Blood Metal Research Articles

METAL LEVELS AND GLOMERULAR FILTRATION RATE AFTER BIRMINGHAM HIP RESURFACING

When the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR) metal-on-metal implant system was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration in 2006, a multicenter, prospective, post-approval study (PAS) was required. This study uses data from the PAS to investigate metal level and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) trends over the first decade in vivo.Between October 2006 and March 2011, 290 primary BHR procedures were performed among 262 patients at 5 sites. Whole blood samples were sent to a single specialized laboratory to determine GFR, cobalt (Co) and chromium (Cr) levels. The population for this study consists of 117 unrevised unilateral patients with a mean age at surgery of 51.3±6.5 years who had pre-operative, 1-year, 4-year, 5-year and 10-year laboratory data. The mean follow-up for these patients that included 36 females was 10.1±0.2 years.Median metal levels at 1-year increased relative to pre-operative values for Co (by a factor of 9.7 from 0.13 to 1.26 ppb, p<0.001) and Cr (by a factor of 2.5 from 0. 60 to 1.50 ppb, p<0.001). Metal levels subsequently remained relatively constant over time with a median 10-year value of 1.12 ppb for Co and 1.29 ppb for Cr. Based on 585 blood samples from all 117 patients, there was no relationship between GFR and Co (→=−0.06, p=0.14) or Cr (→=0.05, p=0.27) levels. However, lower pre-operative GFR values were associated with larger increases in Co at 1-year relative to the pre-operative level (→=−0.26, p=0.005). There was no relationship between pre-operative GFR values and changes in Cr at 1 year (→=−0.13, p=0.15).Through the first decade in vivo, elevated whole blood metal levels for unilateral BHR patients do not appear to adversely affect GFR. However, patients with lower pre-operative GFR values tend to have larger increases in their Co level at 1-year.

Associations Between Individual and Combined Metal Exposures in Whole Blood and Kidney Function in U.S. Adults Aged 40 Years and Older.

The effects of metal exposure on kidney function have been reported in previous literature. There is limited and inconsistent information on the associations between individual and combined exposures to metals and kidney function among the middle-aged and older population.The aim of this study was to clarify the associations of exposure to individual metals with kidney function while accounting for potential coexposure to metal mixtures and to evaluate the joint and interactive associations of blood metals with kidney function.A total of 1669 adults aged 40 years and older were enrolled in the present cross-sectional study using the 2015-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Single-metal and multimetal multivariable logistic regression models, quantile G-computation, and Bayesian kernel machine regression models (BKMR) were fitted to explore the individual and joint associations of whole blood metals [lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), and selenium (Se)] with the odds of decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albuminuria. A decreased eGFR was defined as an eGFR ≤ 60 mL/min per 1.73 m2, and albuminuria was categorized as a urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (UACR) of ≥ 30.0 mg/g.The results from quantile G-computation and BKMR indicated positive associations between exposure to the metal mixture and the prevalence of decreased eGFR and albuminuria (all P values < 0.05). These positive associations were mainly driven by blood Co, Cd, and Pb. Furthermore, blood Mn was identified as an influential element contributing to an inverse correlation with kidney dysfunction within metal mixtures. Increasing blood Se levels were negatively associated with the prevalence of decreased eGFR and positively associated with albuminuria. In addition, a potential pairwise interaction between Mn-Co on decreased eGFR was identified by BKMR analysis.Findings from our study suggested a positive association between exposure to the whole blood metal mixture and decreased kidney function, with blood Co, Pb, and Cd being the main contributors to this association, while Mn demonstrated an inverse relationship with renal dysfunction. However, as our study was cross-sectional in nature, further prospective studies are warranted to better understand the individual and combined effects of metals on kidney function.

