Blood Pb Levels Research Articles

Modification by genetic polymorphism of lead-induced IQ alteration: a systematic review

As well as a lead-related environmental factor, genetic factors could also corroborate important changes in intelligence quotient (IQ) through single-nucleotide polymorphisms. Thus, a systematic review was carried out to evaluate the possible influence of polymorphism on blood Pb levels and IQ points in pediatric patients (0-19years old). Following the PRISMA guideline, the studies were systematically collected on PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases. Six genes (transferrin (TF); glutamate ionotropic receptor NMDA type subunit 2A (GRIN2A); glutamate ionotropic receptor NMDA type subunit 2B (GRIN2B); dopamine receptor D2/ankyrin repeat and kinase domain containing 1 ankyrin repeat and kinase domain containing 1 (DRD2/ANKK1); aminolevulinate dehydratase (ALAD); vitamin D receptor (VDR)) were found in six selected articles. In these genes, 11 single-nucleotide polymorphisms were searched and six different types of variations (missense variant, intron variant, synonymous variant, stop, stop gained) were observed. Due to the few studies in the literature, there is no conclusive data to point out that there is a direct relationship between polymorphisms, Pb levels, and reduction of IQ points.

Occupational lead exposure on genome-wide DNA methylation and DNA damage

Lead (Pb) exposure can induce DNA damage and alter DNA methylation but their inter-relationships have not been adequately determined. Our overall aims were to explore such relationships and to evaluate underlying epigenetic mechanisms of Pb-induced genotoxicity in Chinese workers. Blood Pb levels (BLLs) were determined and used as individual's Pb-exposure dose and the Comet assay (i.e., % tail DNA) was conducted to evaluate DNA damage. In the screening assay, 850 K BeadChip sequencing was performed on peripheral blood from 10 controls (BLLs ≤100 μg/L) and 20 exposed workers (i.e., 10 DNA-damaged and 10 DNA-undamaged workers). Using the technique, differentially methylated positions (DMPs) between the controls and the exposed workers were identified. In addition, DMPs were identified between the DNA-undamaged and DNA-damaged workers (% tail DNA >2.14%). In our validation assay, methylation levels of four candidate genes were measured by pyrosequencing in an independent sample set (n = 305), including RRAGC (Ras related GTP binding C), USP1 (Ubiquitin specific protease 1), COPS7B (COP9 signalosome subunit 7 B) and CHEK1 (Checkpoint kinase 1). The result of comparisons between the controls and the Pb-exposed workers show that DMPs were significantly enriched in genes related to nerve conduction and cell cycle. Between DNA-damaged group and DNA-undamaged group, differentially methylated genes were enriched in the pathways related to cell cycle and DNA integrity checkpoints. Additionally, methylation levels of RRAGC and USP1 were negatively associated with BLLs (P < 0.05), and the former mediated 19.40% of the effect of Pb on the % tail DNA. These findings collectively indicated that Pb-induced DNA damage was closely related to methylation of genes in cell cycle regulation, and methylation levels of RRAGC were involved in Pb-induced genotoxicity.

