Serum Heavy Metals Research Articles

Serum heavy metals and lung function in a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease cohort

This study was performed to evaluate the potential association between serum heavy metal levels and lung function in a cohort of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. We analyzed data from 152 subjects enrolled in a cohort study on COPD from 2012 to 2013 and living in a dusty area. In total, 152 subjects from the cohort study were enrolled; 111 were diagnosed with OLD. There was a significant association between post-bronchodilator FEV1 and serum mercury level after adjusting for age, gender and smoking status (p=0.03). Following the adjustment, a significantly higher prevalence of OLD was observed in subjects in the highest mercury concentration tertile (p=0.03). The risk of OLD was significantly higher for subjects in the higher mercury concentration (odds ratio, 3.62; 95% confidence interval: 1.29-10.18) than in those in the lowest tertile. In conclusion, serum mercury level may be a risk factor for reduced lung function and OLD.

Level of serum heavy metal concentration in pregnant and non-pregnant women of district Sargodha: A comparative study

Level of serum heavy metal concentration in pregnant and non-pregnant women of district Sargodha: A comparative study

Biochemical and hematological changes among saudi firefighters in the eastern province

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate some relevant serum biochemical and hematological changes in concentration level involved firefighters in comparison to normal controls. Materials and Methods: This study involved two groups of male firefighters to participate in the study. The first group included 50 firefighters from Dammam while the second group included 50 firefighters from Khobar. An additional control group of 50 male nonfirefighters from both cities was included in the study. Blood samples were collected from all participants and investigated for some relevant biochemical, hematological differences and blood heavy metals between the three studied groups. Results: The results obtained showed that there were statistically significant differences in liver function, serum lipid profile, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, iron and ferritin, and blood picture in firefighters as compared with normal control group, while there were no statistically significant differences in the levels of blood heavy metals in firefighters as compared to normal controls. These results indicate that fire smoke mainly affects serum biochemical and hematological parameters but does not affect serum heavy metals levels. Conclusion: Such results might point out to the need for more health protective and prophylactic measures to try to avoid such hazardous health effects that might endanger firefighters under their highly drastic working conditions, and firefighters must be under continuous medical follow-up through a standard timetabled medical laboratory investigations to allow for the early detection of any biochemical or hematological changes.

Evaluation of serum heavy metal levels on primary ovarian insufficiency

In this study we aimed to investigate the level of exposure to these toxic heavy metals such as Aluminum (Al), Arsenic (As), Mercury (Hg) ,Manganese (Mn) and Lead (Pb) among Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) patients. This cross-sectional study was performed in 23 women with normal reproductive hormones (control) and 23 women with POI (case). Risk factors evaluated were; age,body mass index(BMI), gravidity and blood serum metal levels (Al,As,Hg,Mn,Pb). Risk factors were compared between groups. Women with history of pelvic surgery, any cancer or autoimmune disease treatment, endometriosis and other chronic systemic diseases were excluded from the study. The Age, BMI and Gravidity were similar between the case and control group (p > 0.05). And also the aluminum, arsenic, manganese, mercury and lead serum levels were smilar between the case and control group (p > 0.05). Etiology of most POI cases remains undetermined. Early recognition of predisposing factors of POI may help to make prevention about ovarian failure and would offer this patient population the opportunity to preserve fertility. Identifying people with elevated blood heavy metal levels will give chance of avoiding oncoming destructive health effects of heavy metals.

Factors associated with blood zinc, chromium, and lead concentrations in residents of the Nam Pong River in Thailand

