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Schrenk D, Bignami M, Bodin L, Chipman JK, del Mazo J, Grasl‐Kraupp B, Hogstrand C, Hoogenboom L(R, Leblanc J, Nebbia CS, Nielsen E, Ntzani E, Petersen A, Sand S, Vleminckx C, Wallace H, Barregård L, Benford D, Broberg K, Dogliotti E, Fletcher T, Rylander L, Abrahantes JC, Gómez Ruiz JÁ, Steinkellner H, Tauriainen T, Schwerdtle T. Update of the risk assessment of inorganic arsenic in food. EFSA J 2024; 22:e8488. [PMID: 38239496 PMCID: PMC10794945 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2024.8488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The European Commission asked EFSA to update its 2009 risk assessment on arsenic in food carrying out a hazard assessment of inorganic arsenic (iAs) and using the revised exposure assessment issued by EFSA in 2021. Epidemiological studies show that the chronic intake of iAs via diet and/or drinking water is associated with increased risk of several adverse outcomes including cancers of the skin, bladder and lung. The CONTAM Panel used the benchmark dose lower confidence limit based on a benchmark response (BMR) of 5% (relative increase of the background incidence after adjustment for confounders, BMDL05) of 0.06 μg iAs/kg bw per day obtained from a study on skin cancer as a Reference Point (RP). Inorganic As is a genotoxic carcinogen with additional epigenetic effects and the CONTAM Panel applied a margin of exposure (MOE) approach for the risk characterisation. In adults, the MOEs are low (range between 2 and 0.4 for mean consumers and between 0.9 and 0.2 at the 95th percentile exposure, respectively) and as such raise a health concern despite the uncertainties.
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Magalhaes MS, Potter HG, Ahlback A, Gentek R. Developmental programming of macrophages by early life adversity. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 368:213-259. [PMID: 35636928 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2022.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Macrophages are central elements of all organs, where they have a multitude of physiological and pathological functions. The first macrophages are produced during fetal development, and most adult organs retain populations of fetal-derived macrophages that self-maintain without major input of hematopoietic stem cell-derived monocytes. Their developmental origins make macrophages highly susceptible to environmental perturbations experienced in early life, in particular the fetal period. It is now well recognized that such adverse developmental conditions contribute to a wide range of diseases later in life. This chapter explores the notion that macrophages are key targets of environmental adversities during development, and mediators of their long-term impact on health and disease. We first briefly summarize our current understanding of macrophage ontogeny and their biology in tissues and consider potential mechanisms by which environmental stressors may mediate fetal programming. We then review evidence for programming of macrophages by adversities ranging from maternal immune activation and diet to environmental pollutants and toxins, which have disease relevance for different organ systems. Throughout this chapter, we contemplate appropriate experimental strategies to study macrophage programming. We conclude by discussing how our current knowledge of macrophage programming could be conceptualized, and finally highlight open questions in the field and approaches to address them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlene S Magalhaes
- Centre for Inflammation Research & Centre for Reproductive Health, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Harry G Potter
- Centre for Inflammation Research & Centre for Reproductive Health, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Ahlback
- Centre for Inflammation Research & Centre for Reproductive Health, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca Gentek
- Centre for Inflammation Research & Centre for Reproductive Health, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
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Garnier R, Mathieu-Huart A, Ronga-Pezeret S, Nouyrigat E, Benoit P, Goullé JP, Granon C, Manel J, Manouchehri N, Nisse P, Normand JC, Roulet A, Simon F, Gabach P, Tournoud C. Exposition de la population française à l’arsenic inorganique. Identification de valeurs toxicologiques de référence. TOXICOLOGIE ANALYTIQUE ET CLINIQUE 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxac.2020.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi as Potential Agents in Ameliorating Heavy Metal Stress in Plants. AGRONOMY-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/agronomy10060815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Heavy metal accumulation in plants is a severe environmental problem, rising at an expeditious rate. Heavy metals such as cadmium, arsenic, mercury and lead are known environmental pollutants that exert noxious effects on the morpho-physiological and biological attributes of a plant. Due to their mobile nature, they have become an extended part of the food chain and affect human health. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi ameliorate metal toxicity as they intensify the plant’s ability to tolerate metal stress. Mycorrhizal fungi have vesicles, which are analogous to fungal vacuoles and accumulate massive amount of heavy metals in them. With the help of a pervasive hyphal network, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi help in the uptake of water and nutrients, thereby abating the use of chemical fertilizers on the plants. They also promote resistance parameters in the plants, secrete a glycoprotein named glomalin that reduces the metal uptake in plants by forming glycoprotein–metal complexes, and improve the quality of the soil. They also assist plants in phytoremediation by increasing the absorptive area, increase the antioxidant response, chelate heavy metals and stimulate genes for protein synthesis that reduce the damage caused by free radicals. The current manuscript focuses on the uptake of heavy metals, accumulation, and arbuscular mycorrhizal impact in ameliorating heavy metal stress in plants.
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Kazi TG, Brahman KD, Baig JA, Afridi HI. Bioaccumulation of arsenic and fluoride in vegetables from growing media: health risk assessment among different age groups. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2019; 41:1223-1234. [PMID: 30392056 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-018-0207-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The current study was conducted to evaluate the arsenic (As) and fluoride (F-) concentrations in growing media (stored rainwater and soil), of district Tharparkar, Pakistan. The bioaccumulation/transportation of As and F from growing media to different types of vegetables (wild cucumis, Indian squish and cluster bean) was evaluated. Total concentrations of As and F- in stored rainwater samples were observed up to 585 μg/L and 32.4 mg/L, respectively, exceeding many folds higher than WHO provisional guideline values. The As and F- contents in soil samples of nine agricultural sites were found in the range of 121-254 mg/kg and 115-478 mg/kg, respectively. The highest contents of As and F- were observed in wild cucumis as compared to Indian squish and cluster bean (p < 0.05), grown in the same agricultural field. The bioaccumulation factors of As and F- were to be > 4.00, indicating the high rate of transportation of As and F- from growing media to vegetables. A significant positive correlation of As and F- in vegetables with their concentrations in soil and water was observed (r > 0.60 with p < 0.05). The risk assessment elucidated that the population of different age group consuming local vegetables and drinking water contaminated with As and F- may have adverse health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasneem G Kazi
- National Centre of Excellence in Analytical Chemistry, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Sindh, 76080, Pakistan.
| | - Kapil D Brahman
- National Centre of Excellence in Analytical Chemistry, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Sindh, 76080, Pakistan
| | - Jameel A Baig
- National Centre of Excellence in Analytical Chemistry, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Sindh, 76080, Pakistan
| | - Hassan I Afridi
- National Centre of Excellence in Analytical Chemistry, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Sindh, 76080, Pakistan
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A Review of the Effects of Chronic Arsenic Exposure on Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14060556. [PMID: 28545256 PMCID: PMC5486242 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14060556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Revised: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to arsenic has a number of known detrimental health effects but impact on pregnancy outcomes is not as widely recognized. This narrative review examines existing epidemiological evidence investigating the association between arsenic exposure via drinking water and adverse pregnancy outcomes. We reviewed published epidemiological studies from around the world on impact of chronic arsenic exposure on spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, neonatal death, post neonatal death, low birth weight and preterm baby. Plausible mechanisms of arsenic toxicity causing adverse pregnancy outcomes were also determined through literature review. There is convincing evidence to support the association between high inorganic arsenic exposure (>50 ppb) and spontaneous abortion, stillbirth and low birth weight. Limitations of certain studies include study design, small sample size, recall constraints and exposure assessment. There needs to be further research investigating the dose metered impact of arsenic exposure on pregnancy outcomes. Further research on impact of low-moderate arsenic concentration exposure on pregnancy outcomes will allow for appropriate public health policy recommendations.