107 Environmental Exposure to Metals Mixtures and the Outcome of Cognitive Function in Adolescents

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Exposure to arsenic, cadmium, manganese, and lead have been linked to adverse neurocognitive outcomes in adults/children, but effects in adolescents are not fully characterized. This study aims to examine the association between exposure to a mixture of metals (As, Cd, Mn, Pb, Se) and cognitive function in adolescents. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: The Metals, Arsenic, &amp; Nutrition in Adolescents Study (MANAS) is a cross-sectional study of 572 Bangladeshi adolescents. Blood levels of As, Cd, Mn, Pb, and Se were measured via ICP-MS. An abbreviated Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) was administered, with subtests assessing cognitive function and executive function tasks. Linear regression and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) were used to examine associations between individual metals, the overall mixture of metals, and cognitive function as measured by the CANTAB. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Linear regression showed that As (B=−2.40) and Mn (B=−5.31) were negatively associated with Spatial Working Memory (p&lt;0.05). Negative associations were also observed between Cd and Spatial Recognition Memory (SRM) (B=−2.77, p&lt;0.05), and between Pb and Delayed Match to Sample (DMS), a measure of visual recognition and memory (B=−3.67, p&lt;0.05). Se and Spatial Span Length (B=0.92, p&lt;0.05) were seen to be positively associated. BKMR showed no overall effect of the mixture but indicated that Pb was negatively associated with DMS, and that Cd was negatively associated with SRM. Se was positively associated with Planning, Reaction Time, and Spatial Span. Posterior inclusion probability consistently rated Se as the most influential mixture component. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Se was positively associated with cognition, while Mn and As were linked to poorer working memory, and Cd and Pb were associated with poorer visual recognition and memory. We saw agreement between linear regression and BKMR in analyzing metal mixture exposures. Findings suggest interventions aimed at adolescents might influence lifelong cognition.

Combined exposure of lead and high-fat diet enhanced cognitive decline via interacting with CREB-BDNF signaling in male rats

The health risks to populations induced by lead (Pb) and high-fat diets (HFD) have become a global public health problem. Pb and HFD often co-exist and are co-occurring risk factors for cognitive impairment. This study investigates effect of combined Pb and HFD on cognitive function, and explores the underlying mechanisms in terms of regulatory components of synaptic plasticity and insulin signaling pathway. We showed that the co-exposure of Pb and HFD further increased blood Pb levels, caused body weight loss and dyslipidemia. The results from Morris water maze (MWM) test and Nissl staining disclosed that Pb and HFD each contributed to cognitive deficits and neuronal damage and combined exposure enhanced this toxic injury. Pb and HFD decreased the levels of synapsin-1, GAP-43 and PSD-95 protein related to synaptic properties and SIRT1, NMDARs, phosphorylated CREB and BDNF related to synaptic plasticity regulatory, and these decreases was greater when combined exposure. Additionally, we revealed that Pb and HFD promoted IRS-1 phosphorylation and subsequently reduced downstream PI3K-Akt kinases phosphorylation in hippocampus and cortex of rats, and this process was aggravated when co-exposure. Collectively, our data suggested that combined exposure of Pb and HFD enhanced cognitive deficits, pointing to additive effects in rats than the individual stress effects related to multiple signaling pathways with CREB-BDNF signaling as the hub. This study emphasizes the need to evaluate the effects of mixed exposures on brain function in realistic environment and to better inform prevention of neurological disorders via modulating central pathway, such as CREB/BDNF signaling.

Environmental exposures to lead, cadmium, and mercury and pterygium in Korean adults.

Pterygium, one of the most common eye disorders, is an abnormal fibrovascular proliferation extending from the conjunctiva to the cornea. The mechanism of development in pterygium has not been fully elucidated; however, oxidative stress is suggested to be one of the major causes. Heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) enter the human body and induce oxidative stress. However, no study has investigated the association of these heavy metals with pterygium. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the associations of environmental exposures to Pb, Cd, and Hg with pterygium in the Korean general adults. We analyzed data from 6,587 adults (≥ 20years of age) who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2008-2011. Pterygium was diagnosed as the presence of a wing-shaped fibrovascular growth. The exposures of Pb, Cd, and Hg were estimated by measuring blood concentrations. The prevalence of pterygium in this study population was 4.0% (348 subjects). After adjusting for potential confounders, the Pb level in blood was found to have a significant dose-dependent association with pterygium (p fortrend = 0.001), and its highest quintile (vs. the lowest) had an odds ratio (OR) of 2.22 (95% CI: 1.30, 3.78) for pterygium. The Hg level in blood in the second quintile (vs. the lowest)had an OR of 1.64 (95% CI: 1.04, 2.59) for pterygium. In conclusion, this study suggests that environmental exposures to Pb and Hg in the Korean general adults may be related to the development of pterygium.