(125) Factors Associated with Erectile Dysfunction in Copper and Cobalt Miners: A Cross-sectional Study in the Katanga Province, DR Congo

Abstract Introduction The African Copperbelt is a site of intense artisanal and industrial mining and refining of copper and cobalt. Based on a preliminary case-control study of erectile dysfunction among mineworkers in the former Katanga province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (Musa et al. Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2020), Objective We further investigated possible factors associated with erectile dysfunction in copper and cobalt miners in the Katanga province. Methods In a cross-sectional study of 138 miners and 140 controls (bakers), we administered questionnaires face-to-face in French or Swahili to obtain socio-demographic and occupational data, and to assess male sexual function [International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15)] and marital relation quality [Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS)]. We measured trace metals in blood and urine and testosterone and thyroid hormones in serum. Results Miners and bakers had similar median (IQR) age [35.6 y (30.6–40.0)]. Miners had significantly lower scores than bakers for IIEF-15 [66 (49–73) vs 73 (66–74)] and for the three DAS domains (Consensus; Satisfaction; Cohesion). Miners had significantly lower free testosterone (8.1 ng/dL) and thyroxin (13.45 pmol/L) than bakers (9.3 and 14.75, respectively). Factors associated with IIEF- EF scores ≤ 22 were: mining-related job (aOR 2.09, 95% CI 1.14–3.81; p=0.016), work seniority in mining (aOR 1.07, 95% CI 1.02–1.13; p=0.005) and regular use of aphrodisiacs (aOR 2.80, 95% CI 1.56–5.02; p=0.001). Mediation analysis showed that consensus mediated by 50% the relation between work seniority in mining and erectile function. Conclusions Compared to controls, miners had poorer sexual function and marital relation, and lower free testosterone and thyroxin. This may be due to their high exposure to trace metals (especially Pb). Erectile dysfunction is found to be increased by lower consensus in couples possibly due to longer time spent working away from home. Disclosure No

Levels of Heavy Metals in Blood of Electronic Technicians in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria

In human, blood is a body fluid that circulate over the body and transport nutrients and other substances like oxygen, hormones, waste products among others to the cells and organs. It is a dynamic component for the survival and functioning of living organisms. Thus, the levels of heavy metal in the blood of Electronic Technicians were investigated during the dry season of 2021. Forty (40) blood samples from Electronic Technicians were purposively collected with the aid of 5ml needle and syringes into EDTA bottles and placed in an ice-chest, and were taken into laboratory for further analysis of Lead (Pb), Mercy (Hg) and Arsenic (As) respectively. Non-experimental method like interview and observational technique (number of years, age and marital status) were also utilized. The Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS), Descriptives Statistics, Single Factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) and SPSS version 23 were used for the organization of data. Result inter-alia reveals that the mean lead (Pb) of 0.64218 ±0.9245 (mg/L) is high. The working experience range of exposure for lead (Pb) revealed further that 11-20years has the highest bioaccumulation value of 12.41mg/L followed by 1-10years having 6.65mg/L respectively. The highest mercury value in the blood of Electronic Technician in this study was 4.45mg/L for an exposure-years of 1-10years working experience while the least mercury value in the blood of Electronic Technician in this study was 0.10mg/L for an exposure-years of 41-50years working experience. The value of arsenic in the blood of Electronic Technicians from 11-12years of experience had the highest value of bioaccumulation of 8.47mg/L followed by1-10years which recorded 3.02mg/L. These values of lead, mercury and arsenic as observed in this study serves as risks factors to the recipient’s health status since they are of higher values to the reference factor. Thus, electronic technician should undergo intensive medical attention to ascertain their health status with heavy metal. Both government and nongovernmental agencies should create sensitization and awareness campaign on the need for the utilization of personal protective devices at work environment no matter the nature of the small and medium-scale enterprises.

