Arsenic Levels Research Articles

Combined effects of global DNA methylation, blood lead and total urinary arsenic levels on developmental delay in preschool children

Combined effects of global DNA methylation, blood lead and total urinary arsenic levels on developmental delay in preschool children

Study of Arsenic Contamination in the Caplina Basin, Tacna, Peru: Arsenite and Arsenate Analysis Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

This study examines arsenic contamination in the Caplina Basin, Tacna, Peru, focusing on arsenic speciation and associated risks in surface waters. Arsenic concentrations were quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Total arsenic levels ranged from 0.0304 mg/L to 0.0730 mg/L across all monitoring points, exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) limit of 10 µg/L (0.01 mg/L) for drinking water. Arsenite (As(III)), the most toxic and mobile species, reached levels up to 0.0154 mg/L, posing a significant concern at Point 7, characterized by acidic pH (3.82) and high conductivity (1456 µS/cm). Arsenate (As(V)), less toxic but predominant under alkaline conditions, peaked at 0.0260 mg/L at Point 6 (pH 8.42). Organic species such as dimethylarsenic acid (DMA) and monomethylarsenic acid (MMA) were also detected, indicating active methylation processes and anthropogenic influences. The risk assessment revealed carcinogenic risk values ranging from 2.56 × 10⁻⁵ to 6.28 × 10⁻⁵, below the USEPA threshold (1 × 10⁻⁴), but significant for prolonged exposure. Non-carcinogenic hazard quotient (HQ) values ranged from 0.09 to 0.21. These findings highlight severe public health implications and emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive strategies, including continuous monitoring, targeted treatment technologies, and community education, in order to guarantee water quality in vulnerable areas.

Serum Levels of Heavy Metals in Patients with Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Prostate cancer (PC) is a common malignancy among men globally. Although genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors contribute to its development, the role of heavy metals remains unclear. This study evaluated serum levels of arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, and nickel in PC patients compared to healthy controls. An extensive search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar identified relevant studies published up to December 2023. Studies reporting the mean and standard deviation of serum heavy metal levels in PC patients and controls were included. Random-effects models were used to estimate mean differences (MD) or standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was evaluated based on I2 index, and publication bias was examined using funnel plots. Seven studies involving 691 participants were included. No significant difference was found in serum levels of arsenic between PC patients and controls (MD: 0.04, 95% CI: [-0.15, 0.23]; p = 0.68). Cadmium (SMD: 0.93, 95% CI: [-0.06, 1.93]; p = 0.07) and lead (SMD: 0.65, 95% CI: [-0.22, 1.52]; p = 0.14) were higher in PC patients but not statistically significant. Mercury levels also showed no substantial difference (MD: 0.22, 95% CI: [-0.27, 0.70]; p = 0.38). However, serum nickel levels were significantly higher in PC patients (SMD: 0.62, 95% CI: [0.07, 1.16]; p = 0.03). The study demonstrated a substantial increase in serum concentration of nickel in PC patients compared to controls, indicating a potential role of nickel in PC pathogenesis. Although other heavy metals showed elevated levels in PC patients, these differences were not statistically significant. Further research is needed to explore nickel as a potential biomarker for early PC detection.

Prognostic significance of MRD and its correlation with arsenic concentration in pediatric acute promyelocytic leukemia: a retrospective study by SCCLG-APL group.