ABSTRACTThis cross-sectional analytical study aimed to determine the blood levels of zinc (B-Zn), chromium (B-Cr), and lead (B-Pb) and to identify the factors influencing these levels in the blood of residents of the Nam Pong River. Quantitative data collection was utilized, and systematic random sampling was conducted to obtain 420 samples for measuring serum heavy metals, including B-Zn, B-Cr, and B-Pb. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify factors influencing the accumulation of heavy metals in the population, reported mean differences, 95% confidence intervals, and p values. The average levels of heavy metals were 74.38 ± 14.00 µg/dL (95% confidence interval [CI]: 73.03–75.72) for zinc, 0.28 ± 0.23 µg/L (95% CI: 0.26–0.30) for chromium, and 2.80 ± 1.60 µg/dL (95% CI: 2.64–2.95) for lead, which all were within normal limits. Factors influencing zinc levels included occupational exposure (batteries) (mean diff = 11.56; 95% CI: 1.81–21.32, p value = 0.02) and consumption of fish from the river exceeding 300 grams/meal or three times/week (mean diff = 4.68; 95% CI: 0.09–9.45, p value = 0.05). Factors influencing chromium levels included a history of past illness (mean diff = 0.19; 95% CI: 0.05–0.34, p value = 0.01) and dust/chemical exposure from industry (mean diff = 0.05; 95% CI: 0.00–0.11, p value = 0.05). Factors influencing lead concentrations included gender (mean diff = 1.82; 95% CI: 0.26–1.98, p value = 0.001), smoking (mean diff = 1.03; 95% CI: 0.60–1.45, p value < 0.001), and occupational exposure (garage) (mean diff = 1.11; 95% CI: 0.27–1.94, p value = 0.01).

Serum Heavy Metal Levels in Patients with Ineffective Erythropoiesis and the Effect of Chelation on Heavy Metal Levels

Aim: In disorders with ineffective erythropoiesis like thalassemia major (TM) iron absorption from gastrointestinal tract increases regardless of iron store. Iron is taken into enterocytes at duodenum via apical divalent metallo protein 1 (DMT-1) protein. Besides iron DMT-1 also transports other divalent metals like cadmium (Cd) , cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), manganese, nickel, and zinc (Zn). In our study we hypothesized that absorption of heavy metals via DMT-1 protein may be elevated in particularly TM and other disorders with ineffective erythropoiesis, and we aimed to investigate blood heavy metal levels in these patients and compare with control group.Methods: Study was performed between December 2014 and April 2015 in Hacettepe University Children Hospital Pediatric Hematology Clinic and Gulhane Military Medical Academy Pediatric Hematology Clinic. Blood samples were taken from patients with TM, thalassemia intermedia (TI), congenital dyserythropoietic anemia (CDA), and age and sex matched healthy control group. Heavy metal exposure was searched via questionnaire for each participant. Serum heavy metals including aluminium (Al), Cd, Co, crom (Cr), Cu, Pb, selenyum (Se), and Zn were measured.Results: Blood samples were obtained from 51 patients with TM, 8 with TI, 9 with CDA, and control group included 65 healthy volunteers. General characteristics of patients and control group were showed on Table 1. There wasn't statistical difference between patients and control group in terms of age and heavy metal exposure. Plasma or serum heavy metal levels of patients and control group were shown in Table 2. Patients with TM were found to have lower Al, Pb, Se, and Zn, and higher Cd levels compared to control group. In patients with TM, Cd level was higher than control group, however median value of Cd was still in normal range. In TI group only Se level was lower (p; 0.003), in CDA group both Se (p; 0.008) and Zn (p; 0.02) levels were lower compared to control group. When we looked for patients with TM, TI, and CDA who were treated with deferasirox; Al, Pb, Se, and Zn levels were lower, and Cd level was higher than control group.Discussion: Opposite to our hypothesis Al, Pb, Se. and Zn levels were lower in TM group and in group of patients who were on deferasirox. Se and Zn levels in patients with TM have been studied before but contradictory results have been reported. Generally they were reported to be lower in patients with TM. These results have been explained with micronutrient deficiency, and chelator treatment. Deferasirox has been reported to bind to Al and Zn, as well. The lower Al and Zn levels in our study may be explained with deferasirox therapy. Deferasirox may also have capacity to bind Pb, related to the lower levels found in our study in deferasirox group. In addition to iron chelation, chelator treatment with deferasirox might have protective effects in patients with ineffective erythtopoiesis against heavy metal toxicity.Table 1General characteristics of patient and control groupsTMTICDAControlNumber518965Age* (year)20.2 (4.5-39)8.8 (3.4-37)9 (2.5-14.6)16.8 (3-39)Male/female23/283/56/333/32Heavy metal exposureYesNo213062813134Chelator usageNoDeferasiroxDeferoxamineDeferoxamine+ deferriprone0464126004500TM: thalassemia major, TI: thalassemia intermedia, CDA: congenital dyserythropoietic anemia*Median and rangeTable 2Heavy metal levels in patient and control groupsTMTICDAControlpaAluminium (mcg/L) (0-50)27.,6 (10.1-82.1)*50.1 (18.2-91.3)41.1 (11.3-48.5)43.8 (2.4-175.6)0.01Copper (mcg/dL) (70-150)71.7 (22.3-175.5)90.5 (27.9-165.2)59.9 (35.1-110.3)78.5 (20.5-189)0.1Zinc (mcg/dL) (70-120)56 (21.8-126.2)63.8 (34.4-130.2)59.3 (23.6-76.9)70.8 (36-166.8)0.001Cadmium (mcg/L) (0.3-1.2)0.75 (0.34-2.82)0.77 (0.36-1.37)0.59 (0.38-0.78)0.58 (0.23-3.54)0.002Cobalt (mcg/L) (0.5-3.9)0 (0-6.73)0.19 (0-1.94)0.08 (0-2.49)0.39 (0-6.59)0.23Crom (mcg/L) (2.8-45)45.08 (39.4-63.8)45.1 (41.7-47.5)45.7 (35.5-53.7)46.9 (28.5-96.1)0.49Lead (mcg/L) (0-150)3.83 (0-22.7)6.71 (0-11.1)5.18 (0-16.3)9.31 (0-45.2)0.01Selenium (mcg/L) (0-150)24.6 (11.8-42.5)21.7 (8.7-35.3)25.6 (20.3-31.8)33.,3 (15.1-71.5)<0.001TM: thalassemia major, TI: thalassemia intermedia, CDA: congenital dyserythropoietic anemia* Median and rangeaComparison of control group and patients with thalassemia major DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Association of Serum Heavy Metals and Trace Element Concentrations with Reproductive Hormone Levels and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in a Chinese Population.