Do blood metals influence lipid profiles? Findings of a cross-sectional population-based survey

Dyslipidemia, an imbalance of lipids and a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, has been associated with elevated blood and urine levels of several heavy metals. Using data from a Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS), we tested associations between blood levels of cadmium, copper, mercury, lead, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, selenium, and zinc, and the lipids triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoproteins (LDL), high density lipoproteins (HDL) and apolipoproteins A1 (APO A1), and B (APO B). All adjusted associations between single metals and lipids were positive and significant, except for APO A1 and HDL. The joint effect of an interquartile range increase in heavy metals was positively associated with percentage increases of TC, LDL and APO B of 8.82% (95%CI: 7.06, 10.57), 7.01% (95%CI: 2.51, 11.51) and 7.15% (95%CI: 0.51, 13.78), respectively. Future studies are warranted to determine if reducing environmental exposure to heavy metals favorably influences lipid profiles and the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Analyses of Trace Elements, Arsenic (As), Boron (B), Lead (Pb), Strontium (Sr) and Zinc (Zn), in Human Body and their Correlation with Immune Status Against Viral Infections

Background: Trace elements have been used since ancient times as a therapeutic agent. However, until recently its use in modern medicine has been restricted to the treatment of a limited number of parasitic infections, but now some evidence is there that they can be helpful in the treatment of a variety of diseases. Aim and Objective: This research was organized to investigate the concentration of trace metals in human blood and their positive effects against viral infection. Methods: Instrumental analysis of the elevated level of metal concentration was performed by Inductively Coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and the presence of virus antibodies by Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and viral load analysis by Real time Polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: The Mean±SD of As, B, Pb, Sr and Zn in negative RT-PCR samples of H1N1 were (141.9±47.3), (417.6±119.3), (149.1±37.5), (6.2±1.6), (535.6±104.7) ppb respectively, the Mean±SD of As, B, Pb, Sr and Zn in negative RT-PCR samples of HIV were (12.5±0.9), (169.8±35.2), (138.2±34.5), (8.12±1.3), (421.4±40.1) ppb respectively, the Mean±SD of As, B, Pb, Sr and Zn in negative RT-PCR samples of HBV were (122.3±21.6), (160.7±23.6), (40.9±8.5), (53.7±7.7), (1459.4±90.1) ppb respectively, the Mean±SD of As, B, Pb, Sr and Zn in negative RT-PCR samples of HCV were (4.9±1.8), (3.7±1.34), (123.2±31.7), (60.9±22.5), (180.2±55.6) ppb respectively. The As, B, Pb, Sr, Zn concentrations in all the RT PCR negative samples were above the permissible limit, and also, we found a positive correlation between As levels and viral immunity in HCV patients (≤0.05). Conclusion: These results indicated that an accumulation of metals, especially As, in the body for a long time provides immunity against many viral diseases (H1N1, HIV, HBV, and HCV). Keywords: Immune status, Immune Response, Toxicity, Metals

Associations of exposure to blood and urinary heavy metal mixtures with psoriasis risk among U.S. adults: A cross-sectional study

Accumulating evidence showed that environmental exposure to toxic metals was harmful to human health. However, information about the effects of exposure to metal mixtures on psoriasis was scarce. To investigate the independent and comprehensive associations between heavy metal co-exposure and psoriasis in adults, data of 6534 adults aged 20–80 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were used. Among them, 187 (2.86 %) were diagnosed with psoriasis and the rest were participants without psoriasis. We examined the independent and combined associations of 3 blood metals and 11 urinary metals with psoriasis risk. In the single-metal analyses, urinary barium (Ba), cesium (Cs), antimony (Sb), uranium (Ur), and cadmium (Cd) were positively correlated with psoriasis risk, while urinary molybdenum (Mo) was identified as a protective factor for psoriasis. Moreover, weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models consistently revealed the positive effect of urinary metal co-exposure on psoriasis risk. The associations were more evident in the young and middle-aged group than the elderly group. In the urinary mixtures, Ba was the highest weighted metal in the whole population and the young and middle-aged people, whereas Sb was the top weighted metal in the elderly group. Additionally, BKMR analysis revealed the potential interaction between certain components of urinary metal mixtures in psoriasis. The results of quantile-based g computation (qgcomp) model further proved the toxic effect of urinary metal mixtures on psoriasis, and the positive linear relationship between urinary Ba and psoriasis risk was identified by restricted cubic splines (RCS) regression. We concluded that co-exposure to multiple heavy metals was associated with psoriasis risk. Given the limitations of the NHANES study, further prospective designed studies are warranted.