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Yu CW, Liao VHC. Transgenerational Reproductive Effects of Arsenite Are Associated with H3K4 Dimethylation and SPR-5 Downregulation in Caenorhabditis elegans. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2016; 50:10673-10681. [PMID: 27579588 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b02173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic is a prevalent environmental toxin. Arsenic is associated with a wide variety of adverse effects; however, studies on whether As-induced toxicities can be transferred from parents to offspring have received little attention. Caenorhabditis elegans has become an important animal model in biomedical and environmental toxicology research. In this study, transgenerational reproductive toxicity by arsenite exposure and the underlying mechanisms in C. elegans were investigated over six generations (F0-F5). Following arsenite maternal exposure of the F0 generation, subsequent generations (F1-F5) were cultured under arsenite-free conditions. We found that the brood size of C. elegans was significantly reduced by arsenite exposure in F0 and that this reduction in brood size was also observed in the offspring generations (F1-F5), after the toxicant had been removed from the diet. In addition, adult worms from F0 and F1 generations accumulated arsenite and arsenate when F0 L4 larvae were exposed to arsenite for 24 h. We found that the mRNA level of H3K4me2 demethylase LSD/KDM1, spr-5, was significantly reduced in the F0 exposed generation and subsequent unexposed generations (F1-F3). Likewise, the mRNA levels of spr-5 were also significantly decreased in the F1-F3 generations. Moreover, dimethylation of global H3K4 was increased in the F0-F3 generations. Our study demonstrates that maternal arsenite exposure causes transgenerational reproductive effects in C. elegans, which might be associated with H3K4 dimethylation and SPR-5 downregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan-Wei Yu
- Department of Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering, National Taiwan University , No. 1 Roosevelt Road, Sec. 4, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Vivian Hsiu-Chuan Liao
- Department of Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering, National Taiwan University , No. 1 Roosevelt Road, Sec. 4, Taipei 106, Taiwan
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Clewell HJ, Gentry PR, Barton HA, Shipp AM, Yager JW, Andersen ME. Requirements for a Biologically Realistic Cancer Risk Assessment for Inorganic Arsenic. Int J Toxicol 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/109158199225701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
A remarkable feature of the carcinogenicity of inorganic arsenic (As,) is the observation that human exposures to Asi have been strongly associated with increases in skin, lung, and internal cancers, but As, does not typically cause tumors in standard laboratory animal test protocols. Considerable controversy has centered on whether there is epidemiological evidence of a “threshold” for the carcinogenic effects of Asi, or at least of a highly nonlinear dose–response. Saturation of metabolism in the dose-range associated with tumors does not appear to be adequate to produce a major impact on the dose-response for carcinogenicity. If there is a strong nonlinearity, it results from the nature of the carcinogenic mechanism(s) of Asi. However, no single hypothesis for the mechanism of Asi carcinogenicity has widespread support. A biologically realistic cancer risk assessment for Asi would requirea quantitative description of the dose of active arsenic species in target tissues, the interactions between active arsenic and tissue constituents, and the manner in which these interactions result in tumor formation in multiple organs in humans, but not in experimental animals. Although Asi has only infrequently been associated with tumors in animal studies, it has repeatedly been shown to act as a comutagen in vitro and as a cocarcinogen in vivo. Asi is clastogenic, producing chromatid aberrations, but does not produce point mutations at single gene loci. Of particular interest, Asi has been shown to inhibit repair of DNA single-strand breaks, a possible mechanism for its observed comutagenicity and cocarcinogenicity. We propose a cocarcinogenic mode of action in which Asi acts primarily on intermediate cells deficient in cell cycle control at a late stage in a preexisting carcinogenic process. This interaction enhances ge-nomic fragility and accelerates conversion of premalignant lesions to more aggressive, clinically observable tumors. An indirect effect of As, on DNA repair is consistent with the expectation of a nonlinear dose-response rather than the linear dose-response traditionally assumed for mutagenic carcinogens. However, defining the exact nature of this tumor dose-response will require further experimental data on the dose-response for the cellular effects of Asi. Because Asi carcinogenicity is unlikely to be observed in normal experimental animals not exposed to other carcinogens, studies in animals and cell lines deficient in cell cycle control should also be considered. Experimental studies specifically designed to address the key mechanistic and dose-response issues for Asi carcinogenicity are critically needed to support public health policy decisions regarding current environmental exposures to Asi.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hugh A. Barton
- KS Crump Group, ICF Kaiser International, Huston, Louisiana, USA
| | - Annette M. Shipp
- KS Crump Group, ICF Kaiser International, Huston, Louisiana, USA
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Jacobson CF, Stump DG, Nemec MD, Holson JF, DeSesso JM. Appropriate Exposure Routes and Doses in Studies Designed to Assess Developmental Toxicity: A Case Study of Inorganic Arsenic. Int J Toxicol 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/109158199225279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Assessment of risks to human health from chemical agents is a complex process that requires the assembly, careful analysis, and integration of human and animal data collected from studies performed at different times, for disparate purposes, and under varying conditions. The application of risk assessment methods to data without consideration of the relevance of critical experimental parameters such as route of exposure or magnitude of dose can lead to specious determinations of the risk posed by exposure to environmental agents. A case study of the purported risk of developmental toxicity from inorganic arsenic is presented to illustrate (1) the nature of the problem, (2) how extant data from all studies are useful, (3) how appropriately designed modern studies can clarify the situation, and (4) how conflicted data should be evaluated in terms of appropriateness for use in risk assessment.
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Flora SJS. Arsenic and dichlorvos: Possible interaction between two environmental contaminants. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2016; 35:43-60. [PMID: 27049126 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2016.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2015] [Revised: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Metals are ubiquitously present in the environment and pesticides are widely used throughout the world. Environmental and occupational exposure to metal along with pesticide is an area of great concern to both the public and regulatory authorities. Our major concern is that combination of these toxicant present in environment may elicit toxicity either due to additive or synergistic interactions or 'joint toxic actions' among these toxicants. It poses a rising threat to human health. Water contamination particularly ground water contamination with arsenic is a serious problem in today's scenario since arsenic is associated with several kinds of health problems, such arsenic associated health anomalies are commonly called as 'Arsenism'. Uncontrolled use and spillage of pesticides into the environment has resulted in alarming situation. Moreover serious concerns are being addressed due to their persistence in the environmental matrices such as air, soil and surface water runoff resulting in continuous exposure of these harmful chemicals to human beings and animals. Bio-availability of these environmental toxicants has been enhanced much due to anthropological activities. Dreadfully very few studies are available on combined exposures to these toxicants on the animal or human system. Studies on the acute and chronic exposure to arsenic and DDVP are well reported and well defined. Arsenic is a common global ground water contaminant while dichlorvos is one of the most commonly and widely employed organophosphate based insecticide used in agriculture, horticulture etc. There is thus a real situation where a human may get exposed to these toxicants while working in a field. This review highlights the individual and combined exposure to arsenic and dichlorvos on health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swaran J S Flora
- Division of Regulatory Toxicology, Defence Research and Development Establishment, Jhansi Road, Gwalior 474002, India.
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Andersen ZJ, Sram RJ, Ščasný M, Gurzau ES, Fucic A, Gribaldo L, Rossner P, Rossnerova A, Kohlová MB, Máca V, Zvěřinová I, Gajdosova D, Moshammer H, Rudnai P, Knudsen LE. Newborns health in the Danube Region: Environment, biomonitoring, interventions and economic benefits in a large prospective birth cohort study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2016; 88:112-122. [PMID: 26735349 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2015.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Revised: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 12/10/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The EU strategy for the Danube Region addresses numerous challenges including environment, health and socioeconomic disparities. Many old environmental burdens and heavily polluted areas in Europe are located in the Danube Region, consisting of 14 countries, with over 100 million people. Estimating the burden of environmental exposures on early-life health is a growing research area in Europe which has major public health implications, but the data from the Danube Region are largely missing. AIM This review presents an inventory of current environmental challenges, related early-life health risks, and knowledge gaps in the Danube Region, based on publicly available databases, registers, and literature, as a rationale and incentive for a new integrated project. The review also proposes the concept for the project aiming to characterize in utero exposures to multiple environmental factors and estimate their effect on early-life health, evaluate economic impact, as well as identify interventions with a potential to harness social norms to reduce emissions, exposures and health risks in the Danube Region. METHODS Experts in environmental epidemiology, human biomonitoring and social science in collaboration with clinicians propose to establish a new large multi-center birth cohort of mother-child pairs from Danube countries, measure biomarkers of exposure and health in biological samples at birth, collect centrally measured climate, air and water pollution data, conduct pre- and postnatal surveys on lifestyle, indoor exposures, noise, occupation, socio-economic status, risk-averting behavior, and preferences; and undertake clinical examinations of children at and after birth. Birth cohort will include at least 2000 newborns per site, and a subset of at least 200 mother-child pairs per site for biomonitoring. Novel biomarkers of exposure, susceptibility, and effect will be applied, to gain better mechanistic insight. Effects of multiple environmental exposures on fetal and child growth, respiratory, allergic, immunologic, and neurodevelopmental health outcomes will be estimated. Parent's willingness to pay for reducing health risks in children will be elicited by survey, while values of cost-of-illness will be gathered from literature and national statistics. Effects of risk reducing interventions will be examined. CONCLUSIONS The proposed project would provide novel estimates of the burden of early childhood diseases attributable to environmental exposures and assess health impacts of different intervention scenarios in the Danube Region, in an integrated approach combining human biomonitoring, epidemiological and social science research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zorana J Andersen
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1014 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Radim J Sram
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, AS CR Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic.
| | - Milan Ščasný
- Charles University in Prague, Environment Center, Jose Martiho 2, 162 00 Prague 6, Czech Republic.
| | - Eugen S Gurzau
- The Environmental Health Center, Busuiocului 58, 400240 Cluj Napoca, Romania.
| | - Aleksandra Fucic
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska c 2, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Laura Gribaldo
- EC DG Joint Research Centre, Institute for Health and Consumer Protection, TP 260, Via E. Fermi, 2749 21027 Ispra, Italy.
| | - Pavel Rossner
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, AS CR Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic.
| | - Andrea Rossnerova
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, AS CR Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic.
| | - Markéta Braun Kohlová
- Charles University in Prague, Environment Center, Jose Martiho 2, 162 00 Prague 6, Czech Republic.
| | - Vojtěch Máca
- Charles University in Prague, Environment Center, Jose Martiho 2, 162 00 Prague 6, Czech Republic.
| | - Iva Zvěřinová
- Charles University in Prague, Environment Center, Jose Martiho 2, 162 00 Prague 6, Czech Republic.
