Serum Cadmium Levels Research Articles

AB027. New progress in the study of erectile dysfunction in the American Urological Association’s 2018 Annual Meeting

It is estimated that 150 million men worldwide are affected by erectile dysfunction (ED). In terms of risk factors, independent risk factors for ED include age, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, depression, obesity, and sedentary lifestyle. Besides, sleep disorders are potential risk factors for ED, so men who are troubled with loss of diurnal rhythm have significant worse erection. In addition, serum cadmium levels can be used as an independent predictor of erectile function. In terms of diagnosis and evaluation, penile color Doppler ultrasound can effectively evaluate the presence of vascular factors in patients with ED, and has a good correlation with angiographic results, which can be used as a non-invasive examination before angiography. As for treatment, penile prosthesis can effectively improve the erectile function of patients, and posttreatment score is higher on the quality of sexual life and satisfaction of sexual performance. In addition, it is reported that diabetes is an important factor affecting the quality of sexual life after the first penis implant. What’s more, prosthesis implantation will not lead to complications such as shortening of the penis length and decreased sensitivity. However, studies such as extracorporeal shock wave therapy, recovery of erectile function after prostate cancer surgery (sural nerve grafting, intraoperative tissue sealing sheets, application of low dose of sildenafil after surgery), autologous adipose tissue derived stromal vascular fraction injection, gene therapy have the small sample size, and some of them still stay in the basic research stage. Their therapeutic effect needs further study.

The Relationship between Serum Cadmium Level and Microalbuminuria in Korean Elderly People: Using Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

The Relationship between Serum Cadmium Level and Microalbuminuria in Korean Elderly People: Using Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Serum cadmium level of uterine fibroid patients in Korea

Objective: The aim of this study is checking the blood level of cadmium (Cd) and lead in the patients with endometriosis or uterine leiomyomas. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 patients who underwent surgery for gynecological disease in the present tertiary teaching hospital were enrolled in this study. Twenty patients who underwent surgery for benign ovarian cysts were enrolled into the control group. Forty patients who underwent surgery for endometriosis and 40 patients who underwent surgery for leiomyoma were enrolled. Whole blood was collected by venipuncture in ordinary tubes after over eight hours of fasting. The Cd and lead levels were measured using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Results: Blood lead and Cd levels were significantly higher in the leiomyoma group than in the control or endometriosis group. All participants were grouped into one of three groups according to their Cd level. Group 1 consisted of patients with Cd ≤ 0.05 ug/L (low quartile of the Cd level), group 2 included patients with 0.05 ug/L Conclusion: Blood Cd level was elevated in leiomyoma patients, not in endometriosis patients. Blood lead and Cd levels showed significant positive correlation.

Relationship between High Serum Cadmium Level and Low Muscle Mass in Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Background: Sarcopenia is a syndrome defined as progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength and function, associated with mobility disorders,...

Association of maternal serum cadmium level during pregnancy with risk of preterm birth in a Chinese population

Cadmium (Cd) was a developmental toxicant that induces fetal malformation and growth restriction in mice. However, epidemiological studies about the association of maternal serum Cd level with risk of preterm birth were limited. This study was to investigate whether maternal serum Cd level during pregnancy is associated with risk of preterm birth in a Chinese population. Total 3254 eligible mother-and-singleton-offspring pairs were recruited. Maternal serum Cd level was measured by GFAAS. Based on tertiles, maternal serum Cd concentration was classified as low (LCd, <0.65 μg/L), medium (MCd, 0.65–0.94 μg/L) and high (HCd, ≥0.95 μg/L). Odds ratio (OR) for preterm birth was estimated using multiple logistic regression models. Results showed the rate of preterm birth among LCd, M-Cd and HCd was 3.5%, 3.8%, and 9.4%, respectively. Subjects with HCd had a significantly higher risk for preterm birth (OR: 2.86; 95%CI: 1.95, 4.19; P < 0.001) than did those with LCd. Adjusted OR for preterm birth was 3.02 (95%CI: 2.02, 4.50; P < 0.001) among subjects with HCd compared to subjects with LCd. Taken together, the above results suggest that maternal serum Cd level during pregnancy is positively associated with risk of preterm birth.