Treatment outcomes for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) have improved with all-trans-retinoic acid and arsenic trioxide, yet relapse remains a concern, especially in pediatric patients. The prognostic value of minimal residual disease (MRD) post-induction and the impact of arsenic levels during induction on MRD are not fully understood. To evaluate the relationship between post-induction MRD levels and relapse-free survival (RFS) in pediatric APL patients, and to investigate the correlation between blood arsenic concentration levels during induction therapy and MRD status. A retrospective analysis of pediatric APL patients enrolled in a clinical trial from September 2011 to July 2020. We assessed the relationship between RFS and post-induction MRD levels using the log-rank test. The optimal MRD cut-off was determined using the "surv_cutpoint" function in the survminer R package. Arsenic concentration levels were monitored in 16 patients on days 7 and 14 of induction therapy, and Spearman correlation was used to analyze the relationship between arsenic concentrations and MRD levels. Among 176 pediatric APL patients, with a median follow-up of 6 years, 4 relapsed. Patients with MRD >3.1% had significantly lower RFS compared to those with MRD ⩽3.1% (94.6% vs 100%, p = 0.023). In addition, a negative correlation was found between blood arsenic concentration levels and post-induction MRD levels. Lower arsenic concentrations were associated with higher MRD levels, with significant correlations observed for trough concentrations (R = -0.666, p = 0.005) and peak concentrations (R = -0.499, p = 0.049) on day 7. Our study highlights the prognostic significance of post-induction MRD assessment in pediatric APL. We also demonstrate a negative correlation between blood arsenic concentration levels and MRD, suggesting that lower arsenic concentrations during induction therapy may contribute to a higher MRD burden. These findings may inform strategies to optimize treatment and improve outcomes in pediatric APL.Trial registration: www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02200978).

Helicobacter pylori promotes intestinal flora imbalance and hepatic metabolic disorders under arsenic stress.

Environmental arsenic contamination is a serious issue that cannot be ignored, since arsenic levels in drinking water frequently exceed safety standards, and there is an increased prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. This results in an increasing population at risk of simultaneous exposure to both harmful agents, yet whether a synergistic interaction exists between them remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the combined effects and underlying pathogenic mechanisms of concurrent exposure to these two hazardous factors by establishing a mouse model that is infected with H. pylori and exposed to inorganic arsenic through drinking water. Analysis of intestinal flora revealed significant alterations in the composition, relative abundance (Akkermansia, Faecalibaculum, Ilieibacterium, etc.), and metabolic potential of the intestinal microflora (amino acid metabolism and energy metabolism) in the combinatory exposure group. Non-targeted metabolomics analysis identified that the combinatory exposure group exhibited greater fluctuations in metabolite content, particularly in triacylglycerol, fatty-acid, peptide and amino acid. Moreover, H. pylori infection and arsenic exposure had increased levels of metabolites associated with the intestinal microbiota in their livers (4-Ethylphenyl sulfate and Phenylacetylglycine). Further analysis revealed significant correlations between changes in the intestinal flora and alterations in liver metabolic profiles. Herein, we hypothesize that H. pylori infection may exacerbate the intestinal flora imbalance and hepatic metabolic disturbances caused by arsenic exposure, which may disrupt enterohepatic homeostasis and potentially increase biological susceptibility to heavy metal toxicity.

Linear Plasmids in Micrococcus: Insights Into a Common Ancestor and Transfer by Conjugation.

Actinobacteria have frequently been reported in the Andean Puna, including strains of the genus Micrococcus. These strains demonstrate resistance to high levels of UV radiation, arsenic, and multiple antibiotics, and possess large linear plasmids. A comparative analysis of the sequences and putative functions of these plasmids was conducted. The presence of large regions with high sequence identity (exceeding 30 kb in total) in all three studied Micrococcus megaplasmids indicates a clear evolutionary link among these elements. Genes related to essential plasmid functions were primarily found within these conserved regions, while genes associated with resistance to metals and antibiotics resided in accessory regions. Moreover, the abundance of open reading frames related to transposition and recombination, along with local deviations from the average GC content, provides evidence for the mosaic nature and considerable genetic plasticity of these plasmids. This study presents evidence of a common ancestor for linear plasmids in Micrococcus and suggests that horizontal gene transfer likely occurs frequently within Andean lakes, providing the native microbial community with a beneficial gene pool to withstand extreme conditions. Additionally, the successful transfer of the linear plasmid pLMA1 by a DNase-insensitive, conjugation-type mechanism and its potential use as a genetic vector is demonstrated.