O113 ELEVATED METAL ION LEVELS CAN BE TOLERATED BY SOME PATIENTS

Abstract Introduction Ten years following withdrawal and revision of large diameter metal on metal hips (MOM), there remains an uncertainty in how best to manage asymptomatic patients with abnormal imaging and/or raised blood metal ion levels. This study investigates the trajectories of symptoms, serological metal ion tests and cross-sectional imaging in these patients. Methods 523 patients with 707 acceptable functioning MOM hips (defined as Oxford Hip Score (OHS) &amp;gt;30) on active monitoring were identified. Surveillance at two time intervals included: patient-reported pain and function (OHS), blood metal ion (Cobalt (Col) and Chromium (Chr)) and/or cross-sectional imaging with MRI. Results Mean serum metal ion levels in parts per billion (ppb) were Co1 4.5 (S.D. 11.5), Co2 4.7 (S.D. 11.6) and Ch1 3.0 (S.D. 4.8) and Ch2 3.2 (S.D. 4.9). Median OHS was 42 (IQR 28–27). OHS was not significantly correlated to serum metal ion levels (Col Pearson correlation = -0.105 P = 0.106, Chr Pearson correlation = -.125 P = 0.054). There was no significant change in Col (-0.48, P = 0.414) and Chr levels (-0.25, P = 0.325) between the two time intervals. 45 patients had metal ion levels &amp;gt;7 ppb, 64.4% had OHS &amp;gt;30. 6 patients had metal ions level greater than 50 ppb, with no significant deterioration of OHS. Conclusion Our results indicate that there are a subset of patients with high metal ion levels, stable imaging and acceptable function who can safely be actively monitored thereby assisting in joint decision making with this challenging patient group.

Exposure to endocrine-disrupting metals and serum estrogen levels among US women

Multiple factors could affect estrogen levels in the body; however, the impact of exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals on estrogen levels in humans remains inconclusive. This cross-sectional study was to assess the association between blood levels of endocrine-disrupting metals (including cadmium, lead, and mercury) and serum estradiol levels in 1618 women (aged ≥ 20 years) who participated in the 2013–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Using multiple general linear models, we estimated percent changes of estradiol levels in association with blood metal concentrations. Age-specific analysis was further conducted. The median level of blood cadmium, lead, and mercury was 0.31 µg/L (range: 0.07–7.23), 0.76 µg/dL (0.11–12.80), and 0.73 µg/L (0.20–36.90), respectively, and the median estradiol level was 31.10 pg/mL (range: 2.12–523.00) among women aged 20–80 years. After adjusting for potential confounders, a 10 % increase in blood cadmium and lead levels was associated with 1.43 % (95 % CI: 0.50, 2.37) increased levels and 1.45 % (− 2.17, − 0.11) decreased levels of estrogen, respectively, in the total study population. When stratified by age, the positive association with cadmium was only seen in women aged 20–49 years [1.47 % (0.39, 2.56) increased estradiol] and the inverse association with lead was seen among women aged 50–80 years [3.40 % (− 4.78, − 2.00) decreased estradiol]. Mercury was not significantly associated with estrogen levels. Our study demonstrates a potential relationship between exposure to endocrine-disrupting cadmium and lead and serum estrogen levels in US women. Age-specific associations were observed. Prospective and mechanistic studies are warranted to further explore these interactions and the associated reproductive toxicities.