To investigate the serum concentrations of 11 heavy metals and trace elements in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A total of 369 women (including 96 patients with PCOS) were studied. No differences with statistical significance in the median barium, cadmium, lead, arsenic, chromium, gallium, strontium, and vanadium concentrations were observed between the patients with PCOS and the control group. Serum nickel (Ni) (P = 0.000) and copper (Cu) (P = 0.000) levels were significantly higher, but zinc (Zn) levels (P = 0.009) were significantly lower in patients with PCOS compared with the control group. The results of the association between metal levels and hormone levels indicated that Ni, Cu, and Zn may play a role in the pathogenesis of PCOS related with reproductive hormone levels. The findings in the present study should be investigated with further trials in order to obtain new insights into PCOS.

Exposure to heavy metals due to pesticide use by vineyard farmers.

To statistically analyze serum heavy metal levels in biological samples obtained from vineyard workers from southern Brazil and check for heavy metal exposure due to pesticide use. Serum samples were obtained from 54 farmers and 108 healthy unexposed individuals. Samples from the same farmers were obtained at three different time points over a 1-year period. Levels of lead, arsenic, nickel, zinc, manganese and copper were determined for each sample using dynamic reaction cell inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (DRC-ICP-MS). All results were statistically analyzed using the nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test (followed by Dunn's post hoc test). Results showed that serum heavy metal levels in farmers were twofold to fourfold higher than in controls. This difference was found for all heavy metals tested and was significant (p < 0.05). Serum metal levels among the farmers also correlated with the frequency of use of pesticides at a specific time of year, which varied according to seasonal conditions influencing the need for pesticide application. It can be concluded that in the vineyard region assessed, farmers were more susceptible to heavy metal exposure due to pesticide use.

Association of serum lead and mercury level with cardiometabolic risk factors and liver enzymes in a nationally representative sample of adolescents: the CASPIAN-III study.