Arsenic toxicity in Antarctic krill oil and its impact on human intestinal cells.

Arsenic is a pervasive environmental pollutant that can bioaccumulate in Antarctic krill through the food chain, posing potential risks to human health. This study investigates the toxic effects of arsenic in Antarctic krill oil (AKO) on Caco-2 cells, focusing on oxidative stress and apoptosis induction. AKO is nutrient-rich and contains various arsenic species, including arsenite (As³⁺), arsenate (As⁵⁺), dimethyl arsinic acid (DMA), and arsenobetaine (AsB), each exhibiting different toxic potencies. Caco-2 cells were treated with arsenic standards and AKO to assess cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, oxidative stress markers (superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], malondialdehyde [MDA], and glutathione peroxidase [GSH-Px]), reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and apoptosis. Results demonstrated dose-dependent cytotoxicity, with As³ ⁺ being the most toxic, followed by As⁵⁺, DMA, and AsB. After 24 hours of exposure, cell viability in the high-concentration AKO group decreased to 63.95 %. Arsenic exposure elevated ROS levels, disrupted mitochondrial membrane potential, upregulated apoptosis-related genes such as Caspase-3, Caspase-9, and Bax, and downregulated the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. This study elucidates the mechanisms underlying arsenic toxicity in AKO and underscores its implications for food safety assessments.

Host-microbiota interplay in arsenic metabolism: Implications on host glucose homeostasis.

Arsenic (As), a naturally occurring element with unique properties, has been recognized as the largest mass poisoning in the world by the World Health Organization (WHO). Approximately 200 million people worldwide are exposed to toxic levels of arsenic due to natural and anthropogenic activities. This widespread exposure necessitates a deeper understanding of microbe-arsenic interactions and their potential influence on host exposure and health risks. It is a major causative factor for metabolic diseases, including diabetes. Arsenic exposure has been linked to dysfunction in various cell types and tissues, notably affecting pancreatic islet cells. Numerous mechanisms have been identified to be responsible for arsenic exposure under both in vitro and in vivo conditions. These mechanisms contribute to the regulation of processes underlying diabetes etiology, such as glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells. Unlike other toxic elements, arsenic undergoes metabolism by living organisms, including microbes, plants, and animals. Other toxic elements like Lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) are generally not metabolized in the same way as Arsenic in microbes, plants and animals. In this review, we strive to initiate a dialogue by reviewing known aspects of microbe-arsenic interactions and placing it in the context of the potential for influencing host exposure and health risks. This review provides an up-to-date insight into arsenic metabolism by the human body and its associated microbiota, as well as the deciphered molecular pathways linking the different species of arsenic in the etiology of diabetes. Additionally, the future perspectives of mitigation and detoxification of arsenic in translational medicine and limitations in current scenarios are discussed. The comprehensive review presented here underscores the importance of exploring the complex interplay between arsenic metabolism, host-microbiota interactions, and their implications on glucose homeostasis and metabolic diseases. It emphasizes the need for continued research to develop effective strategies for mitigating arsenic-related health risks and fostering better translational medicine approaches.

Abcb1 is involved in the efflux of trivalent inorganic arsenic from brain microvascular endothelial cells.

Arsenic (As) can penetrate brain tissue through the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and the ATP-binding cassette subfamily B member 1 (Abcb1) has been shown to facilitate the transport of inorganic arsenic (iAs) in animal liver, small intestine, and yeast. However, the relationship between Abcb1 and BBB has not been reported, and the mechanism of brain microvascular endothelial cells Abcb1 on the transport of iAs needs to be further studied. Increased arsenic levels were observed in mice exposed to 25 mg/L or 50 mg/L of sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) in drinking water, and both arsenic uptake and efflux were detected in bEnd.3 cells treated with 16 μmol/L NaAsO2. Elevated levels of Abcb1 protein were found in the NaAsO2-exposed mouse brain microvascular endothelium and in NaAsO2-treated bEnd.3 cells. Inhibition of Abcb1's efflux function significantly reduced the 2-hourarsenic efflux rate in bEnd.3 cells loaded arsenic. Conversely, overexpression of either Abcb1a or Abcb1b significantly increased the 2-hourarsenic efflux rate in these cells loaded arsenic. These findings suggest that Abcb1 may play a crucial role in mediating arsenic efflux from mouse brain microvascular endothelial cells.