Birth Size Outcomes in Relation to Maternal Blood Levels of Some Essential and Toxic Elements.

Exposures to toxic trace elements and deficiencies of essential trace elements during pregnancy may impact fetal growth. This study was conducted to determine the association between maternal blood levels of essential elements including manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) and toxic elements including arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) at the first trimester with neonatal anthropometric parameters. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019-2020 in Isfahan, Iran. Overall, 263 mother-infant pairs were recruited in the first trimester of pregnancy. Maternal whole blood was collected, and essential and toxic elements were determined by mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)-based method. Birth size measurements were performed according to standardized protocols. Geometric means and standard deviations of maternal blood concentrations of Mn, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb were 3.94 ± 0.82, 5.22 ± 0.57, 7.67 ± 0.58, 2.21 ± 0.77, - 0.59 ± 0.98, and 3.23 ± 0.72 µg/l, respectively. Mean age of mothers was 29.94 ± 5.22 years. Thirty-one (12.1%) neonates were preterm. Maternal blood Pb levels were negatively correlated with birth weight (β = - 0.22 (CI 95%: - 0.38, - 0.05) p = 0.010) and marginally with birth head circumference (β = - 0.14(CI 95%: - 0.29, 0.02), P = 0.094) after adjustment for potential confounder variables. There was no significant association between Mn, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and birth size measurements. Reverse association was found between maternal blood Pb levels and birth weight and birth head circumference. There is limited evidence related to the association between essential and toxic elements during pregnancy with birth size measurements and pregnancy disorders. More studies are suggested to assess of the effect of the trace elements and birth outcomes.

Association between Heavy Metal Exposure and Dyslipidemia among Korean Adults: From the Korean National Environmental Health Survey, 2015-2017.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death in Korea. Dyslipidemia, characterized by the presence of abnormal lipid levels, has been suggested as an early diagnostic and preventable factor for CVD. Recent studies have shown that exposure to lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) affects lipid metabolism. This study aimed to verify the association between heavy metal concentrations and serum lipid profiles in the general population. A representative sample of 2591 Korean adults from the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (2015–2017) was analyzed. The associations between heavy metals [Blood Pb (BPb), blood Hg (BHg), urinary Hg (UHg), urinary Cd (UCd)] and serum lipid profiles [total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), non-low level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (Non-HDL-C)] were assessed using regression analysis. After adjusting for demographic and socioeconomic factors, the proportional changes in serum lipid levels were significantly associated with increases in BPb, BHg, and UHg levels (p for trend < 0.05). Overall, BPb, BHg, and Uhg levels positively correlated with dyslipidemia, whereas UCd levels did not show a significant association. Our results suggest that heavy metal exposure, at low levels, may contribute to an increased prevalence of dyslipidemia in Korean adults.

Prenatal exposure to neurotoxic metals and micronutrients and neurodevelopmental outcomes in early school age children from Poland.

Exposure to environmental factors, such as neurotoxic metals and micronutrients, during critical periods of development can contribute to long-term consequences in offspring's health, including neurodevelopmental outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between simultaneous prenatal exposure to metals [lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg)] and micronutrients [selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu)] and neurodevelopmental outcomes in school-age children from the Polish Mother and Child Cohort (REPRO_PL). Metals and micronutrients concentrations were measured in cord blood (Pb, Cd, Se, Zn, Cu) and in maternal hair (Hg) collected during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. Behavioral and emotional problems, as well as children's cognitive and psychomotor development, were assessed in 436 school-age children using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ, filled in by the mothers) and the Polish adaptation of the Intelligence and Development Scales (IDS, administered by trained psychologists). Multivariate regression models were applied after imputation of missing values, using two approaches: (i) a joint analysis taking into account all metals and micronutrients simultaneously, and (ii) an ExWAS study (single-exposure model). In the SDQ, Hyperactivity/Inattention problems and Total difficulties were associated with higher Hg concentrations in maternal hair (0.18, 95% CI: 0.05; 0.3; and 0.14, 95% CI: 0.01; 0.3, respectively), whereas Emotional symptoms were inversely associated with Se and Zn levels in cord blood (-0.13, 95% CI: -0.3; 0.004; and -0.10, 95% CI: -0.2; 0.02, respectively). In the IDS, cord blood Pb levels were found to be negatively associated with Fluid and Crystallized IQ (-0.12, 95% CI: -0.3; 0.02; and -0.14, 95% CI: -0.3; 0.007, respectively) as well as Mathematical skills (-0.15, 95% CI: -0.3; 0.01). The current research has been able to simultaneously assess the exposure to various interacting chemicals during the prenatal period. We demonstrate that prenatal co-exposures to Pb, Hg, Zn and Se have long-term influences on the neuropsychological outcome of school-age children.