| | - Dagmar Gajdosova
- Regional Public Health Authority, Ipelska 1, 040 11 Kosice, Slovak Republic.
| | - Hanns Moshammer
- Institut Umwelt-Hygiene, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Peter Rudnai
- National Center for Public Health, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Lisbeth E Knudsen
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1014 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Sárközi K, Papp A, Máté Z, Horváth E, Paulik E, Szabó A. Rutin, a flavonoid phytochemical, ameliorates certain behavioral and electrophysiological alterations and general toxicity of oral arsenic in rats. ACTA BIOLOGICA HUNGARICA 2015; 66:14-26. [PMID: 25740435 DOI: 10.1556/abiol.66.2015.1.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Arsenic affects large populations and attacks, among others, the nervous system. Waterborne or occupational exposure causes electrophysiological alterations and motor disturbances in humans, and analogous effects were found in animals. Certain phytochemicals may be protective against As-caused damages. In the present study it was investigated whether the flavonoid rutin, applied via the drinking water (2 g/L), ameliorates the effects of arsenic given by gavage (10 mg/kg b.w., in form of NaAsO2) on open field motility, evoked cortical and peripheral electrophysiological activity, and body weight gain in adult male Wistar rats. Body weight gain was significantly reduced from the 4th week of the 6 weeks arsenic treatment and this effect was largely abolished by rutin in the combination treatment group. Rats treated by arsenic alone showed decreased open field motility; latency of the cortical evoked potentials increased and peripheral nerve conduction velocity decreased. These functional alterations were also counteracted by co-administration of rutin, and both the antioxidant and the chelating activity of rutin might have contributed to the ameliorative effect. These results are apparently novel and support the potential role of natural agents in preserving human health in a contaminated environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kitti Sárközi
- University of Szeged Faculty of Medicine Department of Public Health Dóm tér 10 H-6720 Szeged Hungary
| | - András Papp
- University of Szeged Faculty of Medicine Department of Public Health Dóm tér 10 H-6720 Szeged Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Máté
- University of Szeged Faculty of Medicine Department of Public Health Dóm tér 10 H-6720 Szeged Hungary
| | - Edina Horváth
- University of Szeged Faculty of Medicine Department of Public Health Dóm tér 10 H-6720 Szeged Hungary
| | - Edit Paulik
- University of Szeged Faculty of Medicine Department of Public Health Dóm tér 10 H-6720 Szeged Hungary
| | - Andrea Szabó
- University of Szeged Faculty of Medicine Department of Public Health Dóm tér 10 H-6720 Szeged Hungary
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Huang L, Wu H, van der Kuijp TJ. The health effects of exposure to arsenic-contaminated drinking water: a review by global geographical distribution. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2014; 25:432-452. [PMID: 25365079 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2014.958139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Chronic arsenic exposure through drinking water has been a vigorously studied and debated subject. However, the existing literature does not allow for a thorough examination of the potential regional discrepancies that may arise among arsenic-related health outcomes. The purpose of this article is to provide an updated review of the literature on arsenic exposure and commonly discussed health effects according to global geographical distribution. This geographically segmented approach helps uncover the discrepancies in the health effects of arsenic. For instance, women are more susceptible than men to a few types of cancer in Taiwan, but not in other countries. Although skin cancer and arsenic exposure correlations have been discovered in Chile, Argentina, the United States, and Taiwan, no evident association was found in mainland China. We then propose several globally applicable recommendations to prevent and treat the further spread of arsenic poisoning and suggestions of future study designs and decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Huang
- a State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control & Resource Reuse , School of the Environment, Nanjing University , Nanjing , China
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Bloom MS, Neamtiu IA, Surdu S, Pop C, Lupsa IR, Anastasiu D, Fitzgerald EF, Gurzau ES. Consumption of low-moderate level arsenic contaminated water does not increase spontaneous pregnancy loss: a case control study. Environ Health 2014; 13:81. [PMID: 25311704 PMCID: PMC4216381 DOI: 10.1186/1476-069x-13-81] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous work suggests an increased risk for spontaneous pregnancy loss linked to high levels of inorganic arsenic (iAs) in drinking water sources (>10 μg/L). However, there has been little focus to date on the impact of low-moderate levels of iAs in drinking water (<10 μg/L). To address this data gap we conducted a hospital-based case-control study in Timis County, Romania. METHODS We recruited women with incident spontaneous pregnancy loss of 5-20 weeks completed gestation as cases (n = 150), and women with ongoing pregnancies matched by gestational age (±1 week) as controls (n = 150). Participants completed a physician-administered questionnaire and we collected water samples from residential drinking sources. We reconstructed residential drinking water exposure histories using questionnaire data weighted by iAs determined using hydride generation-atomic absorption spectrometry (HG-AAS). Logistic regression models were used to generate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations between iAs exposure and loss, conditioned on gestational age and adjusted for maternal age, cigarette smoking, education and prenatal vitamin use. We explored potential interactions in a second set of models. RESULTS Drinking water arsenic concentrations ranged from 0.0 to 175.1 μg/L, with median 0.4 μg/L and 90th%tile 9.4 μg/L. There were no statistically significant associations between loss and average or peak drinking water iAs concentrations (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.96-1.01), or for daily iAs intake (OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.98-1.02). We detected modest evidence for an interaction between average iAs concentration and cigarette smoking during pregnancy (P = 0.057) and for daily iAs exposure and prenatal vitamin use (P = 0.085). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest no increased risk for spontaneous pregnancy loss in association with low to moderate level drinking water iAs exposure. Though imprecise, our data also raise the possibility for increased risk among cigarette smokers. Given the low exposures overall, these data should reassure pregnant women and policy makers with regard to the potential effect of drinking water iAs on early pregnancy, though a larger more definitive study to investigate the potential risk increase in conjunction with cigarette smoking is merited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Bloom
- />Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, School of Public Health, Rensselaer, NY USA
- />Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University at Albany, State University of New York, School of Public Health, Rensselaer, NY USA
| | | | - Simona Surdu
- />Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, School of Public Health, Rensselaer, NY USA
| | - Cristian Pop
- />Environmental Health Center, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | | | - Doru Anastasiu
- />University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Victor Babes”, Timisoara, Romania
- />Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of the Emergency County Hospital, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Edward F Fitzgerald
- />Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, School of Public Health, Rensselaer, NY USA
- />Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University at Albany, State University of New York, School of Public Health, Rensselaer, NY USA
| | - Eugen S Gurzau
- />Environmental Health Center, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- />University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Haţieganu”, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Palacios J, Nwokocha CR, Cifuentes F. Arsenic exposure decreases rhythmic contractions of vascular tone through sodium transporters and K + channels. World J Pharmacol 2014; 3:18-23. [DOI: 10.5497/wjp.v3.i2.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2014] [Revised: 06/24/2014] [Accepted: 07/15/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Arsenic-contaminated drinking water is a public health problem in countries such as Taiwan, Bangladesh, United States, Mexico, Argentina, and Chile. The chronic ingestion of arsenic-contaminated drinking water increases the risk for ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and prevalence of hypertension. Although toxic arsenic effects are controversial, there is evidence that a high concentration of arsenic may induce hypertension through increase in vascular tone and resistance. Vascular tone is regulated by the rhythmic contractions of the blood vessels, generated by calcium oscillations in the cytosol of vascular smooth muscle cells. To regulate the cytosolic calcium oscillations, the membrane oscillator model involves the participation of Ca2+ channels, calcium-activated K+ channels, Na+/Ca2+ exchange, plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase, and the Na+/K+-ATPase. However, little is known about the role of K+ uptake by sodium transporters [Na+/K+-ATPase or Na+-K+-2Cl- (NKCC1)] on the rhythmic contractions. Vascular rhythmic contractions, or vasomotion are a local mechanism to regulate vascular resistance and blood flow. Since vascular rhythmic contractions of blood vessels are involved in modulating the vascular resistance, the blood flow, and the systemic pressure, we suggest a model explaining the participation of the sodium pump and NKCC1 co-transporter in low dose arsenic exposure effects on vasomotion and vascular dysfunction.