An Exploration of False Positives Following Multispectral Analysis of Mine Tailings Extent

Satellite imagery can be analyzed to offer a preliminary regional assessment of mine tailings indicators, enabling identification before performing in-depth fieldwork. Nova Scotia, Canada, still retains mine tailings produced in the 1860s to the 1940s in 64 historic gold districts, which exceed soil guidelines for arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg) levels. Tailings data often relies on historical maps, which may not accurately depict the current extent due to wind and rain transportation. A classification model was designed to analyze multispectral Sentinel-2 images and indicate pixels potentially comprising tailings. This classifier had an overall F1-Score about 0.7 for most methods tested, but this accuracy was not consistent across all land cover types. In particular, wetland and coastal areas seemed to generate a high number of false positives. In this study, these potential false positives are investigated to better understand the model’s confusion and improve future results.

Comparative analysis of heavy metals toxicity in drinking water of selected industrial zones in Gujranwala, Pakistan

Heavy metal contamination of drinking water, primarily driven by industrial activities, represents a critical challenge, with implications for human health and environmental safety. Gujranwala is an industrial and thickly populated city. The current study aimed to assess and compare heavy metal contamination levels in drinking water from five industrial areas and evaluate their potential impacts on human health. Total 100 water samples were collected and analysed for physicochemical parameters and heavy metals. Zonal variations in heavy metal concentrations revealed that Zone 2 had the highest mean levels of cadmium (0.331 mg/L), lead (0.573 mg/L), chromium (0.164 mg/L), arsenic (0.042 mg/L), and aluminium (0.484 mg/L), while Zone 4 showed elevated mean levels of iron (1.88 mg/L) and mercury (0.259 mg/L). Spearman correlation analysis among heavy metals revealed positive relationships among several heavy metals with As notably showing a strong correlation with Hg (0.701**). Kruskal–Wallis test revealed significant spatial variation (p < 0.05) in parameters like pH, EC, TDS, and heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Fe, Cu, Mn, Al), indicating spatial heterogeneity across zones. Spatial distribution maps also depicted heavy metal elevated concentrations of Cd, Pb, Fe, Cr, As, and Hg exceeding in Zone 2 (Engineering industries zone) and 4 (Iron and steel industries zone). The findings revealed a strong link between elevated heavy metal levels and health risks, including dermatological, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological disorders. This study highlights the need for stricter wastewater management, regular monitoring of drinking water, and policies to address water toxicity in industrial premises and to protect public health.

Preliminary analysis of the presence of metals and metalloids in cigarette butts and fibers discarded on a tourist beach in Cartagena, Colombia.

Cigarette butts are classified as plastic waste due to their composition of cellulose acetate fibers and are commonly found in beach sand. Their persistence in the environment, low biodegradability, and potential to interact with metals and metalloids during the aging process make them a significant subject of interest for research on coastal marine ecosystems. The aim of this study is to investigate the presence of metals such as hexavalent chromium Cr (VI), cadmium (Cd), and the metalloid arsenic (As) in cigarette butts (CBs), cigarette butt fibers (CBFs), and sand on a tourist beach in Cartagena, Colombia. The goal is to establish a baseline for potential contamination on the beach due to these elements. The methodology includes collecting samples of CBs, CBFs, and sand from different beach usage zones (active, rest, and service) and conducting standardized laboratory tests using atomic absorption spectroscopy for As and Cd and the standard colorimetric method for Cr (VI). The main findings indicate that arsenic levels reached 7.69, 5.75, and 3.47mg As/kg in the sand, CBs, and CBFs, respectively. Cadmium and hexavalent chromium were found to be below the detection limit for the applied methodology. Additionally, mercury was detected at a concentration of 0.37mg Hg/L in CBFs in the active zone in October.