Association of blood metals with serum sex hormones in adults: A cross-sectional study

Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium have been identified to have negative impacts on human health. Although the individual effects of these metals have been extensively researched, the present study aims to explore their combined effects and their association with serum sex hormones among adults. Data for this study were obtained from the general adult population of the 2013-2016 National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES) and included five metal (mercury, cadmium, manganese, lead, and selenium) exposures and three sex hormones (total testosterone [TT], estradiol [E2], and sex hormone-binding globulin [SHBG]) levels. The free androgen index (FAI) and TT/E2 ratio were also calculated. The relationships between blood metals and serum sex hormones were analysed using linear regression and restricted cubic spline regression. The effect of blood metal mixtures on sex hormone levels was examined using the quantile g-computation (qgcomp) model. There were 3,499 participants in this study, including 1,940 males and 1,559 females. In males, positive relationships between blood cadmium and serum SHBG (β=0.049 [0.006, 0.093]), lead and SHBG (β=0.040 [0.002, 0.079]), manganese and FAI (β=0.080 [0.016, 0.144]), and selenium and FAI (β=0.278 [0.054, 0.502]) were observed. In contrast, manganese and SHBG (β=-0.137 [-0.237, -0.037]), selenium and SHBG (β=-0.281 [-0.533, -0.028]), and manganese and TT/E2 ratio (β=-0.094 [-0.158, -0.029]) were negative associations. In females, blood cadmium and serum TT (β=0.082 [0.023, 0.141]), manganese and E2 (β=0.282 [0.072, 0.493]), cadmium and SHBG (β=0.146 [0.089, 0.203]), lead and SHBG (β=0.163 [0.095, 0.231]), and lead and TT/E2 ratio (β=0.174 [0.056, 0.292]) were positive relationships, while lead and E2 (β=-0.168 [-0.315, -0.021]) and FAI (β=-0.157 [-0.228, -0.086]) were negative associations. This correlation was stronger among elderly women (>50 years old). The qgcomp analysis revealed that the positive effect of mixed metals on SHBG was mainly driven by cadmium, while the negative effect of mixed metals on FAI was mainly driven by lead. Our findings indicate that exposure to heavy metals may disrupt hormonal homeostasis in adults, particularly in older women.

Greater Blood Heavy Metal Levels in the Participants of National ALS Biorepository Compared to the Participants of National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey (P2-5.024)

<h3>Objective:</h3> To determine the demographic and environmental exposure characteristics of participants in the National ALS Biorepository (Biorepository) and compare the blood levels of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), selenium (Se), manganese (Mn), and total mercury (tHg) to National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) participants. <h3>Background:</h3> Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare and fatal disease of the upper and lower motor neurons. While 10% of ALS cases is hereditary, a gene-environment interaction is believed to be the main contributor in many sporadic cases. Elevated heavy metals in blood have been implicated in the pathology of several neurodegenerative diseases. We hypothesize the ALS cohort to have greater levels of blood heavy metals than NHANES participants. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> Blood samples from Biorepository participants (n=549) collected in 2013–2015 and 2017 were analyzed following the same protocol used to analyze the subset of NHANES cohort (n=10,809) during 2013–2018. We report descriptive summary in demographic (age/sex/race/education/military history) and comparison of blood metal level means using t-test. Further, self-reported occupational- and non-occupational environmental exposures to pesticides, chemicals, and metals were described for Biorepository participants with available environmental risk factor data. NHANES analyses used survey weights and accounted for the complex design to generate nationally representative estimates. <h3>Results:</h3> ALS Biorepository participants had higher geometric means of blood level Cd, Pb, Se, and tHg compared to NHANES cohort. Among the Biorepository participants, exposure to pesticides (90.3%), chemicals (80.7%) and metals (85.8%) from non-occupational settings were self-reported in higher frequency than occupational exposure to these substances. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> Blood metal levels were elevated in ALS Biorepository participants compared to NHANES. Self-reported non-occupational exposures to pesticides, chemicals, and metals were more common than occupational exposures. Determining a potential association between blood metals and exposure history in our cohort can help further understand the role of environmental exposure in the etiology of ALS. <b>Disclosure:</b> Dr. Han has nothing to disclose. Theodore Larson has nothing to disclose. Maureen Orr has nothing to disclose. Jaime Raymond MPH has nothing to disclose. Laurie Wagner has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kaye has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of McKing Consulting Corporation. Dr. Kaye has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Association for the Protection of Human Research Participants. Paul Mehta has nothing to disclose. D. Kevin Horton has nothing to disclose.