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Saint-Jacques N, Parker L, Brown P, Dummer TJB. Arsenic in drinking water and urinary tract cancers: a systematic review of 30 years of epidemiological evidence. Environ Health 2014; 13:44. [PMID: 24889821 PMCID: PMC4088919 DOI: 10.1186/1476-069x-13-44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2013] [Accepted: 03/05/2014] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arsenic in drinking water is a public health issue affecting hundreds of millions of people worldwide. This review summarizes 30 years of epidemiological studies on arsenic exposure in drinking water and the risk of bladder or kidney cancer, quantifying these risks using a meta-analytical framework. METHODS Forty studies met the selection criteria. Seventeen provided point estimates of arsenic concentrations in drinking water and were used in a meta-analysis of bladder cancer incidence (7 studies) and mortality (10 studies) and kidney cancer mortality (2 studies). Risk estimates for incidence and mortality were analyzed separately using Generalized Linear Models. Predicted risks for bladder cancer incidence were estimated at 10, 50 and 150 μg/L arsenic in drinking water. Bootstrap randomizations were used to assess robustness of effect size. RESULTS Twenty-eight studies observed an association between arsenic in drinking water and bladder cancer. Ten studies showed an association with kidney cancer, although of lower magnitude than that for bladder cancer. The meta-analyses showed the predicted risks for bladder cancer incidence were 2.7 [1.2-4.1]; 4.2 [2.1-6.3] and; 5.8 [2.9-8.7] for drinking water arsenic levels of 10, 50, and 150 μg/L, respectively. Bootstrapped randomizations confirmed this increased risk, but, lowering the effect size to 1.4 [0.35-4.0], 2.3 [0.59-6.4], and 3.1 [0.80-8.9]. The latter suggests that with exposures to 50 μg/L, there was an 83% probability for elevated incidence of bladder cancer; and a 74% probability for elevated mortality. For both bladder and kidney cancers, mortality rates at 150 ug/L were about 30% greater than those at 10 μg/L. CONCLUSION Arsenic in drinking water is associated with an increased risk of bladder and kidney cancers, although at lower levels (<150 μg/L), there is uncertainty due to the increased likelihood of exposure misclassification at the lower end of the exposure curve. Meta-analyses suggest exposure to 10 μg/L of arsenic in drinking water may double the risk of bladder cancer, or at the very least, increase it by about 40%. With the large number of people exposed to these arsenic concentrations worldwide the public health consequences of arsenic in drinking water are substantial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Saint-Jacques
- Cancer Care Nova Scotia, Surveillance and Epidemiology Unit, Room 560 Bethune Building, 1276 South Street, Halifax B3H 2Y9, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Interdisciplinary PhD program, Dalhousie University, 6299 South Street, Room 314, PO Box 15000, Halifax B3H 4R2, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Louise Parker
- Department of Pediatrics and Population Cancer Research Program, Dalhousie University, 1494 Carlton Street, PO Box 15000, Halifax B3H 4R2, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Patrick Brown
- Population Studies and Surveillance, Cancer Care Ontario, 620 University Ave, Toronto M5G 2 L7 Ontario, Canada
| | - Trevor JB Dummer
- Department of Pediatrics and Population Cancer Research Program, Dalhousie University, 1494 Carlton Street, PO Box 15000, Halifax B3H 4R2, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Rudnai T, Sándor J, Kádár M, Borsányi M, Béres J, Métneki J, Maráczi G, Rudnai P. Arsenic in drinking water and congenital heart anomalies in Hungary. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2014; 217:813-8. [PMID: 24916166 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2014.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2013] [Revised: 05/13/2014] [Accepted: 05/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Inorganic arsenic can get easily through the placenta however there are very few human data on congenital anomalies related to arsenic exposure. Objective of our study was to explore the associations between arsenic content of drinking water and prevalence of some congenital anomalies. Four anomalies reported to the Hungarian Congenital Anomalies Registry between 1987 and 2003 were chosen to be analysed in relation to arsenic exposure: congenital anomalies of the circulatory system (n=9734) were considered as cases, while Down syndrome, club foot and multiple congenital malformations were used as controls (n=5880). Arsenic exposure of the mothers during pregnancy was estimated by using archive measurement data for each year and for each settlement where the mothers lived. Analysis of the associations between the prevalence of congenital heart anomalies and arsenic exposure during pregnancy was performed by logistic regression. The child's gender and age of the mother were adjusted for. The associations were evaluated by using the present EU health limit value of 10.0 μg/L arsenic concentration as a cut-off point. Regular consumption of drinking water with arsenic concentration above 10 μg/L during pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of congenital heart anomalies in general (adjusted OR=1.41; 95% C.I.: 1.28-1.56), and especially that of ductus Botalli persistens (adjusted OR=1.81, 95%C.I.: 1.54-2.11) and atrial septal defect (adjusted OR=1.79; 95%C.I.: 1.59-2.01). The presented results showed an increased risk of congenital heart anomalies among infants whose mothers were exposed to drinking water with arsenic content above 10 μg/L during pregnancy. Further studies of possible similar effects of concentrations below 10 μg/L are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamás Rudnai
- National Institute of Environmental Health, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - János Sándor
- University of Debrecen, Institute of Preventive Medicine, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Mihály Kádár
- National Institute of Environmental Health, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mátyás Borsányi
- National Institute of Environmental Health, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Judit Béres
- National Institute for Health Development, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Júlia Métneki
- National Institute for Health Development, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Péter Rudnai
- National Institute of Environmental Health, Budapest, Hungary
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18
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Lin HJ, Sung TI, Chen CY, Guo HR. Arsenic levels in drinking water and mortality of liver cancer in Taiwan. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2013; 262:1132-1138. [PMID: 23352725 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2012.12.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2012] [Revised: 08/11/2012] [Accepted: 12/27/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The carcinogenic effect of arsenic is well documented, but epidemiologic data on liver cancer were limited. To evaluate the dose-response relationship between arsenic in drinking water and mortality of liver cancer, we conducted a study in 138 villages in the southwest coast area of Taiwan. We assessed arsenic levels in drinking water using data from a survey conducted by the government and reviewed death certificates from 1971 to 1990 to identify liver cancer cases. Using village as the unit, we conducted multi-variate regression analyses and then performed post hoc analyses to validate the findings. During the 20-year period, 802 male and 301 female mortality cases of liver cancer were identified. After adjusting for age, arsenic levels above 0.64 mg/L were associated with an increase in the liver cancer mortality in both genders, but no significant effect was observed for lower exposure categories. Post hoc analyses and a review of literature supported these findings. We concluded that exposures to high arsenic levels in drinking water are associated with the occurrence of liver cancer, but such an effect is not prominent at exposure levels lower than 0.64 mg/L.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Jung Lin
- Cancer Research Center, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Emergency Medicine, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Biotechnology, Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Tainan, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Injury Prevention and Control, College of Public Health and Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei,Taiwan
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Effects of choline on sodium arsenite-induced neural tube defects in chick embryos. Food Chem Toxicol 2012; 50:4364-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2012.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2011] [Revised: 05/16/2011] [Accepted: 06/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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20
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Adegunlola JG, Afolabi OK, Akhigbe RE, Adegunlola GA, Adewumi OM, Oyeyipo IP, Ige SF, Afolabi AO. Lipid peroxidation in brain tissue following administration of low and high doses of arsenite and L-ascorbate in wistar strain rats. Toxicol Int 2012; 19:47-50. [PMID: 22736903 PMCID: PMC3339245 DOI: 10.4103/0971-6580.94516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed at investigating the mechanism by which sodium arsenite induces brain injury and the role of L-ascorbate. Thirty adult (n=5) Wistar rats weighing between 140 and 160 g were used. Group 1 neither received sodium arsenite nor L-ascorbate (control), group 2 was administered low dose of arsenite only, group 3 received high dose of arsenite only, group 4 was administered L-ascorbate only, group 5 was administered low dose of arsenite and L-ascorbate, and group 6 received high dose of arsenite and L-ascorbate. M0 alon dialdehyde, MDA, levels were significantly increased in rats treated with high dose of arsenite when compared with those treated with low dose of arsenite. However, all treated groups except those treated with L-ascorbate only showed significant increase in MDA levels when compared with the control group. Rats treated with high dose of arsenite and L-ascorbate showed a significantly higher MDA level than those treated with low dose of arsenite and L-ascorbate. However, catalase activity, body weight gain, brain weight and mean food consumption were comparable across all groups. Brain tissue total protein was similar in all groups except in both groups treated with high dose of arsenite, where they were significantly reduced when compared with the control group. I0 n conclusion, sodium arsenite treatment induces brain injury via a mechanism associated with lipid peroxidation, but not catalase-dependent. However, L-ascorbate ameliorates arsenite-induced oxidative injury in the brain. L-ascorbate antioxidative potential in alleviating arsenite-induced brain injury is dependent on the concentration of arsenite.
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Affiliation(s)
- J G Adegunlola
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Health Sciences, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria
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Liu S, Gonzalez J, Hwang BJ, Steinberg ML. Induction of cyclin D1 by arsenite and UVB-irradiation in human keratinocytes. J Health Care Poor Underserved 2012; 22:110-21. [PMID: 22102309 DOI: 10.1353/hpu.2011.0158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Arsenic is an environmental pollutant with carcinogenic properties that is found in many regions of the world but that poses a health risk primarily in economically disadvantaged areas. In these areas, arsenic ingestion affects various tissues, especially skin in which it acts as a comutagen with the ultraviolet component of solar radiation. Both epidemiological and experimental evidence indicates that arsenic and ultraviolet radiation act on signaling pathways that effect the expression of cyclin D1. We have previously employed an in vitro model system of human epidermal keratinocytes to study the effects of submicromolar concentrations of sodium arsenite on cyclin D1 expression. Here, we employed this system to demonstrate concordant cyclin D1-related induction profiles of ultraviolet B radiation and arsenite using cDNA microarray analysis. We also show that both of these agents act epigenetically to bring about demethylation of the cyclin D1 promoter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suqing Liu
- Department of Chemistry, The City College of New York, Convent Avenue and 138th Street, New York, NY 10031, USA
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Mitchell E, Frisbie S, Sarkar B. Exposure to multiple metals from groundwater-a global crisis: geology, climate change, health effects, testing, and mitigation. Metallomics 2011; 3:874-908. [PMID: 21766119 DOI: 10.1039/c1mt00052g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
This paper presents an overview of the global extent of naturally occurring toxic metals in groundwater. Adverse health effects attributed to the toxic metals most commonly found in groundwater are reviewed, as well as chemical, biochemical, and physiological interactions between these metals. Synergistic and antagonistic effects that have been reported between the toxic metals found in groundwater and the dietary trace elements are highlighted, and common behavioural, cultural, and dietary practices that are likely to significantly modify health risks due to use of metal-contaminated groundwater are reviewed. Methods for analytical testing of samples containing multiple metals are discussed, with special attention to analytical interferences between metals and reagents. An overview is presented of approaches to providing safe water when groundwater contains multiple metallic toxins.