Application of a near real-time technique for the assessment of atmospheric arsenic and metals emissions from a copper smelter in an urban area of SW Europe.

Emissions of metals and metalloids as a result of industrial processes, entail a great risk to human health. A high time resolution study on arsenic levels in PM10 in the city of Huelva (SW Spain) was carried out between September 2021 and September 2022. Hourly data obtained with a near real-time technique based on X-ray fluorescence were inter-compared with other offline analytical instrumentation. The results showed that the main origin of As and other metal(loid)s such as Zn and Pb, was the copper smelter located southwest to the city. Although the mean concentration of As during the study period (2.8 ng m-3) was lower than the target value (6 ng m-3) proposed by the European Directive 2004/107/EC, hourly peaks of up to 311 ng m-3 were measured. The highest concentrations of arsenic were reached in the early afternoon, related to the influence of breeze. A source apportionment study has identified five major sources of PM10: mineral, marine, combustion, regional and industry. The industrial source is characterized by high concentrations of As, Cu, Pb and Zn, contributing 1% of the total concentration of PM10 and related to copper smelter emissions. In addition, the analysis of two extreme North African dust outbreak events that affected southwestern Europe in March 2022, showed that this natural source contributed slightly to arsenic levels. The need to carry out high time resolution studies is demonstrated to better understand the variability in exposure to industrial metal(loid)s by the population, compared to conventional 24-h studies.

Higher Trace Elements and Lower Fatty Acids Levels in Erythrocytes as Predictors of Preeclampsia

BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia is one of the common causes of maternal death in Indonesia. Many studies only focus on the diagnosis and pharmacological treatment of preeclampsia. However, predictors of preeclampsia need to be observed to add more focus on the etiology and prevention of preeclampsia. The imbalances of trace elements and fatty acids play an important role in preeclampsia. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the status of trace elements and fatty acids in preeclampsia patients as predictors of preeclampsia.METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 3 hospitals, and involving 40 pregnant women classified into severe preeclampsia and normotensive groups. Trace elements and fatty acids were measured in serum and erythrocytes using Inductively Coupled Plasma and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. Serum and erythrocytes fatty acid levels' cut-off value, sensitivity, and specificity were analyzed using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve and Area Under the Curve (AUC) value.RESULTS: Serum selenium, manganese, and iron levels were significantly different in the preeclampsia group than in the controls (p&lt;0.05). Of all the heavy metals, higher concentrations of cadmium, arsenic, lead, and mercury were found in preeclampsia groups compared to control. Linoleic acid showed the highest predictive value to increase severe preeclampsia with AUC of 0.8. The ratio of high omega-6/omega-3 increases the risk of preeclampsia.CONCLUSION: Selenium, manganese, iron, cadmium, arsenic, lead, and mercury levels are higher in the serum of preeclampsia patients. Almost all erythrocyte fatty acids were significantly higher in the control group compared to preeclampsia. Measurement of trace elements and fatty acids is needed as a predictor of preeclampsia. Erythrocyte fatty acids measurement is considered better than serum.KEYWORDS: trace elements, fatty acids, preeclampsia

Spatial and temporal distribution of arsenic concentration in rural drinking water and health risk assessment in Northern China from 2013 to 2022: a case study of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region