Association of the levels of heavy metals and trace elements during pregnancy with congenital heart defects in offspring: a prospective cohort study.

To study the association of the levels of heavy metals and trace elements during pregnancy with congenital heart defects (CHD) in offspring, and to establish a model for predicting the probability of CHD based on the levels of heavy metals and trace elements during pregnancy. Based on the prospective birth cohort study in Gansu Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital in 2010-2012, a nested case-control study was conducted for the follow-up observation of 14 359 pregnant women. Among the pregnant women, 97 pregnant women whose offspring were diagnosed with CHD during follow-up were enrolled as the CHD group, and 194 pregnant women whose offspring had no CHD were selected as the control group. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to measure the levels of heavy metals and trace elements in maternal blood samples and fetal umbilical cord blood samples. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between heavy metal and trace elements and CHD in offspring. A nomogram model for predicting the probability of CHD in offspring was established based on the levels of heavy metals and trace elements during pregnancy. Compared with the control group, the CHD group had significantly higher levels of aluminum (Al), natrium (Na), calcium (Ca), titanium (Ti), selenium (Se), strontium (Sr), stannum (Sn), stibium (Sb), barium (Ba), and thorium (Th) in maternal blood samples (P<0.05), as well as significantly higher levels of Al, zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg), kalium (K), Ca, Ti, chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), arsenic (As), Se, Sr, argentum (Ag), cadmium (Cd), Sn, and plumbum (Pb) in umbilical cord blood (P<0.05). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the increase in the Sb level in maternal blood was associated with the increase in the risk of CHD in offspring [adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=4.81, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.65-14.07, P=0.004], while in umbilical cord blood, the high levels of Al (aOR=4.22, 95%CI: 1.35-13.16, P=0.013), Mg (aOR=8.00, 95%CI: 1.52-42.08, P=0.014), and Pb (aOR=3.82, 95%CI: 0.96-15.23, P=0.049) were significantly associated with the risk of CHD in offspring. The levels of Al, Th, and Sb in maternal blood and levels of Al, Mg, and Pb in umbilical cord blood were included in the predictive model for CHD in offspring based on the levels of heavy metals and trace elements during pregnancy, and the calibration curve of the nomogram predictive model was close to the ideal curve. Increases in the levels of Al, Th, Sb, Mg, and Pb during pregnancy may indicate the increase in the risk of CHD in offspring, and the nomogram predictive model based on these indices can be used to predict the probability of CHD in offspring.

Effects of Sub-chronic Lead Exposure on Essential Element Levels in Mice.

