women over 10 years of age, using data from the 2010–2012 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). We used analysis of variance (ANOVA) or chi-square test to estimate differences in the demographic and biochemical characteristics of participants. Multiple logistic regression models were also used to examine the associations between iron status and high blood Cd level (75th percentile of Cd level in the current sample; 1.37μg/L) RESULTS:Mean values of blood Cd gradually increased in accordance with poor iron status (P-trend0.001). We found that increased risk for high Cd level was associated with poor iron status after adjusting for age, sex, BMI, education, income, cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption. In a sex and menopause stratified analysis, a significant association was stronger only in premenopause women, not in men, menopause women CONCLUSIONS:We found a relationship between poor iron status and blood Cd in a representative population sample of Korean adult. Our results suggested considering the reproductive toxicity of Cd, management for blood Cd level would be necessary in women of childbearing age with poor iron status KEYWORDS: Heavy metals, Environmental epidemiology

High Cadmium Levels in Individuals with Depressive Mood: Results from the 2008-2013 Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey.

Background:The relationship between cadmium (Cd) exposure and depression remains unclear. This nationwide study aimed to compare the levels of blood Cd with the presence of depressive mood in Korean adults.Methods:From the 2008–2013 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 10,968 individuals over 20 yr old were identified. Data on demographics, health behaviors, depressive mood, and blood Cd (B-Cd) levels were used in the analysis. Estimated levels of B-Cd were drawn from multivariate regression models.Results:Higher age-adjusted B-Cd levels were noted among women, rural residents, people who have a low economic or educational status, smoke currently, drink frequently, or have depressive mood than the counterpart groups. In fully adjusted models, men with depressive mood exhibited significantly higher B-Cd levels than those without depressive mood, and these levels were strongly mediated by smoking status.Conclusion:Our results suggest a need for Cd accumulation screening among individuals with depressive mood.

Prolonged cadmium exposure alters benign uterine fibroid cell behavior, extracellular matrix components, and TGFB signaling.

The heavy metal Cadmium (Cd), a widespread environmental contaminant, poses serious hazards to human health and is considered a metallohormone and carcinogen. In women with uterine fibroids, there is a significant association between blood Cd levels and increased fibroid tumor size. The aim of this study was to determine if benign human uterine leiomyoma (fibroid) cells could be malignantly transformed in vitro by continuous Cd exposure and, if so, explore a molecular mechanism by which this could occur. We found when fibroid cells were exposed to 10 µM CdCl2 for 8 weeks, a robust and fast‐growing Cd‐Resistant Leiomyoma (CR‐LM) cell culture was established. The CR‐LM cells formed viable colonies in soft agar and had increased cytoplasmic glycogen aggregates, enhanced cell motility, a higher percentage of cells in G2/M phase, and increased expression of the proliferation marker Ki‐67. NanoString analysis showed downregulation of genes encoding for extracellular matrix (ECM) components, such as collagens, fibronectins, laminins, and SLRP family proteins, whereas genes involved in ECM degradation (MMP1, MMP3, and MMP10) were significantly upregulated. A volcano plot showed that the top differentially genes favored cancer progression. Functional analysis by ingenuity pathway analysis predicted a significant inhibition of TGFB1 signaling, leading to enhanced proliferation and attenuated fibrosis. Prolonged Cd exposure altered phenotypic characteristics and dysregulated genes in fibroid cells predicative of progression towards a cancer phenotype. Therefore, continuous Cd exposure alters the benign characteristics of fibroid cells in vitro, and Cd exposure could possibly pose a health hazard for women with uterine fibroids.