Determinants of serum cadmium levels in a Northern Italy community: A cross-sectional study

IntroductionCadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal and a serious environmental hazard to humans. Some uncertainties still exist about major sources of Cd exposure in non-occupationally exposed subjects in addition to cigarette smoking, such as diet and outdoor air pollution. We sought to determine the influence of these sources on a biomarker of exposure, serum Cd concentration. MethodsWe recruited 51 randomly selected residents from an Italian urban community, from whom we obtained detailed information about dietary habits and smoking habits, and a blood sample for serum Cd determination. We also assessed outdoor air Cd exposure, by modeling outdoor air levels of particulate matter ≤10µm (PM10) from motorized traffic at geocoded subjects’ residence. ResultsIn crude analysis, regression beta coefficients for dietary Cd, smoking and PM10 on serum Cd levels were 0.03 (95% CI -0.83 to 0.88), 6.96 (95% CI -0.02 to 13.95) and 0.62 (95% CI -0.19 to 1.43), respectively. In the adjusted analysis, regression beta coefficients were -0.34 (95% CI -1-40 to 0.71), 5.81 (95% CI -1.43 to 13.04) and 0.47 (95% CI -0.35 to 1.29), respectively. ConclusionCigarette smoking was the most important factor influencing serum Cd in our non-occupationally exposed population, as expected, while dietary Cd was not associated with this biomarker. Outdoor air pollution, as assessed through exposure to particulate matter generated by motorized traffic, was an additional source of Cd exposure.

Relationship between perinatal antioxidant vitamin and heavy metal levels and the growth and cognitive development of children at 5 years of age.

To evaluate how prenatal exposure to antioxidant vitamins and heavy metals affects subsequent development. Maternal serum and cord serum levels of antioxidant vitamins (A, E, and C) were determined. Full-state, performance, and verbal intelligence quotients (FSIQ, PIQ, and VIQ, respectively) of 97 children were assessed at 5 years of age. The placental transport ratio (PTR: cord level relative to maternal serum level) of vitamin A (VA) was associated positively with FSIQ score (p=0.041), vitamin E (VE)-PTR was associated positively with PIQ (p=0.002) and FSIQ (p=0.025) scores, and cord serum cadmium (Cd) level was correlated negatively with VIQ score (p=0.025) at 5 years of age. High VE-PTR protected against low PIQ (OR=0.025; p=0.021) and FSIQ (OR<0.001; p=0.004). High maternal age was a protective factor against low VIQ (OR=0.661; 95% CI, 0.500- 0.875; p=0.004) and FSIQ (OR=0.700; 95% CI, 0.512-0.957; p=0.025). A higher maternal education (OR=0.038; 95% CI, 0.003-0.458; p=0.010) and economic level (OR=0.047; 95% CI, 0.004-0.579; p=0.017) were protective against a low FSIQ score. VA-PTR predicted physical growth. VA-PTR and VE-PTR predicted intelligence test performance at 5 years old. High Cd in cord blood may negatively affect subsequent intelligence.

Effects of environmental levels of cadmium, lead and mercury on human renal function evaluated by structural equation modeling

A relationship between exposure to heavy metals, including lead and cadmium, and renal dysfunction has long been suggested. However, modeling of the potential additive, or synergistic, impact of metals on renal dysfunction has proven to be challenging. In these studies, we used structural equation modeling (SEM), to investigate the relationship between heavy metal burden (serum and urine levels of lead, cadmium and mercury) and renal function using data from the NHANES database. We were able to generate a model with goodness of fit indices consistent with a well-fitting model. This model demonstrated that lead and cadmium had a negative relationship with renal function, while mercury did not contribute to renal dysfunction. Interestingly, a linear relationship between lead and loss of renal function was observed, while the maximal impact of cadmium occurred at or above serum cadmium levels of 0.8μg/L. The interaction of lead and cadmium in loss of renal function was also observed in the model. These data highlight the use of SEM to model interaction between environmental contaminants and pathophysiology, which has important implications in mechanistic and regulatory toxicology.