Lead (Pb), a corrosion-resistant heavy non-ferrous metal, is one of the most common environmental neurotoxic metals. The effects of Pb on other essential metal elements are contradictory. Therefore, this in vivo study addressed the effects of sub-chronic Pb exposure on the distribution of other divalent metals, exploring the relationships between Pb levels in blood, teeth, bones, hair, and brain tissues. Thirty-two healthy male C57BL/6 mice received intragastric administration (i.g.) with 0, 12.5, 25, and 50mg/kg Pb acetate, once a day for 8weeks. Levels of Pb and other metal elements [including iron(Fe), zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), and calcium(Ca)] in the whole blood, teeth, the right thighbone, hair, and brain tissues (including cortex, hippocampus, striatum, and hypothalamus) were detected with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Pb levels in all detectedorgans were increased after Pb-exposed for 8weeks. The results of relationship analysis between Pb levels in the tissues and lifetime cumulative Pb exposure (LCPE) showed that Pb levels in the blood, bone, and hair couldindirectly reflect the Pb accumulation in the murine brain. These measures might serve as valuable biomarkers for chronic Pb exposure reflective of the accumulation of Pb in the central nervous system (CNS). Sub-chronic Pb exposure for 8weeks altered Ca, Cu, Fe, and Zn levels, but no effects were noted on Mg levels in any of the analyzed tissues. Pb decreased Ca in teeth, Cu in thighbone and teeth, Zn in whole blood and hair, and Fe in hair. In contrast, Pb increased Ca levels in corpus striatum and hypothalamus, Cu levels in striatum, Zn levels in teeth, and Fe levels in hippocampus, thighbone, and teeth. The Pb-induced changes in metal ratios in various tissues may serve as valuable biomarkers for chronic Pb exposure as they are closely related to the accumulations of Pb in the murine CNS. The results suggest that altered distribution of several essential metal elements may be involved in Pb-induced neurotoxicity. Additional studies should address the interaction between Pb and essential metal elements in the CNS and other organs.

HUBUNGAN KADAR TIMBAL DARAH DENGAN JUMLAH ERITROSIT PADA IBU MENYUSUI

Human health can be affected by heavy metals in the form of lead which have toxic properties and can accumulate in the body. One of the effects of lead exposure is affecting the hematological system by interfering with heme synthesis, and can shorten the life of red blood cells (erythrocytes) which can cause anemia. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between blood lead levels and the number of erythrocytes in breastfeeding mothers.This research is an analytic study with a cross sectional design. The population of all breastfeeding mothers who live in the working area of the Bandarhajro Public Health Center Semarang. The number of samples of 30 respondents were taken by purposive sampling technique. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package For The Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. The results of this descriptive study showed that the blood lead level of breastfeeding mothers was on average 62.24±26.21 g/dL with a minimum value of 18.39 g/dL and a maximum value of 98.00 g/dL. The results of bivariate analysis showed that there was no significant relationship between blood lead levels and the number of erythrocytes (p = 0.195). All respondents living in the Bandarharjo Semarang area had blood Pb levels exceeding the threshold with an average value of 62.24 g/dL. There was no relationship between the number of erythrocytes and blood Pb levels in breastfeeding mothers (p-value = 0.195)

Single Nucleotide Polymorphism of TWIST2 May Be a Modifier for the Association between High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Blood Lead (Pb) Level.

The association between lead (Pb) exposure and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was reported; however, the mechanism was unclear. Our purpose was to investigate the association of Pb, lipid profile, and to study the associated SNPs using a genome-wide association study (GWAS). A total of 511 participants were recruited to check blood Pb levels, lipid profile, and genotypes with Taiwan Biobank version 2.0 (TWB2). Our main result shows that HDL-C was significantly negatively associated with blood Pb levels, adjusted for gender, body mass index (BMI), and potential confounders. In addition, via the TWB2 GWAS, only two SNPs were found, including rs150813626 (single-nucleotide variation in the TWIST2 gene on chromosome 2), and rs1983079 (unclear SNP on chromosome 3). Compared to the rs150813626 GG carriers, the AA and AG carriers were significantly and negatively associated with HDL-C. We analyzed the interaction of rs150813626 SNP and blood Pb, and the HDL-C was consistently and negatively associated with blood Pb, male, BMI, and the rs150813626 AA and AG carriers. Moreover, the rs150813626 AA and blood Pb interaction was significantly and positively associated with HDL-C. In conclusion, the SNPs rs150813626 and rs1983079 were significantly associated with HDL-C in Pb-exposed workers. Furthermore, the interaction of rs150813626 AA and blood Pb had a positive influence on HDL-C. TWIST may inhibit osteoblast maturation, which might relate to bone Pb deposition and calcium metabolism. The mechanism needs more investigation in the future.