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Song G, Cui Y, Han ZJ, Xia HF, Ma X. WITHDRAWN: Effects of choline on sodium arsenite-induced neural tube defects in chick embryos. Food Chem Toxicol 2011:S0278-6915(11)00253-5. [PMID: 21708213 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2011.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2011] [Revised: 05/16/2011] [Accepted: 06/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
This article has been withdrawn at the request of the author(s) and/or editor. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Song
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China; Department of Genetics, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
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Bloom MS, Fitzgerald EF, Kim K, Neamtiu I, Gurzau ES. Spontaneous pregnancy loss in humans and exposure to arsenic in drinking water. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2010; 213:401-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2010.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2010] [Revised: 08/25/2010] [Accepted: 09/05/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Milton AH, Shahidullah SM, Smith W, Hossain KS, Hasan Z, Ahmed KT. Association between chronic arsenic exposure and nutritional status among the women of child bearing age: a case-control study in Bangladesh. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2010; 7:2811-21. [PMID: 20717540 PMCID: PMC2922727 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph7072811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2010] [Revised: 06/13/2010] [Accepted: 06/30/2010] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The role of nutritional factors in arsenic metabolism and toxicity is yet to be fully elucidated. A low protein diet results in decreased excretion of DMA and increased tissue retention of arsenic in experimental studies. Malnourished women carry a higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Chronic exposure to high arsenic (>50 microg/L) through drinking water also increases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. The synergistic effects (if any) of malnutrition and chronic arsenic exposure may worsen the adverse pregnancy outcomes. This population based case control study reports the association between chronic arsenic exposure and nutritional status among the rural women in Bangladesh. 348 cases (BMI < 18.5) and 360 controls (BMI 18.5-24.99) were recruited from a baseline survey conducted among 2,341 women. An excess risk for malnutrition was observed among the participants chronically exposed to higher concentrations of arsenic in drinking water after adjusting for potential confounders such as participant's age, religion, education, monthly household income and history of oral contraceptive pills. Women exposed to arsenic >50 microg/L were at 1.9 times (Odds Ratio = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.1-3.6) increased risk of malnutrition compared to unexposed. The findings of this study suggest that chronic arsenic exposure is likely to contribute to poor nutritional status among women of 20-45 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abul H Milton
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics (CCEB), School of Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.
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Akram Z, Jalali S, Shami SA, Ahmad L, Batool S, Kalsoom O. Adverse effects of arsenic exposure on uterine function and structure in female rat. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 62:451-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.etp.2009.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2009] [Revised: 07/16/2009] [Accepted: 07/24/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Gulis G, Kollarová J, Dietzová Z, Labancová J, Behanová M, Ondrušová M. Natural and Man-made Health Hazards in Rural Slovakia. Cent Eur J Public Health 2009; 17:207-14. [DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a3551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Abstract
Arsenic, which is commonly found in drinking water, is a potent toxicant, but little is known about its effects on maternal health. Arsenic's modes of action include enzyme inhibition and oxidative stress as well as immune, endocrine, and epigenetic effects. A couple of studies reported increased blood pressure and anemia during pregnancy. Susceptibility to arsenic is dependent on the biomethylation, which occurs via one-carbon metabolism. Methylarsonic acid and dimethylarsinic acid are main metabolites in urine, and elevated methylarsonic acid is considered a general risk factor. Arsenic easily passes the placenta, and a few human studies indicate a moderately increased risk of impaired fetal growth and increased fetal and infant mortality. The fetus and infant are probably partly protected by the increased methylation of arsenic during pregnancy and lactation; the infant is also protected by low arsenic excretion in breast milk. Early-life exposure may induce changes that will become apparent much later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Vahter
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Mukherjee SC, Saha KC, Pati S, Dutta RN, Rahman MM, Sengupta MK, Ahamed S, Lodh D, Das B, Hossain MA, Nayak B, Mukherjee A, Chakraborti D, Dulta SK, Palit SK, Kaies I, Barua AK, Asad KA. Murshidabad—One of the Nine Groundwater Arsenic-Affected Districts of West Bengal, India. Part II: Dermatological, Neurological, and Obstetric Findings. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2009; 43:835-48. [PMID: 16440511 DOI: 10.1080/15563650500357495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To understand the severity of related health effects of chronic arsenic exposure in West Bengal, a detailed 3-year study was carried out in Murshidabad, one of the nine arsenic-affected districts in West Bengal. METHODS We screened 25,274 people from 139 arsenic-affected villages in Murshidabad to identify patients suffering from chronic arsenic toxicity for evidence of multisystemic features and collected biological samples such as head hair, nail, and spot urine from the patients along with the tubewell water they were consuming. RESULTS Out of 25,274 people screened, 4813 (19%) were registered with arsenical skin lesions. A case series involving arsenical skin lesions resulting in cancer and gangrene were noted during this study. Representative histopathological pictures of skin biopsy of different types of lesions were also presented. Out of 2595 children we examined for arsenical skin lesions, 122 (4%) were registered with arsenical skin lesions, melanosis with or without keratosis. Different clinical and electrophysiological neurological features were noticed among the arsenic-affected villagers. Both the arsenic content in the drinking water and duration of exposure may be responsible in increasing the susceptibility of pregnant women to spontaneous abortions, stillbirths, preterm births, low birth weights, and neonatal deaths. Some additional multisystemic features such as weakness and lethargy, chronic respiratory problems, gastrointestinal symptoms, and anemia were also recorded in the affected population. DISCUSSION The findings from this survey on different health effects of arsenic exposure were compared to those from previous studies carried out on arsenic-affected populations in India and Bangladesh as well as other affected countries. CONCLUSION Multisystemic disorders, including dermal effects, neurological complications, and adverse obstetric outcomes, were observed to be associated with chronic arsenic exposure in the study population in Murshidabad, West Bengal. The magnitude of severity was related to the concentration of arsenic in water as well as duration of the exposure.