BackgroundBy monitoring arsenic levels in rural drinking water in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from 2013 to 2022 and evaluating their health risks, this study provides a basis for further developing strategies to promote public health.MethodsOne stable centralized water supply point was randomly selected in each township of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. One finished water sample and 1–3 tap water samples were collected at each supply point. Water samples were collected once during the dry season (May) and once during the rainy season (August-September). Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare arsenic concentrations in drinking water from different types of water sources, and Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare arsenic concentrations in drinking water across different years. Environmental health risk assessment was conducted using the health risk assessment model recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA).ResultsOverall, arsenic concentrations in rural drinking water were higher in the central-western part of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region compared to the eastern part. From 2013 to 2022, there was a notable decreasing trend in arsenic concentrations in rural drinking water, with over 98% of water samples meeting arsenic standards by 2022. During 2013–2019, arsenic concentrations in drinking water sourced from groundwater were consistently higher than those from surface water sources (P < 0.05). Hazard quotient (HQ) values for the entire population were below 1, and lifetime cancer risk (LCR) values exceeded 1 × 10− 6. Sensitivity analysis indicated that drinking water arsenic concentration contributed the most to health risks for the population.ConclusionDuring 2013–2022, through concerted efforts by the government and the people, excessive arsenic levels in rural drinking water have been significantly reduced, resulting in decreased health risks for the population. However, some carcinogenic risks still exist.Therefore, the next critical step in improving water quality in the region involves further optimizing methods such as coagulation, adsorption, or ion exchange to remove arsenic from drinking water.

Mass Spectrometry-Based Metabolomics Investigation on Two Different Seaweeds Under Arsenic Exposure.

Arsenic is a common toxic heavy metal contaminant that is widely present in the ocean, and seaweeds have a strong ability to concentrate arsenic, posing a potential risk to human health. This study first analyzed the arsenic content in two different seaweeds and then used an innovative method to categorize the seaweeds into low-arsenic and high-arsenic groups based on their arsenic exposure levels. Finally, a non-targeted metabolomic analysis based on mass spectrometry was conducted on seaweed from different arsenic exposure groups. The results indicated that as the arsenic concentration increased in the seaweeds, linolenic acid, tyrosine, pheophorbide a, riboflavin, and phenylalanine were upregulated, while arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), betaine, and oleamide were downregulated. The following four key metabolic pathways involving unsaturated fatty acids and amino acids were identified: isoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis, tyrosine metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, and riboflavin metabolism. The identification of biomarkers and the characterization of key metabolic pathways will aid in the selection and breeding of low-arsenic-accumulating seaweed varieties, providing insights into the metabolic and detoxification mechanisms of arsenic in seaweeds.

Effects of different processing methods on the functional, nutritional, and physicochemical profiles of cowpea leaf powder.

Indigenous fruits and vegetables can improve food security and biodiversity. However, their use is hindered by perishability, seasonal availability, cooking losses, lack of nutritional composition data, and connections to low socioeconomic status. This study aimed to process cowpea leaves into powder and determine the effect of five home-cooking methods on their protein, functional, physicochemical, and heavy metal profiles. Cowpea leaves were boiled, blanched, steamed, sous-vide cooked, and stir-fried, at 5, 10, and 15min before dehydration at 60°C. Cowpea leaves contain protein up to 20g/100g. The leaves are rich in calcium, potassium, and zinc, providing up to 70% of the adult recommended dietary allowance for calcium and potassium per 100g of powder. Cowpea leaf powder exhibited good water/oil absorption and rehydration capacities. Sous-vide and steamed cowpea leaves provided an overall superior nutritional profile (p≤0.05). Heavy metals in the cowpea leaf powders were below the WHO permissible limits except for aluminum and high arsenic levels. This study demonstrated that cowpea leaf powders could be potentially incorporated into foods to improve functional properties and nutrient intake.