Serum cadmium levels in a sample of blood donors in the Western Amazon, Brazil, 2010-2011

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the distribution of serum cadmium (Cd) levels in blood donors in Rio Branco, Acre State, Brazil. Blood samples were obtained from 922 volunteer blood donors from 18 to 65 years of age at the Hemoacre blood center in 2010-2011. Mean serum Cd was 0.37µg/L (95%CI: 0.33-0.41). Increased serum Cd was associated with lower schooling; individuals with less than five years of schooling showed a mean Cd of 0.61µg/L (95%CI: 0.34-0.89), compared to 0.34µg/L (95%CI: 0.28-0.40) among those with more than nine years of schooling. Mean serum Cd was three times higher among smokers. Smoking showed a positive association with Cd level, with an OR of 12.36 (95%CI: 7.70-19.84). Meanwhile, serum Cd was lower among individuals that regularly drank tea, as compared to non-tea drinkers. Serum Cd levels were mostly below the reference value (88.3% of participants). Mean serum Cd in the current study indicates that in general the population studied here is not exposed to worrisome Cd levels.

Smoking induced heavy metals and periodontitis: findings from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 2008–2010

Exposure to hazardous heavy metals such as cadmium and lead may contribute to increased oxidative stress and inflammation in the periodontal tissue. We aimed to evaluate the association between serum cadmium and lead levels and periodontitis. Pooled cross-sectional data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 2008-2010 were used. Periodontitis was defined as WHO community periodontal index. Active smokers were defined as self-reported current smokers or those with measured urine cotinine ≥164ng/ml measurements. Serum cadmium and lead levels were measured using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the odds ratios (OR) for periodontitis. The mean cadmium and lead levels were significantly higher in the periodontitis group compared with control population. A progressive increase in serum heavy metals were found as the number of sextants with periodontitis. The ORs for periodontitis were significantly associated with serum cadmium (OR=1.37; 95% CI 1.00-1.87) and lead levels (OR=1.60; 95% CI 1.15-2.21). The association between periodontitis and smoking was attenuated after adjusting for serum cadmium concentration. We demonstrated a significant association between periodontitis and serum cadmium and lead concentrations. Cadmium appeared to partially mediate the association between smoking and periodontitis.

The Association Between Heavy Metals in Food and Alzheimer's Disease in Korean Elderly People

This study was to investigate the association of dietary heavy metal exposure with Alzheimer′s disease (AD) among elderly people (89 dementia patients and 118 normal) recruited from General Hospital and Alzheimer Center in Seoul, Korea in 2011. AD was diagnosed by a psychiatrist based on the criteria recommended by Diagnostic and Statistical manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition and the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke‐Alzheimer′s Disease and related Disorders Association. A questionnaire was administered for general characteristics and dietary intake was obtained using 3‐day food records. Blood samples were taken to evaluate the heavy metal exposure levels of cadmium, lead, mercury and arsenic; all of which are highly attainable through food consumption. The AD group, which consumed more fish compared to the normal group (p=0.0444), was associated with an increased risk of AD (OR=2.69, 95% CI 1.03–7.04). We also found that subjects who consumed more fish was associated with an increased risk of high serum cadmium level (OR=2.59, 95% CI 1.03–6.54). Other than cadmium however, lead, mercury, and arsenic has no statistically significant differences in both groups. These findings suggest that people who have higher cadmium exposure level from fish consumption may have increased risk of AD. (This work was supported by the KFDA (11162 hazardous material 701)).