Pb and Cd exposure linked with Il-10 and Il-13 gene polymorphisms in asthma risk relevant immunomodulation in children

Genetic variants and environmental factor of heavy metal exposure accelerate the risk of immune-mediated respiratory diseases, including asthma in children. This study aims to investigate the effects and interaction of Pb, Cd exposure from e-waste and interleukin (IL)-10, IL-13 gene polymorphisms on interleukin expressions in children. Pb, Cd levels, Il-10 (rs1800871, rs1800872, rs1800896) and Il-13 (rs20541, rs1800925) polymorphisms were determined in blood or urine of 155 children (75 from e-waste-exposed area, Guiyu and 80 from reference area, Haojiang). Blood Pb and urine Cd levels of e-waste-exposed children were both higher (mean: 5.89 vs. 3.35 μg/dL; 6.04 vs. 1.82 μg/g, both P < 0.05). Exposed children had a larger proportion of high blood Pb level (> 5.00 μg/dL) (66.67% vs. 4.11%, P < 0.001), but they had no statistically different proportion of high urine Cd level (> 1.00 μg/g creatinine). Median levels of IL-13 decreased (3.674 vs. 4.410 ng/L, P < 0.01), but of IL-10 did not vary in serum of exposed children. The analyses revealed no significant associations of Pb or Cd with Il-10 or Il-13 gene polymorphisms. The high blood Pb and urine Cd level were respectively associated with the low IL-13 ( < 3.696 ng/L) and low IL-10 ( < 0.361 ng/L) level, after adjustment for children's age, gender, and BMI (both P ≤ 0.05). Children homozygous carrying major allele for Il-13 (rs20541 and rs1800925) had additive interactions with high blood Pb level on low IL-13 expression (OR = 5.37, 95% CI: 1.96, 14.73 and OR = 8.45, 95% CI: 2.61, 27.32; both P ≤ 0.001). In contrast, no interaction was observed amongst Pb or Cd with Il-10 gene polymorphisms on its expression. Our findings suggest that Pb exposure interacting with Il-13 gene polymorphisms negatively regulates IL-13 expression, which may pose a risk to abnormal asthma-relevant immunomodulation in preschool children.

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.

Estimation of the reference lead (Pb) concentration levels affecting immune cells in the blood of Black-headed Gulls (Chroicocephalus ridibundus, Laridae)

The biological effects of lead (Pb) contamination have been reported in various species. There are no restrictions on the use of Pb products, including bullets, in the areas south of Hokkaido, Japan. Local governments have announced the presence of Pb in the soil sediments of water bodies. Previous studies have confirmed the relationship between blood Pb level (BLL) and immune cells. This study was performed with the aim of clarifying the effect of Pb contamination on immune cells. In total, 170 Black-headed Gulls (<em>Chroicocephalus ridibundus</em>) were captured, including a population in Tokyo Bay between November 2018 and April 2021 and a population in Mikawa Bay between January 2019 and April 2021. Linear regression analysis was performed with the white blood cell count (WBC), proportion of heterophils (Het), proportion of lymphocytes (Lym), ratio of heterophils and lymphocytes (H/L ratio), copy number of CD4 messenger RNA, and copy number of CD8α messenger RNA as the objective variables, and the BLL as the explanatory variable. The group with BLL < 1.0 µg/dL had a significantly lower Het and higher Lym than that with BLL > 3.5 µg/dL (<em>P</em> < 0.05). In addition, the group with BLL < 1.0 µg/dL had a significantly lower H/L ratio than that with BLL > 3.5 µg/dL. CD8α and WBC were higher in the group with BLL ranging from 1.0 to 3.5 µg/dL than in the group with BLL < 1.0 µg/dL. This study suggests that the effect of Pb pollution on the immune cells of Black-headed Gulls is lower than some previous criteria values. It is possible that gulls affected by Pb contamination suffer indirect negative effects on immune function, possibly making them more susceptible to infectious diseases. Pb is a major environmental pollutant, against which measures must be taken.