The Concentration of the Potentially Toxic Metals in Human Hair, Nails, Urine, Blood, and Air, and Their Impact on Human Health: A Review

Due to fast urbanization, industrialization, the metal industry, improper waste disposal, and chemicals associated with agricultural activities (fertilizers, pesticides), potentially toxic metals are discarded in water, soil, and the atmosphere (air). These metals enter the body through food, water, and air and accumulate. Some of these metals affect biological functions and growth in the body; some disturb endocrine gland functions; and some are accumulated in one or more organs, causing serious diseases including cancer. To assess the potential health risk due to the accumulation of these metals in the human body, biomarkers are used. Hair, nails, urine, and blood are commonly used biomarkers. The review aims is to summarize the concentration of potentially toxic metals in human hair, nails, urine, and blood. The feeding habits (vegetarian or non-vegetarian), sex, age, and concentration of these metals in drinking water, air, smoking, and workplace are some factors that affect the accumulation of these metals in hairs, nails, urine, and blood. The concentration of these metals in hair, nails, and blood was higher than in drinking water. This review also shows the adverse effects of these metals on humans.

Association of multiple blood metals with thyroid function in general adults: A cross-sectional study.

Thyroid function has a large impact on humans' metabolism and is affected by iodine levels, but there is a scarcity of studies that elucidate the association between thyroid function and other elements. We performed a cross-sectional study on 1,067 adults to evaluate the associations of the common essential metals with thyroid function in adults living in an iodine-adequate area of China. Serum free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and blood metals (zinc, iron, copper, magnesium, manganese, and calcium) were measured. Further, the thyroid hormone sensitivity indexes, FT3:FT4 ratio, and thyrotropin T4 resistance index (TT4RI) were calculated. Linear regression, quantile g-computation, and Bayesian kernel machine regression methods were used to explore the association of metals with thyroid function. We found that the TSH levels correlated with copper (negative) and zinc (positive). Iron and copper were positively associated with FT3 and FT4 levels, respectively. Iron (positive) and copper (negative) were correlated with the FT3:FT4 ratio. Furthermore, we found that manganese was inversely correlated with TT4RI, while zinc was positively correlated. Our findings suggest that manganese, iron, copper, and zinc levels were strongly correlated with thyroid function, and patients with thyroid disorders are recommended to measure those metals levels.

Higher hippocampal diffusivity values in welders are associated with greater R2* in the red nucleus and lower psychomotor performance

IntroductionChronic excessive welding exposure may be related to higher metal accumulation and structural differences in different subcortical structures. We examined how welding affected brain structures and their associations with metal exposure and neurobehavioral consequences. MethodsStudy includes 42 welders and 31 controls without a welding history. Welding-related structural differences were assessed by volume and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics in basal ganglia, red nucleus (RN), and hippocampus. Metal exposure was estimated by both exposure questionnaires and whole blood metal levels. Brain metal accumulations were estimated by R1 (for Mn) and R2* (for Fe). Neurobehavioral status was assessed by standard neuropsychological tests. ResultsCompared to controls, welders displayed higher hippocampal mean (MD), axial (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD) (p’s < 0.036), but similar DTI or volume in other ROIs (p’s > 0.117). Welders had higher blood metal levels (p’s < 0.004), higher caudate and RN R2* (p’s < 0.014), and lower performance on processing/psychomotor speed, executive function, and visuospatial processing tasks (p’s < 0.046). Higher caudate and RN R2* were associated with higher blood Fe and Pb (p’s < 0.043), respectively. RN R2* was a significant predictor of all hippocampal diffusivity metrics (p’s < 0.006). Higher hippocampal MD and RD values were associated with lower Trail Making Test-A scores (p’s < 0.025). A mediation analysis of both groups revealed blood Pb indirectly affected hippocampal diffusivity via RN R2* (p’s < 0.041). DiscussionWelding-related higher hippocampal diffusivity metrics may be associated with higher RN R2* and lower psychomotor speed performance. Future studies are warranted to test the role of Pb exposure in these findings.