Serum Heavy Metals and Obstructive Lung Disease: Results From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Exposure to hazardous heavy metals such as cadmium and lead has been associated with several chronic diseases. Heavy metal exposure may contribute to increased oxidative stress and inflammation in the lungs, resulting in tissue destruction manifesting clinically as obstructive lung disease (OLD). We aimed to evaluate the association between serum cadmium and lead concentration and OLD. Pooled cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2010 were used. OLD was defined as an FEV 1 /FVC ratio , 0.7 by spirometry. Active smokers were defined as self-reported current smokers or those with measured serum cotinine 10 ng/mL. Serum cadmium and lead levels were measured using mass spectrometry. The prevalence of OLD was 12.4% (95% CI, 10.2%-13.6%). The mean (SE) cadmium levels in the OLD group were significantly higher in comparison with normal control subjects (0.51 [1.04] vs 0.33 [1.02], P , .001). Similarly, mean (SE) serum lead concentration was significantly higher in the OLD group compared with the control population (1.73 [1.02] vs 1.18 [1.0], P , .001). The association between OLD and smoking was significantly attenuated after adjusting for serum cadmium concentration. In addition, we demonstrated a progressive increase in serum cadmium concentrations with worsening FEV 1 % predicted values among smokers in our study population. In a large representative sample of the US population, we demonstrated a significant association between OLD and serum cadmium and lead concentrations. Cadmium appeared to partially mediate the association between smoking and OLD. A dose-response effect between increasing cadmium concentration and progressively worsening lung function was observed in smokers.

Serum cadmium levels are independently associated with endothelial function in hemodialysis patients

Hemodialysis (HD) patients are at risk of deficiency of essential trace elements and excess of toxic trace elements. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relation between the serum levels of some trace elements and heavy metals (iron, zinc, manganese, copper, magnesium, cobalt, cadmium, and lead) and endothelial function in HD patients. Forty-eight chronic HD patients without known atherosclerotic disease and 42 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals were included in the study. The serum levels of trace elements (iron, zinc, manganese, copper, and magnesium) and heavy metals (cobalt, cadmium, and lead) were measured by Atomic Adsorption Spectrophotometer (UNICAM-929). The serum levels of iron, zinc, and manganese were lower, and levels of copper, magnesium, cobalt, cadmium, and lead were higher in HD patients compared to controls. Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD %) in HD patients was lower than that in the control group (7.27 ± 0.76 vs. 11.29 ± 0.82, P < 0.001). There was a significant negative correlation between FMD % and serum levels of cobalt (r = -0.313, P = 0.03) and cadmium (r = -0.524, P < 0.01). A linear regression analysis showed that serum cadmium levels were still significantly and negatively correlated with FMD % (regression coefficient = -0.526, P < 0.001). We first demonstrated that serum cadmium levels independently predict endothelial function in HD patients without known atherosclerotic disease.

Heavy Metals and Cardiovascular Disease: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2006

We assessed the role of lead and cadmium as partial mediators between smoking and composite cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease (CCVD). We also studied the association between urinary heavy metals and CCVD. Pooled data from NHANES 1999-2006 were examined. Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease was determined using a standardized questionnaire asking about history of stroke, angina, heart attack, coronary artery disease, and congestive heart failure. Increasing serum cadmium levels were associated with increasing prevalence of CCVD (P-trend: .03). Adjusted odds-ratio (OR) for active smokers versus never smokers was 2.09 (1.67-2.63). Adjustment for lead did not affect the OR but adjustment for cadmium significantly attenuated the OR (1.54 [1.17-2.03]). Significant association was observed between CCVD and urinary antimony, cadmium, cobalt, and tungsten. High levels of serum cadmium (>0.61 µg/L) were associated with CCVD. The relationship between smoking and CCVD was partially mediated through cadmium. Urinary antimony, cadmium, cobalt, and tungsten may be associated with CCVD.

High cadmium / zinc ratio in cigarette smokers: potential implications as a biomarker of risk of prostate cancer.