Lead (Chemicals and Contaminants).

Food Safety Commission of Japan (FSCJ) conducted risk assessment of lead (hereinafter referred to as Pb) as a Self-Tasking assessment. Risk assessments of Pb were initially requested from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in relation to revision of the standards for apparatus/container and packaging (ACP) and to revision of the standards for beverages. Considering the diverse modes and routes of human exposure to Pb, FSCJ judged that a comprehensive risk assessment of Pb is appropriate instead of specific risk assessment relating to ACP or beverages. To estimate the actual Pb exposure of the general population in Japan, the present Self-Tasking assessment working group started to inspect available data of blood Pb levels among children (12 years old boys and girls, n = 289, surveyed for 2015-2018) and among adults (pregnant women, n = 96,696, surveyed for 2011-2014)1). FSCJ concluded that average blood level of Pb of current Japan is about 1 µg/dL or less based on the data available at present. Comprehensive evaluation of the findings from the previous epidemiological studies suggested that even blood Pb at the level of 1-2 µg/dL potentially affected children’s neuro-behavioral development or adult renal function. FSCJ, however, concluded that figuring out of a blood Pb level without adverse effects was difficult from the data of epidemiological studies. Pb level in current Japan as about 1 µg/dL or less. This value is close to the level potentially to have some effects, 1-2 µg/dL as suggested by epidemiological studies. Continuous implementation of measures to reduce Pb exposure is thus required. A close watch on the trend of blood Pb level by human biomonitoring is also necessary for verification of the efficacy of the measures to reduce Pb exposure.

The Bigger Level Of Blood Lead, The Higher Level Of SGOT and SGPT In Residents Around The Used Battery Recycling Industry

Hazardous materials that need to be watched out for are exposure to lead (Pb) in solder wire from the used battery recycling industry. Pb can cause health problems for workers and the community around the high risk industry. Exposure occurs through inhalation, ingestion or skin because Pb is a multi-media pollutant. Abnormal levels of Pb in the blood have a risk of 1,783 times, can reach toxic levels and cause disturbances in the soft tissues of the liver, characterized by increased levels of SGOT and SGPT in the blood. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between blood lead levels and SGOT &amp; SGPT levels in residents around the used battery recycling industry. The number of research samples as many as 40 respondents through the analytical method of observational cross-sectional design approach. Sampling was done by non-probability sampling with purposed sampling technique. The results showed that Pb levels reached 695.90 ug/L exceeds the value of the biological exposure index (IPB). There is a relationship between blood lead levels and blood SGOT&amp; SGPT levels (p = 0.003) and (p = 0.000) with a strong positive relationship (r = 0.460)and (r = 0.526). The conclusion is that there is a relationship between blood lead levels and SGOT &amp; SGPT levels in residents around the used battery recycling industry and the greater the blood Pb level, the higher the SGOT &amp; SGPT levels.

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.

Air quality analysis through measurement of pb levels in blood using atomic absorption spectrophotometer

Air pollution is a problem that needs attention, especially pollution by heavy metals such as lead (Pb). This research was conducted to measure the levels of Pb in the blood of people who do a lot of daily activities on the highway in the Ulaanbaatar region, Mongolia, so that an overview of the level of exposure to Pb in the air is obtained. The study was conducted using an observational method by measuring the blood directly from the participants using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The participants involved were 20 people who met the criteria. The results showed that the average level of Pb in the blood of people who had daily activities on the highway was 8.97 ppm. Where the smallest level is 5.12 ppm and the highest level is 12.06 ppm. This value is far above the threshold value determined by WHO, which is 0.05 ppm. Therefore, it can be concluded that the air quality in the Ulaanbaatar area is in the poor category with a high level of Pb exposure.

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.