This study aims to determine the difference of serum Pb and Hg levels in adolescents with or without metabolic syndrome (MetS) and the association of serum levels of these heavy metals with cardiometabolic risk factors and liver enzymes in Iranian adolescents. The study population consisted of 320 adolescents (160 with MetS and 160 healthy controls). The relationship between serum heavy metals and cardiometabolic risk factors was assessed by linear regression. The odds ratios (OR) of having metabolic syndrome across Pb and Hg quartiles were determined by multiple logistic regression analysis. The mean (SD) of Pb and Hg concentrations were higher in adolescents with MetS than in those without it (0.83 (0.27) and 0.17 (0.01) vs. 0.65 (0.15) and 0.10 (0.08) μg/L, P = 0.01 and 0.0001, respectively). Increase in serum Pb and Hg was associated with increase in some cardiometabolic risk factors. Among boys and girls, diastolic blood pressure (DBP), fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and alanine aminotransaminase increased significantly across quartiles of serum Pb. Among girls, SBP, DBP, TC, and TG had a significant increase across Hg quartiles. The corresponding figure among boys was significant for SBP, DBP, and TG. Higher quartiles of Pb increased the risk of having MetS (OR 95 % CI 3.10, 2.25-4.27), the corresponding figure was 2.03, 1.75-3.16, across Hg quartiles. Our study showed significant associations between serum Pb and Hg levels with cardiometabolic risk factors in adolescents. In future surveys, the role of potential confounders should be considered more extensively. The clinical significance of these findings needs to be confirmed in longitudinal studies. By considering the origins of chronic diseases from early life, controlling environmental pollutants should be considered as a health priority for primordial or primary prevention of noncommunicable diseases.

Relationships of Serum Heavy Metal Level With Lung Function Based on Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys IV-V

Relationships of Serum Heavy Metal Level With Lung Function Based on Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys IV-V

Higher Serum Heavy Metal May Be Related with Higher Serum gamma-Glutamyltransferase Concentration in Koreans: Analysis of the Fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES V-1, 2, 2010, 2011)

BackgroundAbnormal serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (γ-GT) may be an early and sensitive marker for oxidative stress. This study was performed to evaluate the association between serum heavy metals and γ-GT concentration.MethodsThis study is a cross-sectional analysis based on data from Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (V-1, 2, 2010, 2011) regarding serum heavy metal concentrations (lead, mercury, and cadmium) as well as serum γ-GT. Serum heavy metals were categorized into tertiles, and serum γ-GT concentration was compared using an analysis of covariance test after relevant variable adjustments. In addition, we evaluated the odds ratio (OR) of having the highest tertile of serum γ-GT in each heavy metal tertile using logistic regression.ResultsThe mean serum lead, mercury, and cadmium concentrations were 2.67, 5.08, and 1.02 µg/dL in men and 1.95, 3.60, and 1.21 µg/dL in women, respectively. Partial correlation showed a significant positive relation between each heavy metal and serum γ-GT concentration. Comparing serum γ-GT concentration by the tertile of each heavy metal, serum γ-GT concentration showed a significant increase as the tertiles of serum mercury and cadmium in men and that of serum mercury in women increased, but not with lead. The OR of having the highest tertile of serum γ-GT was significant for cadmium in men (OR, 4.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.54 to 6.35) and mercury in women (OR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.29 to 3.10) in the top tertile of each heavy metal.ConclusionHigher serum heavy metal concentration may be related with higher serum γ-GT concentration. In particular, serum cadmium in men and mercury in women showed significant correlation with serum γ-GT concentration.

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.

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.

Dietary Nutrient and Food Intake and Their Relations with Serum Heavy Metals in Osteopenic and Osteoporotic Patients

Several studies have reported that heavy metals have a relation with osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures. In this study, we investigated the association between heavy metal exposure status, as assessed by serum major heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) and bone mineral density (BMD) status among Korean adults. A total of 64 adults participated in this study and were assigned to one of three study groups based on the T-score of spine BMD: a normal group (n = 21, T-score > -1), osteopenia group (n = 29, -2.5 < T-score ≤ -1) and osteoporosis group (n = 14, T-score ≤ -2.5). We also assessed serum levels of heavy metals (Pb, Cd and Hg) by using atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS) and daily nutrient and food intakes for 3 days by using 24-hr recall method in the subjects. The mean age was significantly higher in the osteoporosis group compared with the osteopenia and normal groups (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in serum levels of Pb, Cd and Hg among the three groups after adjusting for age. Daily intakes of energy, nutrients were not significantly different among the three groups. The osteoporosis group consumed significantly higher fish and shellfish than the other groups (p < 0.05). In the correlation analysis controlling for age, sex, BMI, and BMD status, the serum Cd level was significantly negatively correlated with intake of cereals, milks and total food. In summary, we did not find a direct association between serum heavy metal levels and BMD status. However, negative relationships were found between serum heavy metal levels and intake of some foods.