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Rahman A, Vahter M, Smith AH, Nermell B, Yunus M, El Arifeen S, Persson LA, Ekström EC. Arsenic exposure during pregnancy and size at birth: a prospective cohort study in Bangladesh. Am J Epidemiol 2009; 169:304-12. [PMID: 19037006 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwn332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The authors evaluated the association of prenatal arsenic exposure with size at birth (birth weight, birth length, head and chest circumferences). This prospective cohort study, based on 1,578 mother-infant pairs, was conducted in Matlab, Bangladesh, in 2002-2003. Arsenic exposure was assessed by analysis of arsenic in urine collected at around gestational weeks 8 and 30. The association of arsenic exposure with size at birth was assessed by linear regression analyses. In analysis over the full range of exposure (6-978 microg/L), no dose-effect association was found with birth size. However, significant negative dose effects were found with birth weight and head and chest circumferences at a low level of arsenic exposure (<100 microg/L in urine). In this range of exposure, birth weight decreased by 1.68 (standard error (SE), 0.62) g for each 1-microg/L increase of arsenic in urine. For head and chest circumferences, the corresponding reductions were 0.05 (SE, 0.03) mm and 0.14 (SE, 0.03) mm per 1 microg/L, respectively. No further negative effects were shown at higher levels of arsenic exposure. The indicated negative effect on birth size at a low level of arsenic exposure warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anisur Rahman
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
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Abstract
Even at high concentrations, arsenic-contaminated water is translucent, tasteless, and odorless. Yet almost every day, studies report a continually increasing plethora of toxic effects that have manifested in exposed populations throughout the world. In this article we focus on recent findings, in particular those associated with major contributions since 2006. Early life exposure, both in utero and in childhood, has been receiving increased attention, and remarkable increases in consequent mortality in young adults have been reported. New studies address the dose-response relationship between drinking-water arsenic concentrations and skin lesions, and new findings have emerged concerning arsenic and cardiovascular disease. We also review the increasing epidemiological evidence that the first step of methylation of inorganic arsenic to monomethylated arsenic (MMA) is actually an activation step rather than the first step in detoxification, as once thought. Hexavalent chromium differs from arsenic in that it discolors water, turning the water yellow at high concentrations. A controversial issue is whether chromium causes cancer when ingested. A recent publication supports the original findings in China of increased cancer mortality in a population where well water turned yellow with chromium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan H. Smith
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720; ,
| | - Craig M. Steinmaus
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720; ,
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Wigle DT, Arbuckle TE, Turner MC, Bérubé A, Yang Q, Liu S, Krewski D. Epidemiologic evidence of relationships between reproductive and child health outcomes and environmental chemical contaminants. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2008; 11:373-517. [PMID: 18074303 DOI: 10.1080/10937400801921320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 281] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
This review summarizes the level of epidemiologic evidence for relationships between prenatal and/or early life exposure to environmental chemical contaminants and fetal, child, and adult health. Discussion focuses on fetal loss, intrauterine growth restriction, preterm birth, birth defects, respiratory and other childhood diseases, neuropsychological deficits, premature or delayed sexual maturation, and certain adult cancers linked to fetal or childhood exposures. Environmental exposures considered here include chemical toxicants in air, water, soil/house dust and foods (including human breast milk), and consumer products. Reports reviewed here included original epidemiologic studies (with at least basic descriptions of methods and results), literature reviews, expert group reports, meta-analyses, and pooled analyses. Levels of evidence for causal relationships were categorized as sufficient, limited, or inadequate according to predefined criteria. There was sufficient epidemiological evidence for causal relationships between several adverse pregnancy or child health outcomes and prenatal or childhood exposure to environmental chemical contaminants. These included prenatal high-level methylmercury (CH(3)Hg) exposure (delayed developmental milestones and cognitive, motor, auditory, and visual deficits), high-level prenatal exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and related toxicants (neonatal tooth abnormalities, cognitive and motor deficits), maternal active smoking (delayed conception, preterm birth, fetal growth deficit [FGD] and sudden infant death syndrome [SIDS]) and prenatal environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure (preterm birth), low-level childhood lead exposure (cognitive deficits and renal tubular damage), high-level childhood CH(3)Hg exposure (visual deficits), high-level childhood exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) (chloracne), childhood ETS exposure (SIDS, new-onset asthma, increased asthma severity, lung and middle ear infections, and adult breast and lung cancer), childhood exposure to biomass smoke (lung infections), and childhood exposure to outdoor air pollutants (increased asthma severity). Evidence for some proven relationships came from investigation of relatively small numbers of children with high-dose prenatal or early childhood exposures, e.g., CH(3)Hg poisoning episodes in Japan and Iraq. In contrast, consensus on a causal relationship between incident asthma and ETS exposure came only recently after many studies and prolonged debate. There were many relationships supported by limited epidemiologic evidence, ranging from several studies with fairly consistent findings and evidence of dose-response relationships to those where 20 or more studies provided inconsistent or otherwise less than convincing evidence of an association. The latter included childhood cancer and parental or childhood exposures to pesticides. In most cases, relationships supported by inadequate epidemiologic evidence reflect scarcity of evidence as opposed to strong evidence of no effect. This summary points to three main needs: (1) Where relationships between child health and environmental exposures are supported by sufficient evidence of causal relationships, there is a need for (a) policies and programs to minimize population exposures and (b) population-based biomonitoring to track exposure levels, i.e., through ongoing or periodic surveys with measurements of contaminant levels in blood, urine and other samples. (2) For relationships supported by limited evidence, there is a need for targeted research and policy options ranging from ongoing evaluation of evidence to proactive actions. (3) There is a great need for population-based, multidisciplinary and collaborative research on the many relationships supported by inadequate evidence, as these represent major knowledge gaps. Expert groups faced with evaluating epidemiologic evidence of potential causal relationships repeatedly encounter problems in summarizing the available data. A major driver for undertaking such summaries is the need to compensate for the limited sample sizes of individual epidemiologic studies. Sample size limitations are major obstacles to exploration of prenatal, paternal, and childhood exposures during specific time windows, exposure intensity, exposure-exposure or exposure-gene interactions, and relatively rare health outcomes such as childhood cancer. Such research needs call for investments in research infrastructure, including human resources and methods development (standardized protocols, biomarker research, validated exposure metrics, reference analytic laboratories). These are needed to generate research findings that can be compared and subjected to pooled analyses aimed at knowledge synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald T Wigle
- McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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Weselak M, Arbuckle TE, Walker MC, Krewski D. The influence of the environment and other exogenous agents on spontaneous abortion risk. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2008; 11:221-241. [PMID: 18368554 DOI: 10.1080/10937400701873530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
It is estimated that close to 30% of all pregnancies end in spontaneous abortion. Although about 60% of spontaneous abortions are thought to be due to genetic, infectious, hormonal, and immunological factors, the role of the environment remains poorly understood. Pregnancy involves a delicate balance of hormonal and immunological functions, which may be affected by environmental substances. Many toxic substances that are persistent in the environment and accumulate in the fatty tissues may disrupt this equilibrium. This overview addresses known risk factors for spontaneous abortions and examines the role, if any, that environmental factors (chemical and physical) may play in the etiology of this adverse health outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandy Weselak
- McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, Institute of Population Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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Hall M, Gamble M, Slavkovich V, Liu X, Levy D, Cheng Z, van Geen A, Yunus M, Rahman M, Pilsner JR, Graziano J. Determinants of arsenic metabolism: blood arsenic metabolites, plasma folate, cobalamin, and homocysteine concentrations in maternal-newborn pairs. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2007; 115:1503-9. [PMID: 17938743 PMCID: PMC2022678 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.9906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2006] [Accepted: 06/28/2007] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Bangladesh, tens of millions of people have been consuming waterborne arsenic for decades. The extent to which As is transported to the fetus during pregnancy has not been well characterized. OBJECTIVES We therefore conducted a study of 101 pregnant women who gave birth in Matlab, Bangladesh. METHODS Maternal and cord blood pairs were collected and concentrations of total As were analyzed for 101 pairs, and As metabolites for 30 pairs. Maternal urinary As metabolites and plasma folate, cobalamin, and homocysteine levels in maternal cord pairs were also measured. Household tube well-water As concentrations exceeded the World Health Organization guideline of 10 microg/L in 38% of the cases. RESULTS We observed strong associations between maternal and cord blood concentrations of total As (r = 0.93, p < 0.0001). Maternal and cord blood arsenic metabolites (n = 30) were also strongly correlated: in dimethylarsinate (DMA) (r = 0.94, p < 0.0001), monomethylarsonate (r = 0.80, p < 0.0001), arsenite (As(+3)) (r = 0.80, p < 0.0001), and arsenate (As(+5)) (r = 0.89, p < 0.0001). Maternal homocysteine was a strong predictor of %DMA in maternal urine, maternal blood, and cord blood (beta = -6.2, p < 0.02; beta = -10.9, p < 0.04; and beta = -13.7, p < 0.04, respectively). Maternal folate was inversely associated with maternal blood As(5+) (beta = 0.56, p < 0.05), and maternal cobalamin was inversely associated with cord blood As(5+) (beta = -1.2, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS We conclude that exposure to all metabolites of inorganic As occurs in the prenatal period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marni Hall
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Mary Gamble
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Vesna Slavkovich
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Xinhua Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Diane Levy
- Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Zhongqi Cheng
- Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Alexander van Geen
- Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Mahammad Yunus
- ICDDR, B: Centre for Health and Population Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mahfuzar Rahman
- ICDDR, B: Centre for Health and Population Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - J. Richard Pilsner
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Joseph Graziano
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Address correspondence to J. Graziano, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Medical Center, 60 Haven Ave., B1, New York, NY 10032 USA. Telephone: (212) 305-1678. Fax: (212) 305-3857. E-mail:
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Lubin JH, Beane Freeman LE, Cantor KP. Inorganic Arsenic in Drinking Water: An Evolving Public Health Concern. J Natl Cancer Inst 2007; 99:906-7. [PMID: 17565151 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djm012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Desheng Q, Niya Z. Effect of Arsanilic Acid on Performance and Residual of Arsenic in Tissue of Japanese Laying Quail. Poult Sci 2006; 85:2097-100. [PMID: 17135662 DOI: 10.1093/ps/85.12.2097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Three hundred seventy-five 63-d-old laying Japanese quail were randomly distributed into 3 experimental groups (125 birds per group) and fed the following diets for 40 d, with 30 d on the experimental diets, followed by a 10-d withdrawal period: 1) control; 2) 50 mg of 4-arsanilic acid/kg of feed; and 3) 100 mg of 4-arsanilic acid/kg of feed. Each treatment consisted of 5 replicates of 25 birds. During the first 30 d of the experiment, all eggs were recorded, collected, individually weighed daily, and feed consumption was determined every 10 d. Five quail from each replicate in the experiment were euthanized by cervical dislocation at 0, 30, 35, and 40 d. Tissue samples from the liver, kidney, heart, gizzard, and the muscle on the breast and leg were collected for determination of As residue. The feces and eggs at 0, 30, 35, and 40 d of the experiment were selected for determination of As. Results showed that dietary inclusion of 50 and 100 mg/kg of 4-arsanilic acid significantly improved feed utilization and egg production, but the concentration of As in the tissues and feces in groups fed 4-arsanilic acid was higher than in control group. The results of the present study demonstrate that the use of organic As compounds as feed additives in diet is a matter for argument.