Tobacco smoke may be one of the most common sources of cadmium (Cd) in the general population, particularly in the rising population of smokers in developing countries. Although a relationship between both cigarette smoking and environmental Cd contamination with prostate cancer exist, the mechanisms are unclear. Most prospective cohort studies found a positive association between current smoking and a fatal cancer of the prostate. We investigated the interaction between zinc and cadmium and the potential risk of prostate cancer in smokers. Serum cadmium level was significantly (P < 0.001) higher in smokers compared with non-smokers, the level in smokers was three-fold that in non-smokers. In contrast zinc was significantly (P < 0.001) reduced in smokers compared with non-smokers. Unlike Zn, Cu was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in smokers than in non-smokers. Iron (Fe) though higher in smokers was not significantly different. Zinc: cadmium ratio was very significantly (P < 0.001) reduced, implying high cadmium: zinc ratio. This ratio was 4.5-fold the level in non-smokers. Total protein, albumin and total globulin levels were all significantly (P < 0.001) reduced in smokers compared with non-smokers respectively. Potassium (K+) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in smokers than in non-smokers. Magnesium (Mg) was significantly (p < 0.01) reduced in smokers compared to non-smokers. Altered Zn status culminating in high Cd:Zn ratio appears the central factor in smokers; leading to oxidative stress, DNA damage, mutation, impaired DNA repair, P53 expression, angiogenic effect of Cu and impaired vitamin A metabolism. These converge in the risk of the carcinogenic process, suggesting high Cd: Zn ratio as the critical determinant of the risk of prostate cancer in smokers and possibly a biomarker of susceptibility to this environmental disease.

Serum cadmium levels in pancreatic cancer patients from the East Nile Delta region of Egypt.

The northeast Nile Delta region exhibits a high incidence of early-onset pancreatic cancer. It is well documented that this region has one of the highest levels of pollution in Egypt. Epidemiologic studies have suggested that cadmium, a prevalent pollutant in the northeast Nile Delta region, plays a role in the development of pancreatic cancer.Objective: We aimed to assess serum cadmium levels as markers of exposure in pancreatic cancer patients and noncancer comparison subjects from the same region in Egypt.Design and Participants: We assessed serum cadmium levels of 31 newly diagnosed pancreatic cancer patients and 52 hospital comparison subjects from Mansoura, Egypt.Evaluation/Measurements: Serum cadmium levels were measured using a novel immunoassay procedure.Results: We found a significant difference between the mean serum cadmium levels in patients versus comparison subjects (mean ± SD, 11.1 ± 7.7 ng/mL vs. 7.1 ± 5.0 ng/mL, respectively; p = 0.012) but not in age, sex, residence, occupation, or smoking status. The odds ratio (OR) for pancreatic cancer risk was significant for serum cadmium level [OR = 1.12; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.04–1.23; p = 0.0089] and farming (OR = 3.25; 95% CI, 1.03–11.64; p = 0.0475) but not for age, sex, residence, or smoking status.Conclusions: The results from this pilot study suggest that pancreatic cancer in the East Nile Delta region is significantly associated with high levels of serum cadmium and farming.Relevance to Clinical Practice/Public Health: Future studies should further investigate the etiologic relationship between cadmium exposure and pancreatic carcinogenesis in cadmium-exposed populations.

Effects of Ascorbic Acid on Cadmium-Induced Oxidative Stress and Performance of Broilers