Progesterone, selected heavy metals and micronutrients in pregnant Nigerian women with a history of recurrent spontaneous abortion

Environmental and endocrine factors have been implicated in the aetiology of recurrent abortion, with poorly understood roles. Luteal phase insufficiency marked with insufficient progesterone secretion has been reported. To define the involvement of progesterone, trace metals, and Vitamin E in pregnant women with history of recurrent spontaneous abortion. Convenience sampling method was used to recruit 69 pregnant women aged 21-41 years with gestational age of 0-20 weeks in this case-control study. Thirty five (cases) and thirty four (controls) had previous and no history of recurrent spontaneous abortion respectively. Demographic characteristics and 10 mls of blood samples were obtained from each subject. Serum obtained was used for the determination of progesterone, zinc, copper, selenium, iron, magnesium, manganese, chromium, lead, cadmium, and serum vitamin E by standard methods. Results showed statistically significant decreases (p<0.05) in the serum zinc, copper, and vitamin E and a significant elevation (p<0.05) in the serum selenium, lead, and cadmium in cases compared with controls. Insignificant decrease (p=0.07) was observed in the serum progesterone when cases were compared with controls. Results suggest that elevated serum heavy metals (cadmium and lead) and reduction of essential micronutrients (zinc, copper and vitamin E) may contribute to recurrent spontaneous abortion.

Serum heavy metals in patients with fragments and shells of improvised explosive devices

Serum heavy metals in patients with fragments and shells of improvised explosive devices

Serum heavy metals and childhood skin diseases

Pediatric Allergy and ImmunologyVolume 22, Issue 3 p. 342-342 LETTER TO THE EDITOR Serum heavy metals and childhood skin diseases Paolo D. Pigatto, Paolo D. Pigatto Department of Technology for Health, Dermatological Clinic, IRCCS Galeazzi Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, ItalySearch for more papers by this authorLucia Brambilla, Lucia Brambilla Operative Unit of Dermatology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda – Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, ItalySearch for more papers by this authorSilvia Ferrucci, Silvia Ferrucci Operative Unit of Dermatology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda – Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, ItalySearch for more papers by this authorGianpaolo Guzzi, Gianpaolo Guzzi Italian Association for Metals and Biocompatibility Research – A.I.R.M.E.B., Milan, ItalyE-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this author Paolo D. Pigatto, Paolo D. Pigatto Department of Technology for Health, Dermatological Clinic, IRCCS Galeazzi Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, ItalySearch for more papers by this authorLucia Brambilla, Lucia Brambilla Operative Unit of Dermatology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda – Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, ItalySearch for more papers by this authorSilvia Ferrucci, Silvia Ferrucci Operative Unit of Dermatology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda – Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, ItalySearch for more papers by this authorGianpaolo Guzzi, Gianpaolo Guzzi Italian Association for Metals and Biocompatibility Research – A.I.R.M.E.B., Milan, ItalyE-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this author First published: 04 April 2011 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1399-3038.2010.01107.xCitations: 2Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article.Citing Literature Volume22, Issue3May 2011Pages 342-342 RelatedInformation

Serum heavy metal and antioxidant element levels of children with recurrent wheezing

Study Objectives The aim of the study is to investigate the levels of toxic heavy metals related with environmental pollution and trace elements involved in antioxidant system in children suffering from recurrent wheezing. Study Design One hundred children with recurrent wheezing (at least three recurrences) between the ages from 1 to 6 years took part in the study, and also 116 age- and sex- matched healthy children were involved in the study as a control group. Venous blood samples were collected and serum mercury, lead, aluminium, zinc, selenium, and copper levels were studied using ICP-MS. Results Serum lead (0.76 ± 0.15 vs. 0.27 ± 0.01, p:0.001) and mercury levels (1.31 ± 0.15 vs 0.71 ± 0.05, p < 0.001) were higher in wheezy group than those acquired from the control group. Serum zinc (69.4 ± 1.65 vs. 78.9 ± 2.78, p:0.005) and selenium (115.6 ± 1.87 vs. 125.4 ± 2.94, p:0.008) levels were lower in wheezy group than those acquired from the control group. Serum zinc levels were found to be correlated with number of ARTIs (r p:−0.332, p:0.001) and the number of wheezy attacks (r p:−0.776, p < 0.001) during the previous year in the wheezy group. Conclusion Elevated levels of serum lead and mercury and low levels of zinc and selenium may suggest some disturbances in the antioxidant system in children with recurrent wheezing. This means that children with recurrent wheezing are much more susceptible to environmental pollutants and respiratory tract infections than healthy children and this heavy metal-antioxidant relationship may play a role as a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of recurrent wheezing in children.