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Affiliation(s)
- Q Desheng
- College of Animal Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
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. MSM, . MA, . MS, . MH. The Effects of Sodium Arsenite on the Biochemical Factors in the Blood of Vasectomised Rats. INT J PHARMACOL 2006. [DOI: 10.3923/ijp.2006.525.529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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von Ehrenstein OS, Guha Mazumder DN, Hira-Smith M, Ghosh N, Yuan Y, Windham G, Ghosh A, Haque R, Lahiri S, Kalman D, Das S, Smith AH. Pregnancy outcomes, infant mortality, and arsenic in drinking water in West Bengal, India. Am J Epidemiol 2006; 163:662-9. [PMID: 16524957 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwj089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Between 2001 and 2003, the authors studied pregnancy outcomes and infant mortality among 202 married women in West Bengal, India. Reproductive histories were ascertained using structured interviews. Arsenic exposure during each pregnancy, including all water sources used, was assessed; this involved measurements from 409 wells. Odds ratios for spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, neonatal mortality, and infant mortality were estimated with logistic regression based on the method of generalized estimating equations. Exposure to high concentrations of arsenic (> or =200 microg/liter) during pregnancy was associated with a sixfold increased risk of stillbirth after adjustment for potential confounders (odds ratio (OR) = 6.07, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.54, 24.0; p = 0.01). Arsenic-related skin lesions were found in 12 women who had a substantially increased risk of stillbirth (OR = 13.1, 95% CI: 3.17, 54.0; p = 0.002). The odds ratio for neonatal death was 2.81 (95% CI: 0.73, 10.8). No association was found between arsenic exposure and spontaneous abortion (OR = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.38, 2.70) or overall infant mortality (OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 0.43, 4.04). This study adds to the limited evidence that exposure to high concentrations of arsenic during pregnancy increases the risk of stillbirth. However, there was no indication of the increased rates of spontaneous abortion and overall infant mortality that have been reported in some studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- O S von Ehrenstein
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720-7360, USA
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Navarro PAAS, Liu L, Ferriani RA, Keefe DL. Arsenite induces aberrations in meiosis that can be prevented by coadministration of N-acetylcysteine in mice. Fertil Steril 2006; 85 Suppl 1:1187-94. [PMID: 16616091 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2005.08.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2005] [Revised: 08/11/2005] [Accepted: 08/11/2005] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate in vitro effects of arsenite and of arsenite plus N-acetylcysteine on mouse oocyte meiosis. DESIGN Morphological study using mouse oocytes submitted to in vitro maturation (IVM). SETTING Laboratory of reproductive biology. ANIMAL(S) Six-week-old CD-1 mice superovulated with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin. INTERVENTION(S) During IVM, mouse oocytes were exposed to arsenite alone or to arsenite plus N-acetylcysteine. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Meiotic anomalies were assessed using immunofluorescence microscopy and PolScope (Cambridge Research and Instrumentation, Boston, MA) imaging. RESULT(S) In vitro arsenite administration produced dose-dependent and time-dependent meiotic anomalies, characterized by spindle disruption or chromosome misalignment. After 12-14 hours of IVM, exposure to 2 microg/mL of arsenite for 12-14 hours or to 8 microg/mL of arsenite for 2 hours arrested oocyte maturation at the germinal vesicle or germinal-vesicle breakdown stage. Exposure to 4 microg/mL of arsenite for 2 hours arrested oocyte maturation at metaphase I stage in 95% of exposed oocytes (80% exhibiting abnormalities) after 12-14 hours in IVM. After 12-14 hours in IVM, of the oocytes exposed to 2 microg/mL of arsenite for 2 hours, only 15% reached the meiosis II stage (5% exhibiting abnormalities). After 15-17 hours in IVM, however, of the oocytes exposed to 2 microg/mL of arsenite for 2 hours, 65.2% reached the meiosis II stage (43.5% exhibiting abnormalities). Co-administration of N-acetylcysteine prevented the arsenite-induced meiotic abnormalities and the delayed IVM. CONCLUSION(S) In vitro arsenite exposure caused meiotic abnormalities that were prevented by co-administration of N-acetylcysteine, suggesting that arsenite-induced meiotic aberrations are mediated by reactive oxygen species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula A A S Navarro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Infants Hospital, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
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Lindberg AL, Goessler W, Gurzau E, Koppova K, Rudnai P, Kumar R, Fletcher T, Leonardi G, Slotova K, Gheorghiu E, Vahter M. Arsenic exposure in Hungary, Romania and Slovakia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 8:203-8. [PMID: 16395480 DOI: 10.1039/b513206a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Inorganic arsenic is a potent human carcinogen and toxicant which people are exposed to mainly via drinking water and food. The objective of the present study was to assess current exposure to arsenic via drinking water in three European countries. For this purpose, 520 individuals from four Hungarian, two Slovakian and two Romanian countries were investigated by measuring inorganic arsenic and methylated arsenic metabolites in urine by high performance liquid chromatography with hydride generation and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Arsenic in drinking water was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Significantly higher concentrations of arsenic were found in both the water and the urine samples from the Hungarian counties (median: 11 and 15 microg dm(-3), respectively; p < 0.001) than from the Slovakian (median: 0.94 and 4.5 microg dm(-3), respectively) and Romanian (median: 0.70 and 2.1 microg dm(-3), respectively) counties. A significant correlation was seen between arsenic in water and arsenic in urine (R(2)= 0.46). At low water arsenic concentrations, the relative amount of dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) in urine was increased, indicating exposure via food. Also, high body mass index was associated with higher concentrations of arsenic in urine (p= 0.03), mostly in the form of DMA. Smokers had significantly higher urinary arsenic concentrations than non-smokers (p= 0.03). In conclusion, elevated arsenic exposure via drinking water was prevalent in some of the counties. Exposure to arsenic from food, mainly as DMA, and cigarette smoke, mainly as inorganic arsenic, are major determinants of arsenic exposure at very low concentrations of arsenic in drinking water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Lena Lindberg
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Box 210, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
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Cavar S, Klapec T, Grubesić RJ, Valek M. High exposure to arsenic from drinking water at several localities in eastern Croatia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2005; 339:277-282. [PMID: 15740776 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2004.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2004] [Accepted: 12/01/2004] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the relationship between arsenic concentrations in drinking water in four towns/villages in eastern Croatia and corresponding hair arsenic concentrations of residents. The mean arsenic concentrations in community drinking water samples were 0.14, 37.88, 171.60, and 611.89 microg/l. The corresponding mean concentrations of the element in hair samples of subjects residing in each of the localities were 0.07 (n=11), 0.26 (n=17), 1.74 (n=11), and 4.31 microg/g (n=23). Chronic exposures to arsenic levels estimated in three investigated locations could present a serious health threat to around 3% of Croatian population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzana Cavar
- Institute of Public Health for the Osijek-Baranya County, F. Krezme 1, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia.
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Milton AH, Smith W, Rahman B, Hasan Z, Kulsum U, Dear K, Rakibuddin M, Ali A. Chronic Arsenic Exposure and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Bangladesh. Epidemiology 2005; 16:82-6. [PMID: 15613949 DOI: 10.1097/01.ede.0000147105.94041.e6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic exposure to arsenic through drinking water has the potential to cause adverse pregnancy outcomes, although the association has not been demonstrated conclusively. This cross-sectional study assessed the association between arsenic in drinking water and spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, and neonatal death. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, 533 women were interviewed. Information on sociodemographic characteristics, drinking water use, and adverse pregnancy outcomes was obtained through a structured pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire. The respondents reported use of a total of 223 tube wells; for 208 wells, water samples were measured using an ultraviolet/visible spectrophotometry method, whereas 15 were measured by flow-injection hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry (FIHG-AAS). RESULTS Excess risks for spontaneous abortion and stillbirth were observed among the participants chronically exposed to higher concentrations of arsenic in drinking water after adjusting for participant's height, history of hypertension and diabetes, and (for neonatal death only) age at first pregnancy. Comparing exposure to arsenic concentration of greater than 50 microg/L with 50 microg/L or less, the odds ratios were 2.5 (95% confidence interval=1.5-4.3) for spontaneous abortion, 2.5 (1.3-4.9) for stillbirth, and 1.8 (0.9-3.6) for neonatal death. CONCLUSIONS These study findings suggest that chronic arsenic exposure may increase the risk of fetal and infant death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abul Hasnat Milton
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health (NCEPH), The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.