The effects of cadmium on performance, antioxidant defense system, liver and kidney functions, and cadmium accumulation in selected tissues of broiler chickens were studied. Whether the possible adverse effects of cadmium would reverse with the antioxidant ascorbic acid was also investigated. Hence, 4 treatment groups (3 replicates of 10 chicks each) were designed in the study: control, ascorbic acid, cadmium, and cadmium plus ascorbic acid. Cadmium was given via the drinking water at a concentration of 25 mg/L for 6 wk. Ascorbic acid was added to the basal diet at 200 mg/kg either alone or with cadmium. Cadmium decreased the body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), and feed efficiency (FE) significantly at the end of the experiment, whereas its effect on feed consumption (FC) was not significant. Cadmium increased the plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) level as an indicator of lipid peroxidation and lowered the activity of blood superoxide dismutase (SOD). Liver function enzymes, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) activities were not changed by cadmium. Cadmium ingestion did not alter serum creatinine levels. Although the serum cadmium level was not elevated, cadmium mainly accumulated in the kidneys, liver, pancreas, and muscle. Ascorbic acid supplementation resulted in a reduction of MDA level previously increased by cadmium and a restoration in SOD activity. However, ascorbic acid did not ameliorate the growth inhibitory effect of cadmium nor did it prevent accumulation of cadmium in analyzed tissues. These data indicate that oxidative stress, induced by cadmium, plays a role in decreasing the performance of broilers and that dietary supplementation by ascorbic acid might be useful in reversing the lipid peroxidation induced by cadmium and partly alleviating the adverse effect of cadmium on performance of broilers.

In utero exposure to cadmium pollution in Cairo and Giza governorates of Egypt

Serum cadmium levels at delivery were measured in a consecutive sample of 100 mother-infant pairs in Egypt using venous blood from mothers and umbilical cord blood from neonates. The serum cadmium levels of mothers ranged from 0.4 to 2.2 microg/L (mean 0.73 microg/L) and of infants from 0.2 to 1.5 microg/L (mean 0.66 microg/L). Infant cadmium levels were about 70% of maternal levels in most pairs. Serum cadmium was significantly higher in mothers and babies passively exposed to tobacco smoke. Five-minute Apgar scores were negatively correlated with cord blood cadmium levels. The cadmium levels did not differ between subjects from Cairo and Giza or according to urban, suburban or rural areas. Thus, in utero exposure to cadmium was evident and wider-scale studies on its long-term effects are recommended.

ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE TO CADMIUM AND LEAD IN THE PEDIATRIC AGE GROUP

Lead additives in automotive fuel, smog from a nearby industrial center warranted an investigation on cadmium and lead in Manisa, a city of tabacco processing. Hundred and one children were screened in view of lead and cadmium exposure. In 23 children between the ages of 0–2 years the mean (±SEM) serum lead level was 7.15 ± 0.10 μg/dl, in 28 between the ages of 3–6 years was 7.20 ± 0.10 μg/dl and in 50 between the ages of 7–15 years was 7.20 ± 0.10 μg/dl, respectively, with no significant differences. Serum cadmium levels in the same groups of children was 0.066 ± 0.008 ng/ml, 0.078 ± 0.008 ng/ml 0.088 ± 0.006 ng/ml, respectively. The difference in cadmium levels between the age groups of 0–2 years and 7–15 years was significant (p<0.038). This significant increase in blood cadmium level is also shown by simple linear regression analysis: Cadmium (ng/ml) = 0.049 + 0.005 (age), and p<0.0001, F Ratio = 50.578, coefficient of correlation = 0.581. Our study revealed that lead is not a serious environmental contaminant for children, yet; however, the increasing trend seen in exposure to cadmium warrants serious consideration and urgant preventive measures.

Role of elements in pathophysiology of hypertension and antihypertensive drug development.

Cadmium and Zinc levels were determined in 100 patients of Essential hypertension by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. It was shown that the mean levels of Serum cadmium were 43.34% +/- 6.5% higher and zinc were 28.42% +/- 5.4% lower in hypertensive when compared with normotensive controls. A statistically significant relationship between the height of diastolic blood pressure and Serum cadmium levels was observed. Ajmaloon a preparation from Rauvolfia serpentina with corrective herbs lowered the blood pressure effectively and significantly P less than 0.001. The side effects were minimal. It also tends to decrease the elevated serum cadmium levels in hypertensive individuals. A plea for development of Catecholamine depleting agents as drug for hypertension is advanced.