Association Between Serum Concentrations of (Certain) Metals and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

The findings regarding trace element concentrations in patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and healthy controls are inconsistent, and therefore, we determined to gather them in the form of a review to further indicate the need for more advanced knowledge development. In our study, we reviewed articles and studies that involved the topics of micronutrient and metal associations with the occurrence and development of type 2 diabetes. We mainly included works regarding human-based studies, but with limited research results, animal-based research was also taken into account. With some newer studies, we reached for initial assumptions of previous statements. The results indicated that higher serum levels of lead, cadmium, arsenic, bromine, barium, strontium, nickel, aluminum, calcium, copper, and ferritin are positively associated with diabetic prevalence. Both too-low and too-high levels of zinc, selenium, and magnesium may be connected to the development of diabetes. Chromium has the capability of insulin response modulation, with enhanced insulin-cell binding, and thus, lower serum levels of chromium can be found in diabetic patients. There are contradictory discoveries regarding manganese. Its supplementation can possibly cease the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. On the contrary, other studies reported that there is no such connection. Our work indicates that, as micronutrients play a significant role in the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders, more research regarding their bodily homeostasis and type 2 diabetes should be conducted.

Urinary arsenic species and birth outcomes in Tacna, Peru, 2019: a prospective cohort study.

Arsenic exposure during pregnancy might affect foetal development. Arsenic metabolism may modulate the potential damage to the fetus. Tacna has the highest arsenic exposure levels in Peru. However, this region also has the highest birth weight in Peru. It is not known if arsenic exposure is affecting maternal-perinatal health in Tacna. This study aimed to evaluate the association between urinary arsenic metabolism and birth outcomes, specifically birth weight and gestational age at birth in Tacna, Peru. A prospective cohort study was conducted, involving 158 pregnant women in Tacna, Peru, during January-November 2019. Participants were enrolled in their second trimester and followed-up until birth. Urine samples were collected in the second and third trimesters. Urine samples were analysed for total arsenic concentration and its species. Generalised estimating equations analysis was used to evaluate the association of interest. Inter-differences in arsenic toxicokinetics, calculated with principal component analysis was included as an interaction term. Analysis was stratified by pregnancy trimester. The median total urinary arsenic concentration was 33.34 μg/L. Inorganic arsenic and dimethylarsinic acid were higher in the second trimester. Dimethylarsinic acid was the predominant component (84.78% of total urinary arsenic). No significant association was found between urinary arsenic exposure and birth weight or gestational age at birth. The association was not affected by arsenic metabolism. Stratified analyses by pregnancy trimester also showed no significant associations. Urinary arsenic was not associated with birth weight, and this null relationship remained unaffected by arsenic toxicokinetic differences reflected in urine.

Essential and toxic metal concentrations in biological samples of multiple sclerosis patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The role of trace elements and toxic metals on human health has been extensively discussed concerning disease pathogenesis and risk factors of diseases. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to investigate arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and magnesium (Mg) levels in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) and healthy controls. We searched different databases/search engines for this systematic review and meta-analysis, including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, until June 27, 2024. Out of 5466 studies identified, 65 met our eligibility criteria and were included in the systematic review. For the meta-analysis, 58 studies with 10420 participants (5316 multiple sclerosis patients and 5104 healthy controls) had adequate data for inclusion. Results from the pooled data, analyzed using a random-effects model, revealed higher levels of As (Hedge's g = 4.00 μg/l, 95% CI = 2.03 to 5.98, P <0.001; I2 = 97.69%, P<0.001) and Cd (Hedge's g = 1.20 μg/l, 95% CI = 0.13 to 2.27, P = 0.028; I2 = 97.99%, P<0.001) in multiple sclerosis patients compared to healthy ones. However, no significant differences were observed in the concentrations of Zn, Fe, Mg, and Pb between the two groups. This study identified elevated As and Cd levels in MS patients, indicating the need for targeted interventions and public health guidelines for toxic metal exposure. Limiting exposure to contaminated environments and maintaining essential element levels through natural resources or supplements is essential, as there may be a possible relationship between multiple sclerosis and the concentrations of these elements in humans.