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Zierold KM, Knobeloch L, Anderson H. Prevalence of chronic diseases in adults exposed to arsenic-contaminated drinking water. Am J Public Health 2004; 94:1936-7. [PMID: 15514231 PMCID: PMC1448563 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.94.11.1936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Inorganic arsenic is naturally occurring in groundwaters throughout the United States. This study investigated arsenic exposure and self-report of 9 chronic diseases. We received private well-water samples and questionnaires from 1185 people who reported drinking their water for 20 or more years. Respondents with arsenic levels of 2 microg/L or greater were statistically more likely to report a history of depression, high blood pressure, circulatory problems, and bypass surgery than were respondents with arsenic concentrations less than 2 microg/L.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina M Zierold
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Arnold School of Public Health, 800 Sumter St, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
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Tchounwou PB, Patlolla AK, Centeno JA. Carcinogenic and systemic health effects associated with arsenic exposure--a critical review. Toxicol Pathol 2004; 31:575-88. [PMID: 14585726 DOI: 10.1080/01926230390242007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic and arsenic containing compounds are human carcinogens. Exposure to arsenic occurs occupationally in several industries, including mining, pesticide, pharmaceutical, glass and microelectronics, as well as environmentally from both industrial and natural sources. Inhalation is the principal route of arsenic exposure in occupational settings, while ingestion of contaminated drinking water is the predominant source of significant environmental exposure globally. Drinking water contamination by arsenic remains a major public health problem. Acute and chronic arsenic exposure via drinking water has been reported in many countries of the world, where a large proportion of drinking water is contaminated with high concentrations of arsenic. General health effects that are associated with arsenic exposure include cardiovascular and peripheral vascular disease, developmental anomalies, neurologic and neurobehavioural disorders, diabetes, hearing loss, portal fibrosis, hematologic disorders (anemia, leukopenia and eosinophilia) and multiple cancers: significantly higher standardized mortality rates and cumulative mortality rates for cancers of the skin, lung, liver, urinary bladder, kidney, and colon in many areas of arsenic pollution. Although several epidemiological studies have documented the sources of exposure and the global impact of arsenic contamination, the mechanisms by which arsenic induces health effects, including cancer, are not well characterized. Further research is needed to provide a better understanding of the pathobiology of arsenic-induced diseases and to better define the toxicologic pathology of arsenic in various organ systems. In this review, we provide and discuss the underlying pathology and nature of arsenic-induced lesions. Such information is critical for understanding the magnitude of health effects associated with arsenic exposure throughout the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul B Tchounwou
- Molecular Toxicology Research Laboratory, NIH-Center for Environmental Health, School of Science and Technology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi 39217, USA.
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Hopenhayn C, Ferreccio C, Browning SR, Huang B, Peralta C, Gibb H, Hertz-Picciotto I. Arsenic exposure from drinking water and birth weight. Epidemiology 2003; 14:593-602. [PMID: 14501275 DOI: 10.1097/01.ede.0000072104.65240.69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arsenic exposures from drinking water increase the risk of various cancers and noncancer health endpoints. Limited evidence suggests that arsenic may have adverse human reproductive effects. We investigated the association between drinking water arsenic exposure and fetal growth, as manifest in birth weight. METHODS We conducted a prospective cohort study in two Chilean cities with contrasting drinking water arsenic levels: Antofagasta (40 micro g/L) and Valparaíso (<1 micro g/L). Study subjects completed in-depth interviews and provided urine samples for exposure analysis. We obtained pregnancy and birth information from medical records. The birth weight analysis was restricted to liveborn, singleton infants born between December 1998 and February 2000. RESULTS The final study group consisted of 424 infants from Antofagasta and 420 from Valparaíso. After controlling for confounders, results of the multivariable analysis indicated that Antofagasta infants had lower mean birth weight (-57 g; 95% confidence interval = -123 to 9). CONCLUSION This study suggests that moderate arsenic exposures from drinking water (<50 micro g/L) during pregnancy are associated with reduction in birth weight, similar in magnitude to that resulting from other environmental exposures such as environmental tobacco smoke and benzene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Hopenhayn
- School of Public Health and Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40504, USA.
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Pi J, Horiguchi S, Sun Y, Nikaido M, Shimojo N, Hayashi T, Yamauchi H, Itoh K, Yamamoto M, Sun G, Waalkes MP, Kumagai Y. A potential mechanism for the impairment of nitric oxide formation caused by prolonged oral exposure to arsenate in rabbits. Free Radic Biol Med 2003; 35:102-13. [PMID: 12826260 DOI: 10.1016/s0891-5849(03)00269-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
We have recently found evidence for impairment of nitric oxide (NO) formation and induction of oxidative stress in residents of an endemic area of chronic arsenic poisoning in Inner Mongolia, China. To investigate the underlying mechanisms responsible for these phenomena, a subchronic animal experiment was conducted using male New Zealand White rabbits. After 18 weeks of continuous exposure of rabbits to 5 mg/l of arsenate in drinking water, a significant decrease in systemic NO production occurred, as shown by significantly reduced plasma NO metabolites levels (76% of control) and a tendency towards decreased serum cGMP levels (81.4% of control). On the other hand, increased oxidative stress, as shown by significantly increased urinary hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) (120% of control), was observed in arsenate-exposed rabbits. In additional experiments measuring aortic tension, the addition of either the calcium ionophore A23187 or acethylcholine (ACh) induced a transient vasoconstriction of aortic rings prepared from arsenate-exposed rabbits, but not in those prepared from control animals. This calcium-dependent contractility action observed in aorta rings from arsenate-exposed rabbits was markedly attenuated by the superoxide (O2(.-)) scavenging enzyme Cu, Zn-SOD, as well as diphenyleneiodonium (DPI) or N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), which are inhibitors for nitric oxide synthase (NOS). However, the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin or the xanthine oxidase blocker allopurinol had no effect on this vasoconstriction. These results suggest that arsenate-mediated reduction of systemic NO may be associated with the enzymatic uncoupling reaction of NOS with a subsequent enhancement of reactive oxygen species such as O2(.-), an endothelium-derived vasoconstricting factor. Furthermore, hepatic levels of (6R)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-L-biopterin (BH(4)), a cofactor for NOS, were markedly reduced in arsenate-exposed rabbits to 62% of control, while no significant change occurred in cardiac L-arginine levels. These results suggest that prolonged exposure of rabbits to oral arsenate may impair the bioavailability of BH(4) in endothelial cells and, as a consequence, disrupt the balance between NO and O2(.-) produced from endothelial NOS, such that enhanced free radicals are produced at the expense of NO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingbo Pi
- Graduate School Doctoral Program in Medical Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan.
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Martin LJ, Machado AF, Loza MA, Mao GE, Lee GS, Hovland DN, Cantor RM, Collins MD. Effect of arsenite, maternal age, and embryonic sex on spina bifida, exencephaly, and resorption rates in the splotch mouse. BIRTH DEFECTS RESEARCH. PART A, CLINICAL AND MOLECULAR TERATOLOGY 2003; 67:231-9. [PMID: 12854658 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.10006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study examines interactions of a mutation in Pax3, embryonic sex, advanced maternal age, and arsenite exposure in the splotch (Sp) mouse model, with the aim of describing gene-environment interactions for neural tube defects and embryonic lethality. METHODS Splotch heterozygous C57BL/6J mice were crossed to produce offspring of three genotypes with a common maternal genotype that were exposed to either sodium arsenite on gestational day (GD) 8.0, or advanced maternal age (dams older than 12 months). Embryos were extracted on GD 12 and genotyped for both Pax3 and sex. RESULTS Arsenite treatment was a significant contributor to both exencephaly and spina bifida. Advanced maternal age resulted in a high exencephaly rate in Sp/Sp female embryos (but not other genotypes) and a high overall resorption rate. Arsenite treatment and advanced maternal age resulted in elevated sex ratios (male:female) for heterozygous and wild-type embryos. The sex ratio was highest for wild-type embryos and was lowered as the number of mutant Pax3 alleles increased. The sex ratio was not significantly different from 1.0 for splotch homozygotes. Control litters had spina bifida rates that were 95% in homozygous, 6% in heterozygous, and 0% in wild-type embryos. CONCLUSIONS If arsenite produces exencephaly by inactivating the Pax3 protein, then the fact that the exencephaly rate was increased in Sp/Sp embryos with no functional Pax3 indicates that arsenite may either induce this defect through additional pathways, or may alter the response via modifier genes. Genetic and environmental factors contributed to the determination of murine sex ratios, with female embryos being more susceptible to loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa J Martin
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Interdepartmental Program in Molecular Toxicology, UCLA School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California 90095-1772, USA
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Yang CY, Chang CC, Tsai SS, Chuang HY, Ho CK, Wu TN. Arsenic in drinking water and adverse pregnancy outcome in an arseniasis-endemic area in northeastern Taiwan. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2003; 91:29-34. [PMID: 12550085 DOI: 10.1016/s0013-9351(02)00015-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The well water in Lanyang Basin, which is located in the northeastern portion of Taiwan island, was found to have high levels of arsenic ranging from undetectable levels (<0.15 ppb) to 3.59 ppm. We performed a study to compare the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes (preterm delivery and birthweight) between an area with historic high well water arsenic levels (arsenic-exposed area (AE)) and a comparison area with no historic evidence of arsenic water contamination (non-arsenic-exposed area (NAE)). The mean birth weight in the AEs and NAEs were 3132.6 and 3162.6 g, respectively. Babies born in AEs were on average 30 g lighter than those born in NAEs. AEs had a higher rate of preterm delivery than NAEs (3.74% vs 3.43%). The results of this study suggest that, after adjustment for potential confounders, arsenic exposure from drinking well water was associated, although not significantly, with the risk of preterm delivery, with an odds ratio of 1.10 (0.91-1.33). The estimated reduction in birth weight was 29.05 g (95% CI=13.55-44.55). The findings from this investigation provide evidence for a potential role for arsenic exposure through drinking water in increasing the risk of low birthweight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Yuh Yang
- Institute of Public Health, Kaohsiung Medical University, 100 Shin-Chuan 1st Road, 80708, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.
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