Concentration of lead, cadmium and mercury in the blood of human and sheep in the different governorate of Iraq

This study was conducted to find out the concentration of heavy metals (lead, cadmium, and mercury) in human and sheep blood along the Tigris River (Mosul, Salahuddin, Baghdad, Wasit, and Misan). Blood samples were taken from different regions to study the effect of heavy metal pollutants on human and sheep health. Lead and cadmium concentrations in the blood of humans and sheep in Baghdad, Mousel, and Misan governorates were significantly (P&lt; 0.05) higher compared with their concentrations in other governorates; on the other hand, the concentration of lead in the blood of humans and sheep was lowest in Wasit governorate. Mercury were significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) only in blood of the human and sheep in Misan governorate.

Concentration of lead, cadmium and mercury in the blood of human and sheep in the different governorate of Iraq

This study was conducted to find out the concentration of heavy metals (lead, cadmium, and mercury) in human and sheep blood along the Tigris River (Mosul, Salahuddin, Baghdad, Wasit, and Misan). Blood samples were taken from different regions to study the effect of heavy metal pollutants on human and sheep health. Lead and cadmium concentrations in the blood of humans and sheep in Baghdad, Mousel, and Misan governorates were significantly (P&lt; 0.05) higher compared with their concentrations in other governorates; on the other hand, the concentration of lead in the blood of humans and sheep was lowest in Wasit governorate. Mercury were significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) only in blood of the human and sheep in Misan governorate.

Potential Factors Associated with the Blood Metal Concentrations of Reproductive-Age Women in Taiwan

Exposure of reproductive-age women to toxic trace elements warrants attention because of their negative effects. This study aimed to investigate the levels of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), chromium (Cr), and lead (Pb) in the blood of 837 Taiwanese childbearing-age women and establish the correlation between their dietary pattern and heavy metal concentration. The concentrations of Cd and Pb were significantly higher in nonpregnant women than in pregnant women (Cd: 2.41 µg/L vs. 2.12 µg/L; Pb: 0.83 µg/dL vs. 0.73 µg/dL), whereas the concentration of Cr was significantly lower in nonpregnant women than in pregnant women (Cr: 0.98 µg/L vs. 1.05 µg/L). Otherwise, no significant differences in As (9.02 µg/L vs. 9.51 µg/L) and Hg (3.71 µg/L vs. 3.79 µg/L) were found between the nonpregnant and pregnant women. Overall, the blood metal concentrations of Cd and Hg showed a decreasing trend in the different pregnancy stages. The levels of As and Hg were highly correlated with seafood intake. Finally, lifestyle habits, such as burning incense usage and Chinese herb intake may contribute to metal accumulation in maternal or reproductive-age women. Preventive risk communication and educational strategies should be applied to these subgroups in view of food safety and public health concern.Graphical

Association between toxic metals, vitamin D and preterm birth in the Maternal-Infant research on environmental chemicals study.