Immunologic analysis and serum heavy metal levels in exacerbated Tourette syndrome

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a childhood-onset and relapsing disorder characterized by involuntary simple or complex tics and high co-morbidity with behavioral anomalies. Its pathophysiologic mechanisms remain unclarified. We investigated immunologic alternations and serum heavy metal levels in patients with TS to elucidate the unclarified mechanisms. Based on the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale, fifteen TS subjects (four females) aged 8-34 (mean: 15.4 +/- 6.7) in exacerbation with mean severity score 40.3 +/- 14.6 were enrolled in this study. The immunoglobulin levels were normal except for higher immunoglobulin E levels (in 10 patients) with atopy. In exacerbation, there were reverse CD4/CD8 (in two), higher percentages of natural killer cells (in five) and memory T cells (in eight), diminished lymphocyte activation CD69 marker (in three) and impaired NK cytotoxicity (in six) that showed a trend of lower inhibitory CD94 (NKG2A), activating NKp46, and perforin expression compared to those of patients with stable TS and healthy controls, but similar granzyme expression. Serum ASLO, mycoplasma antibody and the levels of heavy metals were not significantly different. All aforementioned immune alterations returned to the normal ranges except for the consistently higher memory T cells. Our study demonstrated that, in some patients with TS, consistently higher memory T cells and lower cytotoxicity in exacerbation status reflect immune alterations and underscore the potential for immunomodulation or immunosuppressive treatment.

Determinants of Blood Cadmium, Lead, Arsenic, Uranium, Mercury and Molybdenum Levels among Pregnant Women in Crete, Greece

ISEE-0533 Background and Objectives: Exposure to toxic metals during pregnancy may have detrimental effects on fetal development, in particular the central nervous system. We investigated into the major sociodemographic, dietary and lifestyle determinants of blood concentrations of Cd, Pb, As, U, Hg and Mo among pregnant women from Crete, Greece. Methods: Blood drawn from 50 pregnant women, randomly selected from the population of the mother-child birth cohort “Rhea”, was analyzed for the total concentrations of a number of toxic elements, using ICP-MS after high-pressure microwave-assisted acid digestion. Extensive questionnaire data on dietary fish intakes, smoking habits and self reported exposure to secondhand smoke was collected. Linear regression models were applied, adjusting for potential confounders. Results: The mean levels of Cd, Pb, As, U, Hg and Mo were 0.45 ng/ml, 10 ng/ml, 0.49 ng/ml, 0.047 ng/ml, 1.5 ng/ml and 0.59 ng/ml, respectively. Ethnicity was a strong determinant of blood metal concentrations, as non-Greek women were found to have lower concentrations of Hg (coef −0.58, P < 0.001) and As (coef −0.66, P = 0.022) but higher concentrations of Pb (coef 0.15, P = 0.033) in comparison to women of Greek ethnicity, controlling for age. Current smoking status was related to higher concentrations of Cd (coef 0.45, P < 0.001;) and a tendency for higher As (coef 0.33, P = 0.090) and Hg (coef 0.18, P = 0.090) after adjusting for ethnicity and education. Blood As concentrations were also found to be associated with exposure to secondhand smoke in public venues (coef 0.54, P = 0.039) and to the number of sources of second hand smoke exposure (coef 0.55, P = 0.025). Overall dietary fish intake was not found in the regression analysis to modify serum heavy metal concentrations. Conclusions: Ethnicity as well as active and passive smoking were the main determinants of blood concentrations of Cd, Pb, As and Hg among pregnant women in Crete, Greece.