Toxic metals, like lead, are risk factors for preterm birth (PTB), but few studies have examined low levels found in most Canadians. Vitamin D, which may have antioxidant activity, protects against PTB. In this study, we investigated the impact of toxic metals (lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic) on PTB and examined if maternal plasma vitamin D concentrations modify these associations. We investigated whether concentrations of metals in whole blood measured in early and late pregnancy were associated with PTB (<37 weeks) and spontaneous PTB in 1851 live births from the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals Study using discrete time survival analysis. We also investigated whether the risk of PTB was modified by first-trimester plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) concentrations. Of 1851 live births, 6.1% (n= 113) were PTBs and 4.9% (n= 89) were spontaneous PTB. A 1μg/dL increase in blood lead concentrations during pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of PTB (relative risk [RR] 1.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00, 2.20) and spontaneous PTB (RR 1.71, 95% CI 1.13, 2.60). The risk was higher in women with insufficient vitamin D concentrations (25OHD <50 nmol/L) for both PTB (RR 2.42, 95% CI 1.01, 5.79) and spontaneous PTB (RR 3.04, 95% CI 1.15, 8.04). However, an interaction on the additive scale was not present. Arsenic was associated with a higher risk of PTB (RR 1.10, 95% CI 1.02, 1.19) and spontaneous PTB (RR 1.11, 95% CI 1.03, 1.20) per 1μg/L. Gestational exposure to low levels of lead and arsenic may increase the risk of PTB and spontaneous PTB; individuals with insufficient vitamin D may be more susceptible to the adverse effects of lead. Given our relatively small number of cases, we encourage testing of this hypothesis in other cohorts, especially those with vitamin D-deficient populations.

Blood metal levels linked with hematological, oxidative, and hepatic-renal function disruption in Swiss albino mice exposed to multi-metal mixture

Blood metal levels linked with hematological, oxidative, and hepatic-renal function disruption in Swiss albino mice exposed to multi-metal mixture

Abstract P168: Early Life Metal Profiles and Kidney Function in Mid-Adolescence: A Preliminary Study in Project Viva

Introduction: The developing kidney is vulnerable to pre- and postnatal environmental stressors. Suboptimal environmental conditions during early life, such as exposure to toxic metals and deficiency in essential metals, can alter the risk of kidney dysfunction later in life. In this pilot study, we aimed to examine the relationship between prenatal exposure to metals and adolescent kidney function using data from Project Viva, a Boston-area prospective pre-birth cohort. Hypothesis: Prenatal exposure to higher metal concentrations, both individually and as mixtures, will be associated with altered kidney function in mid-adolescence. Methods: We assessed the following metals in erythrocyte samples collected during pregnancy: 1 st -trimester [arsenic (As), barium (Ba), cadmium (Cd), cesium (Cs), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se), and Zinc (Zn)]; 2 nd -trimester (Pb, Mn, Hg, and Se). We measured plasma cystatin C and creatinine from blood samples collected in mid-adolescence (mean age 18 years) in a sub-sample of Project Viva participants. We calculated the estimated glomerular filtrate rate (eGFR) using a cystatin C-based equation for children. We examined associations of prenatal metal exposure and mid-adolescent eGFR using linear regression for single metal analyses, and Bayesian kernel machine regression and quantile-based g-computation for mixture analyses. In all models, we adjusted for maternal education level, annual household income, race/ethnicity, child sex, and age at eGFR assessment. Results: A total of 146 participants had complete data for 1 st -trimester erythrocyte metals and mid-adolescent eGFR, and 105 participants had complete data for 2 nd -trimester blood metals and mid-adolescent eGFR. All children had eGFR values in the normal range (i.e., &gt;60 mL/min/1.73m 2 ); the mean (SD) eGFR was 92.0 (13.7) mL/min/1.73m 2 . Most pairwise metal-eGFR relationships were statistically null; however, a 2-fold increase in 1 st -trimester Zn was associated with higher eGFR (β 7.25 mL/min/1.73m 2 ; 95% CI 0.33, 14.16), while a 2-fold increase in 2 nd -trimester Pb was associated with lower eGFR (β -4.90 mL/min/1.73m 2 ; 95% CI -8.32, -1.48). Mixture analyses did not identify statistically significant findings but suggested some non-linear associations and interactions between metals. Conclusions: Preliminary evidence suggests that prenatal Zn exposure is associated with higher kidney function while prenatal Pb exposure is associated with lower kidney function in mid-adolescence. We plan to assess eGFR in additional participants to increase the power of the analyses.